Category Archives: Bully

Bully, Dark, Dark Romance, Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Kindle Unlimited

#Review – Savage Fae (Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac Book 2) by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

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There’s more to my brother’s murder than I realised…

Shadows in the halls, mysteries lurking around every corner.

Whoever killed him is covering their tracks well.

And now I’m walking a dangerous line between getting close to the four kings for information and wanting to crawl deeper under their skin for my own desires.

I can’t trust anyone.

I can’t let my guard down.

And I must keep the urges of my body separate from my heart.

But I’m starting to break all of my own rules.

I just hope I’m not falling for my brother’s killer.

I’m going to review as I read so I don’t forget anything.

If you haven’t read book 1, there may be spoilers in this review.

30% in – I’m 30% in and am liking this one a whole lot more than book 1. There’s also way more tension in this one and I’m chomping at the bit for Elise to…uh…do her thing with a few of the Kings. Or all of them. Whatever suits her fancy.

I think Ryder is my favourite and Gabriel is a close second. Ryder is broken and has clearly had some beyond horrible things happen to him when he was a kid. As someone who writes these sorts of characters, Ryder definitely owns a piece of my heart.

Elise is still trying to figure out who killed her brother and who tried to kill her as well. I also don’t like the school councilor. There’s actually not a lot of people I like at this school.

60% in – That scene between Elise, Leon and Dante? Holy moly, that was one of the hottest scenes I’ve ever read.

70%-100% – Things really started picking up from here. These ladies can definitely write some amazing action scenes. I felt like I was right there!

This series is only getting better and better and I can’t wait to find out answers to more secrets!

Can be read in Kindle Unlimited – https://amzn.to/4l87Wwl

Bully, Dark Romance, Dragons, Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Kindle Unlimited, Part of a Series, snakes, Werewolf

#Review – Dark Fae (Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac Book 1) by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

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A complete dark, fantasy romance series from Amazon.com and Wall Street Journal #1 bestselling authors Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti

What do a heartless Dragon Shifter, a cold-blooded Basilisk, an arrogant Lion Shifter and a brooding, tattooed Harpy have in common…?

Me.

Elise Callisto. Vampire. Angel of vengeance. And a girl on a mission to destroy one of them for murdering my brother. I just don’t know which one did it yet.

When I interrogated/accidentally killed a Werewolf who was high on a new and dangerous drug called Killblaze, his final words painted a dark reality for me. The King of Aurora Academy killed my brother. The trouble is, there’s four kings at the academy and each of them have motive and bloodthirsty natures.

Aurora Academy isn’t a place for the faint of heart. To put it lightly, my town is the cesspit of Solaria where the most cutthroat Fae in the kingdom reside. The school itself is divided by the two gangs who run this city. The Lunar Brotherhood and the Oscura Clan. And guess what? Two of the kings run the gangs at the academy, their hatred for each other so fierce I hear a day doesn’t go by without blood being spilled in the halls.

I might be a petite, lilac-haired girl who looks like I couldn’t hurt a fly, but they haven’t been introduced to my fangs yet. And they don’t know why I’m really here. Or that I’ll do whatever it takes to bring down the Fae who took my flesh and blood from me.

I don’t believe in fate, but I do know this… the King who killed my brother is a dead man walking. And I’m prepared to sacrifice my heart, body and soul to ensure I get my revenge.

This is a gritty, college age, steamy series set in a world where Fae fight to take whatever they want. The heroin will end up with multiple love interests so you never have to pick a favourite alphahole. You can expect dark and hot romance, and a twisted murder mystery which will leave your head spinning and your heart racing. – this series is set in the same world as Zodiac Academy but is its own story and can be read independently.

I can’t begin to tell you when I was this obsessed with a series. I started reading the Zodiac Academy and ended up finding a reading order online. It’s a giant world, so I wanted to make sure I was reading all of it. If that makes sense at all. So there are three series within this world and they intertwine in a way. I read the first 3 books along with 2 novellas for ZA and then started Ruthless Boys because you see these characters in ZA. Which makes sense, since we already see Gabriel in ZA. And let me tell you, I was NOT expecting him to be the way he was in Ruthless Boys.

So Ruthless Boys takes place 5 years before Zodiac Academy does and it’s at a different school. We meet Elise who is trying to find her brother’s killer. She then meets the four kings of the school. And of course, two of the Kings are part of rival gangs where they will one day be the leaders. While they’re not like our favourite boys from ZA, they are similar. But I think Ryder is the scariest. Gabriel can be mean but things happen between he and Elise that makes me question on who she actually ends up with. I can’t tell you how hard it is not to read spoilers. These books have been out for a while but now that I’m reading, it’s like they’re popping up everywhere and the universe is wanting me to get spoiled. 

This book is the first of the series, so obviously we’re learning about each character. There’s not a lot of world building like ZA has but this one does have a darker feel to it. But in ZA I find that the guys are meaner. I don’t know. I love them both.

I can’t wait to get deeper into this series to find out what actually happened to Elise’s brother. I have theories but I’m probably wrong. I usually am anyway.

One click here

Bully, Dragons, Fae, Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Kindle Unlimited, Part of a Series, Vampire, Werewolf

#Review – Zodiac Academy 3: The Reckoning by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

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“The answer to your question will be revealed on the Lunar Eclipse. But when discovering the truth, do not let the shadows take you.”

Hell Week has begun.

Senior students have been tasked with making the freshmen’s lives pure torture as we prepare to face The Reckoning – the assessment that will decide whether we stay at Zodiac Academy or lose our places here forever.

With the Lunar Eclipse on the horizon, my sister and I have more to worry about than just passing our exams.

A dark plot is unfolding and the shadows are drawing closer. It looks like our enemies could be more powerful than we ever realised.

Damn, who would have thought being a princess would be this hard?

Okay I am officially obsessed with this series. I actually think I became obsessed after book 1. This series has it all: Strong characters, a sibling bond, love, passion, action and more.

This book is about The Reckoning obviously. So we’re back with Tory and Darcy trying to fit in and navigate the ways of the Fae while dealing with four grumpy heirs who are trying to get rid of them. Just when they think they can trust people, it of course backfires on them.

So much happens in this book that I’m sure I’m going to forget quite a few things for this review.

We continue seeing what a monster Darius’s dad is and the intense hold he has on his sons. Darius is my favourite of the four heirs by the way.

Caleb and Tory and still doing their thing but he keeps giving her whiplash with his nice guy act and then suddenly turning mean and wanting to get rid of her.

Like Tory says in the book, at least Darius has been honest this whole time and she knows where she stands with him. He hates her – maybe not as much as he tries to though – and she hates him – again, not as much as she thinks either. I’m chomping at the bit for these two to get together.

I really like the dynamic between Darcy and Orion but I’m just waiting for their thing to become public and how it’ll destroy what they have.

I’m so excited to read the rest of the books! I feel like now we’re really getting into the nitty gritty of the world. ‘

It’s going to be quite the ride!

Can be read in KU – https://amzn.to/3RW5TP5

Bully, Dragons, Fae, Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Kindle Unlimited, Part of a Series, Vampire, Werewolf

#Review – Zodiac Academy: The Awakening As Told By The Boys by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

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**This is a retelling of book 1 of Zodiac Academy from the perspective of Orion, Darius, Caleb, Seth and Max**

The Vega twins are alive.

Those five words circle in my mind like an oncoming storm. They change everything about the future we thought had been set in stone. They challenge everything we were raised to be and the stability of the entire kingdom.

They’re coming to our academy looking for the life that was stolen from them, but we can’t let them take it back.

So much hangs in the balance and we can’t risk the arrival of two naïve princesses destroying everything we worked so hard for.

I have trained in dark magic, overcome all challenges and stood in the shadow of Lionel Acrux for far too long already. I won’t let them come between me and his downfall.

Which means they have to go before they discover how powerful they truly are.

This is a retelling of the first book in the Zodiac Academy series from the point of view of Orion and the Heirs and should be read after you have finished the original story. It includes scenes from alternative points of view as well over 50k words of additional content and scenes which have never before been revealed. So prepare to step into the dark minds of the Zodiac boys and watch out for the heartbreak and carnage that will ensue.

I got to book 3 in this series before I found a reading order and before I realized that I should have tandem read this one with book 1. But having read book 1 and gotten more into the series, it was fun going back to the beginning to find out why the guys are the way they are. They all have their own reasons, having to deal with their parents’ wrath but Darius’s situation is the worst of them all. His father is a monster and the things he puts Darius through, add to the fact that he uses his brother to get him to do what he wants…man I can’t wait for the day that Darius can take him on and get rid of him.

It was interesting to see the guys’ points of views during certain situations. Their filthy minds were definitely far more out there than the girls’. Lol!

There are so many different reading orders for this series/world and I feel that there is no right or wrong way to read them. Just enjoy the process.

I’m no where near being done this world yet but I’m obsessed and I can’t wait to see where the journey takes me!

Can be read in KU – https://amzn.to/4jGxUpP

Bully, Enemies to Lovers, Fae, Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Kindle Unlimited, Part of a Series, Vampire, Werewolf

#Review – Book 2: Zodiac Academy: Ruthless Fae by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

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They tried to break us.
They almost did.
But we’re not going anywhere.

The Celestial Heirs think the stars are on their side. But they don’t know what’s coming. We have to be smart. Fighting them one on one isn’t an option so we have to be stealthy. Remaining under the radar won’t be easy, but if we pull it off, they’ll never suspect our involvement when their lives start falling apart.

Besides, they’ve already taken us to the brink of hell, what more can they really do?

I finished this book in 24 hours. I completely devoured it and I have to say that I haven’t been this invested in a series in a long time. I’m so glad the whole series is published because there is no way I could have waited patiently between books.

So the story continues with Tory and Darcy fighting for their rightful place within Zodiac Academy. While the Heirs are a little nicer to them, they still can’t be trusted. Tory and Darcy get their revenge and I haven’t laughed out loud while reading in such a long time. It was amazing and so funny. Once you get to the pitball chapters, I couldn’t read fast enough.

This book had action, suspense, lust and the spice is definitely increasing. I have to stop myself from googling spoilers. Clearly I am not patient when it comes to slow burns/enemies to lovers.

I can’t wait to see what happens next with but I am so rooting for Darcy and Orion. Their little moment was hot AF. Then you get Tory and…well, I’ll let you read the book to find out who she ends up with.

Can be read in Kindle Unlimited: https://amzn.to/4bXpJmn

Bully, Dark Romance, Enemies to Lovers, Fae, Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Kindle Unlimited, new adult, Part of a Series, Vampire, Werewolf

#Review – Book 1: Zodiac Academy: The Awakening by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

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Amazon.com and Wall Street Journal #1 bestselling dark fantasy romance series from authors Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti – a Booktok sensation!

I’m a Gemini. Impulsive. Curious. Headstrong. A twin. Heir to a throne I know nothing about. And it turns out, I’m Fae.

But of course there’s a catch – all I have to do to claim my birth right is prove that I’m the most powerful supernatural in the whole of Solaria. And sure, technically that’s true as I’m the daughter of the Savage King. But the bit they didn’t put in the brochure was that every single Fae in this Kingdom would claim my throne if they could.

The school they’ve sent me to is both dangerous as sh*t and one helluva party. Vampires bite weaker students in the corridors, the Werewolf pack has orgies in the Wailing Wood at every full moon and don’t even get me started on the dark and twisted ways the Sirens use their powers on people’s emotions, or how my sinfully tempting Cardinal Magic teacher hosts detentions that leave people needing therapy.

Classes are totally interesting if you manage to live through them. And that Gemini star sign I mentioned? It now determines my elemental magic and affects my destiny, so learning astrology is essential if I’m going to beat down my classmates – which is actively encouraged by the way.

My biggest problem is the drool worthy Dragon shifter who has his eyes on my throne. He and his three psycho friends are determined to make my time here hell.

All I’ve got to do is survive. But fate might have other ideas.

Dammit, why couldn’t I have gotten a letter to Hogwarts?

***This is a enemies to lovers romantasy – don’t go expecting a sweet school for magic with friends around every corner. Fae fight for everything they own and Zodiac Academy is a cutthroat school for students aged 18+ where only the strongest prevail. There’s no Dumbledore here to save anyone’s ass and Lionel Acrux will give Voldemort a run for his money in the evil dictator category. So hold onto your stardust (broomsticks not required) and get ready for a bumpy ride***

Oh boy where do I even begin? So first off, if bullying isn’t your jam, you will wanna skip this series. I know it’s a bit older but if you’re like me and just checking it out for the first time, please be warned that the bullying isn’t subtle. Now I’m not usually one for the bully trope but I kept seeing this series every where. After reading Rebecca Yarros’s fantasy world, I needed more. So I decided to check this out and I devoured book 1. Like absolutely devoured. It’s an easy read and I really enjoyed the world building. I even downloaded a horoscope app because of this series. lol

So we meet Darcy and Tory, who are twins and are super down on their luck. After turning 18, they find out that they’re actually Fae and from another world. No more cold windy Chicago for these girls.

The girls find out that they’re heiresses to the throne but 4 other heirs will have none of that.

The stuff these poor girls go through is unreal. I had issues in highschool but man, I am so glad I am not these girls.

Most of the characters I absolutely loathe but the one guy, Orion, is actually coming around. I can’t wait to see his relationship with Darcy grow. If they even end up together. I have no idea and I’m trying not to read spoilers but it’s killing me. This is why I tend to stay away from the slow burn enemies to lovers thing because I want the spice right away.

Anyway, if you want a fun ride with 4 beyond grumpy guys who would stop at nothing to claim their throne and two girls who refuse to back down, this is for you.

Available in KU – https://amzn.to/4isLywH

2nd Chance, Bully, Enemies to Lovers, Review, Romantic Comedy, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR24 #Review – ‘Blue Balls’ in Rocks: The Complete Series by Tori Ross

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The complete series is now available!

Deep in the sticks of Missouri is a bar called Rocks where the bartenders are only similar in the fact that they’re all unlucky in love…

Cherry Burn – Dylan Wilcox has been gone from Highlight, Missouri for ten years. Nobody has seen him or even received an email as to his location. Worse, he left his high school girlfriend, Cherry Moss, without saying goodbye when he disappeared. When Dylan shows back up in town, clearly changed in the past ten years, Cherry needs to decide if his story is worth her forgiveness and if she can get over her own demons about him leaving.

Blue Balls – Piper Peck loves her life, her friends, and her job. There’s only one problem. The local sheriff, Creed McDuffy, has it in for her over her grandma’s old hot tub that’s considered an eyesore by county enforcement. Unknown to Piper, Creed has had a crush on her since high school and will do anything to get her to look his way. When Creed goes too far and arrests Piper in a last-ditch effort to get her attention, can he ever grovel enough to get in her good graces?

Pistol Fire – Libby Dean is known for being the town pistol. Brock Carpenter is known for being the town’s hero fireman. When a fire at Rocks Tavern throws Libby for a loop, Brock wants to comfort her. Libby’s not used to comfort, though, and runs away from any affection as fast as she can. But when Brock needs his own comfort, will Libby put aside her pride and step up?

Each short is 12-14k words. HEA or HFN guaranteed!

Goodreads

Amazon

Review by Twinsie Kelly

***Review for Blue Balls***

OMG! This story had me feel ALL THE FEELS! For a short story, Piper’s story had me laugh at times and almost in tears at others! AND I’M NOT A CRIER! Whoa!

Piper has a lot going on in her life. She is taking care of her grandmother as best she can, prioritizing bills the best she can, and dealing with city giving threats of more fines and liens on the house for not moving the ancient hot tub from the front yard. Just read it, it will tear your heart up! The one thing she doesn’t need is Sheriff Creed McDuffy “talking” to her about her problem while she is at work. She has had enough and blows up. But what does he do? Arrests her!

I spent half the time yelling WTF, the other half trying not to cry, and the other half swooning. I know I know, there are three halves here. Trust me, girl math, this makes sense!

This was my favorite out of the three Rocks books. Bravo!

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Tori Ross is an Amazon bestselling and award-winning author of steamy contemporary romance and romantic comedy. Her book, The Cuffing Season Contract, won the National Indie Excellence Award for romantic comedy, and she’s written several shorts, novellas, full-length books, and serials. She lives in Missouri with her family and two rescue dogs.

Bully, Dark Romance, Enemies to Lovers

#EnemiesToLovers #BullyRomance – It Just Had to be You by Jacqueline Francis

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It Just Had To Be You

Scott Carter is a bully. Scott Carter is a racist. Scott Carter is the most arrogant douche I have ever met. This man-whore charms the pants off all the girls, but not me – the Latina from the wrong side of town – I see none of that charm. I get the worst of him. He has made my life a living hell, tormenting me for years with no reprieve.

Just when I’m at breaking point, Scott Carter steps in and makes everything ten times worse. My whole life is turned upside down in an instant. And now, after he’s messed up everything, that’s when he decides that maybe we should try to be friends. He wants to reconcile and put the past behind us.
Ugh! No! He can go to hell. I want nothing from Scott Carter…but it’s starting to look like he wants something from me.

If you’re looking for haters-to-lovers romance with a sexy, cocky hero and a sassy, quick-witted heroine, this one is just for you. #slowburn #highschooldrama

Dear Reader,

Although this cannot be considered a ‘dark romance’, please take note that this book contains many triggers that may be offensive such as suicide (before the book begins) and bullying. In particular, there are some racial slurs. As a woman of color myself, I fully understand how hurtful these words can be. I am no stranger to them either. However, I did not want to tiptoe around this issue or sugarcoat the severity of it. I wanted to highlight how damaging such slurs (or any kind of name-calling for that matter) can be to the person on the receiving end. It also contains strong language and sexual content and is not recommended for readers under 18 years of age or sensitive readers.

Goodreads

Number cruncher by day, raging romance novelist by night; Jacqueline’s creative inspiration stems from romance and all its literary and rom-com depictions. Matters of the heart are what fascinates her, because ultimately, what makes a life out of – what would ordinarily be a typical existence – is Love

Bully, Dark Romance

#ThrowbackReview – Bully King by Andi Jaxon

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I’m the pastor’s son.
He’s the star quarterback for a small Kentucky high school.
While the town worships him, I pray for God to take my life.
He makes my life a living hell by making me his victim.
This perverse game we play could end us both.
How can something that feels so right be so wrong?
The price if the truth is discovered is death, but I can’t stop.
Neither can he.
No one can know.
Can I risk it?
Is Roman King worth dying for?

*This story is a bully romance including dubious consent, assault, talk of suicide and is intended for readers 18+. Please proceed with caution.*
New review:

I decided to re-read this story to get ready for Tainted, which I am reading an early copy now by the way, and I love this story even more now after my 2nd read through!

I don’t usually re-read books but this one I felt I had to. It’s just one of those things, ya know?

So now for my review: Roman King is a jock. He’s a rising football superstar, so of course, he can do no wrong.

Jonah is a preacher’s son and is gay but his father doesn’t know. So when that comes out…it’s heart breaking to say the least.

This book still made me feel all the feels. And this time around, I actually had to skim parts because I knew what was coming.

Kudos again to Andi Jaxon for taking a chance and writing a story like this. I’m in love and will continue to love these characters forever.

Old review:

Oh my gosh. Where do I even begin?????? So I’ve known Andi Jaxon for awhile now. She started out as a client (I do designing on the side) and then we became friends AND to top it off, she reads my stuff too!! I’m also an author but I consider her a friend first and foremost! Anyway. So she had me read a novella about Roman and Jonah and I was like, sure! It was short, I had time, so I figured, why not right?? I read it, loved it but needed more. Which usually happens after reading a novella. Am I right? I knew Bully King was about Roman and Jonah and of course I had pre-ordered it. So when Andi offered me an ARC, I was himming and hawing because I wasn’t sure if I would get it read in time for release day. According to Goodreads, I read it in 4 days, which hasn’t happened to me in quite awhile. I’m a super slow reader but GAH, this book!
First, if you love MM (male/male) books, you absolutely HAVE to pre-order this now or one-click this on release day!
This book borders on dark. It deals with some sensitive subjects but it was so well written, it’s easy to see through the darkness to find the light.
Both Roman and Jonah spoke to me.
While Roman had a difficult life at home, Jonah’s home life wasn’t easy either. Being a gay kid with a preacher of a father, especially with where they live, made it even more difficult.
Jonah: Oh my gosh, this sweet sweet boy. His fear over what his father would think if he found out his son is gay. His fear over what the town would think. His fear is real. It’s there. It’s raw.
Roman: This boy stressed me out something fierce. He was mean but nice. Cold but warm. He needed Jonah but pushed him away. His pain was in your face and you saw it even though he hid it.
I absolutely loved Mary! And the rest of the side characters!
Jonah and Roman together was insane. They were passionate and aggressive.
There were parts of this story that even I had a hard time reading and had to put my tablet down for a breath or two. There was also a chapter where I held my breath through it all. A book has not caused these sort of feelings to stir in me in such a long time.
10 stars, Andi! 10 freaking huge bright shiny stars! I am so proud of you! Now give me more words. xx

Anthology, Bully, Enemies to Lovers

#NewRelease #Anthology #enemiestolovers #BullyRomance- Hate to Want You Anthology

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Hate To Want You: An Enemies To Lovers & Bully Romance Anthology by [Lexy Timms, Kate West , Brooke O' Brien , Erin Trejo , Elle Thorpe , Naomi Springthorp, Brantwijn Serrah, Torie James, Rebecca Wilder, MV Ellis, Sahara Roberts, Tonya Clark, Jacie Lennon, Angela Nicole, KB Cinder, Maya Riley, Steph Weston, Faith Everly, Darcy Rose, Vanessa Booke, Logan Fox]

I hate to want you…. but I will have you. Obsessive rivals. Arrogant bastards. Beautiful bullies with dirty mouths and bodies to die for.The men are powerful, irresistible, and totally unavailable. The women are gorgeous, witty, and ready to set the world on fire. They’ve all got nothing–or maybe everything–to prove. Enemies clash and tensions rise in a sizzling battle between love and hate.Giving in isn’t an option. Walking away… impossible. Can adversaries and opposites ever truly come together?Hate and love run high in these twenty-one salacious stories by new and bestselling authors of enemies-to-lovers and bully romance. Stay up all night flipping the pages of this hot new set.If you’re a fan of LJ Shen, Mickey Miller, or Lauren Landish then you will love this limited-time collection. Authors included in this set: Lexy Timms, Kate West, Brooke O’Brien, Erin Trejo, Logan Fox, Elle Thorpe, Naomi Springthorp, Brantwijn Serrah & Torie James, Darcy Rose & Faith Everly, Brooke Summers, Shaw Hart, Cameron Hart, MV Ellis, Samantha Lovelock, Sahara Roberts, Alexandra Silva, Tonya Clark, Jacie Lennon, Angela Nicole, Emma Luna, KB Cinder, Maya Riley, and Steph Weston.

Authors included in this set: Lexy Timms, Kate West, Brooke O’Brien, Erin Trejo, Logan Fox, Elle Thorpe, Naomi Springthorp, Brantwijn Serrah & Torie James, Darcy Rose & Faith Everly, Brooke Summers, Shaw Hart, Cameron Hart, MV Ellis, Samantha Lovelock, Sahara Roberts, Alexandra Silva, Tonya Clark, Jacie Lennon, Angela Nicole, Emma Luna, KB Cinder, Maya Riley, and Steph Weston.