Category Archives: Bully

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!

Tori Ross profile image

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.

Bully, Dark Romance, M/F/M, M/F/M/M, M/M, M/M/F, M/M/M, M/M/M/F, Part of a Series, Reverse Harem

#REVIEW – Here Loves a Sociopath: A Dark Bully Academy Romance (Here Lies Book 3) by C.L. Matthews

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Here Lives a Corpse is book one of a five-book series. You do have to read all to understand. Each one ends on a cliffhanger.

Here Lives a Corpse – Oct 13th
Here Lies a Saint – Dec 8th
Here Loves a Sociopath – April 1st
Here Prays a Sinner – June 1st
Here Saves a Killer – July 20th

We all have demons, some of us know how to befriend them rather than defy them.
They always speak of me… whispers of a devil with a charming smile.
But they don’t know me, what truly lies beneath.
I’m a monster with the face of a boy, married to the darkness, harvested by the past, and saved by none.
My intentions aren’t clear, but the murky water my hopes died in is.
I’ll save her since no one else can.
She’ll hate the process.
They’ll run for their salvation.
The Vestige won’t take any prisoners.
Taking away her choices wasn’t intentional, tying her hands wasn’t permanent, but stealing every part of her that matters was always my goal.
In the end, I’ll demolish the meek castle they’ve built, proving that the fixer will always outwin the weak.
Screw princes and kingdoms.
The devil always played harder and smarter.
She’s mine, they’ve only forgotten their place.

Have you ever become so enthralled with a series and a group of characters, that you just feel like you know them and they’re your best friends and you just want to keep them safe from harm? Well that’s me with the characters in this series. While they are teenagers and I could be old enough to be their mother if I had them young enough, I just want to tuck them into my arms and hide them from all the crap they have to deal with. Like seriously.

When Cassie told me she was writing a reverse harem type series but with her own twist and spin on things, I was like okay. I don’t read a lot of RH books anyway but I knew that what she would write, would be beyond epic. And dudes, can we talk about mind being blown? I’m always in awe of Cassie’s writing. She grows with each book and this series, the way she paints the images in your head with her words, is something I strive for as an author myself. The details, although simple but smart and unique, leave you being able to see the scene likes you’re watching it play out on screen in front of you. I’m simply in awe right now.

I knew that by the time I was done book one that Bridger would be my favourite and I couldn’t wait for his story. So when Cassie said that his book was number three, I was beyond excited to read it and she didn’t disappoint.

You do have to read these books in order to get the full feel of the story as there are so many layers to each character that get slowly peeled away like layers of an onion as we get deeper and deeper into the story. I can’t wait for this series to be done and to read these books back to back.

While we learn more about each character in this book, we are of course left with more questions but I trust Cassie to give us all of the answers when her and her characters are ready. There are so many twists and turns and I can’t wait for the next book!

Oh and that certain scene with the 5 of them…wow. Just wow. I won’t go into details but trust me, you all need to read this series. This is hands down my favourite series of Cassie’s and I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next.

Bully, M/F/M, M/M, M/M/M, Part of a Series

#Review – Here Lies a Saint: A Dark Bully Academy Romance by C.L. Matthews

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Being rich is great until you become the saint of Arcadia.
Gentleman.
Charmer.
All-star.
They call me a saint, but if they knew the lies, the fallacies,
and what truths I hide, I’d be labeled a proclaimed sinner.
I lie, do all the bad deeds, especially if it does right by her.
She’s the darkness but also the light.
He’s my downfall but also my redemption.
Two opposites, but somehow everything I’ve fought for.
Earning her, saving him, it’s all I can think of.
Saint or sinner, I’ll win her.
Death or life, I’ll protect him.
Truth or lie, I’ll save them.
Arcadia isn’t prepared for the war its wrought.
Good thing I’m a fighter.
No one said I’d bow down to an unworthy king.

This series is insane! This book is insane! Just when I thought I knew what was happening and who was the bad guy and so on, boy was I wrong! I think the only person I trust is Colt.

When I started this series, I hadn’t read a lot of reverse harem type books. Maybe one or two but this series is hands down my favourite. And we still get three more books!

This is book 2 in the Here Lies Series and I definitely recommend reading the first book. I personally don’t think it should be read on it’s own, so grab book 1!

There is so much lies and deception in this book, it’s unreal! And can we talk about the hotness as well? I first started writing this review before I was completely done the book. I was actually going to say that book one has way more sexy times in it but…I think they’re both equal. There’s a scene close to the end of the book, in a woods that is beyond hot. CL Matthews definitely knows her way around a sex scene.

I find that the more questions that get answered, the more we’re left with unanswered questions just the same. Which I’m loving! There’s secrets, a kind of who-dunnit feel and you’re left not knowing who you can trust.

By the ending of the book, I was holding my breath through the last couple of chapters, trying to figure out what was going to happen and hoping for the best that nothing would happen to the characters I had fallen in love with.

Definitely an amazing read and I can’t wait for book 3!

Bully, Dark, Dark Romance, M/M, Standalone

#Review – 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.*

Twinsie Jo’s 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

Bully, New Release, Part of a Series, Reverse Harem, Review

#Review – Here Lives A Corpse (Here Lives #1) by C.L. Matthews

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Here Lives a Corpse is book one of a five-part series. You do have to read all to understand. Each one ends on a cliffhanger.

Here Lives a Corpse – Oct 13th
Here Lies a Saint – Dec 8th
Here Loves a Sociopath – March 2nd
Here Prays a Sinner – April 20th
Here Saves a Killer – June 1st

Life doesn’t promise anything but existence.
Losing Cass proved that.
Everyone thinks I’m crazy.
Corpse.
Freak.
Vampire.
They called me the one who never overcame the loss of her brother, the outcast, the least likely to succeed.
But what about their lies?
He jumped. He wanted to die. He killed himself.
When will they stop?
Unraveling the secrets they founded this town with seems impossible.
Detangling the bloodlines that weave the very essence of Arcadia Crest might actually kill me.
Forgetting the little details I’ve erased from my memories as a result of love could be the catalyst of my entire story.
Death brought me hatred.
Hatred drove me to them.
They touched me only in secret.
All stories end in blood, but an oath was never part of that equation.

Twinsie Jo’s Review:

I seriously don’t even know where to begin with this review. This book is everything. EVERY SINGLE THING. If you love reverse harem and bully romances that teeter on the dark side of things, this book is for you. I am chomping at the bit for book 2! Like seriously. This book is definitely in my top 5 books of 2020! Now for my review:

I read the blurb but still had no idea what I was getting into with this book. It’s a bully reverse harem but oh so much more than that too. I was trying to predict through the whole thing. I wanted to know why the boys were bullies. I wanted to know why Colton was the way that she was. I wanted to know everything. There are five books in this series and I have a feeling that we won’t know every thing until the very last book. I don’t want to give too much away but if you love the bully trope and reverse harem trope, you have to read this book. This is by far CL’s best writing to date. I’m so proud of her.

This book deals with secrets, lust, passion, love, betrayal, heartache and more. So so much more. Every new character mentioned, I wasn’t sure if I could trust. Even after finishing the book, I don’t think I can trust anyone. Except for Colt.

Bottom line: Do not trust anyone.

Now live! → https://books2read.com/hlac

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