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Bound against my will, trapped in darkness with no way to escape.
I trusted him.
I trusted all of them.
I should have known better.
Trust is a double-edged sword, capable of turning friends into foes and love into a weapon. I may be their captive now, but they underestimate the seed they have planted.
The memories of this ordeal will serve as a haunting reminder of the price paid for my naivety.
It’s then I make a vow to myself, a promise whispered in the suffocating stillness of the room.
Never again will I be the helpless pawn in their sinister game.
This series is a new adult, dark contemporary romance with off the charts, stomach churning angst, enemies to lovers themes, some scenes of bullying, along with four scorching hot guys and one girl. The book contains sexual scenes, mature language and some violence. Please read the content warnings included in the book, because this series is dark. A full list of trigger warnings can be found at the front of the book.
I trusted him.
I trusted all of them.
I should have known better.
Trust is a double-edged sword, capable of turning friends into foes and love into a weapon. I may be their captive now, but they underestimate the seed they have planted.
The memories of this ordeal will serve as a haunting reminder of the price paid for my naivety.
It’s then I make a vow to myself, a promise whispered in the suffocating stillness of the room.
Never again will I be the helpless pawn in their sinister game.
This series is a new adult, dark contemporary romance with off the charts, stomach churning angst, enemies to lovers themes, some scenes of bullying, along with four scorching hot guys and one girl. The book contains sexual scenes, mature language and some violence. Please read the content warnings included in the book, because this series is dark. A full list of trigger warnings can be found at the front of the book.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2024
About the author
Lily Wildhart
24 books705 followersLily is a writer, dreamer and crime documentary addict.
She loves to write dark, reverse harem romance and characters who will shatter your heart. Characters who enjoy stomping on the pieces and then laugh before putting you back together again. And she definitely doesn't enjoy readers tears. Nope. Not even a little.
If you want to keep up to date with all things Lily, including where her next book is out, please join her mailing list. You can sign up on her website. www.lilywildhart.com
She loves to write dark, reverse harem romance and characters who will shatter your heart. Characters who enjoy stomping on the pieces and then laugh before putting you back together again. And she definitely doesn't enjoy readers tears. Nope. Not even a little.
If you want to keep up to date with all things Lily, including where her next book is out, please join her mailing list. You can sign up on her website. www.lilywildhart.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
March 1, 2024
*Reverse Harem
*Contemporary
*Multi-PoV
*Academy Setting
*Bully themes
*FMC tragic past
*Secret Society
*Established harem (4)
*Slow burn
*1/3
Our FMC Talia has had a rough past and is the one constantly having been left behind and it has left her with a storm of emotions. Add to that a wild summer that’s left her unwilling to trust the male species and she’s a tumble of emotions whose pretty closed off 🙈 she’s certainly a little more reserved than other LW FMCs but she does begin to find her spark throughout this book ☺️
Nico is the ultimate alpha used to everyone bowing to his command yet Talia is certainly getting under his skin 😂
Trey is just a grumpy grumpy @&” who seems to go out of his way to be awkward with her but manages to constantly find her out 🙈
Isaac is a weird mix of hot and cold in his interactions with Talia there’s a protective element there but also a challenge 😬
Dallas is the sweetest of the bunch and genuinely try’s to make an effort but there’s still an edge there 😏
This is different in that you get Talia’s best friends PoV and then Noahs as well which adds a level of intrigue to the story as to wondering why their inputs have been given 🙈 then you get the inklings of the secret society to consider as well …. Can certainly see that going somewhere after that ending 😮
*Contemporary
*Multi-PoV
*Academy Setting
*Bully themes
*FMC tragic past
*Secret Society
*Established harem (4)
*Slow burn
*1/3
Our FMC Talia has had a rough past and is the one constantly having been left behind and it has left her with a storm of emotions. Add to that a wild summer that’s left her unwilling to trust the male species and she’s a tumble of emotions whose pretty closed off 🙈 she’s certainly a little more reserved than other LW FMCs but she does begin to find her spark throughout this book ☺️
Nico is the ultimate alpha used to everyone bowing to his command yet Talia is certainly getting under his skin 😂
Trey is just a grumpy grumpy @&” who seems to go out of his way to be awkward with her but manages to constantly find her out 🙈
Isaac is a weird mix of hot and cold in his interactions with Talia there’s a protective element there but also a challenge 😬
Dallas is the sweetest of the bunch and genuinely try’s to make an effort but there’s still an edge there 😏
This is different in that you get Talia’s best friends PoV and then Noahs as well which adds a level of intrigue to the story as to wondering why their inputs have been given 🙈 then you get the inklings of the secret society to consider as well …. Can certainly see that going somewhere after that ending 😮
February 27, 2024
Dude I was SO ready for a new Lily book. I’m so happy I got to read this. This book was amazing! I’m not 100% sure on Thalia yet. She’s not bad, she’s just not as bad a** as I’m used to from this authors characters. I’m sure that’ll change in the next book though. Because from that ending? Crap is definitely going to be going down in the next book and Thalia is going to have to deal with it. It was a bit odd to have chapters from the other girls P.O.V. (which Lily mentions in the note at the end lol), but I didn’t mind it. I really like the other girls, especially Noah. I don’t know about the guys yet either but this is a dark romance with bullying so I wasn’t expecting to love them from the beginning, though I do like Dallas and Nico so far. I’m very excited for the second book!
🖤Dark Romance
📚Academy
🩸Bully
🔥Reverse Harem
⛓️Secret Society (?)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
🖤Dark Romance
📚Academy
🩸Bully
🔥Reverse Harem
⛓️Secret Society (?)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
March 3, 2024
I received an ARC for an honest review.
I loved this book. Talia is great and I loved her struggle of figuring out who she is now after events that happened before the book begins. And I love how she stands up for herself. The guys.....I definitely like two of them and I'm reserving judgement on the other two. They weren't in the book as much as I would like, but I know this is only book 1 of I think at least 4. And the chapters are the POVs of the girls, so hopefully we'll get some guy POVs in the upcoming books.
This is a slow burn and the little bit of spice doesn't really happen until the second half. But the spice that is in the book was on fire!! I won't spoil with whom she hooks up, but it is worth it. And there are so many questions I have, Lily leaves us with breadcrumbs that have already been picked over by the birds. I know she is leading up to the answers, but like all book whores, I want them now! 😂 And just be prepared for the cliffy. While I expected it, I wasn't sure what it would be. It doesn't disappoint, it just leads to more questions! So now to twiddle my thumbs waiting on the next one!
I loved this book. Talia is great and I loved her struggle of figuring out who she is now after events that happened before the book begins. And I love how she stands up for herself. The guys.....I definitely like two of them and I'm reserving judgement on the other two. They weren't in the book as much as I would like, but I know this is only book 1 of I think at least 4. And the chapters are the POVs of the girls, so hopefully we'll get some guy POVs in the upcoming books.
This is a slow burn and the little bit of spice doesn't really happen until the second half. But the spice that is in the book was on fire!! I won't spoil with whom she hooks up, but it is worth it. And there are so many questions I have, Lily leaves us with breadcrumbs that have already been picked over by the birds. I know she is leading up to the answers, but like all book whores, I want them now! 😂 And just be prepared for the cliffy. While I expected it, I wasn't sure what it would be. It doesn't disappoint, it just leads to more questions! So now to twiddle my thumbs waiting on the next one!
February 26, 2024
*early review*
Talia is starting over fresh at Arbour going into her senior year with one goal - finish with no drama and go to college! That lasted all of five seconds 🤣 I love her personality and her perseverance despite all the craziness that drops in this book. We’ve got RH/why choose with bullying and tension and death and secrets … this one really sets the foundation for the books to come! The steamy bits were also 🔥🔥 and I found the multiple POVs, from even the side characters, to be super refreshing and really rounds out the scope of the book. Definitely recommend checking this one out!!
Talia is starting over fresh at Arbour going into her senior year with one goal - finish with no drama and go to college! That lasted all of five seconds 🤣 I love her personality and her perseverance despite all the craziness that drops in this book. We’ve got RH/why choose with bullying and tension and death and secrets … this one really sets the foundation for the books to come! The steamy bits were also 🔥🔥 and I found the multiple POVs, from even the side characters, to be super refreshing and really rounds out the scope of the book. Definitely recommend checking this one out!!
March 29, 2024
This story is like setting the foundations for an awesome series.
Talia is a girl who just wants a peaceful life, but her past haunts her with memories and heartache. Upon moving to a new school, Talia has one year of senior school. The question is what is the reason's the Elite of the school: some insistent on destroying her and others wanting to befriend her. What is it that Talia does not know??
The building of the characters and the suspense of the plot are phenomenal.
This book ends in a cliffhanger, and I can't wait to read the remainder of the series.
Some favourite quotes
"Trust is a double edged sword, capable of turning friends into foes and love into a weapon'
Talia is a girl who just wants a peaceful life, but her past haunts her with memories and heartache. Upon moving to a new school, Talia has one year of senior school. The question is what is the reason's the Elite of the school: some insistent on destroying her and others wanting to befriend her. What is it that Talia does not know??
The building of the characters and the suspense of the plot are phenomenal.
This book ends in a cliffhanger, and I can't wait to read the remainder of the series.
Some favourite quotes
"Trust is a double edged sword, capable of turning friends into foes and love into a weapon'
March 1, 2024
Just finished Kneel. While this is a dark romance. There wasn’t much darkness to it based on what I normally read. But! It sucks you in. There’s mystery, and spice. You can definitely tell the next book will have a lot more drama, darkness and of course spice! I hate it ends on a cliffhanger but only because I have to wait for the next book lol. 4/5
March 9, 2024
A Secret Bully Romance
All those words shouldn't go together but boy do they when Lily Wildhart writes a book! Secrets, Bullies, Romance, and Just the right amount of spice to keep you hooked.
Of course.... don't forget the Wildhart cliffy at the end (kills me EVERY. DANG. TIME)
counting down the days for book 2 already!
All those words shouldn't go together but boy do they when Lily Wildhart writes a book! Secrets, Bullies, Romance, and Just the right amount of spice to keep you hooked.
Of course.... don't forget the Wildhart cliffy at the end (kills me EVERY. DANG. TIME)
counting down the days for book 2 already!
July 25, 2024
ok this was interesting but at times too goddamn confusing… the prologue doesnt even make sense when you finish reading the book
also, PLEASE send this book through an editor again ‘cause there are a LOT of typos
yes i’m reading book 2 bc i’m curious but that’s it
also, PLEASE send this book through an editor again ‘cause there are a LOT of typos
yes i’m reading book 2 bc i’m curious but that’s it
March 11, 2024
Good start
I went into this book expecting something very different. Maybe it was just me, but I don’t think the description and the book matched. I think it will work for the next book, but I feel like this book was building up to the description. The being trapped against her will happened in the prologue. I think the ending/cliffhanger is supposed to lead up to it, but there wasn’t much suspense. I don’t know, the nods to a potential secret society were few and far between.
One thing I liked is that the POV’s were of three of the female main characters. We were able to understand them on a different level and experience different events through their eyes. When it comes to the men, honestly, most of them rolled into one. I feel like I couldn’t tell the difference between most of them until maybe the last quarter of the book. I think we weren’t exposed to them as much other than some references so they didn’t stick. Even now, I’m still figuring out who the four MMCs are supposed to be. I think I know but like I said, some of them are kind of rolling into one.
The story was interesting but I think I went into this expecting something different. I feel like this was a long introduction into a much more complicated and darker world. This book definitely wasn’t dark but I think book 2 will give us what this book was supposed to give. I do love this author and I do enjoy the worlds she creates, but I think the description of the book vs what the book actually was threw me off a bit. I’m interested to see how everything works out in the next book because this was a good foundation, it just wasn’t what I expected.
I went into this book expecting something very different. Maybe it was just me, but I don’t think the description and the book matched. I think it will work for the next book, but I feel like this book was building up to the description. The being trapped against her will happened in the prologue. I think the ending/cliffhanger is supposed to lead up to it, but there wasn’t much suspense. I don’t know, the nods to a potential secret society were few and far between.
One thing I liked is that the POV’s were of three of the female main characters. We were able to understand them on a different level and experience different events through their eyes. When it comes to the men, honestly, most of them rolled into one. I feel like I couldn’t tell the difference between most of them until maybe the last quarter of the book. I think we weren’t exposed to them as much other than some references so they didn’t stick. Even now, I’m still figuring out who the four MMCs are supposed to be. I think I know but like I said, some of them are kind of rolling into one.
The story was interesting but I think I went into this expecting something different. I feel like this was a long introduction into a much more complicated and darker world. This book definitely wasn’t dark but I think book 2 will give us what this book was supposed to give. I do love this author and I do enjoy the worlds she creates, but I think the description of the book vs what the book actually was threw me off a bit. I’m interested to see how everything works out in the next book because this was a good foundation, it just wasn’t what I expected.
March 1, 2024
3.5⭐️
This isn't my usual type of read, I struggle to get into real-world stories, but I was lucky enough to be gifted an ARC by Lily and I definitely enjoyed the read.
This is a multi POV dark romance that tackles some pretty tough themes but it's done in a sensitive and well thought out way that the author should be really proud of. Being the first in the series, I feel that there is still lots to learn about all of the characters but there is a good amount of depth to the main characters already, and even the side characters don't seem one dimensional as is sometimes the case in these sorts of books. The plot is definitely slow moving, and I'd say even at the end of the book there's still a lot of unanswered questions, which will set up nicely for the series but perhaps not the book for you if you're looking for fast paced thrills!
The spice is well written as I've come to expect from Lily, and each of the MMCs has their own distinct character which I always love in a multi-love-interest plot.
I'll definitely read the next book in the series and I'm excited to see where the story goes!
This isn't my usual type of read, I struggle to get into real-world stories, but I was lucky enough to be gifted an ARC by Lily and I definitely enjoyed the read.
This is a multi POV dark romance that tackles some pretty tough themes but it's done in a sensitive and well thought out way that the author should be really proud of. Being the first in the series, I feel that there is still lots to learn about all of the characters but there is a good amount of depth to the main characters already, and even the side characters don't seem one dimensional as is sometimes the case in these sorts of books. The plot is definitely slow moving, and I'd say even at the end of the book there's still a lot of unanswered questions, which will set up nicely for the series but perhaps not the book for you if you're looking for fast paced thrills!
The spice is well written as I've come to expect from Lily, and each of the MMCs has their own distinct character which I always love in a multi-love-interest plot.
I'll definitely read the next book in the series and I'm excited to see where the story goes!
September 17, 2024
5 Stars
I feel like this is going to be one amazing series. I am intrigued and there is so much left unsaid at the end of the cliffy. The suspense is killing me and the whole mysteriousness that is going throughout the university and the fact that something is about to happen to Talia -- yeah, totally has me on edge.
Talia has been sent to an elite university by her parents, well, they pretty much dumped her there and don't want to hear that she's getting into trouble or don't want to hear from her at all. While starting, she meets her new roommate, Kate who she instantly has a great connection with and they hit it off right off the bat. But in getting to know Kate, she also starts finding out the scoop on all the mysterious boys (Nico, Dallas, Trey and Isaac) and of course Noah. She also gets on Alexi's bad side because of her boyfriend, but Talia is spunky and she dishes out as much as she gets. I love that about her.
As much as these guys are attracted to her (at least some of them), they know that there's something they have to do and it might not be pretty. Can they go along with what that they are told to do or will they succumb to their desires and disobey and try to save Talia from whatever it is that is coming for her!
I know that this is the first book but I am fully invested in this series already and I cannot wait to find out what in the world is going on with all of them, the mystery, the evilness, the dangers lurking in the shadows, that lies between them and just what this university is all about.
Lily Wildhart does not disappoint with her amazing books!
I feel like this is going to be one amazing series. I am intrigued and there is so much left unsaid at the end of the cliffy. The suspense is killing me and the whole mysteriousness that is going throughout the university and the fact that something is about to happen to Talia -- yeah, totally has me on edge.
Talia has been sent to an elite university by her parents, well, they pretty much dumped her there and don't want to hear that she's getting into trouble or don't want to hear from her at all. While starting, she meets her new roommate, Kate who she instantly has a great connection with and they hit it off right off the bat. But in getting to know Kate, she also starts finding out the scoop on all the mysterious boys (Nico, Dallas, Trey and Isaac) and of course Noah. She also gets on Alexi's bad side because of her boyfriend, but Talia is spunky and she dishes out as much as she gets. I love that about her.
As much as these guys are attracted to her (at least some of them), they know that there's something they have to do and it might not be pretty. Can they go along with what that they are told to do or will they succumb to their desires and disobey and try to save Talia from whatever it is that is coming for her!
I know that this is the first book but I am fully invested in this series already and I cannot wait to find out what in the world is going on with all of them, the mystery, the evilness, the dangers lurking in the shadows, that lies between them and just what this university is all about.
Lily Wildhart does not disappoint with her amazing books!
March 10, 2024
Slow burn bully romance
The prologue had me hooked from the start. This is very much a stage setting book and on the slower burn side but it is still a solid read which engaged me throughout and has left me wanting more.
I like Talia as the FMC; she is dealing with some heavy grief on her own and then becomes the target of some petty but brutal bullying at her new school. Despite her plan to go under the radar she doesn't take it lying down but although she is fierce I like how she still had a softer and more vulnerable side. I'm intrigued by her relationship with her dad too as his profession seems to fly in the face of how he treats Talia at this period in her life and I can't wait for Grandpa to make himself known especially after the events at the end of the book. Secret society is my absolute favourite and I am desperate to know what is inside those letters and who the flowers are from!
Seeing Talia through Kate and Noah's POVs was also quite interesting as normally the love interests tend to be the alternative viewpoints in these kind of romances and I liked seeing the different takes on Talia's character. I enjoyed reading Noah in particular as she is going through her own trauma and seeing how different the MMCs were with her in comparison to Talia. I hope her ceasefire with Talia continues and they take down Lexi together because she is vile. There are a lot of male characters in this but the tension between Nico and Talia was the standout for me. I liked Dallas with his dialed up southern charm too but Isaac hasn't made too much of an impression yet. Trey, however, I can't stand especially after the quad incident. He has some major growing to do. Dillon and Evan seem to be red herrings currently although they both have ties to Talia but them all being in the same place this year can't be a coincidence! I'm looking forward to seeing how this all plays out over the series.
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read
The prologue had me hooked from the start. This is very much a stage setting book and on the slower burn side but it is still a solid read which engaged me throughout and has left me wanting more.
I like Talia as the FMC; she is dealing with some heavy grief on her own and then becomes the target of some petty but brutal bullying at her new school. Despite her plan to go under the radar she doesn't take it lying down but although she is fierce I like how she still had a softer and more vulnerable side. I'm intrigued by her relationship with her dad too as his profession seems to fly in the face of how he treats Talia at this period in her life and I can't wait for Grandpa to make himself known especially after the events at the end of the book. Secret society is my absolute favourite and I am desperate to know what is inside those letters and who the flowers are from!
Seeing Talia through Kate and Noah's POVs was also quite interesting as normally the love interests tend to be the alternative viewpoints in these kind of romances and I liked seeing the different takes on Talia's character. I enjoyed reading Noah in particular as she is going through her own trauma and seeing how different the MMCs were with her in comparison to Talia. I hope her ceasefire with Talia continues and they take down Lexi together because she is vile. There are a lot of male characters in this but the tension between Nico and Talia was the standout for me. I liked Dallas with his dialed up southern charm too but Isaac hasn't made too much of an impression yet. Trey, however, I can't stand especially after the quad incident. He has some major growing to do. Dillon and Evan seem to be red herrings currently although they both have ties to Talia but them all being in the same place this year can't be a coincidence! I'm looking forward to seeing how this all plays out over the series.
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read
March 13, 2024
Phew.... This really is the very beginning of something twisted and dark.
And I can't wait for book 2!!
This whole book is a lead up to something. Something cult like called the Serpents that the Elite seen to have a hand in. The exact details are yet to be revealed but this was a brilliant way to start it.
Our main FMC is Talia who has had a terrible few months after losing her twin Brody. She's been moved to a boarding school with no choice in the matter, only to find two of her summer flings, Evan and Dillon, also there. Strange.
Her roomate, Kate is a great contrast to her personality and it's good to see them get on and for Talia to have someone on her side.
And then we meet the Elite... Well we're introduced to them! But it's obvious, these are the ones that are looked to as kings, and have something going on more than "just" school.
Nico takes an interest in her that results in a couple of heated sessions but then Dallas seems to like her too and serenades her with his music but seduces her with his actions.
Issac flirts with her but that's it and Trey..He doesn't trust her and she's truly baffles as to why not.
Noah is the only girl in the mix and the boys protect her... Well, they're like bodyguards to her.
Theres the prerequisite queen B, Lexi and her side kicks that go out of their way to make life difficult for Talia but Talia is no push over..... but this results in a suspension. Oops.
A couple of students are attacked a few months into the school year, one missing, one in a coma for months. The only clues were found under their bed a red cloak and a mask with snakes on it.
Leaving the Halloween party early some months later, Talia comes face to face with someone wearing one of these masks and cloaks and slowly all goes dark...
Arrhgghh!!!! Cliffhanger!!!!!
This book fills us full of info and builds us up to a meeting with the Serpets, and I honestly can't wait. The few sizzle scenes were worth the it with the detail, heat and chemistry that literally sparked off the page, with both Nico and Dallas. It's pace is perfectly set and the storyline builds with just the right amount of information, Twists, sizzle and mystery.
Bring on the next book!
And I can't wait for book 2!!
This whole book is a lead up to something. Something cult like called the Serpents that the Elite seen to have a hand in. The exact details are yet to be revealed but this was a brilliant way to start it.
Our main FMC is Talia who has had a terrible few months after losing her twin Brody. She's been moved to a boarding school with no choice in the matter, only to find two of her summer flings, Evan and Dillon, also there. Strange.
Her roomate, Kate is a great contrast to her personality and it's good to see them get on and for Talia to have someone on her side.
And then we meet the Elite... Well we're introduced to them! But it's obvious, these are the ones that are looked to as kings, and have something going on more than "just" school.
Nico takes an interest in her that results in a couple of heated sessions but then Dallas seems to like her too and serenades her with his music but seduces her with his actions.
Issac flirts with her but that's it and Trey..He doesn't trust her and she's truly baffles as to why not.
Noah is the only girl in the mix and the boys protect her... Well, they're like bodyguards to her.
Theres the prerequisite queen B, Lexi and her side kicks that go out of their way to make life difficult for Talia but Talia is no push over..... but this results in a suspension. Oops.
A couple of students are attacked a few months into the school year, one missing, one in a coma for months. The only clues were found under their bed a red cloak and a mask with snakes on it.
Leaving the Halloween party early some months later, Talia comes face to face with someone wearing one of these masks and cloaks and slowly all goes dark...
Arrhgghh!!!! Cliffhanger!!!!!
This book fills us full of info and builds us up to a meeting with the Serpets, and I honestly can't wait. The few sizzle scenes were worth the it with the detail, heat and chemistry that literally sparked off the page, with both Nico and Dallas. It's pace is perfectly set and the storyline builds with just the right amount of information, Twists, sizzle and mystery.
Bring on the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is a multiple POV book
(Talia, Kate, Noah and Nico)
Content warning-
Bullying, mention of losing loved ones, mention of death and attempted suicide
Tropes-
Enemies to lovers
Why choose
Angst
Dark contemporary romance
Okay so, I needed some time to get hang of this story. I really didn't understand what is going on until the first 20% of the book. Everything felt broken and in pieces. But once I got the grip of the story, I couldn't let go. Talia seems to be the lead in this story, going through a personal loss and transfers to a new place, new school for a new beginning.
She is really a fierce and strong character.
I couldn't understand where the 'dark' part starts in this book. It just felt like a regular student's life who is being bullied and called out for being a new transferred student but then it hit.
The story slowly unfolds itself revealing its dark parts as we move forward and ends at a cliffhanger.
I hate cliffhangers and thankfully there would be a next part.
I am really really excited to read what is going to happen next in this story and what secrets is Arbour hiding.
Talia is an amazing, fierce and very confident character in this book. She is going through a rough patch of her life by losing the only person who loves her, her brother.
She moves to a new place, new school and once she starts to settle in, she notices that things are going a little weird in the place.
She has an amazing roommate who helps her get comfortable with the surroundings and introduces to a new set of friends who are 'good people'.
Will she survive this school of hers of get herself in the spirals of danger wreaking havoc in her new school?
Worth all the confusions I face when I started this book.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is a multiple POV book
(Talia, Kate, Noah and Nico)
Content warning-
Bullying, mention of losing loved ones, mention of death and attempted suicide
Tropes-
Enemies to lovers
Why choose
Angst
Dark contemporary romance
Okay so, I needed some time to get hang of this story. I really didn't understand what is going on until the first 20% of the book. Everything felt broken and in pieces. But once I got the grip of the story, I couldn't let go. Talia seems to be the lead in this story, going through a personal loss and transfers to a new place, new school for a new beginning.
She is really a fierce and strong character.
I couldn't understand where the 'dark' part starts in this book. It just felt like a regular student's life who is being bullied and called out for being a new transferred student but then it hit.
The story slowly unfolds itself revealing its dark parts as we move forward and ends at a cliffhanger.
I hate cliffhangers and thankfully there would be a next part.
I am really really excited to read what is going to happen next in this story and what secrets is Arbour hiding.
Talia is an amazing, fierce and very confident character in this book. She is going through a rough patch of her life by losing the only person who loves her, her brother.
She moves to a new place, new school and once she starts to settle in, she notices that things are going a little weird in the place.
She has an amazing roommate who helps her get comfortable with the surroundings and introduces to a new set of friends who are 'good people'.
Will she survive this school of hers of get herself in the spirals of danger wreaking havoc in her new school?
Worth all the confusions I face when I started this book.
March 8, 2024
OMG I absolutely loved this book, however, that ending I need book 2, like now. If this is book 1, then honestly this series is going to be amazing. This book is an absolute page turner that leaves more questions than answers, it is full of mystery, suspense and intrigue. It leaves you on the edge of your seat as you are anticipating something is going to happen, it has all been so well written that it doesn’t feel rushed or disjointed, it flows and has you wanting more.
As with any elite school there is the clicks and the mean girl who thinks she should be queen be and course have the men. Something isn’t right at this school there are whispers and a child has went missing and one turns up hurt. Then we get hints that something more sinister is going on there are secrets hidden and secrets that only certain people know about.
Talia is sent to the Elite University where she meets Kate who is her room-mate and soon becomes a close friend then we have the Elite – four boys, kings of the school (Nico, Dallas, Trey and Issac) and then Nico’s sister Noah. The we have the want to-be Queen Be Alexi who tries to humiliate Talia but the thing is Talia doesn’t take it lying down and is a force when she needs to be. Then we have two of Talia’s ex’s at the school two boys that she thought she would never see again.
Talia is attracted to the Elite four and it seems two feel the same, one indifferent and one doesn’t seem to like her. But these four have something they have to do, something they have been told to do but when it is time can they really do it.
Tropes
🖤Reverse harem
🖤Multi-PoV
💜Academy
💜Bully themes
🖤Dark romance
🖤Secret Society
💜Grumpy/sunshine
💜Deceit and lies
🖤Slow burn
🌶️Spice rating 3/5
As with any elite school there is the clicks and the mean girl who thinks she should be queen be and course have the men. Something isn’t right at this school there are whispers and a child has went missing and one turns up hurt. Then we get hints that something more sinister is going on there are secrets hidden and secrets that only certain people know about.
Talia is sent to the Elite University where she meets Kate who is her room-mate and soon becomes a close friend then we have the Elite – four boys, kings of the school (Nico, Dallas, Trey and Issac) and then Nico’s sister Noah. The we have the want to-be Queen Be Alexi who tries to humiliate Talia but the thing is Talia doesn’t take it lying down and is a force when she needs to be. Then we have two of Talia’s ex’s at the school two boys that she thought she would never see again.
Talia is attracted to the Elite four and it seems two feel the same, one indifferent and one doesn’t seem to like her. But these four have something they have to do, something they have been told to do but when it is time can they really do it.
Tropes
🖤Reverse harem
🖤Multi-PoV
💜Academy
💜Bully themes
🖤Dark romance
🖤Secret Society
💜Grumpy/sunshine
💜Deceit and lies
🖤Slow burn
🌶️Spice rating 3/5
March 14, 2024
𝐀𝐧 𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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𝑻𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒅𝒐𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒆-𝒆𝒅𝒈𝒆𝒅 𝒔𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅, 𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒐𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒂 𝒘𝒆𝒂𝒑𝒐𝒏.
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If I could give this book more stars I would. It was such a simple and easy read that had me captivated from the very beginning
This is the first book in Lily's 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐮𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 and it was an amazing way to start. This was a last minute ARC I signed up for and I'm glad I didn't miss it. From the first page, I was hooked. I was biting my nails just from the Prologue.
If you're looking for a fast paced romance, this isn't it. This is a slow burn book. The 🌶🌶 doesn't take place until toward the end of book, but it's so worth the wait.
I loved that the author didn't just use 1 or 2 POVs. We get to see the viewpoint from different sides. I really enjoyed the characters in this one. We start with Talia, who is still reeling from her brothers death, who starts her senior year at Arbour Academy. She quickly forms a friendship with her British roommate, who pining over her male best friend.
Then there's the Elites -
✔️ Noah - the Queen Bee. My heart went out to her over past situations.
✔️ Nico - who can't seem to stay away from Talia, even if he won't admit it.
✔️ Trey - Mr. Temper and fellow Brit.
✔️ Issac - I can't figure him out yet.
✔️ Dallas - another one who can't stay away from Talia, but is nicer about it.
All these characters and elements make up a wonderful, suspenseful story. That cliffhanger just wasn't nice though. I'm soo excited to see what Lily comes up next.
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𝑻𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒅𝒐𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒆-𝒆𝒅𝒈𝒆𝒅 𝒔𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅, 𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒐𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒂 𝒘𝒆𝒂𝒑𝒐𝒏.
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If I could give this book more stars I would. It was such a simple and easy read that had me captivated from the very beginning
This is the first book in Lily's 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐮𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 and it was an amazing way to start. This was a last minute ARC I signed up for and I'm glad I didn't miss it. From the first page, I was hooked. I was biting my nails just from the Prologue.
If you're looking for a fast paced romance, this isn't it. This is a slow burn book. The 🌶🌶 doesn't take place until toward the end of book, but it's so worth the wait.
I loved that the author didn't just use 1 or 2 POVs. We get to see the viewpoint from different sides. I really enjoyed the characters in this one. We start with Talia, who is still reeling from her brothers death, who starts her senior year at Arbour Academy. She quickly forms a friendship with her British roommate, who pining over her male best friend.
Then there's the Elites -
✔️ Noah - the Queen Bee. My heart went out to her over past situations.
✔️ Nico - who can't seem to stay away from Talia, even if he won't admit it.
✔️ Trey - Mr. Temper and fellow Brit.
✔️ Issac - I can't figure him out yet.
✔️ Dallas - another one who can't stay away from Talia, but is nicer about it.
All these characters and elements make up a wonderful, suspenseful story. That cliffhanger just wasn't nice though. I'm soo excited to see what Lily comes up next.
March 1, 2024
DNF
Considering how much I loved the Saints of Serenity Falls series, this seriously fell flat.
Talia has been enrolled to attend boarding school, Arbour Academy. It's her last semester before she goes to college. Where did she go before Arbour, why has she been enrolled at Arbour for only her final year?
There is mention of a twin brother Brody who is no longer around. It's been a year since something happened to him...what happened to him? I would expect to know more considering how often he was mentioned in the first 8 chapters.
So many characters were introduced, but I felt no connection to any of them, not even Talia. I had no idea who these people were, only that most of them are referred to as the Elites.
Most of what I read was Talia in the canteen watching/listening to people.
Talia was mildly warned a couple of times by people to stay away from them.
The blurb says this is a dark contemporary romance with off the charts, stomach churning angst, enemies to lovers themes, some scenes of bullying, but I got to 28% (112 pages which includes the prologue and 8 chapters out of 26) before I DNF'd, and I didn't encounter any of the above. I definitely gave the book a chance to grab me, but unfortunately it didn't.
Because of the blurb and the prologue, what I read made me feel like I was reading a different book.
Spice is slow in Lily's books, so I wanted more plot and I just wasn't getting any.
Considering how much I loved the Saints of Serenity Falls series, this seriously fell flat.
Talia has been enrolled to attend boarding school, Arbour Academy. It's her last semester before she goes to college. Where did she go before Arbour, why has she been enrolled at Arbour for only her final year?
There is mention of a twin brother Brody who is no longer around. It's been a year since something happened to him...what happened to him? I would expect to know more considering how often he was mentioned in the first 8 chapters.
So many characters were introduced, but I felt no connection to any of them, not even Talia. I had no idea who these people were, only that most of them are referred to as the Elites.
Most of what I read was Talia in the canteen watching/listening to people.
Talia was mildly warned a couple of times by people to stay away from them.
The blurb says this is a dark contemporary romance with off the charts, stomach churning angst, enemies to lovers themes, some scenes of bullying, but I got to 28% (112 pages which includes the prologue and 8 chapters out of 26) before I DNF'd, and I didn't encounter any of the above. I definitely gave the book a chance to grab me, but unfortunately it didn't.
Because of the blurb and the prologue, what I read made me feel like I was reading a different book.
Spice is slow in Lily's books, so I wanted more plot and I just wasn't getting any.
September 2, 2024
This book is entirely different from what I expected with the title. This is a typical bully high school novel, but from 3 different female points of view:
1. Talia: she’s strong, with great comebacks when the bully calls her a slut. I really like her sass. Her strength comes from therapy over the death of her brother: Despite being athletic (swimmer), she is a super-klutz, which helps her become noticed:
“when I walk into what feels like a wall before bouncing backward, dropping onto my ass with an oof”
2. Kate: she’s adorable and the least strong of the three. Her unrequited love with a geeky friend is not my kind of book boyfriend angst, but it is well-done.
3. Noah: not a guy. She owns up to a rape during the summer, and her ice queen act reminds me of Talia, except the football or baseball players treat her as special. Honestly, the two groups of men are less well-characterized.
The good news:
⁃ It is written well
⁃ The guys may be an insta-team, but they don’t all pile on like plush toys over Talia. The romance takes time to develop.
⁃ Hate sex, or (really) competitive sex (we hopefully both like fantasy in our smut, yeah?)
The bad news:
⁃ The guys are pretty 2-dimensional, for now.
⁃ Possible secret society
⁃ If you trigger on rape, bullying, or sex, this isn’t for you.
- Multiple POV (girls…it works but I am not normally a fan)
1. Talia: she’s strong, with great comebacks when the bully calls her a slut. I really like her sass. Her strength comes from therapy over the death of her brother: Despite being athletic (swimmer), she is a super-klutz, which helps her become noticed:
“when I walk into what feels like a wall before bouncing backward, dropping onto my ass with an oof”
2. Kate: she’s adorable and the least strong of the three. Her unrequited love with a geeky friend is not my kind of book boyfriend angst, but it is well-done.
3. Noah: not a guy. She owns up to a rape during the summer, and her ice queen act reminds me of Talia, except the football or baseball players treat her as special. Honestly, the two groups of men are less well-characterized.
The good news:
⁃ It is written well
⁃ The guys may be an insta-team, but they don’t all pile on like plush toys over Talia. The romance takes time to develop.
⁃ Hate sex, or (really) competitive sex (we hopefully both like fantasy in our smut, yeah?)
The bad news:
⁃ The guys are pretty 2-dimensional, for now.
⁃ Possible secret society
⁃ If you trigger on rape, bullying, or sex, this isn’t for you.
- Multiple POV (girls…it works but I am not normally a fan)
March 6, 2024
💜🐍NEW RELEASE🐍💜
📚Kneel by Lily Wildhart
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️.5/5
What to expect??
💜WHY CHOOSE
🐍SECRET SOCIETY
💜MULTI POV
🐍PRIVATE ACADEMY SETTING
💜BULLY
🐍DARK ROMANCE
💜CLIFFHANGER, PART OF SERIES
Kneel was released last week and I am absolutely in love. I found Lily through audiobooks and loved her titles, so when the opportunity for an ARC came around I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book!
Talia is starting her senior year at a new boarding school, but this is nothing new to her. However, what she didn’t expect was to start the year off on so many people’s bad sides. Good thing she’s got Kate, her new bestie and roommate, to help keep her out of a funk.
However, some weird crap is going on at Arbour and Kate and Talia can’t keep themselves from looking into it. They need to keep their periphery open though because when stuff happens it’s for a reason.
In this book, we get the POV of Talia (of course), Noah, Kate, and a small bit of Nico. However, there’s the Elite 5 and I’m interested to see the boys’ part in the rest of the story as it unfolds.
Such a good start to series and can’t wait for more. The instant chemistry between Talia and Dallas and the heat and tension between Talia and Nico is beautiful. Can’t wait to find out more!! This book includes character and intros and world building, but still need to read the trigger warnings!!
📚Kneel by Lily Wildhart
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️.5/5
What to expect??
💜WHY CHOOSE
🐍SECRET SOCIETY
💜MULTI POV
🐍PRIVATE ACADEMY SETTING
💜BULLY
🐍DARK ROMANCE
💜CLIFFHANGER, PART OF SERIES
Kneel was released last week and I am absolutely in love. I found Lily through audiobooks and loved her titles, so when the opportunity for an ARC came around I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book!
Talia is starting her senior year at a new boarding school, but this is nothing new to her. However, what she didn’t expect was to start the year off on so many people’s bad sides. Good thing she’s got Kate, her new bestie and roommate, to help keep her out of a funk.
However, some weird crap is going on at Arbour and Kate and Talia can’t keep themselves from looking into it. They need to keep their periphery open though because when stuff happens it’s for a reason.
In this book, we get the POV of Talia (of course), Noah, Kate, and a small bit of Nico. However, there’s the Elite 5 and I’m interested to see the boys’ part in the rest of the story as it unfolds.
Such a good start to series and can’t wait for more. The instant chemistry between Talia and Dallas and the heat and tension between Talia and Nico is beautiful. Can’t wait to find out more!! This book includes character and intros and world building, but still need to read the trigger warnings!!
March 9, 2024
I just got out of a cold shower while I’m writing this review. Ms.Lily Wildhart, You didn’t have to snatch my soul like that but I’m so glad you did! I’m a heavy lover of RH , Academic, and Bully romances and this one takes the cake for me. We also love a dash of secret society. All my favorite things in one book. I absolutely love the characters development throughout the book. Especially Talia’s. You truly see her transform from the beginning of the book. The guys. OMG, the guys! I need them in my life in the craziest way possible. Nico, Trey, Isaac, and Dallas are the bad boys that do allllll the good things to you. They had my heart pounding so many times. I was for sure confused on whether I loved them or hated them or loved to hate them lol! The spice was nice and spicy. I was definitely clutching my pearls when it got to the heat. It’s for sure a wild ride. There’s so many secrets and wickedness that has to be uncovered. This book will definitely have you on the edge of your seat. This book is worth the read. It was very entertaining and I could easily be a competitor for our most notable RH reads. You can truly tell when an author is passionate about their work and Lily Wildhart is PASSION. It did leave out on a cliff hanger so I’m even more excited for book two.
March 12, 2024
Erm….What was that ending?? I was getting right into the juicy part and bam 💥 cliffhanger 😂 well that’s one way to know I’m hooked and I can’t wait for the next installment.
Started reading this book, realised about a chapter in it’s definitely for me so didn’t put the book down other than to sleep and sort out life 😂 even then I debated not doing those things to just keep reading 🖤
It’s been a while since I’ve read a Lily book and I’m so happy to be back in the fictional worlds she creates.
We meet Talia who has just moved to a new boarding school for her senior year. (I love her roomie Kate) Whilst Talia is discovering her new environment she realises that the hierarchy of this school is the same as others so tries to stay hidden. However in comes Kate and well Talia is no longer not noticed.
The angst in the book is off the charts and with certain males, when the tension breaks its seriously hot 🥵🥵
I really enjoyed the story line and what happened, the timeline of events all leading up to the end just had me wanting to have more of the story and see where this is going. The writing style is something I really enjoy reading and find i just get lost in the words 🖤
I can’t wait to see when Trey breaks 😈
Started reading this book, realised about a chapter in it’s definitely for me so didn’t put the book down other than to sleep and sort out life 😂 even then I debated not doing those things to just keep reading 🖤
It’s been a while since I’ve read a Lily book and I’m so happy to be back in the fictional worlds she creates.
We meet Talia who has just moved to a new boarding school for her senior year. (I love her roomie Kate) Whilst Talia is discovering her new environment she realises that the hierarchy of this school is the same as others so tries to stay hidden. However in comes Kate and well Talia is no longer not noticed.
The angst in the book is off the charts and with certain males, when the tension breaks its seriously hot 🥵🥵
I really enjoyed the story line and what happened, the timeline of events all leading up to the end just had me wanting to have more of the story and see where this is going. The writing style is something I really enjoy reading and find i just get lost in the words 🖤
I can’t wait to see when Trey breaks 😈
March 1, 2024
Actual rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.75
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️.5 (it's only just starting, mind)
Check the TWs before diving into this one.
Another phenomenal book from Wildhart! Holy smokes, this was a wild ride. As with any new series, book one starts off with a lot more exposition, a lot more character set up and world set up, and let me tell you - I'm here for it! I already love the mystery and intrigue of Arbour, and I cannot wait for more of the secrets to come out.
Talia has to be one of my favourite Wildhart FMCs at this point. She's broken, but healing. Tough and knows what she wants. And the push and pull between her and Nico? *chefs kiss*
This definitely has a large cast of characters, sometimes making it tricky to keep everyone in line. I'm intrigued as to how they're all going to fit into the wider narrative as the series goes on. I feel a few of them weren't too fleshed out, but again, this is book one of a series, so there is plenty of time still.
The mystery of Arbour (and how Talia fits into it all, especially with the Elite's) is what kept me reading, and I absolutely cannot wait for the next book, because that cliffhanger? Evil, I tell you.
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️.5 (it's only just starting, mind)
Check the TWs before diving into this one.
Another phenomenal book from Wildhart! Holy smokes, this was a wild ride. As with any new series, book one starts off with a lot more exposition, a lot more character set up and world set up, and let me tell you - I'm here for it! I already love the mystery and intrigue of Arbour, and I cannot wait for more of the secrets to come out.
Talia has to be one of my favourite Wildhart FMCs at this point. She's broken, but healing. Tough and knows what she wants. And the push and pull between her and Nico? *chefs kiss*
This definitely has a large cast of characters, sometimes making it tricky to keep everyone in line. I'm intrigued as to how they're all going to fit into the wider narrative as the series goes on. I feel a few of them weren't too fleshed out, but again, this is book one of a series, so there is plenty of time still.
The mystery of Arbour (and how Talia fits into it all, especially with the Elite's) is what kept me reading, and I absolutely cannot wait for the next book, because that cliffhanger? Evil, I tell you.
March 1, 2024
This was the first book I have read by this author, and I was intrigued by the end of the first chapter. This book was amazing at Character development and getting us to know these characters it is slower paced, but I think that made it perfect. Talia was thrown into a new script after losing her brother and is a little lost. Rebelling all summer. Now that school has started, she had decided to keep her head down and just get the year over with. There is so much happening in this book and so many things we need to know I just can't wait for the next book everything is just to captivating you can't put it down. Talia has caught the eye of Nico and Dallas, Issac and Trey but not in a good way. Dallas is super sweet to her but is it real you just can't tell. Nico and she have amazing chemistry that sets the pages on fire but who is he really and why is she off limits. Trey just seems to hate her and Issac well he switches back and forth. Just so many things we need to know. This book ends on a cliffhanger, and I am screaming inside for the next book. I was given this book as an ARC for my honest review.
March 3, 2024
𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: Dark Contemporary Romance, High School, Boarding School, Bully, Grump/Sunshine, Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers, Reverse Harem, Secret Society
𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: 💜💜💜💜
𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗟𝗼𝘀𝘁: 💧💧💧
𝗣𝗹𝗼𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: 🖊️🖊️🖊️
𝗣𝗢𝗩: Multiple
𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁: Ebook
𝗧𝗪: References to SA and attempted SA, loss of sibling
Well I have officially become hooked on yet another world that this author has created. This book instantly sucked me right in and didn’t let me go until I finished it. Seriously, I finished it in a day because I couldn’t put it down.
Talia’s life has been full of so much pain. Her father has dumped her at a brand new boarding school for her senior year, so she has a whole new world of mean girls to figure out. And oh boy these mean girls play dirty.
The school is also run by a group of guys who have a whole range of beliefs on how they feel about new the girl. Some much more hostile than others.
I do love the girl group that Talia accumulated in this book, and after that ending, they are going to be searching for answers. This school holds a dark secret that is yet to be revealed.
𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: 💜💜💜💜
𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗟𝗼𝘀𝘁: 💧💧💧
𝗣𝗹𝗼𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: 🖊️🖊️🖊️
𝗣𝗢𝗩: Multiple
𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁: Ebook
𝗧𝗪: References to SA and attempted SA, loss of sibling
Well I have officially become hooked on yet another world that this author has created. This book instantly sucked me right in and didn’t let me go until I finished it. Seriously, I finished it in a day because I couldn’t put it down.
Talia’s life has been full of so much pain. Her father has dumped her at a brand new boarding school for her senior year, so she has a whole new world of mean girls to figure out. And oh boy these mean girls play dirty.
The school is also run by a group of guys who have a whole range of beliefs on how they feel about new the girl. Some much more hostile than others.
I do love the girl group that Talia accumulated in this book, and after that ending, they are going to be searching for answers. This school holds a dark secret that is yet to be revealed.
March 5, 2024
Great start to this series! This is a Dark Romance with some bullying themes. A reverse harem once the harem is fully established there will be 4 guys. An elite boarding school with a secret society. This is told in multiple POVs. Talia the FMC, Noah the Queen Bee, and Kate the FMC’s roommate/ best friend. There is one Male POV chapter. The POVs being from 3 different females is why it got 4 stars and not 5 stars from me, however the author’s note at the end explains it’s for important reasons coming up. Talia is used to being the new kid in school as she moves around a lot. So this is just another new school to her for her senior year of high school. She is hoping to fly under the radar but quickly learns that will not be the case. Then you have the guys which are the elite and run the school. Nico, Dallas, Isaac, and Trey. The spice in this book is pretty minimal as there is only like 3 notable scenes occurring with 2 of the guys separately at separate times. But those scenes were spicy and were definitely just an introduction. This book ends on a cliffhanger! I cannot wait to read the rest of this series and dive deeper into these characters!
March 8, 2024
So good I read it in one day!
Talia was such a fun FMC to read about. She cussed like a sailor and had a sassy sarcastic attitude. It was fun to see what she thought about inside her head.
This book did have multiple POV which I liked. It showed a lot about each character and gave us different information to think about that we wouldn’t have gotten from just Talia’s POV. I am interested to see how the group dynamics change with each character and what is going to happen next!
I’m so intrigued by this boarding school. There was a lot of things alluded to and questions left unanswered.
That cliffhanger!!!!!!!
My favorite quotes?
“Fūcking stupid pënis-having asśhat!”
“His smile grows and he leans against the wall, chest puffing out. “You think I’m pretty?””
“Slüt shaming. Great way to start your day, Lexi. Anything more original or controversial than me having a sëx life?”
And now for some dirty talking men 🤭🫠
“That’s it, take me, baby girl. Fuc*ing, take it”
“Goddamn, this cûnt was made for me”
“You can hate me all you like, you’ll still be screaming my name soon enough”
“Beg me, Talia. Be a good girl. Beg me to ruin you with me coċk”
Talia was such a fun FMC to read about. She cussed like a sailor and had a sassy sarcastic attitude. It was fun to see what she thought about inside her head.
This book did have multiple POV which I liked. It showed a lot about each character and gave us different information to think about that we wouldn’t have gotten from just Talia’s POV. I am interested to see how the group dynamics change with each character and what is going to happen next!
I’m so intrigued by this boarding school. There was a lot of things alluded to and questions left unanswered.
That cliffhanger!!!!!!!
My favorite quotes?
“Fūcking stupid pënis-having asśhat!”
“His smile grows and he leans against the wall, chest puffing out. “You think I’m pretty?””
“Slüt shaming. Great way to start your day, Lexi. Anything more original or controversial than me having a sëx life?”
And now for some dirty talking men 🤭🫠
“That’s it, take me, baby girl. Fuc*ing, take it”
“Goddamn, this cûnt was made for me”
“You can hate me all you like, you’ll still be screaming my name soon enough”
“Beg me, Talia. Be a good girl. Beg me to ruin you with me coċk”
March 9, 2024
Kneel ( The Ruin Of Serpents Book 1 ) Tropes 🖤Why Choose 🖤Secret Society’s 🖤RH 🖤Grumpy Sunshine 🖤Slow Burn 🖤Secrets , lies , Deceit 🖤Bully romance 🖤enemies to lovers Well I really was just taken on the ride of my life and completely blown away in all the best ways ( Kneel by Lilly Wildhart is easily one of the best books I’ve read this year . I started reading late last night and to say I did not get any sleep would definitely be an understatement. It’s without a doubt going to hook you from the very first page , it’s going to play on all your emotions in ways you won’t even be expected and jt will leave you craving so much more . This was actually my very first time reading one of Lily’s books so i honestly was not sure what to expect ; I definitely have found a new favorite author . Angst , suspense, intrigue, oh so steamy moments, tragedy, love , passion, secrets , dark , raw , gritty , heartbreaking, heartfelt, family , friendships , characters that are so wonderfully written, unique , complex and multi layered, fantastic world building, unforgettable, unputdownable and simply chefs kiss . Kneel is the perfect blend of all of the above in spades ♠️
March 9, 2024
Lily is an absolute UNIT when it comes to why choose romance. The first instalment to the Ruin of Serpents has set us up perfectly to learn even more in the next book.
It has an upper class academy setting full of all our typical cliques of students.
Talia is our FMC who has had a rough go at life so far. She has only had one person who was ever truly there for her only for them to have been tragically taken away from her. She has been constantly left behind by both her parents and has no one left to turn to - which is when she gets dumped at the arduous academy after a turbulent summer - only to find out she has to share breathing space with her trash bag of an ex and her summer fling whose girlfriend is a psycho. Add to that the four elites who own the halls and all her hopes of a peaceful senior year flow straight down the drain.
The four elites are slowly getting under her skin and students are going missing. Nothing is as it seems and no one is safe from what is happening. Talia trusts no one.
This was super fast paced and had a delicious slow burn with two of our elites, which I can't wait for in book 2. An amazing set up to what I am sure will be another amazing series!
It has an upper class academy setting full of all our typical cliques of students.
Talia is our FMC who has had a rough go at life so far. She has only had one person who was ever truly there for her only for them to have been tragically taken away from her. She has been constantly left behind by both her parents and has no one left to turn to - which is when she gets dumped at the arduous academy after a turbulent summer - only to find out she has to share breathing space with her trash bag of an ex and her summer fling whose girlfriend is a psycho. Add to that the four elites who own the halls and all her hopes of a peaceful senior year flow straight down the drain.
The four elites are slowly getting under her skin and students are going missing. Nothing is as it seems and no one is safe from what is happening. Talia trusts no one.
This was super fast paced and had a delicious slow burn with two of our elites, which I can't wait for in book 2. An amazing set up to what I am sure will be another amazing series!
March 5, 2024
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
This is the first book in The Ruin of Serpents Series. This is a dark romance and you need to heed the warnings in the beginning of the book. It is also an enemies to lovers, bully, and why choose romance. This is the story of Talia a girl who has really been through a lot. This leads to her trying to figure out who she is. She is going into her senior year at Arbour with the goal of getting though and graduating with no drama and leave to go to college. She is one tough cookie. I love how she stands up for herself. However life is about to get all kinds of crazy for her. I wish I could tell you all about it. But I can't. As for the four guys in this book. I can't tell you which one I really liked or if I even liked them at all. There not in this book as much as I would have love to have seen. Hopefully in the next book we get a whole lost more of them. It has set the foundation well for what is to come and I can't wait to see what we get next.
This is the first book in The Ruin of Serpents Series. This is a dark romance and you need to heed the warnings in the beginning of the book. It is also an enemies to lovers, bully, and why choose romance. This is the story of Talia a girl who has really been through a lot. This leads to her trying to figure out who she is. She is going into her senior year at Arbour with the goal of getting though and graduating with no drama and leave to go to college. She is one tough cookie. I love how she stands up for herself. However life is about to get all kinds of crazy for her. I wish I could tell you all about it. But I can't. As for the four guys in this book. I can't tell you which one I really liked or if I even liked them at all. There not in this book as much as I would have love to have seen. Hopefully in the next book we get a whole lost more of them. It has set the foundation well for what is to come and I can't wait to see what we get next.
March 11, 2024
4.8 stars
This is the first book in a new series, The Ruin of Serpents, and it is one that will suck you in from the beginning. Talia has had a life fraught with tragedy and making matters worse, her father sends her away, her senior year, to a new boarding school where the cliques are established, and she’ll need to maneuver around a minefield with these mean girls. Adding insult to injury, the school is run by a group of boys who have a myriad of feelings toward the “new girl,” some are more aggressive than others. Not one to be taken advantage of, Talia develops a strong constitution and it progresses throughout the storyline. There are so many secrets and questions that will keep any reader on the edge of his/her seat. Like other works by the author, you think you know what will happen and then welcome to the 360-degree turn. This book is left in a cliffhanger, and I cannot wait to see how this mystery plays out in the next book. If you are a reader of dark, contemporary romance than this is for you. Please read the trigger warnings.
This is the first book in a new series, The Ruin of Serpents, and it is one that will suck you in from the beginning. Talia has had a life fraught with tragedy and making matters worse, her father sends her away, her senior year, to a new boarding school where the cliques are established, and she’ll need to maneuver around a minefield with these mean girls. Adding insult to injury, the school is run by a group of boys who have a myriad of feelings toward the “new girl,” some are more aggressive than others. Not one to be taken advantage of, Talia develops a strong constitution and it progresses throughout the storyline. There are so many secrets and questions that will keep any reader on the edge of his/her seat. Like other works by the author, you think you know what will happen and then welcome to the 360-degree turn. This book is left in a cliffhanger, and I cannot wait to see how this mystery plays out in the next book. If you are a reader of dark, contemporary romance than this is for you. Please read the trigger warnings.
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