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jlpxoxo's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Religious bigotry, Stalking, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic friendship, and Classism
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Blood, and Abandonment
jorkreads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Guys I have so many things to say but first off: OH MY GOD.
This book is everything to me. I want this book in my casket at my funeral. My one main source of joy in life was reading about these five characters realizing what they want and going after it in spite of the odds that are stacked against them.
Jessica Martin was the Queen Bee at Wickeston High, and she had many people who loved her and many who hated her. Initially she believed her popular friends loved her and the Freaks - Manson, Lucas, Vincent and Jason — hated her. But there was always a part of her that was drawn to these four boys, and watching them go from distant strangers in The Dare to the loving found family where they ended in this book made my heart swoon.
Of course, they had trials, tribulations and lots of sex along the way that you’ll just have to read for yourself but GOD. I love this book and these characters so much. I will think about them long after I close this book, and probably for the rest of my life.
One of the easiest 5 ⭐️ reads I could have given this year, and definitely a favorite for life ❤️🔥
(If this has piqued your interest, please pick up this masterpiece - and make sure you check your TWs!!)
This book is everything to me. I want this book in my casket at my funeral. My one main source of joy in life was reading about these five characters realizing what they want and going after it in spite of the odds that are stacked against them.
Jessica Martin was the Queen Bee at Wickeston High, and she had many people who loved her and many who hated her. Initially she believed her popular friends loved her and the Freaks - Manson, Lucas, Vincent and Jason — hated her. But there was always a part of her that was drawn to these four boys, and watching them go from distant strangers in The Dare to the loving found family where they ended in this book made my heart swoon.
Of course, they had trials, tribulations and lots of sex along the way that you’ll just have to read for yourself but GOD. I love this book and these characters so much. I will think about them long after I close this book, and probably for the rest of my life.
One of the easiest 5 ⭐️ reads I could have given this year, and definitely a favorite for life ❤️🔥
(If this has piqued your interest, please pick up this masterpiece - and make sure you check your TWs!!)
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Homophobia, and Sexual content
shaykay's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
4.5
Finally the HEA! I really love how this relationship's story ends. I think they did the best thing for them and I love the life they created together but they all went through a lot to get to this point. I think things were blown up even bigger due to everything happening in this small town. My biggest complaint is that I wish Jessica's ex and the guys' biggest high school bully had returned. We never hear or see him in this book. We get brief updates about him in the first book but never him. Their biggest tormenter is his old best friend who always had a crush on Jess and can't understand what she sees in these guys now. I also wish we had some sort of explaination as to what happened with the guys. In the novella I wouldn't say that they were all of the sudden popular but they did have some social standing and more friends, at least Manson did. We never really talk about the change or why all of the sudden their back in infamy. Plus by this point Jess kind of tore away from that girl she was in high school. Still, whenever she returned home that's all everyone saw because it is such a small town. Since she went away for college she could finally branch out and learn about who she was and what she wanted to do. Even at the beginning of the book she was like I'm home because I have no other option. Hopefully, this summer internship ends up being a career and that's her whole goal until she runs into the guys again. I love the woman she becomes, and it was so good seeing her stand up to people! But this series is rough; you need to check the content warnings if you're curious about it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Sexual content, and Violence
Moderate: Body shaming, Child abuse, Drug use, Physical abuse, and Suicidal thoughts
alyssa_booktok's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Homophobia, Sexual content, Blood, and Alcohol
discarded_dust_jacket's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
It’s clear what the main goal of each of the books in this duology is: the first book is about reunion, overcoming lingering resistance to a relationship between Jessica and each of the members of this group, and building trust. And the second book is about love, and the admission/acceptance that they all love Jess and vice versa, as well as healing and forgiveness between them.
I understand that none of those things can be rushed, so on the one hand, I understand why it needed to be broken into two books and why each of the books had to be so long, but to be totally honest, this one still felt a bit too long to me. I think it’s because at least in the first book there was tension; the book started with Jess still hanging with the popular kids and so, plot-wise, a lot more BIG, external shifts had to happen in that book. It kept my attention.
This one, they’re already in a relationship, so all of the shifts that take place happen on a character-driven, emotional level. Sure there’s some outside threat with Manson’s father, but honestly that aspect of the plot feels very marginal.
Don’t get me wrong, I still really enjoyed this series. I enjoyed getting to know each of the guys individually and their stories. The sex was obviously very very hot. The found family element was *chef’s kiss*. It wasn’t bad by ANY means and I’d still absolutely recommend it. I just thought this one moved a little slow at times.
I understand that none of those things can be rushed, so on the one hand, I understand why it needed to be broken into two books and why each of the books had to be so long, but to be totally honest, this one still felt a bit too long to me. I think it’s because at least in the first book there was tension; the book started with Jess still hanging with the popular kids and so, plot-wise, a lot more BIG, external shifts had to happen in that book. It kept my attention.
This one, they’re already in a relationship, so all of the shifts that take place happen on a character-driven, emotional level. Sure there’s some outside threat with Manson’s father, but honestly that aspect of the plot feels very marginal.
Don’t get me wrong, I still really enjoyed this series. I enjoyed getting to know each of the guys individually and their stories. The sex was obviously very very hot. The found family element was *chef’s kiss*. It wasn’t bad by ANY means and I’d still absolutely recommend it. I just thought this one moved a little slow at times.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Drug use, Homophobia, Mental illness, Sexual content, Violence, Stalking, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Blood
Minor: Addiction, Animal cruelty, Child abuse, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Police brutality, and Murder
adelesbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This series hit the spot so good it's incredible. I fell in love with Harley. She is a phenomenal writer. And I would have given this a 5⭐ rating but toward the end there was this one scene that just wasn't it for me. Other than that it was amazing. I just know I will be re-reading this once again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Biphobia, Bullying, Child abuse, Cursing, Drug use, Self harm, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Abandonment, and Alcohol
thirdeyeangel23's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
How many ways can I say I completely love a book? In book 2 we’re back with Jess and the guys as things heat up. Here we truly get to see how individual relationships heal and strengthen while the plot thickens with Manson’s father. The spice was positively filthy in the best way, but the growth of these characters is was truly made this a five star read for me. I’ll never stop talking about this duet!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Sexual content, Torture, and Violence
bbygirl21's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I absolutely loved this book and everything about it. I can't get over how good the relationships are between all of the characters. I love how close all of the guys are and that they all have little relationships with each other. I've never read a polygamous group quite like this one but I absolutely loved it. The chemistry in this group is phenomenal.
I also love seeing the correct development in Jess. I loved watching her come into herself and start to not care what anyone says or does to her. I love how she finally stands up for herself with all the people who don't like that she's with the guys. I loved that she's figuring out who her real friends are. Julia and Ashley are amazing. I'm glad that Jessica had such good friends in those two.
One thing I will say is that there are a lot of spicy scenes in this book but I felt that it really worked for this book. Every single scene in this book is different. No two scenes are the same which I think makes it work so well. I never felt the need to skim through any of the scenes or chapters. There's also a pretty good plot line in this story and I think that also helps balance things out.
Overall I absolutely adored this book and the whole duet. I would definitely recommend this book.
I also love seeing the correct development in Jess. I loved watching her come into herself and start to not care what anyone says or does to her. I love how she finally stands up for herself with all the people who don't like that she's with the guys. I loved that she's figuring out who her real friends are. Julia and Ashley are amazing. I'm glad that Jessica had such good friends in those two.
One thing I will say is that there are a lot of spicy scenes in this book but I felt that it really worked for this book. Every single scene in this book is different. No two scenes are the same which I think makes it work so well. I never felt the need to skim through any of the scenes or chapters. There's also a pretty good plot line in this story and I think that also helps balance things out.
Overall I absolutely adored this book and the whole duet. I would definitely recommend this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Drug use, Gun violence, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Stalking, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Physical abuse
Minor: Body shaming and Abandonment
fink1129's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Cursing, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexual content, and Stalking
chaniesgirl's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This entire series was insane
Loved the ending it was exactly what they and we deserved
Honestly I loved every single characters
Loved the ending it was exactly what they and we deserved
Honestly I loved every single characters
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Drug use, and Blood