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King of Aces #1
Hateful Love
Silas:
I'm tired of feeling trapped in my life.
It’s just a never-ending cycle of trying to survive the day.
Luckily, I have Blaine to keep me entertained.
We’re enemies but despite him being everything I hate; I’m addicted to him and the things we do in the dark. Somehow, he’s crept his way under my skin, and I’m obsessed with the way he’s making me feel.
I don’t want to admit I’m falling for him—the golden boy—but he’s my perfect match in every way.
He gives me something I never thought I’d have and, even though we’re impossible, I won't let anyone stand in the way of us.
Blaine:
My life is suffocating me.
Perfect son, star athlete, ideal student. I’m overwhelmed—unraveling at the seams.
Until Silas flips my world on its axis.
My dirty little secret.
He’s my perfect escape from reality. I can let loose and feel good for a change. He makes me feel alive for the first time.
But he’ll always be someone I despise. He’s arrogant, the epitome of a bad boy and yet the longer we do this, the harder it’s becoming to ignore my growing feelings. He’s not what I expected, but he’s exactly what I need.
And now that I’ve had him, I refuse to let him go.
Hateful Love is an enemies-to-lovers, opposites-attract, secret romance that centers around the bad boy and the jock and all the things they do in the dark. Mix in some possessive vibes, prying friends, and corrupt politics, and Hateful Love will take you on a wild but bumpy ride.
I'm tired of feeling trapped in my life.
It’s just a never-ending cycle of trying to survive the day.
Luckily, I have Blaine to keep me entertained.
We’re enemies but despite him being everything I hate; I’m addicted to him and the things we do in the dark. Somehow, he’s crept his way under my skin, and I’m obsessed with the way he’s making me feel.
I don’t want to admit I’m falling for him—the golden boy—but he’s my perfect match in every way.
He gives me something I never thought I’d have and, even though we’re impossible, I won't let anyone stand in the way of us.
Blaine:
My life is suffocating me.
Perfect son, star athlete, ideal student. I’m overwhelmed—unraveling at the seams.
Until Silas flips my world on its axis.
My dirty little secret.
He’s my perfect escape from reality. I can let loose and feel good for a change. He makes me feel alive for the first time.
But he’ll always be someone I despise. He’s arrogant, the epitome of a bad boy and yet the longer we do this, the harder it’s becoming to ignore my growing feelings. He’s not what I expected, but he’s exactly what I need.
And now that I’ve had him, I refuse to let him go.
Hateful Love is an enemies-to-lovers, opposites-attract, secret romance that centers around the bad boy and the jock and all the things they do in the dark. Mix in some possessive vibes, prying friends, and corrupt politics, and Hateful Love will take you on a wild but bumpy ride.
418 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 636 reviews
April 9, 2024
Hateful Love is a fantastically entertaining enemies to lovers romance between Silas and Blaine. Silas, the resident bad boy and Blaine the golden boy are two complicated characters who go on quite an epic journey together. They have been circling one another for years, their animosity is evident in every interaction and eventually their feelings boil over in one of my favorite scenes in this story.
I enjoy how these two characters have such complicated inner worlds that neither really allow the outside world to know. Watching Blaine and Silas peel away their protective layers is so well done and slowly builds a great foundation between these two.
Overall I loved this story. I loved the dynamic between Silas and Blaine. Their chemistry is electric and I couldn't get enough of their story. Such a great story that leaves me so excited for the next entry!!!
I enjoy how these two characters have such complicated inner worlds that neither really allow the outside world to know. Watching Blaine and Silas peel away their protective layers is so well done and slowly builds a great foundation between these two.
Overall I loved this story. I loved the dynamic between Silas and Blaine. Their chemistry is electric and I couldn't get enough of their story. Such a great story that leaves me so excited for the next entry!!!
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February 26, 2024
4.5***** stars
I LOVED THIS so so much! I honestly didn’t expect it, esp as I don’t usually click with high school boys, but this was such an awesome enemies-to-lovers — the trailer trash gang member and the golden boy jock. ♡
Hell, these two were on fire. Obsessed, possessive, supportive and so damn gone for each other. I loved the characters, the plot and Silas’ and Blaine’s eventually sweet romance. I loved their story and their HEA. Gimme gimme more of this.
The only thing I missed was a background story of what happened to Silas’ dad or what really drove the villain of this story to do his villainous things. Maybe we get more of that in the other book that’s coming, it would make sense.
*************
Kings of Aces
Book 1 - Hateful Love - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Painful Love - release 12/24
I LOVED THIS so so much! I honestly didn’t expect it, esp as I don’t usually click with high school boys, but this was such an awesome enemies-to-lovers — the trailer trash gang member and the golden boy jock. ♡
“I’m the only one that’s ever gonna fuck you right,” I spit out, giving his ass a rough slap. “You’re gonna feel that ache and know that I was your downfall.”
Hell, these two were on fire. Obsessed, possessive, supportive and so damn gone for each other. I loved the characters, the plot and Silas’ and Blaine’s eventually sweet romance. I loved their story and their HEA. Gimme gimme more of this.
Listen, some people swoon over chocolates and flowers, but I swoon over curse words and possessive jocks.
The only thing I missed was a background story of what happened to Silas’ dad or what really drove the villain of this story to do his villainous things. Maybe we get more of that in the other book that’s coming, it would make sense.
*************
Kings of Aces
Book 1 - Hateful Love - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Painful Love - release 12/24
January 27, 2024
Silas Richards X Blaine Yates
I enjoyed the atmosphere in this book because the town is unlike any other that I have read in mm romance. The town feels like it’s stuck in time (1950’s/60’s?). I get The Outsiders, Archie, and Grease vibes but set in modern times. Strong sense of place, and strong head visuals. Great side characters. Love Bunky, Raid, Whaley, and Landon!
-bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks
-golden boy football quarterback, mayor’s son
-secret relationship
-enemies to lovers
-small oppressive town in the south
-my enemy is the only person that gets me
-the bad boy is only soft for his baby
-ride or die kind of love
-high school (18+)
-dual POV
-a very satisfying HEA
“You don’t have to worry. I won’t bite.” I pause, pursing my lips. “Well, that’s not true. The thought of bitin’ you sounds pretty fuckin’ good honestly.”
check CW in the front of the book
Thank you to the authors for an ARC of Hateful Love. Thoughts are my own. If I didn’t like it, I wouldn’t have reviewed it.
I enjoyed the atmosphere in this book because the town is unlike any other that I have read in mm romance. The town feels like it’s stuck in time (1950’s/60’s?). I get The Outsiders, Archie, and Grease vibes but set in modern times. Strong sense of place, and strong head visuals. Great side characters. Love Bunky, Raid, Whaley, and Landon!
-bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks
-golden boy football quarterback, mayor’s son
-secret relationship
-enemies to lovers
-small oppressive town in the south
-my enemy is the only person that gets me
-the bad boy is only soft for his baby
-ride or die kind of love
-high school (18+)
-dual POV
-a very satisfying HEA
“You don’t have to worry. I won’t bite.” I pause, pursing my lips. “Well, that’s not true. The thought of bitin’ you sounds pretty fuckin’ good honestly.”
check CW in the front of the book
Thank you to the authors for an ARC of Hateful Love. Thoughts are my own. If I didn’t like it, I wouldn’t have reviewed it.
February 2, 2024
“I told you I’m possessive, but you might not know exactly what that means, so let me explain.” His hand comes up to cage my throat, raw fury in his eyes when he speaks. “You’re mine, Blaine. My guy. I fuckin’ worship you. Every time you talk, you have me on a hook. Every time you do that weird snort-laugh, I want to own you. And every time you feel bad, I want to tear the world down to fix it. Why you think I’m ashamed, I dunno, but you gotta get that thought right out of your head before I fuck it out of you.”
it's the best feeling when a highly anticipated book for me delivers. and when they are both whipped af for each other and know it? 🤌😍🦋
the chemistry, the build up, the sex scenes, the found family, the bad boy x golden boy jock, the plot, the way they would die for each other, the way they would rather give up all their dreams if it meant being able to be together, the hella protectiveness, the pet names, the "only soft for him", silas helping blaine through his panic attacks, silas avenging blaine, blaine punching that guy for hurting silas, how they never questioned that they belong together even when shit hit the fan, blaine standing up to his dad for his future and for silas.....i could go on but it was all amazing and so swoony.
the teases we got for the next book? bunky and whaley already have me in a chokehold. i'm already on my knees for their story 🧎♀️
now, will raid have a book? maybe with landon???
it's the best feeling when a highly anticipated book for me delivers. and when they are both whipped af for each other and know it? 🤌😍🦋
the chemistry, the build up, the sex scenes, the found family, the bad boy x golden boy jock, the plot, the way they would die for each other, the way they would rather give up all their dreams if it meant being able to be together, the hella protectiveness, the pet names, the "only soft for him", silas helping blaine through his panic attacks, silas avenging blaine, blaine punching that guy for hurting silas, how they never questioned that they belong together even when shit hit the fan, blaine standing up to his dad for his future and for silas.....i could go on but it was all amazing and so swoony.
the teases we got for the next book? bunky and whaley already have me in a chokehold. i'm already on my knees for their story 🧎♀️
now, will raid have a book? maybe with landon???
March 1, 2024
4.5 Stars
I was looking for a smutty lighthearted book after reading so much fantasy and this book delivered. I had to ignore the fact that these two are supposed to be enemies. The whole reason they were enemies was childish as fuck.
Here are my favourite details ( SPOILERS AHEAD!! )
A:) Blaine defending Silas
“You did not just fucking hit him!” One moment I’m standing there and the next I’m tackling the bastard to the ground. I raise my fist, bringing it down with a hard slam, hearing bones cracking under the force of my punch.
He’s fucking perfect. Well, no, he’s not. He’s got a lot of baggage and he can be a dick, but he’s mine. My perfectly imperfect boyfriend and I won’t let my dad shit on him.
B:) Silas calling Blaine Baby for the first time 😩
Then he kisses just behind my ear, one arm coming to wrap around my chest and hug me to him. “Good, baby?” Baby. The name makes me relax.
C:) Their first kiss 🥵🔥
D:) When Silas gave Blaine a chain with his ring and vice versa 🫠
E:) The scene on the football field
F:) Their coming out 🥵🥵
G:) Silas' first time bottoming
I’ve been thinking about what it’d be like to have all his firsts and to give him one of mine, and this feels like the right time.🫠🫠
H:) The role plays especially the hate sex 🔥 🥵
I:) The possessiveness
Listen, some people swoon over chocolates and flowers, but I swoon over curse words and possessive jocks.
I was looking for a smutty lighthearted book after reading so much fantasy and this book delivered. I had to ignore the fact that these two are supposed to be enemies. The whole reason they were enemies was childish as fuck.
Here are my favourite details ( SPOILERS AHEAD!! )
A:) Blaine defending Silas
“You did not just fucking hit him!” One moment I’m standing there and the next I’m tackling the bastard to the ground. I raise my fist, bringing it down with a hard slam, hearing bones cracking under the force of my punch.
He’s fucking perfect. Well, no, he’s not. He’s got a lot of baggage and he can be a dick, but he’s mine. My perfectly imperfect boyfriend and I won’t let my dad shit on him.
B:) Silas calling Blaine Baby for the first time 😩
Then he kisses just behind my ear, one arm coming to wrap around my chest and hug me to him. “Good, baby?” Baby. The name makes me relax.
C:) Their first kiss 🥵🔥
D:) When Silas gave Blaine a chain with his ring and vice versa 🫠
E:) The scene on the football field
F:) Their coming out 🥵🥵
G:) Silas' first time bottoming
I’ve been thinking about what it’d be like to have all his firsts and to give him one of mine, and this feels like the right time.🫠🫠
H:) The role plays especially the hate sex 🔥 🥵
I:) The possessiveness
Listen, some people swoon over chocolates and flowers, but I swoon over curse words and possessive jocks.
February 4, 2024
OKAY LISTEN
this clearly had that annoying trope where the “bad boy” MC is always snapping at everyone and just hates the world and thinks everyone is out to get him.
but he does it so well 😩
this clearly had that annoying trope where the “bad boy” MC is always snapping at everyone and just hates the world and thinks everyone is out to get him.
but he does it so well 😩
February 14, 2024
Actual rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 / 5
Theme Song: 🎶 Beautiful Things by Benson Boone 🎶
Was this perfect? In a way.
But was this so very very sweet? Ahhuh!
"[...]He touched me and I melted, yielded like I was putty and his hands were God, molding me into whatever he wanted".
Bad boy, Silas, has it real bad for the class jock, Blaine. Blaine gets hella flustered every time he sees Si. They are mortal enemies. Of course, that thin line between love and hate just needs to be crossed once, and...
Unfortunately, this story, well written and edited, had elements which IRL I don't think would make any sense.
🖤 First of all, these boys are 19. I still remember being 19. And being around boys who are 19. Who taught them to talk like that (the dirty talk in their encounters is 🔥 but really? The mouths on these boys).
🖤 Also, they have a lot of fun times in a trailer without running water. At some point, so much 💦 and no means of cleaning up properly has got to get to ya.
🖤 The totally unrealistic side characters. Everyone is nice. So nice, in fact, that even when I thought a situation was going to turn nasty, it didn't and everyone was cool. The 1.5 villains in the book do villainous stuff, but it's a HEA so we're good.
The read was quick and easy, not overly heavy on the internal monologue. The interaction between Si and Blaine past the 50% mark is so sweet, it was a joy to be in their not overly complicated quasi-realistic world.
If you don't expect too much angst, or raw, gritty storytelling, or very triggering subjects, you will enjoy this lovely story of young love.
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 / 5
Theme Song: 🎶 Beautiful Things by Benson Boone 🎶
Was this perfect? In a way.
But was this so very very sweet? Ahhuh!
"[...]He touched me and I melted, yielded like I was putty and his hands were God, molding me into whatever he wanted".
Bad boy, Silas, has it real bad for the class jock, Blaine. Blaine gets hella flustered every time he sees Si. They are mortal enemies. Of course, that thin line between love and hate just needs to be crossed once, and...
Unfortunately, this story, well written and edited, had elements which IRL I don't think would make any sense.
🖤 First of all, these boys are 19. I still remember being 19. And being around boys who are 19. Who taught them to talk like that (the dirty talk in their encounters is 🔥 but really? The mouths on these boys).
🖤 Also, they have a lot of fun times in a trailer without running water. At some point, so much 💦 and no means of cleaning up properly has got to get to ya.
🖤 The totally unrealistic side characters. Everyone is nice. So nice, in fact, that even when I thought a situation was going to turn nasty, it didn't and everyone was cool. The 1.5 villains in the book do villainous stuff, but it's a HEA so we're good.
The read was quick and easy, not overly heavy on the internal monologue. The interaction between Si and Blaine past the 50% mark is so sweet, it was a joy to be in their not overly complicated quasi-realistic world.
If you don't expect too much angst, or raw, gritty storytelling, or very triggering subjects, you will enjoy this lovely story of young love.
February 24, 2024
4.5
I really liked the original short version of this story, but the reworked full length is so much better!
I loved Silas and Blaine together, I loved the side characters and the plot was really engaging.
There was a lot going on, and some of it was a little too far fetched and convenient for me to say this was 5 stars. BUT I am super intrigued by Bunky and Whaley's story coming up, and personally I'm shipping Raid and Landon....
I really liked the original short version of this story, but the reworked full length is so much better!
I loved Silas and Blaine together, I loved the side characters and the plot was really engaging.
There was a lot going on, and some of it was a little too far fetched and convenient for me to say this was 5 stars. BUT I am super intrigued by Bunky and Whaley's story coming up, and personally I'm shipping Raid and Landon....
February 8, 2024
"This is the day Whaley gave me the first of many, many lessons that I’ll never forget. No one bad is ever truly bad, and no one good is ever truly good."
I totally loved Hateful Love, which is the first co-write I've read from T. Ashleigh and Addison Beck - they certainly work well together, if this divine book is anything to go by!
Hateful Love is book 1 in their King of Aces series and it's Silas and Blaine's story (who we first met as a short story in the Anti-Valentine anthology). These two were just yummy together.
"He has self-destruction written all over him, like a catastrophic hurricane preparing to destroy everything in its path."
So many of my favourite tropes too:
❣️opposites attract
❣️secret enemies with benefits
❣️bad boy v jock
❣️first times
❣️dual POV
❣️all the steam
❣️bi-awakening
❣️"only for you"
❣️hard won HEA
"No matter what, he’ll be safe with me, and I’m not afraid to burn down the world to make it happen."
Must read!
5 stars
I totally loved Hateful Love, which is the first co-write I've read from T. Ashleigh and Addison Beck - they certainly work well together, if this divine book is anything to go by!
Hateful Love is book 1 in their King of Aces series and it's Silas and Blaine's story (who we first met as a short story in the Anti-Valentine anthology). These two were just yummy together.
"He has self-destruction written all over him, like a catastrophic hurricane preparing to destroy everything in its path."
So many of my favourite tropes too:
❣️opposites attract
❣️secret enemies with benefits
❣️bad boy v jock
❣️first times
❣️dual POV
❣️all the steam
❣️bi-awakening
❣️"only for you"
❣️hard won HEA
"No matter what, he’ll be safe with me, and I’m not afraid to burn down the world to make it happen."
Must read!
5 stars
February 29, 2024
this is not something i should have liked this much😂😂 i mean contemporary high school enemies to lovers is a recipe for disaster and almost always ends up in childish af territory…..and yes, the reason they were “enemies” was definitely juvenile like one of them accidentally tripped the other freshman year and bam now they’re enemies💀💀💀 well silas thinks they’re enemies, blaine was not paying him any attention fr until silas started lashing out and making blaine feel kinda small and then blaine was like alright i hate this guy, can’t he just leave me alone…..so were the “enemies” anywhere to be found??? lmao no. mutual disdain more like….plus a lot of it is rooted in the incorrect assumptions they make about each other. dummies🙄
but the hatred disappears pretty quickly once they start fucking around (i mean silas is literally calling blaine “my guy” in his head after the FIRST time😭) and they get sooooo sweet, way sweeter than anybody who started out “enemies” has any right to be🤣🤣 like honestly forget the enemies, it should just be marketed as jock x bad boy fr….bad boy who gets SO fucking SOFT for his BABY🥺🥺🥺 i literally swooned when blaine was teasing silas about calling him baby for the first time saying “I’ll be your baby, Silas. All you had to do was ask.” and silas responds seriously “Yeah, Blaine? Will you?” SCREAAAMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!😩😩😩😩😩😩😩 maximum cuteness fr🥺
but this was fucking long lmao bout 60% in i’m like damn ! this could really be over by now…..but noooo how could we ever miss the melodramatic third act fuckery🥴 that was so over the top lmao but at least it wasn’t a third act break up so small mercies🙌
but yea they were sooo cute and soft and squishy for each other🥰 i’m actually looking forward to bunky and whaley’s book. curious about who raid is gonna be paired with👀 at first i was thinking landon, but maybe it’s a rival viper?? either option sounds interesting
but the hatred disappears pretty quickly once they start fucking around (i mean silas is literally calling blaine “my guy” in his head after the FIRST time😭) and they get sooooo sweet, way sweeter than anybody who started out “enemies” has any right to be🤣🤣 like honestly forget the enemies, it should just be marketed as jock x bad boy fr….bad boy who gets SO fucking SOFT for his BABY🥺🥺🥺 i literally swooned when blaine was teasing silas about calling him baby for the first time saying “I’ll be your baby, Silas. All you had to do was ask.” and silas responds seriously “Yeah, Blaine? Will you?” SCREAAAMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!😩😩😩😩😩😩😩 maximum cuteness fr🥺
but this was fucking long lmao bout 60% in i’m like damn ! this could really be over by now…..but noooo how could we ever miss the melodramatic third act fuckery🥴 that was so over the top lmao but at least it wasn’t a third act break up so small mercies🙌
but yea they were sooo cute and soft and squishy for each other🥰 i’m actually looking forward to bunky and whaley’s book. curious about who raid is gonna be paired with👀 at first i was thinking landon, but maybe it’s a rival viper?? either option sounds interesting
June 6, 2024
3.5⭐
I have to preface by saying that this isn't an enemies to lovers, it's not even rivals to lovers cause they're not competing for anything. It's just a romance between 2 guys who don't like each other and I was a bit disappointed about that but I still ended up enjoying it in a sense.
Hateful love is a romance between a seemingly perfect jock and a troubled 'gangster', he's not really but you get what I mean. It contains a couple fight, drug use scenes but overall it's pretty cute and sweet. It was pretty cliche and had a fair share of cheesy lines but it was an entertaining read still. I like how lovely the relationship between Blaine and Silas was, they were each other's pillars and their communication skills were next level. I loved how consistently they reassured each other, they're the standard fr.
Now getting into the things I didn't like. The enemies to lovers wasn't giving what it needed to give, 20% in and they were already kissing. I almost cried in disappointment no joke. It didn't completely kill the tension between them but it was significant enough. Another thing was how Liza and June disappear?? At the start of the book we're told that Liza is Silas' brother's wife and that she now lives with Silas' family since his brother went to prison. June is Liza's daughter. We get a scene with Liza at the beginning but then there's no mention of her until the end even though we get a number of scenes in Silas' family home. I know she's a minor character but it still iffs me I'm sorry.
I did enjoy this, I just think my experience was considerably muted because I went into it in the mood for something else.♡
♡pre-read♡
I'm in the mood for a good enemies to lovers book rn. fingers crossed that this delivers 🤞🏽
I have to preface by saying that this isn't an enemies to lovers, it's not even rivals to lovers cause they're not competing for anything. It's just a romance between 2 guys who don't like each other and I was a bit disappointed about that but I still ended up enjoying it in a sense.
Hateful love is a romance between a seemingly perfect jock and a troubled 'gangster', he's not really but you get what I mean. It contains a couple fight, drug use scenes but overall it's pretty cute and sweet. It was pretty cliche and had a fair share of cheesy lines but it was an entertaining read still. I like how lovely the relationship between Blaine and Silas was, they were each other's pillars and their communication skills were next level. I loved how consistently they reassured each other, they're the standard fr.
Now getting into the things I didn't like. The enemies to lovers wasn't giving what it needed to give, 20% in and they were already kissing. I almost cried in disappointment no joke. It didn't completely kill the tension between them but it was significant enough. Another thing was how Liza and June disappear?? At the start of the book we're told that Liza is Silas' brother's wife and that she now lives with Silas' family since his brother went to prison. June is Liza's daughter. We get a scene with Liza at the beginning but then there's no mention of her until the end even though we get a number of scenes in Silas' family home. I know she's a minor character but it still iffs me I'm sorry.
I did enjoy this, I just think my experience was considerably muted because I went into it in the mood for something else.♡
♡pre-read♡
I'm in the mood for a good enemies to lovers book rn. fingers crossed that this delivers 🤞🏽
April 15, 2024
The smut was decent. The second half was kind of an improvement on the first half. Nothing made sense. Could have been half the length and none of the plot would have been sacrificed. I use the term plot loosely.
Not only does this book constantly tell and not show, it tells you so much, over and over again, the same thing, that you’re beaten over the head with it. The only thing that stopped me from DNF’ing was because I wanted to read book 2 😂
The third act drama riding on the fact that Blaine took a sip of a drink he never in a million years would have drunk because it was fucking weird nearly made my eyes permanently roll into the back of my head.
That will be all.
I lied, that was not all. 30 times they say ‘my guy’. That’s 25 times too many imo.
Not only does this book constantly tell and not show, it tells you so much, over and over again, the same thing, that you’re beaten over the head with it. The only thing that stopped me from DNF’ing was because I wanted to read book 2 😂
The third act drama riding on the fact that Blaine took a sip of a drink he never in a million years would have drunk because it was fucking weird nearly made my eyes permanently roll into the back of my head.
That will be all.
I lied, that was not all. 30 times they say ‘my guy’. That’s 25 times too many imo.
Shelved as 'dnf'
February 7, 2024Another overrated n misused trope, the one and only, “enemies” to lovers. Of course they kissed very early and lacks of real depth n development. Of course it then turn into a shallow sexcapade rather then exploring their backstory. So far, this was boring, childish, had a horrendous writing and the slowest beginning. The supposed secret romance and enemies to lovers fall flat due to the lacking of reflection on the characters’ feelings. Which lead to me as a reader unable to feel immersed by their story. I do not get the hype at all.
February 4, 2024
mehh, dnf 65%.
So, I know there is spicy scenes and all but the relationship building is too YA for me. It’s way to soon « cute/swoon ». At first, I really liked it in the first chapters but the more the story goes and the relationship between Silas and Blaine grown, I was bored and the characters feels to immature for me, more precisely, the way they were written.
It’s another « enemies to lovers » book that is not one.
Also, I love the dirty talk in books, don’t get me wrong. But in this book it was made so unnatural I was like almost embarrassed.
So, I know there is spicy scenes and all but the relationship building is too YA for me. It’s way to soon « cute/swoon ». At first, I really liked it in the first chapters but the more the story goes and the relationship between Silas and Blaine grown, I was bored and the characters feels to immature for me, more precisely, the way they were written.
It’s another « enemies to lovers » book that is not one.
Also, I love the dirty talk in books, don’t get me wrong. But in this book it was made so unnatural I was like almost embarrassed.
February 22, 2024
This was so good. I loved Ashleigh's Lionheart Academy series so thought I'd give this a try. Everything I like in a good romance is here. Enemies to lovers, great supporting cast, good dialog between the MCs, emphasis on mental health, bad boy/good boy, NA, and scorching sex. I'm not familiar with the other author, but this was just a delight to read.
February 12, 2024
good lorrrrdddd i was so fucking bored. everything feels so copy paste from all the other books that used this trope. i would love this last year but hey its 2024 already!!
Shelved as 'dnf'
February 4, 2024DNF @ 40%
March 30, 2024
Hateful Love
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I read it, but at what cost?
It was ridiculous. It was unhinged. The writing was NOT my thing at all. But it was kind of cute and wholesome?
It’s over so I’m gonna pretend I didn’t read it and move on.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I read it, but at what cost?
It was ridiculous. It was unhinged. The writing was NOT my thing at all. But it was kind of cute and wholesome?
It’s over so I’m gonna pretend I didn’t read it and move on.
January 31, 2024
"I never in a million years thought I'd be caught up in some sex fling with my enemy, but I'm thoroughly enjoying myself, so screw it. Let the cards fall where they may."
This book was a total *chefs kiss* when it comes to my fav trope of enemies to lovers. The UST was off the charts! From the first hook-up you could just feel the chemistry between these two. They were explosive. Passionate. Even violent at times. They moved from enemies to a frenemies with bennies sitch. And even more slowly came the feels. It was gradual, their realization that the other isn't who they thought they were. Bit by bit Silas and Blaine started to show pieces of their real selves to one another and in turn the walls around their hearts began to crumble. This transition was done really well. There is no jarring 180 of feelings here.
"This is more, isn't it?
We... We are more now."
I loved how fierce these two were with protecting one another. Once they realized that what they had between them was something real, something worth fighting for, they were all in. No matter the cost these two were going to do whatever they could to make sure the man they loved was safe. And I just loved that their friends and Silas' family were so awesome. Bunky in particular is quite the character and I am SO FREAKING PUMPED that he is getting a book next. That boy is batshit cray and I, for one, am here for it!
This book was a total *chefs kiss* when it comes to my fav trope of enemies to lovers. The UST was off the charts! From the first hook-up you could just feel the chemistry between these two. They were explosive. Passionate. Even violent at times. They moved from enemies to a frenemies with bennies sitch. And even more slowly came the feels. It was gradual, their realization that the other isn't who they thought they were. Bit by bit Silas and Blaine started to show pieces of their real selves to one another and in turn the walls around their hearts began to crumble. This transition was done really well. There is no jarring 180 of feelings here.
"This is more, isn't it?
We... We are more now."
I loved how fierce these two were with protecting one another. Once they realized that what they had between them was something real, something worth fighting for, they were all in. No matter the cost these two were going to do whatever they could to make sure the man they loved was safe. And I just loved that their friends and Silas' family were so awesome. Bunky in particular is quite the character and I am SO FREAKING PUMPED that he is getting a book next. That boy is batshit cray and I, for one, am here for it!
February 22, 2024
❝𝐌𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐩𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐬 𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐦𝐞 𝐮𝐩. “𝐇𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟𝐟. 𝐍𝐨 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐞.”❞
➤ enemies-to-lovers
➤ secret romance
➤ opposites-attract
➤ jock x bad boy
I love books where there is so much blind trust and acceptance between two characters 🥺
Silas and Blaine started off as enemies, but the mutual dislike soon blossomed into something else. It was really beautiful to watch those two slowly but surely fall in love with each other, even though they came from such different backgrounds and had such different personalities. The found family trope was a nice bonus, and I hope some of the side-characters will get their own story.
February 4, 2024
⭐︎
4.75 Stars Rounded Up
⭐︎
I absolutely loved this, it was so so good!
The enemies-to-lovers was done really well, even if it went away perhaps a little too fast. But considering that it lasted quite a bit longer than other 'enemies-to-lovers' romances, this book gets props for having there be an intense dislike for as long as it did.
By 50% they were fully in the no-longer enemies stage and fully in the feelings stage, but I didn't mind too much. Not only because this was so long, so it had been given room to get to the feelings stage from enemies, but also because we got so much of them being in love as well. It was a pretty good balance overall, so all the points for that.
The chemistry was really good, too. I was full on swooning when it got to these two being in love. The possessiveness, the obsession they both had for each other - especially Silas toward Blaine and his willingness to fuck up anyone who dared mess with his baby 😍
And the sex scenes were, of course, 🔥. I was never feeling like there was too little or too much sex in this, and what we got was so well done. I loved it.
My only small niggle, and hence .25 stars off, is what happens at the climax, with Kent trying to get his revenge. I don't know why Silas didn't just
But, it wasn't too big of a deal in the overall story. Just maybe not making 100% sense. But it wasn't so far fetched that I felt it needed any more than .25 stars off.
The rest of this I just absolutely loved and couldn't get enough of, I couldn't put it down.
This was such a complete story too. And T. Ashleigh has had some difficulty in the past, I feel, having fully complete endings that aren't rushed, so I loved how this one felt fully complete and not at all rushed. It felt earned. Maybe this second author - new to me, I believe - helped make that ending feel complete, I don't know. But either way I was so happy with where our boys ended up and how happy, in love and settled they were.
And I'm always a sucker for very possessive men so I loved Silas being so possessive of his sweet baby. Of course I love it when the LI loves their over possessiveness even more, so Blaine being a total sucker for it made me love it even more.
This was just so wonderful and I cannot wait for Bunky and Whaley. That slight taboo-ness with their big age gap and Bunky's unhinged nature, and being the one Whaley lets get away with practically everything....can't wait.
(Also I thought Raid and Landon were gonna be a couple too but perhaps not? Landon got with this girl at the end of this so who knows....guess we'll see on those two, though.)
Onto the next! 😍
I absolutely loved this, it was so so good!
The enemies-to-lovers was done really well, even if it went away perhaps a little too fast. But considering that it lasted quite a bit longer than other 'enemies-to-lovers' romances, this book gets props for having there be an intense dislike for as long as it did.
By 50% they were fully in the no-longer enemies stage and fully in the feelings stage, but I didn't mind too much. Not only because this was so long, so it had been given room to get to the feelings stage from enemies, but also because we got so much of them being in love as well. It was a pretty good balance overall, so all the points for that.
The chemistry was really good, too. I was full on swooning when it got to these two being in love. The possessiveness, the obsession they both had for each other - especially Silas toward Blaine and his willingness to fuck up anyone who dared mess with his baby 😍
And the sex scenes were, of course, 🔥. I was never feeling like there was too little or too much sex in this, and what we got was so well done. I loved it.
My only small niggle, and hence .25 stars off, is what happens at the climax, with Kent trying to get his revenge. I don't know why Silas didn't just
But, it wasn't too big of a deal in the overall story. Just maybe not making 100% sense. But it wasn't so far fetched that I felt it needed any more than .25 stars off.
The rest of this I just absolutely loved and couldn't get enough of, I couldn't put it down.
This was such a complete story too. And T. Ashleigh has had some difficulty in the past, I feel, having fully complete endings that aren't rushed, so I loved how this one felt fully complete and not at all rushed. It felt earned. Maybe this second author - new to me, I believe - helped make that ending feel complete, I don't know. But either way I was so happy with where our boys ended up and how happy, in love and settled they were.
And I'm always a sucker for very possessive men so I loved Silas being so possessive of his sweet baby. Of course I love it when the LI loves their over possessiveness even more, so Blaine being a total sucker for it made me love it even more.
This was just so wonderful and I cannot wait for Bunky and Whaley. That slight taboo-ness with their big age gap and Bunky's unhinged nature, and being the one Whaley lets get away with practically everything....can't wait.
(Also I thought Raid and Landon were gonna be a couple too but perhaps not? Landon got with this girl at the end of this so who knows....guess we'll see on those two, though.)
Onto the next! 😍
February 5, 2024
So I’ll just say this now…
This was my favorite read of the year so far. It may be early in the year but I have a feeling it will be a fav for a good amount of the year if not all year. It gives Garron Park vibes and that was my favorite read from last year so I’m not complaining at all.
In this book we have Silas and Blaine. Two different guys from different sides of town. Silas is the bad boy, trailer park guy and Blaine is the golden boy, mayors son. They couldn’t be more different and they both have very preconceived notions of each other. Both of them are very wrong. They are enemies at the beginning of this book and when they morph into lovers omg it’s sooo good!!! MM enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes.
It’s at about 17% where it’s gets into the action that I was waiting for and then from then it just gets better and better. By 48% I’m absolutely in love with these two. They seriously couldn’t be cuter. It’s not always lovey dovey because that’s not how Silas is but when he does get all “my sweet baby” omg!!!
I loved these two soo much!! Both separately and together. They complemented each other so well and they stood up for each other, always had each other’s back. While I did love them both there was just something about Silas that made him one of my favorite characters, like ever. Blaine was EVERYTHING to him and Silas was such a good boyfriend!!! He didn’t believe himself to be a good guy but I loved Silas soo much!!!
I loved how neither of them liked to party. They weren’t thinking about hooking up with people and getting crazy like a lot of high schoolers do. Blaine was a virgin!! Aside from kissing Silas was his first everything and while Silas was not a virgin he did not enjoy hooking up!! So no manwhores with these two!! That made this book ten times better. Also Silas was so possessive and obsessed with Blaine and that was like icing on the cake!!
I honestly didn’t want this book to end. I loved the epilogue and how it all ended up. Ahh it was soo good!! This will definitely be a reread for me!!
I absolutely loved the secondary characters as well. I’m so excited to read Bunky and Whaley’s book next!! It’s going to be crazy because Bunky is a psycho!!! A lovable psycho!!
NO CHEATING (they didn’t even look at anyone else)
NO OP DRAMA
NO THIRD ACT BREAK UP
VIRGIN MC
NO MANWHORES!!
VIOLENCE
DRUG DISTRIBUTION
This was my favorite read of the year so far. It may be early in the year but I have a feeling it will be a fav for a good amount of the year if not all year. It gives Garron Park vibes and that was my favorite read from last year so I’m not complaining at all.
In this book we have Silas and Blaine. Two different guys from different sides of town. Silas is the bad boy, trailer park guy and Blaine is the golden boy, mayors son. They couldn’t be more different and they both have very preconceived notions of each other. Both of them are very wrong. They are enemies at the beginning of this book and when they morph into lovers omg it’s sooo good!!! MM enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes.
It’s at about 17% where it’s gets into the action that I was waiting for and then from then it just gets better and better. By 48% I’m absolutely in love with these two. They seriously couldn’t be cuter. It’s not always lovey dovey because that’s not how Silas is but when he does get all “my sweet baby” omg!!!
I loved these two soo much!! Both separately and together. They complemented each other so well and they stood up for each other, always had each other’s back. While I did love them both there was just something about Silas that made him one of my favorite characters, like ever. Blaine was EVERYTHING to him and Silas was such a good boyfriend!!! He didn’t believe himself to be a good guy but I loved Silas soo much!!!
I loved how neither of them liked to party. They weren’t thinking about hooking up with people and getting crazy like a lot of high schoolers do. Blaine was a virgin!! Aside from kissing Silas was his first everything and while Silas was not a virgin he did not enjoy hooking up!! So no manwhores with these two!! That made this book ten times better. Also Silas was so possessive and obsessed with Blaine and that was like icing on the cake!!
I honestly didn’t want this book to end. I loved the epilogue and how it all ended up. Ahh it was soo good!! This will definitely be a reread for me!!
I absolutely loved the secondary characters as well. I’m so excited to read Bunky and Whaley’s book next!! It’s going to be crazy because Bunky is a psycho!!! A lovable psycho!!
NO CHEATING (they didn’t even look at anyone else)
NO OP DRAMA
NO THIRD ACT BREAK UP
VIRGIN MC
NO MANWHORES!!
VIOLENCE
DRUG DISTRIBUTION
February 8, 2024
This is my first book my T. Ashleigh and Addison Beck and they did not disappoint. I love Blaine and Silas so much. This is probably going to be one of my top reads for the year.
MM Romance
Possessive
Prying Friends
Sports Romance
Secret Romance
Opposite Attract
Enemies to Lovers
Bad Boy vs. The Jock
This book was completely unexpected, and it surprised me in the best way. I love how Blaine’s and Silas’s story unfolded.
Blaine is the golden boy, star quarterback, involved in every extra activity he can help with. He is Mr. Commitment and is afraid to let people down. This sweet man puts everything before himself and keeps himself overwhelmed. Well until Silas comes along.
Silas is the bad boy from the other side of the line. His father and brother are in jail. He just wants to protect his family and those he loves; and the Aces are his family. But Silas is different underneath it all. This man is possessive as it gets. He will stop at nothing to protect Blaine, including taking the fall and facing prison time.
These two literally crash to the ground in a fight that quickly turns into kissing and getting each other off. Blaine tells Silas that it will never happen again but these two are unable to resist the pull to each other. Things quickly heat up and these enemies turn into more.
If Silas says baby one more time, I swear I’ll melt completely and be no more. I completely adore these two. Also, mama Donna, you are my spirit guide. I hope I can one day put people in their place like you can.
I am so excited for the next book. I need more of these characters. I can’t wait to discover what comes next, with Whaley and Bunky.
MM Romance
Possessive
Prying Friends
Sports Romance
Secret Romance
Opposite Attract
Enemies to Lovers
Bad Boy vs. The Jock
This book was completely unexpected, and it surprised me in the best way. I love how Blaine’s and Silas’s story unfolded.
Blaine is the golden boy, star quarterback, involved in every extra activity he can help with. He is Mr. Commitment and is afraid to let people down. This sweet man puts everything before himself and keeps himself overwhelmed. Well until Silas comes along.
Silas is the bad boy from the other side of the line. His father and brother are in jail. He just wants to protect his family and those he loves; and the Aces are his family. But Silas is different underneath it all. This man is possessive as it gets. He will stop at nothing to protect Blaine, including taking the fall and facing prison time.
These two literally crash to the ground in a fight that quickly turns into kissing and getting each other off. Blaine tells Silas that it will never happen again but these two are unable to resist the pull to each other. Things quickly heat up and these enemies turn into more.
If Silas says baby one more time, I swear I’ll melt completely and be no more. I completely adore these two. Also, mama Donna, you are my spirit guide. I hope I can one day put people in their place like you can.
I am so excited for the next book. I need more of these characters. I can’t wait to discover what comes next, with Whaley and Bunky.
March 18, 2024
It's always funny when teens talk about having 'enemies' because what do you mean? That's just Blaine from Chemistry??? Be for real.
But then again, it's also a tiny bit believable because at that age you feel everything so intensely, so hell. I'll be magnanimous. Bon apetit y'alls enmity.
This was surprisingly good. Although it DID kind of give me Garron Park vibes, except one of them wasn't trailer trash.
Kudos for no third act breakups. I sort of foresaw one of them doing it for the sake of the other and I'm glad I was wrong.
Shoutout to Landon and Raid for asking that question 🙈🙈🙈because after all these books, I'm surprised the friends of the MCs never do.
Extra shoutout to the authors for the fact that the double bi awakening was so normal and not blown up into this huge angsty thing. I love that dynamic, but it was refreshing that this wasn't even an issue big enough for them to think about.
Yet another shoutout to Blaine for starting out a virgin and rapidly becoming a sex fiend, and to Silas for rolling with the punches.
Also, Jesus Christ, Bunky and Whaley! Top five terrible MC names for SURE but I'm so eager to read their story. I can't believe no one around them sees it. Blind ass men. (Unrelated: HELP! I KEEP GETTING SUCKED INTO AGE GAP ROMANCES!)
But then again, it's also a tiny bit believable because at that age you feel everything so intensely, so hell. I'll be magnanimous. Bon apetit y'alls enmity.
This was surprisingly good. Although it DID kind of give me Garron Park vibes, except one of them wasn't trailer trash.
Kudos for no third act breakups. I sort of foresaw one of them doing it for the sake of the other and I'm glad I was wrong.
Shoutout to Landon and Raid for asking that question 🙈🙈🙈because after all these books, I'm surprised the friends of the MCs never do.
Extra shoutout to the authors for the fact that the double bi awakening was so normal and not blown up into this huge angsty thing. I love that dynamic, but it was refreshing that this wasn't even an issue big enough for them to think about.
Yet another shoutout to Blaine for starting out a virgin and rapidly becoming a sex fiend, and to Silas for rolling with the punches.
Also, Jesus Christ, Bunky and Whaley! Top five terrible MC names for SURE but I'm so eager to read their story. I can't believe no one around them sees it. Blind ass men. (Unrelated: HELP! I KEEP GETTING SUCKED INTO AGE GAP ROMANCES!)
January 24, 2024
I have been waiting oh so patiently for Silas and Blaine’s story, ever since they appeared in the Anti-Valentine anthology! It’s here and just as amazing as I knew it would be! We got a wonderful surprise as this book was co-wrote by two amazing authors. Their writing worked so well together and flowed flawlessly between the two characters.
Silas was an awesome character. I loved his loyalty to his family, friends and gang. It was absolutely hilarious seeing him soften for Blaine and try some new things in and out of the bedroom! I felt so much for Blaine. It’s amazing how one’s life can look perfect from the outside but on the inside it feels like you’re drowning. I loved seeing the changes he made to his life and that he was finally happy!
Both of these characters had dreams of being more than they were “born” to be. Seeing them be there for each other and support their dreams was beautiful. Now this does start off as enemies to lovers so it wasn’t always so supportive but even from the beginning they had a great connection and the tension was palpable between them. It was explosive when they finally got together.
At some points I wasn’t sure how they’d get their HEA but they did and I loved it. We got some sneak peeks into the MCs for book 2 and I am all here for their story! If you love either of these authors or are even just a fan of enemies to lovers I highly recommend this story!
Silas was an awesome character. I loved his loyalty to his family, friends and gang. It was absolutely hilarious seeing him soften for Blaine and try some new things in and out of the bedroom! I felt so much for Blaine. It’s amazing how one’s life can look perfect from the outside but on the inside it feels like you’re drowning. I loved seeing the changes he made to his life and that he was finally happy!
Both of these characters had dreams of being more than they were “born” to be. Seeing them be there for each other and support their dreams was beautiful. Now this does start off as enemies to lovers so it wasn’t always so supportive but even from the beginning they had a great connection and the tension was palpable between them. It was explosive when they finally got together.
At some points I wasn’t sure how they’d get their HEA but they did and I loved it. We got some sneak peeks into the MCs for book 2 and I am all here for their story! If you love either of these authors or are even just a fan of enemies to lovers I highly recommend this story!
March 24, 2024
reread March 2024
4.5/5 stars
i love this book way more than i thought i would 🥹
also Bunky and Whaley??? i’m sat 🧎♀️
4.5/5 stars
He laughs again, the sound making my insides flip and my heart stutter. All these stupid fucking feelings that I said I’d never have, yet here I am, drowning in them and welcoming every second.
Why?
Because it’s Blaine fucking Yates and he does it for me.
i love this book way more than i thought i would 🥹
He’s like an addiction, a drug of the worst kind that’s consuming me, and all I want is my next hit. I’m like an alcoholic dying for a sip, telling myself it’ll be the last one, but always wanting more.
Silas Richards is my favorite vice.
also Bunky and Whaley??? i’m sat 🧎♀️
August 30, 2024
3,8 ⭐️
The writing didn’t click with me all the way, but I enjoyed reading this book nonetheless.
The writing didn’t click with me all the way, but I enjoyed reading this book nonetheless.
February 3, 2024
Tropes: enemies to lovers, secret relationship, hurt/comfort, small town, opposites attract
Feels: 4.5/5
Steam*: 4/5
Kinks: role play, mild degradation, dirty talk, docking
Angst: medium
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: Gangs, violence, bullying, panic attacks, drugs, forced drugging, homophobia, bad parents
4.5 stars, it was a fun read
Silas and Blaine are 18. Blaine is the golden boy, a star athlete, very involved in the community, a great student, son of the mayor. He's a virgin, he doesn't drink or do drugs. Silas is trailer park trash to most people, his dad and brother are in jail, his family is gang affiliated and he's likely to join the gang soon, he does jobs for the gang including drug deals. Silas is a good son and a good person at heart though. He's not really fit for the life he's stuck with.
They met 3 years ago at school. Blaine was instantly fascinated by Silas but he wasn't self-aware enough to recognize that feeling was attraction. They got off on the wrong foot and they have had a relationship based on hate, exchanging barbs and shoving at each other ever since. A fight on the outskirts of a party one night of shoving turns sexual. They kiss and get each other off, and they both love it, and they tumble into an ongoing hate f****** relationship. They hook up in secret for many weeks maybe months. They start to talk and feelings start to grow. People start to find out about them and Blaine's home life blows up on him and Silas is there for him. The big conflict is can their relationship survive corrupt interference and the end of high school, with Blaine moving out of town for school and Silas needing to commit to the gang he's in.
I really liked this book. There was great animosity between the characters. The animosity lasted for a good hunk of time. There was good tension between them. They had explosive chemistry together. I like the slow build of feelings creeping in. It's funny that even when they hated each other and even from their first hookup, they kept sneaking in goodbye kisses after they hooked up. They really couldn't help themselves. I liked them becoming so possessive and protective of one another. I usually am not a huge fan of high school books but this was enjoyable. I'm intrigued by the idea of Whaley and Bunky getting a book next.
Some notable moments:
"We’re at our spot in the camper, sitting on the run-down pull-out couch tucked by the back of the space. We’re hip to hip, Silas’ arm wrapped around me—trapped between the couch and my back—with his fingers hooked around my belt loop. My head rests on his shoulder, and every now and then my lips wander to nip at the freckles on his throat, but he’s been ignoring me."
Their texts are funny "Me: Be careful. I might think you like me or something.
Asshole: Fuck off. I’ll have your ass tomorrow.
Me: Don’t you mean ‘see’?
Asshole: I said what I said."
"Asshole: You done yet? I’m horny and wanna fuck.
Two seconds later, he sends another message.
Asshole: Fine, also I miss you. Hurry up and get over here so we can cuddle or some shit."
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
Feels: 4.5/5
Steam*: 4/5
Kinks: role play, mild degradation, dirty talk, docking
Angst: medium
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: Gangs, violence, bullying, panic attacks, drugs, forced drugging, homophobia, bad parents
4.5 stars, it was a fun read
Silas and Blaine are 18. Blaine is the golden boy, a star athlete, very involved in the community, a great student, son of the mayor. He's a virgin, he doesn't drink or do drugs. Silas is trailer park trash to most people, his dad and brother are in jail, his family is gang affiliated and he's likely to join the gang soon, he does jobs for the gang including drug deals. Silas is a good son and a good person at heart though. He's not really fit for the life he's stuck with.
They met 3 years ago at school. Blaine was instantly fascinated by Silas but he wasn't self-aware enough to recognize that feeling was attraction. They got off on the wrong foot and they have had a relationship based on hate, exchanging barbs and shoving at each other ever since. A fight on the outskirts of a party one night of shoving turns sexual. They kiss and get each other off, and they both love it, and they tumble into an ongoing hate f****** relationship. They hook up in secret for many weeks maybe months. They start to talk and feelings start to grow. People start to find out about them and Blaine's home life blows up on him and Silas is there for him. The big conflict is can their relationship survive corrupt interference and the end of high school, with Blaine moving out of town for school and Silas needing to commit to the gang he's in.
I really liked this book. There was great animosity between the characters. The animosity lasted for a good hunk of time. There was good tension between them. They had explosive chemistry together. I like the slow build of feelings creeping in. It's funny that even when they hated each other and even from their first hookup, they kept sneaking in goodbye kisses after they hooked up. They really couldn't help themselves. I liked them becoming so possessive and protective of one another. I usually am not a huge fan of high school books but this was enjoyable. I'm intrigued by the idea of Whaley and Bunky getting a book next.
Some notable moments:
"We’re at our spot in the camper, sitting on the run-down pull-out couch tucked by the back of the space. We’re hip to hip, Silas’ arm wrapped around me—trapped between the couch and my back—with his fingers hooked around my belt loop. My head rests on his shoulder, and every now and then my lips wander to nip at the freckles on his throat, but he’s been ignoring me."
Their texts are funny "Me: Be careful. I might think you like me or something.
Asshole: Fuck off. I’ll have your ass tomorrow.
Me: Don’t you mean ‘see’?
Asshole: I said what I said."
"Asshole: You done yet? I’m horny and wanna fuck.
Two seconds later, he sends another message.
Asshole: Fine, also I miss you. Hurry up and get over here so we can cuddle or some shit."
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2024
READ IT! your insides will feel so gooey!!!
I just know I'm gonna think of Silas and Blaine often. 😍 I've read a few other MM books & they just didn't do it for me...BUT THIS BOOK had me blushing, smiling & giggling all damn day. I LOVED reading their love story 🥹
OHHHH and the spicy scenes OMGGGG 🥵
"he steps forward, pressing our heads together, and I’m about to ask what he’s going to do until—with a flick of his thumb—he drags his foreskin over the head of my cock. Holy motherfucking Jesus Christ 🔥🔥
Ill probably look up MM later on the hub🤷♀️
my favorite MM romance so far!
Oh, he’s awfully sure of himself for a guy who just nutted in his pants.
My blood is on his lips, smeared like some fucked-up lipstick, and his huge gray eyes are so lost, to the point they suck me into Wonderland. That’s the only explanation I have for what I do next. Down the motherfucking rabbit hole we go.
“You’re important to me. Fuck that, I’m obsessed with you, Blaine Yates. Like a toxin there ain’t no cure for. You’ve poisoned me, baby, but I’ll happily suffer for you.”
“You have to stop putting yourself down,” he says sternly, his eyes holding mine with such intensity. “I don’t like it when you do that. I don’t care about the food, your house, or your clothes, Si. I only care about you.”
I just know I'm gonna think of Silas and Blaine often. 😍 I've read a few other MM books & they just didn't do it for me...BUT THIS BOOK had me blushing, smiling & giggling all damn day. I LOVED reading their love story 🥹
OHHHH and the spicy scenes OMGGGG 🥵
"he steps forward, pressing our heads together, and I’m about to ask what he’s going to do until—with a flick of his thumb—he drags his foreskin over the head of my cock. Holy motherfucking Jesus Christ 🔥🔥
Ill probably look up MM later on the hub🤷♀️
my favorite MM romance so far!
Oh, he’s awfully sure of himself for a guy who just nutted in his pants.
My blood is on his lips, smeared like some fucked-up lipstick, and his huge gray eyes are so lost, to the point they suck me into Wonderland. That’s the only explanation I have for what I do next. Down the motherfucking rabbit hole we go.
“You’re important to me. Fuck that, I’m obsessed with you, Blaine Yates. Like a toxin there ain’t no cure for. You’ve poisoned me, baby, but I’ll happily suffer for you.”
“You have to stop putting yourself down,” he says sternly, his eyes holding mine with such intensity. “I don’t like it when you do that. I don’t care about the food, your house, or your clothes, Si. I only care about you.”
February 8, 2024
DNF at 60%. the first 50% was cute and promising but i hate how characters do a complete 180 once they get together. it’s like they’re totally different characters, the characterization was not consistent throughout and its like we are reading about different people altogether … plus it got so corny and boring once the challenge was gone
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