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kaydanielsromance's review
5.0
This class of 2020 has it all! Redemption for prior bullies , prequels to what will happen to new bullies, origin stories to flush out what has happened to old bullies, and most importantly angst on top of angst on top of angst. Bully Me is gloriously full of short stories written by a collection of authors that know how to write some of the best angsty stories. Let me tell you that with each story in this anthology, you will not only be drawn into a new world worth diving head first into, but you will want to devour it entirely.
The authors and stories included in this anthology are:
Charlie by Siobhan Davis
Make You Beg by Shantel Tessier
Like You Care by Kaydence Snow
A Prequel to The Boy on the Bridge by Sam Mariano
The Original Bullet by Coralee June
Devil's Day Party by C.M. Stunich
Hood River Rat by K. Webster
Riot House by Callie Hart
Here are just a few glimpses into some of the stories contained in this anthology:
Charlie: This is part of the Rydeville series and yet if you haven't read this amazing series yet, this short story will give you a look into what the story is about and what is coming up for the future of where the series is headed without giving too much away on either account. Charlie held a pivotal role in the overall arc, but here he is after the dust has settled just trying to pick up his shattered life and living with the remorse he initially played. This story will gut you if you are a fan and have you looking forward to the next book in the series.
The Original Bullet: This is a prequel to the series where you get a glimpse into Summer and Gavriel's beginning. Summer is a meek, perfect girl by all appearances, but when Gavriel moves in across the street the girl inside comes out to say hello. These two unlikely people actually bond and give us a teaser to their bigger overall story. I haven't read the trilogy yet, but I'm really looking forward to picking it up.
A Prequel to The Boy on the Bridge: A regrettable mistake, an unlikely friendship, and abuse all tie up in this prequel that is a total gripping read. I really need to know more after reading this story because I have a burning desire to find out what happens when things all go to hell for Hunter and Riley. This story will tug at your empathy and angst so hard. GAH! You'll love it!
Hood River Rat: A new adult/coming of age MM dark romance. A story full of bullies, but also a story full of compassion. A student that is very aware of his sexual orientation, but now that he's moved to a new school, he's just trying to fit in socially and he doesn't want to make his sexuality stand out, but when the biggest bully in school sets off his gaydar it's hard not to take notice of him. This story had my emotions up and down and all over the place. I desperately need to know what happens next and I can't wait to find out.
The authors and stories included in this anthology are:
Charlie by Siobhan Davis
Make You Beg by Shantel Tessier
Like You Care by Kaydence Snow
A Prequel to The Boy on the Bridge by Sam Mariano
The Original Bullet by Coralee June
Devil's Day Party by C.M. Stunich
Hood River Rat by K. Webster
Riot House by Callie Hart
Here are just a few glimpses into some of the stories contained in this anthology:
Charlie: This is part of the Rydeville series and yet if you haven't read this amazing series yet, this short story will give you a look into what the story is about and what is coming up for the future of where the series is headed without giving too much away on either account. Charlie held a pivotal role in the overall arc, but here he is after the dust has settled just trying to pick up his shattered life and living with the remorse he initially played. This story will gut you if you are a fan and have you looking forward to the next book in the series.
The Original Bullet: This is a prequel to the series where you get a glimpse into Summer and Gavriel's beginning. Summer is a meek, perfect girl by all appearances, but when Gavriel moves in across the street the girl inside comes out to say hello. These two unlikely people actually bond and give us a teaser to their bigger overall story. I haven't read the trilogy yet, but I'm really looking forward to picking it up.
A Prequel to The Boy on the Bridge: A regrettable mistake, an unlikely friendship, and abuse all tie up in this prequel that is a total gripping read. I really need to know more after reading this story because I have a burning desire to find out what happens when things all go to hell for Hunter and Riley. This story will tug at your empathy and angst so hard. GAH! You'll love it!
Hood River Rat: A new adult/coming of age MM dark romance. A story full of bullies, but also a story full of compassion. A student that is very aware of his sexual orientation, but now that he's moved to a new school, he's just trying to fit in socially and he doesn't want to make his sexuality stand out, but when the biggest bully in school sets off his gaydar it's hard not to take notice of him. This story had my emotions up and down and all over the place. I desperately need to know what happens next and I can't wait to find out.
elainazriel's review
marking this as read and rating it when i only read one short story >>>>
cierra_mccauley_cierrascorner's review
5.0
Buckle up Buttercup!! Because these are 8 phenomenal authors who love to dabble on the dark side, they are the Queen’s of Bully romance! And they’re ready to rock your world!! Ahh! I love each and every one of these authors! If you know them you, you NEED this anthology, if you don’t know them, You NEED this anthology! Each book in this anthology is a lengthy clip, a Taste, a Tease of their WPs that they are about to release! What’s that mean? It means you get 8 books/quickies, (I’m thinking about 100p each). They’re a taste of what’s to come, each book will be getting either an epilogue, completed, more scenes…bottom line is MORE, in the near future, next few months in 2020. This anthology is to help support victims of bullying (all proceeds will go to ditch the label).
Siobhan Davis - Charlie (5 Stars)
This book is an interconnected stand-alone romance in the Rydeville Elite world. It can be read without having read the first three books in the series. This would be #4.
I have not read the series yet. But man, I can’t wait to start it!
Omg! I loved these characters! This short story was Sexy and so angsty! Charlie and Demi’s story is a rough one! I couldn’t get enough of their love/hate thing they had going on. It’s one of my favorite things for characters to have! You instantly realize there is so much more going on with Charlie and some of the other characters, it snares you and makes you want it all. Their attraction is so magnetic and heated, they definitely start a fire! My heart aches for both of these characters, each has been through/ going through so much and there are still things we don’t know. I’m super excited to read this series and if I read that correctly there will be more to Charlie’s book coming in May.
Callie Hart- Riot House (5 Stars)
Hot Dan! This book was explosive! With this clip, we get a nice, intriguing look into Riot House, Hart’s new book which will be a part of a stand-alone series called Crooked Sinner Series. I’m hooked! Dying to know what will come next! I loved the characters, this bully instantly consumes you! It’s addictive and full of thrilling suspense! The sexual tension between some of these characters is ohhhh soo Hott! I’m a goner! I can’t wait to get my hands on this baby! Come on April 29th!
Coralee June - The Original Bullet (5 Stars)
This is a prequel to the Complete Bullets Trilogy. This is a Dark Reverse Harem. * if there is anyone out there who has Not read this series...YOU NEED IT!
Oh Gavriel, I swoon just reading his name across the screen! This little prequel, this taste squeezes your heart! Their connection is special, you fall in love with them instantly! I highly recommend you read the Bullets trilogy, it’s Everything!
Sam Mariano - The boy on the Bridge Prequel (5 Stars)
This short piece is a prequel to Mariano’s The Boy on the Bridge.
Oh my! This prequel was so riveting! You instantly get so consumed by a first-love and the butterflies and the terrifying reality of Hunter’s home life. Knowing this can only end badly. Sometimes the right thing isn’t always the easiest and it doesn’t always make things better but it still needs to be done. My heart was torn out for these characters and I need to know what comes next!
Kaydence Snow - Like You Care (5 Stars)
Oh, my freaking heart! Snow just wreaked me with this book! And that cliffy was brutal!! Omg!! I loved Mena! This bully book will have you ready to square up! These girls are savage and so jealous! I can’t wait to see their karma! Snow ripped all my emotions out! There’s also a lot of mystery surrounding Turner, lots of secrets being kept! I’m dying for the full book! I can’t wait to find out what will happen now.
CM Stunich - Devil’s Day Party (5 Stars)
A time loop bully Romance.
Omg! This short clip was insane!! I freaking loved it! In true Stunich form, she steals your attention from beginning to end! I was completely riveted, a mess of heart-pounding, high anxiety, basket case just swallowing up the words! I loved Karma! Their storyline was new and it was sinister and intriguing! I just preordered the book! This is a wicked good tease of what’s to come! May 1st the full book will be released and it cannot come quick enough!
Shantel Tessier- Make You Beg (5 Stars)
The madam of Bully is back and it’s another hot one! Tessier is my all-time favorite dark, bully author, she gives a thrilling, intense, sometimes terrifying but always phenomenal read! And you can bet your a>> it’s sexy! I’m dying to get my hands if this complete book! I need more Scout, oh he just so deliciously sinful! All the guys are intriguing and Henley is the perfect take no crap girl! The storyline has you consumed, ready to uncover the truth! Tessier is known for secrets and twists, I always forget because I get so enthralled in her books and it always knocks me on my a>>! This was a great taste!
K. Webster - Hood River Rat (5 Stars)
Oh, my heart! This was a tough one! Gets you with all the feels! I loved Hollis so hard! Everything he’s going through. The same for Roan and Roux, they break me! This story is Everything! The ending had me dying! I have to know what happens next. I need it! This book was new and sexy, it’s hella angsty! Webster keeps pulling me in with her amazing talent!
This Anthology was Fantastic! The Bullies so very Cruel and You love their Dark little hearts! I'm dying for The continuation of some of these! Let the stalking begin! These wonderful authors have Fb pages and groups with all their info to keep up with their latest and greatest! This was a Slam dunk Anthology!
I received an ARC of Bully Me Anthology in exchange for an honest review.
Siobhan Davis - Charlie (5 Stars)
This book is an interconnected stand-alone romance in the Rydeville Elite world. It can be read without having read the first three books in the series. This would be #4.
I have not read the series yet. But man, I can’t wait to start it!
Omg! I loved these characters! This short story was Sexy and so angsty! Charlie and Demi’s story is a rough one! I couldn’t get enough of their love/hate thing they had going on. It’s one of my favorite things for characters to have! You instantly realize there is so much more going on with Charlie and some of the other characters, it snares you and makes you want it all. Their attraction is so magnetic and heated, they definitely start a fire! My heart aches for both of these characters, each has been through/ going through so much and there are still things we don’t know. I’m super excited to read this series and if I read that correctly there will be more to Charlie’s book coming in May.
Callie Hart- Riot House (5 Stars)
Hot Dan! This book was explosive! With this clip, we get a nice, intriguing look into Riot House, Hart’s new book which will be a part of a stand-alone series called Crooked Sinner Series. I’m hooked! Dying to know what will come next! I loved the characters, this bully instantly consumes you! It’s addictive and full of thrilling suspense! The sexual tension between some of these characters is ohhhh soo Hott! I’m a goner! I can’t wait to get my hands on this baby! Come on April 29th!
Coralee June - The Original Bullet (5 Stars)
This is a prequel to the Complete Bullets Trilogy. This is a Dark Reverse Harem. * if there is anyone out there who has Not read this series...YOU NEED IT!
Oh Gavriel, I swoon just reading his name across the screen! This little prequel, this taste squeezes your heart! Their connection is special, you fall in love with them instantly! I highly recommend you read the Bullets trilogy, it’s Everything!
Sam Mariano - The boy on the Bridge Prequel (5 Stars)
This short piece is a prequel to Mariano’s The Boy on the Bridge.
Oh my! This prequel was so riveting! You instantly get so consumed by a first-love and the butterflies and the terrifying reality of Hunter’s home life. Knowing this can only end badly. Sometimes the right thing isn’t always the easiest and it doesn’t always make things better but it still needs to be done. My heart was torn out for these characters and I need to know what comes next!
Kaydence Snow - Like You Care (5 Stars)
Oh, my freaking heart! Snow just wreaked me with this book! And that cliffy was brutal!! Omg!! I loved Mena! This bully book will have you ready to square up! These girls are savage and so jealous! I can’t wait to see their karma! Snow ripped all my emotions out! There’s also a lot of mystery surrounding Turner, lots of secrets being kept! I’m dying for the full book! I can’t wait to find out what will happen now.
CM Stunich - Devil’s Day Party (5 Stars)
A time loop bully Romance.
Omg! This short clip was insane!! I freaking loved it! In true Stunich form, she steals your attention from beginning to end! I was completely riveted, a mess of heart-pounding, high anxiety, basket case just swallowing up the words! I loved Karma! Their storyline was new and it was sinister and intriguing! I just preordered the book! This is a wicked good tease of what’s to come! May 1st the full book will be released and it cannot come quick enough!
Shantel Tessier- Make You Beg (5 Stars)
The madam of Bully is back and it’s another hot one! Tessier is my all-time favorite dark, bully author, she gives a thrilling, intense, sometimes terrifying but always phenomenal read! And you can bet your a>> it’s sexy! I’m dying to get my hands if this complete book! I need more Scout, oh he just so deliciously sinful! All the guys are intriguing and Henley is the perfect take no crap girl! The storyline has you consumed, ready to uncover the truth! Tessier is known for secrets and twists, I always forget because I get so enthralled in her books and it always knocks me on my a>>! This was a great taste!
K. Webster - Hood River Rat (5 Stars)
Oh, my heart! This was a tough one! Gets you with all the feels! I loved Hollis so hard! Everything he’s going through. The same for Roan and Roux, they break me! This story is Everything! The ending had me dying! I have to know what happens next. I need it! This book was new and sexy, it’s hella angsty! Webster keeps pulling me in with her amazing talent!
This Anthology was Fantastic! The Bullies so very Cruel and You love their Dark little hearts! I'm dying for The continuation of some of these! Let the stalking begin! These wonderful authors have Fb pages and groups with all their info to keep up with their latest and greatest! This was a Slam dunk Anthology!
I received an ARC of Bully Me Anthology in exchange for an honest review.
bellebookblog's review against another edition
5.0
Bully Class of 2020 anthology review
Charlie is a story by Siobhan Davis about a man named Charlie and a woman named Demi. Demi drops out of college her senior year to care for her father who has had a stroke. Demi gets a call from Danny, one of the security guards at her firm saying that the CEO’s son, Charles Barron, the third is drunk off his butt and in the president’s office. Demi hears a man quietly sobbing so she goes to investigate. Charlie and Demi who was Charlie’s father’s personal assistant wind up having sex because he’s upset that his father passed away. Demi is disgusted that Charlie cheated on his wife that he just married tonight.
I absolutely loved this story. I’m definitely going to read more of Ms. Davis’s work
Riot House is a story by Callie Hart. We meet Elodie Stillwater, a 17 year old girl who was transferred to Wolf Hall in New Hampshire by her father, Colonel Stillwater. Elodie meets Carina who is also in her English class with Damiana who is a real bitch. Elodie, being new to Wolf Hall poses the question, Is the English language dead. Professor Fitz loved the spirited debate. Elodie is very interested in Wren Jacobi and learning all about him. Wren is starting to fall for Elodie. I absolutely loved this story. Can’t wait for more of their story.
The Original Bullet is a story by Coralee June. We meet Summer, a young girl whose getting ready for PSAT class and aft wards, tennis lessons. Summer and her mother look to see their neighbors, The Jameson’s foster son Gavriel leaving his house. Summer’s mother wonders if her neighbors would like to be on the board of directors of the new charity that she is starting she donates some money to foster child charities I absolutely loved this story. I’m in love with Gavriel and Summer I can’t wait to read more of Ms. June’s work
Prequel to the Boy on the Bridge by Sam Mariano We meet Riley as she’s walking home from school with a falling apart backpack. On her favorite footbridge is Hunter Maxwell, a popular jerk whose just told Riley to tell no one that she saw him. Holy crap.. this story was so freaking good. I loved Hunter and Riley. Can’t wait for more.
Like you care by Kaydence Snow We meet Mena and her cousins, Donna and Harlow who are playing tennis and Mena and her friend, Amaya are waiting for the girls to finish their game so they can all go swimming. Mena meets her next door neighbor, Turner after a late night shift at the diner. Mena is being bullied at school because of her port wine stain birthmark. I know how Mena feels. I have cerebral palsy and hydrocephalus which unfortunately makes you have a big head as it’s name means “water on the brain”. I absolutely loved this story and all the characters especially Turner and Mena
Devil’s Day Party by C.M. Stunich is about Karma Sartain and her friends, Luke and Amy. Karma is bullied at her prep school by the Knight Crew consisting of Calix, Sonja, and Raz. Karma accidentally hits Calix’s car while getting gas. It’s Devil’s Day at their prep school where gifts are given and tricks are abound. I absolutely loved this story. Can’t wait for more.
Make You Beg by Shantel Tessier is where we meet Henley and her friends, Scout, Dax, and Law. Henley is sitting at Dax’s murder trial. Henley gave her statement to the police regarding Dax and after the verdict, she returns to school for her senior year. Everyone involved wants Henley to disappear ASAP
I absolutely loved this story. Her books are added to my Kindle Unlimited TBR
Hood River Rat by K. Webster
We meet Hollis, a senior who is openly gay but unfortunately his father, a prominent surgeon couldn’t accept him for him so his mother gave his father, an ultimatum, him or the kids. Mom chose her kids and moved them all to her sister Karen’s house in Oregon. Hollis tangles with Roan, part of the Hoodrats gang as Roan is kicked out of class and purposely knocks Hollis’s messenger bag off his desk which included his expensive computer so Hollis cursed which sent him to the principal’s office, his aunt. I absolutely loved this story. I loved all the characters especially Hollis and Roa
Charlie is a story by Siobhan Davis about a man named Charlie and a woman named Demi. Demi drops out of college her senior year to care for her father who has had a stroke. Demi gets a call from Danny, one of the security guards at her firm saying that the CEO’s son, Charles Barron, the third is drunk off his butt and in the president’s office. Demi hears a man quietly sobbing so she goes to investigate. Charlie and Demi who was Charlie’s father’s personal assistant wind up having sex because he’s upset that his father passed away. Demi is disgusted that Charlie cheated on his wife that he just married tonight.
I absolutely loved this story. I’m definitely going to read more of Ms. Davis’s work
Riot House is a story by Callie Hart. We meet Elodie Stillwater, a 17 year old girl who was transferred to Wolf Hall in New Hampshire by her father, Colonel Stillwater. Elodie meets Carina who is also in her English class with Damiana who is a real bitch. Elodie, being new to Wolf Hall poses the question, Is the English language dead. Professor Fitz loved the spirited debate. Elodie is very interested in Wren Jacobi and learning all about him. Wren is starting to fall for Elodie. I absolutely loved this story. Can’t wait for more of their story.
The Original Bullet is a story by Coralee June. We meet Summer, a young girl whose getting ready for PSAT class and aft wards, tennis lessons. Summer and her mother look to see their neighbors, The Jameson’s foster son Gavriel leaving his house. Summer’s mother wonders if her neighbors would like to be on the board of directors of the new charity that she is starting she donates some money to foster child charities I absolutely loved this story. I’m in love with Gavriel and Summer I can’t wait to read more of Ms. June’s work
Prequel to the Boy on the Bridge by Sam Mariano We meet Riley as she’s walking home from school with a falling apart backpack. On her favorite footbridge is Hunter Maxwell, a popular jerk whose just told Riley to tell no one that she saw him. Holy crap.. this story was so freaking good. I loved Hunter and Riley. Can’t wait for more.
Like you care by Kaydence Snow We meet Mena and her cousins, Donna and Harlow who are playing tennis and Mena and her friend, Amaya are waiting for the girls to finish their game so they can all go swimming. Mena meets her next door neighbor, Turner after a late night shift at the diner. Mena is being bullied at school because of her port wine stain birthmark. I know how Mena feels. I have cerebral palsy and hydrocephalus which unfortunately makes you have a big head as it’s name means “water on the brain”. I absolutely loved this story and all the characters especially Turner and Mena
Devil’s Day Party by C.M. Stunich is about Karma Sartain and her friends, Luke and Amy. Karma is bullied at her prep school by the Knight Crew consisting of Calix, Sonja, and Raz. Karma accidentally hits Calix’s car while getting gas. It’s Devil’s Day at their prep school where gifts are given and tricks are abound. I absolutely loved this story. Can’t wait for more.
Make You Beg by Shantel Tessier is where we meet Henley and her friends, Scout, Dax, and Law. Henley is sitting at Dax’s murder trial. Henley gave her statement to the police regarding Dax and after the verdict, she returns to school for her senior year. Everyone involved wants Henley to disappear ASAP
I absolutely loved this story. Her books are added to my Kindle Unlimited TBR
Hood River Rat by K. Webster
We meet Hollis, a senior who is openly gay but unfortunately his father, a prominent surgeon couldn’t accept him for him so his mother gave his father, an ultimatum, him or the kids. Mom chose her kids and moved them all to her sister Karen’s house in Oregon. Hollis tangles with Roan, part of the Hoodrats gang as Roan is kicked out of class and purposely knocks Hollis’s messenger bag off his desk which included his expensive computer so Hollis cursed which sent him to the principal’s office, his aunt. I absolutely loved this story. I loved all the characters especially Hollis and Roa
chatterbookbabe's review
4.0
3.75
Bully Me: Class of 2020 is a bully romance anthology written by a group of eight incredible, best-selling authors that donated 100 percent of the proceeds to one of the largest anti-bullying organizations in the world, Ditch the Label.
Anthologies aren't really my thing. Despite that,
I had a relatively good time reading this collection. Not only do I love bully romance, but some of the authors involved in this project are favorites of mine!
That being said, I was under the impression that the stories included would be like short novellas. Instead, they're portions of upcoming books or short stories designed to make you read more of an existing series.
I won't lie. I was a little disappointed with that revelation. However, I discovered a new author and some great new stories, so I can't complain too much. On top of that, the money from this anthology goes to help victims of bullying. That alone makes it worth the buy!
Bully Romance fans, this one's for you!
....
Previous update:
So far Sam Mariano and Kaydence Snow's stories are my favorites. I'm already a fan of Sam, but Kaydence has my attention! This is my first read from her, and I'll be stalking her on social media from this point on. Her story ended on a cliffhanger which I was not expecting. Now, I have to suffer until she puts out the full length novel!
Bully Me: Class of 2020 is a bully romance anthology written by a group of eight incredible, best-selling authors that donated 100 percent of the proceeds to one of the largest anti-bullying organizations in the world, Ditch the Label.
Anthologies aren't really my thing. Despite that,
I had a relatively good time reading this collection. Not only do I love bully romance, but some of the authors involved in this project are favorites of mine!
That being said, I was under the impression that the stories included would be like short novellas. Instead, they're portions of upcoming books or short stories designed to make you read more of an existing series.
I won't lie. I was a little disappointed with that revelation. However, I discovered a new author and some great new stories, so I can't complain too much. On top of that, the money from this anthology goes to help victims of bullying. That alone makes it worth the buy!
Bully Romance fans, this one's for you!
....
Previous update:
So far Sam Mariano and Kaydence Snow's stories are my favorites. I'm already a fan of Sam, but Kaydence has my attention! This is my first read from her, and I'll be stalking her on social media from this point on. Her story ended on a cliffhanger which I was not expecting. Now, I have to suffer until she puts out the full length novel!
marureviere's review
3.0
I only read The Boy on the Bridge's prequel by Sam Mariano, so that rating is solely for said story.
I read it to test the waters and see if I'm a sucker who'd be committed enough to read the whole incredibly long story, and yep...I'm that sucker. I didn't really expect to be this invested in a couple of 14 y/o's budding romance being prematurely destroyed because of something that could've been nipped in the bud through proper discussion. And therapy.
Some issues: the last part where Hunter (H) killed the angsty atmosphere for me; it just kinda felt weirdly placed and didn't fit the mood of the scene? The right build up wasn't aptly established so it personally wasn't as threatening as it was made out to be. And the reason for his grudge for her I wasn't totally sold on, but then what is a bully romance if it's not peppered with pettiness? So I'm gonna let that pass.
Still...yeah. Yeah...I'm hooked. I enjoy SM's writing so that's definitely one factor. Plus I especially loved how Riley and Hunter first met and how they hang out together afterwards before the falling out. They were adorable together ngl.
I'm excited to see how their relationship is gonna progress from there on out. And I can't wait for all the drama to go down in the main story given how long it actually is ( like how is that page count even legal? It better be riddled with angst that will make me puke and be dramatic AF or else
I read it to test the waters and see if I'm a sucker who'd be committed enough to read the whole incredibly long story, and yep...I'm that sucker. I didn't really expect to be this invested in a couple of 14 y/o's budding romance being prematurely destroyed because of something that could've been nipped in the bud through proper discussion. And therapy.
Some issues: the last part where Hunter (H)
Spoiler
promised to come back and make Riley's life hellStill...yeah. Yeah...I'm hooked. I enjoy SM's writing so that's definitely one factor. Plus I especially loved how Riley and Hunter first met and how they hang out together afterwards before the falling out. They were adorable together ngl.
I'm excited to see how their relationship is gonna progress from there on out. And I can't wait for all the drama to go down in the main story given how long it actually is ( like how is that page count even legal? It better be riddled with angst that will make me puke and be dramatic AF or else
kfriend's review
4.0
There are so many great stories in this anthology, but I'll leave my review for the first one by Siobhan Davis!
Finally, some redemption for the first beloved, then loathed Charlie from the Rydeville Elite series!
To be honest, I did not think that Siobhan could redeem Charlie, who was perhaps the most heartbreaking character from the Rydeville stories for me. Oh, sweet Charlie. He did horrible things, his humanity totally derailed, and he was the least reliable character- constantly ping-ponging from the right team to the wrong. I loved him early on- he was the sweet teddy bear, seemingly the “heart” of the squad, and then we find that was an act. From then on, his motivations were always in question for me. Last we left him, he’d destroyed much of his life, but we didn’t feel any sympathy for him because he made his bed, even if he comes through at the end for our squad.
So, when I found it he was getting his “happy ending,” I wasn’t sure I could get back behind him- nor was I sure I could trust any emotion was genuine, that he would be a reliable narrator. And, thus, that was my orientation as I started to read Charlie’s story with Demi. Siobhan smartly begins this tale in the key moment when I gave up on Charlie- one of the many mysteries, namely, his and Abby’s botched wedding night. We find out just where he was- and with whom- and why, and we get a glimpse inside what losing Charlie’s father really did to him. And, with that shattering opening, my heart started beating for Charlie again.
He didn’t win me over completely, to be honest, or quickly- he spends much of this story in self-destruction mode- punishing himself for his sins and therefore punishing everyone else around him- and he loves nothing more than to punish and bully Demi, a woman he blames for what he sees as one of his gravest missteps. Oh, and she’s also his PA. We get the love-hate push-pull tension that Siobhan is so good at creating, we get to walk alongside two characters who are trapped in heartbreaking realities (Demi’s life has been derailed as she tries to care for her ailing father) and struggling to cope, and we see them slowly, and unwillingly, weave themselves together when their vulnerabilities they bottle up so closely accidentally seem to spill out with one another.
The pace romantic pace here is pretty quick- the feelings don’t have as much time to simmer and marinate as they would in a longer novel or trilogy, and we have a lot of ground to cover since we’ve not met Demi before. She suffers a bit for it- we don’t fully know her in the way we know Abby or Harlow or others, but I like her- she’s intelligent and sharp, she’s pretty patient, she’s stoic and rational- she’s grounding for Charlie, like a softer, more steady conception of Abby. And we get the gambit with Charlie- so much so that his emotional whiplash made it hard for me to believe his feelings were fully realized at the end (nor his slow re-entry into the lives of our favorites, like Kai and Abby)- but overall I’d give this 4.5 stars- Charlie does feel like he’s on the pathway to the redemptive arc, I care about him again, and we have some new ELITE drama brewing that is going to set us up nicely for Jackson and the future of this crew. After reading this, I’m happy Charlie is back at the table- and I think we’ll get more time with Demi, not only because of her relationship with Charlie but also because of her family history.
Finally, some redemption for the first beloved, then loathed Charlie from the Rydeville Elite series!
To be honest, I did not think that Siobhan could redeem Charlie, who was perhaps the most heartbreaking character from the Rydeville stories for me. Oh, sweet Charlie. He did horrible things, his humanity totally derailed, and he was the least reliable character- constantly ping-ponging from the right team to the wrong. I loved him early on- he was the sweet teddy bear, seemingly the “heart” of the squad, and then we find that was an act. From then on, his motivations were always in question for me. Last we left him, he’d destroyed much of his life, but we didn’t feel any sympathy for him because he made his bed, even if he comes through at the end for our squad.
So, when I found it he was getting his “happy ending,” I wasn’t sure I could get back behind him- nor was I sure I could trust any emotion was genuine, that he would be a reliable narrator. And, thus, that was my orientation as I started to read Charlie’s story with Demi. Siobhan smartly begins this tale in the key moment when I gave up on Charlie- one of the many mysteries, namely, his and Abby’s botched wedding night. We find out just where he was- and with whom- and why, and we get a glimpse inside what losing Charlie’s father really did to him. And, with that shattering opening, my heart started beating for Charlie again.
He didn’t win me over completely, to be honest, or quickly- he spends much of this story in self-destruction mode- punishing himself for his sins and therefore punishing everyone else around him- and he loves nothing more than to punish and bully Demi, a woman he blames for what he sees as one of his gravest missteps. Oh, and she’s also his PA. We get the love-hate push-pull tension that Siobhan is so good at creating, we get to walk alongside two characters who are trapped in heartbreaking realities (Demi’s life has been derailed as she tries to care for her ailing father) and struggling to cope, and we see them slowly, and unwillingly, weave themselves together when their vulnerabilities they bottle up so closely accidentally seem to spill out with one another.
The pace romantic pace here is pretty quick- the feelings don’t have as much time to simmer and marinate as they would in a longer novel or trilogy, and we have a lot of ground to cover since we’ve not met Demi before. She suffers a bit for it- we don’t fully know her in the way we know Abby or Harlow or others, but I like her- she’s intelligent and sharp, she’s pretty patient, she’s stoic and rational- she’s grounding for Charlie, like a softer, more steady conception of Abby. And we get the gambit with Charlie- so much so that his emotional whiplash made it hard for me to believe his feelings were fully realized at the end (nor his slow re-entry into the lives of our favorites, like Kai and Abby)- but overall I’d give this 4.5 stars- Charlie does feel like he’s on the pathway to the redemptive arc, I care about him again, and we have some new ELITE drama brewing that is going to set us up nicely for Jackson and the future of this crew. After reading this, I’m happy Charlie is back at the table- and I think we’ll get more time with Demi, not only because of her relationship with Charlie but also because of her family history.
luetta's review
5.0
I read Shantel Tessier's Make You Beg.
And first thought, what a tease!!! It is a cliffhanger, so prepare yourself
But man oh man
Does Shantel ever know how to write words that grab at your insides and hold you tight.
I cannot wait for more!
And first thought, what a tease!!! It is a cliffhanger, so prepare yourself
But man oh man
Does Shantel ever know how to write words that grab at your insides and hold you tight.
I cannot wait for more!
booksiflove's review
5.0
What a great anthology!!
There were a few authors in here I haven't read before. I enjoyed every single word!!! These prequels / novels made me absolutely read more from them!
Well done and for a great cause nonetheless!!!
Review of Charlie by Siobhan Davis
As always, Siobhan Davis writes her stories and captures you in the world of the book, so I really couldn’t put the book down!
Charlie Barron wasn’t on my favorite people list of the Rydeville Elite, because I never could figure out his motives
There were a few authors in here I haven't read before. I enjoyed every single word!!! These prequels / novels made me absolutely read more from them!
Well done and for a great cause nonetheless!!!
Review of Charlie by Siobhan Davis
As always, Siobhan Davis writes her stories and captures you in the world of the book, so I really couldn’t put the book down!
Charlie Barron wasn’t on my favorite people list of the Rydeville Elite, because I never could figure out his motives