Scan barcode
annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review
4.0
I've read a lot of Steffanie Holmes novels already. I think I'm close to being caught up with the entire backlist. However, although this series was the first series written by her that actually caught my attention I had never really gotten it. A couple of weeks ago I decided it was time to fix that issue and I ordered the first book (yes, stupid to just order the first, I know) and last Friday I all of a sudden really felt like reading it.
This book was exactly what I had hoped it would be. I can't really say that I "enjoyed" every second, because I think enjoying might be the wrong word here. But I was sucked into the story, couldn't stop reading and I felt the tension throughout my entire body while starting another chapter. I've been bullied a lot as a kid, so bully romances are always a hit and miss. This one very clearly was a hit, but I guess it helps that the author experienced bullying herself too.
What I loved most about this book is the mystery surrounding the school. We know for an entire book that something strange is going on and yet the author keeps the story exciting without giving any real answers until the very last pages. The answers we got there changed the entire game though and now I'm even more excited to read the rest of the series AND regret not having read these books sooner. I was very clearly missing out.
I also enjoyed reading about these characters. I have to admit that the guys in this book feel a little stereotypical, but when you read the end it all makes sense. I don't want to give too much away of course, but this book is very well thought out and even the way characters behave, talk and act eventually is explained when we reach the final few pages. I can't wait to really get to know them in the next books in the series!
This book was exactly what I had hoped it would be. I can't really say that I "enjoyed" every second, because I think enjoying might be the wrong word here. But I was sucked into the story, couldn't stop reading and I felt the tension throughout my entire body while starting another chapter. I've been bullied a lot as a kid, so bully romances are always a hit and miss. This one very clearly was a hit, but I guess it helps that the author experienced bullying herself too.
What I loved most about this book is the mystery surrounding the school. We know for an entire book that something strange is going on and yet the author keeps the story exciting without giving any real answers until the very last pages. The answers we got there changed the entire game though and now I'm even more excited to read the rest of the series AND regret not having read these books sooner. I was very clearly missing out.
I also enjoyed reading about these characters. I have to admit that the guys in this book feel a little stereotypical, but when you read the end it all makes sense. I don't want to give too much away of course, but this book is very well thought out and even the way characters behave, talk and act eventually is explained when we reach the final few pages. I can't wait to really get to know them in the next books in the series!
autumnwitch14's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Bullying, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Toxic friendship, Death, Homophobia, Sexual content, Alcohol, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Death of parent, Religious bigotry, Suicide attempt, Toxic relationship, Sexual harassment, Vomit, Adult/minor relationship, and Injury/Injury detail
Slut shamingbkclub4one's review against another edition
I got 4 hours of sleep last night thanks to this book. I am going to be grumpy today at work because I spent the night reading about rich teens with issues. This book was insane! So much so I had to skim through some parts because the scenes were a bit much.
The ending wrapped up everything into a small bundle of madness. I don't think I'll read the next book.
The ending wrapped up everything into a small bundle of madness. I don't think I'll read the next book.
ameserole's review against another edition
3.0
I don't know what it is about family vacations..but I was really into bully romances. I'm sure there is no correlation between the two.
Shunned was an okay RH book. Not particularly my favorite but it was interesting. I did enjoy the whole mystery behind everything but I thought the ending was pretty easy to figure out. That being said, it doesn't mean that I will never dive into book two. Mostly because I already have it lined up on my damn kindle (this book addiction kills me sometimes). It does mean, though, that I'm just not 100% invested now. I'm hoping that the next book will be a bit less predictable but one never knows until diving into that book. Which again, kills me but I am willing to do it whenever I have the time.
I don't really want to go into detail about who you meet or what really happens - just know that it will give you some mystery with a bunch of twists and turns. The ending was a good cliffhanger, even though I saw it coming a mile away, but I'm intrigued enough to see what the heck is going to happen to this group in the next one. Will she go through what Loretta (oh lord, I hope that's her name - read so many books this week lol) went through? Who knows - but I need to know.
Overall, I'm going into book two. Wish me luck.
Shunned was an okay RH book. Not particularly my favorite but it was interesting. I did enjoy the whole mystery behind everything but I thought the ending was pretty easy to figure out. That being said, it doesn't mean that I will never dive into book two. Mostly because I already have it lined up on my damn kindle (this book addiction kills me sometimes). It does mean, though, that I'm just not 100% invested now. I'm hoping that the next book will be a bit less predictable but one never knows until diving into that book. Which again, kills me but I am willing to do it whenever I have the time.
I don't really want to go into detail about who you meet or what really happens - just know that it will give you some mystery with a bunch of twists and turns. The ending was a good cliffhanger, even though I saw it coming a mile away, but I'm intrigued enough to see what the heck is going to happen to this group in the next one. Will she go through what Loretta (oh lord, I hope that's her name - read so many books this week lol) went through? Who knows - but I need to know.
Overall, I'm going into book two. Wish me luck.
tiffanysbookhoney's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
It’s book was iffy in the first 20-30% but it picked up and I was sucked into the story l. I still didn’t see the ending coming! I can’t wait to start the next one to figure it out
levzies's review against another edition
4.0
Still deciding on whether it’s a 3 or 4 so it’s a 3.5 stars for now.
A first for me, RH is not a genre I go for so I can’t compare it to her other series or to similar style books like a few of the other reviews seem to mention.
I also must have missed the paranormal part in the synopsis so that made the ending more surprising.
It’s an easy read, a little tame considering the description and full of mystery. I definitely wasn’t expecting that ending either. Unlike the last book I read, this ending peaked my interest enough that I may just give the second book a go when it’s released.
The Author’s note made it that little special for me. Being a victim of bullying herself she created a character who stood up to her bullies just how she wish she could have. I’m not a fan of bullying books personally but I can see the value. It still doesn’t sit well the whole romancing of bullying love interests but they can be entertaining at times (especially when strong female lead characters can hold their ground) and ever since my Pen Douglas book binge (which I adored btw despite the bullying) I continue to keep getting these recommendations.
A first for me, RH is not a genre I go for so I can’t compare it to her other series or to similar style books like a few of the other reviews seem to mention.
I also must have missed the paranormal part in the synopsis so that made the ending more surprising.
It’s an easy read, a little tame considering the description and full of mystery. I definitely wasn’t expecting that ending either. Unlike the last book I read, this ending peaked my interest enough that I may just give the second book a go when it’s released.
The Author’s note made it that little special for me. Being a victim of bullying herself she created a character who stood up to her bullies just how she wish she could have. I’m not a fan of bullying books personally but I can see the value. It still doesn’t sit well the whole romancing of bullying love interests but they can be entertaining at times (especially when strong female lead characters can hold their ground) and ever since my Pen Douglas book binge (which I adored btw despite the bullying) I continue to keep getting these recommendations.
envyeve's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
thedailykaylee's review against another edition
5.0
Woahhhh I’m SHOOK
Holy crap holy crap holy crap I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING!!! Book one of this paranormal RH series. HOLY CRAP!!!!!
Our main character, Hazel, is an orphan after losing her mother and best friend in a house fire. She receives a scholarship opportunity to attend a very prestigious preparatory academy for her senior year. Having nothing and no one, she accepts the free ride. She’s hated instantly. Bullied. There are triggers present. But she can tell that somethings not right with the academy, that something sinister is going on and she knows it revolves around the scholarship students. AND YOU WILL NEVER SEE IT COMING. Holy crappp that cliffhanger.
Yall. This author can HOOK you immediately. I’m in awe at the brilliance of this plot so far. Completely different from all other bully academy romances. SO SO good and I’m praying the next books are just as good. Can’t wait to find out where this goes. One more time, HOLY CRAP!! Off to the next one I go!!
Holy crap holy crap holy crap I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING!!! Book one of this paranormal RH series. HOLY CRAP!!!!!
Our main character, Hazel, is an orphan after losing her mother and best friend in a house fire. She receives a scholarship opportunity to attend a very prestigious preparatory academy for her senior year. Having nothing and no one, she accepts the free ride. She’s hated instantly. Bullied. There are triggers present. But she can tell that somethings not right with the academy, that something sinister is going on and she knows it revolves around the scholarship students. AND YOU WILL NEVER SEE IT COMING. Holy crappp that cliffhanger.
Yall. This author can HOOK you immediately. I’m in awe at the brilliance of this plot so far. Completely different from all other bully academy romances. SO SO good and I’m praying the next books are just as good. Can’t wait to find out where this goes. One more time, HOLY CRAP!! Off to the next one I go!!