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Am I wasting my time? Yes. This is horrible! God. I wanted to love this. There’s no character development. I can’t even remember the heroine’s name. That’s how memorable she is. Random scenes thrown in that make me scratch my head and go “wait what” WHAT WAS THE REASON??
The first book from this series ended up with a cliffhanger and I couldn't wait to read the next book 😍!
"A Hurt So Sweet: Volume Two" is much darker and twisted from the first book but there was something in that book, that kept my attention and I couldn't put the book down.
Pandora finally stopped to be only a naïve 17 years old girl who is afraid and doesn't know take stand for herself but after that, she made one big mistake and believed to a person who betrayed her in the worst way possible.
I didn't like Dexter in the previous book but now, when I found out why he is doing what is he doing, I can understand him because sometimes revenge is stronger than anything and it can control our actions.
This book also ended up with a cliffhanger and I can't wait for the next book.
I need to know what will happen to Pandora and Dexter 😱!
One of the darkest bullymances I have read would have to be the series A Hurt So Sweet by Betti Rosewood. I was in the mood last night to read something but wasn't sure what I wanted to read. I remember scrolling through and this series popped into my head. Just like the first volume, this book was just as crazy as we are reunited with Pandora who is trying to find herself in this crazy world where she is like currency - worth something but not. Volume #2 has the introduction to Easton Brantley who seems like Pandora's savior from Dexter Booth but she is about to realize that maybe she has chosen the worst of the two evils. Can Dexter save her or has Pandora realized it is too late to save herself? In Volume #2 we get a surprise as we learn more about Lily-Anne Oakes and the events surrounding her death that are touched on in the first book. We also learn more about Dexter's family and the tragic circumstances that surround him and his revenge plan towards Emilian Oakes. Like the previous book, Volume #2 ends on a cliffhanger and is just as dark as Book #1 since we learn more about Emilian and his crazy torture towards his maids and Lily-Anne. I am also hoping that we find out more about Pandora's biological mother as we learn she could be alive and well. I did also love how Pandora stuck it to Audra who thought she was better than Pandora. If you love dark romances and sick and twisted bullymances and aren't afraid of trigger warnings, then A Hurt So Sweet by Betti Rosewood is the series that you will love. I am now looking forward to continuing with the series and have hopes that Pandora may get the chance to join forces with Dexter and Lily-Ann.
"Sweet, stupid Pandora. She still thinks she’s the queen of our match… Too bad she’s just a goddamn pawn."
3.5 Guilty Pleasure Stars!
You know those books you love to hate....getting your guilty pleasure by getting lost in the pages no matter how much you truly hate it? Thats what this series is for me....I only gave Volume One 3.5 stars (it should have been 2.5 against this one), and that was because I felt I owed it that because of how absolutely addicted I was to it despite all the issues. Thankfully, Volume Two was better, actually giving me a little substance to grip onto. I've never had a book I hate so much it makes me eye roll myself into a headache BUT also one I abandon all responsibility to devour in one sitting. Is it a deep, impactful read? Absolutely not....in fact (aside from the flashbacks to understand Dexter better), this story felt like nothing but an excuse to attempt shock value....well until the last chapter. The most exciting thing about this book is the hope I have for Volume Three, Betti truly used this book to set up one epic war (if she takes this ideal opportunity to remove one key player from the abuse on Pandora dynamic)..... and like the little sheep that I am, I'm going to follow the herd in obsessing over that one too.
"I'm eager. Desperate. Needy. I want so much more than what he's willing to give. And he keeps me wanting it, right at the edge of madness."
Book Facts: Told in dual POV, this dark prep school bully romance is Volume Two in the A Hurt So Sweet series. It is NOT a standalone, needing to be read after Volume One. It does end with another monstrous cliffy, and features triggering elements/situations (ex. forced/questionable consent, extreme bullying, etc) that may be uncomfortable for some. It picks up directly where Vol 1 left us so be prepared for that scene. Volume Two gives a more in depth look into Dexter's past including his relationship with Lily Anna. He's got reasons to want to take the Oakes patriarch down & a secret that will blow everyone in Eden Falls minds. Dexter fights between his feelings for Pandora & his love & need for revenge for Lily Anna. When a new player enters the game, Dexter will be left fighting for his spot as reigning king AND as Pandora's fiance. Loyalties are tested, secrets are revealed, & betrayal runneths over.... but one thing is for sure --Pandora still hasn't learned to play the game & this time it the price might be far too high to come back from. Lets just say the blurb is VERY LITTLE like the actual story, and the cliffy? So much more heart-stopping than the last one.
Timeline of Thoughts: Starting:I wasn't a huge fan of Vol 1, but I've been way too eager to read Vol. 2 for more! 7%:OG Lily Anna was NUTS....certifiable. I need answers. 15%:This is just too complicated.....a horrific trainwreck of a book YET I CAN'T LOOK AWAY! 22%:Oh I know how this is going to go now, yet I can't help but like this Easton dude far more than the others. Interesting addition, hot af one too. 31%:Dex seriously needs a dose of his own bullshit....I hope Pandora stops letting him play her for a fool. 35%:FINALLY GIRL! You better demand respect & play their game. 42%:Well that just took an unexpected turn. 57%:Why do I feel so bad for them? They deserve it all.... maybe I hate seeing her be the one so cruel. 59%:Oh Puh-lease girl, you aren't starting to fall for anything, you have been since book 1..... seriously, she gets a backbone for 2 secs & we are right back to square one with her. 63%:Wait what? That's not how human anatomy & reproduction work ---this is the first someone is "filled to the brim with spurt after spurt of PRE-CUM".....Caspian and his super seed obviously. (insert eyeroll) 64%:And once again, I am so disappointed in this series.....I get Pandora must be degraded & all that --- but at what point is it enough so we can move forward? I hope this series isn't just a huge stretched out repeat of this same ole thing. Dex has got to become redeemable. 70%:Please tell me I can add Brazen to my Loves list....I can't trust anyone in this dang book, so it remains to be seen. 77%:Now its FINALLY getting interesting! But Pandora is seriously becoming my least fav bc she is all over the place. 80%:I have a gut feeling that Lily Anna isn't as innocent as she appeared to be.... something is off, like all this is a masterplan. 84%:I'm totally calling a major plot twist....no way is he this good a guy. 87%:God she is seriously an IDIOT! The red flags were EVERYWHERE. BTW-- the book ends here. Finished:I swear like the first one I swear I am done with this stupid ass series & these unlikable characters and then BAM, I'm sucked in by the dang cliffy crack & just have to know what happens.
Loves from the Book: Dexter's back story, Lily Anna's diary, Belle & Anders, Brazen, Dexter @ the birthday party. Hates from the Book: Pandora (WE DESERVE A BETTER HEROINE, Lily Anna (there are flashbacks), Dexter's three do-boys (Caspian, Lai, Julian), Dexter & Lily Anna together, Easton, my NEED to read it. Quotes: "You keep telling yourself that," I smile sweetly. "It's my name he whispers when he's fucking you." -Pandora
"So wet," he whispers in my ear, softly enough so nobody else can hear. "Booth always knew how to pick them." -Easton
“You already got that mistake, and you didn’t fucking use it,” I spit back. “Now be a good girl and shut the fuck up.” -Dexter
“Are you going to stay away from Audra?” she whispers, and I groan out loud. “Just say it, Dexter, tell me you won’t go near her, and I’ll let you have everything you want.” -Pandora
“Dexter’s going to kill you,” I whisper. -Pandora
Final Thoughts (in "Five"):
Current Mood:
1. I know Easton is going to be worse than Dex, but I can't help but welcome him in to shake things up & make Dexter more of a hero in Vol 3. 2. Dex is almost irredeemable BUT its evident he does care for Pandora & even his cruelest actions often had ways of protecting her. I do like that we get much more of his backstory (& relationship with Lily Anna)....it doesn't excuse his actions in any way, but it speaks volumes of how bad these characters are that the one we are supposed to hate ends up being the character that has the best chance at total redemption. 3. Although I love that Pandora decides to fight back using her Firstborn Power & the cruelty (& secrets) she has learned, I still hated seeing them change her into one of them (So to speak) for that short time. 4. I feel like this series has so many exciting storylines and plots it can go forward with, yet for a majority of this one we continue to be lead back to the one where Pandora is just a collection of holes to be used and "she craves it".... I am all for a little degradation and smut--- but I also want a heroine who fights for what she deserves & for the respect she should be given already. Although I will admit the ending gives a far better storyline for Volume 3. 5. I truly believe that Volume 3 has the ability to blow these two out the water, the way the plot has been set up is gearing up for one amazing finale....I only HOPE the author doesn't continue to string this along. End it at Volume 3 and explore one of the other many characters stories.....added in after I saw Volume 4 was releasing: I knew this would happen, when a series is "popular" its often stretched out....might explain why the plot doesn't move very fast & relies so heavily on the abuse & very little new spins until its time for the cliffy at the end. But although the blurb hints to Dexter being included in the "group", I'm going to hold out hope that like this one's blurb.... the author did not do an accurate job summarizing her own book (since Vol 2's blurb literally made no sense in context to what Pandora faced this time).
"I’m starting to fall for my bully, and the worst part is, he knows it."
Overall, Dexter is still not a good guy & Pandora still makes stupid choices ignoring red flags & is as weak as ever. But where Vol 2 delivers is the hope in a much better plot direction....its up to the author to deliver. Volume 3 has everything set in motion to be the first 4.5-5 star worthy of the series, redeeming both Dexter AND Pandora because lets face it....we deserve better than a ridiculously weak heroine & a antihero held up on an insane self-absorbed "ghost". But really who am I kidding? I will devour Vol 3 no matter how good or bad it is, this is just that kind of series! And yes, I am so ashamed.
“I don’t think you have a choice, princess. You have Dexter Booth to thank for this. I guess I finally managed to find his weak spot. Too fucking bad I’m about to exploit her for all she’s worth.”
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Flashbacks of Dexter and Lily Anne. It shows the love that Dexter has for the ‘perfect’ Lily Anne. You also find out why Dexter wants revenge on Pandora’s father.
A new character is brought in.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Absolutely flawless! I thoroughly and jaw droppingly am enjoying this series. Pandora, such an naive innocent young lady, but she is catching on to the tricks of these Firstborn's of Eden Mills. But will it be enough? And Dexter, I want to hug him for his protection of one person, and smack him for his treatment of another. He makes my moods swing so fast that I can hardly keep up! And now Easton enters the picture, and WOW, just WOW, he may be worse than Dexter!
No Mercy For The Pawn Book one left you on the edge of your seat...will he or won't he??? As wicked as this story is, I couldn't put it down!
This story picks up at the end of book one. Dexter is still lording his power over the firstborns. He has a plan, we just don't know what it is yet. All we know is that he is not done with toying with Pandora yet.
The missing firstborn, Easton, has returned and he has a plan of his own. He aligns himself with Pandora. She finally feels like she has an ally. And Easton is not a fan of Dexter, which makes her like him even more.
Some of your questions will be answered, but you will be left with more. Everyone has their own agenda and Pandora is usually the target of their twisted games. But she now knows some of their darkest secrets and she's not above using them for her own gain.
Pandora finally exerts some of her power, yet they strip it from her just as quickly. So many players and each wants something from her. This kitten has claws, but she's going to need to use them with cunning and without restraint to survive their cruelty.
This story continues on it's shamelessly depraved path. This bunch of morally corrupt elite will continue to leave you in awe of how truly warped they are. I read it in one sitting because I just need to know what's going to happen next. And that ending once again left me wanting more.
This is volume two in the Elite of Eden Falls Prep series and definitely ends on a heart stopping cliffhanger. Be sure to read volume one before starting this book or you will be lost.
After everything Dexter has already put Pandora through, he takes away the only thing that could have protected her. Their engagement is broken off by Pandora's father and she now has no protection from all the cruel Firstborn guys that want to break her. She is truly just a pawn in a game she has no way of winning, especially since she doesn't understand the rules or the cruel guys playing the game. There is now a new player that has entered the game, Easton and he plans to use Pandora any way he can to get to Dexter. This is a wonderful dark story where cruel guys seem to think it's okay to use a girl to get what they want. I'm looking forward to reading volume three of A Hurt So Sweet and I'm hoping Pandora has still got some fight left in her because she's in this sick twisted game whether she likes it or not!!!!
How am I supposed to wait for book 3?!?! Betti does it again.
It's delicious torture reading these books because you know there isn't a happy ending coming...yet. We left Dexter and Pandora...well you need to read the first book and find out. Because this is most certainly not a stand alone.
More dark deliciousness awaits!! Dexter has a secret...and oh my, will it surprise you! We also learn a bit about where his mind is, and why.
Pandora explores being the mean girl to get a little power for herself against these strange creatures she finds herself among.
One lesson she learns, aside from Dexter will always find out what she's done, is that no one can be trusted and sometimes help comes from surprising corners.
Now I wait for book 3...I love the feeling from a good cliffie.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
After the cliffhanger that AHSS: Volume One left us with, I needed to find out what was going to happen next in AHSS: Volume Two. All I can say is.....HOLY MOTHER OF CHERRIES (gotta keep this PG)!!! I am so enthralled by this story and the many characters who make it all dark, twisted and deliciously HOT!!!
This book leaves you with a .... WTF moment that will make it seem like you're about to see a train wreck and you just can't look away. A Hurt So Sweet: Volume Two by Betti Rosewood is an obscenely EPIC book, you can't help but love and will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!
This is going to be a short but sweet(ish) review as it's hard to talk about my favourite bits without spoiling the previous book. I'll just say that I knew it!!!! My god the author has blown my mind with how she is tying all the pieces together. I applaud her and can't wait to see what happens next.
What did I just read! This is the second part of ‘A Hurt So Sweet’ where our main character Pandora is coming up against Dexter and his cronies…. but not all is what it seems. The story picks up where the first book left off with Pandora and Dex in a compromising position and no way out for Pandora. She seems to be a pawn in a lot of people’s game of chess and she is barely keeping her head about the water. People who she thinks are friends aren’t and people who are her enemies aren’t what they seem.
This is a deeply twisted and intriguing book and this is mainly due to the main character of Pandora. At points she comes across as really strong and owning who she is, but at other points there is a deep vulnerability to her where you can see her spirit is going to get crushed and decisions are made with no regards to her. There are also some very cringe-worthy scenes in this book where Pandora isn’t treated very nicely by the boys and especially her father. It is going to be interesting to see how her relationship with all of these characters is going to develop over the next book.
Dexter is also an enigma of a character as there are points in this story where you have some sympathy for him, then he seems to blow it out of the water…we wouldn’t want to be too vulnerable now would we! There is also a deeper look into Lily Anna’s life which helps you to identify more about the characters and what has led up to this point.
If you like dark, bully romances, then this one is for you. There is a lot of twists and turns which are going to keep you guessing in this novel and Betti Rosewood definitely knows how to pull the rug out from under your feet. Be warned this book isn’t for the faint-hearted and ends with another cliff hanger!
A Hurt so Sweet volume 2 was a total mindf**k. This series is definitely dark and twisted. The plot thickens even further at Eden Falls. When I thought Dexter was the ultimate bully and no one could surpass him, here enters Easton who wreaks havoc on my emotions.
The story continues were the first volume left off, with Dexter treating Pandora as his property and her rebelling against him but secretly loving every heinous mistreatment she receives. It was interesting to get a glimpse into the past and learn Dexter's well-kept secret, and why he wants to destroy Pandora's father. He continues to be a cruel bastard but deep down his feelings for his " toy" intensify. Pandora tries to be one step ahead of her enemies but always seems to end up being the pawn, falling from one trap to another. She should have learned her lesson the first time, never to trust a firstborn.
The action was fast-paced, and the plotline developed fairly quickly. The drama, intrigue, secrets, and suspense kept me riveted on a razor's edge. I literally held my breath on the last few pages. The cliffhanger left me wanting to know more and it's gonna be so hard to wait for the next volume to come out. I'm totally addicted to this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book two in this intense, dark and twisted series. You must read book one first get the full story so far. I am enjoying this series but I would be lying if I didn't admit to very often feeling uncomfortable as the story unfolds. This is a series filled with bullying of the verbal, physical and sexual variety, secrets, lies, hidden agendas, cruel twists and many disturbing and revolting actions are done by virtually every single character involved. Trust me when I say there is nothing, warm, fuzzy or faintly romantic in here, so if you have any doubts about being able to enjoy this series, you might want to forgo it. That being said, it is very hard not to become ensnared in the storyline, if for no other reason than it is like an epic tragedy being played out right before your eyes, starring characters you may not like much but you still can't look away. This is my honest, voluntary review.
DNF at 30% but I felt like dropping it much earlier. I didn't expect Pandora to be more pathetic, characterless, uninteresting and shameless than in the first book but here we are, turns out she can. Everybody still does whatever they want to her and she's not protesting. She lets a random guy who she just saw at school for a first time touch her in the most intimate way and even gets turned on. No shame, no rules, no nothing. She behaves like a brainless slut getting turned on by everything. When author writes that Dex starts caring about her it couldn't be more forced, fake and nothing more than just words cos first.. there is not one thing that makes her attractive for anything more than sex and second he doesn't do anything that shows he started caring.. he treats her like trash. First book was not totally bad and I was hoping it will at least stay on the same level, nope it's much worse.
OMG! WHAAAT?!?! These boys are cruel AF ! But it was good to see Pandora got a back bone just to bad it didn’t last long I think she is just utterly helpless when it comes to Dexter Booth. I liked that we got to know a little bit more of the back story of Dexter and Lily Ana and what is going on with these vicious families of Eden Falls but once again we are left with a doozy of a cliffhanger. I MEAN COME ON ARGHH !! I will not be so patiently waiting for book 3 . But bravo Betti Rosewood for creating a world that I know a lot of us are emotionally invested in and sitting on the edge of our seats reading, yelling and yes even throwing are kindles wondering what is going on ?and what did I just read? Loved it !!! Definitely 5 amazing stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced complimentary copy of this book
Things are getting a bit more intense in this next installment. Things continue to be ruthless, but Pandora has been learning some secrets of her own, from an unlikely source, giving her a chance to fight back. This girl has claws, and is fighting back when she can. She even begins to find a possible ally, but are they really good, or is it another twisted game?
We learn more about what is going on with Dexter, giving us insight to his actions. He can still be cruel, but he may not be as bad as the others. I can't wait to see what happens next, whether Pandora will find an ally in Dexter, or someone else, and will she be able to put all these Firstborns in their place.
More twisty, angsty, fist-clenching moments, and I'm ready to see how it all plays out.
This is the second book in the Elite of Eden Falls Prep series, and the continuation of Dexter, and Pandora's twisted story. This book continues with the web of secrets, and lies starting to unwind, but the deceit runs deep, and the twists, and turns, and mystery will have you on the edge of you seat. For Pandora the bullying never ceases, and with addition a new character, their torment increases. This was a great read, the characters are well written, and have fiery chemistry. This book is intense, suspenseful, dark, and emotional. I'm looking forward to reading book 3.
This is the second book in the Elite of Eden Falls Prep series, and it picks up where the first book ended. There is just something about this series that makes it next to impossible to look away. With so many questions and very few answers, this dark and twisted story is packed with lies, betrayal, angst, unpredictable characters, dark secrets, revenge, and so much more. This book is not a standalone and book one should be read before reading this book. It also ends on a cliffhanger.
I volunteered to review an advance reader copy of this book.
Pandora still finds herself submitting to the whims of Dexter first and Lai, Caspian and Julian second. If that isn’t bad enough Easton, another First Born, enters the picture and although he appears to be her friend she is about to find out if that is the truth or if he is just another man that wants to break her.
This installment of the series weaves a dark and twisty tale filled with intrigue and suspense as you wonder what the future has in store for Pandora, Dexter and the rest of the First Borns.
This story continues from book one where Dexter is in total control. Dexter's secret is about to come to light in this second installment. Pandora is going to be in for quite the surprise. Another one of the firstborns reappears as well. You can trust no one in this mind blowing story. Will Pandora make it out of this mess with her sanity still intact, this remains to be seen. This will leave you speechless and wondering where Betti is going to take her dark little twisted mind next.
This story just gets even more twisted, when secrets are revealed, and new players join in. You mind will get fracked, and you emotions will be strung out. I went back and forth between characters, and how I felt about them, that I lost track of who’s side I was truly on. This book will slay you, and these characters will have you dangling on the edge. Another absolute must read from a truly gifted author!
WOW!! You won't see anything coming as the plot thickens in this dark word of Eden Falls where the first borns rule and it gets worse at every page they are terrifying and unpredictable all with their own agenda. Poor Pandora can't get a break even from Dexter then throw Easton in the mix and the world is spinning. The twists and turns will take you on a wild ride and is heart racing and I can't wait for the next one.
This is the second book in the series and I do recommend reading them in order. This read picks up where the 1st book ended. Easton returns and it seems he will be the one to help Pandora but can he really be trusted? Dexter is always one step ahead; will he get the revenge he seeks? Fast-paced read with loads of drama and suspense. This read is intense and the story really draws you in to this twisted world. I really liked it. Looking forward to more.
So many secrets, lies, physical and mental games being played by the Firstborn and now there's a new player .. Easton. Is he a good guy or villain? Pandora has learned some hard truths that have deadly consequences but who will truly help her with what needs to be done? This is a dark and twisted bully romance that will literally make your blood run hot and cold. I can't wait for what comes next. I was given a copy of this ARC and this is my honest and voluntary review.
5 OMG MOMENT STARS!! OMG, OMG, OMG....This story just keeps getting more intense. I was on the edge of my seat on every page and could not stop reading. Pandora and Dexter's story has all the feels and keeps getting better with every word. I am so addicted to Betti Rosewood's words.....I can't get enough of them. I need the next book.
This book picks up right where the first one left off so we get the answer to the cliffhanger! This series is equal parts suspense, dark & bully. The verdict is still out on how I feel about Dexter but I adore Pandora now, she’s trying to grow into her skin, albeit not very successfully lol but she’s evolving.
I voluntarily reviewed a advanced readers copy of this book
Pandora can't catch a break from Dexter or his group of friends. A new guy by the name of Easton enters the picture. He is a lost first born and he may be the worst of all the guys. Pandora is growing stronger and taking on her own problems. The twists and turns kept me reading and wanting more, I can't wait for the next book.