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doloresjune92's review
5.0
It's smokin in here!
I absolutely loved every second of this book. The plot is INCREDIBLE. There is beauty in the trauma in this book. Lo grows so much, and her men help her do so. I am so sad that it is over, but I definitely recommend you read this! A beautifully written RH with trauma, tons of spice, character development, and most of all, justice for Lo!
I absolutely loved every second of this book. The plot is INCREDIBLE. There is beauty in the trauma in this book. Lo grows so much, and her men help her do so. I am so sad that it is over, but I definitely recommend you read this! A beautifully written RH with trauma, tons of spice, character development, and most of all, justice for Lo!
trashxqueen's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
⭐️ 4/5 ⭐️
🌶️ 4/5 🌶️
Please check trigger warnings before diving in!
This was my first book by this author, and I’m definitely interested in exploring more of her work. The story is captivating—fast-paced, steamy, and packed with revenge. It delves into the fine line between love and hate through the characters of Lorna, Abel, and Rowan. Abel and Rowan, Lorna’s childhood bullies, are targeted as she returns to their high school reunion with revenge on her mind for the way they tormented her.
Kylo, Lorna’s partner, is my favorite character. He’s open to sharing her with Abel and Rowan, adding an intriguing dynamic to the story. Lorna herself is a standout—despite the hardships she endured over thirteen years, she emerges strong and empowered. The revenge on those who wronged her was particularly satisfying. Overall, it was an engaging and fulfilling read.
🌶️ 4/5 🌶️
Please check trigger warnings before diving in!
This was my first book by this author, and I’m definitely interested in exploring more of her work. The story is captivating—fast-paced, steamy, and packed with revenge. It delves into the fine line between love and hate through the characters of Lorna, Abel, and Rowan. Abel and Rowan, Lorna’s childhood bullies, are targeted as she returns to their high school reunion with revenge on her mind for the way they tormented her.
Kylo, Lorna’s partner, is my favorite character. He’s open to sharing her with Abel and Rowan, adding an intriguing dynamic to the story. Lorna herself is a standout—despite the hardships she endured over thirteen years, she emerges strong and empowered. The revenge on those who wronged her was particularly satisfying. Overall, it was an engaging and fulfilling read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Incest, and Pedophilia
Minor: Bullying
lostinadarkanddirtybook_world's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I have to say Cassie has become a 1-click author for me and I devour everything she writes, this book was no different. I loved Lorna she is strong, sexy and sassy and doesn’t allow her past to define her or change her choices in life. Kylo is adorable and I love how he loves Lorna just as she is. Abel and Rowan both had a lot of making up to do to Lorna and I loved how she made them pay for what they had done to her. Brilliant read and I loved the story and dynamic between everyone.
doloresjune92's review against another edition
5.0
It's smokin in here!
I absolutely loved every second of this book. The plot is INCREDIBLE. There is beauty in the trauma in this book. Lo grows so much, and her men help her do so. I am so sad that it is over, but I definitely recommend you read this! A beautifully written RH with trauma, tons of spice, character development, and most of all, justice for Lo!
I absolutely loved every second of this book. The plot is INCREDIBLE. There is beauty in the trauma in this book. Lo grows so much, and her men help her do so. I am so sad that it is over, but I definitely recommend you read this! A beautifully written RH with trauma, tons of spice, character development, and most of all, justice for Lo!
jalesakraus28's review against another edition
5.0
This book definitely kept me on my toes, when I first started reading it I remembered the characters from a previous book and I thought I knew what would happen, but boy was I wrong. The suspense and spice in this book had me obsessed. I loved how the story played out and while I did not expect it I loved the story, the ending had me begging for more.
dwinprincess's review against another edition
5.0
Trigger Warnings... This one has a lot, so please read them, one of the big ones that I want to point out for sure, SA of a child. Your mental health is always the most important thing.
That said, oh my gosh. I read Bre Rose's side of some of the events at the reunion as Bre Rose and Cassie Lein wrote the stories of best friends so parts overlap. The events were awesome in Bre's book (Reuniting With Desire, READ IT!), but to see the whole picture in Up in Smoke was so much more. Getting revenge on your bullies is great, it's needed, but when you can purge it ALL, get your payback on all those that hurt you, what more could you ask for?
This one has some moments in flashbacks that can be triggering for just about anyone, so be aware. This subject needs to be talked about and Cassie respected it and did it justice. The dynamics between Kylo and Lorna were so much fun. I hope someday he gets his wish to put a baby in her (gotta love a breeding kink)! This book takes some turns, so be prepared, good, and so much more greatness.
If you love HS bully stories, enemies to lovers, MMMF, and revenge served up beautifully, READ THIS ONE!
That said, oh my gosh. I read Bre Rose's side of some of the events at the reunion as Bre Rose and Cassie Lein wrote the stories of best friends so parts overlap. The events were awesome in Bre's book (Reuniting With Desire, READ IT!), but to see the whole picture in Up in Smoke was so much more. Getting revenge on your bullies is great, it's needed, but when you can purge it ALL, get your payback on all those that hurt you, what more could you ask for?
This one has some moments in flashbacks that can be triggering for just about anyone, so be aware. This subject needs to be talked about and Cassie respected it and did it justice. The dynamics between Kylo and Lorna were so much fun. I hope someday he gets his wish to put a baby in her (gotta love a breeding kink)! This book takes some turns, so be prepared, good, and so much more greatness.
If you love HS bully stories, enemies to lovers, MMMF, and revenge served up beautifully, READ THIS ONE!
belindaclemons_123's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Omg this book was so good I really loved Lorn and Kilo and the way she got her revenge. Able and Rowan I liked as well I really liked the way they helped her with her revenge after she told them what had went on when she was a child. Also I love her friends so much. All in all a great book. also Kilo's nickname for the others Dingdong twins had me giggling
nikkieliz13's review against another edition
2.75
Rating: 2.75 Stars
POV(s): Multiple—First Person
Relationship: Reverse Harem
Genre(s): Dark Contemporary Romance
❥
Not a fan of the writing or execution, and spent most of the book skimming because I couldn’t find it in me to connect or become invested in any of the characters.
Note: I’m in a “critical rating” era—aka I’m rating more harshly than I have in the past.
❥
Title:[b: “Up In Smoke: A Brighton High School Reunion” by Cassie Lein]
Interconnected Series: Yes
Standalone: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
HEA: SpoilerYes
Triggers: Yes SpoilerNote from Author:
“•Bullying
•Trauma
•BDSM/Kink
•Past Familial SA
•Abuse
•Neglect
•Revenge “Porn”
•Past SA of child (not on page)
The FMC has shitty parents if you can even call them that. Her past is intense but is not described in detail on page. It is insinuated. If anything listed above would cause you harm please do not read. I care too much about you!”
Tags/Tropes:
➢ Enemies to Lovers
➢ Famous Athlete MMCs (hockey)
➢ Former Bullies
➢ High School Reunion
➢ Revenge
➢ Sex Worker FMC
POV(s): Multiple—First Person
Relationship: Reverse Harem
Genre(s): Dark Contemporary Romance
❥
Not a fan of the writing or execution, and spent most of the book skimming because I couldn’t find it in me to connect or become invested in any of the characters.
Note: I’m in a “critical rating” era—aka I’m rating more harshly than I have in the past.
❥
Title:[b: “Up In Smoke: A Brighton High School Reunion” by Cassie Lein]
Interconnected Series: Yes
Standalone: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
HEA: SpoilerYes
Triggers: Yes SpoilerNote from Author:
“•Bullying
•Trauma
•BDSM/Kink
•Past Familial SA
•Abuse
•Neglect
•Revenge “Porn”
•Past SA of child (not on page)
The FMC has shitty parents if you can even call them that. Her past is intense but is not described in detail on page. It is insinuated. If anything listed above would cause you harm please do not read. I care too much about you!”
Tags/Tropes:
➢ Enemies to Lovers
➢ Famous Athlete MMCs (hockey)
➢ Former Bullies
➢ High School Reunion
➢ Revenge
➢ Sex Worker FMC
la_vampiresa's review against another edition
5.0
Up in Smoke is the seventh book in the Brighton High School reunion shared world series. I was tearing up a bit with this one.
We met Lorna in Bre Rose’s Reuniting with Desire story. Honestly, I instantly loved her. Her firey personality, her hellbent on revenge, but the previous book barely scratched the surface to what we were about to witness. Lorna went through some horrendous s***....that ABSOLUTELY NOBODY should EVER go through. She overcame her past...not only her bullies, but those who were supposed to protect her. She was strong and quite devious, if I may say so myself. I loved her so much. And Kylo was a huge cinnamon roll...like total sweetheart. Rowen and Abel, they totally redeemed themselves.
This was sooo heartbreaking but so good. Can't wait to start the next one!!
We met Lorna in Bre Rose’s Reuniting with Desire story. Honestly, I instantly loved her. Her firey personality, her hellbent on revenge, but the previous book barely scratched the surface to what we were about to witness. Lorna went through some horrendous s***....that ABSOLUTELY NOBODY should EVER go through. She overcame her past...not only her bullies, but those who were supposed to protect her. She was strong and quite devious, if I may say so myself. I loved her so much. And Kylo was a huge cinnamon roll...like total sweetheart. Rowen and Abel, they totally redeemed themselves.
This was sooo heartbreaking but so good. Can't wait to start the next one!!
cyrille6k's review against another edition
5.0
**Make sure you check the Warnings tab as the author does an amazing job of warning you of what’s mentioned in this book!**
I, however, loved the book. It touches on subjects that were challenging to read but made you connect and understand the main character so much more. This book is
I, however, loved the book. It touches on subjects that were challenging to read but made you connect and understand the main character so much more. This book is