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Guilty Minds

Book 2 in the series:Little Hope

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Who Would Like This Book:

If you're craving a gritty, angst-filled small-town romance with a heavy dose of unresolved tension and jaw-dropping chemistry, "Guilty Minds" is bound to hook you. The banter is sharp, the stakes are high, and the emotional roller coaster never lets up. Readers who appreciate complex, flawed characters and redemption arcs will find themselves rooting for Kayla and Justin (even when they want to throttle them). Fans of dark, bully romance tropes - as well as those who like a little messiness and melodrama - will be right at home in Little Hope.

Who May Not Like This Book:

This one isn’t for everyone - some readers felt uncomfortable with the heavy bullying, miscommunication, and lack of true groveling or sufficient redemption for certain characters. If you’re sensitive to stories where the main heroine endures harsh treatment or if you need groveling heroes and balanced power dynamics, you might find yourself frustrated. People looking for light-hearted romance or tidy resolutions may want to skip this ride.

A binge-worthy, drama-packed read for bully romance lovers who don’t mind messy characters and messy feelings. Just don’t expect a soft and tidy happy ever after!

About:

'Guilty Minds' by Ariana Cane is a gripping story set in Little Hope, revolving around the complex relationship between Kayla and Justin. The book delves into themes of redemption, miscommunication, and enemies-to-lovers dynamics. Readers are taken on an emotional rollercoaster as they witness the evolution of Kayla and Justin's relationship from hatred to love, with plenty of angst, suspense, and intense chemistry between the characters. The author's writing style keeps readers engaged with its humor, depth, and ability to address heavy topics seamlessly within the narrative.

Characters:

Characters are multifaceted, with a strong female lead and a male lead undergoing notable growth, while some supporting characters are less likable.

Writing/Prose:

The writing captivates with engaging prose, humor, and emotional depth, despite some minor grammatical issues.

Plot/Storyline:

The story features a complex romance woven with misunderstandings and bullying, leading to significant character development.

Setting:

The small-town setting enhances the narrative, emphasizing community issues and personal conflicts.

Pacing:

Pacing begins slowly, but the story accelerates with engaging twists, maintaining reader interest throughout.
A siren blares from behind me. I curse loudly, the creativity of the words shocking even me, as I pull over to the side of the road. The sirens of the cop cruiser behind me are disturbingly loud. I do...

Notes:

The book explores themes of bullying and redemption.
The female main character (FMC), Kayla, is bullied by the male main character (MMC), Justin, and his family for years.
Kayla is portrayed as strong and determined despite her struggles.
Justin's character experiences significant growth throughout the story.
The book features a mix of angst, suspense, and romance.
Readers expressed frustration with the MMC's treatment of the FMC, often feeling he didn't fully redeem himself.
The relationship between Kayla and Justin is complicated by a misunderstanding from their past.
The story is set in a small town with a close-knit community that judges Kayla harshly.
The author, Ariana Cane, has a good sense of humor that enriches the story.
Frank, a character in the book, is particularly loved by readers.
The story includes heavy topics and triggers, so readers are advised to check content warnings.
The FMC is an underdog who is judged not only by Justin but also by the town due to her background.
Many readers enjoyed the chemistry between Kayla and Justin, despite their tumultuous relationship.
Justin goes through a journey of self-discovery and eventually starts to care for Kayla.
The narrative includes moments of self-reflection and internal conflict for both main characters.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

There are high content warnings for themes such as bullying, emotional abuse, and family trauma, which are crucial for readers to be aware of.

Has Romance?

There is a significant romance aspect in Guilty Minds, with high levels of tension and chemistry between the main characters.

From The Publisher:

"I want to get you out of my head the only way I know how. With you underneath me."

Kayla:

The only thing I've ever wanted was to get the hell out of Little Hope. Its small-town traditionalism is stifling, and there's no way for 'trailer trash' like me to get ahead.

But a few years ago, my fate was sealed, locking me in this place forever.

The only shiny thing in town is Justin Attleborough, who's put me at the top of his 'hate-list' for reasons that are beyond me, along with half the town.

The more forbidden the fruit is, the sweeter it seems.

Justin:

All I want is to wipe that night from my memory. The one that ruined my family forever.

But that's easier said than done, especially when one of the biggest reminders of that night is shamelessly walking her leather-clad legs around Little Hope.

I can't forgive Kayla for what she did, but my body doesn't seem to get the memo.

The town golden boy. A girl from the wrong side of the tracks. What do they have in common? Well… that night.

They say the truth will set you free. But what about the ugly truth?

.

.

Note: This is the re-edited version of May 2023.

This slow-burn, true-enemies-to-lovers, contemporary romance is a standalone filled with angst, scorching chemistry, and groveling. Each book contains a story about a different couple. No cheating. No cliffhangers. HEA.

TW: bullying, mention of SA. Strong language and adult situations.

Author's note: BE WARNED: this book is darker and angrier than the first one. Justin is a BULLY and an a..hole. He is not going to change, he is who he is, and I love him for that. I hope you will too:) Plus, he and Kayla work together. People like what they like.

July 2022
478 pages

Ratings (13)

Incredible (2)
Loved It (4)
Liked It (3)
It Was OK (2)
Did Not Like (1)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (37):

Read It (12)
Want To Read (14)
Did Not Finish (2)
Not Interested (9)
 
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