Hit Me Back

Dirty Elite Academy #9

by Kate J. Blake

Two years ago, I was betrayed and lost hope of ever falling in love again.
Today, I found out that everything I thought was true turned out to be a lie.

James was the love of my life, the only person I could tell everything that was in my mind without being judged.
But I rejected him when he swore to me that he was innocent.
And now I want to return what we once had.
But James is not the guy I once loved; he became tough, impenetrable, and incredulous. He is no longer affected by my charm.
I'll do anything it takes to bring back his love.
But I didn't believe him then.
Will he believe me now?

"Hit Me Back" is a steamy romance novella with dual point of view, no cheating, no cliffhanger, and a beautiful happily ever after GUARANTEED.

Genres: Enemies To Lovers, Second Chance, Romance

95 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 25, 2023

About the author

Kate J. Blake writes spicy romance novellas for naughty readers who love hot heroes and happily-ever-afters.

Originally from Ukraine, Kate currently resides in Southern California, enjoying the warm weather all year round.

Kate used to work as a stylist, and loves everything about fashion. She's a fan of online shopping, and buys tons of useless stuff, trying to convince her husband that she possibly can't live without all of that.

Kate reads 100+ books a year, but still orders many more titles than she could ever possibly read. She loves binge-watching romance TV shows and always misses her writing deadlines.

Kate has visited 30+ countries, and is not planning to stop travelling any time soon. You can find out more about her trips through her social media accounts.

Reviews

[tiff]

Decent for what it was. Didn’t care for characters as much as if you like spicy, give the series a chance, if not, skip!

[Katherine Hayward Pérez]

I have enjoyed Kate J. Blake's books in the past and was hoping to enjoy this, but I found the characters flat and underdeveloped. There wasn't enough backstory. Hot sex, but not much else. I tried to persevere with it but my opnion didn't change.


Thanks to Kate J. Blake

1 star

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nova]

I am voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book.

Diana made a mistake two years ago and its not one that she can change. The night that she walked into a party and found the love of her life in bed with none other than her school nemesis was the night that her heart was broken beyond repair, of course James denied that anything had happened, but she had seen it with her own eyes. Everything between them was done from that night on, each trying to hurt each other and flaunting other dates around but her heart would only ever belong to him. Its not until she runs into James in New York and learns that not everything is what it looked like does she realize that what they had was real, but has she discovered the truth too late?

James has loved Diana since they were children, he watched her mother belittle her when she should have been encouraging her, but he knew that they were meant to be together when his parents moved them back to states when he was seventeen and the girl of his dreams had only become more perfect. But one night and one drink too many left him in a situation that he was ever going to be able to explain. It’s been two years since he last saw her and his heart has never healed but running into her in New York, could this be the day that he finally gets his girl or are they truly over?

Loved loved and loved this book, it was exactly what I was expecting, the push and pull of a tortured love and a true love hate relationship that is only ever going to end in finding a true love. Bring on the next read Ms. Blake. 4.5*

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S)]

Hit Me Back is part of the Dirty Elite Academy series. It's the story of James and Diana, who we meet in the prior book. It's a short and steamy, instalove, second-chance romance. Diana is a spirited and sassy girl who wants to be an actress. James is a hunky football player with dreams of going pro. Diana and James were high school sweethearts until Diana caught him in bed with her worst enemy. For 2 years, they have been torturing each other as the line between love and hate is thin. Will they make it through their senior year? But they both still love each other, and all is not as it seems. James has always said he was innocent. Diana wants to believe him, but she has been hurt by her parents and has a hard time trusting people. When she runs into him in NY while at an audition, they talk. Will they finally reconcile? Can she trust James and let him in? And will he let her? This story had a lot of angst and drama. But the chemistry was hot 🔥 hot 🔥 hot 🔥 and the ending sweet. I love a good second-chance romance, and this did not disappoint.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Day]

I enjoyed reading this novella.
It was a nice and quick story. We get the POVs of the two main characters, Diana and James. Diana and James were a couple until a bully started to target Diana. This created a misunderstanding that made Diana break up with James since she felt she couldn't believe in him. The story follows them after the break-up and their toxic actions. They started to go out with people to get a reaction from each other. At some point, they realize that what they are doing is hurting them and decide to call a truce. The feelings are still there, but will Diana be able to believe in James after two years? Read and find out. ;)
If you like high school drama, you will certainly love this novella.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maddie (Bookaholic_Dreamer)]

Having read the other books from Dirty Elite Academy series by author Kate Blake’s, I was expecting Hit Me Back to be on a similar level with the story delivered.
However that was not the case with this novella being a let down.

The plot seemed to be a little all over the place with the time jumps. Some of which wasn’t clearly stated, making you feel as if you missed something.

It didn’t help that there was not much plot or character development showcased when it came to Diana and James and their story.
Instead the novella was just rushed through with minimal details, causing it to lack any depth whatsoever.
Even with it being a novella, I expected more.

For being a short, quick and easy read Hit Me Back may have delivered. But nonetheless, in my opinion it still made for a disappointing read overall given the many issues that led to its downfall.

[ReadonReader]

After the first novella featuring Diana’s brother and best friend I was ding for Diana’s story because you knew the heartbreak was going to be painful and beautiful. Diana and James were that perfect couple, the ones you just knew would last, yet when a misunderstanding and a horrible person ruin everything these two become somewhat toxic love/hate enemies. They both are out to hurt the other while still madly in love with each other, but when the truth comes to light is it too late for Diana to get her guy back? This cute and quick read was perfect for these two and I wish that Alicia would have got what she deserved but I was just happy for James and Diana get their hea.

[Julie]

This quicky romance was rife self-consciousness and distrust. Really, that is what made it wholely realistic to me in some way. Two friends discovering early on they are "perfect" for eachother, but unable to articulate the feelings. By the time they are, insecurities and mistrust cloud better judgement.

Knowing the truth, it must have been torturous for James. Often in life, knowing the truth and solving a problem are not synonymous. Will fate work things out for this young couple?

I received an ARC and voluntarily provide this review. Definately recommend this book, and look forward to reading the rest of the series. Happy Reading 📚

[Anna M_82]

Enemies because of broken hearts and lack of maturity on how to handle jealous people and lies. This is the story of Diana and James, two people crazy in love but torn apart by lies and mistrust. They hurt each other because their hearts are so broken. I especially loved how this book ended. It had a bit of a twist that I didn’t expect but was so glad it was included. There is also a ton of steam at the end of this romance that’s sure to heat up your kindle.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wendy Livingstone]

This is the 9th book in this quick read series, and this is James and Diana’s story. These two were together until Diana becomes the target of a bully, and a misunderstanding causes her to break up with James. Now the truth is revealed, can these two move on from enemies / lovers? This is a well written story with heartbreak, lies, misunderstandings, passion, truths, romance, and love, which leads to an intriguing page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sarah Nielsen]

This was a cute enemies to lovers/ second chance romance. I liked Diana already from reading “Kiss Me Again” and was glad to se her getting her own story. Some of the storyline was actually set in the same timeline as the previous book and I found it beneficial to have read the other first even though this can definitely be read as a standalone. I liked getting to know James too. It was a good story with a good amount of steam. My only complaint was that in Kiss Me Again James had allegedly cheated with Celia and in this story it was Alicia, it was just an annoying little inconsistency.

[Tehteh]

This was definitely a bit different from what I'd expected reading the previous book.
There's a lot of angst in this, and even more sothere is a lot of hot sexcual tension between James and Diana, even when they are apart.
I quite liked the beginning with the timeline of their relastionship, it added a lot of sweetness and character building. And tension,
To be fair, James is pretty mich just sweet, every girl's dream boy. Diana's insecurities make it sad that they cannot be together... until they can. And then it's fireworks.
That epilogue though? All hotness. Love it

[Shifty Bugger]

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Wow, I loved reading this book it was amazing, the story was mesmerising and the characters were really amazing. They dated at school they were so in love, until Diana accused James of cheating he swore he didn't she didn't believe him and that ended their relationship. They would do things to get each other jealous, then they ended up becoming enemies. A few years later they seen each other again, would they get back together.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele]

A young lovers romance that burns so bright, only high school, jealousy and revenge get in the way. Can these two young lovers find their way back together or will they let their petty games at getting back at each other ruin their chances of true love. Fascinating dynamic of rich young people, trying to navigate life, the obstacle course of high school, and can you fall in love when your too young to even recognize it.

I am voluntarily leaving a review for this book that I received free.

[Mulan Book Princess]

I have been really enjoying this standalone series. In this romance, Diana and James are madly in love but an incident caused them to break up and be in a toxic environment with each other. This goes on though the years, and they must figure out if their love is strong enough to try again, or if it will destroy them.

I received a free advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest review.

[Caroline Burt]

Another fantastic read perfect for either a lunch break or bedtime read! Diana and James have been in love with eachother for years. But when Diana believes someone else over him their relationship breaks. Months later she finds out the truth, but is she too late to reconcile with him? Expect lots of passion, twists, friendship, love and more throughout. Enjoy this short and steamy read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alejandra]

****************** 5 Stars ******************


Di and James have had a passionate relationship since they were children. Love at first sight, true love.
But the idyllic relationship ends and hatred begins. The novel follows the couple over the years.
Plenty of angst.
H and h are lovable.
HEA
Hot scenes included
Love this couple

[Linda V.]

Hit Me Back is the second book in the Dirty Elite Academy. Diana and James had a nasty breakup, both ending up broken-hearted but still wanting each other. Two years later they meet in NYC and the sparks are still there. There are plenty of steamy scenes and an HEA for the win.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[ljamison]

Diana and James were once a couple, but then there was a terrible misunderstanding and Diana refused to listen to James. A horrible person ruined their relationship and now they are enemies. They both are now very petty and spiteful trying to hurt the other. But when the truth comes out can Diana get her guy back?

[Debra Soehner]

Di and James are in love until an enemy of Di’s stages it to look like James slept with her. A couple years later, Di realizes the truth and is out to get her man back. Nice short novel.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Veronica Albertson]

This was a really good one. I liked how the characters came together and how the story played out. It was just as good as the last one I read by this author. It was really well put together! Great work!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alex Joyce]

A fantastic quickie from Kate J. Blake. Delightfully hot and steamy. Great characters, and a well written storyline. Would recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deb Le]

This one felt like it was missing something. Diana felt two dimensional, James not much better. The story a little flat.

[Nate]

I liked James and Diana’s book. I thought it was an entertaining read. And am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Kelly Simpson]

This new adult romance was really good, full of twists and turns, suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat.

[Mary (Corporate Girly with an MM addiction)]

This was so bad, I know is a short story, but seems like it was written by a 15 year old.

[Plainfilm]

If I wasn't simply too freaking old for high school drama this might be a5 star read. All in all this was a steamy, sweet, spicy, happily ever after that was a wonderful little step away from reality. A quick afternoon read. Love this author and finding it nice that the stream isn't a single repeat scene.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.