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Love is Love #1
Bully King
I'm the pastor's son.
He's the star quarterback for a small Kentucky high school.
While the town worships him, I pray for God to take my life.
He makes my life a living hell by making me his victim.
This perverse game we play could end us both.
How can something that feels so right be so wrong?
The price if the truth is discovered is death, but I can't stop.
Neither can he.
No one can know.
Can I risk it?
Is Roman King worth dying for?
*This story is a bully romance including dubious consent, assault, talk of suicide and is intended for readers 18+. Please proceed with caution.*
He's the star quarterback for a small Kentucky high school.
While the town worships him, I pray for God to take my life.
He makes my life a living hell by making me his victim.
This perverse game we play could end us both.
How can something that feels so right be so wrong?
The price if the truth is discovered is death, but I can't stop.
Neither can he.
No one can know.
Can I risk it?
Is Roman King worth dying for?
*This story is a bully romance including dubious consent, assault, talk of suicide and is intended for readers 18+. Please proceed with caution.*
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2020
About the author
Andi Jaxon
27 books1,578 followersFrom Dyslexic kid with a love of Algebra to a published author, no one is more surprised to find me here, than I am. I love to write about tortured pasts and hot sex, a happily ever after that has to be worked for. My stories tend to be a little dark but with some comic relief, typically in the form of sarcasm.
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What to know more about me? Follow me on social media or subscribe to my mailing list to receive the latest information on new releases, sales, and more!
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BookBub: http://bit.ly/AndiBookBub
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Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/andis...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 523 reviews
May 29, 2021
⭐ 3.8 "This book really went and brainwashed me, uh" stars ⭐
After all the negative reviews I’ve seen for this book, I went in with expectations that were frankly in the negatives.
Yet here I am now, honestly surprised by just how much sheer entertainment I experienced. It put me through a roller coaster of feelings, made me question my morals, and had me crying enough tears to create an artificial river of my own concoction.
But catch me dodging all of those terrible emotions and still having a messed-up version of fun.
*******************************
WARNING: This review discusses sensitive topics, such as abuse, dubious consent, and overall messy behavior. The relationship in this book was the opposite of goals, so my advice is to keep that in mind and take it as more of an exploration of two twisted characters rather than a regular romance.
*******************************
But with that out of the way...
Hear me out.
I can't even separate this review into positives and negatives, not when a large part of what others might view as deterrents just added to my overall experience, so instead I’ll just address the parts that stood out to me the most and go from there.
Commencing with…
—The Couple. And their very questionable approach to "romance".
I put it in quotation because while this ended up developing into a proper romantic entanglement, it very much started as a case of harassment and very dubious consent. I found myself loving it in a fictional setting, because I have a weakness for delving into the psyche of fucked up individuals.
But in real life? You bet your ass I would be advising Jonah to run for the hills.
This pairing was literally “unbalanced power dynamics 101”. Roman, with his deep-rooted fear of being outed and a slave to the Jock persona he slipped into, and then Jonah , the son of a bigoted preacher who was filled with so much self-hatred that it meant he was the only one equipped to deal with Roman’s problematic ass in the first place.
Their relationship started with the wrong foot from the very beginning, where we see Roman choosing to date Jonah’s sister to get a rise out of him, only to then proceed to use her as a pawn in order to blackmail the other guy into an illicit affair. All the while he kept up the façade of publicly disliking “Bible Boy” (a nickname he used for Jonah) and enabling his teammates to bully the poor sap. So not only was the consent pretty questionable when it came to this couple’s origin, but the bullying the title implies was graphically shown. No punches spared.
Yet for me the truth was, toxicity and all, that these two sorta made sense. Roman was a sadistic fuck with anger issues and a myriad of insecurities, and Jonah was the masochist who was willing to take all that he offered and ask for seconds.
So, in conclusion...
Roman:
Jonah:
This couple was a match made in hell. And, keeping in mind this is fictional, I was highly entertained by them.
—The (Bully) MC Roman King.
(And yes, his name is corny, but this is a bully romance so let’s lower name related expectations)
Oh, Roman, Roman, Roman. Damn you and all the conflicted feelings you awoke in me.
In Jonah's own words:
On one hand, I loathed his demeanor, his cowardice, and the cycle of abuse he kept perpetuating. He was a lost little kid in the body of a grown footballer, the kind of man who lashed out like a cornered animal and was not ready to grasp the consequences of his actions.
Facing parental abuse (which is also pretty explicitly depicted, heads up), the hatred and damage he suffered at his father’s hands left prominent scars both in his psyche and body. And his worst nightmare, becoming a mirror image of the monster that awaited him at home, hovered like a shadow just around the corners. To be completely honest, his POV and actions were incredibly hard to stomach at times.
Because in simple terms, Roman was the type of protagonist who would be a villain in any other story.
The way he saw the world and his flawed logic, however, still made for a captivating read.
(And yes, that quote might or might not be direct from a sex scene)
My mood while reading the mess that was Roman King.
But then again, a few chapters later he would pull up his own version of nice all of a sudden, and that’s when I started to feel myself being brainwashed. Just as Jonah couldn't quit his liaison with the asshole, I started warming up to the guy and actually ended up even rooting for him against my better judgment.
Roman's version of flowers and cotton candy:
Another classic:
And they say romance is dead? Clearly, they haven't met this guy 😍
[sarcasm detected]
So yes, he was a piece of garbage. Yes, he had character development later on but that still doesn't justify his terrible actions. And yet, I was this fictional man’s whore all the same.
Basically…
Roman: *Displays his poisonous brand of protectiveness*
Jonah and me:
—THE BRAINWASHING.
Just as this book depicted Jonah becoming addicted to an unhealthy relationship with a man who treated him like dirt (at least for a large chunk of the book), I also found myself slowly being conditioned to support them as a pair.
I was suddenly all for this awful and completely unbalanced dynamic, and then stepping out from the book and going…
But not to worry, I only needed to read a few more pages before the brainwashing was kicking in again.
I was horrified, appalled, disgusted, and slightly concerned for my moral fiber. But also, in a way, I couldn't help but hold out that sliver of hope just like Jonah did.
Quoted for the context of just how messed up their dynamic was:
(I’m dialing 911 as I type this)
But then you'd get to Roman’s chapters and you’d be confronted by lines that gave a framework for his behavior, all while showcasing the kind of love he had been conditioned to think of as normal:
Which again, did not mean his trauma excused any of his deeds or his treatment towards Jonah. But moments like those went a long way of explaining how Roman’s many flaws came to be. Ultimately, it's what turned him from a caricature of a bully into a fleshed-out individual.
It was with that understanding that moments like the one below hit me like a wall of bricks:
And I was so thoroughly conditioned by that point that my idiotic ass couldn't help but cheer for these nutjobs. Even while the once victim of abuse that was Roman had started to shift into a monster and perpetrator himself, part of me still wanted to wrap him in a hug and encourage him to better himself.
(But maybe while carrying pepper spray just in case. And with an emergency line on speed dial.)
How I felt when I realized I had started to love this fictional asshole. The author pulled some voodoo magic on me, I’m telling you.
*******************************
So, overall…
Don’t get me wrong, this was obviously not a perfect book (the way some side characters were handled, namely Jonah’s sister Mary, felt a bit incongruous, as well as some of the events being a little too OTT to be fully plausible). So truthfully, I do understand where all those negative reviews come from, even if I personally enjoyed the story.
Plus, the nature of the romance alone already turns this into a hard to recommend story… unless you’re someone with a penchant for morbidity like me, and the idea of reading a relationship progressing from harassment into an approximation of codependent love sounds appealing. Because if that’s the case, I would absolutely encourage you to try it.
(Just make sure to tuck your suspension of disbelief away, and get ready for the melodrama of a lifetime).
Besides, I did say this book managed to make me love Roman, one of the most messed up and “unlikeable” characters I’ve read lately...
So for that feat alone, rating it any lower wouldn’t feel fair.
********************************
Now, to give you all an approximation of what you will be walking into...
Keywords (and trigger warnings) to decide if this might be the book for you:
Bully romance (duh). Dubious consent… as in bordering on nonexistent at times. Toxicity for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The most Asshole Hero to Ever Asshole (Roman) and the Masochist Boy Who Loves Him (Jonah). Religious Hypocrisy. Extreme instances of homophobia. And a hate crime depicted on-page. Self-hatred and the path to self-acceptance. Tender moments to ease the pain a little. Domestic and parental abuse, also on-page. A few side characters to keep your fate in humanity intact. OTT melodrama and a sea of angst too. Will probably make you question your morality. Pretty hot smut (of the fucked up variety). And a HEA that wasn’t all rainbows and sparkles, but I still thought was extremely fitting and on-brand for these characters.
As one last PSA…
✨And although fiction might depict reality, liking it doesn't mean we condone it✨
After all the negative reviews I’ve seen for this book, I went in with expectations that were frankly in the negatives.
Yet here I am now, honestly surprised by just how much sheer entertainment I experienced. It put me through a roller coaster of feelings, made me question my morals, and had me crying enough tears to create an artificial river of my own concoction.
But catch me dodging all of those terrible emotions and still having a messed-up version of fun.
*******************************
WARNING: This review discusses sensitive topics, such as abuse, dubious consent, and overall messy behavior. The relationship in this book was the opposite of goals, so my advice is to keep that in mind and take it as more of an exploration of two twisted characters rather than a regular romance.
*******************************
But with that out of the way...
Hear me out.
I can't even separate this review into positives and negatives, not when a large part of what others might view as deterrents just added to my overall experience, so instead I’ll just address the parts that stood out to me the most and go from there.
Commencing with…
—The Couple. And their very questionable approach to "romance".
I put it in quotation because while this ended up developing into a proper romantic entanglement, it very much started as a case of harassment and very dubious consent. I found myself loving it in a fictional setting, because I have a weakness for delving into the psyche of fucked up individuals.
But in real life? You bet your ass I would be advising Jonah to run for the hills.
This pairing was literally “unbalanced power dynamics 101”. Roman, with his deep-rooted fear of being outed and a slave to the Jock persona he slipped into, and then Jonah , the son of a bigoted preacher who was filled with so much self-hatred that it meant he was the only one equipped to deal with Roman’s problematic ass in the first place.
Their relationship started with the wrong foot from the very beginning, where we see Roman choosing to date Jonah’s sister to get a rise out of him, only to then proceed to use her as a pawn in order to blackmail the other guy into an illicit affair. All the while he kept up the façade of publicly disliking “Bible Boy” (a nickname he used for Jonah) and enabling his teammates to bully the poor sap. So not only was the consent pretty questionable when it came to this couple’s origin, but the bullying the title implies was graphically shown. No punches spared.
Yet for me the truth was, toxicity and all, that these two sorta made sense. Roman was a sadistic fuck with anger issues and a myriad of insecurities, and Jonah was the masochist who was willing to take all that he offered and ask for seconds.
So, in conclusion...
Roman:
Jonah:
This couple was a match made in hell. And, keeping in mind this is fictional, I was highly entertained by them.
—The (Bully) MC Roman King.
(And yes, his name is corny, but this is a bully romance so let’s lower name related expectations)
Oh, Roman, Roman, Roman. Damn you and all the conflicted feelings you awoke in me.
In Jonah's own words:
“Reading Roman is like trying to read ancient Greek when you don’t know the alphabet.”
On one hand, I loathed his demeanor, his cowardice, and the cycle of abuse he kept perpetuating. He was a lost little kid in the body of a grown footballer, the kind of man who lashed out like a cornered animal and was not ready to grasp the consequences of his actions.
Facing parental abuse (which is also pretty explicitly depicted, heads up), the hatred and damage he suffered at his father’s hands left prominent scars both in his psyche and body. And his worst nightmare, becoming a mirror image of the monster that awaited him at home, hovered like a shadow just around the corners. To be completely honest, his POV and actions were incredibly hard to stomach at times.
Because in simple terms, Roman was the type of protagonist who would be a villain in any other story.
The way he saw the world and his flawed logic, however, still made for a captivating read.
Those brilliant blue eyes meet mine, anger and pain swirling in the depths of the boy I love with every fiber of my being.
“It feels good now, doesn’t it? After the pain, it’s fucking magic.”
(And yes, that quote might or might not be direct from a sex scene)
My mood while reading the mess that was Roman King.
But then again, a few chapters later he would pull up his own version of nice all of a sudden, and that’s when I started to feel myself being brainwashed. Just as Jonah couldn't quit his liaison with the asshole, I started warming up to the guy and actually ended up even rooting for him against my better judgment.
Roman's version of flowers and cotton candy:
“These fuckwits are going to regret coming after us. If they so much as hurt a hair on Jonah’s head, I will murder them with no remorse. My conscience will be clear.”
Another classic:
“I don’t need to see him to know he’s picking at his fingers, his shoulders slumped, damn near in tears. I hate that fucker too. No one hurts Jonah but me.”
And they say romance is dead? Clearly, they haven't met this guy 😍
[sarcasm detected]
So yes, he was a piece of garbage. Yes, he had character development later on but that still doesn't justify his terrible actions. And yet, I was this fictional man’s whore all the same.
Basically…
Roman: *Displays his poisonous brand of protectiveness*
Jonah and me:
—THE BRAINWASHING.
Just as this book depicted Jonah becoming addicted to an unhealthy relationship with a man who treated him like dirt (at least for a large chunk of the book), I also found myself slowly being conditioned to support them as a pair.
I was suddenly all for this awful and completely unbalanced dynamic, and then stepping out from the book and going…
But not to worry, I only needed to read a few more pages before the brainwashing was kicking in again.
I was horrified, appalled, disgusted, and slightly concerned for my moral fiber. But also, in a way, I couldn't help but hold out that sliver of hope just like Jonah did.
Quoted for the context of just how messed up their dynamic was:
“Roman showing care makes me uncomfortable. I never know how long it’ll last or when he’ll decide it’s enough.”
(I’m dialing 911 as I type this)
But then you'd get to Roman’s chapters and you’d be confronted by lines that gave a framework for his behavior, all while showcasing the kind of love he had been conditioned to think of as normal:
“Dad is smiling now. The little boy inside me that’s always wanted his dad to love him brightens at the attention. That little boy loves his daddy. He just wants to make Daddy proud.
“I’m proud of you.”
I hate that little boy.”
Which again, did not mean his trauma excused any of his deeds or his treatment towards Jonah. But moments like those went a long way of explaining how Roman’s many flaws came to be. Ultimately, it's what turned him from a caricature of a bully into a fleshed-out individual.
It was with that understanding that moments like the one below hit me like a wall of bricks:
“Roman leans his forehead against mine, his eyes meeting me. “Think you could ever love me?”
Taking a deep breath, my heart breaks at the uncertainty in his voice. When he’s arrogant, cocky, an asshole, it’s hard to remember that he’s vulnerable too.”
And I was so thoroughly conditioned by that point that my idiotic ass couldn't help but cheer for these nutjobs. Even while the once victim of abuse that was Roman had started to shift into a monster and perpetrator himself, part of me still wanted to wrap him in a hug and encourage him to better himself.
(But maybe while carrying pepper spray just in case. And with an emergency line on speed dial.)
How I felt when I realized I had started to love this fictional asshole. The author pulled some voodoo magic on me, I’m telling you.
*******************************
So, overall…
Don’t get me wrong, this was obviously not a perfect book (the way some side characters were handled, namely Jonah’s sister Mary, felt a bit incongruous, as well as some of the events being a little too OTT to be fully plausible). So truthfully, I do understand where all those negative reviews come from, even if I personally enjoyed the story.
Plus, the nature of the romance alone already turns this into a hard to recommend story… unless you’re someone with a penchant for morbidity like me, and the idea of reading a relationship progressing from harassment into an approximation of codependent love sounds appealing. Because if that’s the case, I would absolutely encourage you to try it.
(Just make sure to tuck your suspension of disbelief away, and get ready for the melodrama of a lifetime).
Besides, I did say this book managed to make me love Roman, one of the most messed up and “unlikeable” characters I’ve read lately...
So for that feat alone, rating it any lower wouldn’t feel fair.
********************************
Now, to give you all an approximation of what you will be walking into...
Keywords (and trigger warnings) to decide if this might be the book for you:
Bully romance (duh). Dubious consent… as in bordering on nonexistent at times. Toxicity for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The most Asshole Hero to Ever Asshole (Roman) and the Masochist Boy Who Loves Him (Jonah). Religious Hypocrisy. Extreme instances of homophobia. And a hate crime depicted on-page. Self-hatred and the path to self-acceptance. Tender moments to ease the pain a little. Domestic and parental abuse, also on-page. A few side characters to keep your fate in humanity intact. OTT melodrama and a sea of angst too. Will probably make you question your morality. Pretty hot smut (of the fucked up variety). And a HEA that wasn’t all rainbows and sparkles, but I still thought was extremely fitting and on-brand for these characters.
As one last PSA…
✨And although fiction might depict reality, liking it doesn't mean we condone it✨
February 6, 2022
dnf @ 20%. this was absolutely terrible and i refuse to keep reading this shit lmao
October 12, 2020
DNF at Chapter 8.
I was pretty excited for "Bully King", the blurb caught my attention so I decided to give the book a go, but to the point I could stomach reading & the more the risk of breaking something in anger increased, I can only describe the story/writing as VERY problematic and it's not even because of the "bully" part.
The writing at its core was pretty repetitive, yet another book that treats readers like they have Dory's memory. There's absolutely no need to remind your readers about things that just happened 5 mins ago. Let alone repeat about it 5 times.
The charaters for context: Jonah (the preacher's son), Mary (Jonah's 15 year-old sister), Roman (The "bully", star-quarterback of town that gets away with ANYTHING blah, blah). *Jonah & Roman are both 17, almost 18 years old.*
Something that's pretty important for a "bully romance" is well, the "bully" aspect & how it was introduced/used, so I feel like I should mention this first before diving into what was just so messed up:
The bully part was absolutely rushed, off the bat Roman is immediately hostile with Jonah because he bumped into him on his first day of school. The bigger reason why Roman bullies him is because he doesn't want to acknowledge he's not straight & because his dad is abusive.
And Jonah... for some reason he's kinda fine with Roman being a bully the second time he shoves him into the lockers-> he get's *excited* & tells us how amazing Roman smells. Priorities.
You'd think he would be more careful not to piss off the a-hole or stay out of his way. But nah.
"Somehow, my entire world revolves around the boy snarling in my face. I can’t look away, even though I’m sure I’m about to get pummeled."
3 chapters in Jonah talks about how he can see himself falling in love with Roman, when we saw nothing of R to suggest he's even 1% appealing.
All he is, is hot.
And abusive.
And.... PREDATORY.
I just can't look past the fact Roman went for Mary, a 15-year old, and nobody (not Jonah, not his pastor father, not Roman himself) acknowledged this is not okay, that she shouldn't be dating someone that age. *age of consent anyone?!*
It all begins with Roman asking Mary out on a date in front of Jonah to "fuck with him".
The pastor father somehow agrees to let his 15 year old daughter go on a date with an older dude under the condition Jonah goes with them so Mary doesn't "give in to the sins of the flesh”.
THAT MAN DIDN'T EVEN QUESTION HOW OLD ROMAN IS. Who does that.
Mary whines her dad is making her brother come with them.
“That’s ridiculous! If Jonah had a date, you wouldn’t make me go! It’s not fair!”
Like sorry, but you're 15, he's 17 & a fucking player. Jonah is 17, ofc there would be a difference in how they allow ya to date. ffs
We then have Jonah admitting this:
Roman slammed me into the lockers, I spent most of the morning thinking about his lips, Mary and I got into a little spat in the cafeteria, and the rest of the day, I spent trying not to picture him finger-banging her.
Excuse me, you're actually saying you were almost imagining your 15 year-old SISTER getting fingered by your bully? Just wtf.
Mary is supposed to be Jonah's best friend in this yet she's an absolute insufferable brat that refuses to believe him when he tells her "her crush" is an abuser & that he attacked him for no reason on his first day.
“Why do I have to be the one to give in? He’s nice to me. He helps me in class.” She folds her arms under her chest, standing her ground.
“You’ve only known him a few days!”
“So have you, yet you’re so sure you’re right.”
“He attacked me for no reason!” I holler, throwing my arms up. How is she not understanding?
“I have a hard time believing that. Whatever. Just make sure you give us space on the date, okay?”
So, she's willing to back up a man she just met because HE'S HOT & MAKING EYES AT HER instead of listening to her "best friend", that's actually her family & has been there her whole life?
Not only is she refusing to trust Jonah, saying he MUST HAVE DONE SOMETHING TO DESERVE the locker shoving on his first day. She actually stays quiet when Roman dumps water on Jonah in the middle of the cafeteria & still goes on that date with him.
Any decent person would cancel seeing how he treating HER OWN FLESH & BLOOD; or at least would tell him to stop acting like a dick. Guess she's just too horny.
Roman is not only not admitting he shouldn't be around someone that young, he's actually giddy to "corrupt" her.
“Stay away from me and stay away from my sister.”
“Mary will be a tasty treat that I enjoy corrupting.”
For their first date he takes 15-year old Mary to an after game party, where:
"The crowd here is a mix of high schoolers and postgraduates, most of the older people being men in their early twenties looking for drunk high school chicks to fuck. To each their own."
So casual about predators/pedos showing up on a highschool party & trying to sleep with underage girls. I wonder why. Maybe because he's on the road to becoming one too.
“We’re already here. We may as well hang out for a while.” Mary’s eyes don’t leave the cheerleaders, now straddling the guys and grinding against them with their lips locked.
Interesting.
Sweet little Mary is a dirty girl after all.
A predatory smile takes over my face. The want to ruin her is too strong.
Predatory, ya say? Ha. So on point.
Next up, he sets his "ruining Mary plan" into montion by giving her her first kiss in front of Jonah. (a make-out session really):
I can feel his eyes on me. He’s watching my every fucking move. My eyes open, locking on the furious hazel gaze of Jonah Cohen. With his eyes on me, my dick hardens. I move my hand to grip Mary’s hair, changing the angel of the kiss until she moans against me.
...
Fire ignites in his eyes the deeper I take my kiss with Mary, but it’s not anger.
What is it?
Dragging my gaze down his body, my eyes stop at his dick pressed against his pants.
Well, well, well.
What do we have here?
I release Mary’s lips and trail kisses up her jaw to her neck. My focus solely on Jonah, I’m betting I could count his heartbeats by the throb of the vein in his forehead. When my teeth graze Mary’s neck, his dick twitches. A wicked smile turns up my lips. Very interesting.
Yes, you read that right: Jonah literally got aroused by Roman making out with his OWN 15-YEAR OLD SISTER.
This just crosses a line. If Roman was using some random, same age girl to get under Jonah's skin, it'd be whatever. But he's making out with a 15-year old while her own brother gets aroused by it. Fuck no.
Predatory behaviour isn't something to brush over or lust after, let alone basically normalize. Fiction or not. This is fucked up.
Needless to say, I don't recommend this book.
April 20, 2022
*** I received an eARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.***
This novel was an amazing and thought-provoking read. I feel in love with the two main characters, Jonah and Roman. Their instant chemistry captured my attention alongside the natural progression of their relationship.
This novel tackled so many crucial topics that apply to ignorance and abuse, which were delicately explored. Bully King explores the powerful connection between two characters that despite their different background and experiences are drawn to one another.
The overall synopsis of this novel is the new kid, Jonah, moves to a small town where he is instantly bullied for appearing “different. “ Jonah cannot be his authentic self, which offers its own specific challenges because he is the preacher's son. Roman is the town superstar quarterback, who is suffering from domestic abuse. Both of these characters have their own demons to battle and their shared trauma makes them inexplicably drawn to one another.
This author was able to brilliantly capture the intense feelings of loneliness and fear of being ostracized in a small town for being perceived “different.” I felt every emotion while reading this novel. Ranging from sadness and heartbreak to joy and excitement as both main characters grew significantly throughout this novel and show how love triumphs over hate.
Bully King is an amazing enemy to lover’s romance that I enjoyed from start to finish. I have added it to my MM collection and look forward to more amazing reads from this author. I adore how this novel illustrates the powerful effect of love and compassion.
I received an eARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This novel was an amazing and thought-provoking read. I feel in love with the two main characters, Jonah and Roman. Their instant chemistry captured my attention alongside the natural progression of their relationship.
This novel tackled so many crucial topics that apply to ignorance and abuse, which were delicately explored. Bully King explores the powerful connection between two characters that despite their different background and experiences are drawn to one another.
The overall synopsis of this novel is the new kid, Jonah, moves to a small town where he is instantly bullied for appearing “different. “ Jonah cannot be his authentic self, which offers its own specific challenges because he is the preacher's son. Roman is the town superstar quarterback, who is suffering from domestic abuse. Both of these characters have their own demons to battle and their shared trauma makes them inexplicably drawn to one another.
This author was able to brilliantly capture the intense feelings of loneliness and fear of being ostracized in a small town for being perceived “different.” I felt every emotion while reading this novel. Ranging from sadness and heartbreak to joy and excitement as both main characters grew significantly throughout this novel and show how love triumphs over hate.
Bully King is an amazing enemy to lover’s romance that I enjoyed from start to finish. I have added it to my MM collection and look forward to more amazing reads from this author. I adore how this novel illustrates the powerful effect of love and compassion.
I received an eARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2022
{😈🏈👑WARNING~WARNING~WARNING👑🏈😈: THIS BOOK CONTAINS VERY HARSH~HURTFUL THEMES OF: CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS FEARS, THOUGHTS~PRAYERS OF DEATH~SUICIDE, EXTREME BULLYING & VIOLENCE, EXTREME HOMOPHOBIA, HOMOPHOBIC SLURS, EXTREME ABUSE FROM FATHER, SAID FATHER BEING A MONSTROUS DRUNK, DOMESTIC ABUSE, DATING 15 YEAR OLD SISTER AT FIRST/SEMI~CHEATING, EXTREME DOMINATION, SEXAUL ASSULT SCENE BETWEEN MC’S ON PAGE, DUB CON & NON CON SEX, CHARACTER ABOUT TO SHOOT HIMSELF, AND DEATH OF A CHARACTER! DO NOT PICK THIS BOOK UP THINKING IT IS YOUR “RUN~OF~THE~MILL” BULLY ROMANCE! IT HAS FUCKED UP CONTENT TO IT AND THESE TRIGGERS SHOULD BE HEADED VERY~VERY CAREFULLY!!!}
Bully King: An MM Bully Romance {Love Is Love, Book 1}:
Rating: 3.5
😈🏈👑Introduction👑🏈😈:
😈🏈👑Hello lovelies! I hope you all are doing well within the New Year os 2022💋🎆💋🎆💋! As for me, life~wise I am! Which many of you may ask then: ”why is she reading this book then as her first?” Well simple. I got too damn curious & wanted to have the 🫖tea🫖 for Taylor’s story for Tainted which I am EXCITED to read next! Yet concerning this book: it was an experience that will make you feel no matter what! I enjoyed it more so than not since I knew what I was getting into👏🏾! Yet, still had issues which lowered it down for me. Before moving on though, Please~please~please read the triggers above! There were NONE within the hardcover book I was reading and wanted to list them out since they are VERY STRONG!!! DO NOT READ IF THEY ARE TOO MUCH FOR YOU!!! Now, processing on with the 🌈📝first review of 2022📝🌈 I have done, here is a synopsis of the book’s plot below!👑🏈😈
😈🏈👑Synopsis👑🏈😈:
😈🏈👑After moving with his family from Washington to a 👹🏈👅back~water, football & God worshipping town full of bigots and monsters👅🏈👹, Jonah Cohen🧔🏻 {✝️👅“Victim”~Pastor’s Son👅✝️} surely does not expect his last senior year to be such a huge mess with horrible townsfolk and an even worse coalition of 🏈💪🏼football jocks💪🏼🏈 that rule the place like 👑🥩meat~headed tyrants🥩👑. One in particular who truly is the 👑🏈king in these hem parts🏈👑 is none other than Roman King🧔🏼♂️ {😈🏈Bully~Football Quarterback/Jock🏈😈}. Having his own issues at home with an abusive & drunk monster of a father, Roman is beyond ready to leave such a bigoted town to be free of it all. Even so, he can’t help but bully poor Jonah any chance he gets by various means. Which unexpectedly is due to his unstoppable attraction to the bible boy. With fears of being found out about their love~lust for each other, which could cost them their lives, can Roman and Jonah be truly happy while playing the charade of 🏈💪🏼Bully Football Jock & Lonely Bible Boy🥺✝️? Can 👨🏼❤️💋👨🏻Love really be love after all they have gone through👨🏼❤️💋👨🏻?
😈🏈👑Positives👑🏈😈:
😈🏈👑As for the story as a whole, I enjoyed: {Roman’s and Jonah’s dark~fucked~hot relationship, football aspects, side characters such as [Mary, Taylor, Anna, and Krystal], and some of the bully aspects}! First off, Roman and Jonah went through 👹🔥LITERAL HELL🔥👹 with how 🤬🤬🤬HORRIBLE~DISGUSTING THIER FATHERS WERE!!! NOT KIDDING WHEN THEY WILL MAKE YOU WANT TO TORTURE THEM AND BEHEAD THEM OVER AND OVER AGAIN🤬🤬🤬!!! That being said, I was able to understand Roman as an individual~bully more since his home situation was beyond fucked up! Am I condoling his actions? Hell no. Yet, you can’t help but sympathize, or even empathize for him for how he copes with the abuse from his father and weakness of his mother. In regards to the bullying aspects, they are STRONG AND ADIVSE YOU AGAIN TO CHECK OUT THE WARNING SECTION!!! Roman does not physically hurt Jonah, but in relations to the sexual assault scene, you know where I am going with that whole bully~football~jock teaching the “gay~goy” a lesson. So trust me when I say 🎢this story is a rollercoaster on all kinds of drugs to the max🎢!!! Then of course with Jonah’s fear due to his ✝️religious belief, his horrible father, and being bullied as well✝️, made me want to hug and kiss him from page to page when he was being a sweet yet naive dumbass with Roman🥺💋🥺💋🥺! I also liked the side characters as said before since they were literally the ONLY good people in the book. Everyone else was hippo shit🤧. They had their flaws for sure, but they were supportive and funny at times when they were present👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾! The football aspects were 🥰🏈💪🏼🏈🥰 as usual. No arguing about that one there. Then onto their relationship. It is 😈🔥👅fucked up but oh so HOT~HOT~HOT👅🔥😈! If you are looking for a seriously smutty bully relationship with themes such as {domination, dub & non con, harshness, etc.}, then you will love Roman and Jonah together since they exhibit this very well! If not, then run far~far~far away from this book! These themes are very prevalent between them! So to say what were to main positives for me again were: football & bully aspects, side characters as stated above, and the 🍆👅💦FILTHY~HOTNESS💦👅🍆 between Roman and Jonah as a couple! If these appeal to you, then you will most likely appreciate the book more in that kind of light! {Or darkness is the better term?}👑🏈😈
😈🏈👑Improvements👑🏈😈:
😈🏈👑Alrighty, here we go.➡️ As for this story as a whole, the biggest issues for me while I was reading this book were: {plethora/too many negative themes to maintain a clear focus, the extremes of the plot/characters were farfetched, cliches, repetitive actions/dialogue, and a rushed /lackluster epilogue.} Again, I mainly wanted to read this book for two reasons: {1. Curious enough about it & 2. Wanted to get background knowledge before reading Tainted}. That being said, and knowing from reviews that I have read how fucked this story was, I went in knowing there would be parts that would either break my heart or enrage me to commit a genocide. Even so, I felt that there were ✋🏾way too many negative themes presented that resulted in some of them either being handled poorly as a “resolution” or swept under the rug all together✋🏾. 👏🏾Personally, I felt if the focus was on bigotry~homophobia from some of the townsfolk, issues with Jonah’s father being a pastor, and Roman as a bully, would have honed this story down into one that was not as farfetched👏🏾. With so much bad going on, and with many unrealistic situations to add to that, it was no wonder it was hard for me to fully “buy” into some plot points within the book. For instance, I had questions as to {What happened to Mary? Grace {Roman’s Mother} after what happened? Jonah’s family as a whole}? These were left open-ended and 👏🏾should have been closed up before the conclusion~epilogue👏🏾. Which by the way, was one of the strangest epilogues I have read thus far and still am left bereft by it somewhat. Its not bad per say, but not what many of us would expect to follow normal romance HEA procedure with it seeming like a mini story that was rushed. Touching onto the cliches and repetitiveness of the story though, the overuse of “a’ight” was ridiculous, the repetitive action of Roman and Jonah having sex right after a major issue/event was again ridiculous, and the flow itself felt repetitive and dragged on at some points within the book. I honestly get why Jaxon went with such cliches and the style of this story since it was suppose to be a very backwards, bigoted, dumbass community. Yet again, the extremes were a bit much due to the unrealistic takes on certain aspects of the story. {Sheriff not being able to arrest Roman’s shitbag of a father for domestic & child abuse? Football players ruling EVERYTHING? And more}. I also had to say as well: really made me upset with how Roman treated Taylor later within the book even when he was beyond regretful and “made~up” for it. {which was shit to me but hey, to each’s own}. Then with Jonah forgiving Roman so easily throughout the book? Just no👏🏾. {Also wish that all of the townspeople get their rightful ticket in Hell for how shitty they were👏🏾}! I know this was a bible page of improvements🤧, without saying too much about the story, but it needed to be said since it was the reason why this book went down to a 2 rating then back to a 3 rating in the end. Even so, I did enjoy the 😈🍆👅 bully aspects, football, and their fucked up but HOT relationship as a whole👅🍆😈! 👑🏈😈
😈🏈👑Conclusion👑🏈😈:
😈🏈👑In the end, I found this bully romance to be an extreme one for sure, but still enjoyed it for its dark~fucked up uniqueness! {if that makes any sense😂}. The winning question though, would I recommend this book to anyone? Well, that is a damn good question since this one really depends on what you are looking for! As stated within the trigger warnings, if those topics are troubling for you, and trust me, Jaxon DOES NOT HOLD ANY PUNCHES, then DO~DO~DO NOT READ THIS BOOK! You will 99.99% hate it and either DNF it or give it a one star due to such content! As for me, again, I was curios even though I cursed the damn book last year when reading friends reviews.
🏈👨🏼❤️💋👨🏻Love Is Love Series👨🏼❤️💋👨🏻🏈:
Bully King: An MM Bully Romance {Love Is Love, Book 1}: ⬆️⬆️⬆️
Tainted: A Transgender MM Romance {Love Is Love, Book 2}: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
December 3, 2020
3 Stars
Jonah is the preacher’s son and liking Roman goes against everything he believes in. Roman’s a jerk, cocky, and entitled among other things. He treats Jonah like shit. He likes to rile Jonah up, push him and mess with him…
The story dragged at some places and became repetitive. Jonah was strong but I wanted him to more stand up to Roman. He went easy on him most of the time. Roman pretending to be with Mary was really frustrating because it went till the end and at the beginning when he used her to get to Jonah was beyond everything and Jonah pretending to be cool about it was not OK! Another thing, I wanted to see Roman redeemed himself for his treatment toward Jonah but it didn’t happen!
Told in dual POV, 1st person, it’s a standalone novel. It’s a bully story, an enemies-to-lovers and angsty. Overall, it aws an OK read and hope you enjoy it more than me!
Jonah is the preacher’s son and liking Roman goes against everything he believes in. Roman’s a jerk, cocky, and entitled among other things. He treats Jonah like shit. He likes to rile Jonah up, push him and mess with him…
The story dragged at some places and became repetitive. Jonah was strong but I wanted him to more stand up to Roman. He went easy on him most of the time. Roman pretending to be with Mary was really frustrating because it went till the end and at the beginning when he used her to get to Jonah was beyond everything and Jonah pretending to be cool about it was not OK! Another thing, I wanted to see Roman redeemed himself for his treatment toward Jonah but it didn’t happen!
Told in dual POV, 1st person, it’s a standalone novel. It’s a bully story, an enemies-to-lovers and angsty. Overall, it aws an OK read and hope you enjoy it more than me!
September 22, 2021
This book is the REASON why I hate the existence of Bully Romance 🤡
(It's been a while since I've wrote a review so be prepared for an absolute rubbish one)
Honestly, my favorite part of this book was probably the prologue. That chapter was just done so well and you can literally feel the agony, the horror and how scared our MC character was.
And everything else?
I either hated the simple existence, or simply tolerated it to protect whatever was left of sanity at the ungodly hours of the morning.
And no, it's not because it's a bully romance. I have read bully romance and while I generally don't favor them, I have read a bully romance where I actually like the book. I like the characters. Bully Romance is one of the tropes where you either fuck it up so bad, it's (not) hilarious, or manipulate your readers into believing this is the best thing EVER.
And honestly, the story could've been the latter.
But why I didn't like this book was the writing.
The writing was really amateur. It felt stagnant, plain as a damn leaf and unflavorful.
Like I have read wattpad books better than this. (and that's no offense to wattpad, I love that app and I wouldn't be here if it weren't for it's existence)
And this book just ticked off every book of cliche? YES.
And don't you just love a book that goes against every law of common sense?
ie
- a nurse hesitating to treat one of our main characters because of personal issues. Gotta love professionalism cus they so didn't take an oath no?
- the fucking epilogue makes me so triggered, it's not even funny.
- I love how we went from I hate his guts to fuck I love him so much
Initial Reactions
You don't understand how tempted I am to give this 1 star
(It's been a while since I've wrote a review so be prepared for an absolute rubbish one)
Honestly, my favorite part of this book was probably the prologue. That chapter was just done so well and you can literally feel the agony, the horror and how scared our MC character was.
I do not wish to live in this darkness any longer. I am bad. I am broken. I am undeserving of finesse. Please, just spare my family the shame of knowing I am unwell. That I am wrongfully gay. Allow me a quick death. I plead of You to just end my life before the town and congregation find out. My family wouldn’t survive the humiliation my tainted heart would bring down upon them. Wrap Your loving arms around them, Heavenly Father, for You are the only one to heal and save them from the pain of losing a son.
And everything else?
I either hated the simple existence, or simply tolerated it to protect whatever was left of sanity at the ungodly hours of the morning.
And no, it's not because it's a bully romance. I have read bully romance and while I generally don't favor them, I have read a bully romance where I actually like the book. I like the characters. Bully Romance is one of the tropes where you either fuck it up so bad, it's (not) hilarious, or manipulate your readers into believing this is the best thing EVER.
And honestly, the story could've been the latter.
But why I didn't like this book was the writing.
The writing was really amateur. It felt stagnant, plain as a damn leaf and unflavorful.
Like I have read wattpad books better than this. (and that's no offense to wattpad, I love that app and I wouldn't be here if it weren't for it's existence)
And this book just ticked off every book of cliche? YES.
And don't you just love a book that goes against every law of common sense?
ie
- a nurse hesitating to treat one of our main characters because of personal issues. Gotta love professionalism cus they so didn't take an oath no?
- the fucking epilogue makes me so triggered, it's not even funny.
- I love how we went from I hate his guts to fuck I love him so much
Initial Reactions
You don't understand how tempted I am to give this 1 star
November 4, 2020
This book was recommended by a lot of people when I was looking for angsty, rip your heart out stories where the two men really have to fight for their HEA. Unfortunately, it really didn't work for me.
Definitely heed any trigger warnings before going into it. There isn't just dub-con, but there is definitely one scene of full-on non-con, sexual assault.
My issues with the story were that not only was there a lot going on, but so much of it was over the top and felt like it was happening for shock value. There were also plot lines that really weren't fleshed out or didn't make sense to me. On top of that, I never felt that I wanted these two together because I never got a feel for much beyond the thrill they both felt and I didn't feel that Roman really did enough to earn forgiveness. Most of the stuff that happened wasn't even discussed much amongst the characters. Even in the end, their relationship didn't feel like much more than an obsession to me. There were also editing issues as far as the timeline went, especially in the beginning of the story.
I did feel for both Jonah and Roman for the family situations they found themselves in and I was happy to see that Jonah's sister, Mary, turned out to be a strong character and an ally to the boys and Taylor's mother was awesome. Overall, this book just didn't work for me, but once again I appear to be in the minority so YMMV.
Definitely heed any trigger warnings before going into it. There isn't just dub-con, but there is definitely one scene of full-on non-con, sexual assault.
My issues with the story were that not only was there a lot going on, but so much of it was over the top and felt like it was happening for shock value. There were also plot lines that really weren't fleshed out or didn't make sense to me. On top of that, I never felt that I wanted these two together because I never got a feel for much beyond the thrill they both felt and I didn't feel that Roman really did enough to earn forgiveness. Most of the stuff that happened wasn't even discussed much amongst the characters. Even in the end, their relationship didn't feel like much more than an obsession to me. There were also editing issues as far as the timeline went, especially in the beginning of the story.
I did feel for both Jonah and Roman for the family situations they found themselves in and I was happy to see that Jonah's sister, Mary, turned out to be a strong character and an ally to the boys and Taylor's mother was awesome. Overall, this book just didn't work for me, but once again I appear to be in the minority so YMMV.
September 19, 2021
(Warnings-Bullying, Dub-con, homophobia, Internalised homophobia, On-page suicide attempt by the character, dom-sub).
In one line this was some really fucked up shit. And, I know, I blame my being a mood reader for 99% of my reading woes. And, some days I would have dnf a book just for one homophobic slur but today I didn't care if the whole narrow-minded town is shouting them.
So, the storyline is full of cliches of a bully romance in a small town in the South. We have a closeted quarterback, Roman king aka bully king. He is hurt and abused regularly by his alcoholic father and he, in turn, tries everything to prove that he is a perfect jock so no one ever pities him. That in tails fucking around, bullying and winning all the games.
Then, comes Jonah, the son of the new Pastor. He is beautiful, kind and smart but scared. Scared because his father never fails to preach about the fate of homosexuals to the church and in home.
And, because our bully king is smitten by Jonah but frightened to show it. What will he do??? He pretends to date Jonah's sister Mary and torments Jonah.
Is this problematic??? Hell yeah!!
1. The bullying scenes are painful to read about. They are graphic and some scenes are downright cruel.
2. The attitude of the town folk towards abuse.
a.No one cares that Roman and his mom are being abused by his father because he is ex-NFL and rich
b.No, one cares for Roman, are any jock's bullying others because people in the town care about nothing more than football.
Was the relationship abusive?? Again hell yeah!!
The romance started with bullying and blackmail. Has serious elements of dub-con, dom-sub, and emotional abuse. So, yes it's an abusive relationship at the start. But, in a town that breeds hatred, and where both the boys have no support, what else do you expect??
If Jonah has anyone else to love or anyone else has accepted him the way he is, maybe this book could not be called romance.
Do I think the bully king/Roman was redeemed??
I don't know or actually NO. The writing has really forced me to reconsider my belief. I knew the relationship was toxic but I was rooting for it. Mainly because how else I would have expected them to survive and then escape from that Town.
-------------------------------
Some quotes from Jonah
"I’m scared to look over my shoulder. Which Roman will I find?"
"I never know what to expect from him. It’s as exciting as it is terrifying. He pushes my boundaries, often stomping all over them, but he's never pushed me too far."
"After the brutality comes affection. It’s a deadly combination. I’ve seen so many sides of him now. Which one is the real him? The cocky asshole with no cares? The demanding asshole who takes what he wants? This caring, comforting side?"
---------------------------------------------------
Roman/bully king quotes
"I can’t see what the future holds, but I know I need you in mine. The idea of you not being with me makes me want to burn everything to the ground. I am nothing without you. All this shit we’re dealing with makes us stronger. You’re mine, and this shithole town won’t be able to stand between us. I won’t let them.”
This is not the book for everyone but if you get past the Warnings, You will see that the book urges us to think about the part of family, community and religion in life and of course the narrow-mindedness of Small towns.
Note- What pisses me more than the bullying was the preaching of Jonah's father. His direct quotes from Bible.
Looking forward to reading the latest book by this author, that's the story of Taylor, Roman's best friend. But is completely standalone and has trans representation.
In one line this was some really fucked up shit. And, I know, I blame my being a mood reader for 99% of my reading woes. And, some days I would have dnf a book just for one homophobic slur but today I didn't care if the whole narrow-minded town is shouting them.
So, the storyline is full of cliches of a bully romance in a small town in the South. We have a closeted quarterback, Roman king aka bully king. He is hurt and abused regularly by his alcoholic father and he, in turn, tries everything to prove that he is a perfect jock so no one ever pities him. That in tails fucking around, bullying and winning all the games.
Then, comes Jonah, the son of the new Pastor. He is beautiful, kind and smart but scared. Scared because his father never fails to preach about the fate of homosexuals to the church and in home.
And, because our bully king is smitten by Jonah but frightened to show it. What will he do??? He pretends to date Jonah's sister Mary and torments Jonah.
Is this problematic??? Hell yeah!!
1. The bullying scenes are painful to read about. They are graphic and some scenes are downright cruel.
2. The attitude of the town folk towards abuse.
a.No one cares that Roman and his mom are being abused by his father because he is ex-NFL and rich
b.No, one cares for Roman, are any jock's bullying others because people in the town care about nothing more than football.
Was the relationship abusive?? Again hell yeah!!
The romance started with bullying and blackmail. Has serious elements of dub-con, dom-sub, and emotional abuse. So, yes it's an abusive relationship at the start. But, in a town that breeds hatred, and where both the boys have no support, what else do you expect??
If Jonah has anyone else to love or anyone else has accepted him the way he is, maybe this book could not be called romance.
Do I think the bully king/Roman was redeemed??
I don't know or actually NO. The writing has really forced me to reconsider my belief. I knew the relationship was toxic but I was rooting for it. Mainly because how else I would have expected them to survive and then escape from that Town.
-------------------------------
Some quotes from Jonah
"I’m scared to look over my shoulder. Which Roman will I find?"
"I never know what to expect from him. It’s as exciting as it is terrifying. He pushes my boundaries, often stomping all over them, but he's never pushed me too far."
"After the brutality comes affection. It’s a deadly combination. I’ve seen so many sides of him now. Which one is the real him? The cocky asshole with no cares? The demanding asshole who takes what he wants? This caring, comforting side?"
---------------------------------------------------
Roman/bully king quotes
"I can’t see what the future holds, but I know I need you in mine. The idea of you not being with me makes me want to burn everything to the ground. I am nothing without you. All this shit we’re dealing with makes us stronger. You’re mine, and this shithole town won’t be able to stand between us. I won’t let them.”
This is not the book for everyone but if you get past the Warnings, You will see that the book urges us to think about the part of family, community and religion in life and of course the narrow-mindedness of Small towns.
Note- What pisses me more than the bullying was the preaching of Jonah's father. His direct quotes from Bible.
Looking forward to reading the latest book by this author, that's the story of Taylor, Roman's best friend. But is completely standalone and has trans representation.
February 6, 2023
I hate him. I need him. His need sears my heart. He doesn’t know how else to protect me from them. I love him.
After reading Prom King in Anti-Valentine: An MM Romance Anthology I became really interested in Roman and Jonah's story in Bully King.
We have the story of Jonah, the new boy who is the son of a preacher who moves from Washington State to the South. He is in the closet and, as the new kid in town, has attracted the attention of the football team, particularly Roman King. Despite his reputation in town, Roman King comes from a broken home. Not only is he also in the deep in the closet, but he has to deal with his violent father on a daily base while not only trying to protect himself but also his mother. They are drawn to one another, and while their relationship is unhealthy and dangerous, if they are found out, they become like air to one another in a town that is ready to crush them.
This story honestly took me for an emotional ride. While the story itself is not a dark romance, it deals with themes of bullying, homophobia, gay bashing, and the use of religion to spew hateful rhetoric. The first half of the book is difficult to read and honestly makes you feel uncomfortable. Roman's actions towards Jonah and later his own friend are pretty despicable.
Tears fall down my face as he uses me, his hand in my hair giving him more control. Refusing to look away from him, I won’t let him hide from this. He has to face what he’s doing to me. If I’m his victim, he will face the monstrosity of his actions.
The relationship between Roman and Johan is quite disturbing and unhealthy. Roman has to keep up appearances, and with the way he grew up, violence follows softness despite how much he comes to love Jonah. He violates, hurts, and treats Jonah so horribly. Yes, it is out of fear, he is a coward, but it's tough reading those moments.
After the brutality comes affection. It’s a deadly combination. How was I supposed to keep him at arm’s length when he’s like this?
There is no way I should be rooting for these two, but Andi Jaxon does a fantastic job at drawing you in emotionally and making you invested in their relationship. However, those tender moments when they were together picking up the pieces....my heart. I loved how Roman was possessive and was ready to defend and fight for Jonah (after realizing he couldn't be a coward anymore).
Like Roman was problematic, do not get me wrong. He was complicit and an active participant in terrorizing and beating even his own best friend for being gay. The internalized homophobia was wild in him. However, I like that there is character growth and learning to stand for what is right in the end.
“I can’t see what the future holds, but I know I need you in mine. The idea of you not being with me makes me want to burn everything to the ground. I am nothing without you. All this shit we’re dealing with makes us stronger. You’re mine, and this shithole town won’t be able to stand between us. I won’t let them.”
Overall, Bully King was an emotional story. I really enjoyed it and am glad that I finally read it. I really love Andi Jaxon's writing, and I can officially say I am a fan!
Please do check TWs if you plan on reading this book.
After reading Prom King in Anti-Valentine: An MM Romance Anthology I became really interested in Roman and Jonah's story in Bully King.
We have the story of Jonah, the new boy who is the son of a preacher who moves from Washington State to the South. He is in the closet and, as the new kid in town, has attracted the attention of the football team, particularly Roman King. Despite his reputation in town, Roman King comes from a broken home. Not only is he also in the deep in the closet, but he has to deal with his violent father on a daily base while not only trying to protect himself but also his mother. They are drawn to one another, and while their relationship is unhealthy and dangerous, if they are found out, they become like air to one another in a town that is ready to crush them.
This story honestly took me for an emotional ride. While the story itself is not a dark romance, it deals with themes of bullying, homophobia, gay bashing, and the use of religion to spew hateful rhetoric. The first half of the book is difficult to read and honestly makes you feel uncomfortable. Roman's actions towards Jonah and later his own friend are pretty despicable.
Tears fall down my face as he uses me, his hand in my hair giving him more control. Refusing to look away from him, I won’t let him hide from this. He has to face what he’s doing to me. If I’m his victim, he will face the monstrosity of his actions.
The relationship between Roman and Johan is quite disturbing and unhealthy. Roman has to keep up appearances, and with the way he grew up, violence follows softness despite how much he comes to love Jonah. He violates, hurts, and treats Jonah so horribly. Yes, it is out of fear, he is a coward, but it's tough reading those moments.
After the brutality comes affection. It’s a deadly combination. How was I supposed to keep him at arm’s length when he’s like this?
There is no way I should be rooting for these two, but Andi Jaxon does a fantastic job at drawing you in emotionally and making you invested in their relationship. However, those tender moments when they were together picking up the pieces....my heart. I loved how Roman was possessive and was ready to defend and fight for Jonah (after realizing he couldn't be a coward anymore).
Like Roman was problematic, do not get me wrong. He was complicit and an active participant in terrorizing and beating even his own best friend for being gay. The internalized homophobia was wild in him. However, I like that there is character growth and learning to stand for what is right in the end.
“I can’t see what the future holds, but I know I need you in mine. The idea of you not being with me makes me want to burn everything to the ground. I am nothing without you. All this shit we’re dealing with makes us stronger. You’re mine, and this shithole town won’t be able to stand between us. I won’t let them.”
Overall, Bully King was an emotional story. I really enjoyed it and am glad that I finally read it. I really love Andi Jaxon's writing, and I can officially say I am a fan!
Please do check TWs if you plan on reading this book.
April 17, 2023
This didn't feel like a romance...
Roman didn't show any character development and was actually very selfish and abusive towards Jonah - I didn't see where the love was.
I preferred Jonah but I didn't like how forgiving he was seeing as he didn't get all that much in return. It actually felt like he was punishing himself for being gay by allowing Roman to treat him the way he did.
This story also reinforced my absolute loathing of religious zealots.
Roman didn't show any character development and was actually very selfish and abusive towards Jonah - I didn't see where the love was.
I preferred Jonah but I didn't like how forgiving he was seeing as he didn't get all that much in return. It actually felt like he was punishing himself for being gay by allowing Roman to treat him the way he did.
This story also reinforced my absolute loathing of religious zealots.
October 21, 2020
I love a good M/M romance; I read the blurb and was hooked. I knew going in the Preacher would be against his son being gay. Once I was in deep, I had a big problem with it and kept yelling and screaming at my kindle. I felt their pain; it was raw and emotional. Now add high school bullies, abusive parents, love, and you have a tremendous gut-wrenching story. The mom in me wanted to adopt these fictional characters.
Johan and his sister Mary move to small-town Kentucky with their parents. Johan's father is the new Preacher in town. Johan feels out of place and hiding a secret from his family that he is gay, as it goes against everything he has been told to believe, and will be excommunicated. On his first day of school, he has a run-in with Roman , the school star quarterback, and from there on, he has a target on his back.
I will always be an outsider in my family. Never accepted or part of it.
Johan and his sister Mary move to small-town Kentucky with their parents. Johan's father is the new Preacher in town. Johan feels out of place and hiding a secret from his family that he is gay, as it goes against everything he has been told to believe, and will be excommunicated. On his first day of school, he has a run-in with Roman , the school star quarterback, and from there on, he has a target on his back.
I will always be an outsider in my family. Never accepted or part of it.
Roman can do no wrong in his town as football is viewed as a religion. Many people turn a blind eye to some of his indiscretions. He has feelings for Johan but tries to keep them bottled up; he starts to date his sister, Mary, while striving to be closer to Johan. He knows being gay; no one will turn a blind eye. Life may look good on the outside, but it's far from it. He is broody, cocky, and afraid of what others will think or do.
Roman and Johan broke me and put me back together again. I felt like I was transported back to the 1980s with such small-minded towns and hate crimes against gay people. These two went through hell. But when there is darkness, the light will follow. I couldn't help but fall in love with both of them. I hope to see if Taylor and Mary have their own book.
September 24, 2021
Oh my god! Wtf! I 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸. I didn't think I would, not with the 𝘁𝘄𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘂𝗽 𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘁 but my curiosity got the better of me! 😅
With all the 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼𝘅𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆, I still liked it! I am messed up. I am so messed up.
If this was reality I'd need 𝙅𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙝 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙍𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙨𝙮𝙡𝙪𝙢. It was the twisted way of this book that engaged me in it. My psychology professor can never find out about this! 😭😭😭
The 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘭. 𝙎𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙙 was the darkest part of Jonah (for which I felt really bad for) and Roman, though a 𝙩𝙬𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠, actually got him. Roman was a 𝘀𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘀𝘁 and 𝗝𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗵 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁. Roman wanted jonah in pain. Jonah revelled in that pain 😳! When these two were together 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙨𝙬𝙚��𝙩 𝙢𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 where I was like 𝗮𝘄𝘄𝘄 and then I have to 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘭 to make myself understand how 𝙩𝙤𝙭𝙞𝙘 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙖𝙨 😫. It was messed up in an 𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙖𝙮.
It was the 𝙬𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙜𝙤𝙩 𝙢𝙚. Not the book but of the characters. These two were so 𝙬𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚. Roman being concerned and kind off creepy sweet made me want to coo. My heads at the wrong place. This 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙢𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 ppl. It makes you think things in a way u know is 𝚠𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚐 but you 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙞𝙩! 😱
I'll have to 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙝𝙪𝙧𝙘𝙝 (nope. No tnks) or something. I'll start meditation, maybe. 𝗠𝘆 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝘁𝘄𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 for me to handle. 😝
With all the 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼𝘅𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆, I still liked it! I am messed up. I am so messed up.
If this was reality I'd need 𝙅𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙝 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙍𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙨𝙮𝙡𝙪𝙢. It was the twisted way of this book that engaged me in it. My psychology professor can never find out about this! 😭😭😭
The 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘭. 𝙎𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙙 was the darkest part of Jonah (for which I felt really bad for) and Roman, though a 𝙩𝙬𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠, actually got him. Roman was a 𝘀𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘀𝘁 and 𝗝𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗵 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁. Roman wanted jonah in pain. Jonah revelled in that pain 😳! When these two were together 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙨𝙬𝙚��𝙩 𝙢𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 where I was like 𝗮𝘄𝘄𝘄 and then I have to 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘭 to make myself understand how 𝙩𝙤𝙭𝙞𝙘 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙖𝙨 😫. It was messed up in an 𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙖𝙮.
It was the 𝙬𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙜𝙤𝙩 𝙢𝙚. Not the book but of the characters. These two were so 𝙬𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚. Roman being concerned and kind off creepy sweet made me want to coo. My heads at the wrong place. This 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙢𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 ppl. It makes you think things in a way u know is 𝚠𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚐 but you 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙞𝙩! 😱
I'll have to 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙝𝙪𝙧𝙘𝙝 (nope. No tnks) or something. I'll start meditation, maybe. 𝗠𝘆 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝘁𝘄𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 for me to handle. 😝
October 18, 2020
First of all I would like to say that the dub/con mentioned by the author is actually non-con (specifically in one scene). We can't justify the bathroom scene as dub/con no matter what were Roman's intentions.
The one thing that pissed me off the most is how easily Andy forgives some of the awful things Roman does. That's not what the readers want to see! We want him to earn his forgiveness; We want a character like Roman to actually redeems himself, and not to deal with the backlash through just a couple pages after screwing up.
It's not all bad. There are some sweet and hot moments, but I still didn't enjoy this book. It's not exactly accurate when reviewers say that you might not like the book simply because "it isn't for everyone". I love bully romances and I don't mind dark themes. The issue here is how it all happens and how the characters deal with the repercussions. It was not satisfying enough for me.
The one thing that pissed me off the most is how easily Andy forgives some of the awful things Roman does. That's not what the readers want to see! We want him to earn his forgiveness; We want a character like Roman to actually redeems himself, and not to deal with the backlash through just a couple pages after screwing up.
It's not all bad. There are some sweet and hot moments, but I still didn't enjoy this book. It's not exactly accurate when reviewers say that you might not like the book simply because "it isn't for everyone". I love bully romances and I don't mind dark themes. The issue here is how it all happens and how the characters deal with the repercussions. It was not satisfying enough for me.
November 20, 2022
2nd read
It was sooooo good. I loved Roman and Jonah so much. I loved the whole slight bdsm vibe to their relationship so much.
But, I did like the first part of the book more than the second. More drama and hiding and hate-fucking.
Their relationship had a seriousness to it that isnt seen in most ya fiction. And the book also showed the true imperfect nature of even the protagonists.
It was sooooo good. I loved Roman and Jonah so much. I loved the whole slight bdsm vibe to their relationship so much.
But, I did like the first part of the book more than the second. More drama and hiding and hate-fucking.
Their relationship had a seriousness to it that isnt seen in most ya fiction. And the book also showed the true imperfect nature of even the protagonists.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2020
The Only Ones Who Know
*arc generously provided by the promo team in exchange for an honest review*
What’s this book about? (I'm trying to give as little spoilers as possible)
*in addition to the triggers mentioned in the author’s blurb: be aware that this story unfortunately includes a lot of realistic homophobia and that might trigger people.* God knows Jonah tried. He wakes up every morning with a need to be ‘normal’. Why is he the way he is? Why is he such a victim? Why can’t Roman King leave Jonah alone? Doesn’t he know that there are lives at risk?
Before we start, let me just say that this is the only time I’m actually glad that I indulged in drama and found out what was going on in the sketchy romance bookstagram community. WELL. I’ve read other bully kings, but this Bully King is in a league of its own. It’s not a small book in any sense. It’s an intense piece of work full of drama and real life battles. It’s an emotional M/M Bully Romance that takes you an adventurous ride. But those adventures aren’t rosy. The society portrayed in this book isn’t something to admire. I applaud the author for her realistic portrayal of football culture and homophobia. Both leads are likeable and relatable, but with King, it takes longer to understand him. Our heroes are tortured and trapped in a society that doesn’t accept them. There’s lots of drama. The banter is hundred percent on. The angst… Oh, the angst. The family dynamics in this story are thoroughly explored, and they’re an immense driving source of the plot. I was intrigued and invested right away! The bullying in the story is top notch – and that statement right there is super weird. Roman and Jonah have impeccable chemistry. Their steamy scenes were HOT LIKE LEBRON IN THE FOURTH QUARTER. Sheesh. I recommend this story to M/M Romance fans, sports romance addicts, and star-crossed lovers admirers.
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Love this story. So glad I signed up.
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October 27, 2020
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Amazon US * Amazon UK
I'm a fan of bully romances and I love a M/M story so I was really looking forward to this book. But I think I got my expectations up a little too high. So I'm blaming myself for the 3 star rating. I love a bully that ends up falling for his victim and while I did get a little of that in this book I felt like there wasn't enough of a connection between Roman and Jonah to contradict just how extreme some of the bullying was. I also felt like sometimes the bullying was a little forced and put into the book for shock value or just to make it a true bully romance but it didn't always make sense with the story, at least not for me.
Bottom line, I did like the characters, even Roman when he was a jackass, and I did like the overall story. I may have had too many ideas for what would happen between the characters when I went into the book and ruined it for myself so I'm not given up on this author and I'm excited to read more from her.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
I'm a fan of bully romances and I love a M/M story so I was really looking forward to this book. But I think I got my expectations up a little too high. So I'm blaming myself for the 3 star rating. I love a bully that ends up falling for his victim and while I did get a little of that in this book I felt like there wasn't enough of a connection between Roman and Jonah to contradict just how extreme some of the bullying was. I also felt like sometimes the bullying was a little forced and put into the book for shock value or just to make it a true bully romance but it didn't always make sense with the story, at least not for me.
Bottom line, I did like the characters, even Roman when he was a jackass, and I did like the overall story. I may have had too many ideas for what would happen between the characters when I went into the book and ruined it for myself so I'm not given up on this author and I'm excited to read more from her.
February 10, 2023
4.5 Stars
RTC
RTC
October 4, 2021
When done right a bully romance can give you more emotions than that of any other trope in my opinion and honey let me tell you, Bully King was done right!!!
Jonah has lived with the idea that there is something wrong with him because he was raised in the church where homosexuality is a sin in any form. Moving to a small southern town where the two most important things are football and Jesus he is faced with the very real possibility if anyone were to find out he was gay he could be seriously hurt for it. His first day at his new school he is faced with the jock who can and will ruin him given the chance. Roman just isn't any jock though, he gets under Jonah's skin just with one glance and if Jonah isn't careful, he can risk losing much more than just his secret.
Roman has it all on the outside but inside he is drowning. His father is a drunk, his mom is lost in her heartbreak, and he is keeping the biggest part of himself hidden from everyone. When he encounters the new kid Jonah on the first day of school, he knows that he has to make sure Jonah doesn't come near him and the only way to do that is with anger and rage. He starts dating Jonah's sister to keep Jonah close but not too close, he bullies him so no one suspects but before he knows it Roman can't stay away. Jonah is everything and nothing that he wants all at the same time.
Jonah & Roman's relationship starts out rocky to say the least with each of them getting their own grief at home unknowingly about who they truly are. Being faced with losing everything makes people do drastic things and as Roman starts to fall for Jonah he knows that if he doesn't change his ways soon, he is sure to lose him for good. Jonah has always kept this part of himself secret and it was OK until Roman, he tests everything Jonah believes in but how can something that is supposed to be so awful feel so good?
As someone living in the south this story touched my heart in so many ways because the themes at play here are very present. You wouldn't think so, but it is true and when faced with losing everything just to keep the one you love people are forced to make impossible decisions. I saw that here with both Jonah & Roman and all I wanted to do was hug them both and tell them it would be OK.
Andi Jaxon created a bully romance with serious heart, and I was blown away. Seriously can't believe this was my first book by her but I am looking forward to more of stories especially Tainted where we learn more about Taylor, Roman's best friend.
Jonah has lived with the idea that there is something wrong with him because he was raised in the church where homosexuality is a sin in any form. Moving to a small southern town where the two most important things are football and Jesus he is faced with the very real possibility if anyone were to find out he was gay he could be seriously hurt for it. His first day at his new school he is faced with the jock who can and will ruin him given the chance. Roman just isn't any jock though, he gets under Jonah's skin just with one glance and if Jonah isn't careful, he can risk losing much more than just his secret.
Roman has it all on the outside but inside he is drowning. His father is a drunk, his mom is lost in her heartbreak, and he is keeping the biggest part of himself hidden from everyone. When he encounters the new kid Jonah on the first day of school, he knows that he has to make sure Jonah doesn't come near him and the only way to do that is with anger and rage. He starts dating Jonah's sister to keep Jonah close but not too close, he bullies him so no one suspects but before he knows it Roman can't stay away. Jonah is everything and nothing that he wants all at the same time.
Jonah & Roman's relationship starts out rocky to say the least with each of them getting their own grief at home unknowingly about who they truly are. Being faced with losing everything makes people do drastic things and as Roman starts to fall for Jonah he knows that if he doesn't change his ways soon, he is sure to lose him for good. Jonah has always kept this part of himself secret and it was OK until Roman, he tests everything Jonah believes in but how can something that is supposed to be so awful feel so good?
As someone living in the south this story touched my heart in so many ways because the themes at play here are very present. You wouldn't think so, but it is true and when faced with losing everything just to keep the one you love people are forced to make impossible decisions. I saw that here with both Jonah & Roman and all I wanted to do was hug them both and tell them it would be OK.
Andi Jaxon created a bully romance with serious heart, and I was blown away. Seriously can't believe this was my first book by her but I am looking forward to more of stories especially Tainted where we learn more about Taylor, Roman's best friend.
October 24, 2020
Let me just say that I'm not a person who gives 1 star ratings. My lowest is 2 stars and it's been eons since the last time I gave a 1 star rating. But I was so close to DNF this book multiple times while reading this one and because I don't DNF, I had to struggle and deal with it. And when you're struggling while reading, instead of enjoying the action, then it means that this book maybe indeed deserves that 1 star rating. In my opinion at least.
Now, don't come at me, because this was one of my most anticipated reads, I generally love bully romance , dark romance and I'm not over-sensitive or whatever. BUT let's be honest here. This book didn't make sense to me. There were many plotholes, it was very problematic, there was rape and abuse and there was no redemption. Jonah was a punching bag for Roman, who didn't redeem himself, because according to the other guy "he was already forgiven". Excuse me, what?
There are also scenes that should be discussed (attempted suicide, domestic abuse, predatory behavior etc.) and not just brushed off and this happened too many times. I was so troubled by them, that I didn't care for their sex scenes or their so called "romance".
Anyway, bottom line, this book definitely wasn't for me, but it will probably stay with me because of how frustrated it made me feel.
Now, don't come at me, because this was one of my most anticipated reads, I generally love bully romance , dark romance and I'm not over-sensitive or whatever. BUT let's be honest here. This book didn't make sense to me. There were many plotholes, it was very problematic, there was rape and abuse and there was no redemption. Jonah was a punching bag for Roman, who didn't redeem himself, because according to the other guy "he was already forgiven". Excuse me, what?
There are also scenes that should be discussed (attempted suicide, domestic abuse, predatory behavior etc.) and not just brushed off and this happened too many times. I was so troubled by them, that I didn't care for their sex scenes or their so called "romance".
Anyway, bottom line, this book definitely wasn't for me, but it will probably stay with me because of how frustrated it made me feel.
December 1, 2022
Wow, what can I say?! I really enjoyed this, despite the triggering subject matter.
And there are so many triggers (dub-con, suicidal thoughts, homophobia and physical abuse, amongst more) so be aware, but also lots of thought provoking prose and really tough topics dealt with passionately and compassionately.
I completely loved Jonah and Roman, although Roman really had to work for it at times!
Totally recommended.
4.5 ✨✨✨✨
And there are so many triggers (dub-con, suicidal thoughts, homophobia and physical abuse, amongst more) so be aware, but also lots of thought provoking prose and really tough topics dealt with passionately and compassionately.
I completely loved Jonah and Roman, although Roman really had to work for it at times!
Totally recommended.
4.5 ✨✨✨✨
October 1, 2020
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
I hate him. Roman King. Even his name makes him sound like a jerk . If jerk is even a strong enough word to describe this guy. Too bad it makes my blood pound in my veins at the mention of it. I hate him, but I have a feeling before the end of the year, I’m going to fall in love with him. I’m not sure why. He’s given me no reason to think otherwise, but there’s something about him that calls to me. I hate him for that too.”
' Bully King' is a standalone MM Bully Romance by Andi Jaxon. Told in dual purpose , this book was absolutely heart wrenching!!
I seem to have developed an Addiction for MM Romances. Can't have enough of these😂. This book was no less! I loved the storyline , but my favourite part were some of the phrases in this book. The author managed to gracefully gut me with her words and I enjoyed every Second!!!
Jonah is the pastor's son. Everyday in his life he hears about how it is a sin for people of same gender to lay together and it kills him to hide his true self from everyone. He father being the biggest hater of them all. Now he has moved to a new school and is set for a fresh start. That is until he runs into the king of school on his first day. From that day , his life becomes a living nightmare , and he at the mercy of Roman King.
Roman is the star player of the school. Everyone wants to be him. But what they see is his flashy life. No one knows the real truth of his broken family or the nightmare he survives everyday. The pastor's son is the last person who should hold his interest. Then why can't he stay away? Jonah is the most innocent guy he has ever met and that is the thing which attracts him the most. But he can't let anyone know about his desires. Which is why Jonah has to hate him. Maybe then they will both survive this town full of people who think being gay is a sin that should be punished through death.
This story was absolutely heart-breaking. The way it is written , it was impossible for me to not be moved by Jonah and Roman's story. It was not pretty story but seeing them struggle only for them to rise even higher , is what kept me going! A definite top read of mine! And a must read for all the MM bully romance lovers out there!!
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October 6, 2020
★★★𝑅𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤★★★
(𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒚 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘.)
𝑅𝐴𝑇𝐼𝑁𝐺:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝑰 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒃𝒆 𝒂𝒏 𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒇𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒚. 𝑵𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒐𝒓 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒊𝒕. 𝑰’𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒊𝒓𝒕𝒚 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒇𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒚 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒅𝒂𝒚 𝒉𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆.
Bully King is a standalone MM bully romance by Andi Jaxon. This book was absolutely heart wrenching and beautiful.
Jonah Cohen is the pastor's son. He was raised with the idea that it is considered a sin for people of same gender to be together. He has been hiding his true self from his family for the fear of being hated and rejected, and his father being the biggest hater of them made him wish death more than once. He and his family ended up moving when a job was offered to his father, but nothing could have prepared him for the storm he was about to weather.
𝑰’𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒆 𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝑯𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏’𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒍. 𝑰 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒂𝒚. 𝑰’𝒎 𝒏𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝒄𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒏, 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒚𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑮𝒐𝒅.
In a town where people care about only two things: football and God, Roman King is practically a Royalty. He is the star player of the school. Everyone wants to be him, but all that perfect image he portrays in nothing but an image. No one really knows the truth of his broken family or the nightmare he faces every time he gets home.
In a town where being gay is considered the greatest sin, they can only have stolen kisses and quick gropes in the dark.
𝑱𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒉 𝒇𝒖𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑪𝒐𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒅𝒓𝒖𝒈 , 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰’𝒎 𝒂𝒅𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒅.
This book was heartbreaking and sad. It was written is a way that it was impossible for me to stop reading. The struggles that both Roman and Jonah faced broke my heart, but what broke me the most was the fact that their own parents were their biggest enemies. I mean isn't family supposed to be you ride or die? To love you and accept you no matter who you are?
This book was beautiful in so many ways, and i was happy how everything turned out for both of them.
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒂 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒎𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒔 𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒏 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅. 𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖.
July 1, 2022
So I thought it only fair I do a bully m/m because I did a m/f a couple years back. I should have learnt my lesson that nothing good comes from a bully “romance” and this one was epically horrible. Homophobic Christian town, an asshole homophobic but gay jock, and a repressed gay Christian boy whose father is the pastor.
Just so many bad things happen here that get glossed over but I guess that’s what makes it bully and romance. Also its too damn long for no reason. Just repetition, repetition, repetition 🙄
Would not recommend!
Just so many bad things happen here that get glossed over but I guess that’s what makes it bully and romance. Also its too damn long for no reason. Just repetition, repetition, repetition 🙄
Would not recommend!
Read
November 22, 2020I just spent 30 mins writing a review and accidentally deleted it. I’m so upset right now😭😭😭😭 I’ll try again tomorrow
October 22, 2020
Hmmmmmm … okay, so I didn’t love this story, but I also did not hate this story. The law of averages puts me square in the middle of the road. There are a ton of events in this book I think could have been less dramatized and still made the point they were trying to make. There are plot points in the story that still have me #twtichy. I know what I was getting into when I chose to read this book. A small-town bully romance is not that complicated, but this was a lot; unnecessarily so if you ask me, but it’s not my book, so it’s not up to me.
The small/rural town living was depicted extremely well. The town turning a blind eye to Roman and his father is typical and expected. The mentality on sexuality even more expected. The actions taken by the characters on the page were at times way over the top for my liking, but I’ve already mentioned that and honestly, I don’t have more to add than that. I think this book/story went beyond bully into dark shadows of society that I was not prepared for, so it clouded my overall enjoyment. If you’re reading this review trying to make a decision on whether to one-click or not, you shouldn’t, but what you should do is take the warning, **This story is a bully romance including dubious consent, assault, talk of suicide, and is intended for readers 18+. Please proceed with caution.** , seriously because it is all that times a hundred.
I've been struggling with how to rate this book for longer than I care to admit so it's just going to go unrated for now, because I just don't want to quantify my review just yet.
Okay, it's been about a week now so it's time to *rate* this book and again I'm struggling! In my headspace of rating, it should be 2 stars but if I do that, you guys will see that not as I intend so I'm going with 3. That's it. That's the rating. The end.
The small/rural town living was depicted extremely well. The town turning a blind eye to Roman and his father is typical and expected. The mentality on sexuality even more expected. The actions taken by the characters on the page were at times way over the top for my liking, but I’ve already mentioned that and honestly, I don’t have more to add than that. I think this book/story went beyond bully into dark shadows of society that I was not prepared for, so it clouded my overall enjoyment. If you’re reading this review trying to make a decision on whether to one-click or not, you shouldn’t, but what you should do is take the warning, **This story is a bully romance including dubious consent, assault, talk of suicide, and is intended for readers 18+. Please proceed with caution.** , seriously because it is all that times a hundred.
I've been struggling with how to rate this book for longer than I care to admit so it's just going to go unrated for now, because I just don't want to quantify my review just yet.
Okay, it's been about a week now so it's time to *rate* this book and again I'm struggling! In my headspace of rating, it should be 2 stars but if I do that, you guys will see that not as I intend so I'm going with 3. That's it. That's the rating. The end.
November 23, 2020
One star for the sexy and delicious scenes, the rest is garbage, no offense to the author.
March 9, 2023
Well I loved it. I have so much to say!! Look peeps - if you’re a sensitive reader, if on page assault and CNC trouble you, then just don’t read this. It’s going to be a lot and too much for some. And that’s ok!!
Yes, the dads were flaming sacks of shit but let’s be honest, the moms weren’t much better. Not standing up or speaking up is silent acceptance and approval for the behavior to continue.
I do believe both women were the victims of (different forms) of abuse - but they didn’t protect their kids. Grace was so horrifically abused that my heart did ache for her. But Jonah’s mom…Stepford wife. Fuck her.
I also believe that Jonah’s dad was actually more of a monster because he sat in a seat of trust and power. He used his position to continue to instill fear and hate into people. Abusing his power in the name of god was absolutely disgusting. He was trash.
Obvi Roman’s dad was a toxic waste of oxygen and was ultimately on the receiving end of some long overdue karma. Such a loser.
Roman did some bad shit. Inexcusable acts of violence. And while he did know better, he’d spent the better part of his young life in a constant state of terror. There was no one coming to his rescue. I also think he did the things he did to Taylor and Jonah so that he could control their “punishment” knowing it would be less severe than if he let the rest of his team inflict the pain. Warped and misguided but he had absolutely no one helping him. He had nothing. I don’t forgive his actions, just simply stating how destructive his abusive fathers actions were on his own thought process. I do believe he loved Jonah. I also believe he needed therapy - a lot of therapy.
Jonah really wasn’t the doormat so many portrayed him to be. He had been taught his whole life that who he was intrinsically was wrong. That his very existence was a crime against god. The mental abuse his father inflicted and his mother condoned was inescapable. You can’t ignore your own mind. He just wanted to be loved for who he was. So he accepted what he thought he deserved. He too was a victim (later a survivor) of horrible abuse disguised as religious enlightenment. All a bunch of horse shit. His anguish at the thought of god casting him aside simply because he loved a man was tragic. Jonah had a lot of internal self loathing to work thru. Therapy would be good for him too. And then they could do couple counseling as well.
I actually loved Roman and Jonah together. I thought they did fill a void for the other. Was it always healthy? Absolutely not but they did find comfort, solace and acceptance in each other. And while I may not like sex with a side of pain, there are plenty of people who do so I didn’t find it upsetting. I actually thought there were many times that were intimately raw and passionate.
And a giant round of applause for Mary and Krystal!! Bad bitches!!
Yes, the dads were flaming sacks of shit but let’s be honest, the moms weren’t much better. Not standing up or speaking up is silent acceptance and approval for the behavior to continue.
I do believe both women were the victims of (different forms) of abuse - but they didn’t protect their kids. Grace was so horrifically abused that my heart did ache for her. But Jonah’s mom…Stepford wife. Fuck her.
I also believe that Jonah’s dad was actually more of a monster because he sat in a seat of trust and power. He used his position to continue to instill fear and hate into people. Abusing his power in the name of god was absolutely disgusting. He was trash.
Obvi Roman’s dad was a toxic waste of oxygen and was ultimately on the receiving end of some long overdue karma. Such a loser.
Roman did some bad shit. Inexcusable acts of violence. And while he did know better, he’d spent the better part of his young life in a constant state of terror. There was no one coming to his rescue. I also think he did the things he did to Taylor and Jonah so that he could control their “punishment” knowing it would be less severe than if he let the rest of his team inflict the pain. Warped and misguided but he had absolutely no one helping him. He had nothing. I don’t forgive his actions, just simply stating how destructive his abusive fathers actions were on his own thought process. I do believe he loved Jonah. I also believe he needed therapy - a lot of therapy.
Jonah really wasn’t the doormat so many portrayed him to be. He had been taught his whole life that who he was intrinsically was wrong. That his very existence was a crime against god. The mental abuse his father inflicted and his mother condoned was inescapable. You can’t ignore your own mind. He just wanted to be loved for who he was. So he accepted what he thought he deserved. He too was a victim (later a survivor) of horrible abuse disguised as religious enlightenment. All a bunch of horse shit. His anguish at the thought of god casting him aside simply because he loved a man was tragic. Jonah had a lot of internal self loathing to work thru. Therapy would be good for him too. And then they could do couple counseling as well.
I actually loved Roman and Jonah together. I thought they did fill a void for the other. Was it always healthy? Absolutely not but they did find comfort, solace and acceptance in each other. And while I may not like sex with a side of pain, there are plenty of people who do so I didn’t find it upsetting. I actually thought there were many times that were intimately raw and passionate.
And a giant round of applause for Mary and Krystal!! Bad bitches!!
October 15, 2020
Omg. Jonah and Roman broke me.
This was one of the best bully romances I have ever read. BUT, it was also one of the best m/m books I have had the pleasure of reading.
Jonah and Roman. Two completely different people, two young Men struggling with their lives, with who they really are.
Both of them are hiding secrets and when they cross paths they collide like oil to fire.
Form the first moment I saw this book going around I knew it would be an emotional one. And I wasn't wrong. The book is not easy, but the character development is worth every tear.
I absolutely loved this journey. This is a story of love, family and utlimately acceptance. It's about breaking stereotypes and embracing who you really are.
I highly recommend it.
This was one of the best bully romances I have ever read. BUT, it was also one of the best m/m books I have had the pleasure of reading.
Jonah and Roman. Two completely different people, two young Men struggling with their lives, with who they really are.
Both of them are hiding secrets and when they cross paths they collide like oil to fire.
Form the first moment I saw this book going around I knew it would be an emotional one. And I wasn't wrong. The book is not easy, but the character development is worth every tear.
I absolutely loved this journey. This is a story of love, family and utlimately acceptance. It's about breaking stereotypes and embracing who you really are.
I highly recommend it.
January 13, 2021
it's not my thing. Roman is a selfish prick. well, he is a victim of domestic violence. But Jonah is a vitim of school violence. because of Roman! and he is still attracted to him, even pity for him? Am i supposed to believe this? Is he a masochist? (Roman makes him suck his dick in front of his friends, and he realizes he loves him? oh.....) jona's lack of self-respect actually makes me sick. I like dark novels, but no. it's not one of them. and too many sex scenes. there is nothing but sex between them.
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