Tarnished Vow

Boys of St. Augustine #2

by R. Holmes

I came to St. Augustine with secrets.
Running from a life that was going to kill me.
I was after a clean slate, what I found was so much worse.

And he goes by Sebastian Pierce.

He was untouchable. A king with a tarnished crown. The rich boy who collected hearts. The last thing I could ever need, but the only thing I seem to want.
He’s my student. I’m his teacher.
He’s my downfall. I’m his weakness.
It was wrong. Illicit. Forbidden.
It was never supposed to happen.... until it did.


Tarnished Vow is book 2 in the Boys of St. Augustine series. It technically can be read as a stand alone but will be better enjoyed after reading book one, Immoral Confessions. There are dubious scenes inside that some may find triggering. Please heed this warning and read responsibly.

Genres: Romance, Dark Romance, Dark, New Adult, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary, High School

365 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 16, 2021

About the author

R. Holmes is from a small town in southern Louisiana where she lives on a farm, with her husband and two little boys. Whenever she's not chasing around the goats and her boys on the farm, she spends her time watching ridiculous amounts of Netflix and is almost always stuck with her nose in a book. She thrives on horror films, sarcasm, and reruns of Harry Potter. A perpetual night owl, you'll find her in her office locked away until the wee hours of the morning. She loves to meet her readers and discuss her latest favorite books and her upcoming projects!

Connect with her via Facebook, Instagram (@RHolmesAuthor) and twitter!

Reviews

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

'TARNISHED VOW' is the second full length forbidden romance book in R. Holmes's 'Boys of St. Augustine' series. Spoken in 'Dual perspectives.'

This series with these wealthy misfits just keeps getting better and better, throw in the forbidden aspect of this book teacher/student and I was in my element!! This threw up so many surprises, the suspense, the swoony moments, and the forbidden moments made for such a thrilling read!!

Bash and Presley tried to reign in their attraction towards each other as much as they could but when the universe kept throwing them together they couldn't deny their chemistry forever, hiding in the shadows to keep their feelings under wraps, the only ones who were privy to how these two felt was the boys who always through death would have Bash's back. These two escalated pretty quickly into the forbidden waters, the build up was slow but the burn melted my heart.

Each book reveals more puzzle pieces which we’re connecting along the way with what little scraps the author throws our way as we race towards the final book when all will be revealed.

The plot the author has weaved is escalating as the boys have uncovered secrets bigger than them, it’s getting dangerous, they have been forewarned to step away before loved ones get hurt.

Out of the boys we've been introduced to and gotten to know little bits about them, the one I'm definitely eager to spend more time with is our most broken hero of them all, Ezra.

                  

[Darlene I read WAY to many books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was between a 3 or 3.5 star for me I still don't know how I feel lol.. I was debating to read this not because anything bad but I'm not a huge fan of older woman younger guy trope. That's just me. But I did give it a shot. And it was okay for me. Now I did cry my heart out during a scene.. and im still kinda upset about that.. because ugh!!!

But we have Presley a teacher with a hidden past who would like that to stay hidden but she has captured the attention of Sebastian one of the 4 who rule the school.. and he does tease snd blackmails her until they start growing close.. then things change when he sees how she flinches, looks over her shoulder if someone was following her that wanted our boy to protect her.. and welp I fell for him when he wanted to switch gears.

We get some more moments and friendships with the guys and I do love those!! I wouldn't mind the ladies forming a friendship. We still have some mystery stuff to figure out.. and 2 more guys and I think next book shall be darker and more heartbroken... idk if I'm ready...

Medium angst, slight om drama (ex hubby) kinda tiny ow (we find out Bash didn't fuck that girl), no cheating, secondary character, drama, sexy times, no virgins (both had past)

Recommend-maybe
Cover-⭐⭐⭐⭐
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶

Prologue
Slowburnish
Older younger couple
Slight push away from h
18H/25h
Dub-conish
Masturbation
Mentiones past abuse
Tiny anal play
Light edge play
No condom
Panic attack
Violence
Hea
Epilogue +bonus

[maddison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tarnished Vows is a student/teacher relationship I’ve personally never liked reading, but thanks to R. Holmes, I’d say I absolutely loved it. This storyline was so engaging to the point that I could not put it down. Hence why I finished in one day.

Sebastian and Presley are two souls made for each other. The two of them have an unfucking believably hot attraction to each other. Presley's secrets and Sebastian's family drama is what brings this story to life. It makes you wonder what secrets Presley is keeping and why all of the boys' parents are such jerks, while also displaying the love between not only Presley and Sebastian but all of the boys.

Thank you so so much to R. Holmes and her wonderful team for the ARC! I cannot wait to see what is in store for the next book! Now give me Ezra’s book (respectfully saying of course)

[Simran . · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Sebastian and his hauntingly beautiful story. It was raw, action packed and so steamy that it ticked every single one of my boxes. A complete page turner and unforgettable. The friendship between the boys was tight knit as ever and learning what they went through made me ache for them and cheer for them to get their happily ever after. The secrets were brought to light but still left us with many more questions leaving me at the edge of my seat. This author’s writing is flawless, addictive and so seductive that it will leave you wanting more. I’m so glad to have found her. I highly recommend this to all who love a dark High school bully romance that will leave you breathless.

[nikki ౨ৎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

tw// abuse

This is the second book of the Boys of St. Augustine series and currently my favourite.. It will be hard for the other boys to change my mind, because Sebastian won me over and he really is the best man.

I’m not gonna lie though, and I will say that I was actually scared about this one. Student/teacher romance is not really my cup of tea, however, this book changed my mind. It was so well written and I’m still blown away by the connection between Sebastian and Presley. I enjoyed how it was a slow burn in the beginning (yet very entertaining and never got boring) and developed throughout the story. The author perfectly captured the sexual tension and uncertainty about the possible awful outcomes, and I loved that.

My heart was breaking for Presley. Her past left marks on her soul and definitely affected her personality. However, it was amazing to see her opening up and fighting for her happiness. Considering what she went through, I admired her boldness in the end. Her character was great and added to the series.

Sebastian.. oh Sebastian. I liked him in the first book, but I loved him here. Outside he was this spoilt cocky brat I assumed got everything he wanted, but inside he was broken and faced horrible things and people he had to fight. What I really admired about him was how he knew about his flaws and wanted to be a better person.

They were a perfect match and I could see it from the very beginning. It really felt like all this time they were waiting for each other.. The second part of the book definitely got more dramatic and intense, and I loved how the couple managed to fight through this side by side. The end was also very heartbreaking, but this is why this series is so good.. it’s so unpredictable and you don’t see some things coming at all.

I'm super excited where the series takes us next. Both Ezra and Alec seem to have so many secrets and I know their books are worth the wait (although I need both NOW).

***

Follow me on Instagram for book edits.

[M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm surprised. You are surprised. all of us are surprised. thanks for taking the deranged levels down a notch here and not making this 18-year-old as unhinged as the one in the first book.

1) I HATE the student-teacher trope.

2) That being said... I FUCKING I LOVED THIS BOOK. I just can't believe how soft Bash and Presley were? how much he cared for her? Pres giving him secret little smiles? the domesticity of their moments together in the cabin? Hope the cat? EVERYTHING!? um, excuse me, but I'm obsessed 🥰💖

3) That ending and what is happening with Ezra... stop, I'm broken but also I love how this group of friends is written. I love that it's not only "yeah we are the bad boys and we rule this school", but them explicitly saying how they are family, brothers, and how much they love each other and the lengths they are willing to go for each other's, that's beautiful 😭

4) AUTHORS STOP KILLING CHARACTERS ONLY FOR SHOCK VALUE CHALLENGE!!!!

[ApoorvaReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 rtc

[NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books} · Rating 4 out of 5]

***4 "I see you!!!" stars***

OUT NOW!!!



A hollow heart full of regrets. Haunted by a past of irreparable scars. Each one irrevocably deeper than the last.
Now, my fear lives in plain sight. No longer hidden by the facade of happiness. Veiled by lies.
What was once sacred is now nothing but a tarnished vow."

Sebastian's turn had finally arrive and I can say to you that I am crazy over the Kings of St. Augustine.
This book was so different than the previous book and still, I liked the differences between them.
This story was more troubled, more sweet, more forbidden...
It was a slow burn romance at its best...
We had a heroine with a very tortured past and a hero who seemed to have everything, but his facade couldn't keep up anymore... There was an age gap of eight years and a forbidden love between a teacher and her student. What else could we ask for???

"It's exhausting fighting a war you can never win, regardless if you are the one who decided to fight it."

Sebastian was the golden boy among the other St. Augustine's boys and even though he seemed shallow and entitled, he was anything but that... Lately, life was giving him constant slaps that were making him lose his mind... and the relationship with his father is balancing in a very thin rope...
It doesn't help the fact that he is failing to the one course that he shouldn't fail... And the reason for that is his new gorgeous teacher with her tight pencil skirts!!! He can't focused on anything else than her and that's a big problem...

"Presley Ambrose.
The kind of sin you get lost in and find your way right to hell all in one trip."

Presley is running from her past... and she is constantly looking behind her back full of fear. She is finally free, but still she can't shake the fear and the past away from her shoulders.
She has finally found peace under St. Augustine's roof and she is doing finally something that she loves to do... Teaching!!!
But lately, one of her students, the only one who has the ability to make her heart beat wildly is always on her path and he is making it very difficult to focus on anything... She just can't jeopartize her position and her new home, because of an entitled and rich boy...

"There was too much at stake, my life was at risk from a temptation I can't afford to gamble with."

As you can see, things were really complicated between Sebastian and Presley...
They were both fighting their attraction, Presley a little bit more, but Sebastian managed to find the way under her skin... And he was so sweet doing it!!!
At the same time, things on the background was making this story even more intriguing and honestly, I can not wait for more!!!!

"Sebastian Pierce will ruin me given the chance. But the question is... will I ruin him first?"

Presley and Sebastian were perfect together and I loved how they were dealing things... together!!!
And of course, I loved that I saw the other boys for once again... I can't wait for Alec and Ezra's turn, especially for Ezra cause he is a broken boy who needs all the love...
But ... Ramzi had hurt me in here very much and now, I'm afraid to go into Alec's book!!! I'm afraid how broken he is after everything that took place in here!!!
These boys are everything!!! End of story.

"If one fell, we all fell. One bled, we all bled.
Our brotherhood went beyond the surface, it was vein deep."

**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**

[The Romantic Rush Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raw, angsty, rivetingly emotional, and twistedly romantic, Tarnished Vow is an enthralling page turner. And, it is unquestionably R. Holmes at her finest. This is an author taking herself to the next level of her craft. And, I could not love this story more! The titillatingly dark storyline paired with the emotionally beguiling taboo romance consumed me entirely from start to finish. But what is most compelling about this story, and most profound, are the complicated and nuanced character journeys of two beautifully broken souls. Two souls who could not be more perfect for each other, even if their intense connection is forbidden, complicated, and messy. I would bleed for these characters as much as they would bleed for each other. I am totally addicted to the intense magic of Presley and Sebastian.

This is R. Holmes most compelling character writing to date. Bash and Presley are so vividly, tenderly, and deftly realized- we feel their hearts bleeding out onto the page. Nuanced, captivating, and beautiful imperfect- they both carry so much baggage, so much pain, that they’ve carefully repressed into the facade they share with the world. They fall together in a St. Augustine-characteristically toxic way, but their dysfunction catapults them into something beautiful, something liberating and restorative- because by some kismet act of fate, their baggage seems perfectly matched. Both have somehow found themselves destroyed by their own lives- both have felt constrained into an iteration of themselves that they do not desire, nor that they recognize. They are both lonely, and both so tragically lost. At at their core, they don’t know who they are, because they’ve had to fight so long to break free of who they aren’t, leaving them both desperately grasping at a lifeline to be free- a lifeline they somehow find in each other. And even though their pathway is angsty, messy, chaotic and turbulent, it is also achingly beautiful and tender. Their story is surprisingly emotionally complex - we dig DEEP into their souls. And it hurts in places, heals in others- but overarchingly has a sweet tenderness to it. In a world of so much darkness, their love story has so much light, so much hope- and I felt all the swoony magic between them. Even when they were naughty.

Presley stole my heart. I went into this story anticipating a deep love for Bash, and I ADORE HIM, but I feel a soul deep connection to Presley. She’s so strong- and despite all the pains and secrets she has buried, she has such a sweet and tender heart. But it understandably takes time for her to open it - not only because of her ghosts but because of the illicit nature of her attraction and subsequent dalliance with her conniving student. This is a woman desperate for safety- for the security and stability she needs to find herself, and how ironic that she somehow finds her perfect match in a relationship that starts off as incredibly unsafe- one that is risky, unconventional, and some would say wrong. I love her turmoil, I love that R Holmes had her battling her own history AND her attraction to Bash. She doesn’t cave easily, because she’s mature, thoughtful, and emotionally scarred. I found her to be so relatable, and I loved her cautious vulnerability, the way R Holmes gives her a resolute softness that makes her more vivid, and more nuanced. Presley is a marvel- and St. Augustine's most vividly realized character yet.

And as predicted, I adore Bash. I claimed him- I have the receipts. This St. Augustine bad boy has SO much dynamism to him. From the very first words in his POV, I knew he’d been deliciously complicated. And he did not disappoint- he’s melancholy and resigned, but also has a burning energy inside him that he can’t find a place for. His steady stoicism makes him feel more dangerous and unpredictable than Rhys- but I love how many layers R Holmes gives him. His acute self-awareness, and his own subtle emotional fragility make him an incredibly powerful and interesting hero. But his heart? His soul? MY LORD. Breathtaking. He owns me. The contrast of his soft and hard edges, the sweet and savage, his tender and hostile tendencies- he's a perfect contrast. He’s also surprisingly SWOONY- and I’m a total Bash addict.

What I loved MOST about their character arcs is that both of these characters DO find themselves. They do find a pathway to be free of their own chains- but they do it by embracing themselves first, by looking within and fighting for the version of themselves they want to be. Their love is merely the catalyst- not the answer- because they themselves have been their own answer all along. Their own journey saves them- finding each other just gives them the safety to do it. And that is a really beautiful thing.

Narratively, this is also R. Holmes best work yet. This story is so tightly constructed-the pace and tenor of the narrative perfectly matching the nature of these characters. The prose is both pithy and atmospheric- and the use of tone and imagery gives this book a whole darkly melancholic mood that heightens the emotional tension and juxtaposes beautifully with the lighter elements of this romance while also underscoring the darker. This is more of a slow-medium burn in comparison to its predecessor, a romantic pace that works beautifully for who these two are. We get SO much sexual and emotional tension along the way- we’re practically choking from the angst. R Holmes makes this couple fight for each other, for their happiness, because ultimately the fight is also the fight for their own identity. The stakes are high, the risk great, and the obstacles many- so R Holmes brilliantly makes us (and them) EARN it- and earn it they do. The battle feels harder fought, more emotionally intense, but the reward all the sweeter. I love them so hard.

And, we also have the unfolding of the secondary drama with our broader cast that will span the entirety of the series. We get some answers, more questions, and some heart wrenching shocks and twists along the way. As much as this story filled my heart with swoony butterflies, I’m also left shattered and desperate for answers. Answers that I know will only thicken the master story at play, answers that I know will cause more chaos and destruction. I’m not sure I’m emotionally ready for Alec and Ezra’s story, but I need them now! I am so in love with this series and this author- and while I have a special place in my heart for IC, there is no doubt that TV is a my new favorite and R Holmes at her best. This is a story worth fighting for- and I can’t wait for more!

[Velvet Bookmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

FIVE TARNISHED STARS for Presley and Sebastian ❤🖤❤🖤!!!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!

Although I like to say that I love to read all the tropes, this isn't always the case and it mostly depends on the author's writing style and how the story is built.

The teacher-student trope is one of the tropes I don’t read often and I always approach with care.

That happened with this book as well, although I didn't expect anything less from R. Holmes after he knocked me down with the first book "Immoral Confessions" of the "Boys of St. Augustine" series.

This is one of my favorite books this year and it'll definitely hold that place for a long time, at least until R. publishes the third book "Corrupt Prayers" from this series, which I'm immensely looking forward to.

"Tarnished Vow" is a dark high school bully romance with an age gap, forbidden love and teacher-student tropes filled with a lot of angst and suspense moments that will keep you awake until late into the night.

Presley is a female character who, after a difficult past, found her place at St. Augustine Academy working as a teacher.

Her life is slowly returning to normal despite fears from her past, but her life changes when she catches Sebastian’s eye that she should feel nothing because he is first and foremost her student.

Sebastian is a male character who at first glance seems like a spoiled rich man who spends time spending his father’s money, but he is far from such a person and all he wants is to find a way out of the inevitable future prepared for him by his father.

His life becomes even more complicated when Presley enters his life, a teacher who has no intention of giving in to his charms.

Presley and Sebastian's relationship is primarily forbidden, which makes it seem impossible at first glance.

But despite the many, they will find their way to a happy ending.

If you're looking for a dark high school bully romance with the teacher-student trope, then this is the book for you!!!

Highly recommended!!!

P.S. Can't wait to read "Corrupt Prayers"!!!

[Alma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Este libro se me hizo eternooooo… pero me gustó jajaja
Solo quiero el libro de EZRA ya! 🥺 y el de Alec, no sé que esperar de ese libro 😞

[booksandbubbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this second book in the Boys of St Augustine series!! I loved Bash and how loyal and protective he was and Presley definitely grew on me during the book! This one definitely had a bit of the taboo element with with student/teacher relationship and I was here for it!! These two also had a bit of a slow burn as Presley was fearful around crossing too many lines. I also really loved the the connections with the other boys- Ezra in particular who I'm so curious about! And the steam was super high as these two had a ton of chemistry! Definitely recommend and looking forward to more in this series!!

[Mandyloves2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tarnished Vow was everything I anticipated and more! It captivated me right from the start and enthralled me from beginning till end . This student teacher romance is raw angsty emotional intense heartbreaking just all the feels I love these characters and this world this author has created I’m so invested in each character I love the brotherhood the sense of family loyalty compassion these boys each hold for each other they might not be blood but they are brothers in every way that matters . I love how they openly accepted Valentina and Presley to their crew even though they are each used to the bachelor life and not being tied down they respect their brothers enough to respect their women. We finally get to see Ezra and got a little insight into what’s going on with him I think his story is going to be dark and Alec my heart bleeds for him I’m obsessed with these characters when they bleed I bleed . I was not expecting it to end the way it did I’m absolutely gutted by some of the revelations in this book my heart is still beating fast I cried I laughed I swooned this book is definitely R.Holmes at her best and if you haven’t started this series yet what are you waiting for go right now and start this epic journey! I can’t wait for what’s next in this series because that ending has left me on pins and needles!

POV -Dual
Hero - ★★★★★
Heroine -★★★★★
Steam -★★★★★
Story-★★★★★
Chemistry-★★★★★

[Lια ☽ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 "YOU BLEED, I BLEED" STARS!!!

I missed my boys and I'm so happy to be back in St. Augustine's world. Tarnished Vow is the second book in the series and it's the story of Sebastian and Presley. Since Immoral Confessions I was so curious about Bash's story when I realized it was going to be a student/teacher romance, which is one of my favorite tropes.

I have to say, Sebastian really surprised me in this book. When I first read IC he was the one I was least interested in, I don't know, he just didn't grab my attention, but in this book he truly shined. I liked that at the same time that he was broody, intense and dominant; he could also be sweet, caring and supportive. We truly got the best of both worlds when it came to him and he really made me fall in love with him in this one. I mean, his dirty talk alone is A+ lol.

Now, when it comes to Presley I have really mixed feelings. In the first half of the book she really frustrated me, I wasn't the biggest fan of some of her attitudes and how she sometimes treated Bash. After the halfway point I really started to warm up to her, even though she made me super mad at one point. Even though I couldn't connect much with her I really felt for everything she went through and I understood where she was coming from and by the end I did like her.

Bash and Presley had great chemistry and I loved the taboo and forbidden element in this book. This time around the burn was slower but when they got to it, it was fire. I felt like in general the first half of the book was a bit slow but the second half really made up for it. This book made me feel so many emotions, some good, some bad and I loved that. I have to say that ending was shocking and I really wasn't expecting it.

After two books I can truly say that for me the best thing in this series is the bond those 4 boys have. The unity and the unconditional support is unlike anything I have ever read before. They would do anything for each other no questions asked and it's truly amazing to see. I love all of them in their unique way, but I have to say Ezra will always be my favorite. He is just so broken and tormented. He breaks my heart every time and I can't wait to see him put his pieces back together. I can't wait for the next books, this series got me hooked.

"If one fell, we all fell. One bled, we all bled. Our brotherhood went beyond the surface, it was vein deep."

*𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸.

[Veronica Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

R. Holmes reveals deeper secrets hidden at St. Augustine that crescendo throughout the book into an explosive ending that will leave your jaw on the ground intertwined with a sunning romance.

I loved reading the second book in this series! Sebastian and Presley were everything! Sebastian had caught my eye in the first book, but I wasn't prepared for how thoroughly he would steal my heart. Swoony, steadfast, protective and dependable--Sebastian is the full package! He had my heart from the beginning! Add him to your book boyfriend collection stat.

Presley was equally amazing and the perfect match to Sebastian. She had such a strength to her and I loved her emotional journey through the book. Her pain resonates so deeply and watching her take it on and discover her strength was a beautiful aspect of this book. By the end of was SO proud of her!

I loved these two together, especially the scenes at the cottage. The dynamic between Sebastian and Presley was perfectly balanced and I loved watching their connection grow.

[Abstract ♥ Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS





Star Rating : 4/5 Stars

POV : Dual

Cliffhanger : None

Hero : Sebastian

Heroine : Presley

Pace of the story : Moderate

Angst Rating : 6/10

Heat Rating : 6/10

Triggers Involved : Past Trauma

Plot Summary :
Sebastian never asked for his legacy. All he wants Is a normal life. But that is not in the charts for him. Not to mention how complicated his life became when his and his friends' secrets were exposed. Ezra, one of his best friends took the brunt of it all and needed himself in jail. Now it's up to the rest of them to help him out.

That is until the new teacher in the school catches his eye. Presley is everything he should hate because she is making him suffer. Her stubborn nature is something he is not used to. And now he has to find a new way to make the new teacher heel. If that means finding her darkest secrets and blackmailing her then so be it. One way or the other , she will give in.

Overall Opinion :
I have been going crazy about this book! After Rhys' book, I wanted my next dose of this series so bad. This book was not as dark as the first one and was more of a contemporary read but I loved the characters and the storyline. Presley and Sebastian entertained me a lot and seeing the other side characters was a joy too!

That ending was the one thing that broke me! The author gave this crushing blow to us all, which you will know when you read this book. I am totally not prepared for the next book! I thought I knew what was going to happen but now I am not at all sure. All my theories have been blown to hell and there is no way I am going to survive this ride. Doesn't mean that I won't take it though. I simply love this series of freaky much.

I would recommend this book to all the fans of this series. The story unfolds in an amazing way and although we got less answers that what I expected, that just shows that we have a lot of coming!


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[zainab · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a twisted, raw, angsty and emotional story. This was definitely not what I expected. My heart broke for Sebastian and Presley but I loved them to pieces.

Although the beginning of the story was a little slow paced for me but I absolutely enjoyed the other half. The overall plot was quite intriguing I just couldn’t put it down.

Obviously when we talk about Boys of St. Augustine we have to talk about the brotherhood, which is hands down the best thing about this series. I loved all the little moments we have of all the boys together. And now i’m so damn curious for the remaining books especially Alec. I just love him so much.

Talking about Sebastian, I love him to pieces after reading his story. He’s too precious and just perfect in all the ways possible. Love how protective he is for the people he loves, a whole pack of inspiration. Presley was a great intriguing character to read about. She has some secrets but that is what the plot revolves around.

The storyline was mysterious and twisted in its own way. I totally enjoyed the book. Super excited to read the remaining books of this series. I’m just too invested into this world the author has created.

[⋆ Carolain ⋆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Necesito el libro de Ezra y el de Alec.
Alec me dueles 🥺💔

[❤️MaLu_Reads❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tarnished Vow (Boys of St. Augustine #2) by R. Holmes

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

5 STARS

Tarnished Vow is the second book in the Boys of St. Augustin series by author R. Holmes. It is written in dual POV and tells the story of Sebastian and Presley.

This book had me at the teacher/student romance and I was beyond happy to dig in. I always love teacher/student romance, but when the teacher is female and the student is the boy... I go crazy, I just love too much the taboo and the forbidden of the situation.

The story kept getting better and better, with all the secrets, drama, and suspense. What I love the most, is the fact that the whole series is just like a gigantic puzzle, and in every book, we get some pieces to complete him. In every book, the author sinks us in more secrets. The plot of the whole series is getting more dangerous, the boys are facing facts and things that are beyond their power. This is bigger than them, bigger than they ever imagined and they have to make a decision. Go forward, to help and heal Ezra, to help themselves, or step back, which, by the way, I THINK NOT.

I am so eager to find out what will happen next. I don't have a favorite boy so far, but I know Ezra is the broken one. Alec seems to be the funny one, but either way, I can't wait to read their next books.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.

[Laura Fabian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tarnished Vow goes straight to my favorites list, it was a story full of raw, cute, funny and difficult moments, a lot of romance and completely unexpected twists. I loved the way R. Holmes intertwined this story with Immoral Confessions and being able to read a little more from Rhys & Valentina is everything.

Sebastian is a character that has surprised me a lot, I already loved him a little from the first book, but in this he ended up stealing my heart, I think he’s a quite complex character, because he’s constantly fighting with the mask that shows the world and who he really wants to be, is a boy who is a little lost, but is very cute, adorable and considerate, who is willing to fight to protect those he loves, but what I loved the most about him was that he was able to realize his mistakes and correct them in time.

Presley is a very interesting heroine: she has a secret that has put her life in danger and cannot be trusted with anyone, and although it is something easy to discover, it takes a completely surprising, sinister and heartbreaking twits, she’s a young teacher who loves what she does, I loved reading her enjoying teaching her students and I really enjoyed all her moments with Sebastian in the classroom, especially when she makes him suffer. I think she’s an extremely brave woman, cute and with a beautiful heart, without a doubt she has a place in the list of my favorite girls.

Regarding Sebastian & Presley as a couple: THEY ARE PERFECT, although they don’t have the best start of all, as the story progresses they are able to begin to trust each other, but one of the things that I liked the most was that both were able to find in the other the support they needed to to fight their internal struggles In addition, they share a sexual tension that is undeniable, funny moments, tender, difficult, hot and very beautiful throughout the entire book.

A huge plus that Tarnished Vow has, and I'm sure that the whole series, are the small cameos that Val & Rhys have, I really enjoyed reading them together and knowing their relationship from the point of view of Bash. I also LOVED the opportunity to get to know a little more about Alec, Ezra & Rory, and the strong and beautiful relationship between the boys of St. Augustine.

As I already mentioned, I really liked the way the events intertwine with Immoral Confessions and I loved the way it continues with Ezra's plot, which is completely painful, surprising, raw and It broke my heart in so many ways, it was beautiful to read the guys supporting each other and Presley being part of the Bash circle of friends.

Towards the end the story takes a completely unexpected turn that ends with consequences that made me cry a lot, and that I never would have imagined, it has been one of the endings that has broken my heart the most so far, even so I think what is coming for this story will just get better and better and I highly recommend reading the books in this series, because they are amazing.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review

🇪🇸
Tarnished Vow va directo a mi lista de favoritos, fue una historia llena de momentos crudos, lindos, divertidos, difíciles, mucho romance y giros completamente inesperados. Me encantó la manera en la R. Holmes entrelazó esta historia con Immoral Confessions y poder leer un poco más de Rhys & Valentina.

Sebastian es un personaje que me ha sorprendido muchísimo, ya lo amaba un poco desde el primer libro, pero en este terminó de robarse mi corazón, creo que es un personaje bastante complejo, pues esta constantemente luchando con la mascara que le muestra al mundo y quien realmente quiere ser, es un chico que se encuentra un poco perdido, pero es muy lindo, adorable y considerado que esta dispuesto a luchar para proteger aquellos que ama, pero lo que más amé fue que fuera capaz de darse cuenta de sus errores y corregirlos a tiempo.

Presley es una heroína muy interesante: tiene un secreto que ha puesto su vida en peligro y no puede confiarle a nadie, y aunque es algo fácil de descubrir, toma un giro completamente sorprendente, siniestro y desgarrador, ella es una profesora joven que ama lo que hace, me encantó leerla disfrutando de enseñarle a sus alumnos y disfruté muchísimo todos sus momentos con Sebastian en el salón de clases, especialmente cuando lo hace sufrir. Creo que ella es una mujer extremadamente valiente, linda y con un corazón hermoso, sin lugar a dudas tiene un lugar en la lista de mis chicas favoritas.

Con respecto a Sebastian & Presley como pareja: SON PERFECTOS, aunque no tienen el mejor inicio de todos, a medida que la historia avanza son capaces de comenzar a confiar el uno en la otra, pero una de las cosas que más me gustaron fue que ambos pudieron encontrar en el otro el apoyo que necesitaban para poder combatir sus luchas internas Además, comparten una tensión sexual que es innegable, momentos divertidos, tiernos, difíciles, calientes y muy hermosos a lo largo de todo el libro.


Un plus enorme que tiene Tarnished Vow, y estoy segura que toda la serie, son los pequeños cameos que tienen Val & Rhys, disfrute muchísimo de leerlos juntos y de conocer su relación desde el punto de vista de Bash. También AMÉ tener la oportunidad de conocer un poco más a Alec, Ezra & Rory, y la relación tan fuerte y hermosa qué hay entre los chicos de St. Augustine.

Como ya mencioné, me gustó mucho la manera en la que se entrelazan los hechos con Immoral Confessions y amé la manera en la que se continua con la trama de Ezra, la cual es completamente dolorosa sorprendente, cruda y rompió mi corazón de muchas formas, fue hermoso leer a los chicos apoyándose unos a otros y a Presley siendo parte del circulo de amigos de Bash.

Hacia el final la historia da un giro completamente inesperado que termina con consecuencias que me hicieron llorar muchísimo, y que nunca me hubiera imaginado, ha sido uno de los finales que mas ha roto mi corazón hasta ahora, aún así creo que lo que viene para esta historia se pondrá cada vez mejor y recomiendo mucho leer los libros de esta serie, porque son increíbles.

ARC recibida a cambio de una reseña honesta

[literary.supremacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bash & Pres was like OMGGGGG R. Holmes created a masterpiece I loved this book so so much & can't wait for book 3. This book was such a roller-coaster ride for me my heart was pounding at one point & the steaminess was another level in this book & it is EVERYTHING!!!
It makes me angry, emotional,sad also frustrated but I love it so so much & I couldn't story read & R. Holmes is so so good I loved everything from storyline to creativity & development Everything.
Bash & Pres chemistry was OMFH so so good I m so so looking forward to reading next book in the series.
Bash I loved him so much even with his dark demons & I was so curious about Pres & this story is everything.

[Nina ~ Meleth Bookaddicted ~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, this is a rather hard review for me to write. I wanted to love this book so bad, but sadly I didn’t. Whereas the first book sucked me in from the very first sentence, TARNISHED VOW took me until about the halfway mark until I finally, finally was fully immersed in the story – because that’s basically the point where Presley and Sebastian’s story picked up pace. Before, their journey went parallel to Valentina and Rhys’ from the first book, which resulted in not too much happening that I didn’t already know of.

Unfortunately, this book also continues the issue I found in the first book – the editing. The same words and phrases used too often within just a few lines, as well as grammatical and linguistical errors that resulted in me having to read sentences and paragraphs more than once to fully comprehend what was being said. It is something that could be remedied so easily and it hurts my heart that it isn’t done. (side note: While this one was an ARC which is allowed to still have errors, the version of the first book I read was not.)

Okay, back to the good stuff. I still very much enjoyed being back at St. Augustine, back to the mysteries and secrets, back to the band of brothers that I couldn’t get enough of. Once the story actually does pick up, there is so much to take in, so much to digest, not only with Pres’ past, but the boys’ history too. Slowly, the puzzle pieces click into place, starting to reveal a picture so huge that it’s threatening to become more dangerous than they could have ever expected …

With all the intrigue and suspense going on, the forbidden aspect of Pres and Bash’s relationship soon took a back seat, their being together quickly evolving into a necessity of caring, nurturing and healing one another, which was beautiful to witness. Yes, there’s so much more to Sebastian than meets the eye. He most definitely surprised me with his level of maturity.

All in all, I did enjoy the book, especially given its continuous thrilling storyline, and I am truly excited about Alec’s and Ezra’s story respectively, because (even though my hunch about Alec’ won’t come true – boy, that twist almost destroyed me!) I have a feeling that these two just might steal my heart.

[Nagma (Take A Look At My Bookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tarnished Vow is the second book in R. Holmes’ Boys of St. Augustine Series. This book is a forbidden teacher-student, reverse age-gap romance. With each new book in the Boy’s of St. Augustine Series R. Holmes manages to simultaneously unravel the mystery surrounding these boys and leave you confounded with many questions. Tarnished Vow is Sebastian and Presley’s love story. Sebastian Pierce is part of the well-known Pierce family while he might have been considered spoiled due to his last name, Bash holds many secrets and he’s not as he seems. Presley is the new English teacher at St. Augustine and she holds many secrets of her own. Namely, she’s been running from her abusive ex-husband and fears what he’ll do when he finds her. Bash and Pres try to resist their attraction to each other, but ultimately their chemistry wins. As they explore their forbidden relationship, they risk their hearts and lives, as secrets are revealed and sinister intentions unravel.

OH MY GOD. Tarnished Vow wrecked me. I’m emotionally, physically, and mentally wrecked. I literally could not function after I finished this book. I have so many questions and I’m kind of mad at myself for reading this book. This is the second book in this series and in my opinion, it’s better than the first. R. Holmes has managed to create a thoroughly captivating fictional world that revolves around the Boys of St. Augustine. Each book builds off of the last and as each boy’s book progresses the intrigue and suspense only increase. I love each and every one of these characters. I loved the chemistry and connection between Bash and Presly. I think they’re perfect for each other and they make each other better. However, I’m looking forward to the next two books in the series. I really can’t wait for Ezra’s book because I know it’s going to break me. I can already tell it’s going to be an emotional rollercoaster with all the feels.

Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Lizzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tarnished Vow - (Boys of St. Augustine #2)

Tarnished Vow is about Bash and Pres. Bash is the best friend of Rhys, who we met in IC. I really loved this so much! I could not put it down. It was an interesting take on a student teacher romance, and i haven’t read too many older woman/younger man romances either.

It was so fun to dive back into the boys of st. augustine world. i love these boys so much. I was expecting Bash to be similar to Rhys, but he really surprised me.

Bash and Pres are the kind of characters that you know they just belong together. Pres has a troubled past, and i loved that Bash had this overwhelming need and desire to protect her. I was pleasantly surprised to come to find that this wasn’t really a bully romance, which i think made me love it even more. I loved IC, but TV had a different feel to it and it was perfection. Bash and Pres are so hot together!!! You could feel their passion and lust falling from the pages🥵🔥

"𝘉𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥, 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘭𝘺 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘺 𝘤𝘶𝘮 𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶… 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘮𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰." 𝘐 𝘨𝘳𝘶𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘤𝘶𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘴 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘱 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘶𝘴𝘩 𝘪𝘵 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳, 𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘢𝘭𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘳𝘴 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦.

There were more secrets and more lies, and it always keeps me guessing on what might happen next. Overall i really enjoyed this, Ramz does not disappoint. Ive been a huge supporter of @authorrholmes for quite a while and it’s no secret that i love her! i cannot wait to dive back into this world again soon😍🥰🖤

**𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬.

[dori · Rating 5 out of 5]

SEBPRESLEY SUPREMACY

I wasn’t expecting love it so much because is teacher/student trope, and that thing is uncomfortable for me to read. But sebpresley really caught my attention (and thank God he’s have legal age), their chemistry is in another level, their development and they love for the each other is so beautiful. I’m so in love, I swear, Bash and Pres is a thing of another world.

Definitely an 5 star book because they is unexpected.

[jordane · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Stolen glances. Hidden touches. Secret moments.”

Tarnished Vow is the second book in the Boys of St. Augustine series and follows Sebastian and Presley.

I found the beginning of the story a little slow. Not much happened, and it took me some time to get into it, but the second part was more action-packed and wild, and I enjoyed it a lot. The central plot continues to be developed, and more of the boys' secrets are revealed. It keeps you on the edge of your seat, and you can't help but speculate about what will happen next. My favorite part of this installment was definitely the characters and their relationship. Sebastian took me by surprise in this book. I was rather indifferent to him in the first installment because Ezra totally stole the show for me, but I liked him a lot here. He is an intense but very caring and supportive character willing to do anything for the people he loves. Presley was also a great character, and I got attached to her from the beginning. Together, they had many angsty and steamy moments, and I loved how they found comfort in each other and were able to forget about their past traumas and problems for a while. The friendship between Rhys, Sebastian, Alec, and Ezra is more developed and present in this book, and I love how strong it is and how close they are. We also learned more about Alec, though he remains pretty secretive, so I'm curious to see what will happen in his book, especially with that ending!

Overall, the plot and characters continue to keep me hooked, although it took me some chapters to get into the story this time. I'm ready for Alec and Ezra's stories and have a feeling they'll be my favorites!

*ARC provided by the author and Wildfire Marketing Solutions in exchange for an honest review

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading the first book of the series, I got really curious with Sebastian’s story and I was really happy his book was going to be next.

If I really liked Sebastian before, in his book I simple loved him. I love a bad boy with a golden heart and Sebastian was that and much more. Presley has also a good character and she had my heart since the beginning. These two were pure fire together and I just loved them.

Another thing that I really liked was seeing more of the boys friendship. Their loyalty to each others is just so beautiful and I can’t wait to see more of them in the future.

I’ve been so excited to read this book since I knew this was going to be the second one in the series and once again Ramz got me addicted to the story and I just couldn’t put this book down until I finished it.

I seriously can’t wait to read all about Alec and Ezra’s stories, these two also really deserve to finally be happy.

𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬

▬ 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: forbidden romance, teacher x student, high school
▬ 𝐭𝐰: dubious consent, violence, sexual assault

[r o s b e l i · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5🌟
—¿Alguna vez has querido algo tan malo, con tanta fuerza, que moverías la maldita tierra por tenerlo?

Este libro me gusto un poquito mas que el libro uno. Es un libro bueno pero sinceramente no logre amarlo como esperaba.
Me gusto el personaje de Seb, y sus amigos. Fui feliz cuando por fin Ez salio de prisión pero llore cuando cuenta su secreto 😭😭
y Alec pobre estaba destrozado, R no merecía morir, su muerte fue muy innecesaria 🙆🏻‍♀️
El final si fue un poco predecible pero sin valio la pena leerlo. Se lee rápido y tiene sus partes buenas.


>>Tú me ves, Pres. Me ves más allá de lo que ve el resto del mundo. El imbécil rico y engreído que tiene más dinero que sentido común. Ves el hombre que realmente soy, el hombre que espero ser. Crees en mí y, a su vez, haces que crea en mí mismo. Que puedo ser esa persona que es digna de alguien como tú

[Felicia's Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sebastian is mine!!! Presley is perfect for him though. Presley is running away from her past and starts teaching at St. Augustine. In class both her and Sebastian have a click. I love how Alpha Sebastian was. We learn more about Ezra. Alec I can't wait for his book but I have a feeling we might need tissue.

[Karen Mc · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Tell me you don’t feel it, right now.”

Oh my WOW!!! R. Holmes has written the best teacher-student romance ever!!! Fierce, fire-hot, forbidden, and full of feels ... Tarnished Vow is EVERYTHING!!! I was completely caught up in this love story, a magnetic mix of power and passion, captivated by these characters who wrecked me in the best way. I burned for this book!

The spellbinding Boys of St. Augustine series continues with Tarnished Vow, a heart-racing teacher-student romance full of fire and feels that will make you weak in the knees. A tale of two broken but brave souls destined to be whole together. Heartthrob and warrior of a hero, Sebastian, has met in match in Presley, a heroine who is stunning and strong, a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. The palpable pull, the combustible chemistry, the tension, the tenderness, the undeniable love ... I was done for; I felt this hero and heroine so much.

Tarnished Vow is a force that crashes into you, consuming your body and soul, as you clutch onto every fire-breathing word. The emotional intensity, the bleeding angst, the burning heat, and the burst of feels from every page is hypnotic, an addiction I couldn’t put down. I never expected my emotions to bleed this fast. Never thought a teacher-student would enrapture and unravel me so much. Tarnished Vow took my tears, burned my body, and stole my soul. But it’s meaningful message made me feel the most: “You are more than your past ... bigger than your demons ... and stronger because of it all.”

“You bleed, I bleed.”

R Holmes pens a vividly drawn prose that completely engulfs you into her stories. The perfect storm of dark and light ... fire and ice ... terror and tenderness ... sin and salvation. Mesmerizing. Metaphorical. Meaningful. I just want to wrap myself around every word.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ forbidden, fierce, and fire-hot stars

➡️ https://amzn.to/3ttg7Zt