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With my past in the light, it’s time to look to the future. It’s time for me and my crazy, broken Hillcrest boys to unite. With a little help, maybe we can finally get my ex out of the picture. Maybe I can finally relax and be safe.

Or maybe not.

Travis, Declan, and Will are all I need to lose myself in the moment. With Sawyer gone, things should be a little easier. I refuse to give up any of them. They rallied around me, willing to overlook their differences and feelings about each other to be there for me. These boys are mine, and no matter what life throws at me next, I won’t let them go.

But then truths come to light, and when they do, someone pays the price. How many bodies will pile up before the mystery surrounding Sabrina and her death is solved?

The answer?

More.



Killer is a darker romance, meaning there are topics that might offend you. Self-harm, stalking, detailed graphic violence, mental health issues, and more to come. Be warned. There are some RH elements as well.

287 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 20, 2019

214 people are currently reading
365 people want to read

About the author

Candace Wondrak

116 books1,846 followers
Hey guys! I'm a writer, an office worker, a wife, a mother to two dogs and two cats, and half of a strange pair of young adults who flip the houses they're living in with the goal of having no mortgage (so that I can eventually focus on my writing career!). Needless to say, I'm busy.

Still, I somehow find time to write, to read, and to enjoy life. Wish there were more hours in the day, really!

If you're active on Goodreads and have similar interests, friend me. I don't bite. Or if you'd rather follow my reviews, you can do that, too.

Happy reading!

Link to newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dppf_v

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5 stars
534 (48%)
4 stars
314 (28%)
3 stars
206 (18%)
2 stars
29 (2%)
1 star
12 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
Profile Image for Amara.
598 reviews68 followers
February 17, 2020
Who isn't a killer?

Okay. First things first... I want Markus' story. Yeah, bring the darkness, haha.

Second and most importantly: Candace Wondrak is a damn good story teller. I absolutely love every book of hers I have read.

There was a lot of foreshadowing so most everything that happened in this book seemed almost inevitable based on what happened in previous books. This one seemed like a continuation of Psycho actually and not a next chapter to me, so my rating reflects that opinion. That's not to say this wasn't warranted or whatever. It seems the likely progression to their story.

I love how Markus, Lincoln, and Travis talk about Stella and Ed and refuse to mention the "ginger." That crossover was cool. And I really want more Markus!

Will seemed too good to be true...almost too normal for this group, yeah? So for him to be showing Stella-esque traits was a little on the nose. But, it works and helps keep the story moving forward.

Declan, the cinnamon roll, did you attempt suicide or did your crazy brother drug and try to murder you to put you outta your misery? Or was Ruiz lying?

Travis is a sexy beast with dragon tattoos, a murder family, and sociopathic tendencies who also is a little freaky sexually with his chains and toys. Travis better watch out though cus Will wants him gone.

Speaking of Will, I forgot who it was that said something isn't quite right with Will. Maybe Travis, Markus, or Lincoln noticed that he seems off. Hope he doesn't show up for playtime with Trav and Ash while Ash has him chained.

Sawyer is still in rehab. When he gets out he has to make amends to both Declan and Ash...oh, and Travis...definitely not the substitute pink hair girl with missing parts though since she isn't taking apologies anymore.

Finally, we know what happened to Sabrina! We do not know how Kelsey is still because Ash has more important things to worry about than taking five minutes here or there to be as good friend. Ruiz's reign of terror is over. Dean Briggs won't be hooking up with anymore underage girls.

What happened to Batman rapist boy?

PS: Is book 6 final on series? When it is out? March 1?

That's about it. Oh and by the way...Markus needs his story told! ;-) I can hardly wait!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for ari.
781 reviews202 followers
Read
January 4, 2020
OH, MY FREAKING GOD! WHAT??

I'm disappointed and a bit bitter. Disappointed with some of the characters, not the book.



Overall, I still don't really know how I feel about this series besides the fact I'm completely addicted to it.
71 reviews35 followers
January 12, 2020
HOLYYYY SHIT. Candace just smacked me upside the head with this AMAZING book. I am so dedicated to this world and these characters.

This is the BEST Hillcrest yet!

Not only did she blow my expectations out of the water, but she completely left me dumbfounded at the end of the book. I was left sitting there and digesting this book for a good 30 minutes when finishing. This is truly phenomenal writing. I stand to be even more amazed with each book, how her mind works.

The details that were put into this story and the characters hooks right into your heart. Thank you Candace for giving me a world to get lost in!
319 reviews3 followers
December 29, 2019
Wow just when you think things can’t get any worst for Ash and her guys another curveball is thrown into the mix right at the end. How will they handle this new situation can’t wait to find out.

This book has you grip right till the end and even then you need the next book to find out what is going to happen to them all and what is going to happen next and what else is going to come out of the closet.

There are lots off hot steamy scenes with Ash and her harem and are we going to get the brother sandwich in the next book.

I have loved this series it just keeps getting better and better and when you think you know what is happening you get thrown by how the story suddenly turns and what you though had happened was just not quite right. I would give more stars if I could candance wondrak has done it again.
Profile Image for Lauren.
717 reviews
January 1, 2020
Mother of all plot twists!!!

I don’t even know where to start....This book has left me shocked and incredibly excited for the next book! The author has done a phenomenal job weaving this complex and dark story that is full of plot twists and surprises that leave the reader needing more. While the story line of Ray seems to be taken care of and wrapped up in this book, another dramatic story arc has started to take shape. I can’t stress enough just how much I love this book and the series!!

Will and his darker side kind of took me by surprise. I knew he had a darker side but I did not expect to read what I did in this book. All of the characters are complex and each have their own secrets. Some of them are known to Ash by now, while others haven’t even been fully disclosed to the reader. They all have at least a little bit of a monster hiding inside them, some more than others, which makes each character complex and intriguing for me to read. I am curious as to how Ash will handle some of these secrets when they are finally exposed, such as Will. Will Ash be able to look past it and still have the same feelings for him, or will it all fall apart for her? These secrets aren’t just ones that have an effect on Ash, these secrets could tear every single one of her men away from her and each other if it’s let out. With that being said, I am interested to see how things will play out next and how the author plans to spin this new development.

Like the other books in this series, there are scenes that are considered graphic such as murder and torture. There also is a hint of mental health issues which may play a larger role as the series continues. I highly recommend this series if you enjoy RH and mind blowing plot twists with every book.
Profile Image for dais.
852 reviews95 followers
October 1, 2024
I’m sorry but… WHAT THE FUCK?!
Candace, I know I can always depend on you to blow my fucking mind but these plot twists are beyond wild. I can’t even try to wrap my head around what just happened in this book.
All I’ll say is that Will, he er… how could I put this without giving anything way?… well, he erm… is hiding something HUGE… WAIT… he is hiding MULTIPLE HUGE things… fuck it… yeah, we’ll go with that.
Profile Image for Cheryl Sedman.
1,159 reviews11 followers
January 9, 2020
Omg I freaking love these books. Once again hooked from the start did miss sawyer but he's still in re-hab.
This book like the previous books is explosive and intense with lots of crazy twists and a cliff hanger ending to totally blow your mind. I could say so much more about this wickedly amazing book but I don't want to spoil the surprises so please pick up a copy today
Profile Image for Danyelle Williams.
970 reviews8 followers
January 4, 2020
Wow 🤯

This book is like a rollercoaster. Just when you think you have hit a safe point...nope here comes another drop.

We learned so much and things get resolved in this book. It lulls you into feeling like you have it all figured out but nope you don't. Candace throws another curve ball at you...and this one I did not see coming.

I can not wait for liar....this series is just so gooood
Profile Image for Sonya.
393 reviews
January 16, 2020
Epic

O.M.G!!! I am loving this series more and more. I swear the more twisted it gets the more I am hooked. I kinda saw this twist coming but god knows where it’s going to end now. Please bring on next book ASAP, I need my fix.
Profile Image for Carolina.
63 reviews
April 12, 2020
So, if that was a trick just to have a sixth book, this is one hell of a bold author. I’ll give her that.
It’s not every time we come across a twist like THAT.
And just like that we have a plot for the next book and a broken heart (mine, of course) leaking blood.
Profile Image for Christina.
902 reviews36 followers
December 28, 2019
Wow! The drama and mystery continue with some hot steamy scenes in between. I can't say enough good things about this series. I can't wait for the next one!
Profile Image for BookLover89.
344 reviews
December 11, 2020
This series only got worse with each book. I actually liked the first book and by this last one, I was about ready to smash my iPad.

I don’t even know how I finished this series. And how in the world does it have such good reviews???

It was six books that could have been done in two or three if all the dumb stuff had been removed.

Did I need to know everyone’s body type over and over and over and over? No. We get it...Declan is Lean.

Did I need to know eye and hair colors ten million times? No.

Did I need to know what holey outfit she was wearing constantly? No

There were so many redundant things in this book that could have been left out.

I probably should have waited a day or two before leaving a review after finishing this series but this series just got me worked up. 😂
Profile Image for Alisha.
62 reviews
March 25, 2021
DNF @ ch. 7.

I just can't anymore. I kinda like the plot but there is a lot of internal thinking which is often circular. Also the indecisiveness of the characters was driving me crazy.
Profile Image for Courtney (Bookish Blonde Barista).
621 reviews
January 23, 2020
***I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
OMG! OMG! OMG! So much happens in this book! It is just so much that I don't know where to start. My expectations for this book were blown away! Im am in complete shock! Ok Ok....
This book picks up right where the last one left off. There are so many twists and turns in this book. I literally had to re-read multiple scenes to make sure I read everything correctly and didn't miss anything. If you were thinking one thing in the previous books, you turned out to be completely wrong in this one!

Declan - Did he really try to commit suicide or is there something else to the store that we are not aware of yet? Oh like maybe your crazy brother? hmmm...  Or was Ruiz lying when he said he didn't hurt Declan?

Travis - The same old Travis who is a sexy beast with a family that murders, and sociopathic tendencies, but is also is has a freaky sex side with his chains and toys.

Sawyer - Still in rehab. When he gets out he has to make amends to both Declan and Ash...oh, and Travis...definitely not the substitute pink hair girl with missing parts though since she isn't taking apologies anymore. She kind of can't...
Will - Um really?!? Did we really just go there and learn what I think we learned. Wholly shitbox. That just opened a whole new can of worms and man Will is so much more trouble than the perfect older brother act he seems to play perfectly.

Finally, we know what happened to Sabrina! Ruiz's reign of terror is over. Dean Briggs won't be hooking up with any more underage girls.

I cannot wait to read the next book in the series! I need to know what happens! Oh, and I am so hoping to see Sawyer and Ash finally together!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,447 reviews17 followers
March 23, 2021
Intense

I don't even know where to begin with this book. It feels like the story is coming to its end, with the next book I think.

There's been this whole story arc that I've not discussed in my reviews of the previous books in the series, one that involves the death that started it all. Sabrina. Declan's girlfriend and Sawyer's sister. Her death is what fractured the boys' friendship to begin with. And all through the series, despite the other drama and side stories, this death has been a constant. Was she murdered or was it self-inflicted? Why did she die? There are so many theories, but things are beginning to unravel now...it's so juicy.

What does it mean to know someone is a murderer and yet loving them anyway? I know this isn't reality, but it's a question I've thought a lot about. Knowing someone is going to continue killing people, but accepting it? I'm trying to wrap my head around it all. Do we base our intimate relationships on how our partners treat us or in their actions with others? If my husband was a monster to some people, but was the kindest and most loving partner/son/father/friend: would that effect my relationship with him? I don't know, but this book has made me get all philosophical. It's kind of freaking me out.

But hey, gotta love a book that engages your brain and forces you to think outside your comfort zone.

My brain needs a hug.

Still loving this series despite this vague review of this particular book (I love the word "this")...and there's only one book to go! I think. Anyway. Give this series a try if you're into sociopaths/psychopaths and also dark romance? It's seriously twisted, but good.
Profile Image for Mads.
302 reviews11 followers
August 15, 2020
What. the. F*CK!

I thought there would be no more surprises but here we are, and this one I didn't see it coming! It was just perfect.

Honestly, when I started reading Killer, I don't know why but I suddenly found Will kind of annoying. Maybe because he was hiding so much from Declan and Ash? I thought, "Okay, he's going to tell them what's going on, and then everything will go back to normal."
Except it didn't, and we had this huge revelation from Will's POV and I was so shocked I had to pause for a sec and breathe a little.
At some point in the book before that, I told myself it was too easy to blame Dean Briggs, and that it shouldn't be that easy considering, like, everything that happened previously. It would be kind of predictable. But I couldn't just point my finger at someone and say "he/she is the real killer" until Will revealed the kind of man he really is.

Ash, Travis and Declan don't seem to have a moment to breathe. Now that Ray is dead, we dive right back in the mystery of Sabrina's death. The three of them are going through so many things in such a short period of time, I'm surprised they're still manage to function at all... Especially Ash and Declan.
And it felt weird not having Sawyer, I really felt that he was missing and I hope he'll come back in Liar, hopefully much better than when he left. And still into Ash.

Now, off I go to read book 6! Cannot wait!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Little Miss✨️.
216 reviews2 followers
February 24, 2024
HOW and WHY does this series have such a high rating?!

And six books?? SIX?? When two of your books in a series is under 300 pages you can add them. And probably half of every book could have been cut because the author is only repeating it self. It's exhausting to read. It's only because of my FOMO I have gotten so far.

*spoilers below*
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Travis watching Sabrina die and not helping her actually broke my heart 💔 I can't take Travis' behaviour anymore. That was beyond f-ed up.
Ash's lack of respons made my eyes roll. This has to be coming back to her in the last book. How can Declan and Sawyer get over this betrayal from their former best friend? How can they be with a girl that doesn't care about it?

And this book isn't RH. It's a book about a girl who sleeps with three guys. Noone have a real relationship. Ash also has the audacity to call Sawyer, Travis and Kelshey's behaviour as "throwing it around with strangers", when she was drooling over three 🍆 in a matter of seconds when entering Hillcrest. She also hasn't called Kelshey back yet. Ash is the worst friend ever.

I swear I was planning on giving this book one star, but the twist in the end was a pleasant surprise, so I'm upping my rating.

2/5⭐️
2/5📝
1/5🌶 

Actually quote from the book:

"We’d never done it 🐶style before; Declan wasn’t really into that, but I guess he’d make an exception right now." 

SO GODDAMN BORING.
Profile Image for Clo.
109 reviews1 follower
May 2, 2025
I'm sorry. WhAT?
Just trying to understand the last part of the book because umm WILL?? I knew that man was a little suspicious but I was not ready for him to be a whole other crazy. his mother? Did he block out his memories? What is wrong with him is he a psychopath? Why is anting to get rid of everyone lowkey? I just don't know what to think about this guy now.
What is going to happen when the whole truth comes out? Poor Declan, this entire series he hasn't had a freaking break.

Swayer not being in the book was messed up. I get he was at rehab but umm... we're just taking a whole ass mc out for an ENTIRE book??? Honestly just wow.
Ray's gone... and Ash still lied? I don't get it this is just bizarre for me. I feel like there is so much missing and not being said to any of the characters, I need to write down each lie they tell and then when or if they tell the whole truth and too who.

There's honestly so much going on in this book that when something from book ONE pop's up it throws me for a whirl. And then when that thing is still unresolved at the end of this book.... I'm just shocked at my self at this point. not much else to say.

Declan and Travis as "crazy' as he is are still fucking carrying these books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kady Bowers.
216 reviews15 followers
January 4, 2020
So I have conflicting emotions about this book. I have devoured every word in the first 4 books, but with this one, I felt like it dragged. I missed the sassy, smart mouth, Ash. I did enjoy getting to see her interact with the boys in a more intimate setting, I mean relationship wise lol, but at the same time I felt like the life in this book was missing. It didn't grab me as the others did and I think part of that is I miss Sawyer something fierce. I feel like I should have seen Will coming and truth I thought he killed Sabrina just not for the reasons that he did. I feel like it was almost redundant though cause I read Lincoln's book, and his girl remembered what she wanted to remember too. Also, they took Ray out way too easily, I was looking for a bit more challenge to compensate for the fact that we are missing the back and forth with her and Sawyer.

But of course, I'm still waiting with bated breath for the next one and I just hope that it picks back up like the first ones.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kara (Rotella Reads).
942 reviews50 followers
August 17, 2020
I feel like this series will never end. It was so tantalizing and addictive in the beginning but at this point now it's just becoming so absurd and unnecessarily drawn out. But am I going to read the last book of the series? Damn right ha ha I have to see this through and know how it all ends. I've come to far to quit now!

The characters have started to lose their luster and the angst has dwindled quite a bit. I was happy to see Ray face his demise, that was the highlight of the story. The intimacy between Ash and her harem of men is still hot and progressive. But the secrets and lies that keep popping up have started to become eye roll worthy. It's like no one is capable of telling the entire truth, ever. And everything that unfolded with Sabrina's murder and those who were involved had me scratching my head. Then out of left field comes a major plot twist surrounding Will and his psychotic past!?!? I'm just over here like WHAT?!?!

Honestly.... how can one 18 yr old girl find herself "in love" with MORE THAN ONE SERIAL KILLER!?!?!?!
Profile Image for Hannah Brooker.
766 reviews2 followers
January 13, 2020
So stupidly brilliant!!!!

I love the whole pyschos that love theme, the domineering side of Travis, the sweet kind heartedness of declan, will was an enigma but now he's just dangerous and dear Sawyer who's so broken he needs someone to wrap him in sticky tape to put him back together. For an individual to be able to develop characters with as much depth as these guys is amazing. I know I personally wouldn't know where to begin. You often read that authors especially ones who have other jobs get a lot of stick for various things but without their craft we wouldn't have books to read. A book for me isn't just a story it's the world I get sucked into, it makes me forget my woes, they make me laugh, smile and cry. This series brings it all, to be able to write like this is an art and I take my hat off to Candace for doing such an amazing job. She's in my top 5 favorite authors.
Profile Image for Lauren.
6,131 reviews57 followers
January 23, 2020
Killer is book five in the hillcrest university series. This story is short, mixed paced, dark and angsty. I have been gripped on this story since book one and it never fails to disappoint. I devoured this book in one sitting and was left eager for the next book. The writing style for this book is easy to follow, the characters likeable and the storyline action packed. I cannot say too much without giving everything away. Because of that, I will keep this review brief.
The drama continues for Ash and her men. Just when she thinks things cannot get any worse, a curveball is thrown. This story/instalment is full of twists and turns. The chemistry between Ash and her men is clear to see. I liked all of Ash’s men but I have to admit, I have a major weakness/soft spot for Travis.
I have so much more to say about this story but I don’t want to give anything away. All I will say is that I am desperate for the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Mara 🖤.
7 reviews
Read
December 29, 2024
The story started off great, it kinda feels a little bit dragged out now. The only things that I’m not a big fan of:
Will having this whole backstory for hating his dad but then his memory was just messed up? Like if it was actually real it would’ve made sense but I guess the author wanted to show that he really is crazy. But all these years he thought his dad beat his mom just to find out he made the whole thing up and was actually the one who killed her? He told himself this to apparently have a reason to hate his dad but if his dad never did anything why did he need a reason to hate him so much? It didn’t make much sense to me. Maybe they want him to look crazy so we can set the tone for the next book when he tries to get Travis and Sawyer out the picture. Ray seemed taken care of almost too easily, yes I understand Travis' family are professionals but I wish there would have been a little scuffle or something. Excited to finally finish the series though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Erin R..
34 reviews1 follower
May 17, 2021
At this point - I dont think I can continue with this series. Maybe at some point I'll pick up the last book but to be honest I read reviews and the last few chapters and I'm content leaving it at that. I feel as though 6 books was a tad much here. I think the storylines could have all been tidied up in a trilogy. We just now finally found out what happened to sabrina - finally the ray storyline was resolved - I'm not sure I liked the twist with Will or not. I also just wanted to scream at ash to send her friend a damn text. The first 5 books were enough to keep me mildly interested but I'm leaving them here. I just want to know more about Marcus and Lincoln now. If this author continues with any of the characters I'd maybe consider it if the harem gets more tightly woven. I like it when the guys are all close knit and they all operate closer as a family would, if that makes sense...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kasumatata.
1,140 reviews23 followers
January 1, 2020
This series just keeps getting better

Be prepared to have your mind blown when you read this book. I was in awe when I watched how the plot unfurled. The character development is phenomenal and the author always seems to trigger my inner mediator personality (INFP). This results in me looking at the characters from every angle and different points of view, enjoying how I like certain character traits, while I develop a distrust in other actions. I love it when I'm challenged like this and there's not many authors who craft their books and characters quite like this.

In short, you will have closure in some ways and will be messed up in others. One thing is evident: the finale of this series will be epic!
288 reviews2 followers
May 12, 2023
So. Freaking. Good!

OMG! So much happened in this book! Twistier. Darker. More dramatic. If you are like me and accidentally read Candace's books slightly out of order due to how you came across the first one on Amazon, then you had some foreknowledge coming into the Hillcrest University series about certain things that certain characters had done in their past (which is the present in this particular series). You knew the basics of what was coming. But the journey to get here and the specifics of what actually happened and how and why...I just didn't see it coming! I won't give any spoilers, so forgive me for being slightly cryptic. I just can't wait to get to the last book in this series to see how things wrap up!
Profile Image for Jasmine Hoisington.
927 reviews2 followers
January 3, 2020
Holy sweet hell

I started this series not know it was a series. I was mad it was a series because I had so many going I couldn’t keep up. Let me tell you though as the series has progressed I have been sucked in and can not wait for each book to come out.

This book does not disappoint. Holy sweet hell it wrecked everything I thought was happening. So many questions answered and problems solved just to have more shoved at you.

Candace Wondrack is an amazing author of all things dark and this piece of work is nothing short of amazing. Do yourselves a favor and one click the series from the beginning NOW!
Profile Image for Cheri.
906 reviews13 followers
November 20, 2021
3.5 stars

The harem is definitely coming along with Ash having multi guy action now. Sawyer was largely MIA in this one as he's away at rehab. The Ray issue was wrapped up a bit too easily but I'm having suspicions about Detective Martinez. Maybe it's my mistrust of police in general though. This book made me excited to read more about Lincoln and Markus. Their family seems really so mysterious and deadly. There were also some big reveals. Travis confessed the truth about his part in Sabrina's death to Ash who oddly enough, didn't run for the hills. Still love my dark and twisty Travis. The twist at the end really took me by surprise and I didn't see it coming.
Profile Image for Persephone  Roze.
161 reviews
January 5, 2025
My my what tangled webs

I'm still very much on the train for this book and completely invested. However, I started to feel a bit of redundancy throughout this book. These guys are on an insane roller coaster, and I have no idea how it is going to end. Despite it being all swoon worthy that all the boys are crazy obsessed with her, I feel like the inner monologuing about her being their reasons for life are becoming overdone. I heard the same monologues through the last two books, and they don't really change, so I think we could do less of those and more actual relationship development. That would be great. Otherwise, still trekking.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews

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