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Emerald Falls #1
The Masks We Wear
My mother tells me you can’t run from your past. You need to face it in order to appreciate the present and plan for the future. But I’d sell my soul not to deal with mine. It’s five foot four, has fake green eyes, and is the cause of all my torment.
When I knew her-when I loved her, she was just Liliana.
But now they call her Lily. The Queen of Emerald Falls.
She thinks she can bully me into silence. Make my life a living hell while keeping her prestigious status intact.
But a lot has changed in three years.
It’s time the Queen met her match.
When I knew her-when I loved her, she was just Liliana.
But now they call her Lily. The Queen of Emerald Falls.
She thinks she can bully me into silence. Make my life a living hell while keeping her prestigious status intact.
But a lot has changed in three years.
It’s time the Queen met her match.
243 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 4, 2021
222 people are currently reading
3711 people want to read
About the author
Lee Jacquot
24 books2,053 followersHey there! My name is Lee. I like to think of myself as a bibliophile who belongs to the Ravenclaw house.
I write romances that can sometimes be sweet and spicy or deadly and kinky. I'm a firm believer in happily ever afters and men who always make sure their woman is satisfied first.
When I'm not writing, I'm drowning myself in a good book, losing track of time on the Nintendo Switch with my kids, and laughing or yelling at one of my husbands practical jokes. (He likes to leave fake spiders and roaches around.)
Also, something important to note. I live off Chai and Dean Winchester.
Visit me on Instagram or TikTok to find out about upcoming releases and other fun things! @authorleejacquot
I write romances that can sometimes be sweet and spicy or deadly and kinky. I'm a firm believer in happily ever afters and men who always make sure their woman is satisfied first.
When I'm not writing, I'm drowning myself in a good book, losing track of time on the Nintendo Switch with my kids, and laughing or yelling at one of my husbands practical jokes. (He likes to leave fake spiders and roaches around.)
Also, something important to note. I live off Chai and Dean Winchester.
Visit me on Instagram or TikTok to find out about upcoming releases and other fun things! @authorleejacquot
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
February 23, 2021
I had the pleasure of getting an ARC for this book and I really enjoyed it. While I do prefer dark romance, I love Lee and want to support her. This book gives us a different take on "bully romance", being that the female main character was the "bully", which was very refreshing. I do think at times the things Lily does to bully Spencer are a bit childish and petty, but they are in high school so I get a true feel of that in the things she does. Sometimes in high school themed books the characters don't even feel like they are in school cause they're in a gang or are criminals. This book 100 percent had the feel of teenage mindset.
For a first time author Lee did a great job! I can't wait to see where things go next with Blaze and Remy, who were my favorite characters.
So proud of you Lee! You did so good!<3
For a first time author Lee did a great job! I can't wait to see where things go next with Blaze and Remy, who were my favorite characters.
So proud of you Lee! You did so good!<3
February 22, 2021
This female bully romance does not disappoint.
Lily and Spencer hit hard in Lee Jacquot's debut novel. Lee's prose is beyond beautiful. The way she twists the trope on its head and gives us a strong female bully romance. She does it all while making sure Spencer can go toe to toe with Lily no matter what stunt she pulls, and never making him weak.
Lily's and Spencer's separate stories are heartbreaking as well, and will suck you right in as you root for them to finally get together.
The spice is perfectly written too, and I lived for every scene with these two because they are off the charts hot!
Do yourself a favor and binge this book. It's more than worth your time! <3
Lily and Spencer hit hard in Lee Jacquot's debut novel. Lee's prose is beyond beautiful. The way she twists the trope on its head and gives us a strong female bully romance. She does it all while making sure Spencer can go toe to toe with Lily no matter what stunt she pulls, and never making him weak.
Lily's and Spencer's separate stories are heartbreaking as well, and will suck you right in as you root for them to finally get together.
The spice is perfectly written too, and I lived for every scene with these two because they are off the charts hot!
Do yourself a favor and binge this book. It's more than worth your time! <3
July 18, 2021
4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I came across The Masks We Wear in a book group I’m in on Facebook. When I read the blurb I was like this should be interesting since it’s always the MC that is the bully. As a debut novel Lee Jacquot did a fabulous job! Lily was definitely a Queen B bully and I enjoyed the story very much. So why the 4 star and not a 5 star you ask?
Well that’s easy, let me tell you why that is…..
For starters I’m all for a man showing his feelings, I love when men expresses their emotions, which Spencer had no problem doing in this book, but I felt that Spencer needed to verbalize his opinion more often like he did in the closet room instead of just thinking it, because Lily deserved a little bullying herself, plus that scene was hot as fuck! 🔥
Another thing I felt was that Lily had no sympathy with what was going on in Spencer‘s life regarding his mom, never once asking how he was feeling. She was a little bit on the selfish side. It just seem like it was always about what Lily was feeling or going through.
Also was it me or did anyone else get a weird vibe about Lily and Blaze’s Friendship?
“He sighs and stands, flipping off the side table light. He scootches me over and slides under the sheet beside me. The warmth of his body soothes the ache a little that’s radiating across my chest. Blaze leans in close, rubbing my cheek with a calloused finger, and I realize I’m crying. “You don’t have to do this today.” I sniff, shaking my head. “Can we just lie here for a bit?” Even in the dark, I feel his soft smile as he pushes me onto my side and curls up behind me, wrapping a strong arm around my waist. Blaze knows better than anyone the pain of having shitty parents. We share that commonality, and I think that’s why we have such a special bond. Somewhere between best friends and siblings, sharing a connection no one our age should have to. His deep hums vibrate my body, calming my mind, and thrusting me into a comfortable sleep, his words echoing as I fall. “I’ll sit with you in the dark until you’re ready to find the light.”
I also would’ve like to seen Lily apologize to Spencer, the relationship felt one sided. It was like Spencer was doing all the work throughout the story.
This easily could have been a 5 star for me if some of the things I mention would’ve happened.
Overall I did like the book. I liked the secondary Characters, I liked the storyline. Did I think the reason why Lily was bullying Spencer kinda weak…..Yes, but aren’t the reason always predictable or ridiculous, because where would the fun be in that, if they just would have asked before assuming things!
Anyhow, applause to Lee Jacquot for doing a great job on a female bully romance! I will say this much though, I will for sure be continuing this series. I need to know what is going to happen with Blaze and Remy and I NEED to know who Amora is trying to make jealous! I’m thinking William..🤔
March 8, 2022
3.25⭐️ 2🌶
I had to think about this for a second because I didn't know what to write for a second.
Lee Jacquot is a first time for me and her writing was beautiful and I will definitely be reading more of hers. This book was a bully romance, but the bully was a female which was really interesting because I had never seen it.
Now, I did like the book and loved Spencer, like seriously, where can I get a one because he was so lovely? I love an alpha arrogant male but he was sweet and caring and ugh, I just wanted him.
The only thing I didn't enjoy too much was Lily, I wasn't a fan of hers and didn't sympathize with her character. Now, I know she is the bully and that she's supposed to be mean, but I usually feel sympathy for the bullies in bully romances and I just felt like a lot of her actions were unjustified. She had a traumatic childhood and that's what made her the way she is, but I didn't like how she freely took it out on Spencer over a misunderstanding that a simple communication would have fixed.
I am really excited to read more about Blaze and Remy because I just really loved them in the first book.
I had to think about this for a second because I didn't know what to write for a second.
Lee Jacquot is a first time for me and her writing was beautiful and I will definitely be reading more of hers. This book was a bully romance, but the bully was a female which was really interesting because I had never seen it.
Now, I did like the book and loved Spencer, like seriously, where can I get a one because he was so lovely? I love an alpha arrogant male but he was sweet and caring and ugh, I just wanted him.
The only thing I didn't enjoy too much was Lily, I wasn't a fan of hers and didn't sympathize with her character. Now, I know she is the bully and that she's supposed to be mean, but I usually feel sympathy for the bullies in bully romances and I just felt like a lot of her actions were unjustified. She had a traumatic childhood and that's what made her the way she is, but I didn't like how she freely took it out on Spencer over a misunderstanding that a simple communication would have fixed.
I am really excited to read more about Blaze and Remy because I just really loved them in the first book.
March 29, 2021
I definitely found it to be creative that Lee Jacquot created a bully romance centered around a female bully, however, I struggled to find any connection to Lily. I didn’t sympathize with her or find her actions to be all that redeemable. I found her to be immature and frustrating. I didn’t feel much sexual chemistry between lily and Spencer until roughly 80% through the story.
That said, I enjoyed Spencer’s character a lot. I enjoyed his struggle, his intelligence and his love for his family.
Lee’s writing style flowed very well and was creative and unique which I enjoyed. I look forward to her next story!
That said, I enjoyed Spencer’s character a lot. I enjoyed his struggle, his intelligence and his love for his family.
Lee’s writing style flowed very well and was creative and unique which I enjoyed. I look forward to her next story!
dnf
August 28, 2021DNF on ch 1 because I simply cannot do this today <3
November 19, 2021
Holy spirit activate, holy spirit activate, holy spirit activate activate. Alright let's go.
1. I already went in not overly excited about this book from good morning, but I said let me put aside my " internalised misogyny"and read a female bully romance and oh my word was it awful. I love Dark romances but there are no-no's and too far gone places. Anything relating to sexual harassment and drugging are a huge red flag. I'm not a big fan of drinking because I hate relinquishing control, imagine how that must feel to lose control of yourself and you don't even know why that's the lowest of lows, top two and it's not number 2.
2. Liliana didn't come off as cold and calculating as the author may have thought. Just catty and over all not very bright. She's annoying to read about and the only reason I continued to page 175 was because I didn't want to hold her to different standards than I would a male bully. But it was awful, she drugged Remy, another girl for Pete's sake to find out dumb information.
1. I already went in not overly excited about this book from good morning, but I said let me put aside my " internalised misogyny"and read a female bully romance and oh my word was it awful. I love Dark romances but there are no-no's and too far gone places. Anything relating to sexual harassment and drugging are a huge red flag. I'm not a big fan of drinking because I hate relinquishing control, imagine how that must feel to lose control of yourself and you don't even know why that's the lowest of lows, top two and it's not number 2.
2. Liliana didn't come off as cold and calculating as the author may have thought. Just catty and over all not very bright. She's annoying to read about and the only reason I continued to page 175 was because I didn't want to hold her to different standards than I would a male bully. But it was awful, she drugged Remy, another girl for Pete's sake to find out dumb information.
November 28, 2021
I was quite excited to read a book where the guy is a nerd and the girl is his bully because I don't see that written all that much and good thing I did because this was actually pretty good.
I did get bored at times and I would've liked Lily to grovel a bit more but despite all that this was rlly cute to me as I have a soft spot for childhood besties-enemies-lovers.
I did get bored at times and I would've liked Lily to grovel a bit more but despite all that this was rlly cute to me as I have a soft spot for childhood besties-enemies-lovers.
March 21, 2023
Series Review - Mar 2023
Books 1-3: I LOVE Lee Jacquot's Holinovellas, so I figured I should try her full-length novels! The Emerald Falls series was the first I decided to try. The good thing about this series is that it's easy to read so I devoured all three books in a couple days. The bad news is that I hated almost everything about them. 🤣 Book 1 was intriguing to me because it has a female bully, and that's what drew me in since I really wanted to read that kind of dynamic. It's just that miscommunication in all three books is basically constant, and extremely frustrating so that ruined the enjoyment for me. If you like HEAVY teenage angst drama, then this could be your jam. I'm just kind of picky about it, lol. I kept going though 'cause surely the spice would be worth it, right? 🥺 (No, it wasn't, really. 🥲)
If you're a fan of the holinovellas, I would say book 1 has the closest vibes spice-wise and was the hottest for me, but the other two were still okay. I love bully romance, but unfortunately, the bullying in book 1 felt a bit much for the level of miscommunication, and it pissed me off there wasn't a proper grovel on the FMC's part (and that she expected HIM to grovel?? WTF?). Book 2 was a hot mess and as much I was intrigued by the potential of the two, it fell flat on its face. It had the most relationship angst that it felt like I was watching a bad teen drama on the CW -- and not a guilty pleasure one. Book 3 actually had my favorite couple of the series. It did have the best grovel at the end imo, but the grudge and their history wasn't as fun as it could've been, which made the rest of the book a bit weaker. I enjoyed these characters the most though and their presence in the first two books is what motivated me to finish the series.
Overall, I mean, I did read all three in two days, and I still want to read Lee's works. So while this was a miss for me -- and I'm nowhere near invested enough to read the spinoff series --I know there will probably be other books by Lee I'll enjoy.
----------
Book 1: The Masks We Wear - ⭐⭐
Book 2: The Masks We Break - ⭐⭐
Book 3: The Masks We Burn - ⭐⭐+ 1/2
Books 1-3: I LOVE Lee Jacquot's Holinovellas, so I figured I should try her full-length novels! The Emerald Falls series was the first I decided to try. The good thing about this series is that it's easy to read so I devoured all three books in a couple days. The bad news is that I hated almost everything about them. 🤣 Book 1 was intriguing to me because it has a female bully, and that's what drew me in since I really wanted to read that kind of dynamic. It's just that miscommunication in all three books is basically constant, and extremely frustrating so that ruined the enjoyment for me. If you like HEAVY teenage angst drama, then this could be your jam. I'm just kind of picky about it, lol. I kept going though 'cause surely the spice would be worth it, right? 🥺 (No, it wasn't, really. 🥲)
If you're a fan of the holinovellas, I would say book 1 has the closest vibes spice-wise and was the hottest for me, but the other two were still okay. I love bully romance, but unfortunately, the bullying in book 1 felt a bit much for the level of miscommunication, and it pissed me off there wasn't a proper grovel on the FMC's part (and that she expected HIM to grovel?? WTF?). Book 2 was a hot mess and as much I was intrigued by the potential of the two, it fell flat on its face. It had the most relationship angst that it felt like I was watching a bad teen drama on the CW -- and not a guilty pleasure one. Book 3 actually had my favorite couple of the series. It did have the best grovel at the end imo, but the grudge and their history wasn't as fun as it could've been, which made the rest of the book a bit weaker. I enjoyed these characters the most though and their presence in the first two books is what motivated me to finish the series.
Overall, I mean, I did read all three in two days, and I still want to read Lee's works. So while this was a miss for me -- and I'm nowhere near invested enough to read the spinoff series --I know there will probably be other books by Lee I'll enjoy.
----------
Book 1: The Masks We Wear - ⭐⭐
Book 2: The Masks We Break - ⭐⭐
Book 3: The Masks We Burn - ⭐⭐+ 1/2
February 23, 2021
ARC received from the author. Voluntarily reviewing and all opinions are objective and my own.
I first read this book in its beta form and even then, I knew Lee had something going here. For a debut this is easily one of the best written books I have read, and that’s not because I am biased. The writing is flawless, so descriptive and just sucks you right up.
Take the classic bully trope and add a twist. That’s what you get with this one. The bully being the female is something I honestly had never seen before this book. I think it’s a really refreshing story and honestly, makes more sense. Bully romances with guys are fantastic obviously, but it’s typically females who are more catty. And everything Lily does in this book lines up with the definition of caty. She’s mean, teasing, and vindictive. Hits right where it hurts Spencer.
Spencer on the other hand tries to ignore it, to not let it bother him and he does a great job of this. At least to any outsider looking in. But as the reader we get the inside look to how much he’s internally bubbling with anger. He never plays the victim, but he also never dishes it back to her. I think it’s a well-rounded character attribute for the trope.
The plot is fantastic. I think we get a good amount of background from each character. The why Lily is mad at him of course. The misunderstanding of it all. And of course, their personal/family lives and how this affects them each. Both characters grow over the course of the novel and in the end, it’s about healing and moving on and is really beautiful.
The secondary characters are nearly as good as the main characters. Remy, Spencer’s friend, is the voice of logic and understanding. Blaze is an interesting guy. Lee did a great job in dropping just enough curiosity surrounding him, but not letting it take over the story. The groundwork for book 2 is definitely here. Lastly, Amara is a fascinating character. The entire book makes her seem like the shallow cheerleader friend, but in the end is someone who does genuinely care for Lily.
This book is HOT. H.O.T hot. The author sure knows how to create a sizzling romance. Even when there’s nothing physical, the electricity is there. The heat. And when it is physical, well...I felt like I was in the room with them. I loved being in each of their heads (but especially Spencer’s) during such scenes. It’s great insight into their true feelings about one another.
Overall this book is 6 stars all the way and again, this isn’t because I am biased. Without having beta read this, I know if I saw this book on Goodreads randomly one day, I would buy it instantly. If you like a good angsty bully romance, you neeeeed to check this one out! As good as this one is I am dyyyying for Remy and Blaze here. Seriously, dying for these two. Until then though, I also can’t wait for the paperback of this one to grace my bookshelves.
I first read this book in its beta form and even then, I knew Lee had something going here. For a debut this is easily one of the best written books I have read, and that’s not because I am biased. The writing is flawless, so descriptive and just sucks you right up.
Take the classic bully trope and add a twist. That’s what you get with this one. The bully being the female is something I honestly had never seen before this book. I think it’s a really refreshing story and honestly, makes more sense. Bully romances with guys are fantastic obviously, but it’s typically females who are more catty. And everything Lily does in this book lines up with the definition of caty. She’s mean, teasing, and vindictive. Hits right where it hurts Spencer.
Spencer on the other hand tries to ignore it, to not let it bother him and he does a great job of this. At least to any outsider looking in. But as the reader we get the inside look to how much he’s internally bubbling with anger. He never plays the victim, but he also never dishes it back to her. I think it’s a well-rounded character attribute for the trope.
The plot is fantastic. I think we get a good amount of background from each character. The why Lily is mad at him of course. The misunderstanding of it all. And of course, their personal/family lives and how this affects them each. Both characters grow over the course of the novel and in the end, it’s about healing and moving on and is really beautiful.
The secondary characters are nearly as good as the main characters. Remy, Spencer’s friend, is the voice of logic and understanding. Blaze is an interesting guy. Lee did a great job in dropping just enough curiosity surrounding him, but not letting it take over the story. The groundwork for book 2 is definitely here. Lastly, Amara is a fascinating character. The entire book makes her seem like the shallow cheerleader friend, but in the end is someone who does genuinely care for Lily.
This book is HOT. H.O.T hot. The author sure knows how to create a sizzling romance. Even when there’s nothing physical, the electricity is there. The heat. And when it is physical, well...I felt like I was in the room with them. I loved being in each of their heads (but especially Spencer’s) during such scenes. It’s great insight into their true feelings about one another.
Overall this book is 6 stars all the way and again, this isn’t because I am biased. Without having beta read this, I know if I saw this book on Goodreads randomly one day, I would buy it instantly. If you like a good angsty bully romance, you neeeeed to check this one out! As good as this one is I am dyyyying for Remy and Blaze here. Seriously, dying for these two. Until then though, I also can’t wait for the paperback of this one to grace my bookshelves.
May 12, 2021
But that’s the thing about love. Even if you have been hurt by it before, the majority of people are willing to crack open their chest and try again. Because once you’ve felt it, you crave it.
I just finished The Masks We Wear and holy crap was it good! It’s a fresh spin on the bully trope because this is a female bully! Now I’m not saying this is the first ever bully romance where the girl is the bully but it is the first that I’ve ever read. This is set in high school where our two main characters are seniors (both main characters are 18 years of age). Now I tend to lean toward dislike when it comes to bully high school romances because if not done right it can feel too immature and I just become annoyed easily. But I’m happy to report that while this did have it’s immature moments (hello they are still kids in high school) it was done in such a brilliant way. We follow Liliana aka Lily (the bully) who, yes, does some terrible things but we also get to see her behind the scenes and what she is feeling and going through at home and it really helped shine a light on why she acts the way and does the things she does. I think having dual points of views really helped make this book feel balanced. There is quite a bit of miscommunication in this book which could potentially get on some reader’s nerves but just push through ok? It’s worth it. I loved that Lily toward the end chose to go to therapy because goodness did that girl need to learn healthier coping skills and she also really needed to begin healing the mess her parents left behind. I really enjoyed Spencer and his relationship with his mother. It was so incredibly painful and emotional to read and their scenes made me cry multiple times. I thought Lily and Spencer had good chemistry even though they made me frustrated beyond belief at times. I seriously wanted to smack them both upside the head, sit them down, and talk shit out. Overall I thought this was a fantastic debut novel from Lee Jacquot. It was fast paced with wonderful and steamy writing. I cannot wait to read more from her and just know that while I liked this book, I am absolutely drooling over Blaze and Remy. I need their book ASAP!!!
CW: this book has detailed scenes of physical and verbal abuse from a parent (more specifically abuse from mother to daughter), dementia, some scenes of violence
Overall rating 4 stars
Steaminess 3 stars (heavy kissing, fingering, cunninlingus, penetrative vaginal sex)
I just finished The Masks We Wear and holy crap was it good! It’s a fresh spin on the bully trope because this is a female bully! Now I’m not saying this is the first ever bully romance where the girl is the bully but it is the first that I’ve ever read. This is set in high school where our two main characters are seniors (both main characters are 18 years of age). Now I tend to lean toward dislike when it comes to bully high school romances because if not done right it can feel too immature and I just become annoyed easily. But I’m happy to report that while this did have it’s immature moments (hello they are still kids in high school) it was done in such a brilliant way. We follow Liliana aka Lily (the bully) who, yes, does some terrible things but we also get to see her behind the scenes and what she is feeling and going through at home and it really helped shine a light on why she acts the way and does the things she does. I think having dual points of views really helped make this book feel balanced. There is quite a bit of miscommunication in this book which could potentially get on some reader’s nerves but just push through ok? It’s worth it. I loved that Lily toward the end chose to go to therapy because goodness did that girl need to learn healthier coping skills and she also really needed to begin healing the mess her parents left behind. I really enjoyed Spencer and his relationship with his mother. It was so incredibly painful and emotional to read and their scenes made me cry multiple times. I thought Lily and Spencer had good chemistry even though they made me frustrated beyond belief at times. I seriously wanted to smack them both upside the head, sit them down, and talk shit out. Overall I thought this was a fantastic debut novel from Lee Jacquot. It was fast paced with wonderful and steamy writing. I cannot wait to read more from her and just know that while I liked this book, I am absolutely drooling over Blaze and Remy. I need their book ASAP!!!
CW: this book has detailed scenes of physical and verbal abuse from a parent (more specifically abuse from mother to daughter), dementia, some scenes of violence
Overall rating 4 stars
Steaminess 3 stars (heavy kissing, fingering, cunninlingus, penetrative vaginal sex)
July 29, 2021
I came across this book when I stumbled on Lee's Instagram which I now follow. This book was an interesting read for me as it marks the first Young/New Adult Romance smut book I've ever read in my life.
Let me start off by saying immediately that I absolutely hated Liliana. The way the whole issue started off because of a misunderstanding was so irritating but in retrospect, it makes sense that a teenager would act so viciously in retaliation. I wished Spencer would give up and move on already, but heck, she grew on me like ivy does, and by the end of it I didn’t hate her all that much.
I really appreciated the fact that she saw a therapist and figured herself out, more so I'm happy that Blaze and Amora were still her friends by the end of it. Despite her fucked-up-ness she grows through the story and so do they (a little) and they show how much they actually care about her which was really nice.
I also particularly liked how much schoolwork and events take over their lives which isn't something you see very often in books cemented in "school," many a time the author forgets about finals and homework and all the other stuff that goes on in a teenager's life.
I cried, I laughed, I felt a child-like excitement that I haven’t felt in a long while when reading this book so I would recommend it as an entertaining read. I got through it in about 6-10 hours of reading.
Let me start off by saying immediately that I absolutely hated Liliana. The way the whole issue started off because of a misunderstanding was so irritating but in retrospect, it makes sense that a teenager would act so viciously in retaliation. I wished Spencer would give up and move on already, but heck, she grew on me like ivy does, and by the end of it I didn’t hate her all that much.
I really appreciated the fact that she saw a therapist and figured herself out, more so I'm happy that Blaze and Amora were still her friends by the end of it. Despite her fucked-up-ness she grows through the story and so do they (a little) and they show how much they actually care about her which was really nice.
I also particularly liked how much schoolwork and events take over their lives which isn't something you see very often in books cemented in "school," many a time the author forgets about finals and homework and all the other stuff that goes on in a teenager's life.
I cried, I laughed, I felt a child-like excitement that I haven’t felt in a long while when reading this book so I would recommend it as an entertaining read. I got through it in about 6-10 hours of reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2021
Headline: I need to get a Spencer or Blaze in my life!
Rating: 5/5 stars
Will I recommend this book: Yes.
Review:
I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my unbiased opinion on Lee Jacquot's book "The Masks We Wear"
If Gossip Girl and The Pretty Little Liars had a baby it would be this book, minus the murders and bloodshed.
I loved this book. It was well written. The characters were well thought out and even if the female lead was a bully, I didn't find her annoying and I even sympathized with her at times. This story had great sexual tension and character development. A lot of quote worthy moments too. It's very sexy and the main characters keep you (the reader) on your toes just as they keep each other on their toes. I also haven't read a book that made me cry in a while, or at least make me feel that "heartbreaking squeeze" that you feel in your heart and on the palm of your hand. I also look forward to a potential spin-off/standalone novel featuring Blaze and Remy. I feel like the author would write another standalone novel featuring these two characters, and if so, I'll be here, looking forward to reading it!
Rating: 5/5 stars
Will I recommend this book: Yes.
Review:
I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my unbiased opinion on Lee Jacquot's book "The Masks We Wear"
If Gossip Girl and The Pretty Little Liars had a baby it would be this book, minus the murders and bloodshed.
I loved this book. It was well written. The characters were well thought out and even if the female lead was a bully, I didn't find her annoying and I even sympathized with her at times. This story had great sexual tension and character development. A lot of quote worthy moments too. It's very sexy and the main characters keep you (the reader) on your toes just as they keep each other on their toes. I also haven't read a book that made me cry in a while, or at least make me feel that "heartbreaking squeeze" that you feel in your heart and on the palm of your hand. I also look forward to a potential spin-off/standalone novel featuring Blaze and Remy. I feel like the author would write another standalone novel featuring these two characters, and if so, I'll be here, looking forward to reading it!
March 19, 2021
The Masks We Wear is Lee Jacquot's debut novel. This is my first bully romance read, and I'm glad that I started out with The Masks We Wear. This is not your typical bully romance that you may have come across. Where we usually have the main male character as the bully, tormenting his love interest. Instead we have Liliana "Lily". In the beginning, I was truly frustrated with Lily's character and her behavior. But that just happens to be the "mask" she wears. As I turned each page, I began to realise that Lily's life is not an easy one. If you are a fan of this trope, I highly recommend it!
Spencer and Lily were best friends when they were growing up. When an unexpected event occured, Spencer and Liliana drifted a part. Spencer had been in love with Liliana since they were always best friends. However, neither them of revealed their feelings for one another. Lily and Spencer both have the same fears: the fear of being forgotten/going unnoticed. Lily would do anything in her power to keep Spencer's mouth shut, so she begins to torment Spencer, with her petty games. When Spencer doesn't react this infuriates Lily. In turn, this pushes Lily to step up her game, restoring to more crueler and vicious tactics. But, two can play this game, and Spencer is not afraid of Lily nor will he back down. They seem to hate each other, and play these petty games. However, both Lily and Spencer have unresolved issues. As they begin to address those issues, they both start to question themselves. Was it really worth it? To play these petty games.
**I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review
Spencer and Lily were best friends when they were growing up. When an unexpected event occured, Spencer and Liliana drifted a part. Spencer had been in love with Liliana since they were always best friends. However, neither them of revealed their feelings for one another. Lily and Spencer both have the same fears: the fear of being forgotten/going unnoticed. Lily would do anything in her power to keep Spencer's mouth shut, so she begins to torment Spencer, with her petty games. When Spencer doesn't react this infuriates Lily. In turn, this pushes Lily to step up her game, restoring to more crueler and vicious tactics. But, two can play this game, and Spencer is not afraid of Lily nor will he back down. They seem to hate each other, and play these petty games. However, both Lily and Spencer have unresolved issues. As they begin to address those issues, they both start to question themselves. Was it really worth it? To play these petty games.
**I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review
March 8, 2021
I was fortunate enough to receive The Masks We Wear as an ARC copy and I can NOT say enough good things about this book.
For starters, Jacquot had me at female bully. I don’t believe I’ve ever truly come across a female bully romance, at least not one where the woman had actual dept. Lee Jacquot not only made sure that Lily was seen as a bully, but gave her a a true foundation, depth, emotional scars and so much more. Reading about Liliana was so refreshing because I personally feel like women often get swept up into stereotypes or only exist for male pleasure in a decent amount of romance, but not here! This read gave the characters life and to say I was obsessed is an understatement.
Additionally, Spencer’s story touched my heart and his emotional turmoil was tangible I wanted to CRY. I’ve never wanted to comfort hug a character so badly! I love LOVED his depth as well, because I felt like it was a beautiful set up for his story with Lily.
Noting that this is set in a high school because I know some romance readers are against that. THAT being said there are certain aspects of this that I WISH I had with a hot tortured guy when I was in high school but...I guess I’ll just read about them in books like this instead!
Lee Jacquot did a great job, especially for a debut novel. I’m looking forward to more of her work!
For starters, Jacquot had me at female bully. I don’t believe I’ve ever truly come across a female bully romance, at least not one where the woman had actual dept. Lee Jacquot not only made sure that Lily was seen as a bully, but gave her a a true foundation, depth, emotional scars and so much more. Reading about Liliana was so refreshing because I personally feel like women often get swept up into stereotypes or only exist for male pleasure in a decent amount of romance, but not here! This read gave the characters life and to say I was obsessed is an understatement.
Additionally, Spencer’s story touched my heart and his emotional turmoil was tangible I wanted to CRY. I’ve never wanted to comfort hug a character so badly! I love LOVED his depth as well, because I felt like it was a beautiful set up for his story with Lily.
Noting that this is set in a high school because I know some romance readers are against that. THAT being said there are certain aspects of this that I WISH I had with a hot tortured guy when I was in high school but...I guess I’ll just read about them in books like this instead!
Lee Jacquot did a great job, especially for a debut novel. I’m looking forward to more of her work!
February 21, 2021
I was sent a free copy of Lee Jacquot's 'The Masks We Wear' in exchange for my honest review.
Truthfully, I was really interested in the concept of this book. How many of us have read countless bully romance novels where the main villain is a dark, mysterious BOY? Naturally, I wanted to read the opposite. And Lee Jacquot delivered when she created Lily.
In 'The Masks We Wear', Spencer and Lily grew up together, best friends that counted on each other in so many ways, but things change when Lily starts becoming something he can't recognize. After three years of no communication, Spencer returns to find that the girl he loved is just a shadow of her former self, now the Queen B of his high school that is set on ruining his life so she can protect her own.
Reading any bully story makes me uncomfortable, but that's the point. These stories aren't supposed to be Hallmark love tales, and the way Lily behaved to protect herself was horrific and true to the storyline. Everything that made her harden herself against the world, but especially against Spencer, was believable. It was full of pain. Which made her lashing out so much more difficult to process because you, as the reader, know she's acting out because of how hurt and damaged she has been by everyone in her life. Although I don't condone such behavior, for this story, it was, dare I say, REFRESHING to see a teenage girl stand on her own two feet and fight against anything that threatens her (as misguided as it was).
On the not totally opposite end of the spectrum, Spencer's character also intrigued me because he wasn't helpless. Often times in any dark romance books, there's always that one main MC who needs saving, who's too nice to retaliate, but Spencer's problem wasn't that. His reactions to Lily's anger only fueled his own, but he was slightly less damaged as a person to be able to recognize that enacting revenge would only burn the bridge between them faster.
The only reason I didn't give this FIVE STARS was that some of the relationships between characters did not feel fully developed. I know this is just the first book in a series, so naturally, not all characters would be fully fleshed out because we are awaiting their own stories, but I just wasn't that invested. I believed more in Spencer's friendship with Remy than I did in Lily's with Blaze. Seeing as Blaze was important to Lily the three years she wasn't in contact with Spencer, their interactions needed to feel stronger to me, considering that he was often helping her at her most vulnerable.
Great job to Lee Jacquot for a debut novel introducing a refreshing twist to the bully trope we all love!
Truthfully, I was really interested in the concept of this book. How many of us have read countless bully romance novels where the main villain is a dark, mysterious BOY? Naturally, I wanted to read the opposite. And Lee Jacquot delivered when she created Lily.
In 'The Masks We Wear', Spencer and Lily grew up together, best friends that counted on each other in so many ways, but things change when Lily starts becoming something he can't recognize. After three years of no communication, Spencer returns to find that the girl he loved is just a shadow of her former self, now the Queen B of his high school that is set on ruining his life so she can protect her own.
Reading any bully story makes me uncomfortable, but that's the point. These stories aren't supposed to be Hallmark love tales, and the way Lily behaved to protect herself was horrific and true to the storyline. Everything that made her harden herself against the world, but especially against Spencer, was believable. It was full of pain. Which made her lashing out so much more difficult to process because you, as the reader, know she's acting out because of how hurt and damaged she has been by everyone in her life. Although I don't condone such behavior, for this story, it was, dare I say, REFRESHING to see a teenage girl stand on her own two feet and fight against anything that threatens her (as misguided as it was).
On the not totally opposite end of the spectrum, Spencer's character also intrigued me because he wasn't helpless. Often times in any dark romance books, there's always that one main MC who needs saving, who's too nice to retaliate, but Spencer's problem wasn't that. His reactions to Lily's anger only fueled his own, but he was slightly less damaged as a person to be able to recognize that enacting revenge would only burn the bridge between them faster.
The only reason I didn't give this FIVE STARS was that some of the relationships between characters did not feel fully developed. I know this is just the first book in a series, so naturally, not all characters would be fully fleshed out because we are awaiting their own stories, but I just wasn't that invested. I believed more in Spencer's friendship with Remy than I did in Lily's with Blaze. Seeing as Blaze was important to Lily the three years she wasn't in contact with Spencer, their interactions needed to feel stronger to me, considering that he was often helping her at her most vulnerable.
Great job to Lee Jacquot for a debut novel introducing a refreshing twist to the bully trope we all love!
August 21, 2021
It's been a while since I read a high-school based romance novel. This book felt good!
July 15, 2021
An absolutely mesmerizing spin on the bully genre!
We so often see the girl bullied by the boy, so this book was extremely refreshing! For once we see just how vicious a scorned woman can be. Lily has turned herself into a darkness that she's convinced herself is necessary to stay protected. She's found herself living a life where she feels she's been abandoned by everyone she ever cared for. She's had her heart broken by vicious deeds and innocent misunderstandings. She's become a creature of habit and when Spencer comes back she finds the beast she's built herself into faltering. She's twice bitten and doesn't dare hope for something better.
Spencer is at a loss when it comes to Lily. He was thrown completely off kilter by her when she seemingly became a different person overnight. All of the love in his heart for her became marbled with concern that he was never going to be enough. Fear and confusion made for a combative reunion and he found it hard to see the girl he once knew behind the serpent he now faces. Even through all of the cruel acts she commits against him he still doesn't want to let go of her. He doesn't want to give up on the past versions of themselves.
Heartache and transformation go hand in hand with the Masks We Wear and it's a reminder that no matter how hard we try, we can't hide everything. There's always something that will reveal everything we're hiding. This was a truly amazing book and must read!
We so often see the girl bullied by the boy, so this book was extremely refreshing! For once we see just how vicious a scorned woman can be. Lily has turned herself into a darkness that she's convinced herself is necessary to stay protected. She's found herself living a life where she feels she's been abandoned by everyone she ever cared for. She's had her heart broken by vicious deeds and innocent misunderstandings. She's become a creature of habit and when Spencer comes back she finds the beast she's built herself into faltering. She's twice bitten and doesn't dare hope for something better.
Spencer is at a loss when it comes to Lily. He was thrown completely off kilter by her when she seemingly became a different person overnight. All of the love in his heart for her became marbled with concern that he was never going to be enough. Fear and confusion made for a combative reunion and he found it hard to see the girl he once knew behind the serpent he now faces. Even through all of the cruel acts she commits against him he still doesn't want to let go of her. He doesn't want to give up on the past versions of themselves.
Heartache and transformation go hand in hand with the Masks We Wear and it's a reminder that no matter how hard we try, we can't hide everything. There's always something that will reveal everything we're hiding. This was a truly amazing book and must read!
July 15, 2025
2.5
High school senior female bully getting her revenge on a boy who broke her heart. He doesn’t stay down and take the beatings though. Little do they know that they both hate each other as much as they love each other. A fine line between love and hate.
I’m not sure how to feel here. The revenge porn and the drugging of not just Spencer but his friend Remy was too much.
High school senior female bully getting her revenge on a boy who broke her heart. He doesn’t stay down and take the beatings though. Little do they know that they both hate each other as much as they love each other. A fine line between love and hate.
I’m not sure how to feel here. The revenge porn and the drugging of not just Spencer but his friend Remy was too much.
March 11, 2021
Female bully romance?
Yyyyaaassss, please.
Not gonna lie I was totally expecting an ff romance. Because I don't read blurbs and base books off of like covers and snippets. My best gal/baby momma sent me a TikTok video from Lee Jacquot about this book and ya girl BEGGED for an arc.
Yall it was good.
Sure there's usually a mean girl but like usually we HHAAAATTEEEE her. But like not this time friends. Nope, this time-out bully is a girl and our victim is a dude. Whhaaattt. Yeah, I said what I said.
Jacquot is a new author and well when she couldn't find what she wanted like a boss ass bitch she went out and wrote it. Lemme tell you i was here for it. I devoured it. It's out now gooooo snatch it up.
Yyyyaaassss, please.
Not gonna lie I was totally expecting an ff romance. Because I don't read blurbs and base books off of like covers and snippets. My best gal/baby momma sent me a TikTok video from Lee Jacquot about this book and ya girl BEGGED for an arc.
Yall it was good.
Sure there's usually a mean girl but like usually we HHAAAATTEEEE her. But like not this time friends. Nope, this time-out bully is a girl and our victim is a dude. Whhaaattt. Yeah, I said what I said.
Jacquot is a new author and well when she couldn't find what she wanted like a boss ass bitch she went out and wrote it. Lemme tell you i was here for it. I devoured it. It's out now gooooo snatch it up.
June 14, 2021
4⭐️
This was Lee's first book and I thought it was really well written.
We don't see a lot of female bully romances so I was really excited to read this and it didn't disappoint. I loved Lily and Spencer's relationship and I really enjoyed the tension and their yelling at each other.
The side characters were great and I absolutely cannot wait to read more about Blaze and Remy. I think their book is going to be great.
This was Lee's first book and I thought it was really well written.
We don't see a lot of female bully romances so I was really excited to read this and it didn't disappoint. I loved Lily and Spencer's relationship and I really enjoyed the tension and their yelling at each other.
The side characters were great and I absolutely cannot wait to read more about Blaze and Remy. I think their book is going to be great.
April 25, 2022
I’d give this a 2.4-2.5. The writing was good…the bully trope just doesn’t do it for me. I dunno why I keep trying.
Lily was a piece of shit for most of the book and punished Spencer for something so small that he didn’t even remember he did. It was a big misunderstanding and clearly her abusive mother & other issues compounded it.
Spencer was a good guy to put up with the foolishness and not really retaliate. He had his moments of pushing back though.
Lily was a piece of shit for most of the book and punished Spencer for something so small that he didn’t even remember he did. It was a big misunderstanding and clearly her abusive mother & other issues compounded it.
Spencer was a good guy to put up with the foolishness and not really retaliate. He had his moments of pushing back though.
April 28, 2021
I wanted to give this book a try after seeing it on TikTok. I really had a tough time reading after Lily’s first stunt. Her character makes this story really hard to read and I found myself really forcing myself to finish the book. There was a creative idea here and was interested in reading a book with such an unusual trope. I just really had a hard time with this one.
August 1, 2021
I like when the girl is the bully ,, but she gone so far and he was so calm and didn’t fight back at all ,, and like the get together in the last two chapters, didn’t see the development in their love , like we know they loved each other long time age , but they didn’t do anything for each other in the present.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2021
Over the top, unrealistic
So the bully romance roles were finally switched, but poor guy was the blame for everything the whole book. He would constantly end up apologizing. She was the bully but he was wrong for walking away from her antics.
So the bully romance roles were finally switched, but poor guy was the blame for everything the whole book. He would constantly end up apologizing. She was the bully but he was wrong for walking away from her antics.
February 24, 2021
Five stars; review to come
October 11, 2021
Bully romance has always been my favourite trope, but the female lead is just plain annoying and nasty. The male lead is also dumb for loving the girl despite what she has done to him.
March 9, 2021
Female bully? Sign me up!
The female bully romances I’ve read in the past have been some of my faves so digging into this one made my excitement all that more.
For a debut novel, the author did a pretty well job in sprinkling side characters that we hope get their own book. She held no punches when it came to Lily and her personal vendetta. But Spencer wasn’t a damsel in distress or is it mister in desperation? Either way, he held his own and rolled with the punches. Which is something I enjoyed.
As with any bully romance you deal with the many tantrums from the bully. Some over the top and unnecessary. What is one thing that I enjoy in bully romances is how the bully redeems themselves and proves themselves worthy of their better half. Lily worked on herself mentally and emotionally towards the end of the book. Which is something I commend the author of doing. Having a character reach out for help and actually getting it helps end the stigma against mental illnesses. We see her grow and take some accountability. Unfortunately when it came to Spencer she never really apologized or talked to him about her demons and how that affected their relationship. Internally she worked it out, but never directly with him. So the redemption process for me felt like there could of been more on her part. Especially since Spencer himself was grieving and had his own demons to push through. Again internally we saw him go through and process that. As a couple it was never brought to light. The lack of communication was missing entirely here. In some cases it felt it was always just about her and her issues while he had to roll with the punches and not get the same emotional support. But at the end of the day they are a very young couple and if they show up in future books in the series we may see more of their growth. Which is something I’d enjoy completely. It’s why I love interconnected standalone series.
Another opportunity that was missed and never really talked about or explained was the heroines background and heritage. And yes while that is not a factor for me when it comes to reading, a diverse story is one I always root for. I can assume the heroine is mixed, as her mother and aunt speak Spanish to her. While she never speaks it back to them. I found that odd, not having that explained or mentioned. This is definitely not what the story is about and definitely my own curious observation. But would of liked to see it addressed as the heroine changes her appearance and hides some of her ethnic features. This could be also due to disconnect from her mother and her mother’s side, as her mother was toxic. Which is understandable but vaguely addressed.
Again I may be reading into things too critically so these are purely my own observations and interpretations, what I took from the book, not the authors intent. It’s fictional book and an author takes their own direction for their book.
With that said, I enjoyed reading this story. The writing is raw and so are the characters. Lily was definitely a bully and can hold her against the bully males in this genre. The writing was easy to read as well and we went through the same development the characters did as well. There’s crumbs left for us to follow for the next installment, a bad boy with a chip on his shoulder who may be brought down by a curvy intellectual heroine. Cannot wait for that.
The female bully romances I’ve read in the past have been some of my faves so digging into this one made my excitement all that more.
For a debut novel, the author did a pretty well job in sprinkling side characters that we hope get their own book. She held no punches when it came to Lily and her personal vendetta. But Spencer wasn’t a damsel in distress or is it mister in desperation? Either way, he held his own and rolled with the punches. Which is something I enjoyed.
As with any bully romance you deal with the many tantrums from the bully. Some over the top and unnecessary. What is one thing that I enjoy in bully romances is how the bully redeems themselves and proves themselves worthy of their better half. Lily worked on herself mentally and emotionally towards the end of the book. Which is something I commend the author of doing. Having a character reach out for help and actually getting it helps end the stigma against mental illnesses. We see her grow and take some accountability. Unfortunately when it came to Spencer she never really apologized or talked to him about her demons and how that affected their relationship. Internally she worked it out, but never directly with him. So the redemption process for me felt like there could of been more on her part. Especially since Spencer himself was grieving and had his own demons to push through. Again internally we saw him go through and process that. As a couple it was never brought to light. The lack of communication was missing entirely here. In some cases it felt it was always just about her and her issues while he had to roll with the punches and not get the same emotional support. But at the end of the day they are a very young couple and if they show up in future books in the series we may see more of their growth. Which is something I’d enjoy completely. It’s why I love interconnected standalone series.
Another opportunity that was missed and never really talked about or explained was the heroines background and heritage. And yes while that is not a factor for me when it comes to reading, a diverse story is one I always root for. I can assume the heroine is mixed, as her mother and aunt speak Spanish to her. While she never speaks it back to them. I found that odd, not having that explained or mentioned. This is definitely not what the story is about and definitely my own curious observation. But would of liked to see it addressed as the heroine changes her appearance and hides some of her ethnic features. This could be also due to disconnect from her mother and her mother’s side, as her mother was toxic. Which is understandable but vaguely addressed.
Again I may be reading into things too critically so these are purely my own observations and interpretations, what I took from the book, not the authors intent. It’s fictional book and an author takes their own direction for their book.
With that said, I enjoyed reading this story. The writing is raw and so are the characters. Lily was definitely a bully and can hold her against the bully males in this genre. The writing was easy to read as well and we went through the same development the characters did as well. There’s crumbs left for us to follow for the next installment, a bad boy with a chip on his shoulder who may be brought down by a curvy intellectual heroine. Cannot wait for that.
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