Everyone knows the Bad Boys of Penwood University dominate campus life with their power to make or break anyone they want. Sadie Alexander never thought she’d end up on their radar. All she wanted was to escape her childhood, and Penwood was her ticket to a new life. But Theo Hudson, the number one Bad Boy and all-star football player, makes it clear he has his sights set on her.
She’d heard the stories, knew the warnings, yet Theo makes it impossible for her to run the other way. The harder she fights to keep her distance, the more determined he becomes to have her. But Sadie isn’t willing to risk everything she has worked so hard to achieve for a guy with a reputation.
The deeper Theo manages to slip into her life, the tighter Sadie gets wrapped up in the unraveling secrets around her.
In the end, Sadie is forced to answer one question … was he worth it?
USA Today Best Selling Author, HJ Bellus is a small town girl who loves the art of storytelling. When not making readers laugh or cry, she's a part-time livestock wrangler that can be found in the middle of Idaho, shot gunning a beer while listening to some Miranda Lambert on her Beats and rocking out in her boots.
I was so very excited when I heard there was a new book. I missed H.J. this book was very sexy. Sadie and Theo meet in college. She's a freshman he's a jr. When Sadie misunderstood about Theo and his friends makes her question her future at the school. What she doesn't know is Theo likes her. And he's there to protect her. They both have a very bad past. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series. And H.J I missed you
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book was emotional but it was so damn good! This is the first book in a series. The main characters are Theo and Sadie. Sadie comes from a rich family and Theo came from nothing. You learn their background and why they are the way they are and it’s heartbreaking. I felt so sad for both of them but so happy they found each other, they were made for each other. The steamy scenes in this book did not disappoint either. Theo is so fucking hot 🥵 I highly recommend grabbing this one! And I’m so excited for the next books the other characters are extremely likeable too!
I am sorry to say that I didn't enjoy this as much as I thought I would. The whole thing was rushed too much. None of the characters were fleshed out properly. The protagonist's relationship seemed rushed and I couldn't really understand why they liked each other... The only reason seemed to be that they were drawn to each other for some reason. There seems to be some potential for the next books for the surrounding characters and I hope they turn out well...
Oh yes she did! Look who is back, like a damn tornado HJ is going to blow you away!
This was truly an emotional read, that captivated me from the first page! Lord have mercy those steamy moments are scorching! And let’s talk about the big HUGE left turn that smacks you in the face! Good gravy I did not see that twist in the road, at all!
Theo and Sadie are beautiful characters, so much depth written as to why they are who they are. The secondary characters were just as great!
I can say without a doubt this is a must read! HJ has delivered the goods y’all!
5 WRONG SIDE STARS!! I love H.J. Bellus.....oh how I have missed her words. Sadie and Theo will touch every feels buttons you have. Their story was a beautiful journey that I never wanted to end. I can't wait for more storytelling from this phenomenal author.
Many claim to be the "Queen of Angst" and from their reader following that may have earned that title. I am just going to sit this here, HJ BELLUS is the "Queen of Emotional Damage"... I said what I said and if you know you know. I assumed my heart was healed from her last release, you know the greatness of Rumors... I played myself because the feeling of "oh no", "why would someone", "they need to be below hell" came back like it never left.
Sadie and Theo story may be considered the most, broken healing of her releases. How can two people from opposite sides wealth be the same in past hearts. Escaping from the chains holding them from being free and live the life meant for them. Caring the burden of other people sins because it directly effect their mind, body, and soul. Heidi, showcased how finding your person will make the voices quieter. Having a person in your corner who love you, and encourage you to be the butterfly and not a hidden caterpillar is most needed at times. Being a friend and ready to tear out the soul of anyone who is out to harm them is welcomed. Doing what you normally don't because they allow you to forget everyone else around you is pure LOVE.
I am a strong believer of a family is not all about blood but those who have your 6, 12, 3, 9 and all in between. Blood relatives maybe in that crew but know, all can't be saved and that is okay. We love you inspite of and we will break bread when your demons are controlled by you.
Wrong Side was worth the wait because Theo said, "Nope only one person and that's me."
Oh Yes! This lady is back and her writing is as brilliant as ever!
What a wonderful start to a new series. Ms Bellus brings us the sweetest young lady in Sadie and the best protector bad boy in Theo. Two opposites who have a lot more in common than you would imagine. You should never assume to know what a person has gone through to get to where they are, and this story just goes to show that. The lovely Sadie has had quite the upbringing, despite what appearances would convey, this rich girl has certainly been lacking in the love and nurture of real family. Theo’s story is also tough to take and as we get to know this guarded, tough young man we learn the true size of his heart, and despite the obstacles he has overcome and everything he was denied as a child, he is the most amazing person who treats Sadie with all the love and respect that she deserves. What a beautiful story of two lovers, beating the odds and making their own success story….an absolute must read!
These bad boys of Penwood are certainly ones to watch and I can’t wait to follow all their journeys! What’s in store next for Sexy Mr Southern I wonder🤔
Do you know this author? Have you read her books and stories? If not you need to get on it. HJ Bellus is not only so down to earth and has a beautiful heart, but she writes stories that pierce your heart. This is the story of Theo who came from nothing but has a heart that will leave you melting. He's strong, outspoken, and raw. Sadie will surprise you in the best of ways. She comes from the other side but has been through a lot as well. These two will go through emotional upheaval and will leave you wanting so much more. Read how they overcome their battles by loving each other and also wanting to throttle each other. Just fall in love with this story you won't regret it.
I really liked this book but it left so many empty blanks throughout the story. I would have loved some information on a lot of things really it just skipped on a lot of explanations.
HJ Bellus is back and better than ever!! This book is amazing from page 1 and just keeps you sucked in. Theo and Sadie are complete opposite sides of wealth but what the heart wants you can’t help. Be prepared to have all emotions reading this. Theo has my heart completely. This might be my favorite story yet.
Wow, what a come back. This book is definitely an H.J. Bellus "Must Read"!! It's crazy how 2 people can find each other, when they really need each other the most. Such a great story and love the new batch of characters. Can't wait to read more about them all in the series!!
This has always been one of my go to authors! She came out swinging with this amazing alfa romance. I could literally feel the connection between this couple. Theo and Sadie are going to sweep you off your feet. I never saw the twist in this book coming. I loved this book hard.
Ridiculous. The plot has holes galore. The heroine had multiple personalities considering that she acted one way in situation then something would stir her up and bam, all of a sudden she’s gutsy. The hero was honestly an idiot and kind of a POS most of the time. Not towards her - but just the way he thought he had to act. That was weak in my opinion. Weak because he was a bully and we all know that those people do things out of an inferiority complex.
Also, why did they have to have babies so soon and marriage and amazingly successful careers? It’s just so OTT, that everything just worked out that way by the time she was 22. A mother, a wife, an Uber successful artist in NY? Ok sure.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
Everyone know the Bod Boys of Penwood University dominate campus life with their power to make or break anyone they want. Sadie Alexander never thought she'd end up on their radar. All she wanted was to escape her childhood, and Penwood was her ticket to a new life. But Theo Hudson, the number one Bad Boy and all-star football player makes it clear he has his sights set on her. She'd heard the stories, knew the warnings, yet Theo makes it impossible for he to run the other way. The harder she fights to keep her distance, the more determined he becomes to have her. But Sadie isn't willing to risk everything she has worked for to achieve for a guy with a reputation. The deeper Theo manages to slip into her life, the tighter Sadie gets wrapped up in the unraveling secrets around her. In the end, Sadie is forced to answer one question....was he worth it?
This is the story of Sadie and Theo and I have to say that it was an emotional one. I didn't expect that out of them but that's what I got and I was living for it. Sadie is from a rich family while Theo came from nothing. Their backstory is where the heartbreak will come from but I have to say that I love when you get the backstory of the characters you are reading about. These two are actually made for each other and I could feel their story down to my very bones. I don't want to really get into a lot of their story because I went in blind and I feel like that is the way to go. There is a special chemistry between these to and their passion for each other is just pure fire. This book also has it's smoking hot moments. This is story you do not want to miss.
Having read Ms.Bellus's work many times before i always look so forward to picking up more of her books. As soon as i stumbled across the synopsis for this one it piqued my interest right away. I knew i had to read it next. I picked it up and got into The Bad Boys of Penwood world! I so enjoyed it!
Sadie and Theo's journey captured my attention from the get go! As soon as these two were brought into each other's lives, i couldn't wait to see how everything would play out for these two.
I was so glad that i got to dig deeper with these two! Sadie was such a relatable character. I really enjoyed the way this story and it's characters had me going through all kinds of emotions throughout. The chemistry between Sadie and Theo was great! They both showed realness.
I wasn't sure what all to expect in this story and i really liked how that got me into it even more!
With Wrong Side, Ms.Bellus has created such a good read that made me feel so much! I can't wait for more from her and The Bad Boys of Penwood world!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from HEA PR & More / the author*
HOLY HELL! I don't care what anyone says, HJ Bellus can write a romance that does my heart & emotions in every time. Wrong Side is the newest example of her brilliance & it was some kind of experience that's for sure. See, this author never gives us a story to read, nope, she gives us an experience that never fails to hit hard, and frankly, I'm so glad she's back in action. Sadie comes from a well to do family who are totally awful, and she just wants a chance at a happy life away from her family. Theo is from the wrong side of the tracks, but he's worked hard at a brighter future, and while he's a boy that she wants to stay away from, she ends up learning that there's more to him than his reputation would state. These two are perfect for each other, and they both definitely have demons to beat, but fate has put them in the same place at the same time so there's something more for them. Will they actually run with that chance?! Well, you would have to hit those one click buttons to find out, so don't even pause, just do it as I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
HJ Bellus is back!! Back with a story that has all the emotion, love and heat. This book was so sweet, so special. Our couple are total opposites but fit together perfect. Both a bit broken from their pasts but fix each other in a beautiful way. I loved that no one or nothing would stop Theo from being with her. He didn't care what people said or thought. He loved our shy lonely girl and made her his number one. She simply loved him, he was her everything because before him she had no one. I am so glad this author is back and can't wait for more.
Welcome back HJ Bellus!!! Oh how I’ve missed you! Wrong side grabbed me from the start and kept me glued to my kindle until the very last page! I absolutely loved Theo and Sadie. They had me feeling all of the emotions and I couldn’t get enough. When I say all of the emotions I mean all of them. I laughed, I cried, I swooned, I I absolutely hated Sadie’s parents. I highly recommend picking this one up. I absolutely cannot wait to get more from the bad boys of Penwood!!!!
It’s been awhile since this author has written a book but it was so worth the wait ! Loved this book , love Theo and have to say Walker even though you don’t get too much of him yet can’t wait for his story next ! And everyone needs a Harvey in their life ! lol
She’s backkkkkk!!!! Omg what an amazing book. I loved the story. The emotional connection to the characters comes through strong. Their connection was amazing. I loved everything about this book and the characters. Strong characters, including small bits of supporting ones. First book in this new series, no cliffhanger or cheating. Loved this!
Wrong Side has been worth the wait from this author. This story had me spellbound from the very first page. Questions hang in the air and the need for the answers has you on the edge of your seat. Sadie is a character that draws you to her and even though Theo appears to be a bad boy you feel that there is something just below the surface waiting to be discovered. Their story is overflowing with emotion from fear, love and heartbreak. You will be taken on a roller coaster of angst, anger, drama and so much passion. These two stole my heart and had me pulled so hard into their world I wasn’t sure if I could or even wanted to leave. The chemistry and connection between these two has your skin on fire, your heart pounding and your pulse racing. A story that winds itself permanently around you and has the words floating through your mind long after you have devoured the very last page. Theo and Sadie will hold a special place in my heart as not only do they have a connection but the connection you form with these characters is unbreakable.
I'm a sucker for a story when a guy who never wanted to commit before falls head over heels in love with a plucky heroine, and we definitely get that with Sadie and Theo in Wrong Side. Sadie is trying to escape a wretched mother by studying art at a small college that is not Harvard (seriously, her mom is so pretentious). But when she finds herself on the receiving end of rumors and on the popular mean girl's bad side, football star Theo steps up as her personal protector.
There's a really sweet development to their romance, and I enjoyed how they both opened up to one another. While Sadie was raised in the lap of luxury with cold, icy parents who hated her, Theo had an awful start to life, but found supportive and loving guardians -- as different as their backgrounds are, they found common ground. And in Sadie, Theo found a reason to look forward.
That said, I am in the minority here because I liked this book, but I didn't love this book. There is a major plot twist that I enjoyed, but I was left with too many questions afterwards and things were glossed over with a passing sentence or two. I felt like the epilogue, while satisfying in visiting the future of Sadie and Theo's relationship, was rushed. But those things aside, I found Wrong Side to be an entertaining college romance, a relatively quick and mindless escape to indulge in.
I received a complimentary copy and voluntarily left a review.
She's back!!!!! And I have no words for this book. I was blown away. HJ did an amazing job with this story. Theo and Sadie were perfect for each other. In my pin they were 2 lot souls looking to find each other.
This was okay. Not sure I’d really call it a sports romance or even enemies to lovers. Sadie was a rich girl who didn’t live up to her parents expectations. Theo was a “bad boy” (read reformed asshole). She was sheltered but she finally stood up for herself and attended a college her parents didn’t seem good enough. It was apparently because it was an art school but there was no mention of any art in her academics others than sketches she drew for fun. She had a sort of weird relationship with her family’s driver. I found myself having to re-read a fair amount because the writing didn’t really flow and lots of run on sentences. No real drama other than at the very beginning and very end. The ending was very abrupt. All the sudden an epilogue. There was talk of all these surgeries with her arm, but I have no idea where that came from. I went back and reread the chapter this would have occurred in and still have no idea what it meant. Wasn’t terrible but can’t say I really recommend either.
I was expecting more from this story, the blurb sounded good but unfortunately, it didn't reach my expectations.
The hero and his crew weren't bad at all, the connection between the characters happened too fast ( no drama or bullying at all to be honest). The dark stories could have been more developed, and the side characters were barely part of the stories and I believe this book is part of a series?
The heroine is dull and her dark and twisted family story deserved more development or explanation, ex real father? If you going to write about delicate themes like rape, abuse, etc you need to put the details there.