Trilina Pucci

Caroline Whitmore is cunning, inconsiderate, and ruthless. Despite that, I can't recall a day that's gone by when I haven't thought about her at least once. On paper, we're a perfect match--Only on paper.In real life, we're a disaster. She hates me. Hates the way I dress--everything I say. My basic existence.But what I hate is more complicated. Because I'm a moth to a gorgeous, petite, brunette flame.I hate that I still remember what she wore the day we sat together in sixth grade. And that I would move mountains for her smile.I hate every guy that gets too close.And that one of them gets to stay.I hate that I want her so bad that I used my best friend to make her jealous.But most of all, I hate that Caroline Whitmore is the one that got away.

Hillcrest Prep, Book 2

Vicious Little Snakes

Amanda Autumn Berrey

Donovan answers, but before she can pounce, Grey removes Arden’s hands. Boo, but of course he does. “God, you two are red-hot. He’s a lucky guy, blondie. Now I know why I lost touch with my friend. Who needs little old me around when he’s got you?” Donovan slides in front of him, letting Grey’s arms snake around her as she speaks, “I can’t imagine why he’d ever have needed you, but you’ll have to forgive me because he’s never mentioned you either.”

“Every brunette needs a blonde. Isn’t that what they say? You two are stunning together. I’m glad we finally meet. You’d be the new Serena and Blair—if they were real.” “I’m more of a Chuck Bass, plus I hate headbands,” I offer, never blinking.

“Like as in Betty and Veronica?” Kai questions, and I nod. Grey cocks his head. “So, hot?” Donovan stares at him, shooting daggers, but I shake my head. “No. Poor and unoriginal.”

“An enemy of my enemy is my friend. Right?” Donovan plucks the champagne from my fingers, taking a sip and handing it back as I seal our truce. “Then tonight, bitch, we’re besties.”

Arden was older, more experienced, and a good listener. She’s the kind of girl that takes shit to the grave—like Donovan. Damn, I never thought about that—both wild, good listeners. I guess Arden was doing double duty that summer being all the girls I missed.

“So what? You’re like a slayer of dragons?” Just let me die. I laugh—at myself because I’m so embarrassing, but also hoping that she’ll join in. Caroline shakes her head. The line starts to move again, taking her in the opposite direction, so she looks over her shoulder. “No, Liam. I am the dragon.”

“I know. So dumb. But at least you don’t have to be outside in the heat.” I’m rambling, feeling the words all sticking in my throat. “It’s the worst. It makes your balls all—” I catch myself, wrinkling my forehead. “I mean, it makes all the balls deflate. It ruins all the soccer balls. And the footballs.” I cringe on the inside. “All the balls.”

“I’m just done with her, Van. She’s toxic and doesn’t give a shit who she hurts.” And it hurts too much. I feel her fall back on the bed as she lets out a frustrated groan. “That’s it, Liam? Toxic? We’re all fucking toxic. Have you met Grey? And me?”

if you aren’t careful, I might fall in love with you, for real.” His fingers release me, then take my hand, kissing the top. “Don’t be ridiculous. We could never stoop so low as to fall in love—homies over matrimonies.”

I stare into Kai’s eyes. I love him. He’s everything I wish I could want—my life would be so much easier if I could just be in love with him.

“It doesn’t matter. We’re here, and I’m happy—so why let Liam ruin another moment.” I place a palm to his face. “You have my full attention.” He turns his head, kissing my hand. “This is us, Caroline. You get to be a mess with me.”

“Yeah. I noticed. It was hard not to. What the fuck did Liam say now? Did he forget to say you were pretty? Or are we mad that he said you were pretty?”

“I’m lost. What are we talking about?” Kai leans back, wiping his mouth with a napkin. “The secret performance… you asked when we’d find out who was playing, and I said—you know what, forget it. Where have you been this last hour? Because I’m almost certain that it’s still in the fucking hallway, gorgeous.”

He offers me a delicious-looking cookie, but I shake my head, so he takes a bite out of it. If that were Liam, he’d make you eat it.

I want to plead, “Forgive me. I’m sorry. I’m scared if I lose you that I’ll never get even a glimpse of me anymore. You’re the only one that makes it all make sense. You’re the boy I love, and I’m desperate for you to look at me like you did before I ruined you.”

“Well, one of us has to be the pretty one because you’ve cornered the market on mean.” I shrug, giving a chuckle—not a giggle because I’m not four—as I look up at him.

I’m fucking Gollum, and Liam’s my precious. I’m doomed to die in a cave on the Upper East Side, old and shriveled, obsessed over someone I can’t have. He’s turned me into an ugly troll.

He’s like an irritating fly buzzing around from girl to girl, making them laugh and allowing them to think they have a chance. It’s all a lie, bitches.

“Come on, Duckie. Don’t get mad.” “Who the fuck is Duckie?” He chuckles. “Pretty in Pink—the skinny boy in wingtips obsessed with the redhead, where he waits for her to figure out she likes him too. That’s you with Donovan.”

I only managed half a sketch before almost getting caught by Grey, but it was enough to ensure that every painting I’ve ever done since has a piece of Caroline in it.

That’s when my doodles became art and a way for me to save all the details, the memories, the perfect fucking moments, forever.

“Right. So, do you remember Hunter? Hot lacrosse player at St. Simeon? He basically followed you around that whole party last summer.” A vision of a guy we met at some party in the Hamptons comes to mind, and I nod. “I think so… dark hair, sexy brown eyes, killer body.” “Thank you.” Grey smirks to himself, staring at his phone. “Perfect description of me.” “Crazy small dick energy—” I add. “Definitely not me, then,” he answers again, not looking up.

“I promised back in the day that I’d never let you replace her. Did I ever tell you that? But the thing is, Carebear, I didn’t think about her once that whole week.”

Sara Uribe

Holy shit. My god. I LOVED THIS BOOK. 
 
Thirty percent into it I knew I was going to be giving this 5 stars. I just couldn't not make it a 5 star read. Everything about it, the story, the characters, the pace, and how thoroughly fleshed out these characters are, was all just perfect. The main thing that REALLY shocked me was how much I love Caroline. Never in a million years did I ever think I would love Caroline Whitmore as much as I freaking do. I loathed her before reading this book. But, because we get a better understanding of who she really is in this book, it's understandable why she's such a mean and nasty person. Everything that she went through just absolutely resonated with me. I love Liam and Caroline! They’re like fire and water. They don’t mix well, but they definitely know how to calm each other, center one another and they really pull out their true selves with one another. I honestly did not expect to love this book as much as I do. This book is amazingly invigorating, kept me on my toes and truly pulled on my heartstrings. This book made me feel all the things and truly forced me to take my time while reading.

Chefs Kiss!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Vicious Little Snakes Hillcrest Prep, Book 2

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