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Shameful Secrets #5
The Torment of Two
She craves freedom from her overbearing family, and being a student at Park Mountain University is exactly that for her. Until she’s partnered up for an entire semester with a surly, difficult man who despises her immediately for no reason at all. So much for an escape…
At PMU, I can finally be free to be my own person away from the Park family name.
This semester, though, my happiness is threatened when I meet him.
Tristan “Two” Sheridan is a grumpy jerk who nearly runs me over with his hunk of junk car and then has the audacity to blame me.
Our dislike for one another is instantaneous.
Imagine my horror when not only is he in one of my new “blow-off” classes, but I’ve also been partnered up with him for a labor-intensive class project for a huge portion of my grade.
His distaste for me is mild at first, but the second he learns my name, it turns to utter contempt.
Why does he hate me so much?
What did I ever do to earn such nastiness from a man I don’t even know?
Beneath Two’s crankiness are secrets—secrets I plan to uncover. With each encounter, I peel back more of the mysterious layers of the handsome man with the pale gray eyes and find there’s someone likeable deep down beneath. And, despite his grudge against me and my family, I think he can’t help but like me too.
As we spend more time together on our project, and just when I think I’ve got a handle on Two, I start getting harassed by someone else. This person stalks me at every turn, leaving me anonymous creepy notes and promises of a future together.
The stalker is the least of my problems, though. When Two reveals the true reason for hating me—the crushing secret that has tormented him his entire life—my own world is suddenly turned upside down. I feel inadvertently responsible and want to somehow make it all better.
A budding romance burns hot between us as our walls come down, but we have to keep it a secret. My parents will vehemently disprove of our coupling, and his will be utterly destroyed. Under the guise of our project, we’re able to spend stolen moments together, stoking the flames of our growing feelings for one another, keeping the bitter truth from our families.
But my stalker has other nefarious plans that keep escalating in nature.
In order to get help from my father and my brother’s cop fiancée, I will have to come clean. My life may depend on it. Ugly truths will be brought to light and Two’s family will no doubt suffer the consequences. I dread the day I’ll be forced to spill the truth.
Is this thing between me and Two worth all the heartache and pain destined for our future?
Only time will tell…
At PMU, I can finally be free to be my own person away from the Park family name.
This semester, though, my happiness is threatened when I meet him.
Tristan “Two” Sheridan is a grumpy jerk who nearly runs me over with his hunk of junk car and then has the audacity to blame me.
Our dislike for one another is instantaneous.
Imagine my horror when not only is he in one of my new “blow-off” classes, but I’ve also been partnered up with him for a labor-intensive class project for a huge portion of my grade.
His distaste for me is mild at first, but the second he learns my name, it turns to utter contempt.
Why does he hate me so much?
What did I ever do to earn such nastiness from a man I don’t even know?
Beneath Two’s crankiness are secrets—secrets I plan to uncover. With each encounter, I peel back more of the mysterious layers of the handsome man with the pale gray eyes and find there’s someone likeable deep down beneath. And, despite his grudge against me and my family, I think he can’t help but like me too.
As we spend more time together on our project, and just when I think I’ve got a handle on Two, I start getting harassed by someone else. This person stalks me at every turn, leaving me anonymous creepy notes and promises of a future together.
The stalker is the least of my problems, though. When Two reveals the true reason for hating me—the crushing secret that has tormented him his entire life—my own world is suddenly turned upside down. I feel inadvertently responsible and want to somehow make it all better.
A budding romance burns hot between us as our walls come down, but we have to keep it a secret. My parents will vehemently disprove of our coupling, and his will be utterly destroyed. Under the guise of our project, we’re able to spend stolen moments together, stoking the flames of our growing feelings for one another, keeping the bitter truth from our families.
But my stalker has other nefarious plans that keep escalating in nature.
In order to get help from my father and my brother’s cop fiancée, I will have to come clean. My life may depend on it. Ugly truths will be brought to light and Two’s family will no doubt suffer the consequences. I dread the day I’ll be forced to spill the truth.
Is this thing between me and Two worth all the heartache and pain destined for our future?
Only time will tell…
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 20, 2024
About the author
K. Webster
232 books15.1k followersK Webster is a USA Today Bestselling author. Her titles have claimed many bestseller tags in numerous categories, are translated in multiple languages, and have been adapted into audiobooks. She lives in "Tornado Alley" with her husband, two children, and her baby dog named Blue. When she's not writing, she's reading, drinking copious amounts of coffee, and researching aliens.
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Join K-Club for exclusive, secret forbidden books like the Forbidden Flings stories! https://reamstories.com/authorkwebster
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Website: https://authorkwebster.com/
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Can't find a certain book? Maybe it's too hot for Amazon! Don't worry because titles like Bad Bad Bad, This is War, Baby, The Wild, and Hale can all be found for sale on K's website in both ebook and paperback format.
Website: https://authorkwebster.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
May 21, 2024
Two and Gemma have a pretty complex shared history together before they’ve even met. And when they do meet, things really get complicated. This story had me on the edge of my seat until the very end. I just couldn’t put it down until I figured out what was going on. These two were sweet together and I really enjoyed this story.
May 13, 2024
Genre: NA Contemporary Romance
Type: Standalone Book 5 of 5 from Shameful Secrets Series
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
4.25 Stars
Gemma Park thought college would provide the freedom she sorely wanted. But an encounter with Tristan (Two) Sheridan complicated her life, especially with the secret he carried.
On the outside, Gemma was a polished gem, and I’m glad to see a different side of her that showed her vulnerabilities. Two drew me in with his personality and the passion for his hobby. The story was light but interesting with a side plot that added a dash of suspense.
The Torment of Two is a story of breaking free and new beginnings. It would appeal to readers who enjoy enemies-to-lovers romance.
Books in the series:
▪️🧡▪️. . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC . . .▪️🧡▪️
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May 23, 2024
A doormat heroine… And a very rude hero. Well well… What a great couple 🥶 Gemma story is one of the siblings that I’m very curious of because she was famous or known to be spoiled by her parents. Being the only girl in the family and the baby of the baby. I immediately get this one… Gemma was kind of great tho despite her being a doormat which is pathetic. but the love story itself and the hero is freakin nightmare.
Not a crazy nightmare.
But just a nightmare enough 😭
And again, WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THIS AUTHOR?! Why her love stories books are like this right now? 🥶🥶 It’s very childish and just not great anymore. Or not romantic anymore. I thought this book would be different than the other fvcked up ones in this series, but nope. NOPE 😢
Let me write the annoying things or the things I don’t like this from this story first :
(Bad news first and then good news is such a better option) 😌
1. THE HERO. Wow. I have no problem with him being weird because I’m also a bit weirdo myself 😂 But HIM BEING WEIRD AND THEN RUDE AND WITH BAD ATTITUDE???! That’s just recipe for disaster… and not only that, HE IS ALSO CHILDISH 😫 I’m used to reading heroes that is stupid and not childish, so when i read this one I’m like WHAT 🐄🐄🐄 This hero is extremely intelligent BUT CHILDISH AF… It’s like reading a 9 y.o POV 😭
2. I skipped the dinner or family gathering from the heroine scenes because THIS FAMILY IS THE MOST FVCKED UP FAMILY I EVER SEEN IN A BOOK IN MY ENTIRE LIFE!!! The family from the heroine if you don’t know or if you already know, IS VERY DYSFUNCTIONAL AND TOXIC EVER. I’m not being dramatic here but it’s true! The heroine’s parents aka mom and dad, the mom used to date and engaged with the heroine’s brother then have a affair with the heroine’s dad and have her and her twin brother. The heroine’s other older brother and the heroine’s nephew is married to the same woman. Yes two heroes with the same woman. But the crazy part is that that woman’s mom used to married the heroine’s current husband AND HAVE A BABY with the heroine’s nephew. The heroine’s twin brother now in this book is soon to be marry the heroine’s mom’s best friend… SO YEAH I AM NOT GONNA READ THE FAMILY GATHERING SCENES BECAUSE IT’S DISGUSTING… i thought my family was drama but this one is more than a drama😂
3. Idk but the chemistry between the couple is freakin low….
4. There’s more than ONE that the hero make stupid these stupid mistakes or stupid attitude to the heroine. I’M GONNA BE FRANK ABOUT THIS BECAUSE THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I READ A HERO WHO ACTS LIKE THIS 🥵
- The hero can’t wait for the heroine in the car because he was picking her up. So he only wait for 10 minutes or so then he drove off leave the heroine WHILE SHE WAS SCREAMING SAYING WAIT A MINUTE. When i read that i was like oh my. HELL NA!!!!! WTF.
- HE DIDN’T PAY FOR HER DINNER. It wasn’t a date tho but still! The audacity to ask a woman: “We both missed dinner. It’s fine. You have money, right?” & “All you have is ten dollars to your name? I saw your house. You’re loaded.” He did afterward offers her that he can pay if the food goes for more than ten dollars. BUT STILL!!!! YOU DON’T HAVE THE THOUGHT TO WANT TO PAY FOR HER… wtf is this romance 🥵🥵🥵
5. The heroine’s brother aka callum whose ex fiancee is the heroine’s mother and the current wife to the heroine’s dad. Aka the hero’s bio dad. Weird? I know. It’s fvcked up. Callum here still hates the heroine’s mom and even wants to insult her. It only happened one time tho… But still happened! Like why callum still hates the heroine’s mom??! I know what she did was bad but come on. It’s more than a decade!!!! Idk but for me that scenes just made me more disgusted with their family members… So many people there in the family already have s3x to the same woman is just freakin beyond disgusting…
So this book still a NO for me. I wish i can write a great review but as always i like to be honest with my review no matter what… I’m worried for the author cause it’s just getting bad and bad 😅😅🙏🏼
Gonna make it quick:
‼️‼️‼️NO CHEATING, no separation, no ex boyfriend ex girlfriend or ex fvck buddy ever shows up, NOOO drama with ow. Only drama with OM but not too annoying. Triggers: Almost r*pe, drugs, alcohol, violence and fvcking dysfunction family. The heroine is a freakin doormat. The hero is not too possessive. The romance or chemistry between them is freakin low AF. The heroine is a virgin. Little hot s3x scenes. Happy ending. Gonna get married! And sorry but the story is kind of boring with the crazy family dynamic and the romance being low and the heroine hero’s characters are very bad… many unnecessary childish drama happening too…
⚡️⚡️⚡️THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING MY REVIEW. Even if you hate my review i still say thank you so much cause you spend your time reading this one👻 I’m not a professional reviewer or professional reader. I’m just someone who likes to read novels that is safe and no cheating whatsoever. And many more that i like lol😆 I DID NOT GET PAID TO DO THIS. This is just basically me writing my review based on my personal opinion about the book if it’s safe or what I will write it all down just the way i like it 😏 I know my review can be very straightforward with the way i write it down all of it and not a professional writing because again I’m not professional reviewer anyway. And whatever negativity you might think of what i write or what my thoughts are on my review about a book, me and you are not the same person. I have my own types of book and you have your own. You have your own thoughts and same with me. You can’t control what I should write on my review and neither should I. I WILL NOT TOLERATE NEGATIVE COMMENT AND I WON’T EVER REPLIED TO IT. If you still don’t like what i write and my disclaimer here, IT’S A YOU PROBLEM. NOT MINE😙 HAVE A GREAT DAY❤️❤️❤️
Types of book that I’m looking for: SAFE, safe all the way from the beginning till the end🥵 No cheating, no unnecessary childish drama. Not too much OW DRAMA cause they are loud and annoying lol. NO to still having feelings about a ex especially wants go get back together tf no. NO to friends with benefits and still seeing other people type of sh*t. NO to hero or heroine who said i love you and have been obsessed but still likes to fvck around yeah big NO to that sh*t. NOOO to still married or still in a relationship with someone else while liking the main character, yeah they have to be single since the beginning. NOOO to a long separation and have someone else they have s3x with during the separation. NOO to too many times of separation and breaking up sh*t. NOO to toxic narcissistic characters.
I preferred the characters are loyal to the core, over the top possessive heroes since the beginning and never stops, main characters have unique jobs or talents, the hero adores and obsessed with the heroine so much, the hero fell harder for the heroine and don’t want let her go and fight for her. And most importantly EPILOGUE AND ESPECIALLY THE DECADES LATER SCENE…. HAPPY ENDING IS A MUST. Chemistry is a must too 🙏🏼
Not a crazy nightmare.
But just a nightmare enough 😭
And again, WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THIS AUTHOR?! Why her love stories books are like this right now? 🥶🥶 It’s very childish and just not great anymore. Or not romantic anymore. I thought this book would be different than the other fvcked up ones in this series, but nope. NOPE 😢
Let me write the annoying things or the things I don’t like this from this story first :
(Bad news first and then good news is such a better option) 😌
1. THE HERO. Wow. I have no problem with him being weird because I’m also a bit weirdo myself 😂 But HIM BEING WEIRD AND THEN RUDE AND WITH BAD ATTITUDE???! That’s just recipe for disaster… and not only that, HE IS ALSO CHILDISH 😫 I’m used to reading heroes that is stupid and not childish, so when i read this one I’m like WHAT 🐄🐄🐄 This hero is extremely intelligent BUT CHILDISH AF… It’s like reading a 9 y.o POV 😭
2. I skipped the dinner or family gathering from the heroine scenes because THIS FAMILY IS THE MOST FVCKED UP FAMILY I EVER SEEN IN A BOOK IN MY ENTIRE LIFE!!! The family from the heroine if you don’t know or if you already know, IS VERY DYSFUNCTIONAL AND TOXIC EVER. I’m not being dramatic here but it’s true! The heroine’s parents aka mom and dad, the mom used to date and engaged with the heroine’s brother then have a affair with the heroine’s dad and have her and her twin brother. The heroine’s other older brother and the heroine’s nephew is married to the same woman. Yes two heroes with the same woman. But the crazy part is that that woman’s mom used to married the heroine’s current husband AND HAVE A BABY with the heroine’s nephew. The heroine’s twin brother now in this book is soon to be marry the heroine’s mom’s best friend… SO YEAH I AM NOT GONNA READ THE FAMILY GATHERING SCENES BECAUSE IT’S DISGUSTING… i thought my family was drama but this one is more than a drama😂
3. Idk but the chemistry between the couple is freakin low….
4. There’s more than ONE that the hero make stupid these stupid mistakes or stupid attitude to the heroine. I’M GONNA BE FRANK ABOUT THIS BECAUSE THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I READ A HERO WHO ACTS LIKE THIS 🥵
- The hero can’t wait for the heroine in the car because he was picking her up. So he only wait for 10 minutes or so then he drove off leave the heroine WHILE SHE WAS SCREAMING SAYING WAIT A MINUTE. When i read that i was like oh my. HELL NA!!!!! WTF.
- HE DIDN’T PAY FOR HER DINNER. It wasn’t a date tho but still! The audacity to ask a woman: “We both missed dinner. It’s fine. You have money, right?” & “All you have is ten dollars to your name? I saw your house. You’re loaded.” He did afterward offers her that he can pay if the food goes for more than ten dollars. BUT STILL!!!! YOU DON’T HAVE THE THOUGHT TO WANT TO PAY FOR HER… wtf is this romance 🥵🥵🥵
5. The heroine’s brother aka callum whose ex fiancee is the heroine’s mother and the current wife to the heroine’s dad. Aka the hero’s bio dad. Weird? I know. It’s fvcked up. Callum here still hates the heroine’s mom and even wants to insult her. It only happened one time tho… But still happened! Like why callum still hates the heroine’s mom??! I know what she did was bad but come on. It’s more than a decade!!!! Idk but for me that scenes just made me more disgusted with their family members… So many people there in the family already have s3x to the same woman is just freakin beyond disgusting…
So this book still a NO for me. I wish i can write a great review but as always i like to be honest with my review no matter what… I’m worried for the author cause it’s just getting bad and bad 😅😅🙏🏼
Gonna make it quick:
‼️‼️‼️NO CHEATING, no separation, no ex boyfriend ex girlfriend or ex fvck buddy ever shows up, NOOO drama with ow. Only drama with OM but not too annoying. Triggers: Almost r*pe, drugs, alcohol, violence and fvcking dysfunction family. The heroine is a freakin doormat. The hero is not too possessive. The romance or chemistry between them is freakin low AF. The heroine is a virgin. Little hot s3x scenes. Happy ending. Gonna get married! And sorry but the story is kind of boring with the crazy family dynamic and the romance being low and the heroine hero’s characters are very bad… many unnecessary childish drama happening too…
⚡️⚡️⚡️THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING MY REVIEW. Even if you hate my review i still say thank you so much cause you spend your time reading this one👻 I’m not a professional reviewer or professional reader. I’m just someone who likes to read novels that is safe and no cheating whatsoever. And many more that i like lol😆 I DID NOT GET PAID TO DO THIS. This is just basically me writing my review based on my personal opinion about the book if it’s safe or what I will write it all down just the way i like it 😏 I know my review can be very straightforward with the way i write it down all of it and not a professional writing because again I’m not professional reviewer anyway. And whatever negativity you might think of what i write or what my thoughts are on my review about a book, me and you are not the same person. I have my own types of book and you have your own. You have your own thoughts and same with me. You can’t control what I should write on my review and neither should I. I WILL NOT TOLERATE NEGATIVE COMMENT AND I WON’T EVER REPLIED TO IT. If you still don’t like what i write and my disclaimer here, IT’S A YOU PROBLEM. NOT MINE😙 HAVE A GREAT DAY❤️❤️❤️
Types of book that I’m looking for: SAFE, safe all the way from the beginning till the end🥵 No cheating, no unnecessary childish drama. Not too much OW DRAMA cause they are loud and annoying lol. NO to still having feelings about a ex especially wants go get back together tf no. NO to friends with benefits and still seeing other people type of sh*t. NO to hero or heroine who said i love you and have been obsessed but still likes to fvck around yeah big NO to that sh*t. NOOO to still married or still in a relationship with someone else while liking the main character, yeah they have to be single since the beginning. NOOO to a long separation and have someone else they have s3x with during the separation. NOO to too many times of separation and breaking up sh*t. NOO to toxic narcissistic characters.
I preferred the characters are loyal to the core, over the top possessive heroes since the beginning and never stops, main characters have unique jobs or talents, the hero adores and obsessed with the heroine so much, the hero fell harder for the heroine and don’t want let her go and fight for her. And most importantly EPILOGUE AND ESPECIALLY THE DECADES LATER SCENE…. HAPPY ENDING IS A MUST. Chemistry is a must too 🙏🏼
May 23, 2024
Gemma is the sweetest of the Park clan and Tristan “two” with his grouchy sloppy sweet self was her perfect match. Just love this crazy family!!
May 27, 2024
Rating ⭐⭐
Tropes:
✍️ Enemies to Lovers
✍️ Grumpy/Sunshine
✍️ Opposites Attract
✍️ College Romance
✍️ Stalker
✍️ Hidden Rooms/Treasure Hunts
✍️ Secret Romance
✍️ Romantic suspense
Unfortunately this book just wasn't for me. I enjoyed the side characters and there was some good banter between Gemma and Two. However, I struggled to connect with both of the main characters, and found that some of the conflicts felt forced. Gemma was pretty one dimensional to me, but really what I struggled with was Two. He was just really really rude, and I felt that his reasons for disliking Gemma were just immature.
I will say that the suspense from the stalker element was pretty interesting and kept me reading!
Thank you to Unalive Promotions and K. Webster for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Tropes:
✍️ Enemies to Lovers
✍️ Grumpy/Sunshine
✍️ Opposites Attract
✍️ College Romance
✍️ Stalker
✍️ Hidden Rooms/Treasure Hunts
✍️ Secret Romance
✍️ Romantic suspense
Unfortunately this book just wasn't for me. I enjoyed the side characters and there was some good banter between Gemma and Two. However, I struggled to connect with both of the main characters, and found that some of the conflicts felt forced. Gemma was pretty one dimensional to me, but really what I struggled with was Two. He was just really really rude, and I felt that his reasons for disliking Gemma were just immature.
I will say that the suspense from the stalker element was pretty interesting and kept me reading!
Thank you to Unalive Promotions and K. Webster for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
May 22, 2024
Removed my previous review. It might have been too harsh. This is not a good book.
May 20, 2024
Gemma Park just wants to show her family she is more than a silly influencer. While taking classes at Park Mountain University she gets partnered with Tristian “Two” Sheridan for lab. They are definitely opposites and can’t stand each other but when someone keeps “watching” her, Two might be the one to keep her safe. Who is out to get her and why? Will Tristian come clean to Gemma as to why he had preconceived notions of her? This is an enemies to lovers romance with great banter interwoven within a mystery. It does delve into some mental health issues as well as darker topics so be aware. I loved seeing previous characters including Tate which I wonder, can real therapists be as wonderful as he is? Told in first person and dual POV
May 21, 2024
Don't ever change. You're perfect the way you are. Perfectly imperfect and completely mine.
Awwww. Loved this so much.
Gemma (twin to Dempsey) has been sheltered by her parents her entire life. She has no social life outside of her family, despite being an Instagram influencer. They definitely don't let her date. She's in her second year of college and has to choose an elective, but everything is filled up. She ends up in a Historical Preservation class where she has the misfortune of being paired up with the "weird" guy who seems to hate her instantly.
Two has always been an odd duck (personally, I think he's on the spectrum). He has no social life outside of one friend and his dads (who adopted him when he was 2 years old), and he actually prefers it that way. When he was 9 years old, he found out something regarding his adoption that made him feel like he was their second choice. While attending class on his favorite subject, he's partnered with his lifelong enemy, unbeknownst to her.
These two slowly unravel each other. Eventually, all the things they've been holding back are revealed. Neither of them want their parents to know about their relationship, though for much different reasons. Gemma also has herself a stalker. These two eventually get their HEA and we also get to see Dempsey and Sloane continue their HEA. The entire family have active parts in this book.
Things I like: Two is so precious. I absolutely ADORE his uniqueness. Can't find one thing I don't love about him. I also love the way their relationship built and how they went from enemies to lovers.
SEX: Unfortunately, there's not a lot of it. Two lost his V when he was 16 to a girl he didn't really care about and I was totally not happy about that. He's never actually dated anyone. Gemma is his first girlfriend and he feels like his first time is with her. Gemma is a virgin, we knew this because it was impossible for her to be with anyone due to her overbearing parents and brother. I will say, when she loses her V to Two, it's the most realistic description I've ever read. Even though I wanted lots of Os, I appreciated the fact the author kept it authentic to how things are IRL. The sex doesn't come until the 79% mark, which killed me to wait that long. Again, it was a realistic way to join this couple. Personally, I'd have loved a 50 page epilogue with just them having dirty kinky sex.
ANNOYING: Well, Gemma keeps the info about her stalker from everyone. Pretty stupid, but I totally understood why. She knew the second she made that fact known, her dad would jerk her out of school and make her quit her influencer business.
Also, another stalker and kidnapping?? We had that plot in Book 2 and 3. Had kidnapping in book 4. I was over it at this point. Still, loved the book.
This series is so worth the read for me, despite the lack of sex.
May 14, 2024
4.25★
Though he embraces his quirkiness and eccentricities, Tristan “Two” Sheridan has felt like a second choice since he was a child. Knowing the source of his contempt hasn’t helped and Two is tested further when he is paired with Gemma Park on a class assignment.
Narrated in dual POV, Two and Gemma are opposites personality wise, yet as they begin to share bits of themselves, they realize those traits are complimentary. While Gemma is trying to overcome her insecurities and find a sense of independence, a stalker is causing havoc to her life.
In reading this series, I had a certain vision of Gemma and who she would be paired with, and while it was different from this story, I really like how it was written. Gemma can easily be a spoiled rich girl, but she proved have more substance. I also liked Two and his awkwardness because it made him even more appealing. Their romance was feisty, fun and also quite sweet.
The Torment of Two is about healing and first love. This book would appeal to those seeking a college romance with an element of suspense.
*An ARC was provided for a review.*
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Though he embraces his quirkiness and eccentricities, Tristan “Two” Sheridan has felt like a second choice since he was a child. Knowing the source of his contempt hasn’t helped and Two is tested further when he is paired with Gemma Park on a class assignment.
“We just had to start liking each other, Golden,” two says dryly. “Really made a mess of things.”
Narrated in dual POV, Two and Gemma are opposites personality wise, yet as they begin to share bits of themselves, they realize those traits are complimentary. While Gemma is trying to overcome her insecurities and find a sense of independence, a stalker is causing havoc to her life.
In reading this series, I had a certain vision of Gemma and who she would be paired with, and while it was different from this story, I really like how it was written. Gemma can easily be a spoiled rich girl, but she proved have more substance. I also liked Two and his awkwardness because it made him even more appealing. Their romance was feisty, fun and also quite sweet.
The Torment of Two is about healing and first love. This book would appeal to those seeking a college romance with an element of suspense.
*An ARC was provided for a review.*
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
June 5, 2024
***4,25 "Golden!!!" stars***
"I see you. The real you. The you no one else but me sees."
I am enjoying the Park family and their shameful secrets way too much!!! It is a pity that this was the last book in the series!!!
I was excited to read Gemma's story and even though, I never thought that her man will be someone like Two (aka Tristan), I loved this pair very much!!!
They had a rocky start, they were completely oppossite, but they were complimenting each other very well!!!
"What is it about Two that wrecks me so easily?"
Gemma is finally tasting some sort of freedom while attending college... Unfortunately, a jerk is having a beef with her and he is ending up to be her new partner...
She can not understand the hostility that Two is showing her and without an actual reason... Things are getting even worse when he is learning her name... But they are forced to work together and she is determined to get a good grade in this course, no matter what...
Also, Gemma has a stalker, a man that is starting to become dangerous for her and for her newfound freedom!!!
"He's an oddball, but an attractive one."
Two is different from the rest of people his age, but he is embracing this difference... He loves making miniatures and his hobby is taking so much of his free time, but he loves it!!!
Tristan is carrying a secret that is pulling him down for many years and then, Gemma Park is coming into his life and even though he wants to hate her, he can't seem to stay away from her...
She is getting under his skin, even though she is a girl that is so different from him...
Can Two keep his distance from this girl that is tormenting him years, or will he embrace his feelings for her???
"Finding her attractive is my biggest problem right now. I just can't go there with her."
I liked Two and Gemma together very much!!!
I liked how passionate Two was of his art and I was enamored with the things I was reading here...
Gemma was a spoiled but very sweet princess/influencer, but in here, we saw a different side of hers and I liked what I saw...
These two couldn't be more oppossite from each other, but they were just perfect together...
I really loved them and their story!!!
"I go my entire life hurting over this girl, tormented by her existence, only to fall in love with her..."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
"I see you. The real you. The you no one else but me sees."
I am enjoying the Park family and their shameful secrets way too much!!! It is a pity that this was the last book in the series!!!
I was excited to read Gemma's story and even though, I never thought that her man will be someone like Two (aka Tristan), I loved this pair very much!!!
They had a rocky start, they were completely oppossite, but they were complimenting each other very well!!!
"What is it about Two that wrecks me so easily?"
Gemma is finally tasting some sort of freedom while attending college... Unfortunately, a jerk is having a beef with her and he is ending up to be her new partner...
She can not understand the hostility that Two is showing her and without an actual reason... Things are getting even worse when he is learning her name... But they are forced to work together and she is determined to get a good grade in this course, no matter what...
Also, Gemma has a stalker, a man that is starting to become dangerous for her and for her newfound freedom!!!
"He's an oddball, but an attractive one."
Two is different from the rest of people his age, but he is embracing this difference... He loves making miniatures and his hobby is taking so much of his free time, but he loves it!!!
Tristan is carrying a secret that is pulling him down for many years and then, Gemma Park is coming into his life and even though he wants to hate her, he can't seem to stay away from her...
She is getting under his skin, even though she is a girl that is so different from him...
Can Two keep his distance from this girl that is tormenting him years, or will he embrace his feelings for her???
"Finding her attractive is my biggest problem right now. I just can't go there with her."
I liked Two and Gemma together very much!!!
I liked how passionate Two was of his art and I was enamored with the things I was reading here...
Gemma was a spoiled but very sweet princess/influencer, but in here, we saw a different side of hers and I liked what I saw...
These two couldn't be more oppossite from each other, but they were just perfect together...
I really loved them and their story!!!
"I go my entire life hurting over this girl, tormented by her existence, only to fall in love with her..."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
May 21, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶🌶.5
The Torment of Two is the 5th and final book in the Shameful Secrets series. I have absolutely adored this entire series by one of my favorite taboo authors, K Webster. These are pretty tame compared to most of her other taboo books, so I think it is the perfect series to read if you are not ready for books like Wild or Hale.
Tristian “Two” Sheridan always felt like the second choice to his adoptive parents once he discovered hidden pictures and a letter about the daughter they were supposed to adopt, Gemma. Two shows his displeasure and hatred for Gemma when he gets paired up with her for an extremely important class project.
Gemma Parks is a successful influencer, and she may seem like a spoiled rich girl, but she has much more to her. She is excited for college since her parents are very overprotective of her, and she wants more freedom. She has no idea why Two hates her, but she is determined to figure it out and try to win him over. Luckily, we do not have to wait long for their connection and attraction to grow. Unfortunately, Gemma is receiving creepy letters and flowers from a stalker so Two steps up to help protect her.
I have to say I loved the mental health rep in this book and how Two was very active in his therapy. Of course, I loved that Tate became his new therapist, and we got to see him bring Two out of his shell and help him get over his hang-ups about hating Gemma.
This was actually really low angst and spice, which I really enjoyed. I guessed who the stalker was pretty quickly, but it still had an exciting 3rd act.
I would highly recommend this series, and it is now available on KU, so make sure to check it out.
Side note: I really want to take the Enneagram quiz to learn more about my personality 🤣🤣🤣
Thank you to Unalive Promotions for providing the ARC.
🌶🌶.5
The Torment of Two is the 5th and final book in the Shameful Secrets series. I have absolutely adored this entire series by one of my favorite taboo authors, K Webster. These are pretty tame compared to most of her other taboo books, so I think it is the perfect series to read if you are not ready for books like Wild or Hale.
Tristian “Two” Sheridan always felt like the second choice to his adoptive parents once he discovered hidden pictures and a letter about the daughter they were supposed to adopt, Gemma. Two shows his displeasure and hatred for Gemma when he gets paired up with her for an extremely important class project.
Gemma Parks is a successful influencer, and she may seem like a spoiled rich girl, but she has much more to her. She is excited for college since her parents are very overprotective of her, and she wants more freedom. She has no idea why Two hates her, but she is determined to figure it out and try to win him over. Luckily, we do not have to wait long for their connection and attraction to grow. Unfortunately, Gemma is receiving creepy letters and flowers from a stalker so Two steps up to help protect her.
I have to say I loved the mental health rep in this book and how Two was very active in his therapy. Of course, I loved that Tate became his new therapist, and we got to see him bring Two out of his shell and help him get over his hang-ups about hating Gemma.
This was actually really low angst and spice, which I really enjoyed. I guessed who the stalker was pretty quickly, but it still had an exciting 3rd act.
I would highly recommend this series, and it is now available on KU, so make sure to check it out.
Side note: I really want to take the Enneagram quiz to learn more about my personality 🤣🤣🤣
Thank you to Unalive Promotions for providing the ARC.
May 20, 2024
I’ve read three of the five books in K. Webster’s Shameful Secrets Series, and I must say the secret in The Torment of Two is a unique one with a whammy of a creepy twist that I didn’t see coming. Gemma finally has a bit of freedom in college away from her parents, and she has become a reasonably recognized beauty influencer. Like a typical college student, she meets a guy, which happens to be an opposites-attract situation. However, their relationship becomes more complex and mysterious as time goes on––especially when Gemma finds that she is being st4lked. Gemma goes from being unsure if she should take it seriously to becoming suspicious of everyone.
I loved Tristan’s character. He was a sweetheart. “The Torment of Two” was relatively fast-paced, with suspenseful elements throughout the story, which I enjoyed.
I loved Tristan’s character. He was a sweetheart. “The Torment of Two” was relatively fast-paced, with suspenseful elements throughout the story, which I enjoyed.
June 3, 2024
The Park family saga is over! Can you believe it?
Gemma Park has her own story to tell and it’s full of romance and suspense.
This is an opposites attract, hate to love, “she has a stalker” romantic suspense.
Gemma Park is a social media influencer but is getting creepy messages through anonymous profiles and she is doing everything she can to ignore the creep.
She’s focusing on school and end up with a weirdo for a partner for a project. This is where we meet “Two”. Two has a deep seated hatred for Gemma for something that she didn’t personally do, but that her family did and it really has boiled up inside of him for years.
Throughout the time forced together, being partners, Gemma chips off pieces of Two and a slow burn romance starts. But Gemma’s stalker is constantly on the back of both their minds and they are getting closer and closer to her.
I did not assume or guess who the stalker was. It definitely kept me on my toes. I love the banter between Gemma and Two. And absolutely loved seeing the entire Park family come together. Super sweet ending to this series.
Gemma Park has her own story to tell and it’s full of romance and suspense.
This is an opposites attract, hate to love, “she has a stalker” romantic suspense.
Gemma Park is a social media influencer but is getting creepy messages through anonymous profiles and she is doing everything she can to ignore the creep.
She’s focusing on school and end up with a weirdo for a partner for a project. This is where we meet “Two”. Two has a deep seated hatred for Gemma for something that she didn’t personally do, but that her family did and it really has boiled up inside of him for years.
Throughout the time forced together, being partners, Gemma chips off pieces of Two and a slow burn romance starts. But Gemma’s stalker is constantly on the back of both their minds and they are getting closer and closer to her.
I did not assume or guess who the stalker was. It definitely kept me on my toes. I love the banter between Gemma and Two. And absolutely loved seeing the entire Park family come together. Super sweet ending to this series.
May 14, 2024
This is my favourite of the series!!
If you've read the other books you'll know of Gemma, she's an influencer and a good person although her family sees her internet fame as a joke and fobs it off.
Starting school she signs up for a historical class thinking it's an easy pass-the-time class but soon realises how wrong she was.
This is where she meets Two and when he learns her name, all bets are off - he hates her.
Turns out they have a past that she knows nothing about. Their lives are intertwined a heck of a lot more than they ever thought and they think neither family will be happy.
But things change when Gemma realises the someone leaving her notes and flowers is far more sinister than she ever thought.
The families pull together but will it be enough?!
K Webster is at her best throwing in twists and turns and I thoroughly enjoyed this and highly recommend. Two kids who are more mature than their ages, complete and utter opposites, but find a connection through history and full heartedly belong together 💙
*I voluntarily received an arc and this is my honest review.
If you've read the other books you'll know of Gemma, she's an influencer and a good person although her family sees her internet fame as a joke and fobs it off.
Starting school she signs up for a historical class thinking it's an easy pass-the-time class but soon realises how wrong she was.
This is where she meets Two and when he learns her name, all bets are off - he hates her.
Turns out they have a past that she knows nothing about. Their lives are intertwined a heck of a lot more than they ever thought and they think neither family will be happy.
But things change when Gemma realises the someone leaving her notes and flowers is far more sinister than she ever thought.
The families pull together but will it be enough?!
K Webster is at her best throwing in twists and turns and I thoroughly enjoyed this and highly recommend. Two kids who are more mature than their ages, complete and utter opposites, but find a connection through history and full heartedly belong together 💙
*I voluntarily received an arc and this is my honest review.
May 19, 2024
The Torment of Two is the last book of the brilliant Shameful Secrets series.
As I said on previews reviews, for me K. Webster can do no wrong, and this book is proof of that.
This book is about the baby sister, Gemma Park, and Tristan “Two” Sheridan, they are so cute and their banter, chemistry and tension, is amazing.
They come from different worlds and had different lives, but they were destined for each other since the beginning.
I basically read this book is 2 days, I could not put it down and just wanted to know all.
This book will squeeze your heart so tight, and you will fill so much for the MC's, they are very young and discovering love for the first time, and you will feel their insecurities and battles.
Issues with mental health are talked during all book, and for that we will see our lovely happy Tate make an appearance in this book.
This book contains dark themes so, please, read trigger warnings.
What you can find in this book:
Enemies to Lovers
Grumpy/Sunshine
College
Historical Preservation Nerds
New Age Romance
Opposites Attract
Secret Romance
Hidden Rooms & Treasure Hunts
Romantic Suspense
Mental Health Rep
I'm sad this series ended, I had a great time reading these books.
As I said on previews reviews, for me K. Webster can do no wrong, and this book is proof of that.
This book is about the baby sister, Gemma Park, and Tristan “Two” Sheridan, they are so cute and their banter, chemistry and tension, is amazing.
They come from different worlds and had different lives, but they were destined for each other since the beginning.
I basically read this book is 2 days, I could not put it down and just wanted to know all.
This book will squeeze your heart so tight, and you will fill so much for the MC's, they are very young and discovering love for the first time, and you will feel their insecurities and battles.
Issues with mental health are talked during all book, and for that we will see our lovely happy Tate make an appearance in this book.
This book contains dark themes so, please, read trigger warnings.
What you can find in this book:
Enemies to Lovers
Grumpy/Sunshine
College
Historical Preservation Nerds
New Age Romance
Opposites Attract
Secret Romance
Hidden Rooms & Treasure Hunts
Romantic Suspense
Mental Health Rep
I'm sad this series ended, I had a great time reading these books.
December 25, 2024
K. Webster delivers an exhilarating and captivating finale with The Law of Deceit, the final instalment in her Shameful Secrets series. The story centers around Gemma, the last one of the Park siblings and a sheltered beauty influencer, who crosses paths with Two aka Tristan during a college project for their architectural preservation class. But their initial friction soon gives way to unexpected attraction between the two of them …
Their journey is peppered with some quite surprising twists and turns woven throughout. The dynamic between Gemma and Two is remarkable; their stark differences create a delightful contrast that only enhances their connection further. Then there are the usual Park family antics, with their trademark humor and warmth.
With a perfect blend of enemies-to-lovers tension, suspense, relatable characters and a stalker thrown in for good measure, this book kept me hooked from start to finish.
Their journey is peppered with some quite surprising twists and turns woven throughout. The dynamic between Gemma and Two is remarkable; their stark differences create a delightful contrast that only enhances their connection further. Then there are the usual Park family antics, with their trademark humor and warmth.
With a perfect blend of enemies-to-lovers tension, suspense, relatable characters and a stalker thrown in for good measure, this book kept me hooked from start to finish.
May 24, 2024
I was captivated by the story of Gemma, who longs for freedom from her controlling family at Park Mountain University. Her clash with Tristan, who instantly dislikes her, sets the stage for a compelling enemies-to-lovers tale. As they collaborate on a crucial class project, their initial animosity deepens, complicated by a painful secret connected to Gemma's family. The added suspense of Gemma's stalker kept me engaged. Their hidden romance blossoms despite family disapproval, leading to a satisfying conclusion. Webster did an excellent job blending romance, suspense, and emotional depth, making this a standout read for fans of complex, heartfelt love stories.
December 11, 2024
I think the author was bored of this series by the time she got to this last one. The plot was a snooze. Definitely weren't any "shameful secrets" IMO. Two's reasoning for hating Gemma was childish. I had a hard time seeing him as someone in his 20's because he came off as someone that was 15 years old--even the way his parents treated him made it seem like he was completely helpless. They alluded to some trouble in Two's past, but don't really explain why he'd been seeing a therapist his whole life. I can only think the author just wanted to include Tate. There wasn't much point to this book. I was hoping for more for Gemma.
May 19, 2024
This was an awesome read. The smart and seductive blend of juicy drama, raw emotions, intensity, humor, steam, tantalizing twists and thrilling suspense sucked me in quickly and had me anxiously and eagerly turning those pages. A definite roller coaster ride of feels that kept me guessing. I loved Two and Gemma and I felt that this book closed out this series beautifully.
June 5, 2024
Okay, this was awesome. Sweet, at times swoony and perfect for those who love rivals to lovers.
Two and Gemma had such chemistry! But in true K. Webster fashion, there is more to this book than just the romance. There is suspense and a stalker!
Loved the pacing, and this book took me out of my slump.
I recommend it!
Two and Gemma had such chemistry! But in true K. Webster fashion, there is more to this book than just the romance. There is suspense and a stalker!
Loved the pacing, and this book took me out of my slump.
I recommend it!
July 2, 2024
I am completely confused why someone thought this story could make a full book not enough of a story it would barely make a novella. Where is the story? Wait that was it? The whole plot was he hates the girl his dads almost adopted and then ends up liking her thats it how is that even a novella let alone a book it just rid not work no story.
May 21, 2024
I feel so bad because I just have not been impressed here lately with K’s books. This one was no different. Gemma came across as shallow and hopelessly annoying and I had to DNF.
May 30, 2024
4⭐️
I am obsessed with KW writing style,, she kno go to deliver.
This book I must say was more on the sweet side of the series.
I am obsessed with KW writing style,, she kno go to deliver.
This book I must say was more on the sweet side of the series.
May 21, 2024
3 stars. This was fine, I guess—definitely better than the previous one. Gemma and Tristan had some cute banter and sweet moments, but that’s about it. Wasn’t a huge fan of the overall plot, as it was kind of boring, but still, I enjoyed this. That’s all. That’s it. Bye.
June 3, 2024
I can always count on K Webster’s amazing writing/storytelling featuring crazy and insane plot lines to immediately save me from my horrible reading slump I’ve been in.
I’m off to reread this series! And the book I’ve missed in between 😭
I’m off to reread this series! And the book I’ve missed in between 😭
May 28, 2024
With The Torment of Two we say goodbye to the Park family.
The dynamic between Two and Gemma is complicated and obscure. The story builds from their animosity/hatred to a friendship to more seamlessly with the mystery/suspense surrounding them allowing them to get even closer more rapidly. It was a perfect way for them to segway into a more friendship and finally give in to the chemistry they had.
The story had an insta-vibe which if you’ve read Webster before, you should be used to by now. She is the queen when it comes to this trope, and she does it well almost always. IMO, it was a perfect story for Gemma and fit her well. The story is not very long, not full of angst and if you’ve read from the beginning, you’ll appreciate the cameos.
The dynamic between Two and Gemma is complicated and obscure. The story builds from their animosity/hatred to a friendship to more seamlessly with the mystery/suspense surrounding them allowing them to get even closer more rapidly. It was a perfect way for them to segway into a more friendship and finally give in to the chemistry they had.
The story had an insta-vibe which if you’ve read Webster before, you should be used to by now. She is the queen when it comes to this trope, and she does it well almost always. IMO, it was a perfect story for Gemma and fit her well. The story is not very long, not full of angst and if you’ve read from the beginning, you’ll appreciate the cameos.
July 20, 2024
- FMC: Gemma
- MMC: Tristan (aka Two)
- POVs Included: Dual POVs (Two, Gemma)
- Book Playlist (Shameful Secrets Book Series Playlist)
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
SUMMARY: (SPOILER WARNING)
Gemma is excited to head off to college. She's looking forward to having a little freedom from her parents -- even if they didn't let her move onto campus. But her scholarly dreams come to a screeching halt when she meets (and is partnered with for a huge project) a grumpy man who seems to hate her on sight.
Little does Gemma know, Two (Tristan) does hate her on sight. But not because of anything she's personally done. No, he hates her because he knows she was almost adopted by his parents instead of him. Before Jamie and Nathan worked things out, Jamie almost put her baby (she didn't know they were twins at the time) up for adoption.
As Gemma tries to win Two over while they work on their school project, Two is struggling to hold on to his hate for her. Instead he's finding himself falling for her. And she's begun to fall for him too.
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
REVIEW:
This was seriously so cute and sweet.
I'll be honest. I wasn't looking forward to this one. This series started off sort of leaning towards sort of taboo and forbidden relationships. But then a few of the books (like Jude's and then this one) aren't very "forbidden". And I wasn't sure I would love this one because it seemed like it would be the tamest of the whole series.
Well, it was probably the tamest in terms of taboo and forbiddenness. Even the secret that Two harbored wasn't very scandalous.
But it was also incredibly sweet and adorable to see these two fall in love.
Two is the type of guy I actually would probably date in real life (if I were single and he was real). As much as I love to read about all kinds of different MMC's, Two is the type of guy I would go for in real life. He's a bit of an introvert, sarcastic, and I adore that he has a hobby he's really into. I even love his model (miniatures) hobby -- which is something I've always found pretty fascinating. Yeah, some might call him nerdy. But I absolutely love that kind of stuff and I love when guys have adorable hobbies like that that they're really into.
Gemma is just so darn sweet you can't help but love her. There's not a a vicious bone in her body. She's kind, fun, ambitious and incredibly smart. I loved her even more after reading this book than I did seeing her wearing her mask in the other books.
The chemistry between them was so cute and sweet. There are a few steamy scenes. But I found their romance more adorable than spicy. It's not a bad thing, just not the same as some of the other more spicy pairings in this series.
We also got a few interactions with the other Parks. Especially Tate, who coincidentally ends up as Two's therapist before any of them realize the connection. I loved this! And gah! I just love Tate so much. Honestly I think he's one of my favorite characters in this whole series. He's so friendly and genuine. I just love him and I'm glad he played a role in this book too.
Jamie pissed me off going to Two's dads like she did. I have never really liked her at all and still mostly don't. I don't think she's necessarily a bad person. But she's nosey and kind of snobby. And I still just don't like her that much. I think I'm still mad at her for the whole Callum situation too. Hard to get over something like that.
As far as other side characters go. I'd love a story for Dax! He's not a Park of course, so probably not a book in this series. But he's interesting and I'd love to see more of him. I love how he's always been a good friend to Two, even when he became popular and Two wasn't. He's a good guy.
Now, aside from the romance we have a mysterious stalker coming after Gemma. We don't know who it is until the end. This was an interesting side story.
The only thing is, I didn't understand their weirdness about Tanaka. We already learned he's a good guy in Sloane and Dempsey's book. So I didn't get this whole thing. That's never really explained. I guess it was just to throw us off? But I think K should've chosen a different character for that since Tanaka has already proven himself a good guy in a previous book.
As far as who it really was, it wasn't super obvious. Except when they got to the workshop, it was like red flags all over the place. I was a little disappointed by how obvious it was at that point. But I guess it made for an intense climax to the plot.
Overall it was a great story. Not "forbidden" like most of the others in the series. But still super sweet. I absolutely loved Two and I loved him and Gemma together. It was a pleasure to read their story. I'm going to miss these crazy Parks! They have been a blast to read about.
- MMC: Tristan (aka Two)
- POVs Included: Dual POVs (Two, Gemma)
- Book Playlist (Shameful Secrets Book Series Playlist)
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
SUMMARY: (SPOILER WARNING)
Gemma is excited to head off to college. She's looking forward to having a little freedom from her parents -- even if they didn't let her move onto campus. But her scholarly dreams come to a screeching halt when she meets (and is partnered with for a huge project) a grumpy man who seems to hate her on sight.
Little does Gemma know, Two (Tristan) does hate her on sight. But not because of anything she's personally done. No, he hates her because he knows she was almost adopted by his parents instead of him. Before Jamie and Nathan worked things out, Jamie almost put her baby (she didn't know they were twins at the time) up for adoption.
As Gemma tries to win Two over while they work on their school project, Two is struggling to hold on to his hate for her. Instead he's finding himself falling for her. And she's begun to fall for him too.
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
REVIEW:
This was seriously so cute and sweet.
I'll be honest. I wasn't looking forward to this one. This series started off sort of leaning towards sort of taboo and forbidden relationships. But then a few of the books (like Jude's and then this one) aren't very "forbidden". And I wasn't sure I would love this one because it seemed like it would be the tamest of the whole series.
Well, it was probably the tamest in terms of taboo and forbiddenness. Even the secret that Two harbored wasn't very scandalous.
But it was also incredibly sweet and adorable to see these two fall in love.
Two is the type of guy I actually would probably date in real life (if I were single and he was real). As much as I love to read about all kinds of different MMC's, Two is the type of guy I would go for in real life. He's a bit of an introvert, sarcastic, and I adore that he has a hobby he's really into. I even love his model (miniatures) hobby -- which is something I've always found pretty fascinating. Yeah, some might call him nerdy. But I absolutely love that kind of stuff and I love when guys have adorable hobbies like that that they're really into.
Gemma is just so darn sweet you can't help but love her. There's not a a vicious bone in her body. She's kind, fun, ambitious and incredibly smart. I loved her even more after reading this book than I did seeing her wearing her mask in the other books.
The chemistry between them was so cute and sweet. There are a few steamy scenes. But I found their romance more adorable than spicy. It's not a bad thing, just not the same as some of the other more spicy pairings in this series.
We also got a few interactions with the other Parks. Especially Tate, who coincidentally ends up as Two's therapist before any of them realize the connection. I loved this! And gah! I just love Tate so much. Honestly I think he's one of my favorite characters in this whole series. He's so friendly and genuine. I just love him and I'm glad he played a role in this book too.
Jamie pissed me off going to Two's dads like she did. I have never really liked her at all and still mostly don't. I don't think she's necessarily a bad person. But she's nosey and kind of snobby. And I still just don't like her that much. I think I'm still mad at her for the whole Callum situation too. Hard to get over something like that.
As far as other side characters go. I'd love a story for Dax! He's not a Park of course, so probably not a book in this series. But he's interesting and I'd love to see more of him. I love how he's always been a good friend to Two, even when he became popular and Two wasn't. He's a good guy.
Now, aside from the romance we have a mysterious stalker coming after Gemma. We don't know who it is until the end. This was an interesting side story.
The only thing is, I didn't understand their weirdness about Tanaka. We already learned he's a good guy in Sloane and Dempsey's book. So I didn't get this whole thing. That's never really explained. I guess it was just to throw us off? But I think K should've chosen a different character for that since Tanaka has already proven himself a good guy in a previous book.
As far as who it really was, it wasn't super obvious. Except when they got to the workshop, it was like red flags all over the place. I was a little disappointed by how obvious it was at that point. But I guess it made for an intense climax to the plot.
Overall it was a great story. Not "forbidden" like most of the others in the series. But still super sweet. I absolutely loved Two and I loved him and Gemma together. It was a pleasure to read their story. I'm going to miss these crazy Parks! They have been a blast to read about.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2024
🔥ARC Review 🔥
The Torment of Two by K. Webster
Release Date: May 20, 2024
Pages: 265
Shameful Secrets:
🌀The Teacher of Nothing
🌀The Tangle of Awful
🌀The Heart of Smoke
🌀The Law of Deceit
🌀The Torment of Two
⚠️Content Warning⚠️
Please check content warnings BEFORE reading.
Format: 📱
What to Expect:
🖤Adoption
💙College Romance
🖤Drugging
💙Enemies-to-Lovers
🖤Grumpy/Sunshine
💙Kidnapping
🖤Mental Health Rep
💙MF
🖤New Adult Romance
💙Opposites Attract
🖤SA (Not MMC)
💙Secret Relationship
🖤Stalker
💙Suspense
🖤Thriller
💙Trauma
🖤Treasure Hunts
Book Description:
She craves freedom from her overbearing family, and being a student at Park Mountain University is exactly that for her. Until she’s partnered up for an entire semester with a surly, difficult man who despises her immediately for no reason at all. So much for an escape…
At PMU, I can finally be free to be my own person away from the Park family name.
This semester, though, my happiness is threatened when I meet him.
Tristan “Two” Sheridan is a grumpy jerk who nearly runs me over with his hunk of junk car and then has the audacity to blame me.
Our dislike for one another is instantaneous.
Imagine my horror when not only is he in one of my new “blow-off” classes, but I’ve also been partnered up with him for a labor-intensive class project for a huge portion of my grade.
His distaste for me is mild at first, but the second he learns my name, it turns to utter contempt.
Why does he hate me so much?
What did I ever do to earn such nastiness from a man I don’t even know?
Beneath Two’s crankiness are secrets—secrets I plan to uncover. With each encounter, I peel back more of the mysterious layers of the handsome man with the pale gray eyes and find there’s someone likeable deep down beneath. And, despite his grudge against me and my family, I think he can’t help but like me too.
As we spend more time together on our project, and just when I think I’ve got a handle on Two, I start getting harassed by someone else. This person stalks me at every turn, leaving me anonymous creepy notes and promises of a future together.
The stalker is the least of my problems, though. When Two reveals the true reason for hating me—the crushing secret that has tormented him his entire life—my own world is suddenly turned upside down. I feel inadvertently responsible and want to somehow make it all better.
A budding romance burns hot between us as our walls come down, but we have to keep it a secret. My parents will vehemently disprove of our coupling, and his will be utterly destroyed. Under the guise of our project, we’re able to spend stolen moments together, stoking the flames of our growing feelings for one another, keeping the bitter truth from our families.
But my stalker has other nefarious plans that keep escalating in nature.
In order to get help from my father and my brother’s cop fiancée, I will have to come clean. My life may depend on it. Ugly truths will be brought to light and Two’s family will no doubt suffer the consequences. I dread the day I’ll be forced to spill the truth.
Is this thing between me and Two worth all the heartache and pain destined for our future?
Only time will tell…
Ratings:
FMC: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
MMC: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Plot: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
BWBH Review:
Two has been harboring a secret since he was nine - he wasn’t his adoptive parents' first choice for a child. Fast forward over ten years, and he finds himself in a class where his assigned partner, Gemma, is also not his first choice. Two must fight his distaste for Gemma to pass this class. How will he manage to harbor this grudge while working side-by-side with Gemma this semester?
The Torment of Two is perfect for readers who enjoy a young FMC in peril, treasure hunting, and a broody college coed fighting his feelings for his rival.
Thank you to K. Webster and Unalive Promotions for the ARC.
The Torment of Two by K. Webster
Release Date: May 20, 2024
Pages: 265
Shameful Secrets:
🌀The Teacher of Nothing
🌀The Tangle of Awful
🌀The Heart of Smoke
🌀The Law of Deceit
🌀The Torment of Two
⚠️Content Warning⚠️
Please check content warnings BEFORE reading.
Format: 📱
What to Expect:
🖤Adoption
💙College Romance
🖤Drugging
💙Enemies-to-Lovers
🖤Grumpy/Sunshine
💙Kidnapping
🖤Mental Health Rep
💙MF
🖤New Adult Romance
💙Opposites Attract
🖤SA (Not MMC)
💙Secret Relationship
🖤Stalker
💙Suspense
🖤Thriller
💙Trauma
🖤Treasure Hunts
Book Description:
She craves freedom from her overbearing family, and being a student at Park Mountain University is exactly that for her. Until she’s partnered up for an entire semester with a surly, difficult man who despises her immediately for no reason at all. So much for an escape…
At PMU, I can finally be free to be my own person away from the Park family name.
This semester, though, my happiness is threatened when I meet him.
Tristan “Two” Sheridan is a grumpy jerk who nearly runs me over with his hunk of junk car and then has the audacity to blame me.
Our dislike for one another is instantaneous.
Imagine my horror when not only is he in one of my new “blow-off” classes, but I’ve also been partnered up with him for a labor-intensive class project for a huge portion of my grade.
His distaste for me is mild at first, but the second he learns my name, it turns to utter contempt.
Why does he hate me so much?
What did I ever do to earn such nastiness from a man I don’t even know?
Beneath Two’s crankiness are secrets—secrets I plan to uncover. With each encounter, I peel back more of the mysterious layers of the handsome man with the pale gray eyes and find there’s someone likeable deep down beneath. And, despite his grudge against me and my family, I think he can’t help but like me too.
As we spend more time together on our project, and just when I think I’ve got a handle on Two, I start getting harassed by someone else. This person stalks me at every turn, leaving me anonymous creepy notes and promises of a future together.
The stalker is the least of my problems, though. When Two reveals the true reason for hating me—the crushing secret that has tormented him his entire life—my own world is suddenly turned upside down. I feel inadvertently responsible and want to somehow make it all better.
A budding romance burns hot between us as our walls come down, but we have to keep it a secret. My parents will vehemently disprove of our coupling, and his will be utterly destroyed. Under the guise of our project, we’re able to spend stolen moments together, stoking the flames of our growing feelings for one another, keeping the bitter truth from our families.
But my stalker has other nefarious plans that keep escalating in nature.
In order to get help from my father and my brother’s cop fiancée, I will have to come clean. My life may depend on it. Ugly truths will be brought to light and Two’s family will no doubt suffer the consequences. I dread the day I’ll be forced to spill the truth.
Is this thing between me and Two worth all the heartache and pain destined for our future?
Only time will tell…
Ratings:
FMC: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
MMC: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Plot: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
BWBH Review:
Two has been harboring a secret since he was nine - he wasn’t his adoptive parents' first choice for a child. Fast forward over ten years, and he finds himself in a class where his assigned partner, Gemma, is also not his first choice. Two must fight his distaste for Gemma to pass this class. How will he manage to harbor this grudge while working side-by-side with Gemma this semester?
The Torment of Two is perfect for readers who enjoy a young FMC in peril, treasure hunting, and a broody college coed fighting his feelings for his rival.
Thank you to K. Webster and Unalive Promotions for the ARC.
May 21, 2024
The Torment Of Two by K. Webster is the fifth and final book in her Shameful Secrets series. We end with Nathan and Jamie’s daughter Gemma Park and her romance with Tristan “Two” Sheridan. It is an opposites attract, enemies to lovers, secret romance story with the added suspense of a stalker and a mansion with hidden secrets. A sweet tale of first love.
Tristan was adopted at two years old by Leo and Grant ( Dad and Pops) and they gave him his nickname of Two as it was the only word he could say. When he was nine years old, something happened that has affected him ever since. He has never told anyone and it has left him feeling second best and broken hearted. He is haunted by it and suffers from anxiety. He knows he is misunderstood and that people don’t get him as he comes across as weird. He is obsessed with building small models of old buildings needing restoration and gets hyper focused on his projects.
Gemma is a social media influencer and is proud of what she has achieved with her followers. She hides behind the perfect persona she has created because in reality she lacks self confidence and feels insecure. She recently received her first creepy message and immediately blocked the person. She feels suffocated by her parents who are over protective of her so is excited about starting college at PMU and finally having some freedom.
After a run in with Two in the college car park, Gemma finds herself stuck with him for an entire semester as they are paired together for a assignment. She is fascinated by his creepily pale eyes and thinks he’s an attractive weirdo. However, he is dismissive, rude and annoys her by calling her ‘Golden’. He is shocked when she introduces herself and can’t believe the situation he has found himself in. He hates being partnered with her, thinks she a spoiled brat and acts like she’s perfect. She is determined to find out the reason he despises her and fix it.
As they work together they slowly reveal their real personalities to each other and start having fun.
She sees a different side to him and they find a mutual interest in the old mansion they’ve been assigned. He can’t believe he is enjoying her company and falling for his enemy. They are two people hiding how sad, lonely and confused they both are, so I loved how their friendship develops. She receives more creepy messages from her stalker and starts getting scared.Two starts to feel very protective of her and wants to find out who it is. When he finally reveals why he originally hated her, it opens up more problems for them as they realise their relationship must stay secret. Why can’t she meet his dads? Why doesn’t he want to meet her family?
All her family appear as they slowly become involved in the story. Tate is absolutely amazing as Two’s new therapist. I loved how he understood Two and helps him. They build up a really good friendship and stay friends even when Tate’s link with Gemma is revealed. Dempsey is hilarious when he finds out his twin has a boyfriend and Sloane investigates her stalker along with Jude. Two’s dads were adorable and loved him so much. His best friend Dax was funny especially when he realised Two actually liked Gemma.
While their romance blossoms, the stalker is always in the background. Can they find him before he follows through with his threats? We get a happy family event to end this couple’s story. I am sad this is the conclusion to this excellent series and I’m going to miss the wonderful and weird Park family.
Tristan was adopted at two years old by Leo and Grant ( Dad and Pops) and they gave him his nickname of Two as it was the only word he could say. When he was nine years old, something happened that has affected him ever since. He has never told anyone and it has left him feeling second best and broken hearted. He is haunted by it and suffers from anxiety. He knows he is misunderstood and that people don’t get him as he comes across as weird. He is obsessed with building small models of old buildings needing restoration and gets hyper focused on his projects.
Gemma is a social media influencer and is proud of what she has achieved with her followers. She hides behind the perfect persona she has created because in reality she lacks self confidence and feels insecure. She recently received her first creepy message and immediately blocked the person. She feels suffocated by her parents who are over protective of her so is excited about starting college at PMU and finally having some freedom.
After a run in with Two in the college car park, Gemma finds herself stuck with him for an entire semester as they are paired together for a assignment. She is fascinated by his creepily pale eyes and thinks he’s an attractive weirdo. However, he is dismissive, rude and annoys her by calling her ‘Golden’. He is shocked when she introduces herself and can’t believe the situation he has found himself in. He hates being partnered with her, thinks she a spoiled brat and acts like she’s perfect. She is determined to find out the reason he despises her and fix it.
As they work together they slowly reveal their real personalities to each other and start having fun.
She sees a different side to him and they find a mutual interest in the old mansion they’ve been assigned. He can’t believe he is enjoying her company and falling for his enemy. They are two people hiding how sad, lonely and confused they both are, so I loved how their friendship develops. She receives more creepy messages from her stalker and starts getting scared.Two starts to feel very protective of her and wants to find out who it is. When he finally reveals why he originally hated her, it opens up more problems for them as they realise their relationship must stay secret. Why can’t she meet his dads? Why doesn’t he want to meet her family?
All her family appear as they slowly become involved in the story. Tate is absolutely amazing as Two’s new therapist. I loved how he understood Two and helps him. They build up a really good friendship and stay friends even when Tate’s link with Gemma is revealed. Dempsey is hilarious when he finds out his twin has a boyfriend and Sloane investigates her stalker along with Jude. Two’s dads were adorable and loved him so much. His best friend Dax was funny especially when he realised Two actually liked Gemma.
While their romance blossoms, the stalker is always in the background. Can they find him before he follows through with his threats? We get a happy family event to end this couple’s story. I am sad this is the conclusion to this excellent series and I’m going to miss the wonderful and weird Park family.
May 21, 2024
I have really loved this whole series! I couldn't wait for Dempsey's book. I thought he would just end up being my favorite but his twin gave him a run for his money!
In this book, Gemma finally gets some semblance of normalcy when her parents allow her to go to college. Dempsey bought his own car so she even gets to drive their car without her brother which was a rule their dad had made in Dempsey's book. Her influencer career was taking off and she was ALMOST living the life she wanted. She enrolls in a blow off class but unfortunately it isn't really a blow off class and that's where we meet Two. Actually we meet him in the parking lot before class and he's a total jerk. Gemma and Two have to work together in this "blow off class" and Two IS NOT happy. Two has a great dislike for Gemma and she has no idea why. Nobody doesn't like Gemma. She's perfected her "personality" so that everyone likes her. Coming from a very rich family and also having a huge following on social media has taught Gemma how to perfect every part of her personality so she's well liked by any and everyone. Except Two.
Now I can't go into too much detail here but my heart kind of hurt for Two. He was kind of different. He'd get lost in his head when he worked on his replicas. He was a perfectionist but also chaotic. He felt like he was, in fact, number 2 so he did everything he can to make his parents forget about the reason he wasn't number 1. He only had one friend and never had girlfriends. But he struggled to not like Gemma too. Even though he wanted to hate her so badly.
As the book goes along, we see a relationship blossom between Two and Gemma and it's so sweet. The spice between Gemma and Two almost made me swoony! It felt very raw and not crazy out there like you read in a lot of books. The spice was spicy but sweet at that same time. I don't know how to explain it! They both have their struggles but they can't stay away from each other and I LOVE THAT PART. Add in the fact that Gemma has a literal stalker who is ALWAYS around even though they don't know who he/she is. The stalker is showing up and leaving notes and roses when Gemma is pretty sure she's alone. Of course we get to meet the stalker and HOLY COW. I felt awful for Two and Gemma when the stalker comes out of hiding. BUT, there's nothing like trauma to bond people together and Two and Gemma can't quit each other after the stalker shows their face.
I loved this book. I loved this series. K Webster LOVES taboo and this whole series is littered with taboo. I love it! I will read probably anything she ever writes! I can't recommend her enough!
In this book, Gemma finally gets some semblance of normalcy when her parents allow her to go to college. Dempsey bought his own car so she even gets to drive their car without her brother which was a rule their dad had made in Dempsey's book. Her influencer career was taking off and she was ALMOST living the life she wanted. She enrolls in a blow off class but unfortunately it isn't really a blow off class and that's where we meet Two. Actually we meet him in the parking lot before class and he's a total jerk. Gemma and Two have to work together in this "blow off class" and Two IS NOT happy. Two has a great dislike for Gemma and she has no idea why. Nobody doesn't like Gemma. She's perfected her "personality" so that everyone likes her. Coming from a very rich family and also having a huge following on social media has taught Gemma how to perfect every part of her personality so she's well liked by any and everyone. Except Two.
Now I can't go into too much detail here but my heart kind of hurt for Two. He was kind of different. He'd get lost in his head when he worked on his replicas. He was a perfectionist but also chaotic. He felt like he was, in fact, number 2 so he did everything he can to make his parents forget about the reason he wasn't number 1. He only had one friend and never had girlfriends. But he struggled to not like Gemma too. Even though he wanted to hate her so badly.
As the book goes along, we see a relationship blossom between Two and Gemma and it's so sweet. The spice between Gemma and Two almost made me swoony! It felt very raw and not crazy out there like you read in a lot of books. The spice was spicy but sweet at that same time. I don't know how to explain it! They both have their struggles but they can't stay away from each other and I LOVE THAT PART. Add in the fact that Gemma has a literal stalker who is ALWAYS around even though they don't know who he/she is. The stalker is showing up and leaving notes and roses when Gemma is pretty sure she's alone. Of course we get to meet the stalker and HOLY COW. I felt awful for Two and Gemma when the stalker comes out of hiding. BUT, there's nothing like trauma to bond people together and Two and Gemma can't quit each other after the stalker shows their face.
I loved this book. I loved this series. K Webster LOVES taboo and this whole series is littered with taboo. I love it! I will read probably anything she ever writes! I can't recommend her enough!
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