Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Sour Lollipops and Sweet Nightmares

Rate this book
Georgia Pyne was a complication wrapped in a five-foot problem.

They gave her to me to destroy. My job was simple, make her forget what it felt like to breathe without my permission. I didn't ask for her or want her. Georgia was nothing more than another task I had to complete.

But the longer I toyed with her, the harder it became to stop. Instead of avoiding the ritual, I found myself enjoying it.

Bend her.

Break her.

Bind her.

Breed her.

I would make her fall to pieces. And when there was nothing left but bruises and obedience, I’d decide if she was worth keeping. By the time I was done, sweet little Georgia Pyne would be begging for it to end. Because in this world, I was the only nightmare she needed to be worried about.

Georgia may be as sweet as a lollipop, but I was the poison that would rot her core.

348 pages, ebook

Published September 20, 2025

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

T.L. Hodel

36 books779 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
128 (54%)
4 stars
55 (23%)
3 stars
29 (12%)
2 stars
16 (6%)
1 star
5 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Kacie Mummawh0reads.x.
780 reviews29 followers
September 19, 2025
⭐️5 🌶️3💧0

There’s nothing I enjoy more than an unhinged psychopath MMC with stalker tendencies running around all jealous and possessive over a naive virgin FMC in a college secret society setting! Like seriously this book covered all my faves!! The side characters were great! Story was entertaining and held my attention. The cliffhanger ending though, I can’t wait for the next instalment!!!

#sourlollipopsandsweetnightmares #tlhodel #smutreader #darkromancereader #steamybooks #bookrecs #steamyreads #audiobook #bookaholic #readingtime #bookshelf #instabooks #bookblogger #bookreview #booktok #reading #booklover #bookworm #booknerd #goodreads #aussiebookstagrammers #aussies #australianreaders #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #instabook #booksofinstagram #booksarelife #spicybooklover
95 reviews2 followers
September 23, 2025
I identify with Georgia, the social awkwardness, not having any idea what to do when approached by a man. Issac admits he’s an a-hole, along with all his friends, they truly are horrible. Georgia needs to make Issac crawl to her and keep him on his knees. I'm intrigued with Kash and think Levi is adorable, not very smart, but adorable.
1,594 reviews28 followers
September 21, 2025
Ms Hodel is back and she's brought a whole new world of characters that will get you hooked and not let go and there's not a thing you can do about!!

The main man Isaac is a pure knob! Seriously, him and his mates are just knobs who don't care about anything or anyone, have no morals and get away with whatever they want and yet I can't help liking them! Then we have lil' Georgia Pyne, the awkward naive genius who has scored herself a scholarship at the same school, unbeknownst to her that it's sooooo much more than a normal school!
Cue the secrets, the nastiness, the banter (I seriously love her wit!!) and then throw in The Society and you have a book that has you wanting more!
Profile Image for Jessica Penley.
82 reviews1 follower
November 14, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4 / 5 Stars and Spice
Genre: Dark Bully Romance, Dark Academia
T.L. Hodel has delivered an intense, fast-paced, and wildly addictive read with Sour Lollipops and Sweet Nightmares. This story is an absolute whirlwind, perfect for readers who love their romance tinged with darkness, mystery, and a healthy dose of derangement. I flew through this book, captivated by the author's signature style and the sheer audacity of her characters. Entertaining and Deranged Characters
The star of the show is undoubtedly the FMC, Georgia. She is the textbook definition of socially awkward, and her inner monologue is the comedic relief this dark story needs. Falling in love with her was easy; her perspective is hilarious and refreshingly honest, providing a great counterpoint to the brooding atmosphere. As for the society members, Hodel has created a cast that is wonderfully entertaining, funny, and utterly deranged. They are the definition of "dark" in dark romance, and their dynamics drive the plot at a breakneck pace.Mysteries and That Cliffhanger
Beyond the intense romance, there is a fascinating undercurrent of mystery. The nature of the "gifts" possessed by the society members has a distinctly paranormal feel—these powers are certainly not natural, and they add a layer of dark fantasy to the bully narrative. This element of the plot is intriguing and sets the stage for a much larger world.
Speaking of the plot, I must talk about that cliffhanger. What is going on?! The ending hits hard and leaves so many questions unanswered, making the wait for book two an agonizing necessity. ⚠️ A Note on Triggers ⚠️
This is unapologetically a bully romance, and it is crucial for potential readers to know that the male characters are truly unredeemable in their behavior. They are described as having "no problems with putting their hands on women." If power dynamics involving physical aggression, control, and non-consensual touching are triggers for you, you may want to skip this one.
***Sour Lollipops and Sweet Nightmares is another win for T.L. Hodel, delivering a perfect cocktail of humor, darkness, and high-stakes drama. It’s an ideal, darker read for the fall season. If you enjoy morally gray characters, fast pacing, and don't mind a major trigger warning, dive in—but be prepared to be left screaming at that cliffhanger!

** Thank You very much T.L. Hodel for giving me the opportunity to be on your ARC team**
Profile Image for Christy Davisson.
797 reviews17 followers
October 6, 2025
It's an unputdownable read!! Dark & twisted with so many questions left and leaving you wanting more!!

Wow this book took me by surprise to say the least. I thought I knew what I was in for but nope totally flipped what I thought upside down in the best of ways. It definitely will grab your attention from the first page to the the last with a cliffhanger making you need more.

You can expect a horrible morally dark grey almost black kind of mmc in Issac. I mean he's a complete alphahole who has unhinged possessive/jealousy issues to say the least that keeps you glued to his bully tactics with poor little Georgia Pyne. A naïve and socially awkward girl who has the unfortunate run in with Issac and his friends in an unexpected way. Georgia has no clue what she's in for with Issac and his friends let alone the secrets that this new prestigious university she's been accepted into now. Be ready for some wildly addictive depravity with twists and turns here.

What can you expect: there is a secret society setting, arranged marriages, women have no rights but must comply, j/p mmc, naive socially awkward fmc, bullying, slow burn, degradation, stalkerish tendencies, dark themes, dark humor/banter, crazy fun side characters, some kinky spice, and a whole lot of mystery and intriguing setting up a wild cliffhanger.

If you love dark romance with a lot of mystery then this is a Absolute Must Read Here!! I definitely can't wait for more because I need to know what's gonna happen next!! So go grab it and let the author take you into this chaotic unhinged world now.

Overall: 5/☆☆☆☆☆
Spice: 🌶🌶
297 reviews
March 21, 2026
There was some crazy shit happening in this book. Like the dad pitting his sons against each other I don't think a 7 year old has the strength to even do that but whatever.

There was also a weird super power thing happening in this book. Like super speed and super strength and mind manipulation type shit. And like witch stuff? It was weird as fuck and little confusing.

At 55% I said, this better not be a fucking duology or trilogy and, spoiler, it is. They don't even fuck in this book. I skimmed a lot because it needed to be tightened up which made it waaaay too long and the author either needed an editor or should get her money back for the one she did have, but I still couldn't stop reading it. Example: everyone sings responses in this book. Like, my god stop. Say something else. Search your draft for duplicates or something before you publish.

The FMC was beyond stupid. I am not sure what the author was doing. As a socially awkward person myself, I think this read as being absolutely stupid and trying to pass it off as awkward. Probably should research that a little before the next book.

Anyway, I am still going to read the next book in the series because I can't decide if I like it or hate it but I want more of it. Basically the most important takeaway here is this series was like a mildly supernatural version of The Ritual by Shantel Tessier (The L.O.R.D.S. series) and instead of I Vow. You Vow. We Vow. it is Bend Her. Break Her. Bind Her. Breed Her.
Profile Image for Deborah Peach.
718 reviews25 followers
September 19, 2025
This book is a rollercoaster of suspense, shenanigans, and witty banter wrapped in heat and awakening desires. Issac and Georgia's unexpected relationship kept me on the edge of my seat, and the dynamics between them were so intense that it could have set my book on fire. Their interactions are so captivating, you'll find it hard to put the book down. Fighting the attraction is entertaining to watch, let alone experience.
Issac may be formidable, but Georgia is no pushover. Standing at just five feet tall, she's learned to stand her ground, even against the college king and his untouchable friends. What she didn't expect were the secrets of the exclusive establishment and the four young men she'd meet. She's there for the geology program so she can become a volcanologist, not to be Issac's target. But she's not one to bend to anyone's will. Her strength and resilience in the face of adversity are truly empowering. What happens when two opposing forces come into contact? Explosions that have far-reaching repercussions.
The cliffhanger, which I won't spoil, left me craving more. It's a twist that you won't see coming, and it will leave you eagerly anticipating the next installment.
Profile Image for Brooke Torrey.
575 reviews1 follower
December 14, 2025
Oh man, this book was amazing!!! I absolutely love a secret society and get all excited when I get to read one of T.L. Hodel's dark bully society romances. It is filled with drama, banter, mystery, suspense, and oh, the spice is spot on. I love the anticipation she builds with each chapter I read, and the heart-pounding excitement that has me turning the pages to see what will happen next. I really enjoy her storytelling in each of her books. She has created a dark and intriguing book and filled it with interesting characters that have me laughing, getting teary-eyed, and fist-pumping until I reach the end. This book's storyline was original, intriguing, and checked off all of my favorite tropes in a dark romance. I thought the characters were complex, had fascinating backstories, and their chemistry was intense and definitely hit the enemies-to-kinda not so much enemies, and maybe on the verge of something less violent between each other. I can't wait to see what comes next from Issac and Georgia!!! I have so many questions and am patiently waiting!!!
Profile Image for Jennifer Mallon.
236 reviews6 followers
December 28, 2025

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ THIS BOOK HAD ME HOOKED. OBSESSED. CONSUMED.

Sour Lollipops and Sweet Nightmares is everything I want in a dark college romance—secret societies, tension you can feel, and characters that live rent-free in your head. T.L. Hodel delivers a moody, seductive story that pulls you into a world where secrets rule and nothing is what it seems.
The vibes? Dark. The tension? IMMACULATE. The romance? Slow-burn, intense, and absolutely addictive. Every page drips with atmosphere, power plays, and emotional depth that kept me saying “just one more chapter”… until it was 2 a.m.

This book perfectly balances mystery, danger, and desire without losing its emotional core. If you love morally gray energy, shadowy organizations, and college romances that feel forbidden and thrilling, this one is a MUST.

🖤 Darkness Level: 4.5/5
🌶️ Spice Level: 4/5 (slow-burn tension that DELIVERS)
📚 Vibes: dark academia • secret society • obsession • morally gray
⚠️ Warning: You will immediately want the next book.
Profile Image for Anna.
118 reviews
September 19, 2025
Dark, Twisted, and Addictively Unhinged!
Tara has done it again: Sour Lollipops and Sweet Nightmares is dark, twisted, and completely addictive. I love how she dances on the darker side of romance, and this story pulled me right in from the start.
Isaak is the kind of unhinged, possessive MMC I can never resist: jealous, obsessive, and absolutely chaotic in the best way. Georgia, on the other hand, is so relatable with her awkwardness, anxiety, and determination to stand her ground. Watching their push and pull unfold against the backdrop of a secret society kept me glued to the pages.
The side characters were strong, and the suspense was perfectly balanced with heat and emotion. And that cliffhanger? I need book two immediately.
Tara creates stories that linger long after you finish reading, and this one proves once again why I keep coming back to her books. Dark romance fans, believe me, you don’t want to miss this.
Profile Image for Spicybooksandmystery.
220 reviews1 follower
September 17, 2025
More people should read and talk about Tara's books. She has this amazing feeling for creating worlds that draw you in and don't let go. They have everything a book plot needs, both main and secondary characters have depth and are really well thought out, they never feel like they are missing anything. The books that Tara has written are for anyone who loves dark romance and liked the God of Legacy series, although I think Tara's books are so much better. Isaak is a psychopath and stalker MMC with a goal of being better than his father and who doesn't know what true feelings are until he finds Georgia. Our FMC Georgia is an anxious, clumsy but smart girl who has a hard time making friends and understanding people her own age. What she is good at is her geology and knowing her rocks, but Issak and his friends get her out of her shell, even if it's done with some questionable actions
Profile Image for Melanie.
35 reviews2 followers
September 19, 2025
First off all want to warn Cliffhanger. Second I can not wait for book 2!! I felt so seen and like Georgia was such a relatable character with flaws that she is trying to overcome. I understood her anxiety and it was written so extremely well and a central part of who she was and not just mentioned then glossed over.
Issac has massive issues and cant wait to see how he will evolve. And who is the mystery person.
I am unsure of some of the characters and there back stories so eager to learn more. I do sort of feel like missed some stuff but no other book so unsure. Again cant wait for book 2.
Profile Image for Tara.
189 reviews2 followers
September 20, 2025
I absolutely love T.L Hodel’s characters! They are always so damn entertaining, funny and deranged. I flew through this story. I can’t wait for book two, because that cliffhanger?!! Like what is GOING ON?! And am I the only one that picked up on some type of paranormal like stuff going on? These “gifts” that the society members have…those are not natural!
This is definitely a bully romance and these young men are complete as******! They have no problems with putting their hands on women, so if that is a trigger for you, you might want to skip this one.
This was perfect for the fall season..I love reading darker books during this time of year. Another win by this author!
Profile Image for Stacey Hayworth.
34 reviews2 followers
September 23, 2025
This book was so flipping good! Our MMC is Issac, and our MFC is Georgia.

Issac and Georgia's first meeting did not go so well. This poor girl is so awkward, you can't help but love her. It takes Issac a while to admit he actually likes her. This is a bully book, and it does end on a cliffhanger. T.L Hodel writes the best MFCs. Georgia is just so lovable! I did feel sad for her a few times throughout the book. I can't wait for the next one to find out what happens. I would 100% recommend this book to anyone who likes darker romance. It has secret abilities, mystery, and great characters, to just name a few. Read it, you won't regret it 😊
Profile Image for Nikki.
22 reviews1 follower
September 24, 2025
Breathe Peaches...

If you havent read anything by T.L Hodel, this is your sign to do so.
Spoiler free review
T.L Hodel has this magical way of making you absolutely adore characters and beg for more. Im never disappointed in characters personalities and depth. My favorite fmc of ANY book is Novalee (driftwood daffodil by T.L Hodel) and Georgia now holds a place in my heart as well. I love when dark books have humor sprinkled in, T.L has mastered this. The characters and the plot keep you turning every page. I couldnt predict everything that was going to happen, and now im feral for book 2.
Profile Image for Amanda.
350 reviews
September 21, 2025
TL Hodel knows how to write secret society.
Georgia is the socially awkward FMC. She is tiny but fierce and her inner monologue is so funny. The boys,Issac, Ravi, Slater and Levi,hold a lot of power at the school. All 4 of them are colossal assholes. I’m talking ginormous. By the end of this first book in the duet I see their potential for redemption in my eyes. The mystery of who Georgia is to the society or rather who her father is to the society has me intrigued. The cliffhanger definitely left me hanging.
89 reviews
September 27, 2025
What a wild ride! Isaac is a complicated character and while we should dislike him, I still liked him. Georgia…what can I say about Georgia? She is so relatable with her anxiety and awkwardness. She is brilliant and totally unprepared for the secrets her new school is hiding. The witty banter is perfect (and I am coming to realize this author does witty banter perfectly. LOVE this!). The romance is dark and the twists keep coming. Loved the chemistry, the chaos and that cliffhanger!!! Can’t wait for book two!
Profile Image for Gladys Cross.
Author 14 books147 followers
September 20, 2025
TL Hodel is the queen of lovable jerks. She makes you root for the antihero while simultaneously wanting to punch him in the junk. And Issac might take the cake. From one moment to the next, I never knew whether Georgia was going to hide or fight. It’ll be interesting to see how she deals with the claiming process. Be forewarned, it does end on a cliffhanger. Honestly, I wasn’t too upset about it because I loved the ending.
Profile Image for Saundra Wright.
2,953 reviews12 followers
September 22, 2025
This is very twisted

This is very twisted in all the best ways. The story hits all the hot spots, college, secret society, bully and a tiny hint at sci-fi. T. L. Hodel has a way with plot that grabs your interest immediately and holds it throughout. I raced through this wanting my questions answered only for an unfinished story. However, the scope really is better suited to two books. So I will be impatiently waiting for the finale.
230 reviews7 followers
September 28, 2025
can’t wait for book 2!

I binged this—it is so good! At the same time, readers need to know that the male characters in this book are not grey; they are 100% dark. The world building is excellent; I felt fully immersed in the story. The characters are all interesting and unique, and I’d venture to say a little mysterious. And there is a hint of supernatural to the story. I look forward to seeing where we go from here!
Profile Image for Stacy Rush.
Author 37 books186 followers
October 14, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️.5

This is my first book by this author, and it didn't disappoint! Although it's definitely more of a slower burn than I'd like, I do love me some morally gray MMCs and Issac is Grade A. There's a secret society of some sort that I'm dying to find out, one where Georgia is a huge part of, unknowingly. That ending, though...really Tara??? I sure hope book 2 comes out sooner rather than later! =)
Profile Image for Kye | Dark Books.
550 reviews19 followers
November 8, 2025
This entire book was so confusing to me. Even the cover and title are confusing because they have literally nothing to do with anything.

There’s a lot going on here - Secret Society, college, virgin FMC, chosen brides, bully, secret identity of daddy, friends who are friends but then kinda not, and super powers? Idk it really didn’t flow well for me unfortunately.

I didn’t even know it wasn’t a standalone until the cliffhanger happened! It’s mostly a meh read for me.
Profile Image for TINA WILLIAMS.
2,116 reviews24 followers
September 21, 2025
Crazy Good!

This story is nonstop crazy and I loved it. Secret societies, gorgeous psycho men with stalker tendencies, wicked games, and one sweet, feisty girl with integrity will keep you glued to your screen. So many shocking twists and don’t even get me started on that cliffhanger. I am still shocked over that. I need the next book now You need to read this book.
9,142 reviews67 followers
October 2, 2025
Georgia gains a scholorship, but she lives on her anxieties and socially awkward then theres Issac a self confessed a* hole, to the max! they shouldnt work and the push and pull certainly draws you in, the story and characters develope well and keep you engaging all the way. Well written engaging steamy desires drama and a cliffy!
615 reviews22 followers
March 22, 2026
Ok

Too much going on and not even letting this girl know what's going on. I don't like multiple men with girls..this was just a sex book, with a plan nobody knows about except the inner circle. I'm sure book two will explain but when u take something from a girl without consent it's wrong. I cried for her innocence...To much sex talk and swearing..18 yrs and up..
Profile Image for Jennifer.
441 reviews
September 22, 2025
What a rollercoaster! A story filled with hilarious banter, a shy, awkward FMC, a possessive, unhinged MMC.  A true opposites attract story. Isaac and Georgia are an unlikely match but somehow work together. I loved the dark romance aspect, the side characters, the story (with an unexpected cliffy) was twisted (I mean do you expect anything else from Tara?) but oh so entertaining. I can't wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Shii Rodriguez.
103 reviews
September 22, 2025
This book here. Georgia has to be the most boring fmc ive come across. I find her character lacking. Her interactings was lacking. And the scene with kash and Issac. Like come on this girl cant be this dense. Tara this was the best character for this story?
Profile Image for Mary S..
975 reviews12 followers
September 21, 2025
Wow this one got me hooked. But now I’m sad to see that I have to wait to know what will come up next! With that ending it just left me curious and anxious to see what will happen to this characters.
76 reviews
September 22, 2025
So Good!

TL does not miss with her secret society books. I’m not sure what I want her to work on next. All of her series are just that good and this one is no exception. Can wait for book 2!
2,792 reviews22 followers
September 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is everything one expects from this author. Intriguing characters that may be a bit unhinged. A wild ride of suspense. Add some spice and emotions. Can't wait for more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews