*** My Review ***

Get ready for a summertime read that will leave you swooning and heartbroken all at once. “A Dose of Pretty Poison” is the perfect combination of angst and sweetness, filled with all the tropes you love. From small town romance to brother’s best friend and sports romance, this book has it all.

A Dose of Pretty Poison by Kelsey Clayton is a gripping and intense romance novel that will leave you breathless. The story centers on the forbidden attraction between Laiken and Hayes, whose relationship is threatened by Laiken’s protective older brother, Cam. Clayton masterfully builds up the sexual tension between the characters, creating a palpable chemistry that explodes in a series of steamy scenes.

Meet Hayes Wilder, a man who has taken on the role of the head of his family after his dad left years ago. The Blanchards have become his second family, providing a sense of stability that he desperately needs. Laiken Blanchard has had a crush on Hayes for years, but she’s kept her feelings hidden until one fateful summer when their chemistry explodes.

Laiken is a feisty and relatable heroine who is easy to root for from the very beginning. She is strong, vulnerable, and hilarious, making her a well-rounded and dynamic character. Her chemistry with Hayes is undeniable, and the two characters complement each other perfectly. Hayes, on the other hand, is the ultimate hockey bad boy with a heart of gold. He is possessive, jealous, and willing to do whatever it takes to keep Laiken by his side.

Their secret affair is filled with passion and desire, but the fear of losing everything they hold dear keeps them from making their relationship public. The ride-or-die best friends, Cam and Laiken, add another layer of complexity to their love story, creating a web of emotions that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

The push and pull between the two characters is intense and will keep you guessing until the very end. Clayton expertly weaves in elements of danger and suspense throughout the story, creating subplots that are just as intriguing as the main romance. The book does end on a cliffhanger, but it only adds to the excitement and anticipation for the next installment in the series.

The chemistry between Hayes and Laiken is simply electric, with a palpable tension that will leave readers yearning for more. However, there are moments when Hayes’ behavior leaves much to be desired, and it’s hard not to feel the urge to reach into the pages and shake some sense into him. Fortunately, Laiken is no shrinking violet, and her sharp wit and unfiltered personality make her a force to be reckoned with.

The banter in A Dose of Pretty Poison by Kelsey Clayton is nothing short of delightful, with snappy and entertaining dialogue that keeps the pages turning. The secondary characters in this book are just as captivating as the leads. Mali is the kind of best friend that anyone would be lucky to have, and Cam is the kind of protective and caring brother that we all wish we had. And as for the rest of the hockey team? They are nothing short of aces, with personalities that jump off the page and leave a lasting impression on readers.

But when circumstances tear them apart, Laiken can no longer keep their affair a secret. Will their love survive the turmoil, or will they be forced to go their separate ways? With a hero who is possessive and jealous, and a heroine who is a virgin with a praise kink, this book will have you snuggling up and falling in love.

While A Dose of Pretty Poison by Kelsey Clayton is a great summer read with all the right tropes, I have to admit that it relies a bit too heavily on some of them. For example, the virgin heroine and the possessive, jealous hero have been done before in romance novels. 

Additionally, some parts of the book were a bit too predictable for my taste. However, this didn’t take away from the overall enjoyment of the story. The chemistry between Hayes and Laiken was undeniable, and the portrayal of their complicated relationship kept me hooked until the very end. Despite the reliance on tropes, “A Dose of Pretty Poison” is still a worthwhile read for anyone who loves a good romance novel.

One of the things that sets this book apart from other romances in this trope is the way Clayton handles the characters. Each character is given depth and complexity, making them feel real and relatable. Even Cam, who could have been a one-dimensional obstacle to the relationship, is given his own storyline that adds to the overall depth of the book.

Clayton’s writing style is engaging and easy to read. She has a talent for creating vivid descriptions that bring the story to life, making it easy to picture the characters and their surroundings. The book flows smoothly from one scene to the next, and the dialogue is sharp and witty.

Overall, A Dose of Pretty Poison by Kelsey Clayton is a must-read for fans of the brother’s best friend romance trope. With its well-drawn characters, compelling storyline, and writing style that keeps you hooked from beginning to end, this book is sure to become a favorite. So go ahead and one-click this trilogy now, you won’t regret it!