The Secret Girl: A High School Bully Romance (Adamson All-Boys Academy) Paperback – May 24, 2019

I just finished the Neighpalm Industries Series by Lexie Winston and was looking for another series to hold my interest. I loved Lost Daughter of a Serial Killer Series, Scarlett Force Series, The Havoc Boys, and the Witchwood Boys by C.M. Stunich. This was in my recommendations. AGAIN C.M. does not disappoint! This first book has me hooked and captivated! 🤩

I'm not really into the bully trope but kept seeing this series recommended. I like that it's told in just her view. 5 guys. Girl attending an all boys Academy because her father gets the job as the headmaster. They want to use her as a test to include more females but she doesn't want anybody to know she is a girl so she doesn't get hit on or males taking advantage. Of course by trying to be invisible she attracts the attention of the student council who make her life difficult. Until one by one they discover she is a girl and history is trying to repeat itself. The last time a girl attended the Academy she was found deceased, now someone is after her. The 5 guys on the council have been trying to find answers for years, she might be the key to help them solve the murder. I liked it.

I love C.M. Stunich. Luuuuurve her! And of all the books I've read of hers, this Secret Girl series is my favorite. I read it twice, and then when I decided to read it again I just bought it, so I could own it. This series is a very slow burn reverse harem, set against a backdrop of old money, 200-year-old secrets, and an all-boys boarding school for the elite.Our main character's dad was hired as headmaster for the school, and in a decision that doesn't make much sense, but is totally believable as you read it, they decide the girl will attend the school "undercover" as a boy. As a result, you get pages and pages of hilarious bullying, bathroom near misses, junk punches, swoony crushes, and forbidden and confusing affectionate touches between the "boy" and the five guys on the student council who have determined to make his life hell.Over the course of the series, Chuck reveals that he is really Charlotte in a slow disclosure that also ties in with some romance and a tiny touch of smut. If you're looking for 10 page filthy s.x scenes, this is not the book for that. The love scenes are rare and quick, but also funny and sweet and fulfilling. The main plot of the story is Who is terrorizing Charlotte? and What does this have to do with past murders in the school?Stunich has a lot of allusions in the books to Japanese culture and literature, such as anime, hentai, specific comic/manga reads, food, clothing, and lifestyle. In a different series I just finished by her, she expanded on this interest in Japanese culture with the main character drinking boba milk tea, and all the characters kinda revolving their interests around the tea and the Japanese/Korean pop culture. This is very different from my usual interests, so I enjoyed having that trivia thrown into the book, as it brought the characters' hobbies to life.

Yay!!

I really like how this book developed the relationships throughout. I can't say much without spoilers, but the situations that they were put in felt natural and not over the top. Character development for Chuck was good, too. I love the twins and how they were written and each of the boys are very identifiable and unique. I also love the frilly aprons. Anime vibes iykyk. Sprinkle of mystery and the ending was great!

The beginning of this was definitely slow but it built up in the middle. For a moment I wasn’t sure I’d finish this but I’m glad I did. I will be reading the next book in the series especially after the cliffhanger they left me with

Hep this was definitely 4.5 stars for me. The teasers the author out out for this book had me interested but when I realized just how young essentially some characters were even though I don't think any where under 16 it made me hesitate. Not that there's anything wrong with that age grouping but this author writes some super hot and intense stuff sometimes so I just wasn't sure how it would translate. But I was pleasantly surprised while there are hot and steamy moments, and plenty of tension so thick you could cut it with a knife it was all done and fit seamlessly into these characters to go with who they are and where they are at in life. So that didn't disappoint for good or bad and was written in a way that no one should have any real issue to hold them back from reading it if you were like me before I picked this book up. But I loved the idea and theme of this story where Charlotte has her own reasons for being Chuck and then those reasons evolve just like her and the people and academy around her. And the boys around her all sound delicious and unique while still working together as a unit and friends. I can't wait to see who ends up being a part of her harem and how those dynamics will work. I'm also really hoping there are no serious heart crushing would tearing moments in future booms, but it seems like with the danger surrounding Charlotte that might be inevitable. And while there is Billy in this book it's nothing super dark or intense or more like practical joke type stuff for the most part. And toward the end the mystery and danger surrounding Charlotte really starts to all up and we are left on kind of a huge cliff and I was literally like what no give me more! But hopefully we won't be left hanging to long. And while there is plenty of intense feelings whether they be anger, sadness, frustration or the first blush of young love There are some funny parts too. And not to give to much away but look for a bouncing phone and new door locks and you'll be at one of my favorite funny yet still hot parts. Seriously overall a good book with plenty of suspense and mystery intermingled with the struggles of growing up and finding love all while going to an all boys school, would recommend.

I finished this book in one day it was so good! The pace the tension builds is perfect. Can’t wait to read the next books!