DonnaWhat kind of idiot gets on my bad side on his first day at my school? Hendrix Hawthorn is arrogant, cocky, infuriatingly attractive and clearly doesn’t realise I can make his life hell.Which is exactly what I intend to do… until he shows up in the one place no one knows I go to – the one place that makes me feel alive. Now my reputation is in his hands, but I’ll be damned if I go down … damned if I go down without a fight.
Hendrix
What kind of spoiled brat thinks I’ll just fall at her feet like the rest of these jerks? Donna Mead is a stone-cold bitch and I don’t want anything to do with her or her friends.
It’s bad enough I have to finish senior year at Fulton Academy – exactly the kind of place where I made the single biggest mistake of my life. I just want to keep my head down, get decent grades… until she shows up where she doesn’t belong. Now I can’t seem to stop myself from trying to prevent Donna from ruining her life like I did.
** Like You Hurt is a full length standalone, enemies to lovers, dark high school romance where she makes his life hell from the moment they meet. An angst filled love story where the hero and heroine will fight their feelings as readers root for them to find their HEA. This is Donna’s story!
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4.5 STARS!
Welcome back to the Devilbend Dynasty- I’m loving this series and loved Donna and Hendrix’s story. We saw Queen Donna make grown men proverbially pee their pants in Book 1, so I knew we were in for a treat with Like Your Hurt. And, I knew Kaydence would have to create a pretty fantastic male lead to match Donna’s fire. Like Donna, this story is fiery and passionate, complicated and gritty.
This time we spend our story with the prep school kids- Donna is queen of the school, and new kid Hendrix intrigues her. Too bad he isn’t interested in being friends- he’s hiding secrets and just wants to skate by unnoticed. Donna notices him though, and his disinterest ruffles her feathers. Thus begins an angsty push-pull, love-hate journey between these two characters who are so similar and so in need of truly being seen but also so threatened by what they see in each other. Their paths keep crossing- an every time it is fireworks.
Donna- she’s a FORCE. She’s complicated. I vacillated between adoring her and being frustrated with her- which I think is the point. Donna is trying to figure herself out- she’s living two personality realities, but the central thread is that she needs control in both of her realities. Hendrix threatens her control- because he sees her for who she really is, he challenges her. Donna doesn’t do well when her control is threatened, and, thus, she often acts with resistance and denial, and at times, jerkiness. Hendrix brings out the best and worst in her. At her best, she’s smart, bold, fierce, independent, loyal, and driven. But, she’s trapped within the perfectionist facade, the Queen Bee persona, that she’s created for herself. Her “dark Donna” alternate life is her way of breaking out of that mold, a self destructive therapy that leaves her feeling alive, subverting expectations of herself. Dark Donna owns her desires, her needs- and she likes the risk that goes with it. I loved these parts of Donna, but as she’s trying to go through a metamorphosis to marry both sides of her identity, she frustrates me some- she’s not always kind (she says some very hurtful things to Hendrix, which she feels bad for), she’s defensive and combative, and she’s stubborn- refusing to see beyond herself. Again, this is part of the journey- she has to reconcile these negative coping strategies to realize she doesn’t like that version of herself- and she gets there…but that means there are times when we don’t like her (a few moments in particular).
Hendrix is a dreamboat the entire book- what wonderful and compelling characters. His journey mirrors Donna’s, but he’s ahead of her- he’s already battled the different versions of himself, suffered the consequences of giving into the parts of himself he liked less, and has learned his lesson. He’s evolved and grown- and he recognizes aspects of himself in Donna. So, when they aren’t bugging each other, he’s trying to help her- she just doesn’t always want it. I loved Hendrix so much- he’s made terrible mistakes, but he’s owned them, has suffered for them. He’s self-aware, selfless, and kind. And when he opens up- my heart exploded. He’s somehow this tough, stoic guy that is also a bleeding heart, vulnerable and raw and exposed.
The romance is rocky and challenging, imperfect like our characters- both characters are stubborn and both are hiding huge secrets. The attraction is immediate, the physical chemistry is SCORCHING, but it takes a minute for the emotional connection to evolve as neither Donna or Hendrix are very trusting. The action at the end was surprising and fast paced, and I’m still so curious where KS is going with all this Bestlyfe intrigue.
Fans of Mena and Hunter will be elated to find them happy and wonderful here. Kaydence smartly juxtaposes their personalities, and their story, with Hendrix and Donna’s- here we have more gritty, edgier characters, and a darker, more gritty romance with it. Mena and Hunter’s roles in this story made me love them even more- especially Mena, who is more and more embracing her strength.
Donna and Hendrix have an angsty, complicated love story that is emotionally gripping and complex. Both characters are so layered, so compellingly imperfect, that you’ll find yourself reading this is one sitting. I’m loving how Kaydence is exploring the theme of identity in this series- here in this book, the trappings of self-imposed facades and the liberating experience of self-acceptance. The character growth in Like Your Hurt is what really shines- the growth that can be found when someone truly sees you, and helps you see yourself. Looking forward to what’s next in this series!
4-1/2 Stars!!!
I loved Donna & Hendrix!! This is only my second read of Kaydence’s but it’s my favourite of hers. This book was crazy!
Donna was wow, not what I expected at all after reading the first Devilbend book. I loved her, she was so much more than meets the eye.
Hendrix, oh I liked him right from the beginning. I felt so bad for him throughout the book. These two were meant to be together. I loved their similarities, & oof did they have chemistry.
This was such a great read, one I read from front to back in one sitting.
I received an arc of this book in return for an honest review.
This wasn’t how I imagined Donna Mead would be. Surprises, surprises.
Hendrix Hawthorn is new to Devilbend, and he’s not looking for friends. He wants to keep his head down and steer clear of distractions. Just so y’all know, he’s a sexy mofo, and the chip on his shoulder is as handsome as all get-out.
As I said, though, I wasn’t prepared by Like You Care for this Donna Mead. This girl is dark, secretive, and has a self-destruction plan only Hendrix is aware of, well, him and us. He sees her in action and hates that she’s the drama that he’s found. If it had to be anyone, he would rather it be someone more likable and less of a bitch.
And she is such a bitch! Oh god, she is a terrible wench! She is prickly and defensive, and she is out to cause herself as much trouble as possible. I loved her because she was so unlikable–if that makes any sense at all. It worked for me.
Like You Hurt is the grown-up version of Like You Care. It’s grittier. Sexier. It has teeth that Kaydence Snow didn’t sharpen quite as much in Mena’s story–so imagine that since what on in that book. Mena’s story was terrible, and this one’s backbone is darker. I suggest that you handle this with some caution.
And another thing, damn, is Hendrix the hottie I wanted Turner to be? Hell yes!
Team Hendrix.
Recommend
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary advance copy of this book.
Like You Care (Devilbend Dynasty Book 1)
FIVE HURT STARS for Donna and Hendrix !!!
After reading the first book “Like You Care” from the “Devilbend Dynasty” series, I’ve got an opinion of Kaydence’s writing style and what to expect from her next books.
I have to admit she didn’t disappoint me!
I truly fell in love with this book, especially with Donna and Hendrix!
On the contrary, she intrigued me with the characterization of the main characters and the plot itself, which kept me with countless questions after every chapter.
“Like You Hurt” is a dark high school bully romance with a lot of angst and steamy parts between Donna and Hendrix but also emotional moments.
Donna is a female character who is at first glance the perfect girl who holds control in all parts of her life just to fulfill her parents’ expectations.
But behind all that facade hides a girl who is eager for adrenaline and danger, which is why she hides a secret that could cost her everything she has built over the years.
Hendrix is a male character who decides to change after a tragic incident that brought him back to reality and after which he decides that he won’t return to his old habits and life.
But everything changes when he meets Donna who is exactly all he has left behind.
Donna and Hendrix are a couple fated from the start to end up together.
Their relationship is filled with ups and downs due to their stubbornness and resistance to the feelings they develop towards each other.
But in the end, they realize that they need to give up on their feelings and that a relationship can only elevate them, not destroy them.
If you love a dark high school bully romance and also love Kaydence’s writing style, then this is the book you should read next!!!
Highly recommended!!!
P.S. Can’t wait to read “Like You Should”!!!
Like You Hurt, Devilbend dynasty book 2 by @kaydencesnowauthor
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“Donna Mead was a fucking force of nature.”
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Wow this was a friends to enemies flip flop of a book. A first for me where the “bully” was the Queen of the school and not the King. I loved it! It was totally backwards which was so interesting.
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“You’re not a good girl at all, are you?”
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This book follows picture perfect Donna who is finding herself exhausted trying to hold up all the expectations of her friends and family, on her shoulders. Restless, Donna finds an outlet by becoming Bad Donna in a place where no one knows who she is. That is, until the new guy from school shows up and both her worlds collide. Needless to say, she doesn’t like him. Hendrix is the new guy at school just trying to stay under the radar and graduate. But his plans get derailed when he sees a lot of his past self in Donna and that side of him lead down a dark path he can never get away from. Can he save Donna before it’s too late?
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“I got you, baby.”
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The angry chemistry between these two is soo good and the role reversal is a nice change. Donna is stubborn and Hendrix is constantly fighting to break down her walls. There are also emotional moments that had me tearing up for Hendrix. This has dark themes but isn’t overly dark. This is the second book in the series and has the same characters from the first book but could be read as a stand-alone with no issues. All in all a great read!
I loved it! Hendrix is such a great character!!! Making up for his past and helping Donna even when she is so vile to him. This was such an emotional roll coaster ride with the characters. I was glad that Turner and Mena make an appearance, love them! The Devilbend Dynasty is a great series and I can’t wait to see how the next story goes!
Like You Hurt (Devilbend Dynasty # 2) by Kaydence Snow is Donna’s story. She is the queen of Fulton Academy, big sister to Harlow, protector of those she loves and Miss Perfect. The weight of her responsibilities is crushing her. Davey’s is her place to let it all go. Good Perfect Donna gives way to Dark Donna. Hendrick is new in town and to Fulton. All he wants to do is lay low, keep his head down and fly under the radar. His plan is shot when he shuns the Queen of Fulton and shows up at her spot. The attraction between the two is instantaneous but it seems circumstances keep them at each other’s throat. Their hate/love relationship made for a good story. Donna had so much weighing on her and what she was doing to relieve her feelings was something Hendrick understood. Hendrick had his own demons he was fighting. Really liked Donna and Hendrick. Of course I was happy to still get to read about Mena and Turner from book 1and the other characters. The journey of Donna and Hendrick was rocky however their interaction was comical at times, dangerous at times but either way the sexual tension was thick enough to cut with a knife. Looking forward to what the author has in-store for Harlow. I even wonder if Amaya will get her own book. She is a member of the Dynasty. 4 stars for me.
This is the second book in the Devilbend Dynasty series, a Dark High School Romance. I love this Series of interconnected standalone stories. Donna and Hendrix’s story is emotional, and intriguing, filled with secrets, drama, and twists and turns. They are both wonderful and secretive characters, and they are perfect together. The cast of supporting characters is impressive. I like the friendship in this story. Looking forward to read Like You Should, the next book in the Series, Harlow’s story. This series is addictive!
This series just keeps getting better and better! Donna and Hendrix story was amazing. It was a beautifully written coming of age romance that had me gripped right from the first page ! The chemistry between these two characters was intense and super hot . Hendrix and Donna have so much more in common than they think. This story is a definite must read from this series! Can’t wait for the next book I’m obsessed with Devilbend Dynasty!
Like You Hurt is book two of the Devilbend Dynasty. It’s Donna’s story. She the perfect daughter, student, sister and friend. She is the one everyone goes to to fix things. She always has a plan and she rules her highly elite high school with a terse nod or single word. To say that’s stressful is an understatement so even the perfect Donna has a dark side, a secret NO ONE knows about…until HE walks in an messes up everything. And he is everywhere. He school, her house, he’s even wormed his way into her circle of friends but worst of all his discovered her secret. The one thing that was hers and hers alone. Now she will do ANYTHING to get him to keep her secret to himself. The chemistry between Donna and Hendrix is off the charts. Even though both of them refuse to admit it, they are drawn to each other. A yr ago Donna is exactly the kind of girl Hendrix would have went for but after the incident…no way was he falling back into that kind of life. He just wanted everyone to just leave him alone so he could get though high school but Donna has other plans for the newbie in school after he’s rude to her. I received a free advanced copy to read and review and I give this book 5 steamy stars. Loved it!!!
LIKE YOU HURT BY KAYDENCE SNOW
4.5 STARS
– STANDALONE
– ENEMIES TO LOVERS
– DARK PAST
– NEW ADULT
Like You Hurt by Kaydence Snow is a standalone enemies to lovers romance, that is set in high school. While it is a standalone I highly recommend reading book one first to understanding the storyline.
We met Donna in Like You Care as the feisty strong heroine that nobody messed with, in this book Donna has a dark side. She is not as put together as she shows on the outside. Hendrix is the new kid at school running away from his own secrets he left in New York. Hendrix and Donna get off on the wrong start, which causes Donna to bully him. You know how it goes hate turns in to heat real quick. Donna may not realize that Hendrix may be the only one to save her before it’s too late. This was a fast paced story full of push and pull.
Great read! I love a good book where the girl is the one who’s a bit promiscuous and not eagerly waiting to get into a relationship. Those books seem to be few and far between and even fewer of them do this trope justice, but this one really hit the mark. Really liked Hendrix and the chemistry between he and Donna was off the charts! Beyond that, it was well-written and well-told in general. I definitely recommend this one – and I’m looking forward to Harlow’s story next.
I really enjoyed this book I was hooked right From the start right till the end . I love Banter between Donna and Hendrix and The sexual tension between the two is off the charts and in this book took me on a world wind of emotions I cried . I would recommend reading like you care the first books . I am really looking forward to Harlow’s story !!!!!
Gah, Hendrix and Donna are fantastic and infuriating. She has more problems than a math quiz and he is broken in ways no one could possibly understand. Each of them tore at my heartstrings throughout the story. I am totally in love with Hendrix.
Wow! I seriously loved Donna and Hendrix’s story! Kaydence Snow absolutely knows how to bring the angst in her stories! She is also a master at bringing out all the feels and creating such relatable characters. I am loving this series of books and am very much looking forward to the next one!
After reading Like You Care, I was very excited to read the next book in the series. Donna really stood out to me in the first book and I was eager to get my hands on her story. And she did not disappoint in her own story. Donna and Hendrix were such intricate characters. They had so much depth to them. I really loved how they both had flaws. Both Donna and Hendrix battled their own personal demons in this story and I enjoyed the journey that they both had to take. I loved the bully switch up. This is a complete change from we usually see in high school bully / enemies to lovers romance. It’s different that’s it’s the girl who rules the school and is so determined on teaching him to bow down. I’m a huge fan of this concept. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
*A review copy was provided by the author.
Following donnas story was a great continuation of the like you care story. It was in-depth I never would of saw the story turning the way it did. Donna is amazing with her love interest. She is independent and free willed. If you haven’t started this series yet I would add like you care to you kindle and read it you will not be disappointed
This book was really good to read and easy. I got into this book pretty fast, wanting to know what happened to the main character and why does the other main character do what she does.
I loved the storyline of the book and what they went through. I loved how the author kind of really captured the atmosphere and what it is like to be in high school..even tho it isn’t from a “loser” POV, but rather from a “popular girl” it still was cool to see.
I loved that no matter how popular Donna was, she never let anyone totally super…meaning no bullying. So even tho she was mean and popular, she still had a soul.
I’ve read a storyline similar to this book and I loved both of them. Each was different. So for a while I was kind of confused if I’m even reading a new book, but after maybe a chapter or two I couldn’t confused them because they are both amazing in their own way!
But if you like high school enemies-to-lovers…this book is for you!
The Devilbend Dynasty Series: Book 2. This is my first by this author. I can tell you, without a doubt, I’m reading Book 1!!!
Hendrix, I’m in love with you. For one so young, he is oh so wise and mature!
I love that he’s helping Donna. She may not always be receptive, but heck!
Emotional, wonderful, page turner! Cannot wait to check out other Snow books!
I received an advanced reader copy, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Another Great Read from Snow! This is the second book in Snow’s Devilbend Dynasty and I loved it! This book can be read as a standalone but you are not going to want to miss out on book one, Like You Care. This is Donna’s book! I loved Donna in book one and was completely shocked by the secrets she hides so well. Donna is a complex character, by day she is little miss perfect, Fulton Academy’s Queen Bee. And by night she can’t wait to shed her skin and let her dark and reckless side out to play. You instantly get caught up in Donna’s life and the path of self-destruction she teeters on. Then comes along Hendrix, let me just say, Perfection!!! I loved Hendrix so much, he was the ultimate book boyfriend, he has so much heart and care in his soul! Hendrix comes in like a tornado and instantly bothers Donna, he gets under her skin and she just doesn’t know why something about him calls to her. They clash instantly, sparks fly and they ignite the Mean girl inside Donna. These two are like magnets, they draw each other in and their chemistry and passion is so all-consuming. This pisses off little miss thang to no end, the push and pull is hilarious and intriguing, Donna has definitely met her match with Hendrix. But everyone has secrets and everyone has a point of no return. Like you Hurt is full of angst and twists you never see coming. This is a enemies to lovers, hate/love, bully romance that will leave you with one hell of a book hangover! I can’t wait to see what Snow has in store for us yet. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.