I might have gone from rags to riches, but this is no fairy tale.I never thought I’d long for the days of pacing the living room of our tiny single-wide trailer, waiting for Mom to get home from her shift serving drinks at The Silver Fox. Or my boring night shifts at the convenience store. Even dodging my skeezy ex-boyfriend’s bumbling attempts to seduce me. To say my life wasn’t great was an … life wasn’t great was an understatement. But at least it was mine.
Or it was until Mom came home and announced she was getting married. That was the day my life became unrecognizable.
As if a new home and a new family weren’t enough, I found myself enrolled at Everly Prep—an exclusive academy where the rich send their pampered and privileged teenagers to be educated.
And it was immediately obvious I didn’t belong.
Patronizing staff members, mean girls, and snobs galore greeted me as I roamed the hallowed halls, but it didn’t bother me. I invited them to do their worst.
Then I met them.
Seth, Theo, Cooper, and Mason—known as “The Rogues”—ran the school with iron fists and wicked tongues, making Everly Prep their own private kingdom. They were powerful, gorgeous, and brutal, a deadly combination that made them invincible.
And I was the perfect target…or so they thought. But I’m Chaz Miller, and I don’t go down without a fight.
This is a dark high school romance with light bullying themes. Though there are four male main characters, it will not be reverse harem. There is one main love interest and there will be an HEA… eventually.
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I listened to a copy of this book.
I was drawn into this world of the elite, rich, privileged and spoiled. One statement- “because we can” – wow, reality sat in quickly.
Ms. Wilson did a great job developing this world and drawing you in. It made “Mean Girls” look like child’s play compared to what went down throughout the story.
My heart broke so many times for Chaz. But, I also cheered for her and was proud of her. I can’t wait to see what she does in book 2.
And everyone needs a friend like Josh. Love him!!!! Like Chaz, I was ready to fight for him too.
The narrator did a great job bringing this story and each of the characters to life.
Audiobook Review:
A very impressive series starter. Chaz was a very strong, independent and really likable character for me. I liked being in her head. I sometimes wished there had been some chapters from the rogues point of view though. There are definitely some secrets being kept from her, and I’m very interested to learn what they are. And I liked the ending of the book and how it perfectly set things up for a book two.
The narration was great. Kasi Hollowell’s tones and different voices for the different characters are pretty good. But I liked her voice in general. I look forward to hearing more by her in future.
The Flock
****AUDIOBOOK REVIEW****
The First Time, book one in the Rogues of Everly Prep Series by Wendi L. Wilson is classified as a dark bully romance, but to me it was very tame. It was an enjoyable story and a good introduction to Chasity “Chaz” and the boys. This is NOT RH. It does end on a cliffhanger.
I enjoyed this story. I felt the writing style was good and the author did a good job of drawing readers in from the beginning.
Narration by Kasi Hollowell was fantastic! Fluid throughout, she seamlessly brought this story and characters to life.
3.5 stars!!!
Perfect, absolutely perfect!
Chaz Miller, smart, take no nonsense, show no weakness, never let them get the better of you Chaz Miller. Her world is turned upside down when her cocktail waitress mother becomes engaged to a wealthily older man. The next thing Chaz knows she’s living in a mansion and attending Everly Prep, an exclusive academy that is the playground of “The Rogues”, four rich, bored, brutal, seemingly invincible young men who just might have met their match! The First Time is a fabulously written, beautifully narrated series opener that held me spellbound. These characters felt so real! I could see them. They provoked such strong feelings in me. Honestly, at times, my heart was in my throat. And that ending! Whoever said revenge is a dish best served cold was wrong! It was so satisfying! I was cheering! I can’t wait for the next book in what promises to be a fabulous series!
A rags to riches, bully academy dark romance. But Chas isn’t your typical FMC in a bully romance. Yes, she gets targeted by the elitist, self absorbed, spiteful, spoiled, rich kids at Everly Prep when she starts school there after her mom gets engaged to a very wealthy man. But she doesn’t let it completely destroy her sense of self. Chas is very good at brushing off the juvenile behavior – until it goes too far. But then suddenly, she finds herself with some unlikely allies, and the romantic attentions of Mason Bellamy, one of said elitist, rich kids. Things seem to improve, until a nuclear bomb of bullying goes off, and Chas’ whole world seems to implode. And that’s where you would like she would go off the rails, not be able to deal with the torment any longer. But with the help of the only 2 people who have truly stood by her as friends, Chas finds her vindication – on her own terms. That’s what helps make this more unique of a story. She’s a strong character, and she pulls herself out of the depths, and yes, she has a little help, but the strength and fortitude are hers, and she takes control back of her own life. It’s a powerful shift, and at the end, she’s looking to take it even further – revenge. Book 2 is going to be VERY interesting.
Compelling, strong, and interesting, the story and characters kept me intrigued and wondering what was coming next. Josh is the best friend that every high school girl needs. Heck, not even just high school, just every girl needs a Josh in her life. Seriously, he’s the absolute best. I know there’s still plenty behind the scenes we don’t know yet in this story, and I’m very much looking forward to uncovering it all.
Chastity and her mom lived in a trailer park. Their lives changed when her mom announced she marrying the very rich, Mr. Atticus Kincaid.
Trailer trash is what she became known at the elite Everly Prep. The relentless bullying on social media and at school, made Chaz the target by the students,
Chaz tough exterior shows she can take anything, but secretly inside she was vulnerable, hesitant and overwhelmed what her new lifestyle had given her.
The group called the Rogues. and the girls, the Roguettes, try to break her. They almost did, but her only friend reminded her she was fierce, a queen, and to keep her head up.
Revenge has its sweet rewards or does it?
I can’t wait to see what Chaz has in store for them.
Kasi Hollowell is superb in this angsty, high school bully story. She gives all the characters their own voice and personality. A great listen.
audiobookObsession
This is the first book in the Rogues of Everly Prep Series, a dark high school romance with light bullying themes. Wow! I loved it! This is an excellent start to the series. I loved Chaz and The Rogues (Seth, Theo, Cooper, and Mason). Chaz is strong, sassy, and independent. The Rogues are the kings of the Everly Prep. They are rich, and enigmatic. Josh, Chaz’s best friend, is an amazing supporting character. The characters are wonderful, the storyline is captivating, and the cliffhanger ending is highly intriguing. Impossible to stop listening! Kasi Hollowell is a fantastic narrator! She did an outstanding job with the narration. I enjoyed it, and I can’t wait to listen to The Second Move, the next book in the Series. #TheFlock #AudiobookObsession #PinkFlamingoProductions
The First Time is book one in the Rogues of Everly Prep series and is a high school bully romance. Chaz lives with her mom in a trailer park before her life is upended when she somewhat abruptly moves in with her mother’s new fiance and his son and starts at a new prep school for the elite. Because of where she came from, she is of course harshly judged by the those at the top in the new school, including her soon to be stepbrother who is part of “The Rogues”.
The book is definitely not lacking any drama, though I did find it to be a little different than some of the other bully romances I have read before. I really liked Chaz’s relationship with her new bestie Josh, and I liked that Chaz’s relationship with Seth, her future stepbrother, wasn’t completely antagonistic, or trun into one of a love interest, as often seen in these types of books. I liked Chaz’s character a lot.
This was my first book by this author and I cannot wait to read the rest in the series. I know there is definitely going to be a lot more drama and I am sure I will be kept on my toes but I am interested to see what will happen with the characters.
Kasi Hollowell did a wonderful job with the narration of this story. I have listened to several books that she has narrated and always find them to be highly enjoyable and this was no exception.
This was a high school bully romance that sucked me in. Chaz is a feisty lead that you dont want to underestimate. The rogues are a unique group that we only saw the surface of. The writing of this book was flawless and the narration was fantastic.
#AudiobookObsessionReviewer Flock
Audio Review:
The First Time (Rogues of Everly Prep) is a dark high school romance with a light bullying theme and the darkness hasn’t come out yet. There is an air of mystery and secrets lurking in the shadows. This ends with a cliffhanger, however it ends att a good point in the story. The author pulls you in and you need to find out what happens next. Betrayal, deception, lies, rumors and passion all blended together to create a exciting listen. Looking forward to listening to the next audio in this trilogy.
Kasi Hollowell is a excellent narrator and she did a fantastic performance with portraying all the characters voices. She gave each character than own individual voice. A flawless performance enhanced the experience of listening.
The First Time by Wendi L. Wilson is a dark high school romance that I listened to on audio narrated by Kasi Hollowell. This is the first book in the Rogues of Everly Prep series.
The book comes with a note from author “This is a dark high school romance with light bullying themes. Though there are four male main characters, it will not be reverse harem. There is one main love interest and there will be an HEA… eventually.”
This is the first book of Wendi’s that I have read and it definitely won’t be my last. I was hooked from the very beginning and couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next. I absolutely love Chaz and Joshua’s friendship.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series The Second Move to be released on audio so I can get more of Chaz, Mason, Cooper, Theo, Seth, and Joshua.
Kasi did an amazing job on the narration. I look forward to listening to more of her work in the future.
I would recommend this book if you like dark romances, bullying romances, or contemporary romances.
The Flock Team
Audiobook Obsession Reviewer
A Gripping & Exciting Series Start! Fantastic Story & Audible Listen
The First Time
Rogues of Everly Prep
By: Wendi Wilson
Narrated by: Kasi Hollowell
Wendi Wilson is a new to me author, and she wowed me completely with this amazing start to what is going to be a fantastic series. I loved everything about this book, from her wonderful writing style to the complex characters and interesting storylines she created to the perfectly cast narration. The story captured my attention right from the start and held it hostage the entire time, I just could not put the book down because I needed to know what was going to happen next. The characters are realistic, easy to relate to and connect with. The lead female, Chasity Ann Miller aka “Chaz”, is absolutely amazing, not your typical in your face bad ass, more of a subtle one, but still a badass in her own right and I was rooting for her for the entire book. Her Mom surprises her announcement, she is newly engaged and they are moving in with her fiancé. Her new home is so far removed from the trailer parker where she grew up, it is grandeur and luxurious in comparison, it also comes with a step-brother to be, Seth, and Seth is not welcoming at all. Her step-dad to be enrolls her in Everly Prep, the same school Seth attends. She quickly learns that she does not fit it, quickly learning that most of the students are pretentious rich kids who are followers of the popular crowd led by Seth and his friends Theo, Cooper and Mason, also known as “The Rogues” and they run the school. Chaz nicknamed their minion bitches the Roguettes. These bullies target Chaz the moment she steps in the school, they are relentless and do not hold back one bit. They try to knocking her out, but Chaz’s strength shines and they may knock her down but she gets back up, shakes them off and comes back even stronger. Ms. Wilson masters bully romance, the story is brilliantly plotted with plenty of drama, lies and betrayals, twists and turns, heartfelt emotions and a slow burn enemies to lovers romance. I like like how hints were dropped making you wonder what the real deal is with Mason, Seth, Cooper and Theo. Love, love, loved Josh, Chaz’s one and only trusted friend, I was glad there was another ally as well. I was thrilled with Chaz’s revenge plot and can not wait to see what happens next. Wendi Wilson, thank you for this fantastic story and series start.
And for the fabulous narration, Kai Hollowell is a wonderfully talented narrator and versatile voice artist. She has a complete understanding of the characters she portrays, giving each a voice that fits that character’s persona to a tee, sounding believable and just as I picture the character to sound. You could hear how much heart and conviction she put into his work as she captures the characters’ emotions and projects them into her performance. She sets the perfect tone for the story, handles the back-and-forth dialogue with ease and never misses a beat. She is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another wonderful listen.
Thank you @PinkFlamingoProductions @AudiobookObsession TheFlock AudiobookObsessionReviewer
The First Time
Rogues of Everly Place #1
By Wendi L Wilson
Narrated by Kasi Hallowell
A different take on a high school bully romance, I was totally invested in this new book by Wendi L Wilson. Chaz comes from the wrong side of town. Her mother finds love with a man from the other side of the tracks and Chaz finds herself in a new house with a new life. Walking into Everly Prep was just one of her changes, and one that would effect everything she does. Of course she is not accepted and life is horrible. She is tough though and keeps rising to the occasions. When the four who finally run the school take her in, she thinks life is going to change. Seth, Theo, Cooper, and Mason she has dubbed “The Rogues” do what they can to keep her protected and Mason has taken a special interest in her. But things are not always as they appear, and as life goes awry, we don’t know who to trust. Rumors, deception, lies, betrayal, passion, I could not decide exactly what was going to happen, but the cliffhanger definitely has left me wanting to know more. Chaz is fabulous, and I would love to know where things end up. It’s a surprise, original and exciting!
Kasi Hallowell is one of my favorite new adult narrators and she is amazing in her narration of this book.Her voices are well suited for each character and keeps the story easy to listen to and enjoy. Casted perfectly, you don’t want to miss her story telling of this one.
#ALC #comingsoon #bullyromance #highschoolromance #newadult #audioromance #wendilwilson #kasihallowell #pinkflamingoproductions #theflock
4.5 stars for The First Time by Wendi L Wilson. This is book one in the Rogues of Everyly Prep. This is also my first book from this author and I cannot wait to read more of her work. Chaz has been poor her whole life until her mother decides she is getting married. Chaz’s whole life changes. Chaz is one tough chick. Josh is someone I want to be friends with. The Roques don’t make things easy for her, but the Roquettes are worse. For me this book was a little different from other bully romances and you’ll have to read to understand why. I read this in one sitting. I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to start book two.
I had never read anything by this author before, but I’m glad I did. Even though this is a trope that’s been done a hundred thousand times before, the author found a way to surprise me a bit with the plot. Starting with the fact that the stepbrother is not the heroine’s love interest… instead, it’s one of his friends. I liked the writing style and there were definitely a couple of LOL moments for me. The “betrayal” was a bit predictable, but aren’t they pretty much always predictable? Overall, a quick, fun read and I’ll definitely read the other 2 books in the series…
This was my first book by the author, I enjoyed it. It’s about Chaz who ends up attending Everly Prep and being the poor kid does her no favors. However she’s not one to back down and let others run all over her it’s just not her style. However not everything goes as she plans because regardless she’s an outsider at the elite school. That is until she meets Josh and she quickly realizes that he could become her best friend and what she needs to survive in a world that is foreign to her.
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Overall, I enjoyed the story it is set in high school and does have the bullying aspect to it. It was a page turner and not overly long or drawn out it was a decent length. It definitely engages the reader and wondering what will happen in the next book.
What a fun story! Chaz a down to earth girl gets a teenager’s dream of her mom marrying a filthy rich guy, only problem, stepbrother and rich kids suck! Just when I thought Chaz was getting what she deserved those rich kids kick her back down but they all learn payback is brutal and a little bit fun!
Wendi Wilson’s new book The First Time, steps out of the supernatural realm she normally writes in and enters into a land far darker in its reality, and I love it. This book is like a mix between Cruel Intentions, Mean Girls, and The Duff, full of teenage angst, blind hope, brutal betrayal, and a strong girl who isn’t afraid to hold her own against her enemies.
I literally had this read in two days. Wendi’s writing pulls you in effortlessly and you can’t help but fall in love with the characters…or hate them. Chaz is feisty and defiant and I loved her right from the start. Josh is now my new book best friend, and The Rogues of Everly Prep, well, let’s just say sometimes you get what you deserve.
I can’t wait to find out what happens next because I get the feeling there’s more than what meets the eye when it comes to The Rogues and why they did what they did, and Chaz is not one to back down in finding out what it is.
Chaz is not your ordinary girl next door. And she is definitely not what the fancy kids at school were expecting. She doesn’t want to be there, and they don’t really want her there. She makes the mistake of trusting the wrong people, and it definitely bites her. I absolutely love this girl and her BFF Josh. They are both characters that you can relate to.
This book just draws you in and doesn’t let you go. I can’t wait to see how Chaz takes down the mean girls.