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Sins of the Father #1
Bittersweet Revenge
Dean
I’ve been stalking Tiernan O’Shea online for years.
After Sloan O’Shea killed my dad, my mom and I spent years in hiding, moving from state to state, changing our names, never drawing attention to ourselves, hoping to never be found.
I’ve fed off nothing but vengeance ever since.
Tiernan O’Shea is exactly like his father—arrogant, rich, ruthless.
The plan is Get accepted to Ashford U. Get close to Tiernan. Get him to trust me. And then, when he brings me home to his father, I’ll take my revenge on Sloan O’Shea.
What I don’t expect is discovering the secret side of Tiernan, the parts he doesn’t show the rest of the world. He’s as beautiful as he is brutal—deadly, yes, but he’s also the kind of man who would do anything for those he loves. We’re alike in ways I never imagined. And when he touches me, kisses me…it makes me feel like I matter.
I’ve spent my whole life hoping to even the score, but now my revenge will be bittersweet because it’ll make me lose the only man I’ve ever loved.
Content Bittersweet Revenge contains violence, darker themes, and morally gray characters with no redemption arc. This is still a Riley Hart romance though, so you can expect a happily ever after for our guys.
I’ve been stalking Tiernan O’Shea online for years.
After Sloan O’Shea killed my dad, my mom and I spent years in hiding, moving from state to state, changing our names, never drawing attention to ourselves, hoping to never be found.
I’ve fed off nothing but vengeance ever since.
Tiernan O’Shea is exactly like his father—arrogant, rich, ruthless.
The plan is Get accepted to Ashford U. Get close to Tiernan. Get him to trust me. And then, when he brings me home to his father, I’ll take my revenge on Sloan O’Shea.
What I don’t expect is discovering the secret side of Tiernan, the parts he doesn’t show the rest of the world. He’s as beautiful as he is brutal—deadly, yes, but he’s also the kind of man who would do anything for those he loves. We’re alike in ways I never imagined. And when he touches me, kisses me…it makes me feel like I matter.
I’ve spent my whole life hoping to even the score, but now my revenge will be bittersweet because it’ll make me lose the only man I’ve ever loved.
Content Bittersweet Revenge contains violence, darker themes, and morally gray characters with no redemption arc. This is still a Riley Hart romance though, so you can expect a happily ever after for our guys.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 13, 2025
324 people are currently reading
936 people want to read
About the author
Riley Hart
115 books6,951 followersRiley Hart is the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. She's a hopeless romantic. A lover of sexy stories, passionate men, and writing about all the trouble they can get into together. If she's not writing, you'll probably find her reading.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 246 reviews
August 8, 2025
1.5⭐️
I thought I was signing up for revenge and romance. Turns out, I was the one being punished.🤡
♧ARC REVIEW♧ :
I don’t usually write reviews like this.I really don’t. But this book? This book dragged me to hell, handed me a shovel, and told me to dig my own grave and YES It earned every syllable of my rage.And what makes it worse is that it came from an author I once LOVEEED her work — someone I read for the fluff, the charm, the effortless sweetness. She gave me books that felt like warm hug and a soft blanket. But this? This was cold, empty, and reeked of something trying too hard to be edgy and failing miserably.
Let me start by saying that I went into this book with cautious excitement. I didn’t expect ✨️a masterpiece✨️. I knew it was her first time writing something darker, and I was open-minded — curious to see where she'd go. But not even my lowest expectations could’ve prepared me for the disaster that unfolded in front of me.
The premise promised revenge. Tension. Conflict. A slow, painful build toward betrayal and heartbreak. Instead, what I got was a hollow imitation of romance, filled with immature characters, porn-level pacing, and a plot that was barely alive — and then unceremoniously thrown in the trash.
Let’s talk about the plot — or ...the lack of it. The entire book is built on the idea that Dean is out for revenge. He’s been planning this since he was a child. His mother sacrificed her whole life to keep him safe from the world, to help him stay hidden, then he prepared himself for this one goal: to destroy the man who destroyed their family. He moves countries. He hides identities. He builds this life, and you think, Okay, something is about to go down. But guess what? It doesn’t. Nothing goes down. Dean does NOTHING. He forgets the plot entirely and just… makes friends. Gets laid. Cracks jokes. The mission, the entire point of this story, disappears like smoke. It’s insulting. It feels like the author just gave up halfway through and hoped we wouldn’t notice.BUT YOU KNOW WHAT ??? I noticed. I noticed every lazy choice. Every dropped thread. Every time the characters opened their mouths and made me cringe so hard I physically winced. They didn’t just make dislike this book — they made me resented it.
Let's talk about Dean........ OMFG ,Dean is, without exaggeration, one of the most hypocritical, contradiction-filled, personality-lacking characters I’ve had the displeasure of reading. He spends half the book "plotting" to betray, manipulate, and hurt his so-called " enemy"— the same person he claims to love and protect. And yet, every few pages, he has the audacity to spout lines like, “I could never hurt him,” or “He’s the last person I’d ever betray.” Like—are we reading the same book? That’s literally all you’ve been doing. I'm not stupid. He’s a walking paradox — empty words pouring out of a character who has absolutely no idea what he wants, who he is, or what kind of story he thinks he’s in. His decisions are impulsive, his actions contradict his EVERY statement, and his emotional maturity is nonexistent. He lies, manipulates, and sulks — and when he’s not doing that, he’s whining about how hard it is to maybe consider hurting the person he’s already in the middle of betraying. It’s infuriating. I’ve never wanted to reach into a book and slap a character this hard. Dean isn’t clever. He isn’t smart. He isn’t morally gray( as was mentioned)...He’s just an insufferable mess of BAD choices, shallow drama, and empty declarations. And if I had to read one more of his drawn-out dramatic inner monologues about how torn he is while doing absolutely nothing but lying and screwing around — I swear I would’ve set the book (and myself) on fire. He doesn't grow. He doesn't learn. He doesn't even try .He doesn’t progress, he doesn’t grow — he just spirals in circles, dragging the reader through his exhausting meltdown and calling it development. .BRO YOU ONLY WASTED MY TIME BUT AT WHAT COST??????
Tiernan???? No better. In fact, he was just a copy-paste of Dean. The same empty depth, the same immature logic, the same annoying contradictions. They’re both so painfully similar that I hated one and instantly hated the other. Their dynamic didn’t make any fucking sense. They weren’t enemies. They were horny. That’s it. From page one, it was lust. No build-up, no tension, no push and pull, no emotional foundation. It was just sex, sex, more sex, and then declarations of love that felt like satire. I don’t care how hot someone is — if your first conversation is about how you’re going to f*ck each other, that’s not enemies-to-lovers. That’s just lust with VERYYYYYYY bad writing.
And don’t even get me started on the dialogue. I wish I could scrub some of these lines from my brain. Cringy, juvenile, painfully unrealistic. Every interaction between them felt like I was reading a private Snapchat argument between two teenage boys — and I was just in the middle, pulling my crush out, wondering how the hell I ended up here. The characters acted like children, spoke like hormonal disaster teens, and somehow had even less self-awareness than any YA character I’ve read.ughhhhhh.
Now… the sex. Yes, I’ll admit it — some of it was hot. Briefly. Occasionally. But it got old fast. There was no emotional weight to any of it. Nothing between them changed, grew, or developed — it was just bodies in motion. It was porn without a purpose. I found myself skipping scenes, not because I’m a prude, but because I was so tired. Tired of the repetition. Tired of the shallowness. Tired of the book thinking I’d care about their physical connection when I felt absolutely nothing emotionally between them.
Oh — and ONE of my biggest issues: the threesome content. No warning. Not in the blurb. Not in the trigger list. Not anywhere. RIGHT RIGHY 🙄it wasn’t between the main characters — which somehow made it worse lol.No, seriously — if I wanted that shit, I’d go find it. I wouldn’t come here, hoping it’d be tossed into a story where it makes zero sense. It didn’t help. It didn’t elevate anything. It just ruined what was working. And I don’t care what that says about me — I’m allowed to have standards and say when something sucks.I didn’t pick up this book to read NEEDLESS threesome stuff between side characters who I already hated. And the author didn’t just mention it once — she mentioned it over and over again. With UNNECESSARY details. It made me uncomfortable, it pulled me out of the story (what story was even left?), and it flat-out pissed me off. I would have never picked up this ARC if I knew that was in it. Reader preferences matter, and I wasn’t respected here.LIKE AT ALL.
Every male character in this book was unbearable. Annoying. Useless. If they were real people, I would actively avoid being in the same room with them. Even the only female character, ash— the one person in this entire book who had any sense — literally said she’d rather date girls than deal with men like them. And you know what? I felt that. I would too. These men were so unlikable, so ridiculous, and so frustrating that it became physically exhausting to read about them.
And let me just pause to say how deeply disappointed I was in Dean — like, profoundly. This man was supposed to be fueled by vengeance, driven by a lifelong mission to destroy the monster who ruined his family. His whole life was supposedly leading up to this, and yet the moment he caught feelings for some random man he’s known for what? A few weeks? He just drops it. Like that. Throws everything away — his past, his rage, his mother’s sacrifice — and for what? For a guy who treated him like shit, didn’t trust him, That was his ride-or-die? Really?
And the way his boyfriend handled it all? Absolutely pathetic. Cringy beyond belief. There was zero emotional weight to any of their conflict — just immature back-and-forth, more drama, and then suddenly... forgiveness? After being betrayed? He kicks Dean out, acts cold and heartless, and the next thing you know, he’s at a party, he tracks Dean down, and they’re fucking again like nothing ever happened. No processing. No real confrontation. No growth. Just vibes and vibes and more bad decisions.ewwwwwww.
By that point, I genuinely didn’t know why I kept reading. I should have DNF’d when I felt the first stab of disappointment, but I held on. Foolishly. Hoping for something meaningful. And the book gave me nothing but cheap tension and shallow heat, like it was trying to distract me from how empty the actual story was.
And then… the end. Oh my god. What a fucking joke. The plot — what little was left of it — is shoved into 3-5 short, lazy chapters where everything magically resolves, and Dean suddenly remembers, “Wait, wasn’t I supposed to do something?” It’s a slap in the face. It felt like a first draft that got tired of itself and gave up.
And you know what? I was grateful. I was grateful it ended. That was my favorite part of the whole experience — closing that final page and knowing I never had to read about these characters again🥰🥰.
—>>An ARC was provided by The Author Agency in exchange for an honest review. All views are my own.
I thought I was signing up for revenge and romance. Turns out, I was the one being punished.🤡
♧ARC REVIEW♧ :
I don’t usually write reviews like this.I really don’t. But this book? This book dragged me to hell, handed me a shovel, and told me to dig my own grave and YES It earned every syllable of my rage.And what makes it worse is that it came from an author I once LOVEEED her work — someone I read for the fluff, the charm, the effortless sweetness. She gave me books that felt like warm hug and a soft blanket. But this? This was cold, empty, and reeked of something trying too hard to be edgy and failing miserably.
Let me start by saying that I went into this book with cautious excitement. I didn’t expect ✨️a masterpiece✨️. I knew it was her first time writing something darker, and I was open-minded — curious to see where she'd go. But not even my lowest expectations could’ve prepared me for the disaster that unfolded in front of me.
The premise promised revenge. Tension. Conflict. A slow, painful build toward betrayal and heartbreak. Instead, what I got was a hollow imitation of romance, filled with immature characters, porn-level pacing, and a plot that was barely alive — and then unceremoniously thrown in the trash.
Let’s talk about the plot — or ...the lack of it. The entire book is built on the idea that Dean is out for revenge. He’s been planning this since he was a child. His mother sacrificed her whole life to keep him safe from the world, to help him stay hidden, then he prepared himself for this one goal: to destroy the man who destroyed their family. He moves countries. He hides identities. He builds this life, and you think, Okay, something is about to go down. But guess what? It doesn’t. Nothing goes down. Dean does NOTHING. He forgets the plot entirely and just… makes friends. Gets laid. Cracks jokes. The mission, the entire point of this story, disappears like smoke. It’s insulting. It feels like the author just gave up halfway through and hoped we wouldn’t notice.BUT YOU KNOW WHAT ??? I noticed. I noticed every lazy choice. Every dropped thread. Every time the characters opened their mouths and made me cringe so hard I physically winced. They didn’t just make dislike this book — they made me resented it.
Let's talk about Dean........ OMFG ,Dean is, without exaggeration, one of the most hypocritical, contradiction-filled, personality-lacking characters I’ve had the displeasure of reading. He spends half the book "plotting" to betray, manipulate, and hurt his so-called " enemy"— the same person he claims to love and protect. And yet, every few pages, he has the audacity to spout lines like, “I could never hurt him,” or “He’s the last person I’d ever betray.” Like—are we reading the same book? That’s literally all you’ve been doing. I'm not stupid. He’s a walking paradox — empty words pouring out of a character who has absolutely no idea what he wants, who he is, or what kind of story he thinks he’s in. His decisions are impulsive, his actions contradict his EVERY statement, and his emotional maturity is nonexistent. He lies, manipulates, and sulks — and when he’s not doing that, he’s whining about how hard it is to maybe consider hurting the person he’s already in the middle of betraying. It’s infuriating. I’ve never wanted to reach into a book and slap a character this hard. Dean isn’t clever. He isn’t smart. He isn’t morally gray( as was mentioned)...He’s just an insufferable mess of BAD choices, shallow drama, and empty declarations. And if I had to read one more of his drawn-out dramatic inner monologues about how torn he is while doing absolutely nothing but lying and screwing around — I swear I would’ve set the book (and myself) on fire. He doesn't grow. He doesn't learn. He doesn't even try .He doesn’t progress, he doesn’t grow — he just spirals in circles, dragging the reader through his exhausting meltdown and calling it development. .BRO YOU ONLY WASTED MY TIME BUT AT WHAT COST??????
Tiernan???? No better. In fact, he was just a copy-paste of Dean. The same empty depth, the same immature logic, the same annoying contradictions. They’re both so painfully similar that I hated one and instantly hated the other. Their dynamic didn’t make any fucking sense. They weren’t enemies. They were horny. That’s it. From page one, it was lust. No build-up, no tension, no push and pull, no emotional foundation. It was just sex, sex, more sex, and then declarations of love that felt like satire. I don’t care how hot someone is — if your first conversation is about how you’re going to f*ck each other, that’s not enemies-to-lovers. That’s just lust with VERYYYYYYY bad writing.
And don’t even get me started on the dialogue. I wish I could scrub some of these lines from my brain. Cringy, juvenile, painfully unrealistic. Every interaction between them felt like I was reading a private Snapchat argument between two teenage boys — and I was just in the middle, pulling my crush out, wondering how the hell I ended up here. The characters acted like children, spoke like hormonal disaster teens, and somehow had even less self-awareness than any YA character I’ve read.ughhhhhh.
Now… the sex. Yes, I’ll admit it — some of it was hot. Briefly. Occasionally. But it got old fast. There was no emotional weight to any of it. Nothing between them changed, grew, or developed — it was just bodies in motion. It was porn without a purpose. I found myself skipping scenes, not because I’m a prude, but because I was so tired. Tired of the repetition. Tired of the shallowness. Tired of the book thinking I’d care about their physical connection when I felt absolutely nothing emotionally between them.
Oh — and ONE of my biggest issues: the threesome content. No warning. Not in the blurb. Not in the trigger list. Not anywhere. RIGHT RIGHY 🙄it wasn’t between the main characters — which somehow made it worse lol.No, seriously — if I wanted that shit, I’d go find it. I wouldn’t come here, hoping it’d be tossed into a story where it makes zero sense. It didn’t help. It didn’t elevate anything. It just ruined what was working. And I don’t care what that says about me — I’m allowed to have standards and say when something sucks.I didn’t pick up this book to read NEEDLESS threesome stuff between side characters who I already hated. And the author didn’t just mention it once — she mentioned it over and over again. With UNNECESSARY details. It made me uncomfortable, it pulled me out of the story (what story was even left?), and it flat-out pissed me off. I would have never picked up this ARC if I knew that was in it. Reader preferences matter, and I wasn’t respected here.LIKE AT ALL.
Every male character in this book was unbearable. Annoying. Useless. If they were real people, I would actively avoid being in the same room with them. Even the only female character, ash— the one person in this entire book who had any sense — literally said she’d rather date girls than deal with men like them. And you know what? I felt that. I would too. These men were so unlikable, so ridiculous, and so frustrating that it became physically exhausting to read about them.
And let me just pause to say how deeply disappointed I was in Dean — like, profoundly. This man was supposed to be fueled by vengeance, driven by a lifelong mission to destroy the monster who ruined his family. His whole life was supposedly leading up to this, and yet the moment he caught feelings for some random man he’s known for what? A few weeks? He just drops it. Like that. Throws everything away — his past, his rage, his mother’s sacrifice — and for what? For a guy who treated him like shit, didn’t trust him, That was his ride-or-die? Really?
And the way his boyfriend handled it all? Absolutely pathetic. Cringy beyond belief. There was zero emotional weight to any of their conflict — just immature back-and-forth, more drama, and then suddenly... forgiveness? After being betrayed? He kicks Dean out, acts cold and heartless, and the next thing you know, he’s at a party, he tracks Dean down, and they’re fucking again like nothing ever happened. No processing. No real confrontation. No growth. Just vibes and vibes and more bad decisions.ewwwwwww.
By that point, I genuinely didn’t know why I kept reading. I should have DNF’d when I felt the first stab of disappointment, but I held on. Foolishly. Hoping for something meaningful. And the book gave me nothing but cheap tension and shallow heat, like it was trying to distract me from how empty the actual story was.
And then… the end. Oh my god. What a fucking joke. The plot — what little was left of it — is shoved into 3-5 short, lazy chapters where everything magically resolves, and Dean suddenly remembers, “Wait, wasn’t I supposed to do something?” It’s a slap in the face. It felt like a first draft that got tired of itself and gave up.
And you know what? I was grateful. I was grateful it ended. That was my favorite part of the whole experience — closing that final page and knowing I never had to read about these characters again🥰🥰.
—>>An ARC was provided by The Author Agency in exchange for an honest review. All views are my own.
July 31, 2025
Exactly the kind of book that I LOVE to read. Were both MCs walking red flag parades? Absolutely, but I am a feral chaos gremlin for the whole possessive, marking, touch him and you will actually die vibe! This ticked every box for me, I hated having to put the book down to do actual life stuff, and I didn't want it to end. I'm normally not that keen on reading mafia romance where the MCs are still in their late teens or early twenties because they usually feel totally ridiculous, but this was so perfect - they acted their ages for once and everything had a plausible explanation rather than the typical 'we're mafia so there' approach.
Tiernan and Dean are like magnets, they just cannot stay away from each other and I was living for their back and forth before they finally admitted they wanted each other. The marking was like a compulsion for them, the jealousy was entertaining, and honestly I couldn't get enough of these two. I love how Tiernan slowly lets his walls down for Dean, I love how Dean is finally letting people into his life! I loved the drawings, I absolutely swooned at their reading.... I just love them as individuals and as a couple and I'm so intrigued to see what comes next for them.
The whole situation with Tiernan's dad was so dramatic and OTT and I was so ready for his comeuppance because he was just such a dick. I also love how the female side characters - Tiernan's mum and sister, and Dean's mum - were all strong women who were kind and loving, instead of the typical cold and harsh mafia wife and the precious mafia princess. I love Aislin and I would definitely read her story, whether it was FF or MF!
Cillian and Rory were really entertaining too and I can't wait to get to know more about them, as well as Dean's roommate Ollie. I hope he's more prominent in the next book because Dean needs friends!
*****
I received an ARC of this book from The Author Agency, and this is my honest review
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HRCYED2: BIPOC Authors / Challenge Yourself
Tiernan and Dean are like magnets, they just cannot stay away from each other and I was living for their back and forth before they finally admitted they wanted each other. The marking was like a compulsion for them, the jealousy was entertaining, and honestly I couldn't get enough of these two. I love how Tiernan slowly lets his walls down for Dean, I love how Dean is finally letting people into his life! I loved the drawings, I absolutely swooned at their reading.... I just love them as individuals and as a couple and I'm so intrigued to see what comes next for them.
The whole situation with Tiernan's dad was so dramatic and OTT and I was so ready for his comeuppance because he was just such a dick. I also love how the female side characters - Tiernan's mum and sister, and Dean's mum - were all strong women who were kind and loving, instead of the typical cold and harsh mafia wife and the precious mafia princess. I love Aislin and I would definitely read her story, whether it was FF or MF!
Cillian and Rory were really entertaining too and I can't wait to get to know more about them, as well as Dean's roommate Ollie. I hope he's more prominent in the next book because Dean needs friends!
*****
I received an ARC of this book from The Author Agency, and this is my honest review
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HRCYED2: BIPOC Authors / Challenge Yourself
August 9, 2025
Wow.... I could not get enough of Dean and Tiernan's intense story. They are both huge grumps who love fiercely and have so many walls to protect themselves. These two are forcibly drawn to one another, and both know it is a recipe for disaster. Their intense connection with one another creates a fantastic dynamic that I couldn't get enough of.
Another winning element of this story is the premise, which is dark and forboding; the setting and the found family elements all make for a fascinating story that I needed to see how everything turned out. Knowing this was a life-or-death situation created intrigue and curiosity.
Overall, I could not get enough of these two and cannot wait to see what happens for future entries. Tiernan and Dean are a one-of-a-kind couple, and their story is incredibly captivating and intense.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Another winning element of this story is the premise, which is dark and forboding; the setting and the found family elements all make for a fascinating story that I needed to see how everything turned out. Knowing this was a life-or-death situation created intrigue and curiosity.
Overall, I could not get enough of these two and cannot wait to see what happens for future entries. Tiernan and Dean are a one-of-a-kind couple, and their story is incredibly captivating and intense.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
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August 18, 2025
i really enjoyed this!! i've read a bunch of riley hart books at this point and, correct me if i'm wrong but, i think this is her first book that leans towards the darker side? or at least compared to her usual books bc this wasn't that dark to me, even if some themes are dark. anyways, i liked the mcs and their dynamic. i do think i was more invested in the book but, overall, this was pretty fun! 🥹
not sure if i'm but we'll seee 🥲
not sure if i'm but we'll seee 🥲
August 27, 2025
4.5 ⭐ / If there’s one thing Riley Hart will always do, it’s write an addictive story. For her first foray into dark romance, she absolutely nails the tone and characters while still managing to tug at your heartstrings.
The prologue is a little strange and the writing can feel repetitive at times, but the strength of the story and characters carries you through to a truly satisfying ending. It’s wild to see that Riley Hart can take on any genre and make it work and this book is proof she can do it brilliantly.
The prologue is a little strange and the writing can feel repetitive at times, but the strength of the story and characters carries you through to a truly satisfying ending. It’s wild to see that Riley Hart can take on any genre and make it work and this book is proof she can do it brilliantly.
August 14, 2025
"This isn't love, but it is a base need. He is desire and passion and all these things I never knew could make your blood rush faster and your nerve endings spark."
Bittersweet Revenge marks a move by Riley Hart into a darker-themed romance series and I AM TOTALLY HERE FOR IT! Bittersweet Revenge is book 1 in her Sins of the Father series and this was Dean and Tiernan's story.
What To Expect:
🖤MM dark romance
🖤Mafia violence
🖤Revenge
🖤Enemies to lovers
🖤Possessive and obsessive MCs
🖤Marking
🖤"Mine"
🖤Secret identity
🖤Morally grey MCs
🖤Touch him and 💀
🖤Found family
🖤Forced proximity
🖤First times
🖤All the steam
🖤Great side characters
🖤HEA (no redemption arc)
Loved it!
Bittersweet Revenge marks a move by Riley Hart into a darker-themed romance series and I AM TOTALLY HERE FOR IT! Bittersweet Revenge is book 1 in her Sins of the Father series and this was Dean and Tiernan's story.
What To Expect:
🖤MM dark romance
🖤Mafia violence
🖤Revenge
🖤Enemies to lovers
🖤Possessive and obsessive MCs
🖤Marking
🖤"Mine"
🖤Secret identity
🖤Morally grey MCs
🖤Touch him and 💀
🖤Found family
🖤Forced proximity
🖤First times
🖤All the steam
🖤Great side characters
🖤HEA (no redemption arc)
Loved it!
August 5, 2025
Absolutely obsessed with this series already this is only book one. This one had me completely hooked right from the first page and I seriously couldn’t put it down. I loved Dean and Tiernan’s story so much, I will definitely be rereading this one soon. If you like obsessive and possessive morally gray characters, with touch him and ☠️ vibes I highly recommend reading this one.
August 15, 2025
MARKING. CLAIMING. OBSESSING. YES FEED ME. GIMMEMOREEEEE💅💅💅
“Don’t shower tonight or tomorrow. I want you to smell like me all day.”
this is sooo not what I was expecting picking up a Riley hart book but I’m not disappointed. I’ll have to be extremely and painfully honest with you guys. The plots not all that great, in fact it’s borderline pissing of that the whole revenge arc of deans story just completely vanishes after he meets the gang, especially since we’re so aware of him plotting his revenge on Tiernan’s dad since his childhood.
BUT, the only shit I care about are the characters and they were soo down bad feral for each other , it was easy to ignore all other plot holes. Probably not something everyone can do, but I certainly can ✨✨I’m also a huge sucker for an overprotective friend group so yeah this was a win for me!!
I’m just here wondering if i would prefer cillian and Rory to have two different books or would I rather have them be together???? rh is gonna surprise me with that one especially since Ollie is now in the picture iykyk ;)
“Don’t shower tonight or tomorrow. I want you to smell like me all day.”
this is sooo not what I was expecting picking up a Riley hart book but I’m not disappointed. I’ll have to be extremely and painfully honest with you guys. The plots not all that great, in fact it’s borderline pissing of that the whole revenge arc of deans story just completely vanishes after he meets the gang, especially since we’re so aware of him plotting his revenge on Tiernan’s dad since his childhood.
BUT, the only shit I care about are the characters and they were soo down bad feral for each other , it was easy to ignore all other plot holes. Probably not something everyone can do, but I certainly can ✨✨I’m also a huge sucker for an overprotective friend group so yeah this was a win for me!!
I’m just here wondering if i would prefer cillian and Rory to have two different books or would I rather have them be together???? rh is gonna surprise me with that one especially since Ollie is now in the picture iykyk ;)
May 31, 2025
You all are NOT ready for this😩
August 9, 2025
Bittersweet Revenge is book one in the Sins Of The Father series. This MM dark romance story is about Tiernan and Dean.
Dean was only four years old when Sloan O’Shea killed his father. He went on the run with his mom, spending years hiding. Now entering Ashford University as a freshman, Dean’s plan is to get close to Tiernan, Sloan’s son. He will do whatever it takes to get revenge on Sloan.
Tiernan is going into his sophomore year at Ashford University, where his younger sister Aislin will also be attending as a freshman. Tiernan is fiercely loyal to Aislin as well as his cousin/best friend Cillian and his other best friend Rory. Tiernan’s father Sloan is the boss of one of the deadliest crime organizations, and has always had complete control over him.
When Dean first meets Tiernan, he talks and treats him like no one else ever has, and although it gets to Tiernan, it also intrigues him. It was fun to see them go at each other’s throats and see how they just could not keep away from each other. Tiernan and Dean were so incredibly hot together. I loved how obsessed they were with one another. I just ate up their possessiveness and how they constantly would mark each other. Tiernan and Dean have this intense connection, and I loved seeing them fall for each other.
This story had me so invested and I didn’t want to put it down. Dean didn’t expect to see a side of Tiernan that he doesn’t show anyone else. I loved seeing them both slowly let each other in. But it was tough when Dean was struggling, feeling like he was betraying his family, but also hating himself for betraying Tiernan. Dean had always been alone growing up, never getting close to anyone. He fit in with Tiernan and his crew, finally finding acceptance and connection.
I have to admit I was getting nervous because I didn’t know how it was all going to play out. It wasn’t what I had expected, but I was happy in the end. Never have I fallen so quickly for morally gray characters before, and I absolutely loved Tiernan and Dean. The rest of the side characters were great, especially Aislin, Cillian, Rory, and Dean’s roommate Ollie. What an incredible start to a new series, and I cannot wait for more.
I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
Dean was only four years old when Sloan O’Shea killed his father. He went on the run with his mom, spending years hiding. Now entering Ashford University as a freshman, Dean’s plan is to get close to Tiernan, Sloan’s son. He will do whatever it takes to get revenge on Sloan.
Tiernan is going into his sophomore year at Ashford University, where his younger sister Aislin will also be attending as a freshman. Tiernan is fiercely loyal to Aislin as well as his cousin/best friend Cillian and his other best friend Rory. Tiernan’s father Sloan is the boss of one of the deadliest crime organizations, and has always had complete control over him.
When Dean first meets Tiernan, he talks and treats him like no one else ever has, and although it gets to Tiernan, it also intrigues him. It was fun to see them go at each other’s throats and see how they just could not keep away from each other. Tiernan and Dean were so incredibly hot together. I loved how obsessed they were with one another. I just ate up their possessiveness and how they constantly would mark each other. Tiernan and Dean have this intense connection, and I loved seeing them fall for each other.
This story had me so invested and I didn’t want to put it down. Dean didn’t expect to see a side of Tiernan that he doesn’t show anyone else. I loved seeing them both slowly let each other in. But it was tough when Dean was struggling, feeling like he was betraying his family, but also hating himself for betraying Tiernan. Dean had always been alone growing up, never getting close to anyone. He fit in with Tiernan and his crew, finally finding acceptance and connection.
I have to admit I was getting nervous because I didn’t know how it was all going to play out. It wasn’t what I had expected, but I was happy in the end. Never have I fallen so quickly for morally gray characters before, and I absolutely loved Tiernan and Dean. The rest of the side characters were great, especially Aislin, Cillian, Rory, and Dean’s roommate Ollie. What an incredible start to a new series, and I cannot wait for more.
I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
August 22, 2025
This was a passionate engaging book. Revenge plots always are. We just have to always remember the ages here (18-19) and these are not free people by any means. They are barely grown and held in the clutches of a very bad man in very deadly situations. Also, this is romance, so the plot will always surround and be driven by the relationship.
Starting out a revenge plot with a brutal, highly emotional prologue sets the bar pretty high. Expectations are massive for what's to come.
At 25% So far so good. Dean and Tiernan are equally matched in stubborness and strength.
Both our MC's have the exact same character. They see themselves in each other. Both power driven and angry.
The revenge scheme evolves from killing his father's murderer to the ultimate revenge of making Tiernan become his own murderer. As the story progresses Dean is prepared to forfeit his life.
The constant references to the book The Count of Monte Cristo, one of the best revenge stories ever, are used to keep reminding us that Dean is always working towards his revenge.
*Side note, I keep having to remind myself this is the first book of a series. It's setting the stage for other stories, so everyone mentioned is important. (i. e. Ollie will probably have a great story? With Cillian maybe?🤞)
As hot as they get with each other they never escape their teen selves so their banter is on such a high school level it's almost funny if it didn't have me rolling my eyes.
A little psychological deconstruction. Dean was very young when his father got murdered. Since then his life has been on a one way path for revenge alone leaving him gaps, growing up without friends and condfidents left him needy and vulnerable for belonging. So when he got in with Tiernan's crowd and Aislin's friendship, he was ripe to fall in with them, not to mention his falling for Tiernan. They are so alike, it's heading for the perfect tragedy.
At the same time, their passion is off the charts.🔥💥
As the plot thickens Dean realizes his initial hatred towards them was misplaced and only should have been directed at Tiernan's father.
Not one to spoil, I understand all the reasons the author wrote the outcome as she wrote it. I suppose it was the best that could happen for everyone involved. Not everyone is Edmond Dantès.
Also, YAAAAYYYY book two is Ollie and Cillian🥳
Called it!!!🔊📣📢😁
Starting out a revenge plot with a brutal, highly emotional prologue sets the bar pretty high. Expectations are massive for what's to come.
At 25% So far so good. Dean and Tiernan are equally matched in stubborness and strength.
Both our MC's have the exact same character. They see themselves in each other. Both power driven and angry.
The revenge scheme evolves from killing his father's murderer to the ultimate revenge of making Tiernan become his own murderer. As the story progresses Dean is prepared to forfeit his life.
The constant references to the book The Count of Monte Cristo, one of the best revenge stories ever, are used to keep reminding us that Dean is always working towards his revenge.
*Side note, I keep having to remind myself this is the first book of a series. It's setting the stage for other stories, so everyone mentioned is important. (i. e. Ollie will probably have a great story? With Cillian maybe?🤞)
As hot as they get with each other they never escape their teen selves so their banter is on such a high school level it's almost funny if it didn't have me rolling my eyes.
A little psychological deconstruction. Dean was very young when his father got murdered. Since then his life has been on a one way path for revenge alone leaving him gaps, growing up without friends and condfidents left him needy and vulnerable for belonging. So when he got in with Tiernan's crowd and Aislin's friendship, he was ripe to fall in with them, not to mention his falling for Tiernan. They are so alike, it's heading for the perfect tragedy.
At the same time, their passion is off the charts.🔥💥
As the plot thickens Dean realizes his initial hatred towards them was misplaced and only should have been directed at Tiernan's father.
Not one to spoil, I understand all the reasons the author wrote the outcome as she wrote it. I suppose it was the best that could happen for everyone involved. Not everyone is Edmond Dantès.
Also, YAAAAYYYY book two is Ollie and Cillian🥳
Called it!!!🔊📣📢😁
August 4, 2025
I loved these two boys so much. This story was everything I needed it to be. The angst and banter was top tier and I’m already feeling way too attached to this groups of friends.
Tiernan & Dean tore and every one of my heartstrings, they were so perfect together. I love a secret identity done right and this was just that. Spice was insane and the chemistry and intimacy was so tender and real. The I hate you because I shouldn’t type of romance. The I’m so obsessed with you and I know I shouldn’t be. The I wanna live in your skin type of infatuation is what they had and I ATE IT THE FÜCK UP. I’m depressed it’s over but I know we will see them in the other books.
I can wait for the rest of series. Nobody writes like Riley does and I’m so glad she decided to bless us with this project.
Tiernan & Dean tore and every one of my heartstrings, they were so perfect together. I love a secret identity done right and this was just that. Spice was insane and the chemistry and intimacy was so tender and real. The I hate you because I shouldn’t type of romance. The I’m so obsessed with you and I know I shouldn’t be. The I wanna live in your skin type of infatuation is what they had and I ATE IT THE FÜCK UP. I’m depressed it’s over but I know we will see them in the other books.
I can wait for the rest of series. Nobody writes like Riley does and I’m so glad she decided to bless us with this project.
August 13, 2025
The prologue had me hooked instantly! I like this darker romance path Riley’s on. It’s different from what she usually writes, which I’m all for because I’ll try anything once 😉 It’s not too dark cause ya girl does have triggers. It was just enough that I felt like I was a dark romance girly for a bit 😌
I was team Dean from the very beginning. It took me a sec to warm up to Tiernan, but I think it just added more to his character for me. These two had my heart racing with every encounter; neither of them can back down without a fight. The enemies to lovers push-pull was everything and made their dynamic so 🥵🤤, inside and outside the bedroom. I really hope Riley continues writing these darker romances because I was absolutely obsessed with these two!!
✨ Tropes ✨
Possessive MCs
Morally Grey
Enemies to Lovers
Secret Identity
Obsessive MCs
Vengeance to Lovers
Mafia
Thank you so much Riley for the ARC 💖
I was team Dean from the very beginning. It took me a sec to warm up to Tiernan, but I think it just added more to his character for me. These two had my heart racing with every encounter; neither of them can back down without a fight. The enemies to lovers push-pull was everything and made their dynamic so 🥵🤤, inside and outside the bedroom. I really hope Riley continues writing these darker romances because I was absolutely obsessed with these two!!
✨ Tropes ✨
Possessive MCs
Morally Grey
Enemies to Lovers
Secret Identity
Obsessive MCs
Vengeance to Lovers
Mafia
Thank you so much Riley for the ARC 💖
August 20, 2025
I really REALLY underestimated this book. In my defense, I've rarely had a good experience with Riley Hart's books, they were all mid at best so that's what this book was also gonna be. A meh read. But man, was i wrong af.
So the plot starts from Dean's dad getting shot by his best friend, Sloan O'Shea and Dean vowing to get his revenge and fleeing with his mom. Years later, he gets his ticket to Ashford university where his target is Tiernan O'Shea, the boss's son. Soon he befriends his sister that leads to his face to face with Tiernan. But both boys are intrigued by one another and soon develop a fierce obsession with each other that leads to Dean's plan of revenge in a ditch when they both fall for each other.
Okay so the plot was honestly meh-ish with all the revenge shit and all but what made me finish this book in one night was Dean and Tiernan's mutual obsession with each other. AAHHHH the tension and the colliding, trainwreck kinda feelings they had for each other? I WAS GAGGED!!! The possessiveness in their love? And the one-eighty from “I hate him and I need to kill him” to “You do what you have to do, and if you feel like there’s nothing left inside you, I’ll fill you up with me. The only real reason there’s a me is because of you.”? Fucking kill me!! If that's how Riley's going to write the next books in the series, i'm SAT
So the plot starts from Dean's dad getting shot by his best friend, Sloan O'Shea and Dean vowing to get his revenge and fleeing with his mom. Years later, he gets his ticket to Ashford university where his target is Tiernan O'Shea, the boss's son. Soon he befriends his sister that leads to his face to face with Tiernan. But both boys are intrigued by one another and soon develop a fierce obsession with each other that leads to Dean's plan of revenge in a ditch when they both fall for each other.
Okay so the plot was honestly meh-ish with all the revenge shit and all but what made me finish this book in one night was Dean and Tiernan's mutual obsession with each other. AAHHHH the tension and the colliding, trainwreck kinda feelings they had for each other? I WAS GAGGED!!! The possessiveness in their love? And the one-eighty from “I hate him and I need to kill him” to “You do what you have to do, and if you feel like there’s nothing left inside you, I’ll fill you up with me. The only real reason there’s a me is because of you.”? Fucking kill me!! If that's how Riley's going to write the next books in the series, i'm SAT
August 12, 2025
I’m so thrilled Riley is exploring her “darker side” ‘cause this book pushed all my buttons and I can fairly say, I devoured it!
Dean and Tieran are meant to be enemies since Tieran’s father did something unforgivable to his parents when Dean was barely a child. Now, a full grown up, he’s promised he will get his revenge one way or another.
Now, I don’t want to give much away, but you must know both Dean and Tieran are possessive of each other and whilst they fight and bicker a lot at first, we eventually see how they’re pulling each other’s strings in such an addictive way. They’ve an intense physical attraction which leads to a hot romance, despite Dean being reluctant to engage in a relationship due to his revenge on the o’Sheas –can we please give praise to Riley writing hot steamy scenes?
We also see an unexpected and peculiar found family, and Dean finally understands the meaning of being loyal to those you love and respect, no matter where they come from. I think my favorite part about the whole things was the crew’s interaction and how fond and protective they were of each other. I loved how strong Ash was portrayed and how they ultimately dealt with a crime –and the moral consequences of it all.
I loved Dean and Tieran’s quirks, the nicknames, their shared love for books and how no one saw themselves as victims, but as people who needed to get things done. Yes, this book contains darker themes but I think Riley knew to make these characters feel real and she never sugar coated the situations they were going through.
Like I said in the beginning, I devoured it and I’m excited to read more of these works with a not-so-sweet lens. I’m sure I’ll love her upcoming books in the series. Absolutely recommend it!
Dean and Tieran are meant to be enemies since Tieran’s father did something unforgivable to his parents when Dean was barely a child. Now, a full grown up, he’s promised he will get his revenge one way or another.
Now, I don’t want to give much away, but you must know both Dean and Tieran are possessive of each other and whilst they fight and bicker a lot at first, we eventually see how they’re pulling each other’s strings in such an addictive way. They’ve an intense physical attraction which leads to a hot romance, despite Dean being reluctant to engage in a relationship due to his revenge on the o’Sheas –can we please give praise to Riley writing hot steamy scenes?
We also see an unexpected and peculiar found family, and Dean finally understands the meaning of being loyal to those you love and respect, no matter where they come from. I think my favorite part about the whole things was the crew’s interaction and how fond and protective they were of each other. I loved how strong Ash was portrayed and how they ultimately dealt with a crime –and the moral consequences of it all.
I loved Dean and Tieran’s quirks, the nicknames, their shared love for books and how no one saw themselves as victims, but as people who needed to get things done. Yes, this book contains darker themes but I think Riley knew to make these characters feel real and she never sugar coated the situations they were going through.
Like I said in the beginning, I devoured it and I’m excited to read more of these works with a not-so-sweet lens. I’m sure I’ll love her upcoming books in the series. Absolutely recommend it!
dnf
August 14, 2025DNF. I loved the premise and could see the potential in it. But I'm not feeling it. It's slow and the back and forth is doing my head in. It doesn't feel particularly angsty or dark either, but as I gave up quite early maybe I missed it.
I used to love this author but now it's 50/50 whether I like it enough to give it a 3* rating or DNF. Frustrating because I have seen what this author can write in the past but their latest books are not really doing it for me anymore. This is not on the author but on me, as I may have outgrown them. But like a moth attracted to the flame, I can't seem to stop trying again and again to see if I can bring the lost spark back, which pretty much guarantees that I will read their next book. And the next. Go figure!
I used to love this author but now it's 50/50 whether I like it enough to give it a 3* rating or DNF. Frustrating because I have seen what this author can write in the past but their latest books are not really doing it for me anymore. This is not on the author but on me, as I may have outgrown them. But like a moth attracted to the flame, I can't seem to stop trying again and again to see if I can bring the lost spark back, which pretty much guarantees that I will read their next book. And the next. Go figure!
August 12, 2025
Rating: 4
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: dark romance, MM
Tropes / tags: hate to love, banter, mafia
I love that Riley Hart is back to writing darker, angstier stories and Bittersweet Revenge was beautifully executed!
Dean and Tiernan just couldn't stay away from each other, and I loved their chemistry and the insane push and pull between them! As much as they didn't want to admit it, their romance was very much a case of too much alike. It was fun to see them connect and all the similarities they shared, even if they both tried to fight it at first. I loved how they kept marking and claiming each other, and it was sweet to see their confusion about the possessiveness and jealousy they both felt.
While I thought that this would be a little bit darker with more mafia tie-ins, I didn't mind the route that Dean and Tiernan's story took instead. Dean was adamant of getting his revenge at the beginning, but after getting close to Tiernan and his group, he couldn't really help but get attached. Dean had been isolated for a long time, so to find connections, even if it was to the last people he should connect with? I thought it was fitting considering their age and what they'd been through.
Bittersweet Revenge was an entertaining read, and the chemistry between Dean and Tiernan was addictive! There were a lot of interesting side characters introduced as well, and I can't wait to see more of them. If you enjoy darkish romances, with hate to love and some serious touch him and die vibes - this should be on your TBR!
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I received an advanced copy of this book, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: dark romance, MM
Tropes / tags: hate to love, banter, mafia
I love that Riley Hart is back to writing darker, angstier stories and Bittersweet Revenge was beautifully executed!
Dean and Tiernan just couldn't stay away from each other, and I loved their chemistry and the insane push and pull between them! As much as they didn't want to admit it, their romance was very much a case of too much alike. It was fun to see them connect and all the similarities they shared, even if they both tried to fight it at first. I loved how they kept marking and claiming each other, and it was sweet to see their confusion about the possessiveness and jealousy they both felt.
While I thought that this would be a little bit darker with more mafia tie-ins, I didn't mind the route that Dean and Tiernan's story took instead. Dean was adamant of getting his revenge at the beginning, but after getting close to Tiernan and his group, he couldn't really help but get attached. Dean had been isolated for a long time, so to find connections, even if it was to the last people he should connect with? I thought it was fitting considering their age and what they'd been through.
Bittersweet Revenge was an entertaining read, and the chemistry between Dean and Tiernan was addictive! There were a lot of interesting side characters introduced as well, and I can't wait to see more of them. If you enjoy darkish romances, with hate to love and some serious touch him and die vibes - this should be on your TBR!
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I received an advanced copy of this book, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
August 5, 2025
Okay so I didn't expect this books to hit me right in the feels but it did? 😭
This book is darker than this author usually writes. I personally loved it so much 🩶
Dean has a tortured past. He has a sole purpose, and he is very determined to do what he set in his mind. Tiernan is the son of a very powerful, very dangerous man, although his relationship to his dad isn't a very good one.
When Tiernan first meets Dean, he is immediately drawn to him. When they recognize their strong chemistry, things get complicated.
Like I said, this book made me more emotional than I was expecting and I love these MCs so much? ❣️
These two really are the perfect example for how live sometimes works, you set yourself a goal and things change more than you could have ever imagine.
I cannot wait for the next book.
This book is darker than this author usually writes. I personally loved it so much 🩶
Dean has a tortured past. He has a sole purpose, and he is very determined to do what he set in his mind. Tiernan is the son of a very powerful, very dangerous man, although his relationship to his dad isn't a very good one.
When Tiernan first meets Dean, he is immediately drawn to him. When they recognize their strong chemistry, things get complicated.
Like I said, this book made me more emotional than I was expecting and I love these MCs so much? ❣️
These two really are the perfect example for how live sometimes works, you set yourself a goal and things change more than you could have ever imagine.
I cannot wait for the next book.
dnf
August 24, 2025DNF @ 20%
A tym razem byłam ostrożniejsza i przeczytałam darmowy fragment zanim kupiłam książkę. Niestety, nie zaufałam instynktowi i postanowiłam dać jej szansę. I nie, nie była to książka dla mnie. Naprawdę nie wiem, po co autorzy zabierają się za motyw "enemies-to-lovers" (znaczy wiem - dla pieniędzy), jeśli nie potrafią tego dobrze napisać?
Plus wiem, że w natłoku książek można zapomnieć o czym się czyta, ale bez przesady. Chyba nie jesteśmy tak rozkojarzeni, żeby zapomnieć, co było kilka stron wcześniej i ciągle powtarzać to samo?
A tym razem byłam ostrożniejsza i przeczytałam darmowy fragment zanim kupiłam książkę. Niestety, nie zaufałam instynktowi i postanowiłam dać jej szansę. I nie, nie była to książka dla mnie. Naprawdę nie wiem, po co autorzy zabierają się za motyw "enemies-to-lovers" (znaczy wiem - dla pieniędzy), jeśli nie potrafią tego dobrze napisać?
Plus wiem, że w natłoku książek można zapomnieć o czym się czyta, ale bez przesady. Chyba nie jesteśmy tak rozkojarzeni, żeby zapomnieć, co było kilka stron wcześniej i ciągle powtarzać to samo?
September 4, 2025
2.5 stars ⭐️
This is so cheesy that I almost wanted to dnf by the latter part of the book. It’s nothing like a darker love-hate relationship, but it had potential nevertheless. I don’t like Dean at all. When he started going on about Tiernan being so handsome blah, blah, I knew this was going to be a total disaster.
This is so cheesy that I almost wanted to dnf by the latter part of the book. It’s nothing like a darker love-hate relationship, but it had potential nevertheless. I don’t like Dean at all. When he started going on about Tiernan being so handsome blah, blah, I knew this was going to be a total disaster.
August 13, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! Dean and Tiernan were perfect for each other and the spice was epic! Love the tension between them and the marking was super hot! Love it being a little dark and intense at times. I definitely recommend and can’t wait for the next one!
August 15, 2025
2.5🌟
I want to thank this book for teaching me to never trust a revenge trope again, because wtf? I should’ve known things would go wrong the moment Dean saw Tiernan and started talking about how handsome he was. Sure, Tiernan’s mum said Dean’s mum would’ve supported her son no matter what but what did Dean actually do before we ended up here?
His dad was murdered in front of him, his mum sacrificed everything to keep him alive, then she died. So Dean decides on revenge only for that revenge to magically turn into sex, because that’s all they did. Honestly, I wish this book was shorter. Some scenes were hot, yes, but they were so repetitive that by the end I was rolling my eyes and crying out of boredom 😭😭.
Dean never even went to anger management his rage was reserved for Cil. Every little thing, he’s throwing hands except for the one person he should have thrown hands at. Gun in hand, ready to shoot, and suddenly his hands are shaking? I get that he fell in love, but the revenge plot got so lost that whenever Dean had his little monologue about how his parents would be disappointed, I wanted to climb into my phone and slap him.
And Tiernan? After all the noise about how betrayal is a deal-breaker, he tells Dean to get out and then two days later he’s sleeping with him again, acting like the betrayal never happened. This is the same Tiernan who heard Dean’s story and was ready to hunt down his dad’s killer, only to flip when he finds out it is his dad. Make it make sense.
When the group found out, they rushed to blame Dean for betraying family. Last I checked, he was minding his business until Ash dragged him into the group. But sure, let’s pretend his betrayal was bigger than the fact he was literally a kid when his dad was murdered.
Ash saying she’d rather date girls than men like them? 100% agreed. The nonsense and ingredients these people were cooking had me rolling my eyes every time Dean called Tiernan A Man.. Even the so called dangerous secret Tiernan was hiding from his dad apparently worth killing over was never actually revealed.
Honestly, I was rooting for Cil to beat Dean into remembering his revenge plan. Let’s just say my stars are for the ending, because the rest miss me with that mess. Which is sad, because I wanted to love this especially after my friend made such a gorgeous aesthetic for it.
I want to thank this book for teaching me to never trust a revenge trope again, because wtf? I should’ve known things would go wrong the moment Dean saw Tiernan and started talking about how handsome he was. Sure, Tiernan’s mum said Dean’s mum would’ve supported her son no matter what but what did Dean actually do before we ended up here?
His dad was murdered in front of him, his mum sacrificed everything to keep him alive, then she died. So Dean decides on revenge only for that revenge to magically turn into sex, because that’s all they did. Honestly, I wish this book was shorter. Some scenes were hot, yes, but they were so repetitive that by the end I was rolling my eyes and crying out of boredom 😭😭.
Dean never even went to anger management his rage was reserved for Cil. Every little thing, he’s throwing hands except for the one person he should have thrown hands at. Gun in hand, ready to shoot, and suddenly his hands are shaking? I get that he fell in love, but the revenge plot got so lost that whenever Dean had his little monologue about how his parents would be disappointed, I wanted to climb into my phone and slap him.
And Tiernan? After all the noise about how betrayal is a deal-breaker, he tells Dean to get out and then two days later he’s sleeping with him again, acting like the betrayal never happened. This is the same Tiernan who heard Dean’s story and was ready to hunt down his dad’s killer, only to flip when he finds out it is his dad. Make it make sense.
When the group found out, they rushed to blame Dean for betraying family. Last I checked, he was minding his business until Ash dragged him into the group. But sure, let’s pretend his betrayal was bigger than the fact he was literally a kid when his dad was murdered.
Ash saying she’d rather date girls than men like them? 100% agreed. The nonsense and ingredients these people were cooking had me rolling my eyes every time Dean called Tiernan A Man.. Even the so called dangerous secret Tiernan was hiding from his dad apparently worth killing over was never actually revealed.
Honestly, I was rooting for Cil to beat Dean into remembering his revenge plan. Let’s just say my stars are for the ending, because the rest miss me with that mess. Which is sad, because I wanted to love this especially after my friend made such a gorgeous aesthetic for it.
August 13, 2025
Bittersweet Revenge ARC Review:
Tiernan and Dean ❤️🥀
Getting close to Tiernan is supposed to only be about getting revenge for the death of his father at the hands of Tiernan’s, yet it proves to be much more complicated as getting to know Tiernan has Dean falling for him. He knows this isn’t going to work out in his favor, but that doesn’t stop Dean from treasuring their time together.
I loved Tiernan and Dean more and more as the story went on. While they do change while they fall in love, that doesn’t mean these guys lose who they are. In fact, I would say they find more than either thought possible within each other. With Tiernan’s father being the ruthless and unforgiving head of the crime family, they have so much to deal with between how he asserts his control and with the secrets Dean knows he can't keep quiet from Tiernan forever eating away at him inside the deeper they bond. These two were messy and caused me quite a bit of fear, but I am so happy with how things turned out for them and their loved ones.
The people who have Tiernan’s and eventually Dean’s backs are incredible, I loved them all so much! This is a found family I am thrilled about seeing more from! Bittersweet Revenge starts this group’s journey off perfectly and I cannot wait to see how the next book goes!
5/5 🌟
Tiernan and Dean ❤️🥀
Getting close to Tiernan is supposed to only be about getting revenge for the death of his father at the hands of Tiernan’s, yet it proves to be much more complicated as getting to know Tiernan has Dean falling for him. He knows this isn’t going to work out in his favor, but that doesn’t stop Dean from treasuring their time together.
I loved Tiernan and Dean more and more as the story went on. While they do change while they fall in love, that doesn’t mean these guys lose who they are. In fact, I would say they find more than either thought possible within each other. With Tiernan’s father being the ruthless and unforgiving head of the crime family, they have so much to deal with between how he asserts his control and with the secrets Dean knows he can't keep quiet from Tiernan forever eating away at him inside the deeper they bond. These two were messy and caused me quite a bit of fear, but I am so happy with how things turned out for them and their loved ones.
The people who have Tiernan’s and eventually Dean’s backs are incredible, I loved them all so much! This is a found family I am thrilled about seeing more from! Bittersweet Revenge starts this group’s journey off perfectly and I cannot wait to see how the next book goes!
5/5 🌟
August 19, 2025
5 stars
I was a little bit wary about this book because when you have morally grey characters, there's always the risk to romanticise the wrong things.
But, honestly, is there something Riley Hart can't master?
The atmosphere of this book is very clear since the prologue: the reader is immediately hit by a very hard scene and by the awareness of the pain, hurt and sadness that revolved around Dean since he was just a little child and that accompanied him through all his life.
So, even if we know that unaliving people is not something that can be condoned, it's almost impossible to not sympathise with his desire of revenge.
What I loved the most about this story is the internal turmoil that both characters were having, like they were both being torn in two different directions, one that pulled them toward each other, the other that was keeping them apart.
When they met, Dean was a young man with one purpose to reach, and he was ready to die for it because his own life didn't matter to him, since he already lost the only two people who loved. But being attracted to Tiernan, it shatters him with the wrongness of it. Dean is put in front of the impossible choice of betraying his parents' memory or surrendering to the love he and Tiernan feel for each other.
Tiernan has been put on the path of criminality since he was born and he's been good at it: he likes the power and he came to terms with getting his hands bloody to have it. He's used to be respected and to frighten people, and when he meets Dean, he can't avoid to be drawn to a man who doesn't seem to care about how dangerous is to cross him.
I really like that the author never made Tiernan a complete victim of his own father's scheme: yes, Sloan pushed him to murder people, he put him on charge of selling drugs and he constantly blackmailed him by threatening his mother and his sister, but Tiernan also makes his own bad choices. He's not a hero and all his flaws are perfectly clear.
I adored the development of the feelings that overwhelmed them: from lust and attraction to possessiveness to love.
The story has a permanent tension about them falling for one another and the fear of what will happen when Dean's true identity will be revealed. And I loved so much how the author chose to handle that.
The side characters are awesome (but still so very much grey): Cillian, Rory and Aislin are Tiernan's family, his ride or die, and I loved that they became important and supportive of Dean too.
I'm very much fond of Ollie: his thoughtfulness and carefulness of Dean were unexpected but very genuine. Is it wrong for me to hope in a MMM story with him, Cillian and Rory?
Anyway, I'm very happy I had the opportunity to read this book and I definitely recommend it (but read the TWs first).
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
I was a little bit wary about this book because when you have morally grey characters, there's always the risk to romanticise the wrong things.
But, honestly, is there something Riley Hart can't master?
The atmosphere of this book is very clear since the prologue: the reader is immediately hit by a very hard scene and by the awareness of the pain, hurt and sadness that revolved around Dean since he was just a little child and that accompanied him through all his life.
So, even if we know that unaliving people is not something that can be condoned, it's almost impossible to not sympathise with his desire of revenge.
What I loved the most about this story is the internal turmoil that both characters were having, like they were both being torn in two different directions, one that pulled them toward each other, the other that was keeping them apart.
When they met, Dean was a young man with one purpose to reach, and he was ready to die for it because his own life didn't matter to him, since he already lost the only two people who loved. But being attracted to Tiernan, it shatters him with the wrongness of it. Dean is put in front of the impossible choice of betraying his parents' memory or surrendering to the love he and Tiernan feel for each other.
Tiernan has been put on the path of criminality since he was born and he's been good at it: he likes the power and he came to terms with getting his hands bloody to have it. He's used to be respected and to frighten people, and when he meets Dean, he can't avoid to be drawn to a man who doesn't seem to care about how dangerous is to cross him.
I really like that the author never made Tiernan a complete victim of his own father's scheme: yes, Sloan pushed him to murder people, he put him on charge of selling drugs and he constantly blackmailed him by threatening his mother and his sister, but Tiernan also makes his own bad choices. He's not a hero and all his flaws are perfectly clear.
I adored the development of the feelings that overwhelmed them: from lust and attraction to possessiveness to love.
The story has a permanent tension about them falling for one another and the fear of what will happen when Dean's true identity will be revealed. And I loved so much how the author chose to handle that.
The side characters are awesome (but still so very much grey): Cillian, Rory and Aislin are Tiernan's family, his ride or die, and I loved that they became important and supportive of Dean too.
I'm very much fond of Ollie: his thoughtfulness and carefulness of Dean were unexpected but very genuine. Is it wrong for me to hope in a MMM story with him, Cillian and Rory?
Anyway, I'm very happy I had the opportunity to read this book and I definitely recommend it (but read the TWs first).
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
August 8, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ARC Review
I went in craving morally gray MCs, and Bittersweet Revenge fed me violence, desire, and danger like it was a five-course meal.
Dean (Riordan) has lived for one thing revenge. At just four years old, he watched Sloan O’Shea, once his father’s friend, pull the trigger that ended his world. Hiding, running, and growing up in isolation forged him into someone cold, calculated, and ruthless. Now, years later at Ashford University, his plan is simple: get close to Sloan’s son, Tiernan… then get blood on his hands.
But nothing about Tiernan is simple. He’s volatile, magnetic, and every bit as dangerous as Dean. Their chemistry? A mix of gasoline and fire one spark and everything burns. Dean also didn’t plan on Aislin, Tiernan’s sister, slipping past his defenses and showing him a softer kind of connection. The web tangles, the stakes rise, and when Dean’s secrets finally rip into the open, the fallout is deliciously brutal.
Possessive men who only go soft for their person? Check. Explosive attraction? Double check. Violence, loyalty, steam, and love born in the ashes of hate? This book is exactly the kind of romance I lose sleep over.
Releases: 8.13.25
ARC Review
I went in craving morally gray MCs, and Bittersweet Revenge fed me violence, desire, and danger like it was a five-course meal.
Dean (Riordan) has lived for one thing revenge. At just four years old, he watched Sloan O’Shea, once his father’s friend, pull the trigger that ended his world. Hiding, running, and growing up in isolation forged him into someone cold, calculated, and ruthless. Now, years later at Ashford University, his plan is simple: get close to Sloan’s son, Tiernan… then get blood on his hands.
But nothing about Tiernan is simple. He’s volatile, magnetic, and every bit as dangerous as Dean. Their chemistry? A mix of gasoline and fire one spark and everything burns. Dean also didn’t plan on Aislin, Tiernan’s sister, slipping past his defenses and showing him a softer kind of connection. The web tangles, the stakes rise, and when Dean’s secrets finally rip into the open, the fallout is deliciously brutal.
Possessive men who only go soft for their person? Check. Explosive attraction? Double check. Violence, loyalty, steam, and love born in the ashes of hate? This book is exactly the kind of romance I lose sleep over.
Releases: 8.13.25
August 23, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ 3 🌶️
My first Riley Hart Dark-ish romance and I hope Riley keeps them coming. Tiernan and Dean are both cocky a-holes but they love that about each other 😂.
I love how it ended but wish we had gotten maybe an extra chapter to see the way Dean handled being questioned/proved his loyalty to head honcho.
My first Riley Hart Dark-ish romance and I hope Riley keeps them coming. Tiernan and Dean are both cocky a-holes but they love that about each other 😂.
I love how it ended but wish we had gotten maybe an extra chapter to see the way Dean handled being questioned/proved his loyalty to head honcho.
August 28, 2025
I would have loved to love this but unfortunately it kept getting worse and worse.
a looot of telling and not showing. like fact that the ML is good with computer. but he only uses his skills once.
the whole plot is questionable and not realistic by any means.
the first part is better than the second one I will say. it was still a nice read but not really well written
a looot of telling and not showing. like fact that the ML is good with computer. but he only uses his skills once.
the whole plot is questionable and not realistic by any means.
the first part is better than the second one I will say. it was still a nice read but not really well written
August 25, 2025
3.5 stars
September 2, 2025
These two are…INSANE…in the best way!
The plot/premise immediately pulled me in, but these TWO!? oh these two main characters kept me going. AND THE SPICE!? AGAINST A TREE!?
Pick this one up for these scene alone…
I enjoyed this one a good bit. Both Tiernan and Dean are compelling MCs. I especially felt for Dean as his backstory is rough to say the least. Appreciate that they didn’t mean to be obsessed with each other but couldn’t help it and are like whatever, i’ll kill/die for you, oh well, casual. Just very fun, very silly.
Great side characters. Lots of spice. Solid overarching plot of college aged next generation mafia. Felt the ending was a bit quick, but solid build up. Excited to see where the series goes!
READ For
- Dark Romance
- Morally Grey MC
- Stalking
- Undercover Identity
- Close Knit Friend Group by
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
The plot/premise immediately pulled me in, but these TWO!? oh these two main characters kept me going. AND THE SPICE!? AGAINST A TREE!?
Pick this one up for these scene alone…
I enjoyed this one a good bit. Both Tiernan and Dean are compelling MCs. I especially felt for Dean as his backstory is rough to say the least. Appreciate that they didn’t mean to be obsessed with each other but couldn’t help it and are like whatever, i’ll kill/die for you, oh well, casual. Just very fun, very silly.
Great side characters. Lots of spice. Solid overarching plot of college aged next generation mafia. Felt the ending was a bit quick, but solid build up. Excited to see where the series goes!
READ For
- Dark Romance
- Morally Grey MC
- Stalking
- Undercover Identity
- Close Knit Friend Group by
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 4, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
Morally grey should always be Riley Hart’s color. Bittersweet Revenge is a dark MM romance about finding love in the place you were least expecting it. Dean (Riordan) saw his father murdered by Sloan O’Shea, someone who was supposed to be his friend, when he was only 4 years old. He and his mother went into hiding, on the run, and Dean basically grew up completely isolated. Plotting revenge for his father’s death was his only companion, and it takes him to Ashford University, where he plans on using Tiernan (Sloan’s son) as a way to get to Sloan and murder him. What Dean doesn’t expect is to become friends first with Aislin, Tiernan’s younger sister. He tries to keep her at a distance, but he can’t help liking her and forming a close bond with her.
Tiernan was only intrigued by Dean at first. They are so alike, Dean is not intimated by him like everyone else and the banter between the two is aggressive (and hot!). It is the night that Dean saves Aislin that is the true beginning of the relationship between Dean and Tiernan, however.
The story is told in dual POV, which I always love because it makes it feel so much more immersive and fulfilling as a reader. Knowing what both Dean and Tiernan are thinking, feeling and going through as the story progresses truly makes your heart ache for them both in different ways. They both deserve happiness after having such difficult lives but are unsure what it feels like or how to accept it.
When Tiernan finds out who Dean is he has a tough choice to make, but after trying to live without him he knows he can’t. The ending of the story is somewhat inevitable, it just doesn’t happen like you expect, which I really appreciated. This story has as much of an HEA as a dark romance can. There’s no such thing as perfection in the mafia, but for Dean and Tiernan? This is pretty close. #darkromance #mafiaromance #revenge #possessivemmcs #obsessivemmcs #touchhimanddie #secretidentity
Morally grey should always be Riley Hart’s color. Bittersweet Revenge is a dark MM romance about finding love in the place you were least expecting it. Dean (Riordan) saw his father murdered by Sloan O’Shea, someone who was supposed to be his friend, when he was only 4 years old. He and his mother went into hiding, on the run, and Dean basically grew up completely isolated. Plotting revenge for his father’s death was his only companion, and it takes him to Ashford University, where he plans on using Tiernan (Sloan’s son) as a way to get to Sloan and murder him. What Dean doesn’t expect is to become friends first with Aislin, Tiernan’s younger sister. He tries to keep her at a distance, but he can’t help liking her and forming a close bond with her.
Tiernan was only intrigued by Dean at first. They are so alike, Dean is not intimated by him like everyone else and the banter between the two is aggressive (and hot!). It is the night that Dean saves Aislin that is the true beginning of the relationship between Dean and Tiernan, however.
The story is told in dual POV, which I always love because it makes it feel so much more immersive and fulfilling as a reader. Knowing what both Dean and Tiernan are thinking, feeling and going through as the story progresses truly makes your heart ache for them both in different ways. They both deserve happiness after having such difficult lives but are unsure what it feels like or how to accept it.
When Tiernan finds out who Dean is he has a tough choice to make, but after trying to live without him he knows he can’t. The ending of the story is somewhat inevitable, it just doesn’t happen like you expect, which I really appreciated. This story has as much of an HEA as a dark romance can. There’s no such thing as perfection in the mafia, but for Dean and Tiernan? This is pretty close. #darkromance #mafiaromance #revenge #possessivemmcs #obsessivemmcs #touchhimanddie #secretidentity
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