#c.m. stunich

[thepersonalwords]

Men come and go, but best friends are irreplaceable.

C.M. Stunich, Losing Me, Finding You

[marge1974]

The man was rude, crude, and inappropriate. I was taken with him the moment I walked in the door, and I knew the first moment I saw him that it was going to be raw, it was going to be ugly, and I was going to enjoy every damn minute of it.

[diaryofanenchantedprincess]

Nothing quite like a fantasy reverse harem novel that’s also a part of a series to give me a semblance of purpose in life

[lilibetbombshell]

[witchcatyoshiko]

Reading Allison’s Underland by C.M Stunich

And at the point of all day walking with mushrooms in her pocket I would venture the question “can I lick one of these to become small and ride on one of y’all’s shoulders?”

It’d be easier to protect her while she’s small, save water, complaint and kinda cool to ride on a giant’s shoulder… but you know I guess a bit dangerous in a new area. Doesn’t hurt to ask.

[sonofsaviors]

@deputygonebye

Medicine bottles and a first aid; generosity that wasn't frequent from the hands of the Saviors. Never part of their routine, the haul was heavy in Shane's arms, an offering of peace but not one so sweet. Still trapped was he and all the rest that he called family. Negan and his band of merciless hunters, a pack of wolves that would feast until the entire land was picked dry. Gnawed bones stripped completely of their flesh - retaliation for what had been lost - Rick and the entire group surrounded by overgrown weeds and result of their crimes. But such punishment would not come to pass so soon. Better ideas in mind, yet to be had, yet to be created by the master of all the misery, Logan had provided means to live another day. Maggie would be able to find comfort in her pregnancy. Bound for Hilltop, far away but certain to return to her kin eventually, safe. Judith and Carl soothed from aches and pains by the simplicity of an aspirin. One more day for the whole group who had survived since Atlanta.

But never would a single day replace the memories of what felt like a lifetime. Glenn and Abraham had been killed. Gentle eyes dimmed forever all because Negan had decided so, power and glory stomped out with the ruthlessness of a baseball bat swing. Still could Shane hear the noises as Negan did as he pleased. Splattered blood - cries that had become burned into the foundations of dreams - cracked bone and ragged breath. None would ever be the same. Snapped, sanity and whatever else that could still be clung onto, captured in worn and tired hands. As if it were just mere seconds before, Shane could recall what it was like to have met them both for the first time, Glenn and Abe. Confused and as scared as he, wandering the world, disturbed by the sudden changes. From one corner to the next, Atlanta to the outskirts of the Prison, mistakes made wouldn't be repeated. And an even more dangerous enemy had Logan and his father both made.

Neither Rick nor Negan to be seen, Logan and Shane were the sole contenders to the war between the factions. Houses locked or broken into, vandalized or redecorated, it was the visual of two different fronts forced together and met in the middle. A clash that sounded much like the fire of a gun, the bang of a hammer against nails, the scream of a woman who found herself a widow. But shared was their lives to be. United, bonded as master to slave, traitor to traitor. Logan couldn't escape his side of fate. Married into it by the influence of someone who wasn't of his own person, born and would see death for the cause. A deputy of sorts to the entire game his father played; Shane's alternative come straight from the pages of nightmares. Roles reversed before either could see it coming, the child traded position with the man who had earned his place. Shane knew the signs. Watched as eyes moved from one member to the next, jotted down on blanket notes with black ink, the tip of the pen almost like new. Logan was just as respected as Negan.

An insult just on the tongue, said almost as easily as it would've been years before, the sounds of sirens and the blue and red of lights flashing like fireworks in King County, Shane fought temptation. An urge to say just what was deserved to be said, what Logan and all of whom he called family needed to hear. What Rick couldn't say. What Daryl and Sarah were too afraid to, a dangerous former deputy just crazed enough to make the leap of faith. Whatever it would take to set things right. A rottweiler muzzled for the greater good. "You got no real idea, do you?" Shane spit, the muscles in his face contorted in a look of utter disgust, unspoken rage and tension. "You talk to me about facts, but you don't have a clue about any of this. Whatever your dad says, that's what you and yours go off of. But you ain't got no sense, Logan. This world, what I've been through, what my family's been through, it ain't no comic book. There's no fairytale in this world. Pride don't have anythin' to do with it. You might fool all your buddies around here, but you don't fool me."

Shane stated, the voice of a father present and clear, "your father, he's hurt good people, people that I care for and love. You'll do good to keep that in mind. Take what you will, write down whatever the hell suits your fancy in that notebook of yours, but don't think I won't be keepin' an eye on you. Negan's got Rick, but you don't got me. Not me, not my daughter, not anybody else of mine that the Saviors terrorize. This fire you keep kindlin' is gonna burn by the end. Let me tell you, it won't be us who gets caught in the flames."

Logan gave a slow blink, letting words melt into the air between them and settle thick and heavy, like a cutting fog. Being in Alexandria almost always drew this slow, almost ponderous nature from the young Savior, every action, every movement, every thought, and words - spoken and unspoken - carefully weighed and measured. It wasn't just his own ass on the line when he was here. The other Saviors, and his father depended on him to not show weakness or fear; he had killed, to both protect and defend them. Even if afterwards, he felt sometimes, the blood would never come off.

He was very much aware that Shane had probably done the same. That it very much could be said that they were trapped reflections of the other; Rick and Negan's right hand men respectively. Logan was a deputy in all but name.

Negan's son finally gave a bitter scoff, a sarcastic smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth, almost, but not quite rolling his eyes. The Deputy didn't, couldn't know how he felt and what he'd gone through since the Fall. The only people who knew about Mom was down to two, himself and Dad. How they had watched her wither away like a flower in winter until there was nothing left but something wrong puppeting her body after she had died from a long battle with cancer.

"We've all hurt good people. People who deserved it, people who didn't. I don't fucking fool myself into thinking that we're the good guys and you're the bad guys. Please. I'm not fucking two." Another sarcastic snort, and the teenager shook his head, a brief shake that barely took his eyes off of the people in front of him. You didn't take your eyes off your target when it was in front of you. He was only sixteen, but he was already about as tall as Rick and Shane, and steadily filling out with muscle as he got older. "We're just survivors. There's nothing fucking more to it."

And he had promised Mom he would survive.

Even when they were starving and struggling for food, Dad always made sure Logan had something, anything, even if it didn't fill his stomach all the way. He could respect the Sheriff and his Deputy as leaders and fathers in their own right, but that didn't mean he wasn't thinking on the best way to stomp them into the dirt.

" 'The hardest hearts are forged in fire; the weakest bend under their will. And revenge … is wicked sweet.' "

[joysofescapism]

The Havoc Boys Series by C.M. Stunich: This is Ridiculous! I love it.

This may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I sure enjoyed myself reading the whole series. Read my full review under the cut.

And if you want to know my thoughts on each book just click: (1) Havoc at Prescott High (2) Chaos at Prescott High (3) Mayhem at Prescott High (4) Anarchy at Prescott High (5) Victory at Prescott High

I will start this review by saying: I hate bully “romance”. And since these tropes were huge in young adult-high school settings, I don't read those anymore.

But The Havoc Boys was an exception. C.M. Stunich’s storytelling was able to chain my ass on a chair allowing me to finish the whole thing. Not only that, the story didn’t focus much on the bullying and only gave you flashbacks of it.

I didn’t think it will make much of a difference if the bullying element wasn’t included in the plot development since she already had an awful life throughout her teenage years. It felt like it was just thrown out there. The H’s bullying her into "leaving town" didn't hold any merit since we didn't see the consequences of that (i.e. h was still obsessed with these boys who did an overkill on her while she was going through all the abuse). But, it wasn't my story, so.

I think you should proceed with an open mind and low expectations. There were a lot of things in the series that weren’t something to give a comprehensive explanation of. This was for a specific kind of audience and I also consider this a self-indulgent read if you’re looking for something specific, as well as my guilty pleasure.

The Book Cover

The book covers played a huge part in convincing me to read this series. I wasn’t entirely sure about the premise at first seeing that the characters were barely legal and all. And yet, the cover art did an amazing job of pulling me in.

It was your typical shirtless guys, but the focus wasn’t entirely on them. It was elegantly made despite the story environment. It also gave an accurate depiction of the H’s characteristics and their relationship with the heroine.

Havoc at Prescott High was my favorite. While Anarchy at Prescott High was a close second.

Characters

Let me talk about the main characters first, starting with the heroine.

Bernadette Blackbird. I have a love-hate relationship with her. I understand that she was an aspiring writer, however, her monologues... weren’t impressive. She was edgy to the point of being cringe. I don't love her. But I don't hate her either, at least most of the time. How was she able to lust after the guys who made her life a living hell for years? I have no idea. But then again, this is why I hate bully romance.

One of the reasons why I was able to get through the story was because the bullying didn’t happen on the current timeline. I didn’t know if what she went through would be considered “bullying" or just downright assault and abuse. At least you were able to see some form of maturity in her character later on. But, she still embodies that teenager who thinks she already knows everything there is to know.

Next up, the harem. The HAVOC Boys. I won’t be commenting about their physical aspects like how the author did them. I don’t care much about those things. I’m more on how they were written: if they were fleshed out well or if they were only words on the paper with no personality at all. Considering that, we have 5 Hs in this series that fulfilled the usual tropes.

I will say this, these guys don’t act their age at all. Thinking about it now, I could give this series a higher rating if the characters were older. Anyway, more of those later below. Let’s get back to the characters at hand:

You have the over-the-top intense leader/boss, Victor Channing. He was an asshole. But hey, he has to be. He was a gang leader after all. If you are into bad boys (read: assholes) that are obsessed with you and only care about you—and maybe his bros—you'll probably like this dude. Is he a great character? No. But do I at least like him? Maybe. Again, if you like the domineering types, you’ll probably bark at Victor Channing.

Then you have the trying-to-be-the-hero-ex-boyfriend, Aaron Fadler. I hated him at first because his past actions didn't show his supposed loyalty to Bernie at all (don't worry it's not an OW drama). But goddamn me because I like guys who are amazing with kids (and with the elderly). Yes, he was Bernie's ex. And yes, he was there during the bullying (abuse) which happened after they broke up. Among the guys, I believe he was the closest you can get to being "normal." He tried to be a good person but considering everything he had already done, I didn’t think that would be possible. The only way for him to grow was to accept his darkness. Good thing it did happen.

Of course, there’s always going to be the manwhore. Hael Harbin. But he was that type of manwhore who at least respects women. Yes, I know it's the bare minimum but you get the point. He also plays the role of balancing the dynamic of the group. Oh also, he loves vintage cars. He's a mechanic with soft hands, according to Bernie. Among the boys (Yes, boys. They’re minors despite what the author tries to say), Hael was the most chill. He can give pull off a bad romance kind of relationship. The one that's so bad but oh so great. He also falls into that category of being the manwhore who will drop his whore-ish ways when they find the right one.

Next on the list. The gang needs to have a brain and that was Oscar Montauk. While Victor makes all the decisions, Oscar was the one who weighs those decisions. He was also the hater but was actually obsessed with the heroine. He was not great with feelings and he also has a lot of trauma. I think the most awful one as well. Among the characters though, Oscar got the most character development though we could only witness the process, I think it was a good thing. He was also that character who you’ll probably get scared of but also be interested in. He could either go full serial killer or just be a weird dude with dark thoughts. Though to be fair, this was a gang story so all of the Hs are murderers by default.

Last but not least, the most mysterious one and possibly also the most dangerous, Callum Park. He gives off quiet-killer vibe and lurks about most of the time. He was the silent one. The one who prefers to be by the sidelines, just observing. But everybody knows he was dangerous and he could go off like a bomb if anything happened to the object of his fascination. He was the resident pretty boy as well, since he was supposed to be a primo ballerino but because of things that happened in the past he couldn't anymore.

The characters are heavily influenced by the overused western media tropes and archetypes. You know the usual stuff about high school TV shows. They’re cringe, and dramatic, everyone has trauma, the adults were practically useless, and everyone wasn’t acting like their age. Perhaps a little ridiculousness from time to time could be good for your mind.

But, since I do like my stories with vivid storytelling, it surprisingly worked well for me. I also don’t find that much character development with the characters, except with Oscar. Also maybe with Aaron and Victor as well. Hael and Callum’s character growth aren’t that significant but I don’t think they have to since they weren’t presented with something to work on.

Plot

The plot was able to immerse me into the H.A.V.O.C. world and Stunich deserves her roses for a skill like that. One reason why I pushed through was: the action didn’t occur that much around the school setting. This might be your typical high school bully who runs a gang, but the storytelling was what sets it apart from the rest. This trope was highly overused in the reverse harem contemporary romance genre, so the only way for a series to be different is all up to the author’s prowess.

It was a simple revenge plot but the action made it all interesting. There's nothing much special to it but again, this is for self-indulgent purposes. If you can get past the Riverdale cringe, you will enjoy this one.

The pacing was a little fast, and a lot of things are happening all at once. But it was executed well and everything worked perfectly. Despite all that is happening, I loved the feeling of suspense that went through with it. Putting aside all of the things that didn’t work well for me, the plot was well-developed to keep you interested.

If you don’t want to be spoiled, I suggest you do not read the ending section of this review.

Ending

The ending of a well-developed series is always going to be a deal breaker, just look at Game of Thrones and Supernatural. I will say this though, the ending of Havoc Boys may not be the best ending there could be, but considering all that led up to that particular moment, it was perfect.

Stunich used the False Death plot device and was executed well enough that I actually thought the character died. This was the part I cried about and the reason why I still considered this one good for my taste. I think an author who can make you cry just by reading the journey of their characters is a phenomenal author.

In the actual end, we got our HEA. Yay!

Rating

The average rating of this 5-book series was 3.5. I rounded it down to 3 out of 5 stars.

This whole thing was a damn roller coaster ride.

Despite the initial apprehension and almost not finishing the first book, I finished all five with no breaks in between. There might have been elements that didn’t work for me, but the storytelling alone made up for all of it.

A huge suspension of disbelief is needed to enjoy this series. Sure, you won’t be able to gain much but, to be honest, this is not for that. The Havoc Boys series is highly self-indulgent and smut is top-tier. Not too graphic to the point of boring me to death, but just enough. Frequent, yet still enough.

Final Thoughts

Do I want a sequel for this series? I don't think so. Let's leave the ending at that. The characters are lovable enough throughout the five books, but not enough for me to get curious and look at what they could be doing in the future.

Do I recommend this to others? If you want to indulge in a guilty pleasure without needing to think too much and give reasons for everything, this could be a good read. I don't think you should be picking up this book just to find all that is wrong with it. Or if you are not ready to try and experience something out of your comfort zone.

Was this a heavy read? There are mentions of past extreme bullying, sexual assault (on minor characters), attempted sexual assaults, pedophilia, sexual relations between teenage characters, and the usuals when it comes to crime fiction (drugs, violence, murder, etc.). So if you are new to this kind of genre, this might be uncomfortable for you. But if you're not, this is mild. Again, all you have to do is enjoy the ride. Some things might not work for you, and some might, it all depends on personal preferences.

Will I read this again? I re-read the whole series: twice on my own accord just to feel some emotions it brought me the first time I stumbled upon it; another one to relive and remember the plot to pull out this review. It being a part of my “I could read it again” shelf says something.

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[diangelosnico]

books i’ve read in 2024 ; — LOST DAUGHTER OF A SERIAL KILLER by C.M. Stunich

This leads me to lesson number two—never trust a serial killer. Not even or especially me. One day, I may try to kill you, but I will give you plenty of warning, and we will play a long game.

[89words]

Perversion is just another form of art. It’s like painting or drawing or sculpting. Except instead of paint, us perverts use sex as our medium.

C.M. Stunich - 'Losing Me, Finding You'

[i-am-the-page-turner]

"The Havoc Boys" series by C.M. Stunich

"The Havoc Boys" series is a steamy and addictive reverse harem romance series that follows the journey of a strong-willed and independent heroine named Hailee. She finds herself entangled with a group of five dangerously attractive and mysterious guys known as the Havoc Boys. Each book in the series focuses on Hailee's deepening relationships with these captivating characters, exploring their unique dynamics and intense connections. As the story unfolds, secrets are revealed, pasts are uncovered, and passions ignite. The series is filled with sizzling chemistry, emotional twists, and plenty of steamy scenes that will keep you hooked from start to finish. If you're a fan of reverse harem romance with a touch of suspense and a lot of heat, "The Havoc Boys" series is definitely worth checking out! Let me know if you'd like more details about any specific book in the series or if you have any other book recommendations in mind!

[cicilove26]

Some nightmares are so persistent as to become an unreal reality. They're so frequent and so jarring that even though the dreamer knows she dreams, she can't seem to wake herself up. And when those dreams are based in the awful friction of reality to begin with? Well, that just makes things that much worse because waking up … you know there's no reprieve from the boogey man that hides beneath your bed. The monsters are real, and they've gotten inside your head.

- Allison's adventures in Underland by C.M. Stunich

[auspicioustidings]

Now I am only useful for reverse harems, but here are Mhairi's RH recs listed by genre! As a note all of them are happy endings, if they have non-con I've put it in big, read letters but as with any book check the TWs noted by the author before reading :) There are about 2 million more I'll be forgetting about, I have read hundreds of RH romances.

Mafia

Brutal Winter series by Quirah Casey - this is the darkest of the mafia recs, non-con present. The series is unfinished with the final book due out I believe this year. Black protagonist written by a black author and I think she does a good job of the character being black, it being apparent she's black, but it doesn't ever go to raceplay and the struggles that come with being black and unrelated to the romance element at play.

Mafia Wars series by multiple authors - Some dub-con in some books, but mostly pretty tame. I think my favourite was Gunmetal Lily because I enjoyed the chill vibes, the others are more high stakes but I did enjoy all of them.

The Harlequin Crew series by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti - if I recall there is maybe arguable dub-con but mostly pretty standard hate fucking to in love fucking. Childhood friends to enemies to lovers, bit of a slow burn.

Their Obsession duet by Bea Paige - kidnapping non-con with a very angry FMC, I liked the concept of this menagerie of pets the male leads keep.

Omegaverse

Sweet Heart by Marie MacKay - no dubcon here, just classic omega pretending to be a beta and a pack that is mean until they need to grovel about it. I like most of MacKay's PoisonVerse stuff!

Heat Clinic by Alexis B. Osborne - no dubcon, just a fun little low stakes romp.

Stolen by Wolves by Lyx Robinson (Viking omegaverse) - No dub-con, part of a series where alphas get added over time, very fun given the blend of genres here.

Packed in the Penalty Box by Melissa Huxley (hockey omegaverse) - again no dub-con, but fun blend of genres.

Omega's Virtue by Flora Quincy (historical omegaverse) - same as above.

Ironside Academy Series by Jane Washington - no dubcon, I like most of Washington's series. This one is a lot of fun and she does have a handy guide on her site because there are a lot of alphas to keep track of (ten of the bastards, but by the 4th book I think they are all pretty unique characters).

Fantasy and Historical

Ashes to Glass by Carmen Black & Glass by Evelyn Flood - I cannot remember fully but I think maybe light dubcon? Both Cinderella retellings.

The Widow and the Orcs by Finley Fenn - no dub-con. This is part of a large series following different protagonists but I haven't read any of the others. I like that the fmc was older.

Other

Devils Day Party by C.M. Stunich - no dub-con, fun little read about the fmc getting groundhog day'd and untangling her relationship with the boys she hates.

Literally any book by Grace McGinty - no dubcon in there, the ones I have liked have been Sticks and Stones, Pay-Per-Heart, The Daymakers, 8 Seconds the Fly and Tryst in the Dark.

Unbreak Me by Reese Rivers - no dubcon (although mentioned past noncon from the bad guy). A traumatised protagonist and her young daughter moving in with a bunch of beefcakes and their dog.

Wanna Play a Game by Alina May - non-con, serial killers pick the FMC as their next victim due to a misunderstanding.

Folks I’m finally ready to get back into the romance genre, hit me with your best recs (dubcon preferred but not TOO dark)

[e-bacellar]

[anthillbooks]

Without using any pressure whatsoever, just the gentle burden of his touch, he turned me back to look at him.

- Elements of Mischief

Entry 1

[booksandwords]

Love can't be killed. Once it's there, it sits in your heart forever. Sometimes, it morphs or changes. Sometimes, it grows. And sometimes, it lies dormant, like a seed in dry dirt. I don't want this particular seed watered because I don't want it to grow thorns. I've bled enough already.

Regina Corbair, Stepbrother Thief (Violet Blaze)

[joysofescapism]

Book Review: Victory at Prescott High by C.M. Stunich

There's one heart you can’t break at Prescott High, not unless you’re one of them. The Havoc Boys. They’re my family, my redemption, and my future.

Victory at Prescott High has always meant escape. Once upon a time, that meant graduation and a one-way ticket out of town. But everything is different now.

This year, my life changed in irrevocable ways. The Havoc Boys have a Havoc Girl; they have a queen who wears her crown with pride. I’ll need every ounce of strength I possess to dig us out of an early grave.

One last chance; one more fight. If there really are happy endings for people from my side of the tracks, then we’ll find one. Or else we’ll go down together in a hail of gunfire.

Blood in, blood out. Always.

This is the last book of The Havoc Boys Series. You can check my quick review below.

Fuck.

Alright, that was a ride.

A round of applause for Victory at Prescott High. It was done and beautifully so.

Out of all the books, this has my favorite sex scenes. I also love seeing character development! Better late than never.

The aftermath of the shooting at Prescott High was insane. Lots of deaths. A favorite side character included. If the previous book had tons of action, this maintained the momentum. There was just one incident that I felt was just thrown there to tug at our emotions but still, god fucking damn it, it worked!

The ending?

Fuck. Okay, it was easy to make me cry while reading, and this one got me. I can’t believe Stunich really did me like that. But again! It worked! And I think that was all that mattered.

Victory at Prescott High is getting a 4.5 from me.

When a book leaves me screaming, furious, and crying, it deserves a near-perfect score at least. The conclusion of this series didn’t disappoint and gave me a sense of completeness from all the emotions I had to go through.

Check The H.A.V.O.C. Boys Series review for my final thoughts.

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