Poppy
Once, I walked the halls of privilege, but in a heartbeat, I watched my world crumble. Now, as I stand at the threshold of Silverbrook University, I’m armed with nothing but a scholarship and a determination to reclaim a semblance of my former life.
But fate has a cruel sense of humor. Ethan Hawthorne, the golden boy of my former elite world and my ex-rival, is here. His every smirk is a reminder that the past is not easily outrun.
Ethan
At Silverbrook, I’m the guy with the world at his feet—star athlete, heir to a legacy, the guy who always wins. But Poppy? She was the one challenge I never conquered, the one competitor who never played by my rules.
Her return to my life is a curveball I never saw coming. She’s changed, hardened by life’s twists, and now she captivates me more than ever. Our history wasn’t just a competition but a clash of hearts and egos. Now, the rules have changed. I’m not just out to win a petty game. This time, I’m playing for her heart.
MY REVIEW
This is the first book in the Silverbrook University series, and my first read by R.G. Angel. I expected the typical bullying college boy theme, but Ethan pleasantly surprised me. His guilt and regret for his actions in high school towards Poppy are genuine and his awkwardness and charm are delightful as he proceeds to win her over. I find his actions made him more relatable and human.
Poppy’s family has lost their fortune and she has been granted a scholarship to Silverbrook University where she shares a dorm with two other girls, Eva and Nessa. The three girls form a trusting bond as they agree not to pry into each other’s pasts. Unfortunately, Poppy’s high school rival, Ethan, is also attending the same school and she realizes her university years are not going to be easy.
Ethan is a cocky soccer player with money, looks, and talent. He regrets his behavior toward Poppy in high school and wants to make amends and pursues her relentlessly to make things right, including looking into her family’s sad circumstances which hits close to home.
Poppy has a strong sense of family responsibility and a great work ethic which I found admirable. She is understandably apprehensive about Ethan’s change of heart and slowly responds to his new kind and considerate persona, but many years of betrayal, make her doubt him.
Their situation is a difficult one. The interactions between Poppy and Ethan are full of tension and fueled by their past. But Ethan’s respect for Poppy is genuine as he helps her and her family in his own awkward and heartfelt ways. And Poppy slowly falls for Ethan’s charm and generosity as he promises to keep her safeÂ
One of the things I appreciated about this story was slowly getting the full story of Poppy and Ethan’s past. It added depth to the characters and kept me interested to the end.
In addition, I love the supporting characters and can’t wait to read Eva and Cole’s story. There is a lot of angst going on there and, in my opinion, they stole the show. Not to mention, what’s up with the snarky Nessa and stoic Liam? There’s a match made in heaven.
This book is fast-paced and great for anyone who loves a good story about trust, friendship, and personal growth. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is engaging. I can’t wait to read Eva and Nessa’s stories.
Thank you to Ms. Angel for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Silverbrook University Series
  1. Broken Rivalry (2024)
   2. Broken Hearts (2024)
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
R.G Angel is a trained lawyer, world traveler, coffee addict, cheese aficionado, avid book reviewer and blogger.
She considers herself as an ‘Eclectic romantic’ and wants to write romance in every sub-genre she can think of.
When she is not busy doing all her lawyerly mayhem, and because she is living in rainy Britain, she mostly enjoys indoor activities such as reading, watching TV, playing with her crazy puppies and writing stories she hopes will make you dream.
Follow R.G. on her website, Facebook, Facebook Reader Group, Instagram, Goodreads, Amazon, and Bookbub.
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