Let me start by saying that I don’t usually read bully romance because I’m always unsure about whether the bullies can redeem themselves enough by the end. However, my good friend Ellie gifted me this book, and I took a shot at it and I’m so glad that I did.
Maverick Williams is a Brit, brought to a US school to play ice hockey. He’s good, and he knows it. The problem is Mav’s reputation spreads beyond the ice. Drunken wild nights, frivolous hook-ups and rage induced fights have got him into the news and his sponsor refuses to help him out any longer. And that means the threat of deportation. To get around this minor issue, Mav, his coach, and the principal all hatch a plan for a green car marriage. And he unlucky candidate? Bethany Hendrickson.
Beth is the loner girl who works hard at school and even harder outside. Her family is barely making ends meet, so Beth grits her teeth about the bullying in school and takes every shift she can work. When Maverick puts marriage on the table, along with a hefty price tag that he’s willing to pay, Beth ends up giving in to her high school bully.
I hated Maverick so much at the start of this story, just like Beth did. He was the spoiled rich kid with an ego that needed knocking down a peg or two. He’s awful towards Beth and there are a few times at the beginning where she wonders if all this is even worth it.
As the story progresses, they chip away at each other’s walls. Beth looks out for Mav in an incident that involves his skates, and she cooks home meals, which is something he isn’t used to. Mav also softens and eventually we’re let into his life and his childhood, and you understand the weight he’s been carrying around with him and why he behaves as he does.
The entire book is a rollercoaster. They are constantly learning about each other and pushing the boundaries of their comfort zones. There’s a lot of beautiful growth between the pair and I love when stories show that! Be warned, when you think this couple has finally taken a step forward, something comes along and knocks them back. The last ten(ish) chapters had me in tears of sadness, frustration and happiness. For those of you wondering – yes, I think Mav manages to redeem himself.
I highly recommend ‘Vile Intentions’ and I’ll be diving into some more bully romance soon!
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