Step into the electrifying world of Hannaford Prep, where survival is a high-stakes game and love blooms in the shadow of danger! J. Bree’s gripping series follows Eclipse 'Lips' Anderson, a fierce scholarship student navigating the cutthroat halls of an elite academy. Blending steamy reverse harem romance, heart-pounding suspense, and raw coming-of-age drama, Hannaford Prep captivates with its themes of identity, loyalty, and resilience.
At its core, the series is about Lips, a street-smart teen escaping a gritty past in Mounts Bay’s criminal underworld. Her full-ride scholarship to Hannaford Preparatory Academy is her ticket out, but the privileged students—led by the ruthless Avery—have other plans. With danger lurking at every turn, Lips must outwit bullies, gangsters, and her own heart to survive.
How Hannaford Prep Began
J. Bree, an Australian author with a knack for crafting addictive worlds, launched Hannaford Prep in 2019 with Just Drop Out. Inspired by her love for complex characters and dark romance, Bree envisioned a story that merged high school drama with the intensity of gang life. Drawing from her coastal Western Australia roots, she created Mounts Bay—a fictional city teeming with crime and secrets—as the perfect backdrop for Lips’ journey.
Bree’s goal was to write a heroine who defies expectations. Lips, known as the Wolf in Mounts Bay’s underworld, is no damsel; she’s a survivor with a sharp mind and sharper instincts. The series’ reverse harem dynamic, featuring bad boys Harley, Ash, and Blaise, evolved organically, reflecting Bree’s passion for relationships built on trust and shared struggles.
The Heart of Hannaford Prep
The Hannaford Prep series spans four main books: Just Drop Out, Make Your Move, Play the Game, and To the End. In Just Drop Out, Lips enters Hannaford and faces brutal bullying from Avery’s clique, all while hiding her identity as the Wolf. Make Your Move ramps up the suspense as Lips’ past catches up, and her bonds with Harley, Ash, and Blaise deepen. Play the Game weaves romance and danger, with Lips balancing school rivalries and deadly threats. To the End delivers a thrilling finale, tying up the found-family arc with high-stakes action.
The series shines through its themes of identity and loyalty. Lips grapples with her dual life as a scholarship student and a feared underworld figure, making her a compelling, flawed heroine. The found-family dynamic—especially her friendship with Avery and romance with the boys—grounds the story’s darker elements. Bree’s vivid prose and fast-paced plotting create a world where privilege clashes with survival, and every choice carries weight.
Set in the opulent yet treacherous Hannaford Academy, the series blends high school tropes with mafia-level stakes. Fans praise its slow-burn romance, which doesn’t fully ignite until book three, and its gritty portrayal of gang life. The suspense keeps readers guessing, with twists involving serial killers, corrupt teachers, and betrayals.
Why Hannaford Prep Resonates
Hannaford Prep has carved a niche in the reverse harem and dark romance genres, earning a devoted fanbase on platforms like Goodreads and Kindle Unlimited. Readers adore Lips’ unapologetic strength and the emotional depth of her relationships. The series’ exploration of trauma, power, and redemption resonates with young adult and new adult audiences, offering a raw take on growing up in a world that tests your limits.
Its lasting appeal lies in its balance of heart and grit. Bree’s ability to weave romance with suspense ensures every page feels urgent, while the found-family theme adds warmth. Spin-offs like the Queen Crow trilogy and The Butcher of the Bay expand the Mounts Bay universe, keeping fans hooked.
- Publication Years: 2019–2020
- Number of Books: 4 main books, plus spin-offs
- Genres: Reverse Harem, Dark Romance, Young Adult
Dive into Just Drop Out and get swept away by Hannaford Prep’s thrilling blend of romance, danger, and heart! Whether you’re a fan of fierce heroines or steamy slow-burns, Lips’ story will keep you up all night.