What do you think?
Rate this book
Casbury Prep #3
Corrupted Kingdom
They say at the end; you will find peace. Where is my peace? All I have left now is rage.
I was deceived, discarded, and abandoned by the kings of Casbury. My heart led me into peril when I should have stayed the course and taken my revenge.
I’m now lost in a world of horrors and darkness. One that threatens to take my sanity and destroy my very soul.
Will I survive my fate? Will they survive my vengeance when I return?
There will be nothing left of us when I am done. This is the end of this corrupted kingdom. I am going to burn it all down to the ground.
This is the last book in the Casbury Prep series—the completion of the story of these five main characters. Some supporting characters will receive their own books.
I was deceived, discarded, and abandoned by the kings of Casbury. My heart led me into peril when I should have stayed the course and taken my revenge.
I’m now lost in a world of horrors and darkness. One that threatens to take my sanity and destroy my very soul.
Will I survive my fate? Will they survive my vengeance when I return?
There will be nothing left of us when I am done. This is the end of this corrupted kingdom. I am going to burn it all down to the ground.
This is the last book in the Casbury Prep series—the completion of the story of these five main characters. Some supporting characters will receive their own books.
524 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 16, 2023
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
October 21, 2023
Got worse as the series continued
I enjoyed the first book, but by the second half of the second book in the series, I was just done with the story. However, I'm stubborn and made myself finish the third book too. I found the story became repetitive. What happens to one character basically happens to the others, just at different times. And I swear, if I read how they wanted to fill all her holes again, I was gonna through my darn kindle against the wall!! Oh,and And come one, she was sexually assaulted repeatedly for weeks, and 2 weeks later they find it acceptable to force themselves on her!! By then I was just done.
I enjoyed the first book, but by the second half of the second book in the series, I was just done with the story. However, I'm stubborn and made myself finish the third book too. I found the story became repetitive. What happens to one character basically happens to the others, just at different times. And I swear, if I read how they wanted to fill all her holes again, I was gonna through my darn kindle against the wall!! Oh,and And come one, she was sexually assaulted repeatedly for weeks, and 2 weeks later they find it acceptable to force themselves on her!! By then I was just done.
May 10, 2023
Corrupted Kingdom by A.L. Maruga is a dark enemies-to-lovers why choose romance. This is the third and final book in the Casbury Prep series.
This is A.L. Maruga's debut series and she knocked it out of the park. She did an amazing job wrapping up the series. I don't want to give away any spoilers so that's all I am going to say.
I really enjoyed getting Mia, Theo, Carter, Finn, Mateo, Diego, and Stella's points of view throughout the book. It really brought the story to life.
I am so excited that she announced that she will be releasing The Queen's Serpent on November 23, 2023, and will be Isabella and Diego's story.
I would highly recommend this series if you like dark romances, bully romances, enemies-to-lovers romances, or why choose romances.
This is A.L. Maruga's debut series and she knocked it out of the park. She did an amazing job wrapping up the series. I don't want to give away any spoilers so that's all I am going to say.
I really enjoyed getting Mia, Theo, Carter, Finn, Mateo, Diego, and Stella's points of view throughout the book. It really brought the story to life.
I am so excited that she announced that she will be releasing The Queen's Serpent on November 23, 2023, and will be Isabella and Diego's story.
I would highly recommend this series if you like dark romances, bully romances, enemies-to-lovers romances, or why choose romances.
May 25, 2023
Holy jamoley. I dont even know where to start. I loved the first book, couldnt put it down. Figured I had found a great series. Started to get a bit bored with the second after about 45%, and started to skim read many parts (Frig June!). But jeez, now I need to know how it ends.
This book, after the first few chapters I could see it was gonna be a skipper to find out how it ends.
1st issue: Mia too?! like really?! Wasnt it enough when 3 out of the 4 guys were tortured and smexually assaulted but you had to have Mia too? Like totally unnecessary. By this book, shock value of the sexual assaults was over. I was bored with them.
2nd. Ok, Mia. I get it, youre a strong independant woman, you are owned by no one. But jeez, letting a guy own you does not make you worthless. I was really really over the "I am owned by no one". Being owned by someone isnt a bad thing.
3rd. The guys grovelling and Mia not accepting how sorry they were. Why would they want to be with someone that cant forgive their messups, that doesnt love them like the way they love her. They would burn down the world for her but she cant move on. She moved on from her extream assault faster and easier than she moved on to forgiving the guys for trying to protect her.
Yea, eventually Mia ticked me off too much and I quickly skim read the last 40% of the book. By this point I was totally over Mia. I didnt care any more, I just wanted to go and find guys like the Kings for myself. I will fogive all of you guys, call me.
This book, after the first few chapters I could see it was gonna be a skipper to find out how it ends.
1st issue: Mia too?! like really?! Wasnt it enough when 3 out of the 4 guys were tortured and smexually assaulted but you had to have Mia too? Like totally unnecessary. By this book, shock value of the sexual assaults was over. I was bored with them.
2nd. Ok, Mia. I get it, youre a strong independant woman, you are owned by no one. But jeez, letting a guy own you does not make you worthless. I was really really over the "I am owned by no one". Being owned by someone isnt a bad thing.
3rd. The guys grovelling and Mia not accepting how sorry they were. Why would they want to be with someone that cant forgive their messups, that doesnt love them like the way they love her. They would burn down the world for her but she cant move on. She moved on from her extream assault faster and easier than she moved on to forgiving the guys for trying to protect her.
Yea, eventually Mia ticked me off too much and I quickly skim read the last 40% of the book. By this point I was totally over Mia. I didnt care any more, I just wanted to go and find guys like the Kings for myself. I will fogive all of you guys, call me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2023
This is so similar to the last two books, the only change is who is the character that's being kidnaped and raped.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2023
too much tragedy
It is my first read from this author. The storyline and plot were not too bad. However, I thought it was too much tragedy happening to all the main characters. Mia, the female character, is a strong girl and does not accept any mistreatment. I liked all the male characters, Theo, Mateo, Carter, and Finn, each with a unique personality and vulnerability. My favorite male character is Carter and Theo. They both survived tremendously horrific abuse throughout their childhood without losing their humanity. However, I think it was unnecessary for the author to constantly penned such abuse to Theo, Carter, and Mateo and then to Mia. The entire three books were based on sexual abuse, whipping, raping, child neglect, and kidnapping; each book contains all of these themes. What is disturbing is after suffering such an ordeal, all the characters heal within a few days to weeks. In contrast, it takes months and even years to recover from such abuse.
It is my first read from this author. The storyline and plot were not too bad. However, I thought it was too much tragedy happening to all the main characters. Mia, the female character, is a strong girl and does not accept any mistreatment. I liked all the male characters, Theo, Mateo, Carter, and Finn, each with a unique personality and vulnerability. My favorite male character is Carter and Theo. They both survived tremendously horrific abuse throughout their childhood without losing their humanity. However, I think it was unnecessary for the author to constantly penned such abuse to Theo, Carter, and Mateo and then to Mia. The entire three books were based on sexual abuse, whipping, raping, child neglect, and kidnapping; each book contains all of these themes. What is disturbing is after suffering such an ordeal, all the characters heal within a few days to weeks. In contrast, it takes months and even years to recover from such abuse.
April 1, 2026
I enjoyed this series so much. It was really dark and not for the faint hearted. I would look at trigger warnings because some really harrowing shit happens throughout this series. Mia’s whole revenge thing lasted a bit too long and kept these guys on the hook for longer than needed and I just wanted them to be happier earlier. That being said I devoured this series and I loved these characters.
January 12, 2026
They say at the end; you will find peace. Where is Mia’s peace? All she has left now is rage.
Mia was deceived, discarded, and abandoned by the kings of Casbury. Her heart led her into peril when she should have stayed the course and taken her revenge.
She’s now lost in a world of horrors and darkness. One that threatens to take her sanity and destroy her very soul.
Will she survive her fate? Will they survive Mia’s vengeance when she returns?
There will be nothing left of them when she’s done. This is the end of this corrupted kingdom. Mia’s going to burn it all down to the ground.
This is the last book in the Casbury Prep series—the completion of the story of these five main characters. Some supporting characters will receive their own books.
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that are not suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times.
Tropes: Contemporary, Dark Romance, High School, Reverse Harem, New Adult, Enemies-to-Lovers, Cruel/Bully MMC, Poly, Forced Proximity, Disabilities & Scars, Independent FMC, Competent FMC, Sassy FMC, Possessive MMC, Grumpy/Cold MMC, Touch Her and Unalive, Mafia Vibes, Praise/Primal/Degradation/Kinks/Dark Bully.
Corrupted Kingdom is the 3rd book in the Casbury Prep Series by A.L. Maruga. Corrupted Kingdom is the final book in the Casbury Prep Trilogy.
Corrupted Kingdom starts with Mia in dire peril. She had left the estate in anger and no one knew or even realized that she was in danger until it was too late. She had to draw on everything that her Grandmother Stella had taught her, but she also had to draw on what her family had taught her. And she needed to find her inner strength not only to endure what she was being put through but she needed that strength to fight back. After all, she was a Stratford and she was raised to act like one. And she was taught to remember that a Stratford didn’t forgive or forget. Vengeance will be Mia’s but now she has to find the one’s who will truly feel her wrath.
After Theo, Finn, Mateo, and Carter, the four Kings of Casbury deceived, discarded, and worst of all abandoned Mia, she got away from them and suddenly she found herself thrown into a depraved world of horrors that threatened to destroy her very soul.
Corrupted Kingdom answers all our questions about if she will survive her fate? And if the Kings in return will survive Mia’s vengeance when she returns.
Mia remains the same tough-as-nails bad-ass that she’s always been. But, after going to hell and back, and everything in between and managing to survive and it’s made her so much stronger.
Theo, Finn, Mateo, and Carter are these crazy, possessive, alphahole who all have psycho tendencies. But, at the same time they each have different personalities, and somehow, they actually work really well with Mia. And more than that, they each bring something different to Mia and her life, and she needs what they bring. I loved the guys and their deep grovelling and everything that they had to do in order to gain her forgiveness.
Theo, Finn, Mateo, and Carter are all full of self recrimination and loathing. They realize that driving Mia away was the biggest mistake of their lives. They’ve come together and created one unified goal, to get Mia to forgive them. They realize that their life is empty without her and they can’t imagine their life without living the rest of their lives without her in it. And once they find her, they are going to grovel and make her see how sorry they are and how they need her in their lives and they will not stop, permission or not. After all, they are the Kings after all.
What Theo, Finn, Mateo, and Carter find when they finally find Mia is a battle of wills, of empires, and destinies.
Through this series, we have seen the relationship between Mia and Grandma Stella grow and it truly struck me, impressed me, and it was so beautiful. The relationship between Mia and Grandma Stella is one of the most beautiful ‘maternal’ examples of total love and acceptance. I loved the way there are no qualifications to their love, that it just is. And you can say the same of the relationship of Mia and Raegen; they are truly ride or die besties. Raegen is this pint-sized pixie who is so adorable and is just so sweet and cute, yet she’s also this fierce defender of her best friend. I love how A.L. gave us fierce, passionate, and loyal women in this series.
I’m honestly really very sorry that this series is ending, but I’m excited to hopefully see some of the characters from this series return in their own books. A.L. Maruga truly managed to bring this dark, twisted story to life and created these characters to life that readers are never going to be able to forget.
I highly recommend this book and this entire series. You do need to know that you have to read this series in order in order to understand what has happened, the characters and all the events that have been set up.
Mia was deceived, discarded, and abandoned by the kings of Casbury. Her heart led her into peril when she should have stayed the course and taken her revenge.
She’s now lost in a world of horrors and darkness. One that threatens to take her sanity and destroy her very soul.
Will she survive her fate? Will they survive Mia’s vengeance when she returns?
There will be nothing left of them when she’s done. This is the end of this corrupted kingdom. Mia’s going to burn it all down to the ground.
This is the last book in the Casbury Prep series—the completion of the story of these five main characters. Some supporting characters will receive their own books.
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that are not suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times.
Tropes: Contemporary, Dark Romance, High School, Reverse Harem, New Adult, Enemies-to-Lovers, Cruel/Bully MMC, Poly, Forced Proximity, Disabilities & Scars, Independent FMC, Competent FMC, Sassy FMC, Possessive MMC, Grumpy/Cold MMC, Touch Her and Unalive, Mafia Vibes, Praise/Primal/Degradation/Kinks/Dark Bully.
Corrupted Kingdom is the 3rd book in the Casbury Prep Series by A.L. Maruga. Corrupted Kingdom is the final book in the Casbury Prep Trilogy.
Corrupted Kingdom starts with Mia in dire peril. She had left the estate in anger and no one knew or even realized that she was in danger until it was too late. She had to draw on everything that her Grandmother Stella had taught her, but she also had to draw on what her family had taught her. And she needed to find her inner strength not only to endure what she was being put through but she needed that strength to fight back. After all, she was a Stratford and she was raised to act like one. And she was taught to remember that a Stratford didn’t forgive or forget. Vengeance will be Mia’s but now she has to find the one’s who will truly feel her wrath.
After Theo, Finn, Mateo, and Carter, the four Kings of Casbury deceived, discarded, and worst of all abandoned Mia, she got away from them and suddenly she found herself thrown into a depraved world of horrors that threatened to destroy her very soul.
Corrupted Kingdom answers all our questions about if she will survive her fate? And if the Kings in return will survive Mia’s vengeance when she returns.
Mia remains the same tough-as-nails bad-ass that she’s always been. But, after going to hell and back, and everything in between and managing to survive and it’s made her so much stronger.
Theo, Finn, Mateo, and Carter are these crazy, possessive, alphahole who all have psycho tendencies. But, at the same time they each have different personalities, and somehow, they actually work really well with Mia. And more than that, they each bring something different to Mia and her life, and she needs what they bring. I loved the guys and their deep grovelling and everything that they had to do in order to gain her forgiveness.
Theo, Finn, Mateo, and Carter are all full of self recrimination and loathing. They realize that driving Mia away was the biggest mistake of their lives. They’ve come together and created one unified goal, to get Mia to forgive them. They realize that their life is empty without her and they can’t imagine their life without living the rest of their lives without her in it. And once they find her, they are going to grovel and make her see how sorry they are and how they need her in their lives and they will not stop, permission or not. After all, they are the Kings after all.
What Theo, Finn, Mateo, and Carter find when they finally find Mia is a battle of wills, of empires, and destinies.
Through this series, we have seen the relationship between Mia and Grandma Stella grow and it truly struck me, impressed me, and it was so beautiful. The relationship between Mia and Grandma Stella is one of the most beautiful ‘maternal’ examples of total love and acceptance. I loved the way there are no qualifications to their love, that it just is. And you can say the same of the relationship of Mia and Raegen; they are truly ride or die besties. Raegen is this pint-sized pixie who is so adorable and is just so sweet and cute, yet she’s also this fierce defender of her best friend. I love how A.L. gave us fierce, passionate, and loyal women in this series.
I’m honestly really very sorry that this series is ending, but I’m excited to hopefully see some of the characters from this series return in their own books. A.L. Maruga truly managed to bring this dark, twisted story to life and created these characters to life that readers are never going to be able to forget.
I highly recommend this book and this entire series. You do need to know that you have to read this series in order in order to understand what has happened, the characters and all the events that have been set up.
May 7, 2026
BOOK 2 & 3 REVIEW
This trilogy had me binge reading it in 2 days. I couldn’t put it down. What started as a trilogy I wasn’t sure I wanted to read because I was told it had a lot of ow drama and on page sex scenes with the guys and girls who aren’t Mia. But I took a chance, and no I didn’t like seeing all 4 guys in a very detailed scene and I also didn’t like how Carter and Theo showed their emotions towards Melinda, but I took a chance and really enjoyed this trilogy.
Book 2 was a nonstop ride of emotions. What the guys suffered through was horrible. I did find that I didn’t think Mia was as fierce and revengeful as she was in book 1. She didn’t have the same badass attitude and I really missed it. I was glad to see there was no Melinda and the ow drama was eliminated. That feeling passed when June came into the picture. I had a feeling right from get go she was going to be a problem, and her and Mateo would form a bond from what they went through. I hated watching her cling to Mateo in front of Mia and the guys and how close they were at Mia’s house. They basically isolated themselves from everyone and Mateo just allowed her to hold his hand, stay in the room with him, hold onto him.
It was such a betrayal to Mia how Mateo acted and I really wanted to see Mia get her fierceness back and make it clear to June what was going on. Especially at the points where she found them curled up together in the closet and then when she caught June kiss him. June actually got somewhat possessive and tried making a claim to Mateo, knowing all about Mia and staying in Mia’s house. It made me feel less sympathetic to her and what she went through. I would’ve liked to have seen Mateo tell her she had to go, instead of it just being mentioned. I had the same feeling when Theo learned about Melinda and he got all emotional and closed off. I don’t know, I just don’t like seeing the guys feeling those things to anyone other then the heroine.
In book 3 the thing I was hoping for there to be a serious conversation with Mia confronting Mateo about June and him explaining himself. Yeah he had an internal dialogue that he knew he messed up with the whole June thing, but I wanted him and Mia to actually discuss it and for Mia to let him know how hurt and feeling betrayed she felt when he chose June.
All in all, I really enjoyed this trilogy. And Stella and Raegan were the best. Raegan was a true ride or die friend. The way stuck up for Mia and always had her back was the kind of friendship everyone should have. And freaking Stella! She was a kickass grandmother! She was so fierce and a force to be reckoned with. I loved getting a chapter in her pov. Seeing her thoughts and true intentions had me loving that lady even more than I did before.
And that ending with Carter and the old lady neighbor from Mia’s old neighborhood had me smiling and my heart in a puddle. He’s freaking crazy and quick to act, but damn does he have a heart. I thought it was nice that he was the one to a sort of special bond with Stella.
I’m very curious about Diego and Issy. I want to read their story and see what the heck is going on there.
This trilogy had me binge reading it in 2 days. I couldn’t put it down. What started as a trilogy I wasn’t sure I wanted to read because I was told it had a lot of ow drama and on page sex scenes with the guys and girls who aren’t Mia. But I took a chance, and no I didn’t like seeing all 4 guys in a very detailed scene and I also didn’t like how Carter and Theo showed their emotions towards Melinda, but I took a chance and really enjoyed this trilogy.
Book 2 was a nonstop ride of emotions. What the guys suffered through was horrible. I did find that I didn’t think Mia was as fierce and revengeful as she was in book 1. She didn’t have the same badass attitude and I really missed it. I was glad to see there was no Melinda and the ow drama was eliminated. That feeling passed when June came into the picture. I had a feeling right from get go she was going to be a problem, and her and Mateo would form a bond from what they went through. I hated watching her cling to Mateo in front of Mia and the guys and how close they were at Mia’s house. They basically isolated themselves from everyone and Mateo just allowed her to hold his hand, stay in the room with him, hold onto him.
It was such a betrayal to Mia how Mateo acted and I really wanted to see Mia get her fierceness back and make it clear to June what was going on. Especially at the points where she found them curled up together in the closet and then when she caught June kiss him. June actually got somewhat possessive and tried making a claim to Mateo, knowing all about Mia and staying in Mia’s house. It made me feel less sympathetic to her and what she went through. I would’ve liked to have seen Mateo tell her she had to go, instead of it just being mentioned. I had the same feeling when Theo learned about Melinda and he got all emotional and closed off. I don’t know, I just don’t like seeing the guys feeling those things to anyone other then the heroine.
In book 3 the thing I was hoping for there to be a serious conversation with Mia confronting Mateo about June and him explaining himself. Yeah he had an internal dialogue that he knew he messed up with the whole June thing, but I wanted him and Mia to actually discuss it and for Mia to let him know how hurt and feeling betrayed she felt when he chose June.
All in all, I really enjoyed this trilogy. And Stella and Raegan were the best. Raegan was a true ride or die friend. The way stuck up for Mia and always had her back was the kind of friendship everyone should have. And freaking Stella! She was a kickass grandmother! She was so fierce and a force to be reckoned with. I loved getting a chapter in her pov. Seeing her thoughts and true intentions had me loving that lady even more than I did before.
And that ending with Carter and the old lady neighbor from Mia’s old neighborhood had me smiling and my heart in a puddle. He’s freaking crazy and quick to act, but damn does he have a heart. I thought it was nice that he was the one to a sort of special bond with Stella.
I’m very curious about Diego and Issy. I want to read their story and see what the heck is going on there.
May 11, 2023
4.5 ⭐️ Steam: 4/5. Strong Language: 4/5
Characters: 5/5. Plot: 4/5
Content Warning: This is a dark romance with pretty much ALL the triggers. Please read the author’s warning before you read. I’m not going to list them because it will ruin the plot. Be aware, they are significant.
This is the final book in the Casbury Prep trilogy. You must read the series in order for maximum enjoyment.
The book begins with Mia in peril. She left the estate in anger and no one knows that she is in danger until it is too late. She must draw upon everything she has learned from her grandmother Stella and from her family, to find the strength to not only endure but fight back. She is a Stratford. They don’t forgive and they don’t forget. Vengeance will be hers but who will feel her wrath?
The guys are full of self recrimination and loathing at having driven Mia away. Their one unified goal is her forgiveness. They can’t imagine a life without her and they’ll do whatever it takes to make her see that - whether they have permission or not. They are kings after all.
What transpires is a battle of wills, of empires, of destinies.
Throughout this series, the relationship between Mia and Stella has grown and increasingly impressed me. It truly is one of the best ‘maternal’ examples of total love and acceptance. There is no qualification to their love. It just is. The same can be said of Mia and Raegen, our ride or d!e bestie. She may be a pint sized pixie but Rae is a staunch defender of her friend. The women in these books are fierce, passionate, and loyal.
Characters: 5/5. Plot: 4/5
Content Warning: This is a dark romance with pretty much ALL the triggers. Please read the author’s warning before you read. I’m not going to list them because it will ruin the plot. Be aware, they are significant.
This is the final book in the Casbury Prep trilogy. You must read the series in order for maximum enjoyment.
The book begins with Mia in peril. She left the estate in anger and no one knows that she is in danger until it is too late. She must draw upon everything she has learned from her grandmother Stella and from her family, to find the strength to not only endure but fight back. She is a Stratford. They don’t forgive and they don’t forget. Vengeance will be hers but who will feel her wrath?
The guys are full of self recrimination and loathing at having driven Mia away. Their one unified goal is her forgiveness. They can’t imagine a life without her and they’ll do whatever it takes to make her see that - whether they have permission or not. They are kings after all.
What transpires is a battle of wills, of empires, of destinies.
Throughout this series, the relationship between Mia and Stella has grown and increasingly impressed me. It truly is one of the best ‘maternal’ examples of total love and acceptance. There is no qualification to their love. It just is. The same can be said of Mia and Raegen, our ride or d!e bestie. She may be a pint sized pixie but Rae is a staunch defender of her friend. The women in these books are fierce, passionate, and loyal.
May 21, 2023
💥Overall opinion:
A great ending to this trilogy! The road there was a little dark and dangerous, but it's so worth it. Loved this world and the characters.
⛔️Brief Story Summary:
The kings of Casbury deceived, discarded, and abandoned Mia. After trying to get away, she was thrown in a depraved world of horrors that threatens to destroy her very soul. Will she survive her fate? Will the kings survive Mia's vengeance of she returns?
💋Tropes:
Enemies to Lovers
Why Choose
Forced Proximity
Mafia Vibes
Touch Her and Die
Praise, Primal, Degradation K!nks
Dark Bully
💣Main Character Rating:
Theo, Finn, Mateo, and Carter are crazy, possessive, alphaholes with psycho tendencies and such different personalities, that they all actually somehow work really well with Mia. They all bring something different to her life, which she needs. She's still the same tough-as-nails bada$$ she's always been but after going through what she did and surviving, made her so much more. Loved they groveling they all had to do to earn her forgiveness.
🌶Spice
3/5
🚫Closure:
I'm sad to see this series end but I loved each and every one of these books. The author truly brought this dark, twisted story to life and created characters that readers will never forget. Can't wait to see what comes next for this author!
⭐️Overall Rating:
5 freaking stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A great ending to this trilogy! The road there was a little dark and dangerous, but it's so worth it. Loved this world and the characters.
⛔️Brief Story Summary:
The kings of Casbury deceived, discarded, and abandoned Mia. After trying to get away, she was thrown in a depraved world of horrors that threatens to destroy her very soul. Will she survive her fate? Will the kings survive Mia's vengeance of she returns?
💋Tropes:
Enemies to Lovers
Why Choose
Forced Proximity
Mafia Vibes
Touch Her and Die
Praise, Primal, Degradation K!nks
Dark Bully
💣Main Character Rating:
Theo, Finn, Mateo, and Carter are crazy, possessive, alphaholes with psycho tendencies and such different personalities, that they all actually somehow work really well with Mia. They all bring something different to her life, which she needs. She's still the same tough-as-nails bada$$ she's always been but after going through what she did and surviving, made her so much more. Loved they groveling they all had to do to earn her forgiveness.
🌶Spice
3/5
🚫Closure:
I'm sad to see this series end but I loved each and every one of these books. The author truly brought this dark, twisted story to life and created characters that readers will never forget. Can't wait to see what comes next for this author!
⭐️Overall Rating:
5 freaking stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 7, 2023
A fantastic ending to an incredible trilogy! I knew I was gonna be an emotional wreck reading this book but I absolutely loved it.
The third and final book in The Casbury Prep series is a why choose, enemies to lovers dark romance.
~Tropes~
Enemies to Lovers
Why Choose
Forced Proximity
Mafia Vibes
Touch Her and Die
Praise, Primal, Degradation KInks Dark Bully
I loved how we got to know more of a backstory to when Carter, Mateo, Theo and Finn all first met Mia. Despite their rocky childhood and the original reason Mia moved back they all work so well together. Each of the guys bring out a different side of her and Mia is the perfect fit for them. Not only does this book deal with emotional trauma and mental illness but most of all it’s about forgiveness, healing and trust.
I will never stop raving about this series and I can’t wait to read more about Diego and Issy in The Queens Serpent.
If you love a twisted plot, never knowing when you’re gonna laugh or cry, or being an absolute emotional mess then The Casbury Prep series is for you. Thank you A.L. Maruga for letting me ARC read each book and taking me on this journey with you.
The third and final book in The Casbury Prep series is a why choose, enemies to lovers dark romance.
~Tropes~
Enemies to Lovers
Why Choose
Forced Proximity
Mafia Vibes
Touch Her and Die
Praise, Primal, Degradation KInks Dark Bully
I loved how we got to know more of a backstory to when Carter, Mateo, Theo and Finn all first met Mia. Despite their rocky childhood and the original reason Mia moved back they all work so well together. Each of the guys bring out a different side of her and Mia is the perfect fit for them. Not only does this book deal with emotional trauma and mental illness but most of all it’s about forgiveness, healing and trust.
I will never stop raving about this series and I can’t wait to read more about Diego and Issy in The Queens Serpent.
If you love a twisted plot, never knowing when you’re gonna laugh or cry, or being an absolute emotional mess then The Casbury Prep series is for you. Thank you A.L. Maruga for letting me ARC read each book and taking me on this journey with you.
June 12, 2023
I wish authors would stop giving a redemption arc to horrible characters. Lots of bullies are bullies and stay bullies because they want to.
I would have loved the story much better if the guys were unapologetic bullies but developed through the series and got some reflection on their actions. Instead of this bland and crazy plot just made to shock the reader.
I also wish debut authors mapped out their story better because lots of loose ends are found here. What happened to June? Why even introduce her? What was the point? Did she go back to Canada? What happened to Mia's mom? How can her and Mia go from being very close to this aloof relationship? What was the point with Spencer too? You'd think he would have become a great friend but dude has 4 lines in the whole series.
Also the guys were afraid of their fathers getting to Mia and her mother but how they never get afraid for Melinda? Make it make sense. And their cold reaction to her death paint them as royal assholes.
And why all the three girls are written like angry chihuahuas. They scream, they yell, they threaten. Like wtf. Can't they have a conversation without an aggressive behavior?
I would have loved the story much better if the guys were unapologetic bullies but developed through the series and got some reflection on their actions. Instead of this bland and crazy plot just made to shock the reader.
I also wish debut authors mapped out their story better because lots of loose ends are found here. What happened to June? Why even introduce her? What was the point? Did she go back to Canada? What happened to Mia's mom? How can her and Mia go from being very close to this aloof relationship? What was the point with Spencer too? You'd think he would have become a great friend but dude has 4 lines in the whole series.
Also the guys were afraid of their fathers getting to Mia and her mother but how they never get afraid for Melinda? Make it make sense. And their cold reaction to her death paint them as royal assholes.
And why all the three girls are written like angry chihuahuas. They scream, they yell, they threaten. Like wtf. Can't they have a conversation without an aggressive behavior?
February 23, 2024
DNF
i tried to read this book as i figured i might as well finish the series to see if there was any emotional or character growth (nope) … plus there was so much repetition of scenes from the previous books (which was strange and just felt like filler pages rather than moving the story along ) and frankly all the main characters would have been better people if someone / anyone had dragged them all into some intensive therapy for all their numerous issues … instead of letting them wallow in their ( more often than not ) self inflicted misery which considering how self aware ( and repetitive) they all are of thinking how psychotic / damaged they are …. would have been the first logical choice after so much trauma … instead of constantly self destructing and then being surprised when everything goes to hell in a hand basket ….
For me it’s never a good thing for a story when the side female characters are much more interesting and likeable than the FMC (who more often than not i just wanted to slap some basic common sense into ) ….
but books are always personal to the reader and I am sure there will be many readers who will enjoy this series
i tried to read this book as i figured i might as well finish the series to see if there was any emotional or character growth (nope) … plus there was so much repetition of scenes from the previous books (which was strange and just felt like filler pages rather than moving the story along ) and frankly all the main characters would have been better people if someone / anyone had dragged them all into some intensive therapy for all their numerous issues … instead of letting them wallow in their ( more often than not ) self inflicted misery which considering how self aware ( and repetitive) they all are of thinking how psychotic / damaged they are …. would have been the first logical choice after so much trauma … instead of constantly self destructing and then being surprised when everything goes to hell in a hand basket ….
For me it’s never a good thing for a story when the side female characters are much more interesting and likeable than the FMC (who more often than not i just wanted to slap some basic common sense into ) ….
but books are always personal to the reader and I am sure there will be many readers who will enjoy this series
July 21, 2024
I was really looking forward to some 5 star grovelling in this book after everything that happened, I don't feel like I got anywhere near enough.
It feels like the male characters didn't really develop at all. They started as overbearing alphaholes and ended as overbearing alphaholes.
I hate the idea that they basically tried to screw the fmc into submission. Instead of working on gaining the fmcs forgiveness, they just kept overpowering her during sex. Mia knew that Theo needed to feel some control during sex after his experiences with his father, but not one of her guys thought maybe Mia would benefit from feeling in control after her time in the cabin.
That maybe after all they had done to her, they didn't deserve to be demanding her on her knees, that consensual none consent was something they would have to earn by making her feel safe and loved.
I didn't have an issue with the darkness, as I often read dark books, so this book of the series and the guys in particular was my only real issue with it.
It feels like the male characters didn't really develop at all. They started as overbearing alphaholes and ended as overbearing alphaholes.
I hate the idea that they basically tried to screw the fmc into submission. Instead of working on gaining the fmcs forgiveness, they just kept overpowering her during sex. Mia knew that Theo needed to feel some control during sex after his experiences with his father, but not one of her guys thought maybe Mia would benefit from feeling in control after her time in the cabin.
That maybe after all they had done to her, they didn't deserve to be demanding her on her knees, that consensual none consent was something they would have to earn by making her feel safe and loved.
I didn't have an issue with the darkness, as I often read dark books, so this book of the series and the guys in particular was my only real issue with it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2023
Steam: 5/5. Strong Language: 5/5.
I finally had to tap out and admit to myself that I just wasn’t ready to read this. It’s incredible and wonderfully written, but I personally couldn’t handle the triggers. It is not a DNF forever, but it’s on pause until I’m mentally ready to pick it back up. I got over 67% the way in before I set it down and from what I’ve read so far, it was absolutely incredible.
Mia Stratford is still hands down my Queen. She has survived every single thing that has been thrown her way and I would gladly bow at her feet.
As for Theo, Carter, Finn, and Mateo. As dense and dumb as they may be at times, they are still some of my favorite alphaholes ever.
I received Corrupted Kingdom as an ARC and while I could not finish it for now, I did want to leave a review and let people know how much I love this series and this author. Thank you AL Maruga for having me on your team and for your support when I had to walk away. Xx
I finally had to tap out and admit to myself that I just wasn’t ready to read this. It’s incredible and wonderfully written, but I personally couldn’t handle the triggers. It is not a DNF forever, but it’s on pause until I’m mentally ready to pick it back up. I got over 67% the way in before I set it down and from what I’ve read so far, it was absolutely incredible.
Mia Stratford is still hands down my Queen. She has survived every single thing that has been thrown her way and I would gladly bow at her feet.
As for Theo, Carter, Finn, and Mateo. As dense and dumb as they may be at times, they are still some of my favorite alphaholes ever.
I received Corrupted Kingdom as an ARC and while I could not finish it for now, I did want to leave a review and let people know how much I love this series and this author. Thank you AL Maruga for having me on your team and for your support when I had to walk away. Xx
January 2, 2026
I really enjoyed this trilogy, even though the grammar and spelling aren't great, but this book was just too much. I got really tired of Mia caving to the guys anytime they touch her. Be the Queen. When will she stand her ground when upset with the guys? I also feel like this book could have ended maybe halfway through. I was dragging finishing the book because I was just bored of the "here's a bad guy, defeat the bad guy, new bad guy....but wait... he must have a co-conspirator." And the final return to Casbury Prep was ridiculous, pointless to be there, and rushed to finish the story. If this had an editor/proofreader/etc., it would probably have been better. The run-on sentences, wrong words, sentence ending in the middle, and so much mis-use of commas should have been caught. Someone should have insisted on some plot changes. I love the overall story, but it really does scream "pay per chapter" turned into a series of books.
May 19, 2023
This series was so amazing. I'm so sad it's over. I loved Mia. She is a badass FMC. She is a Stratford and she is making sure everyone knows and remembers that. She has to endure so really dark things in this book, but she comes out of it even more of a badass. As for her four kings, they have some serious repentance to do. Tho their intentions were good they caused a lot of hurt and heartache to Mia. As they each struggle to get over their demons and all they have also endured, they are also trying to win back of heart of their Queen. Together they go through hell, and go after the demons who haunt them. Be sure to check the trigger warnings. AL Maruga did such a fantastic job with this series. It is in my top favorites.
June 2, 2023
Wow... what a way to end the trilogy! I have been itching to see how it all ends, particularly after how things were left in book 2.
This book is dark and heartbreaking, but that's what a great dark romance should be. All the damn feelings all at once. Mia is a goddess (and not just because of her name), and her kings had some serious grovelling to do, and I was totally here for it.
What they all endured was devastating, but their growth and development over the trilogy is outstanding. It's the only way things could have played out, and I applaud the writer for the continuity, and the way the threads from Stella & Jaxon's book wove into this trilogy.
Also, Diego is mine, and I will defend my right to him. Can't wait for his and Issy's book!
This book is dark and heartbreaking, but that's what a great dark romance should be. All the damn feelings all at once. Mia is a goddess (and not just because of her name), and her kings had some serious grovelling to do, and I was totally here for it.
What they all endured was devastating, but their growth and development over the trilogy is outstanding. It's the only way things could have played out, and I applaud the writer for the continuity, and the way the threads from Stella & Jaxon's book wove into this trilogy.
Also, Diego is mine, and I will defend my right to him. Can't wait for his and Issy's book!
July 15, 2023
TW‼️: mention of ED
The ending was very underwhelming in my opinion. Everything felt sooooo repetitive. So much time was taken up by kidnapping and huge amounts of trauma (which is fine). But there was no resolution to any of the trauma the characters went through. We didn’t even get to see them actually talk about her being Amelia, how the guys made her feel, her eating disorder, or all of the shit they went through together & separately. I’m all about smut but it needs substance and this lacked. Honestly, super disappointing series. The first book started out so solid and then book two was a little bit of a let down, this book was a huge let down. I’m only giving it three stars because I loved the characters, and I especially loved Diego and Issy, and her best friend. The smut was great. The characters were all super solid, the plot however was not.
The ending was very underwhelming in my opinion. Everything felt sooooo repetitive. So much time was taken up by kidnapping and huge amounts of trauma (which is fine). But there was no resolution to any of the trauma the characters went through. We didn’t even get to see them actually talk about her being Amelia, how the guys made her feel, her eating disorder, or all of the shit they went through together & separately. I’m all about smut but it needs substance and this lacked. Honestly, super disappointing series. The first book started out so solid and then book two was a little bit of a let down, this book was a huge let down. I’m only giving it three stars because I loved the characters, and I especially loved Diego and Issy, and her best friend. The smut was great. The characters were all super solid, the plot however was not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2024
made myself finish
I made myself finish this trilogy. I was already in 2 books and I wasn’t giving up. These is a lot of chaos in this book, there is so much happening, and instead of giving space to one main issues, the author floods the book with them. I happened in both other books too, it was very heavy in this one. By the end of this series I didn’t like a single character. That being said, maybe it wasn’t for me, but with all the chaos and all the dang typos, it was a lot. I feel like this was very heavy handed, and the world built was just impossible to envision. This author is not afraid to go for the dark, please, please, please read the trigger warning, this is not for the faint of heart, and is very, very graphic.
I made myself finish this trilogy. I was already in 2 books and I wasn’t giving up. These is a lot of chaos in this book, there is so much happening, and instead of giving space to one main issues, the author floods the book with them. I happened in both other books too, it was very heavy in this one. By the end of this series I didn’t like a single character. That being said, maybe it wasn’t for me, but with all the chaos and all the dang typos, it was a lot. I feel like this was very heavy handed, and the world built was just impossible to envision. This author is not afraid to go for the dark, please, please, please read the trigger warning, this is not for the faint of heart, and is very, very graphic.
December 23, 2025
Okay I will start by saying this entire series is so good! Each book gives you something more every time and makes you want to keep reading. This book, much like the first one, hit a slow point and was kind of a drag. I did really enjoy it, but I found myself thinking like okay this seems a little repetitive. I do think all 3 books could’ve been a duet.
Anyway, Mia and her crazy guys are literally perfect for each other. I always had a different facet every moment, and in the end now I can’t pick a favorite. Although I love Carter’s crazy, I really do love Mateo’s soft but hard side, and then there is Theo OTTP side that Finn also has a bit of. These 4 really balance each other out! And I love seeing Rae’s crazy come out too hahaha. Overall I loved the final ending of these 3 books!
Anyway, Mia and her crazy guys are literally perfect for each other. I always had a different facet every moment, and in the end now I can’t pick a favorite. Although I love Carter’s crazy, I really do love Mateo’s soft but hard side, and then there is Theo OTTP side that Finn also has a bit of. These 4 really balance each other out! And I love seeing Rae’s crazy come out too hahaha. Overall I loved the final ending of these 3 books!
May 8, 2023
I so going to miss this series. Mia Stratford is one strong lady. as Is her grandmother Stella you never mess with the Stratford women you will get burnt? now the story all comes together in this one why her Kings did what they did. But Mia has got to fight this time to get out alive. And her King s are.so going to have to work to get her back. This book is like going on a roller coaster ride. You will be. pushing her to survive you will laugh you will cry. And you will so love the Schenes with the kings. will they make it and survive I so looking forward to what author comes up with next a very talented writer I so recommend this series, but all come with trigger warnings?
May 20, 2023
The final book of the Casbury Prep Series! WHAT an ending indeed!! From the end of Fall of a King to the beginning of Corrupted Kingdom - VERY dark things are going on. We watch the four kings struggle without their Queen, with her missing, and they've only themselves to blame!
We meet what is possibly the sickest villain in all of A.L. Maruga's books so far, and if you have any triggers, please do not try to read these books. Check the warnings, and make sure you heed them. There were several times I had to stop - but that's because of a personal connection with the name of the baddie.
This book is phenomenal though, and if you like them dark - A.L.'s got you covered here!
We meet what is possibly the sickest villain in all of A.L. Maruga's books so far, and if you have any triggers, please do not try to read these books. Check the warnings, and make sure you heed them. There were several times I had to stop - but that's because of a personal connection with the name of the baddie.
This book is phenomenal though, and if you like them dark - A.L.'s got you covered here!
May 21, 2023
What a great ending to an amazing series!!
Mia is kidnapped and we find out it's her bio-dad who was the man in the shadows from the previous books. Unspeakable things were done and with her determination and what little strength she had left, Mia was able to escape. From being found, healing from her trauma, and growing hate for her kings, Mia was not the same. Persistent kings were not going to let her push them away and live without her. You will be surprised, furious, sad, and loved all in this one read. You were warned!!
And let's not forget about Diego and his feelings for Issy....to be continued.
Mia is kidnapped and we find out it's her bio-dad who was the man in the shadows from the previous books. Unspeakable things were done and with her determination and what little strength she had left, Mia was able to escape. From being found, healing from her trauma, and growing hate for her kings, Mia was not the same. Persistent kings were not going to let her push them away and live without her. You will be surprised, furious, sad, and loved all in this one read. You were warned!!
And let's not forget about Diego and his feelings for Issy....to be continued.
April 15, 2025
TAKING BACK HER POWER
If I thought Book2, Fall of a King was tragic, nothing prepared me for the brutality of Book 3. In saying that, the FMC Mia, is strong and her strength to endure, battle and survive the trauma and continued upheaval in her world is something to admire. The emotions are raw and powerful and the intermittent looks into past experiences helps the story progress and build an understanding for all involved. The men in this book are doomed to repeat their mistakes until the reality of a Kingdom without a Queen brings them full circle. This book has strong dark themes and readers should be mindful of their own well being. I have enjoyed this series and Corrupted Kingdom was a good end to Mia's story.
If I thought Book2, Fall of a King was tragic, nothing prepared me for the brutality of Book 3. In saying that, the FMC Mia, is strong and her strength to endure, battle and survive the trauma and continued upheaval in her world is something to admire. The emotions are raw and powerful and the intermittent looks into past experiences helps the story progress and build an understanding for all involved. The men in this book are doomed to repeat their mistakes until the reality of a Kingdom without a Queen brings them full circle. This book has strong dark themes and readers should be mindful of their own well being. I have enjoyed this series and Corrupted Kingdom was a good end to Mia's story.
December 23, 2025
WHAT A FUCKING ENDING!! WOWEEEE!!!
This series was definitely dark, raw, gritty, heartbreaking, intense, and so fucking beautiful.
Their story put me through a lot of ups and downs. What an emotional rollercoaster ride, with alot of twists you don't see coming. I couldn't put it down once I started I was hooked.
The characters, side characters, the world building, storyline and plot was truly amazing and written really well. You can tell the author put there all into this series. The queen and kings will always have my heart.
I can't wait to read more from this author, highly recommend.
This series was definitely dark, raw, gritty, heartbreaking, intense, and so fucking beautiful.
Their story put me through a lot of ups and downs. What an emotional rollercoaster ride, with alot of twists you don't see coming. I couldn't put it down once I started I was hooked.
The characters, side characters, the world building, storyline and plot was truly amazing and written really well. You can tell the author put there all into this series. The queen and kings will always have my heart.
I can't wait to read more from this author, highly recommend.
May 10, 2023
First you need to read triggers because this is book is dark. Once you read those omg this book will have you deep in emotions and not been able to put the book down. Mia is a fucking queen like even if she gets bruises she comes back stronger. This book had me on my feet the whole time and those 4 kings were pissing me off half the time. I wanted to throw hands with them. This book left me wanting more of Mia and the boys story. Just a strong finish to a good series. This is a must read if any of the triggers don't affect you. Thank you A.L for letting me arc read this amazing book!!
April 14, 2024
This will have you have a love hate relationship. It has so many different emotions but so worth it
Please read this. It gives you so many different emotions. And it let's the Phoenix rise take vengeance where it's do and make the once that should if protected her repent. She was a bad@ss Queen and she made them bow. There is so much to unpack in this series. You want to hate them but in the end when you know the truth you just can't. This 1st time I read this author and it was really good.
Please read this. It gives you so many different emotions. And it let's the Phoenix rise take vengeance where it's do and make the once that should if protected her repent. She was a bad@ss Queen and she made them bow. There is so much to unpack in this series. You want to hate them but in the end when you know the truth you just can't. This 1st time I read this author and it was really good.
November 28, 2025
Each book likes to one up the other in just how dark it can go
DARK AND D3PRAVED is really and probably truly the only things I can say without getting in trouble.
Each book likes to one up the other in just how dark it can go.
But trust me these aren’t complaints. I really enjoyed reading this entire series. My heart might not agree, neither does my anxiety, but the other parts give it 2 thumbs up!
Key points in no particular order:
- See troped from book 1’s review
- longing
- Regret
- revenge
- capt.v.
- finding balance
DARK AND D3PRAVED is really and probably truly the only things I can say without getting in trouble.
Each book likes to one up the other in just how dark it can go.
But trust me these aren’t complaints. I really enjoyed reading this entire series. My heart might not agree, neither does my anxiety, but the other parts give it 2 thumbs up!
Key points in no particular order:
- See troped from book 1’s review
- longing
- Regret
- revenge
- capt.v.
- finding balance
April 10, 2026
What a Conclusion!!!
This trilogy has blown me away! It’s dark, it’s depraved and it does not hold back. This read is not for the faint of heart and you MUST take the TWs seriously.
It has truly been a rollercoaster ride of emotions and I’m so happy that Mia and her men got the HEA they truly deserved. It was not easy, it was not quick but they got their version of it. I can’t express how much I loved reading this entire story and if you are into dark reads, you NEED to read this and NOW!
This trilogy has blown me away! It’s dark, it’s depraved and it does not hold back. This read is not for the faint of heart and you MUST take the TWs seriously.
It has truly been a rollercoaster ride of emotions and I’m so happy that Mia and her men got the HEA they truly deserved. It was not easy, it was not quick but they got their version of it. I can’t express how much I loved reading this entire story and if you are into dark reads, you NEED to read this and NOW!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews