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XXXVII #1
The Elite
James Keyingham University: a college for the country’s richest, most powerful and influential elite…
My brother is serving a life sentence for a murder I know he didn’t commit. Things don’t add up, and all the evidence about the case seems to have disappeared.
One scholarship later, and I’m attending James Keyingham University. If I want to prove him innocent, I’ve got to keep up my grades long enough to find out the truth about what happened that night.
Every student here belongs to a family whose wealth puts them in the top 1% of the whole country. Including Synclair Keyingham, the younger brother of the guy mine confessed to killing.
Only, Syn doesn’t feel enough justice has been served and he’s determined to make my brother pay…
…By taking his revenge out on me.
With his best friends, Royal and Gemini, by his side, Syn has turned the whole campus against me, and my life is getting more hellish with each passing day.
Unfortunately for Syn, I’ve already lost everything. When you’ve got nothing left to lose, desperation can make you suffer through terrible things. No matter what hell he has planned for me, I’ve got one shot at finding the truth and I’ll do whatever it takes for my brother to walk free.
And then I’ll make Syn, Royal, Gemini—and the rest of the student body—get down on their knees and beg for forgiveness.
My brother is serving a life sentence for a murder I know he didn’t commit. Things don’t add up, and all the evidence about the case seems to have disappeared.
One scholarship later, and I’m attending James Keyingham University. If I want to prove him innocent, I’ve got to keep up my grades long enough to find out the truth about what happened that night.
Every student here belongs to a family whose wealth puts them in the top 1% of the whole country. Including Synclair Keyingham, the younger brother of the guy mine confessed to killing.
Only, Syn doesn’t feel enough justice has been served and he’s determined to make my brother pay…
…By taking his revenge out on me.
With his best friends, Royal and Gemini, by his side, Syn has turned the whole campus against me, and my life is getting more hellish with each passing day.
Unfortunately for Syn, I’ve already lost everything. When you’ve got nothing left to lose, desperation can make you suffer through terrible things. No matter what hell he has planned for me, I’ve got one shot at finding the truth and I’ll do whatever it takes for my brother to walk free.
And then I’ll make Syn, Royal, Gemini—and the rest of the student body—get down on their knees and beg for forgiveness.
Kindle Edition
Published September 2, 2023
362 people are currently reading
755 people want to read
About the author
Serenity Ackles
14 books193 followersSerenity Ackles, author and reader of RH.
Books contain a lot of boys, sex, and a sprinkle of profanity.
Books contain a lot of boys, sex, and a sprinkle of profanity.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
March 28, 2025
📚'𝙼𝚈 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙾𝚃𝙷𝙴𝚁𝚂'📚 can also be found on my blog: ╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
'T𝐇E E𝐋I𝐓E' is the first full length book in the (XXXVII) series by new to me author Serenity Ackles.
This was recommended to me the other day, since the third book has just been released, took that plunge and purchased it, started it that day, and couldn’t put it down.
Once her brother admitted to killing a man on campus and was given life in prison, Tori’s life changed in an instant. From riches to rags, from popular to a pariah.
She knew deep down her brother was innocent
Now she just has to prove it
After earning a scholarship to Keyingham University Tori is equipped to seek out the truth about her brothers incarceration. Someone has to know something. With it being a high profile murder there didn't seem to be a paper trail about the case either. The University is under the thumb of the 'Elite' Synclair who is the younger brother of the boy her brother supposedly killed and his two best buddies Royal and Gemini. As well as these three boys and the rest of the students making her life a living hell she also has a teacher who also seems to be against her and insinuates that JP wasn't the only person her brother had murdered. Delving deeper into the mysteries of these two murders Tori uncovers an article which finally offers her the break she was seeking. Upon this clue the teacher Dr. Wright comes to her aide and putting their heads together chasing clues both are hoping to uncover the secrecy shrouding these two cases.
It’s been a while since I’ve jumped into the bully genre, and this one was a pleasant surprise, the whole school was ordered to ignore her by these three boys, and they all complied. So to be expected this one had a lot of angst, a strong heroine and an elite group on campus that she wants to infiltrate to get to the bottom of her brother’s conviction.
April 28, 2025
Plot: 3.5/5 • Smut: 2.5/5 —————> This held my interest so good in the beginning. Mid way? Snooze fest. I wanted to DNF multiple times. Very cliche bullying, but it seemed to drag on. FINALLY getting somewhere in the last 100 pages and then it got good.
She’s out to solve the real truth behind her brother being convicted of murder. In the same place where he was convicted too. This is where she meets the elite, a society of the crem de la crem rich and privileged.
Smut was good in the scenes we got. The finale was the best.
She’s out to solve the real truth behind her brother being convicted of murder. In the same place where he was convicted too. This is where she meets the elite, a society of the crem de la crem rich and privileged.
Smut was good in the scenes we got. The finale was the best.
September 5, 2023
Warning: This is the first in a series and ends on a cliffy!
Victoria is on a mission to prove her brother, who's in prison for murder, did not commit the crime he was convicted of, even if he did confess. The scene of the crime is James Keyingham University, her new college, where she's hoping to find a clue or a witness or any information that will help in proving her brother's innocence. The only things standing in her way are members of a secret society that happen to run the university and the three heads of that society Syn (the brother of the victim), Royal and Gemini.
I loved this steamy, bully, murder mystery. Though it was mostly bullying with just a touch of steam and mystery. Though I was sucked in from the start and cannot wait for the next book to come out!
Victoria is on a mission to prove her brother, who's in prison for murder, did not commit the crime he was convicted of, even if he did confess. The scene of the crime is James Keyingham University, her new college, where she's hoping to find a clue or a witness or any information that will help in proving her brother's innocence. The only things standing in her way are members of a secret society that happen to run the university and the three heads of that society Syn (the brother of the victim), Royal and Gemini.
I loved this steamy, bully, murder mystery. Though it was mostly bullying with just a touch of steam and mystery. Though I was sucked in from the start and cannot wait for the next book to come out!
February 2, 2025
The story is actually interesting, but I can’t get over the typos, run-ons, and incomplete sentences. I can’t decide if I want to read the next books to find out the ending or save myself the frustration.
September 30, 2023
This book is a total recommendation for mine if you're looking for a dark college based reverse harem with the bullying trope.
Fundamentally, this book does follow the stereotypical male bully, who only sees the worst in the fmc because of something she didn't even do... Common, isn't it. Except, she's resilient an flushed to get through as she tries to prove her brothers innocence even though she's humiliated and hated on at every step. Who doesn't love a tenacious heroine? But, now we are left with a question. Will she be able to prove her brothers innocence?
I absolutely adored this book and ate it up in one sitting, it was put together amazing and got me out my reading slump. This is a total recommendation. The cliffhanger though hurt my heart and I just need to know what happens next.
I will be reading the next book in the series!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Fundamentally, this book does follow the stereotypical male bully, who only sees the worst in the fmc because of something she didn't even do... Common, isn't it. Except, she's resilient an flushed to get through as she tries to prove her brothers innocence even though she's humiliated and hated on at every step. Who doesn't love a tenacious heroine? But, now we are left with a question. Will she be able to prove her brothers innocence?
I absolutely adored this book and ate it up in one sitting, it was put together amazing and got me out my reading slump. This is a total recommendation. The cliffhanger though hurt my heart and I just need to know what happens next.
I will be reading the next book in the series!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 2, 2023
When Victoria’s world is thrown upside down as her brother is sentenced to life in prison for murder of his fellow student JP Keyingham she decides that she’s going to get answers that nobody seems able to give her and find out the truth of what really happened and hopefully prove her brother's innocence. She changes her name, her appearance, her grades and gets a scholarship at the very same University where her brother supposedly killed his friend. That’s the easiest part, the University is made up of the rich and Elite with a secret society full of darkness and debauchery and it’s run by JP Keyingham’s brother Syn and his two best friends and they don’t want to give answers to Victoria they want to get revenge.
It’s very well written but focuses heavily on the bullying aspect with Syn and his two best friends Gemini and Royal encouraging their fellow students to ruin Victoria’s life. Some of the things done to her are hard hitting and apart from one friend she has nobody to turn to, but as much as the things she is struggling with hurt her she’s not willing to let her friend get hurt too and so tries to cut ties with her in an utterly selfless move which just goes to prove what kind of person she is. Whilst they break her down she refuses to give in showing her utter resilience and she slowly starts to uncover some of the secrets that the University has hidden away.
There is very little in the way of romance in the first book of this series with it focusing mainly on world building and creating suspense between the characters and their bullying but there are some spicy scenes as we learn early on that the Elite enjoy throwing parties that consist of drugs, drink and group sex. There’s limited interaction between the main male characters and Victoria apart from the bullying but Royal does have a sexual attraction to her and they have a moment at one of the first party’s. Which Gemini then watches on surveillance, the book also ends on a large group scene which sets the way for a cliffhanger.
Whilst it’s understandable why the boys want revenge, the fact that they’ve just accepted whatever they’ve been told and never questioned anything doesn’t make very much sense to me and it seems anybody else who has ever questioned what really happened has been punished in some way so it was great to see Victoria start to bring things to light and even convince some people that she is right and things don’t make sense and it makes me eager to see what happens in the next book. Towards the end of the book we see some softer moments from Royal and Gemini towards Victoria and I can’t wait to see if Syn can soften up too when he learns the truth.
It’s very well written but focuses heavily on the bullying aspect with Syn and his two best friends Gemini and Royal encouraging their fellow students to ruin Victoria’s life. Some of the things done to her are hard hitting and apart from one friend she has nobody to turn to, but as much as the things she is struggling with hurt her she’s not willing to let her friend get hurt too and so tries to cut ties with her in an utterly selfless move which just goes to prove what kind of person she is. Whilst they break her down she refuses to give in showing her utter resilience and she slowly starts to uncover some of the secrets that the University has hidden away.
There is very little in the way of romance in the first book of this series with it focusing mainly on world building and creating suspense between the characters and their bullying but there are some spicy scenes as we learn early on that the Elite enjoy throwing parties that consist of drugs, drink and group sex. There’s limited interaction between the main male characters and Victoria apart from the bullying but Royal does have a sexual attraction to her and they have a moment at one of the first party’s. Which Gemini then watches on surveillance, the book also ends on a large group scene which sets the way for a cliffhanger.
Whilst it’s understandable why the boys want revenge, the fact that they’ve just accepted whatever they’ve been told and never questioned anything doesn’t make very much sense to me and it seems anybody else who has ever questioned what really happened has been punished in some way so it was great to see Victoria start to bring things to light and even convince some people that she is right and things don’t make sense and it makes me eager to see what happens in the next book. Towards the end of the book we see some softer moments from Royal and Gemini towards Victoria and I can’t wait to see if Syn can soften up too when he learns the truth.
March 19, 2025
Bully romance is a controversial subgenre that not every romance reader likes, but it's one that's a guilty pleasure of mine. I happen to enjoy it in all its red-flag, fucked up glory; its angstiness and melodrama (so long as we stay away from re-traumatizing characters with debilitating PTSD and don't romanticize rape).
And while The Elite wasn't bad, it left me wanting SO much more. This isn't one of those books where you reach the end, look back, and only at that point realize nothing really happened. I was aware we were stuck the whole way through.
Plot didn't move anywhere, Victoria never got any closer to figuring out what happened during her brother's stint at JKU (or clearing his name/proving his innocence), and her and the guys (Syn, Gemini, and Royal) had almost zero interaction outside of a couple of threats and fleeting sexcapades.
After 450+ pages, Tori now has a friend and a thread to follow that's so insubstantial, it's practically made of smoke and shadows. No relationship development with the love interests, and no story development either. We know nothing and have gotten nowhere. And the whole thing was a landmine-riddled landscape of punctuation errors, misspellings, typos, grammar mistakes, and sentences with such bad syntax I had to read them 5 times to make sense of them. I have a personal vendetta against books narrated in the present tense, and it's due in no small part to the fact that authors seem to be incapable of maintaining it throughout the story.
I enjoyed the mystery, drama, and little sparks of spiciness, and the premise has the potential to bloom into a nail-biting, sexually charged, high-stakes series. But I don't know how many books are planned, nor if I have the will to slough through endless, boring nothingness to unearth the few little nuggets of precious entertainment in between the plethora of typos and messy syntax.
2.5 ⭐—not terrible, but could have been infinitely better.
September 2, 2023
I was 100% engaged with this book from the get go; it has all my favourites themes, dark romance, a murder mystery and a secret society plot. Tori has enrolled in James Keyingham University to prove the innocence of her imprisoned brother Cole however when the victim's brother Syn, with help from Gemini, Royal and the rest of the campus, find out who she is, decide she has to suffer in Cole's place.
There is a lot of scene setting in this first instalment with the main plot focussing on the bullying Tori endures. It's definitely on the darker side but Tori has an absolute spine of steel. The mystery of JP's murder has some groundwork laid and that revelation at the end leaves absolutely more questions than answers. There are several side characters we get introduced to as well; Penny is an absolute queen as the best friend willing to stick by Tori and I definitely have my eye on Dr Wright. And Preston. I don't know what he's up to but he makes my skin crawl. Lissa is vile too.
It's slow burn on the romance front but to be honest after the torture Tori goes through it wouldn't work otherwise and the guys just don't deserve her yet. Syn needs to invest in some knee pads for the amount of time he will be spent grovelling to Tori once the truth comes out! I very much enjoyed that foreboding quote in chapter 22. I have a feeling book two is going to be the definition of "it's going to get worse before it gets better" however hopefully it means there is an epic grovel coming!
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely and I have added all the authors works to my TBR!
There is a lot of scene setting in this first instalment with the main plot focussing on the bullying Tori endures. It's definitely on the darker side but Tori has an absolute spine of steel. The mystery of JP's murder has some groundwork laid and that revelation at the end leaves absolutely more questions than answers. There are several side characters we get introduced to as well; Penny is an absolute queen as the best friend willing to stick by Tori and I definitely have my eye on Dr Wright. And Preston. I don't know what he's up to but he makes my skin crawl. Lissa is vile too.
It's slow burn on the romance front but to be honest after the torture Tori goes through it wouldn't work otherwise and the guys just don't deserve her yet. Syn needs to invest in some knee pads for the amount of time he will be spent grovelling to Tori once the truth comes out! I very much enjoyed that foreboding quote in chapter 22. I have a feeling book two is going to be the definition of "it's going to get worse before it gets better" however hopefully it means there is an epic grovel coming!
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely and I have added all the authors works to my TBR!
August 21, 2023
Tori sets out to prove her brother did not kill JP Keyingham 2.5 years ago, by enrolling in the same university, which is only attended by the world's elite and wealthy. She changes her name, deletes social media, and tries to keep a low profile. What she didn't anticipate was that Syn Keyingham and his two best friends, Royal and Gemini, would all know who she was before she even set foot on campus. They set out to break her and make her feel completely alone as revenge for JP's murder. Between the constant bullying from the entire school and a nasty professor, Tori tries to keep her head above water while trying to find evidence of what happened that fateful night.
A well written dark suspense with a bit of steam and a lot of bullying. As this is the first in a series, it sets up a great mystery, but there isn't really a lot of romance per se. I think the RH portion will most likely truly kick in in the second novel; it seems this book was setting the foundation. There are a few steamy scenes, but the novel really sticks to what the male characters do to the FMC, as she endures the onslaught of bullying. It's a slow burn leading up to what I'd say is the big steamy scene, before ending on a cliffhanger. Some of the bullying is a bit to take in, so definitely pay attention to the trigger warnings, as this is certainly a dark plot. Looking forward to reading the next one!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A well written dark suspense with a bit of steam and a lot of bullying. As this is the first in a series, it sets up a great mystery, but there isn't really a lot of romance per se. I think the RH portion will most likely truly kick in in the second novel; it seems this book was setting the foundation. There are a few steamy scenes, but the novel really sticks to what the male characters do to the FMC, as she endures the onslaught of bullying. It's a slow burn leading up to what I'd say is the big steamy scene, before ending on a cliffhanger. Some of the bullying is a bit to take in, so definitely pay attention to the trigger warnings, as this is certainly a dark plot. Looking forward to reading the next one!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 28, 2025
There are dark bully romances and then there are DAAAAARRRRK bully romances and this is definitely the latter.
The bullying here is at such a high level, I can’t even think of a book I could compare it to. It is extremely intense and does not let up at any point. Definitely check your trigger warnings before diving into this one.
The FMC, Tori, is one tough cookie. How she continues to hold her head up high and troop through the stuff that is done to her repeatedly is honestly the stuff of miracles? She has had a massive life adjustment after her brother lands in prison. She, like most bully romances, goes to the university (the scene of the crime allegedly) to get answers and clear his name. What she ends up in is a complete cluster f*ck of a scenario that she couldn’t have remotely seen coming.
We looove Penny, what a fantastic, empathetic, courageous and unwaveringly loyal ride or die bff she has made.
TV e three guys clearly hate their lives and love to make everyone around them (except for each other) feel just as awful. They obviously have some issues with their upbringing but that definitely doesn’t absolve them of the amount of cruelty (especially Syn) they display.
4.25⭐️
2🌶️
The bullying here is at such a high level, I can’t even think of a book I could compare it to. It is extremely intense and does not let up at any point. Definitely check your trigger warnings before diving into this one.
The FMC, Tori, is one tough cookie. How she continues to hold her head up high and troop through the stuff that is done to her repeatedly is honestly the stuff of miracles? She has had a massive life adjustment after her brother lands in prison. She, like most bully romances, goes to the university (the scene of the crime allegedly) to get answers and clear his name. What she ends up in is a complete cluster f*ck of a scenario that she couldn’t have remotely seen coming.
We looove Penny, what a fantastic, empathetic, courageous and unwaveringly loyal ride or die bff she has made.
TV e three guys clearly hate their lives and love to make everyone around them (except for each other) feel just as awful. They obviously have some issues with their upbringing but that definitely doesn’t absolve them of the amount of cruelty (especially Syn) they display.
4.25⭐️
2🌶️
October 20, 2024
It almost makes me feel angry that this series is not more popular.
As a first book in the series I was already expecting it to be about world building and introduction of characters. Now that sounds easy but trust me that many authors still struggle with that. It's either too surface level or too much infomation all at once. I feel like the author managed to balance it out.
I like the characters and how they really seem different from each other. The progression is fast for us readers but at the same time it's not because weeks can pass between two chapters and I think that's okay.
I'm not really interested in a day to day rundown of their lives especially that school settings tend to be repetitive. I'm more interested in the characters and who they are and ofc the mystery, and I feel that the first book delivered on that.
Surprisingly though, I was able to tolerate all those running sentences and grammatical errors. It didn't bother me much when reading. Hope that this will be fixed in the next installments.
Definitely excited for the next one!
As a first book in the series I was already expecting it to be about world building and introduction of characters. Now that sounds easy but trust me that many authors still struggle with that. It's either too surface level or too much infomation all at once. I feel like the author managed to balance it out.
I like the characters and how they really seem different from each other. The progression is fast for us readers but at the same time it's not because weeks can pass between two chapters and I think that's okay.
I'm not really interested in a day to day rundown of their lives especially that school settings tend to be repetitive. I'm more interested in the characters and who they are and ofc the mystery, and I feel that the first book delivered on that.
Surprisingly though, I was able to tolerate all those running sentences and grammatical errors. It didn't bother me much when reading. Hope that this will be fixed in the next installments.
Definitely excited for the next one!
September 1, 2023
Loved it!!
Bullying, dark romance and why choose/RH are some of my favorites tropes. I just knew I had to read this book and I wasn't disappointed!!
Tori, our FMC, is on a mission to prove her brother's innocence.
So many twist and turns throughout. Sometimes, I was on the edge of my seat. This story definitely keeps you moving forward for answers.
There were secrets, drama, a bit of steam and much more.
Tori was a great FMC. She is tough and smart. She puts up with a lot in this book.
I can't wait to see how things play out in the next one.
Synclair, Royal, and Gemini were the guys. I've got mixed feelings on them so far, but I'm guessing we learn so much more soon.
Overall, I thought it was a great start to the series and I can't wait for book 2!!
This was also my first read by Serenity and I was blown away!
Bullying, dark romance and why choose/RH are some of my favorites tropes. I just knew I had to read this book and I wasn't disappointed!!
Tori, our FMC, is on a mission to prove her brother's innocence.
So many twist and turns throughout. Sometimes, I was on the edge of my seat. This story definitely keeps you moving forward for answers.
There were secrets, drama, a bit of steam and much more.
Tori was a great FMC. She is tough and smart. She puts up with a lot in this book.
I can't wait to see how things play out in the next one.
Synclair, Royal, and Gemini were the guys. I've got mixed feelings on them so far, but I'm guessing we learn so much more soon.
Overall, I thought it was a great start to the series and I can't wait for book 2!!
This was also my first read by Serenity and I was blown away!
January 17, 2025
4.5 Stars
This book REALLY surprised me! I was in a huge reading slump, and found this recommendation from Kindle Unlimited. I' a sucker for college DR, and a secrete society so I knew this was up my alley.
I wasn't expecting to like the FMC this much. I usually get really annoyed with FMCs that are over the top with being a "badass" or that just constantly have to talk about how bad ass they are. Tori simply just does courageous and badass things. Homegirl is on a mission to clear her brother's name and that is her one and only goal but any means necessary.
The guys are pretty rough on her and she goes through A LOT! Really, they mentally and physical torture her. If that is a trigger for you, don't read this book.
All in all, I'm very surprised that this book isn't more popular, but I have a feeling it's gonna take off soon.
This book REALLY surprised me! I was in a huge reading slump, and found this recommendation from Kindle Unlimited. I' a sucker for college DR, and a secrete society so I knew this was up my alley.
I wasn't expecting to like the FMC this much. I usually get really annoyed with FMCs that are over the top with being a "badass" or that just constantly have to talk about how bad ass they are. Tori simply just does courageous and badass things. Homegirl is on a mission to clear her brother's name and that is her one and only goal but any means necessary.
The guys are pretty rough on her and she goes through A LOT! Really, they mentally and physical torture her. If that is a trigger for you, don't read this book.
All in all, I'm very surprised that this book isn't more popular, but I have a feeling it's gonna take off soon.
August 25, 2023
I am so glad I snagged this one off booksprout! I went for it for the cover and the tags was not disappointed. One unfortunate event happened and sent her family spiraling and Tori is bound and determined to clear her brother's name to set the record straight. She doesn't take no for an answer and she's not going to let anyone drag her down. She take the brunt of a lot "pranks" after being labeled as a pariah at JKU.
I love how headstrong Tori is. She is going to give Royal, Synclair and Gemini a run for their money. I can't wait until the next one. I know it's going to be more intense than this one, but I am rooting for her.
Also, Penny is BFF goals. That is all.
I love how headstrong Tori is. She is going to give Royal, Synclair and Gemini a run for their money. I can't wait until the next one. I know it's going to be more intense than this one, but I am rooting for her.
Also, Penny is BFF goals. That is all.
January 8, 2025
I was 52% of the way through this novel and I was sure I was going to DNF because I felt the plot wasn't progressing. I kept reading (just because I couldn't find a different book) and I was glad I did.
The plot picks up in the second half of the book and the mystery aspect of the book developed further. I finished this book around 1 am and immediately wanted to start the second book instead of going to bed.
There better be some hardcore groveling in the second book because so far I don't think I can bring myself to like Syn.
I also found out the third book has not been released yet, but the author plans to release the third at the end of February. So at least I won't have to wait long for the next book
The plot picks up in the second half of the book and the mystery aspect of the book developed further. I finished this book around 1 am and immediately wanted to start the second book instead of going to bed.
There better be some hardcore groveling in the second book because so far I don't think I can bring myself to like Syn.
I also found out the third book has not been released yet, but the author plans to release the third at the end of February. So at least I won't have to wait long for the next book
April 17, 2025
Dark Bully
When the author warns that it's a dark bully romance, they aren't joking. Sure, I have read darker. But I strongly advise people to pay attention to the tags if they have any triggers. That being said, wow. Tori is tough. I don't like any of the guys (hello, don't you have a personality?), but they at least sound mildly attractive. Penny is the real hero here, and I wonder if she and her boyfriend and girlfriend are in another series. I'm curious to see how this mystery unravels and I have my suspicions. I hope Tori continues to show a backbone and doesn't fall at their feet. Too quickly.
When the author warns that it's a dark bully romance, they aren't joking. Sure, I have read darker. But I strongly advise people to pay attention to the tags if they have any triggers. That being said, wow. Tori is tough. I don't like any of the guys (hello, don't you have a personality?), but they at least sound mildly attractive. Penny is the real hero here, and I wonder if she and her boyfriend and girlfriend are in another series. I'm curious to see how this mystery unravels and I have my suspicions. I hope Tori continues to show a backbone and doesn't fall at their feet. Too quickly.
July 20, 2025
James Keyingham University is where the country’s wealthiest send their kids—and where I’ve landed on a scholarship, chasing one goal: proving my brother didn’t commit the murder he’s serving life for. The evidence vanished. The truth is buried. And Synclair Keyingham—the victim’s brother—wants revenge. With his friends Royal and Gemini, Syn has made me the campus outcast, hell-bent on breaking me. But I’ve already lost everything. I came here to uncover the truth, and I won’t stop until my brother’s free—and they’re all on their knees begging for mercy.
I’m a sucker for a good murder mystery, and this dark bully romance had me hooked from the start. It’s light on spice, but you can feel it building for book two. If you’re a fan of Clarissa Wild’s Spineridge University series, this one’s right up your alley. Fair warning—there’s a cliffhanger, so you’ll want book two ready!
I’m a sucker for a good murder mystery, and this dark bully romance had me hooked from the start. It’s light on spice, but you can feel it building for book two. If you’re a fan of Clarissa Wild’s Spineridge University series, this one’s right up your alley. Fair warning—there’s a cliffhanger, so you’ll want book two ready!
August 19, 2023
Serenity is a new to me author and I loved her writing skills, I mean if you love dark romances with a really good mystery involved this book is 100% for you.
Tori is a young lady trying to help her brother who was convicted for a crime she believes he didn't commit, so she enrolls in the last place she should to try to find the truth, but there she meets the guys who rule the place and they are not your common bully guys.
The story is captivating, the world is really interesting and the characters intriguing, honestly this book was a very nice surprise!
I can't wait for what's next! oh! it kinda ends in a cliffhanger but not lol go read it and you will understand.
Tori is a young lady trying to help her brother who was convicted for a crime she believes he didn't commit, so she enrolls in the last place she should to try to find the truth, but there she meets the guys who rule the place and they are not your common bully guys.
The story is captivating, the world is really interesting and the characters intriguing, honestly this book was a very nice surprise!
I can't wait for what's next! oh! it kinda ends in a cliffhanger but not lol go read it and you will understand.
September 7, 2023
I found this book totally engaging and entertaining. Tori enrolls at a prestigious university, hoping to prove her brother’s innocence. She runs into Royal, Gemini and Syn who are determined to make her pay for her brother’s crime. There is so much darkness and secrecy at the university that Tori is not sure if she can find out any information until she gets a bit of a lucky break. For me, this book intrigued me from start to finish, and I can’t wait to read what happens next.
I received a free advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest review.
I received a free advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest review.
April 16, 2025
Series review (book 1-3)
I definitely recommend this series to others. While it is a bully romance, it felt a bit tamer as it doesn’t have non-con that most do and there isn’t insta-love- They work towards relationships. Yay. I also felt that the plot progressed really well throughout this series so far and was not just smut
Lastly, I usually skip through the open door scenes, skimming dialogue in case there is something important, but I thought that this book had some really intriguing scenes that I fully read through.
I definitely recommend this series to others. While it is a bully romance, it felt a bit tamer as it doesn’t have non-con that most do and there isn’t insta-love- They work towards relationships. Yay. I also felt that the plot progressed really well throughout this series so far and was not just smut
Lastly, I usually skip through the open door scenes, skimming dialogue in case there is something important, but I thought that this book had some really intriguing scenes that I fully read through.
February 25, 2026
Well F**k.
While I knew the reveal was coming eventually, I was not prepared for that ending. I have read a lot of why choose books but this is the first one that I have read that the contract and design of their physical engagements took place so late in the game. It was interesting to me not to get their POV toward the end (except the lover boy - but that realization didn’t surprise me either).
I am really looking forward to the rest of the series. This is a bully romance y’all - with active triggers. Please take care to check those before diving into this.
While I knew the reveal was coming eventually, I was not prepared for that ending. I have read a lot of why choose books but this is the first one that I have read that the contract and design of their physical engagements took place so late in the game. It was interesting to me not to get their POV toward the end (except the lover boy - but that realization didn’t surprise me either).
I am really looking forward to the rest of the series. This is a bully romance y’all - with active triggers. Please take care to check those before diving into this.
September 8, 2023
Tori (Victoria FMC) gets drawn into a new world of rich, vicious students, secrets, lies, murder and clandestine societies when she enrols at a privileged university. A place where her brother was when he was found guilty of murdering and elite student there. She's determine to find the truth about it. The plot twists were just brilliant from start to finish of this book with one hell of a cliff-hanger-ish ending. Bring on book 2 now.
August 19, 2024
Wow
Can you feel the FMCs despair in this book? Absolutely. Do you want to smack some of the side characters' faces with a lunch tray? Absolutely. Is there a lot of intrigue in this story? Absolutely!
Would I recommend it? Only if I know the person can handle the premise. It is dark. It does bring up a lot of issues that are triggering for some. If you read them and can be ok, it is worth the journey.
Can you feel the FMCs despair in this book? Absolutely. Do you want to smack some of the side characters' faces with a lunch tray? Absolutely. Is there a lot of intrigue in this story? Absolutely!
Would I recommend it? Only if I know the person can handle the premise. It is dark. It does bring up a lot of issues that are triggering for some. If you read them and can be ok, it is worth the journey.
January 8, 2025
This book was alright, more high school than university
This book was a nice read, but honestly just kind of annoyed me for the most part. Definitely up to read the sequels to finish the series, but don't expect to reread for a long time. I was expecting something much darker and got petty high school bullying and teasing. The smut was nice, but cliche. 6 outta 10, may recommend?
This book was a nice read, but honestly just kind of annoyed me for the most part. Definitely up to read the sequels to finish the series, but don't expect to reread for a long time. I was expecting something much darker and got petty high school bullying and teasing. The smut was nice, but cliche. 6 outta 10, may recommend?
June 13, 2025
I liked it, but some parts were so millennial. Mostly in the beginning..it really had me going like 'wtf am I reading'. For instance, Penny has a poly flag, and then she talks about her relationship. She kept going like 'oh I'm gonna go have phone sex with my partners' and in the middle of a party too??? ofc nothing wrong with all that it was described in a cringey way. I really did like Penny tho she was a 10/10 friend almost teared up a little.
July 11, 2023
I am so in love with this book. The dynamics that she crested were so attractive and life like in a way
I love the relationship with the fmc and her BFF. I love the guys on the series, and I can't wait to find out what happens next. This is a slow burn with detailed plots and such. There is steam, but it focuses more on the story. Would totally recommend this.
I love the relationship with the fmc and her BFF. I love the guys on the series, and I can't wait to find out what happens next. This is a slow burn with detailed plots and such. There is steam, but it focuses more on the story. Would totally recommend this.
August 31, 2023
This is my first Serenity Ackles book and I was hooked! It has twists, secrets, steaminess and everything I like to read in a bully, reverse harem book. I can't wait to read more in this series and see where Serenity takes the story. I couldn't put it down.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 4, 2023
This dark and delicious book is the beginning of a new series. There are elements of bullying, violence, suspense, and mystery. This volume is more concerned with backstory and the darkness and debauchery of the University's Elite and sets the stage for the next books.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 3, 2025
5 Star - Couldn't put this book down. Its stay up late reading and be late to work good.
4 Stars - Couldn't put this book down but I still got a goodnights sleep
3 Stars - An enjoyable read that took me a few days to a week finish
2 Stars - An okay book that I struggled to get through in places - next book is still on my TBR list
1 Stars - DNF
4 Stars - Couldn't put this book down but I still got a goodnights sleep
3 Stars - An enjoyable read that took me a few days to a week finish
2 Stars - An okay book that I struggled to get through in places - next book is still on my TBR list
1 Stars - DNF
November 30, 2025
Read this in one day. I have some theories on who I think the real killer is but I’ll keep that to myself for now. Anyway, this isn’t bad. Out of all the boys, Royal is probably my favorite. There were moments where I can tell that he wasn’t comfortable with what Syn was doing but there wasn’t much he could do.
I cannot wait for the groveling 😭
I cannot wait for the groveling 😭
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