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Brighton Academy #1
Unbidden
I didn't ask for the hand life dealt me. I didn't ask for my mom to die, leaving me alone in the world. I didn't ask for my estranged aunt to take me in, thrusting me into the lions den. I certainly didn't ask to be tossed into Brighton Academy. Yet, here I am. They think I want their money, but that couldn't be further from the truth. They think they know who I am, but they are wrong. They think they can run me out of this town, but you can't scare someone who has nothing to lose. They underestimate me, but who am I to walk away from a good fight?
Warning: Contains Bully Elements
Warning: Contains Bully Elements
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 22, 2023
281 people are currently reading
524 people want to read
About the author
Cala Riley
60 books755 followersCala Riley, better known as Cala and Riley, are a pair of friends with a deep seated love of books and writing. Both Cala and Riley are happily married and each have children, Cala with the four-legged kind while Riley has a mixture of both two-legged and four. While they live apart, that does not affect their connection. They are the true definition of family. What started as an idea that quickly turned into a full-length book and a bond that will never end.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
March 21, 2020
Walking into BA every morning is like walking onto a battle field. Your armor better be firmly in place otherwise the next hit could be fatal.
Unbidden is book one in the Brighton Academy series and Cala Riley has started the series leaving me needing more. This bully romance was a fantastic, addicting read.
The town of Brighton, Illinois be small but it’s jammed packed with lies, secrets, a-holes. Just a few days in the town leaves Sage with questions. Every corner has a secret, or lie behind it. This being the place her mother grew up and ran away from could destroy her or make her strong, but she's the only one who gets to decide. The bitchy girls and the asshole guys have never met a girl like Sage before.
Sage is thrown into a life she doesn’t want, is in a place she doesn’t want to be. She wants to do her time and be on her way. She’s hurt, lost, and grieving. The last things she wants to do is meet the long lost aunt she didn’t know she had. But sometimes the things we don’t want are the things that we end up needing the most. Sage is fierce, sassy, and snark. She's independent and headstrong, and loyal to the core.There’s no doubt she won’t survive the town of Brighton, Illinois and the guys of Brighton Academy. I loved watching her walls come down one at a time, even when she tried to fight it.
Reed Yates, the king of the school. What he says is gold, when he says jump people say how hi. He’s an a-hole, and you wouldn’t be able to tell anyone anything different. He carries a weight much bigger than he should on his shoulders and does so by adding a chip. But one look at Sage had his world turned upside down, with no way to control it. One of my favorite things is watching the huge a-hole, all at the feet of the girl he falls for and Reed was no different.
Each one of the characters in Unbidden added to the book. There was a purpose for everyone and everything. Without the side characters being as amazing as they were Unbidden would not be the book it is. Cala Riley was able to deliver a fantastic read while setting up future books effortlessly. I cannot wait to get more from these characters in the rest of the Brighton Academy series. I NEED MORE!!!
Unbidden is book one in the Brighton Academy series and Cala Riley has started the series leaving me needing more. This bully romance was a fantastic, addicting read.
The town of Brighton, Illinois be small but it’s jammed packed with lies, secrets, a-holes. Just a few days in the town leaves Sage with questions. Every corner has a secret, or lie behind it. This being the place her mother grew up and ran away from could destroy her or make her strong, but she's the only one who gets to decide. The bitchy girls and the asshole guys have never met a girl like Sage before.
Sage is thrown into a life she doesn’t want, is in a place she doesn’t want to be. She wants to do her time and be on her way. She’s hurt, lost, and grieving. The last things she wants to do is meet the long lost aunt she didn’t know she had. But sometimes the things we don’t want are the things that we end up needing the most. Sage is fierce, sassy, and snark. She's independent and headstrong, and loyal to the core.There’s no doubt she won’t survive the town of Brighton, Illinois and the guys of Brighton Academy. I loved watching her walls come down one at a time, even when she tried to fight it.
Reed Yates, the king of the school. What he says is gold, when he says jump people say how hi. He’s an a-hole, and you wouldn’t be able to tell anyone anything different. He carries a weight much bigger than he should on his shoulders and does so by adding a chip. But one look at Sage had his world turned upside down, with no way to control it. One of my favorite things is watching the huge a-hole, all at the feet of the girl he falls for and Reed was no different.
Each one of the characters in Unbidden added to the book. There was a purpose for everyone and everything. Without the side characters being as amazing as they were Unbidden would not be the book it is. Cala Riley was able to deliver a fantastic read while setting up future books effortlessly. I cannot wait to get more from these characters in the rest of the Brighton Academy series. I NEED MORE!!!
March 14, 2020
Do you need a reason to read this book?
The heroine! Sage is the freaking star of this story. She's a fierce. You will have a lot A LOT to learn from her.
Her fate might have put on her the wrong label. She may look like a trouble maker for everyone, a rebel, sometimes the black sheep. But I can garantee you, Sage will never stop to amaze you. No matter what. I loved that. I loved that she don't let all that drama control her life. I loved that even when everyone wanted to break her, be make her fall, well she show her nails and teeth, she defense herself, she fights for herself. And she's also so loyal by nature. If she get attached to someone, that someone will feel it. Because Sage will put them in first place, standing for the people she care for, no conditions, no limits.
The hero? Reed. That's his name. He is a jerk with Sage. But maybe his bully atitude push her right buttons.
There's a deep connection between them.maskered by this cat and mouse game. But in the end...when themselves stop denying the obvious, you be able to see their match, their feelings, their hearts, that belong to one's other.
The story?
Is a good bully romance. With some twists of course and also some great second characters.
That's a story who's going to make you reflect, learn and feel.
*ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
The heroine! Sage is the freaking star of this story. She's a fierce. You will have a lot A LOT to learn from her.
Her fate might have put on her the wrong label. She may look like a trouble maker for everyone, a rebel, sometimes the black sheep. But I can garantee you, Sage will never stop to amaze you. No matter what. I loved that. I loved that she don't let all that drama control her life. I loved that even when everyone wanted to break her, be make her fall, well she show her nails and teeth, she defense herself, she fights for herself. And she's also so loyal by nature. If she get attached to someone, that someone will feel it. Because Sage will put them in first place, standing for the people she care for, no conditions, no limits.
The hero? Reed. That's his name. He is a jerk with Sage. But maybe his bully atitude push her right buttons.
There's a deep connection between them.maskered by this cat and mouse game. But in the end...when themselves stop denying the obvious, you be able to see their match, their feelings, their hearts, that belong to one's other.
The story?
Is a good bully romance. With some twists of course and also some great second characters.
That's a story who's going to make you reflect, learn and feel.
*ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
September 28, 2025
i just forced myself to finish this. But it just went from one thing to another getting crazier and crazier. It started off fine, i liked the beginning, no matter how cliche it was, but it went downhill from there.
Spoiler
where do i start: I'll start with the fact that Reed (the mmc) treats the fmc like shit. Without any particularly reason (and if you read the book and say but…he did have a reason) (no he didn't because even if she was a gold digger doesn't excuse his foul language& behaviour towards her)
Secondly, their relationship. It was nonexistent. He randomly tells her, be my gf while their doing it yk. Never went on a date, literally out of nowhere to previously treating her like trash (that's a quote from the book btw, that the fmc is trash). You couldn't feel the love, there's no chemistry whatsoever
Third: The Secret Society?? Was was the author trying to do with that? So unbelievable and unrealistic and the initiation is ridiculous. The double standard is crazy. For men they have to steal something but of course women need to be sexualised and have an orgasm in public with other people at the same time. ALL THAT was NOT what i signed up for when i started reading this book. What's worse? They didn't even give their permission and CONSENT, they didn't know what was going to happen until they were there!! (fmc at least didn't know). Fourth: The almost SA scene? This book was giving how many plot twists can i put into a book and get away with
I don’t even want to start with the whole who her father is and that she's related to the girl bully in the school because her father is the bullys grandpa. And he slept with the fmc’s mom who was half his age. The delivery in books is so important to me and this was not done well, at all. (i don't have a problem with age gap trope, but in this book....no)(this book was not well written)
I don't even want to mention the errors. I could post all my highlights but i'll spare it for you, so you don't have to go through what i did. (this is new to me too because i don't normally read a book to be a critic with the grammar but it was so obvious here, you can't overlook it.)
Those were six reasons why this book is one star (there’s more but these were the things that stood out the most)
This was by far the worst book i have ever read. And don’t get me wrong it was entertaining at times, if you want to have a laugh, read this. If you don’t believe me, read this. Maybe you’ll like it
Spoiler
where do i start: I'll start with the fact that Reed (the mmc) treats the fmc like shit. Without any particularly reason (and if you read the book and say but…he did have a reason) (no he didn't because even if she was a gold digger doesn't excuse his foul language& behaviour towards her)
Secondly, their relationship. It was nonexistent. He randomly tells her, be my gf while their doing it yk. Never went on a date, literally out of nowhere to previously treating her like trash (that's a quote from the book btw, that the fmc is trash). You couldn't feel the love, there's no chemistry whatsoever
Third: The Secret Society?? Was was the author trying to do with that? So unbelievable and unrealistic and the initiation is ridiculous. The double standard is crazy. For men they have to steal something but of course women need to be sexualised and have an orgasm in public with other people at the same time. ALL THAT was NOT what i signed up for when i started reading this book. What's worse? They didn't even give their permission and CONSENT, they didn't know what was going to happen until they were there!! (fmc at least didn't know). Fourth: The almost SA scene? This book was giving how many plot twists can i put into a book and get away with
I don’t even want to start with the whole who her father is and that she's related to the girl bully in the school because her father is the bullys grandpa. And he slept with the fmc’s mom who was half his age. The delivery in books is so important to me and this was not done well, at all. (i don't have a problem with age gap trope, but in this book....no)(this book was not well written)
I don't even want to mention the errors. I could post all my highlights but i'll spare it for you, so you don't have to go through what i did. (this is new to me too because i don't normally read a book to be a critic with the grammar but it was so obvious here, you can't overlook it.)
Those were six reasons why this book is one star (there’s more but these were the things that stood out the most)
This was by far the worst book i have ever read. And don’t get me wrong it was entertaining at times, if you want to have a laugh, read this. If you don’t believe me, read this. Maybe you’ll like it
April 18, 2020
*First time reading author
Unbidden is the first book to the Brighton Academy series and it does not put you to sleep. Cala brings you into the life of high school kids that do not always get along. The kids are spoiled, rich, sexually active and just plain mean. When Sage shows up at Brighton Academy after never being there before everyone notices she is different. Sage could care less about the money, being popular, or any of the things these kids do. She wants to graduate and go to college. But when the Yates boys start putting her on the radar she can't seem to get away from everyone.
I thought this book started out a little slow and I want to be honest and say I was a little confused. I thought this was at one point going to be an RH book. But no, it is not an RH and is strictly a normal high school story with bullying and then a happy ending. I will be reading the next book so I can see who is next. And I am a fan of Cala for future reading.
March 18, 2020
Wow this book is so bad! I really tried to finish this book but this is ridiculous. Everyone’s personality keeps changing and the hero is a bumbling idiot, a wannabe bully.
The heroine acts tough but she kind of grated on my nerves.
The secondary characters aren’t that bad so two stars only for her uncle and aunt.
The heroine acts tough but she kind of grated on my nerves.
The secondary characters aren’t that bad so two stars only for her uncle and aunt.
May 21, 2020
First of all I would Like to say that this is a seriously a very underrated book. The first time I saw the number of ratings and reviews, I was shocked! Had it been me , I would not have read this book because of the less ratings.
But because of the ARC i have received , I would like to say that this is a very well written book and deserves a lot of praise.
The characters were perfect and the story line was good. Moreover there was less drama and hysterics.
I would recommend this book to all the high-school bully romance lovers. I have read a lot of books and believe me when i say that this is a real good book!!😀
Another thing that I liked in this book was that , we got to know the story of not only the main characters but also the sideline ones. I mean we know which couples to expect in the future and that excites me very much!!
I am really looking forward to more books by this author!😀😀
August 13, 2020
Recent orphan Sage is bouncing between foster homes and group homes, looking forward to aging out of the System in 8 months when she turns 18.
She’s being handed back after she punched someone, when her social worker locates her mother’s sister.
Alice is rich, Sage’s mom was born rich, now Sage is going to live with her aunt and uncle and be the Fresh Princess of (Somewhere Near) Chicago!
Sage is not about money or sudden family and is unimpressed by snooty rich children at her fancy but temporary school. Sage is real. She gets a job at a diner (no one calls her Diner Girl. Sadness). She stands up to bullies and mean girls. She befriends younger girls and analyses boys for them, and buys them tampons and rescues them from drunk boys.
The hottest boy in school hates her, then wants her body and all of this is very satisfying HSBR stuff and enjoyable.
The mean girl is disappointing and never a serious threat.
Sage is enjoyable, I mean you can’t escape a HSBR without the heroine punching a couple of people, but at least Sage uses her words sometimes. The boy is a decent romantic trophy.
I wasn’t as into the secret society stuff: so so concept, but not well executed. And not lady friendly. Maybe it’s a step forward that women do get a look in on secret societies nowadays, like at least they’re on the first rung of the ladder? Will I still even be alive when there’s more equality in fictional secret societies? Given this looks intended to be a series hopefully it’ll get more interesting in later books.
The main reason this was a 2 rather than 3 star is the dialogue. Characters need to talk less (smiling optional). Too many monologues, too many places where what the characters were saying would have had more impact if they’d shut off the words by around 50%.
She’s being handed back after she punched someone, when her social worker locates her mother’s sister.
Alice is rich, Sage’s mom was born rich, now Sage is going to live with her aunt and uncle and be the Fresh Princess of (Somewhere Near) Chicago!
Sage is not about money or sudden family and is unimpressed by snooty rich children at her fancy but temporary school. Sage is real. She gets a job at a diner (no one calls her Diner Girl. Sadness). She stands up to bullies and mean girls. She befriends younger girls and analyses boys for them, and buys them tampons and rescues them from drunk boys.
The hottest boy in school hates her, then wants her body and all of this is very satisfying HSBR stuff and enjoyable.
The mean girl is disappointing and never a serious threat.
Sage is enjoyable, I mean you can’t escape a HSBR without the heroine punching a couple of people, but at least Sage uses her words sometimes. The boy is a decent romantic trophy.
I wasn’t as into the secret society stuff: so so concept, but not well executed. And not lady friendly. Maybe it’s a step forward that women do get a look in on secret societies nowadays, like at least they’re on the first rung of the ladder? Will I still even be alive when there’s more equality in fictional secret societies? Given this looks intended to be a series hopefully it’ll get more interesting in later books.
The main reason this was a 2 rather than 3 star is the dialogue. Characters need to talk less (smiling optional). Too many monologues, too many places where what the characters were saying would have had more impact if they’d shut off the words by around 50%.
July 27, 2020
Unbidden is book 1 in this new bully romance series and I am here for it.
Reed Yates was absolute fire. I knew as soon as a started reading that he was going to be added to my ever growing book boyfriend list. He’s the privileged king, an asshole but I love him.
The chemistry between him and Sage burns bright and I couldn’t wait until she came and knocked him on his ass. I instantly loved Sage because she wasn’t a weak heroine. She stood toe to toe with the guys and wasn’t backing down.
An amazing start to the series.
Reed Yates was absolute fire. I knew as soon as a started reading that he was going to be added to my ever growing book boyfriend list. He’s the privileged king, an asshole but I love him.
The chemistry between him and Sage burns bright and I couldn’t wait until she came and knocked him on his ass. I instantly loved Sage because she wasn’t a weak heroine. She stood toe to toe with the guys and wasn’t backing down.
An amazing start to the series.
March 17, 2020
Cala Riley is new to me, but it won't stay that way for long. Brighton Academy is full of secrets and lies and deceit and definitely is a good story. I will warn you that I received an ARC of the book, so I am not sure if it still has another round of editing to go. I really liked the book and the main story line, but things were jumbled and were put in places that did not always make sense. It almost felt rushed in a few spots.
What did I like? The sass, ALL of the sass!! I am such a huge fan of Sage. She is her own person and wants to work HER way up in the world and not just be given it. I loved the interactions that she had with the hot bully, funny jokester, supportive new friend, and the mean girl, they had me laughing and thinking that I "could totally see that happening". All in all, I am intrigued. I want to know what is going to happen next and am invested in the characters, just recommend to slow it down a bit. I give it a 3.5 outta 5 stars and will be on the look out for the next book.
PS: Thank you to Cala Riley and Give Me Books PR for allowing me to read and review an advanced copy of the book honestly.
What did I like? The sass, ALL of the sass!! I am such a huge fan of Sage. She is her own person and wants to work HER way up in the world and not just be given it. I loved the interactions that she had with the hot bully, funny jokester, supportive new friend, and the mean girl, they had me laughing and thinking that I "could totally see that happening". All in all, I am intrigued. I want to know what is going to happen next and am invested in the characters, just recommend to slow it down a bit. I give it a 3.5 outta 5 stars and will be on the look out for the next book.
PS: Thank you to Cala Riley and Give Me Books PR for allowing me to read and review an advanced copy of the book honestly.
March 17, 2020
This is the 1st on a new series and what a thrilling and enticing beginning this is. Sage is lost and grieving when she is forced to live in a new town and go to a new school when her aunt takes her in. Reed is the king of the school who is used to getting his own way, but underneath he is haunted by his own demons and when he sees Sage, she becomes his target. This is a well written tale which these talented authors have done an amazing job in penning. This story is filled with secrets, lies, angst, and heartbreak which all lead to an all-consuming and riveting read. I was hooked and intrigued throughout this addictive page turner, and highly recommend for all lovers of a bully romance. I cannot wait to read the 2nd book.
March 18, 2020
Still healing from the loss of her mother Sage has been unable to find a new place to call home but in a few months she will be 18 and able to make her own choices and decisions. Finding out that an aunt she doesn’t know is willing to take her in brings a lot of changes and not all of them good.
Reed has known a life of wealth and privilege and holds the balance of power in Brighton Academy. He has taken a personal interest in Sage however not in a good way, but he and his supporters are about to find out that even though she is in pain she is nobody’s punching bag.
There is so much more to Reed then the arrogant bully he appears to be, but he has more than met his match in Sage and it was fun watching the shift in their relationship as it progressed.
Reed has known a life of wealth and privilege and holds the balance of power in Brighton Academy. He has taken a personal interest in Sage however not in a good way, but he and his supporters are about to find out that even though she is in pain she is nobody’s punching bag.
There is so much more to Reed then the arrogant bully he appears to be, but he has more than met his match in Sage and it was fun watching the shift in their relationship as it progressed.
March 19, 2020
This is a new author for me but I look forward to reading more from her. I enjoyed this book but the pace at certain times was a bit jumbled but overall still really enjoyed it and the characters. Sage is dealing with a major tragedy of her mothers passing and finding out about a aunt she never she had who she will now live with and also being going to a new school that she just wants to survive in but she realizes that won’t be as easy when the schools it boy Reed sets his sights on her. I loved that Sage was nobody’s pushover and she wasn’t going to bend as easily as they thought, she had a backbone and wasn’t afraid to use it. Looking forward to more
May 13, 2020
3.5 stars
Bully romance stories are kind of a trend right now! I’ve read quite a lot lately, so I thought to give this one a chance as well. “Unbidden” was my first book from the author.
Sage lost her mother 6 months ago, and since them she’s been circling through foster homes. She’s angry and hurt about what happened and she can’t seem to stay in one place for long. After she gets kicked out from the last home, her social worker sends her to her aunt’s house. That how she finds herself in the world of the rich, a world her mother ran from all those years ago. On her first day at Brighton Academy, she realizes that this world is nothing like she used to. The people that rule the school will make sure that she understands that. Reed Yates rules Brighton Academy. Sage’s arrival disrupts the school order, so he’s ready to show her who’s boss. What he doesn’t anticipate is Sage fire. She won’t bow down to anyone and she makes that known from day 1.
There were some surprises in the book. Normally the newfound family is cruel, but in this book, Sage’s aunt and cousin are truly kind and good to her. I was able to predict most of the secrets unveiled through the chapters and I liked the secret society side story. What I didn’t like was how the relationship between Reed and Sage was written. Reed’s emotions were constantly changing, without an actual explanation. I couldn’t see their relationship evolving. It was like Reed woke up one day and decided that he liked her after all… Overall it was a good story that left me mostly curious about the side characters. I would like to see their stories as well!!
Bully romance stories are kind of a trend right now! I’ve read quite a lot lately, so I thought to give this one a chance as well. “Unbidden” was my first book from the author.
Sage lost her mother 6 months ago, and since them she’s been circling through foster homes. She’s angry and hurt about what happened and she can’t seem to stay in one place for long. After she gets kicked out from the last home, her social worker sends her to her aunt’s house. That how she finds herself in the world of the rich, a world her mother ran from all those years ago. On her first day at Brighton Academy, she realizes that this world is nothing like she used to. The people that rule the school will make sure that she understands that. Reed Yates rules Brighton Academy. Sage’s arrival disrupts the school order, so he’s ready to show her who’s boss. What he doesn’t anticipate is Sage fire. She won’t bow down to anyone and she makes that known from day 1.
There were some surprises in the book. Normally the newfound family is cruel, but in this book, Sage’s aunt and cousin are truly kind and good to her. I was able to predict most of the secrets unveiled through the chapters and I liked the secret society side story. What I didn’t like was how the relationship between Reed and Sage was written. Reed’s emotions were constantly changing, without an actual explanation. I couldn’t see their relationship evolving. It was like Reed woke up one day and decided that he liked her after all… Overall it was a good story that left me mostly curious about the side characters. I would like to see their stories as well!!
March 19, 2020
Not only is this a great, angst-y introduction to a series, but it is a pretty good read.
Sage Miller has lost the only living relative she has - or so she believes until her aunt invites her to live with her. Life has taught her not to trust anyone easily. Thrust into a new, unfamiliar world where wealth & influence are rulers, she quickly realises that she has to rely on her street smarts more than ever to survive.
Brighton Academy's walls aren't meant to house the frail or weak-spirited. Sage learns this, up close & personal. She's no shrinking violet, though, and her spirit not only catches people's attention, but it acts as an unlikely source of inspiration for many.
Reed Yates is the king of the Brighton Academy. A bully of sorts, he quickly realises that Sage will not be controlled. The wealth of his family - nor hers - can bribe her. How far will he go to prove he can win in their back-and-forth games?
I enjoyed this book. I couldn't help but admire Sage. She understands her situation, and for a young adult, is at peace with so much. When she realises that her new family really does accept her for who she is, she blossoms, even without realising it.
The author did good with character development, and I really look forward to reading the rest of this gang's future exploits.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
Sage Miller has lost the only living relative she has - or so she believes until her aunt invites her to live with her. Life has taught her not to trust anyone easily. Thrust into a new, unfamiliar world where wealth & influence are rulers, she quickly realises that she has to rely on her street smarts more than ever to survive.
Brighton Academy's walls aren't meant to house the frail or weak-spirited. Sage learns this, up close & personal. She's no shrinking violet, though, and her spirit not only catches people's attention, but it acts as an unlikely source of inspiration for many.
Reed Yates is the king of the Brighton Academy. A bully of sorts, he quickly realises that Sage will not be controlled. The wealth of his family - nor hers - can bribe her. How far will he go to prove he can win in their back-and-forth games?
I enjoyed this book. I couldn't help but admire Sage. She understands her situation, and for a young adult, is at peace with so much. When she realises that her new family really does accept her for who she is, she blossoms, even without realising it.
The author did good with character development, and I really look forward to reading the rest of this gang's future exploits.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
May 1, 2020
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Unbidden was the first book by Cala Riley that I’ve read and it definitely will not be the last! If you’re looking for an intriguing and intense bully romance full of twists and turns then you need to pick this book up.
Sage is new to Brighton Academy and she definitely does not fit in. She doesn’t know who to trust, and she really doesn’t want to be there, but she just has to get through the next few months until she turns 18 then she can leave and be on her own. On her first day she meets the Yates Brothers and her life gets difficult. They are the kings of the school and she seems to have gotten off to a bad start with Reed. Reed and his cronies love to make Sage’s life difficult, but their paths keep crossing and as much as they hate one another, there is an underlying attraction as well.
Sage doesn’t have it easy throughout this book but she has her cousin V and Tinsley, but it takes her forever to open up to them. With her “war” with Reed and the hot and cold with him, things get pretty crazy in this book and throw in Ingram who is also a horrible person as well and you have a book that is full of drama, crazy and friendship all at the same time.
Unbidden was a perfect start to the Brighton Academy Series and I adored Reed and Sage’s story and I can’t wait to see how this series unfold with so many interesting characters to get to know more about. If you are a lover of angsty bully romances then I highly suggest picking this one up today!
Unbidden was the first book by Cala Riley that I’ve read and it definitely will not be the last! If you’re looking for an intriguing and intense bully romance full of twists and turns then you need to pick this book up.
Sage is new to Brighton Academy and she definitely does not fit in. She doesn’t know who to trust, and she really doesn’t want to be there, but she just has to get through the next few months until she turns 18 then she can leave and be on her own. On her first day she meets the Yates Brothers and her life gets difficult. They are the kings of the school and she seems to have gotten off to a bad start with Reed. Reed and his cronies love to make Sage’s life difficult, but their paths keep crossing and as much as they hate one another, there is an underlying attraction as well.
Sage doesn’t have it easy throughout this book but she has her cousin V and Tinsley, but it takes her forever to open up to them. With her “war” with Reed and the hot and cold with him, things get pretty crazy in this book and throw in Ingram who is also a horrible person as well and you have a book that is full of drama, crazy and friendship all at the same time.
Unbidden was a perfect start to the Brighton Academy Series and I adored Reed and Sage’s story and I can’t wait to see how this series unfold with so many interesting characters to get to know more about. If you are a lover of angsty bully romances then I highly suggest picking this one up today!
May 18, 2020
It was good .. love the slow romance ;)
Love the cousin and friend .. did not like the nicknames “v” and “s” blah! Loved the brother so much! Reed is pretty good..
some parts didn’t mesh well it was like I was missing a chapter or something and a few times I think the names of the characters were wrong .. confusing and takes you out of the story..the end was a bit dark with what happens
Also the relationship with these 2 needed to flow better like why weren’t they together it didn’t make sense
Was a good book tho 💕
Love the cousin and friend .. did not like the nicknames “v” and “s” blah! Loved the brother so much! Reed is pretty good..
some parts didn’t mesh well it was like I was missing a chapter or something and a few times I think the names of the characters were wrong .. confusing and takes you out of the story..the end was a bit dark with what happens
Also the relationship with these 2 needed to flow better like why weren’t they together it didn’t make sense
Was a good book tho 💕
January 20, 2021
Sage and Reeds story is a great start in what promises to be an excellent series following the lies, deceit and secrets of the privilege students of Brighton Academy. This story had me hooked and once started I couldn't put it down.
Brighton Academy like most schools has its top dogs and then your dogs at the bottom of the food chain. The only difference at this school is the kids are rich but the problems their face are no different to any other 18 year old.
Reed and his friends are the top dogs his family one of the founding members of the Academy he can do know wrong both with the pupils and the teachers. All the girls want him and will do anything to be with him. Handsome and rich what more could you ask for!
When Sages mom passed away Sage was put into foster care - 5 foster families down and with 8 months to go until she is 18 she is tracked down by her moms sister and thrust into the elitism of Brighton Academy and a wealth that includes, cooks, butlers and maids. Sage life with her mom was simple and that's what she wants again. The only bright spot is the cousin that appears to be genuine Victorias her best friend.
Sages is one goal -make it through the next 8 months of school and then she will turn 18 and can go back to a normal life far away from credit cards, 20 pairs of shoes (who really needs 20 pairs of the same shoes).
Only trouble - the elite of Brighton Academy won't leave her alone Reed being one of them. Being in foster care has given Sage an edge she doesn't take s*** from anyone and she won't be bullied. I just loved how this comes across in this book. She is a fighter, knows what she wants but has a softer side and she won't let her friends down!
The slow burn of the connection between Sage and Reed is completely right for this book, it doesn't feel rushed. Brighton Academy has many more secrets, twists which have you intrigued to find out more.
If I had one tiny criticism it would be the ending - don't get me wrong you won't be left on a cliff hanger I just was trying to swipe expecting at least another page or 2.
***I was given this book as an ARC for an honest review which I hope I have done
Brighton Academy like most schools has its top dogs and then your dogs at the bottom of the food chain. The only difference at this school is the kids are rich but the problems their face are no different to any other 18 year old.
Reed and his friends are the top dogs his family one of the founding members of the Academy he can do know wrong both with the pupils and the teachers. All the girls want him and will do anything to be with him. Handsome and rich what more could you ask for!
When Sages mom passed away Sage was put into foster care - 5 foster families down and with 8 months to go until she is 18 she is tracked down by her moms sister and thrust into the elitism of Brighton Academy and a wealth that includes, cooks, butlers and maids. Sage life with her mom was simple and that's what she wants again. The only bright spot is the cousin that appears to be genuine Victorias her best friend.
Sages is one goal -make it through the next 8 months of school and then she will turn 18 and can go back to a normal life far away from credit cards, 20 pairs of shoes (who really needs 20 pairs of the same shoes).
Only trouble - the elite of Brighton Academy won't leave her alone Reed being one of them. Being in foster care has given Sage an edge she doesn't take s*** from anyone and she won't be bullied. I just loved how this comes across in this book. She is a fighter, knows what she wants but has a softer side and she won't let her friends down!
The slow burn of the connection between Sage and Reed is completely right for this book, it doesn't feel rushed. Brighton Academy has many more secrets, twists which have you intrigued to find out more.
If I had one tiny criticism it would be the ending - don't get me wrong you won't be left on a cliff hanger I just was trying to swipe expecting at least another page or 2.
***I was given this book as an ARC for an honest review which I hope I have done
March 18, 2020
Unbidden is the first book in the Brighton Academy series and I enjoyed it very much. The story is captivating, with a lot of drama, angst, and suspenseful moments.
Sage has been on her own for some time. Losing her mother and bouncing from one foster home to another, made her tough and resilient. When the last family who took her in, turn their back on her, the only person she has to rely on is her long-estranged aunt Alice, who's been searching for Sage for years and is more than happy to take care of her. All Sage wants is to turn eighteen and be independent, but meeting her loving cousin Victoria and her friends might just change Sage's mind, even if she has to confront the bullies at her new school.
I absolutely loved the protagonists. Sage is a tough cookie, she doesn't take anyone's bullshit, she can fend for herself and will go head to head with anyone who tries to bully her, and that includes Reed, the most popular boy in school, the one who has it out for her from the first time they see each other. Reed tries hard to keep his distance from Sage but it's near impossible when there is so much chemistry between them. Each of their encounters and banter is electric, but they both try to keep a cool demeanor and not show how they truly feel for each other. The secondary characters were also interesting and well presented. Victoria, Keaton, Tinsley were so fun and relatable.
The story is told from Sage's point of view, and it worked well but there were moments I would have liked to know what was Reed thinking. The action was fairly paced, with enough drama, suspense, and sexy banter to keep me engaged. Some secrets came to light but I feel like there is so much more to unravel and I hope we'll get to see more of Sage and Reed. I can't wait to read more from this series. I highly recommend it!
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Sage has been on her own for some time. Losing her mother and bouncing from one foster home to another, made her tough and resilient. When the last family who took her in, turn their back on her, the only person she has to rely on is her long-estranged aunt Alice, who's been searching for Sage for years and is more than happy to take care of her. All Sage wants is to turn eighteen and be independent, but meeting her loving cousin Victoria and her friends might just change Sage's mind, even if she has to confront the bullies at her new school.
I absolutely loved the protagonists. Sage is a tough cookie, she doesn't take anyone's bullshit, she can fend for herself and will go head to head with anyone who tries to bully her, and that includes Reed, the most popular boy in school, the one who has it out for her from the first time they see each other. Reed tries hard to keep his distance from Sage but it's near impossible when there is so much chemistry between them. Each of their encounters and banter is electric, but they both try to keep a cool demeanor and not show how they truly feel for each other. The secondary characters were also interesting and well presented. Victoria, Keaton, Tinsley were so fun and relatable.
The story is told from Sage's point of view, and it worked well but there were moments I would have liked to know what was Reed thinking. The action was fairly paced, with enough drama, suspense, and sexy banter to keep me engaged. Some secrets came to light but I feel like there is so much more to unravel and I hope we'll get to see more of Sage and Reed. I can't wait to read more from this series. I highly recommend it!
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 15, 2020
Wow! Unbidden was very intriguing! Cala Riley Steals your attention from the start and never lets you go! Unbidden is book one in the Brighton Academy series, from my understanding this series is going to be a series of standalones. Which is perfect because ALL the characters are wonderful and I would love to have their stories! I finished this book wanting more of their world and of their relationships! This book is a delicious bully romance in the world of the rich and privileged! lots of drama at school and between the families! I wouldn't call it enemies to lovers but I would call it a Hate to Love Romance! The line very much becomes blurred for Sage and Reed. She definitely has to figure out who she can trust and who she cannot! I loved Sage, she's one of those characters you get all the feels for! She's a perfect blend of kind, independent, loyal and true. She's just trying to make it to 18 given the hand she was dealt, and the powerful kick of emotion you have for her is fantastic! I loved all the characters! Reed was a smexy aho//, that had our girl stuck in his her from the moment their eyes met! I really have it bad for Keaton, and I'm excited to see what is in the works for Tins! This book is funny, sweet, sexy and unpredictable! The surprises hit you quickly and Sage just keeps rolling with it! I clutched my chest and shed a few tears at the end! Unbidden is very well written! I love the way this Author Duo writes and I can't wait to read more of their work! I'm so looking forward to the next book in this series! I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
March 15, 2020
She's no ones victim, and those that try to make her one, feel her fury.
That is how she ends up in a different county living with family that are strangers to her.
His heart and body sing for her upon his first sight, but his mind fights as she's not naturally one of them.
She might have the name, but she doesnt walk the walk, or talk the talk, and she sure doesn't dance in their footsteps.
What is her end game, he will find out if it's the last thing he does.
Oh wowsers! how I swooned and sighed, chuckled and grinned as I listened to my heart beating erratically. What a read!
An academy read with bully elements is heaven to me. It's my go to trope and by the end of chapter one I knew I had found something special.
The fire within is so fierce and loyal, the outward actions are so protective and honest. There's not a single thing I would change about this book
The characters are everything! From innocent Tinsley to loveable Victoria and feisty Sage. The trio are extremely adorable!
The boys are oh so yummy! Dark and dangerous Reed, and free boy Keaten steel the show!
So different yet the same. I want them both!!
Cala Riley is a new to me author, and I'm so glad I took a chance on her as now my heart is so full of love it's untrue.
I'm hoping that the next book in this series will be around Tinsley or Keaton, but I seriously can't wait for more!!
Brighton Academy rules!!
That is how she ends up in a different county living with family that are strangers to her.
His heart and body sing for her upon his first sight, but his mind fights as she's not naturally one of them.
She might have the name, but she doesnt walk the walk, or talk the talk, and she sure doesn't dance in their footsteps.
What is her end game, he will find out if it's the last thing he does.
Oh wowsers! how I swooned and sighed, chuckled and grinned as I listened to my heart beating erratically. What a read!
An academy read with bully elements is heaven to me. It's my go to trope and by the end of chapter one I knew I had found something special.
The fire within is so fierce and loyal, the outward actions are so protective and honest. There's not a single thing I would change about this book
The characters are everything! From innocent Tinsley to loveable Victoria and feisty Sage. The trio are extremely adorable!
The boys are oh so yummy! Dark and dangerous Reed, and free boy Keaten steel the show!
So different yet the same. I want them both!!
Cala Riley is a new to me author, and I'm so glad I took a chance on her as now my heart is so full of love it's untrue.
I'm hoping that the next book in this series will be around Tinsley or Keaton, but I seriously can't wait for more!!
Brighton Academy rules!!
March 7, 2020
4-1/2 stars!
I’ve never read a book by Cala before but I’m happy I started with this one. Also thank you, thank you so much for not leaving it on a cliffhanger. Not that I don’t love cliffhangers but this ending made me want more Brighton Academy even without it which I loved.
Sage is awesome. She has had life knock her down so many times but she keeps getting back up. And not only getting back up but staying true to who she is the entire time. She didn’t let the rich kids push her around or the guys treat her like crap. She is tough, badass, doesn’t take shit from anyone, loyal, loving, & probably the best friend every girl wants.
Ah the Yates brothers.... they reminded me so much of Mason & Logan Kade from Tijan’s Fallen Crest series. (One of my favourite series ever) That is a huge compliment from me because I love those two, like top 10 book boyfriends.
I’m really looking forward to the next book in this series. I’m not sure if it’ll follow Sage & her guy or any of the others. I’d be happy either way as long as I get more of these characters. Once I started this book I didn’t stop till it was finished it was truly that enjoyable of a read. Now I’m going to go stalk Cala on social media and check out her other books on amazon.
I received an arc of this book in return for an honest review.
I’ve never read a book by Cala before but I’m happy I started with this one. Also thank you, thank you so much for not leaving it on a cliffhanger. Not that I don’t love cliffhangers but this ending made me want more Brighton Academy even without it which I loved.
Sage is awesome. She has had life knock her down so many times but she keeps getting back up. And not only getting back up but staying true to who she is the entire time. She didn’t let the rich kids push her around or the guys treat her like crap. She is tough, badass, doesn’t take shit from anyone, loyal, loving, & probably the best friend every girl wants.
Ah the Yates brothers.... they reminded me so much of Mason & Logan Kade from Tijan’s Fallen Crest series. (One of my favourite series ever) That is a huge compliment from me because I love those two, like top 10 book boyfriends.
I’m really looking forward to the next book in this series. I’m not sure if it’ll follow Sage & her guy or any of the others. I’d be happy either way as long as I get more of these characters. Once I started this book I didn’t stop till it was finished it was truly that enjoyable of a read. Now I’m going to go stalk Cala on social media and check out her other books on amazon.
I received an arc of this book in return for an honest review.
March 19, 2020
Unbidden is the start to a new series, Brighton Academy. Cala Riley is a new author to me, and I will definitely be reading more from her. This book has all the angst and drama you would expect from high school students.
Sage is strong and fierce. Two things I love in heroine. She stands her ground and doesn’t back down. Being at Brighton Academy is like being thrown to wolves. They don’t know what to make of her, so in true bully fashion, they put her down. Call her names, make fun of her upbringing, you name it, they’ve probably done it.
Reed rules the school, and Sage needs to go. Then she befriends his sister, Tinsley, and he realizes he at least needs to try and be cordial. But Sage isn’t having it. She prefers no contact with him, now he’s not sure how to feel about that. She intrigues him, she seems fearless, and he wants to know more about her.
This story is told from Sage’s POV, so we don’t know as much about Reed as we would if it was from dual POV. I loved the secondary characters but I’m hoping the next book is still following Sage and Reed. I can’t wait to read more about them!
Sage is strong and fierce. Two things I love in heroine. She stands her ground and doesn’t back down. Being at Brighton Academy is like being thrown to wolves. They don’t know what to make of her, so in true bully fashion, they put her down. Call her names, make fun of her upbringing, you name it, they’ve probably done it.
Reed rules the school, and Sage needs to go. Then she befriends his sister, Tinsley, and he realizes he at least needs to try and be cordial. But Sage isn’t having it. She prefers no contact with him, now he’s not sure how to feel about that. She intrigues him, she seems fearless, and he wants to know more about her.
This story is told from Sage’s POV, so we don’t know as much about Reed as we would if it was from dual POV. I loved the secondary characters but I’m hoping the next book is still following Sage and Reed. I can’t wait to read more about them!
March 18, 2020
Unbidden is an amazing start to a new series, and I'm in love, left craving more despite all the extreme rage at situations. Sage has had a time of it lately, and she's lost & grieving. She never knew about the long lost aunt that she's now living with, and her new school is hell on earth, yet, all she wants to do is just keep her head down until she can get out of there, which definitely confounds her new classmates. Reed is the king of the school, and of course, Sage has caught his eye, so buckle up! The secondaries only added more, yeah, just more to the story whether I liked or despised them. I'm not willing to go into many details to be honest, because it was such an emotional read no matter what the emotions were, but I experienced a great deal of them, not to mention the twists which kept me guessing. Plus, the amazing Cala Riley brilliantly set the stage for future books & I'm here for every bit of it! So, hit that one click button to experience Ms. Riley's bullies, because they will blow you away. HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
March 10, 2020
Unbidden is the first book in the Brighten Academy series and I couldn’t put it down, adulting thrown out the window.
Sage has not had it easy, foster homes and now her Aunty stepping forward to take her in she is thrown into a world full of elite’s. Facing a school full of bullies with only 2 friends, one being your cousin is hard especially when he is the King of the school and can make everything 100x worse. Can Sage survive the reign of Reed Yates?
I personally LOVED this story, Cala & Riley are a fantastic duo that creates an addicting story that keeps you on your toes and wanting more. All of the minor characters in this book have secrets and a story to tell and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next 3 books; Unpredictable, Undeniably & Unapologetically.
**Reviewed for Amity Book Reviews**
Star Ratings; Plot: 5/5 Characters: 5/5 Heat: 5/5 Writing Style: 5/5 Overall: 5/5
Sage has not had it easy, foster homes and now her Aunty stepping forward to take her in she is thrown into a world full of elite’s. Facing a school full of bullies with only 2 friends, one being your cousin is hard especially when he is the King of the school and can make everything 100x worse. Can Sage survive the reign of Reed Yates?
I personally LOVED this story, Cala & Riley are a fantastic duo that creates an addicting story that keeps you on your toes and wanting more. All of the minor characters in this book have secrets and a story to tell and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next 3 books; Unpredictable, Undeniably & Unapologetically.
**Reviewed for Amity Book Reviews**
Star Ratings; Plot: 5/5 Characters: 5/5 Heat: 5/5 Writing Style: 5/5 Overall: 5/5
March 18, 2020
Otay y'all here goes... this was my first book and honestly it didn't disappoint. I really liked Sage, Victoria and Tinsley... I was on the fence about Keatob and didnt care for Ingram or Reed. I did find everyone very intriguing and I kept wanting to know more. This bully romance definitely had it all there was juicy moments, some drama and so much angst going on. I could not believe what all Sage put up with she is so much better person than most, most would have broke! As the story goes on you see her fierceness come out full force but you also see her armor come down. I gotta say watching Reed fall and fall hard ... his whole world flips upside down! Definitely gonna keep up with this series!!!
March 18, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. I loved Reed, Sage, Keaton, Victoria, and Tinsley. They’re a great cast.
I do think this book was rushed and not fully formed though. Things pop in and out of the book that don’t really feel as if they fully belong. Samhain being the prime example. That idea wasn’t fully fleshed out and came out of the blue. It needed to be more present throughout the whole book to create relevance and impact.
I’m also getting MAJOR vibes of a similar series from a dynamic duo and their paper royal series.
Still, I did love this book, I just wish it was more fully fleshed out. I still say give it a go.
I do think this book was rushed and not fully formed though. Things pop in and out of the book that don’t really feel as if they fully belong. Samhain being the prime example. That idea wasn’t fully fleshed out and came out of the blue. It needed to be more present throughout the whole book to create relevance and impact.
I’m also getting MAJOR vibes of a similar series from a dynamic duo and their paper royal series.
Still, I did love this book, I just wish it was more fully fleshed out. I still say give it a go.
August 13, 2020
I honestly don't understand why this book gets such good rating. I mean, it's just a bad version of Paper Princess from Erin Watt... It has so many resemblances. If you like this book you should definitely read The royals series! This book was not it for me. I didn't feel the chemistry... They fell in love after 60 pages...
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March 7, 2020For personal reason and subject matter I could not read this book
March 18, 2020
This is a first read for me by this author and i very much enjoyed it
November 28, 2023
So much potential but so many spelling errors 😭
And.. the strange secret society that happened for 1 chapter then never gets mentioned again? 😅
And.. the strange secret society that happened for 1 chapter then never gets mentioned again? 😅
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