What do you think?
Rate this book
Academy of Rejects #1
Sinful Desires
When you've been through as much as Aspen has in her short amount of time on earth, it's hard to see a light at the end of the tunnel.
Growing up in the system has never been more corrupt when Aspen is pitted against obstacles in which she has to overcome.
Until she turns 15, and her innocence is ripped away from her just like that in every sense of the word. Now she's only a shell of the person she used to be. Now she wants to watch as the world burns at her feet. And now, she doesn't want to go toward the light, but she wants to thrive in the darkness.
- This is a dark academy ‘why choose/RH’ romance. Please check the triggers inside.
Growing up in the system has never been more corrupt when Aspen is pitted against obstacles in which she has to overcome.
Until she turns 15, and her innocence is ripped away from her just like that in every sense of the word. Now she's only a shell of the person she used to be. Now she wants to watch as the world burns at her feet. And now, she doesn't want to go toward the light, but she wants to thrive in the darkness.
- This is a dark academy ‘why choose/RH’ romance. Please check the triggers inside.
426 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2023
188 people are currently reading
1090 people want to read
About the author
Annika Nofal
11 books274 followersAnnika was born and raised in Oklahoma. She's an introvert with social anxiety, and spends all of her free time reading, writing, or caring for her three children. Annika is 23 years old and writes a variety of different things, all of which are dark in some way.
Please make sure to check the trigger warning for each of her books before jumping in, as they may be triggering.
Please make sure to check the trigger warning for each of her books before jumping in, as they may be triggering.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
August 1, 2024
Brutal Cliffhanger but well worth the read
Aspen was orphaned and bounced from one foster home to the next until there was no place left for her to go but to a questionable academy. Her innocence was stolen from her and from that moment on she spiraled.
But starting the academy was a chance at a fresh start and potentially a way to get back to her twin sister. That is until the monster from her past just happens to attend the same university and is set on making her pay for reporting what him and his friends did.
Myles and his friends torment Aspen and no matter how hard she fights, they come back at her harder and ultimately break her.
Definitely check trigger and content warnings. There's quite a bit of on page situations that could be disturbing to some readers. Ends on a cliffhanger and I'm anxiously awaiting the next book!
Aspen was orphaned and bounced from one foster home to the next until there was no place left for her to go but to a questionable academy. Her innocence was stolen from her and from that moment on she spiraled.
But starting the academy was a chance at a fresh start and potentially a way to get back to her twin sister. That is until the monster from her past just happens to attend the same university and is set on making her pay for reporting what him and his friends did.
Myles and his friends torment Aspen and no matter how hard she fights, they come back at her harder and ultimately break her.
Definitely check trigger and content warnings. There's quite a bit of on page situations that could be disturbing to some readers. Ends on a cliffhanger and I'm anxiously awaiting the next book!
dnf-nope
September 21, 2023Dnf- too much OW drama and the guys fuck others after meeting heroine. One is a virgin but all the others are manwhores so I can’t do it.
August 29, 2023
This book was difficult to finish. I do enjoy dark stories, and that wasn't really my issue with this book. In fact, it had been the reason I wanted to read it. I didn't really feel like it was worth reading until I was forty percent of the way through it, and even then, I wasn't hooked.
The characters were all unlikable, and I couldn't stand Aspen. She came across as an “I'm not like other girls” type of girl, and it annoyed me endlessly.
There were too many POVs for me, personally. I often got the characters confused. The boys all seemed like carbon copies of one another, except for slight differences between them. They all just blurred into one face.
The cliffhanger did make me want more, but overall, I didn't particularly enjoy the story, and I'm not planning on reading the next books.
It was formatted very oddly on my Kindle. It was poorly edited (words would be broken up like this: s omething).
The story was also written like something I could find on Wattpad, which isn't necessarily bad, but it does mean that I wouldn't go out and buy the book. It felt poorly made.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The characters were all unlikable, and I couldn't stand Aspen. She came across as an “I'm not like other girls” type of girl, and it annoyed me endlessly.
There were too many POVs for me, personally. I often got the characters confused. The boys all seemed like carbon copies of one another, except for slight differences between them. They all just blurred into one face.
The cliffhanger did make me want more, but overall, I didn't particularly enjoy the story, and I'm not planning on reading the next books.
It was formatted very oddly on my Kindle. It was poorly edited (words would be broken up like this: s omething).
The story was also written like something I could find on Wattpad, which isn't necessarily bad, but it does mean that I wouldn't go out and buy the book. It felt poorly made.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 25, 2025
literally everything Annika writes is Gold!! She knows how to get your attention within the first 2 pages!!
August 31, 2023
✨ARC REVIEW VIA BOOKSIRENS✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Triggers:
There are a lot so please be familiar with the triggers listed on the author’s warning page and proceed with caution if you have an aversion to what is listed.
This one is a little hard to review. I received a eARC via BookSirens and the copy was formatted weirdly. Paragraphs were indented oddly, some words were spelled with odd “s pacing” and there were still a few grammatical errors. I do not know if it went through additional editing prior to official publishing.
The cover is nice, I’m a floral and skull kind of gal. It screams dark.
The description drew me in but the story got off to such a slow start I had a hard time knowing if I would continue. I feel like it was about 40% in before it really picked up. There are almost too many POVs. Most of the males start blurring together and they seem like slightly off unhinged carbon copies of each other.
The fact this is essentially a high school of deranged misfits seemed a little far fetched throwing in all the shady activities.
The cliffhanger does leave you wanting more.
I will give the following book a chance upon release.
Thanks to BookSirens and the author for the opportunity to read this eARC for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Triggers:
There are a lot so please be familiar with the triggers listed on the author’s warning page and proceed with caution if you have an aversion to what is listed.
This one is a little hard to review. I received a eARC via BookSirens and the copy was formatted weirdly. Paragraphs were indented oddly, some words were spelled with odd “s pacing” and there were still a few grammatical errors. I do not know if it went through additional editing prior to official publishing.
The cover is nice, I’m a floral and skull kind of gal. It screams dark.
The description drew me in but the story got off to such a slow start I had a hard time knowing if I would continue. I feel like it was about 40% in before it really picked up. There are almost too many POVs. Most of the males start blurring together and they seem like slightly off unhinged carbon copies of each other.
The fact this is essentially a high school of deranged misfits seemed a little far fetched throwing in all the shady activities.
The cliffhanger does leave you wanting more.
I will give the following book a chance upon release.
Thanks to BookSirens and the author for the opportunity to read this eARC for an honest review.
August 20, 2023
✨ARC Review✨
This was dark but I’m here for it! Welcome to the Academy of Rejects where the most messed up people attend.
Aspen has never had an easy life growing up. From being placed and moved between different homes. Some of those she was abused in as well as her innocence being stolen.
She is sent off to Redwood Academy also known as Academy of Rejects after problems with so many schools. Redwood is not an ordinary boarding school. It’s privately funded and very corrupt.
Myles, Foster, Hunter, and Collins run the group when they discover Aspen. They make sure that she doesn’t have an easy time at the academy.
This book was intense, crazy, sad, funny, and more. I literally paused it to go heat some popcorn😂. I could not put the book down. It definitely tapped into my darkness. Started the book and finished it today.
That cliffhanger! I hope I get the ARC for the second book because I can’t be left hanging like that. So good!🔥
Thank you so much Annika Nofal for allowing me to be part of your ARC team. As always, my review is my opinion and thoughts.
This was dark but I’m here for it! Welcome to the Academy of Rejects where the most messed up people attend.
Aspen has never had an easy life growing up. From being placed and moved between different homes. Some of those she was abused in as well as her innocence being stolen.
She is sent off to Redwood Academy also known as Academy of Rejects after problems with so many schools. Redwood is not an ordinary boarding school. It’s privately funded and very corrupt.
Myles, Foster, Hunter, and Collins run the group when they discover Aspen. They make sure that she doesn’t have an easy time at the academy.
This book was intense, crazy, sad, funny, and more. I literally paused it to go heat some popcorn😂. I could not put the book down. It definitely tapped into my darkness. Started the book and finished it today.
That cliffhanger! I hope I get the ARC for the second book because I can’t be left hanging like that. So good!🔥
Thank you so much Annika Nofal for allowing me to be part of your ARC team. As always, my review is my opinion and thoughts.
March 30, 2025
This is the most unnecessarily wordy written story. Must every minutiae be described? Can a girl get ready without my reading every tooth she brushed, every strain of hair she combed, her replacement of the brush, each individual element of her attire? None of these details are fundamental to the story’s development or progressions; they’re just filler. I’m withholding rating to see if it improves and if the story grabs me. At 16%, it’s a struggle, and I still can’t tell the guys apart, character wise, personality or behavior without a reference sheet.
The story is appealing; its execution is not. The writing is terribly wordy. The story gets better as it develops. The tie in with Aspen’s twin sister and her history and storyline gets lost or forgotten most times in favor of the dynamics between the characters and the minutiae of this like describing individual footsteps in the woods. Still, I like the heroine, Aspen, resilient, vulnerable, and strong but not reckless. I still have difficulty telling the guys apart, but it’s much easier as the story progresses.
Not the spiciest of books, but some of that is due in part to the true enemies theme that plays out during the book. This isn’t one of those wishy washy enemies to lovers turned too sweet. There is a nice subplot of underground fighting, drug deals, teacher’s failing marriage and student attraction, and girl-power friendship.
I’d rate this book a 4 for the intrigue of the story, but the writing hinders its success. If one skips along in the plot, you can easily follow the sorry, which frankly is alluring. True anti-hero bad boys, a strong heroine, friendships, male bonds, other woman drama, full-throttle enemies, and some taboo. Worth a read to the next book if one can overcome the writing and a few plot concerns.
The story is appealing; its execution is not. The writing is terribly wordy. The story gets better as it develops. The tie in with Aspen’s twin sister and her history and storyline gets lost or forgotten most times in favor of the dynamics between the characters and the minutiae of this like describing individual footsteps in the woods. Still, I like the heroine, Aspen, resilient, vulnerable, and strong but not reckless. I still have difficulty telling the guys apart, but it’s much easier as the story progresses.
Not the spiciest of books, but some of that is due in part to the true enemies theme that plays out during the book. This isn’t one of those wishy washy enemies to lovers turned too sweet. There is a nice subplot of underground fighting, drug deals, teacher’s failing marriage and student attraction, and girl-power friendship.
I’d rate this book a 4 for the intrigue of the story, but the writing hinders its success. If one skips along in the plot, you can easily follow the sorry, which frankly is alluring. True anti-hero bad boys, a strong heroine, friendships, male bonds, other woman drama, full-throttle enemies, and some taboo. Worth a read to the next book if one can overcome the writing and a few plot concerns.
August 17, 2023
Holy shit balls woman, I just finished your book. *Fans myself* When I first started reading I wasn't exactly sure I was going to like it or continue, but I told myself no you will finish. And let me tell you, I am 1000% glad that I did because holy shit, that was one of the best books I've read so far, I'm of course ticked off about the cliff hanger but I will have to wait for the next one to come out. 5⭐️ all the way. I will for sure be recommending it to everyone 🥵🔥
September 3, 2023
I was really captured by the end, that's why I gave 3 stars. The TW state dub/con… but no. Most of this book is straight up grape. I almost DNF'D. I'm a dark romance lover but this was not that for me. There were alot of grammatical errors/punctuation mistakes that I don't normally see in an ARC read. I have some theories about what's next for these twisted individuals, so we will see. I'm invested now and will read the next one. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 14, 2024
I received a free ARC copy of this book and I’m reviewing it voluntarily.
I made a commitment to ARC read this story, so I did not DNF though it was difficult to finish. The TW listed dub/con and Non/con and there was more r*pe and assault than anything else. I’m a big dark romance fan but this felt like it was trying too hard to make it dark with no romance. There were a lot of grammatical errors, typos, and formatting issues. I didn’t fall in love with any of the characters and felt that some of the character POV’s were not needed. This story could be better with some revision.
I made a commitment to ARC read this story, so I did not DNF though it was difficult to finish. The TW listed dub/con and Non/con and there was more r*pe and assault than anything else. I’m a big dark romance fan but this felt like it was trying too hard to make it dark with no romance. There were a lot of grammatical errors, typos, and formatting issues. I didn’t fall in love with any of the characters and felt that some of the character POV’s were not needed. This story could be better with some revision.
August 24, 2025
Dnf
Wow. So author is a 1 trick pony.
I read breaking Riley & I thought it was just me or maybe I just don't like bully romances.
Nope it's the author..
The men aren't redeemable - at all
One graped the FMC when she was 15.
kill her best by slitting her throat & then grape the FMC on top of her body! They also put out lit cigarettes out on her & pretty much drown her..
Author obviously has a niche with her writing so many there are readers that look for her content..
When I say these men are vile & disgusting with inner monologues that degrade & insult other females nearby..
I'm also to believe that the FMC enjoyed being sa',d again vaginal & anal (with no lube) that she actually starts to enjoy it after awhile - even though it was non con, even though she's aware they are about to kill her.
I'm sorry about whatever trauma the author has been thru or maybe she's influenced by actual women haters because seriously chick, your content is pure anti female & pro female torture & abuse
Wow. So author is a 1 trick pony.
I read breaking Riley & I thought it was just me or maybe I just don't like bully romances.
Nope it's the author..
The men aren't redeemable - at all
One graped the FMC when she was 15.
kill her best by slitting her throat & then grape the FMC on top of her body! They also put out lit cigarettes out on her & pretty much drown her..
Author obviously has a niche with her writing so many there are readers that look for her content..
When I say these men are vile & disgusting with inner monologues that degrade & insult other females nearby..
I'm also to believe that the FMC enjoyed being sa',d again vaginal & anal (with no lube) that she actually starts to enjoy it after awhile - even though it was non con, even though she's aware they are about to kill her.
I'm sorry about whatever trauma the author has been thru or maybe she's influenced by actual women haters because seriously chick, your content is pure anti female & pro female torture & abuse
September 3, 2023
Thank you BookSirens for my advanced copy of this book.
Wow what a book! It had everything I loved in, a bad ass female, dark themes, why choose trope, bullying. This story had me at the edge of my seat I need more! I loved reading from all different characters POV and knowing they all had their demons in different ways.
PLEASE PLEASE check triggers before reading this book because there are loads, this book is very very dark.
Wow what a book! It had everything I loved in, a bad ass female, dark themes, why choose trope, bullying. This story had me at the edge of my seat I need more! I loved reading from all different characters POV and knowing they all had their demons in different ways.
PLEASE PLEASE check triggers before reading this book because there are loads, this book is very very dark.
August 26, 2024
“Sinful Desires” by
Series: Academy of Rejects Book 1
Genre: Dark Romance
Rating:4⭐️
Spice: 4🌶️
Darkness:5🩶
POV: Multi
Highlights:
💙Kicka$s Snarky FMC
💙4 Morally Black MMCs
💙1 super hot Teacher
💙 If you have a trigger - it’s probably in here!
Thoughts:
This was a super dark story- by the end I wasn’t sure who the villain(s) were! It ended on a cliffhanger so now I totally need to read the next book. I have never read a book with men this morally black. If you like a long list of triggers in your story, this is the book for you.
🛑Please read all the author warnings as there are themes and events that could be triggering.
Series: Academy of Rejects Book 1
Genre: Dark Romance
Rating:4⭐️
Spice: 4🌶️
Darkness:5🩶
POV: Multi
Highlights:
💙Kicka$s Snarky FMC
💙4 Morally Black MMCs
💙1 super hot Teacher
💙 If you have a trigger - it’s probably in here!
Thoughts:
This was a super dark story- by the end I wasn’t sure who the villain(s) were! It ended on a cliffhanger so now I totally need to read the next book. I have never read a book with men this morally black. If you like a long list of triggers in your story, this is the book for you.
🛑Please read all the author warnings as there are themes and events that could be triggering.
December 20, 2023
This was a really great dark romance why choose with a strong FMC that really held her own in the novel. The boys in the book were absolutely scrumptious and I am REALLY looking forward to the next installment!
March 10, 2024
Holy hotness!! LOVED IT!
I'm so messed up rn. It was AMAZING!!!!!! It's very hard to find this trope, especially as a RH. If you like dark, super dark. This. Is. It. The descriptive writing style and amount of details (wink wink) made this so good! Talk about twisted and juicy. I'll never forget this book, and it's gonna stay with me a while. 10 stars!
I'm so messed up rn. It was AMAZING!!!!!! It's very hard to find this trope, especially as a RH. If you like dark, super dark. This. Is. It. The descriptive writing style and amount of details (wink wink) made this so good! Talk about twisted and juicy. I'll never forget this book, and it's gonna stay with me a while. 10 stars!
February 20, 2025
It is CHAOTIC!!!
The triggers is a real thing for this read please be aware.
Personally there was a lot more than what I have read in the past.
The triggers is a real thing for this read please be aware.
Personally there was a lot more than what I have read in the past.
January 29, 2025
This was an amazing book! Be sure to check trigger warnings before reading. I felt so bad for Aspen being stuck in foster home after foster home. I hated that her one last chance was at an academy that was privately funded by illegal measures. I hated that she realized her tormentor from her past was at that academy. I hate how the boys just agreed with Myles and made her life a living hell. I hated that her friend got involved and ended up paying the ultimate price. The ending was not what I expected and I definitely want more. I would definitely reread.
November 26, 2024
Wow
I loved the plot. It really kept me hooked. I can't wait to see what happens next. I hope Aspen comes back somehow to get revenge.
I loved the plot. It really kept me hooked. I can't wait to see what happens next. I hope Aspen comes back somehow to get revenge.
March 30, 2024
Holyyyyyy triggers 🫣
I’m a sucker for a dark why choose romance and this book hit all the dark spots. It hit the spots I didn’t even realize I needed until now.
⚠️ Sinful Desires has a lot of triggers, lots of dark content, and irredeemable characters. Read at your own risk ⚠️
Aspen has had a terrible upbringing. Between being left behind as an orphan, being in foster care, and being sent from one family to another. She built walls all around her. Now she’s being sent to Redwood Academy, also known as the Academy of Rejects.
Unfortunately, the whole stay under the radar she was going for is blown up when she finds herself face-to-face with her old foster brother.
That is where things take a deliciously dark turn.
Spice: 3.5/5
Overall: 4/5
I’m a sucker for a dark why choose romance and this book hit all the dark spots. It hit the spots I didn’t even realize I needed until now.
⚠️ Sinful Desires has a lot of triggers, lots of dark content, and irredeemable characters. Read at your own risk ⚠️
Aspen has had a terrible upbringing. Between being left behind as an orphan, being in foster care, and being sent from one family to another. She built walls all around her. Now she’s being sent to Redwood Academy, also known as the Academy of Rejects.
Unfortunately, the whole stay under the radar she was going for is blown up when she finds herself face-to-face with her old foster brother.
That is where things take a deliciously dark turn.
Spice: 3.5/5
Overall: 4/5
September 28, 2024
TW
.
.
.
.
.
This is NOT a dark romance as it was tagged. More like erotica that specializes in actual rape and extreme torture.
The plot was barely there—main character moves to a school where she is brutally tortured and raped, multiple times, over weeks.
I kept hoping something different would happen! Like someone would grow a spine or a conscience or something to switch it up a little, but alas—not in this book.
Additionally there were lots of spelling mistakes and formatting issues. Where was the editor?
I’m not invested or interested enough to continue the series, assuming there is at least another book since this one ended on a cliffhanger.
.
.
.
.
.
This is NOT a dark romance as it was tagged. More like erotica that specializes in actual rape and extreme torture.
The plot was barely there—main character moves to a school where she is brutally tortured and raped, multiple times, over weeks.
I kept hoping something different would happen! Like someone would grow a spine or a conscience or something to switch it up a little, but alas—not in this book.
Additionally there were lots of spelling mistakes and formatting issues. Where was the editor?
I’m not invested or interested enough to continue the series, assuming there is at least another book since this one ended on a cliffhanger.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2024
I will read anything, everything from this new author. This book was recommended to me by a friend and I am so glad I read it. I am basing my rating on this being her debut novel. It was slow to begin but holy Dark Romance, it is impossible to put down after Chapter 2. This was Dark! Each character was written with love - they have unique personalities and I was obsessed with one of them (read the book to figure out which one). The cliffhanger is the best I ever read. I am thrilled to have found this amazing author as she begins her journey.
August 27, 2023
This is my first ARC review book and I loved it. It's so dark and I should be insane to love it but here is my true feeling for it. Please read the list of trigger warning before you read this book. I got excited when I read a list of trigger warnings.
**The book is left on a cliff-hanger.
* I hope the author puts me in her ARC team so that I can read her 2nd book.
BOOK REVIEW:
The story revolves around Aspen (the MFC) who never had an easy life. She was constantly moved from one house to other as she was a foster kid. After been treated like that for years, she became a messed up kid and at last her school gave up on her and she was forced to join Redwood academy (also known as Academy of Rejects), a school that is privately funded and is corrupt. This school is for the most messed up kids.
Aspen joined this school against her wishes but she started liking the environment until she came across Myles. He was one of the person she feared the most in past and never wanted to cross her paths with him ever again. But do things always go what you wish for? Once Myles get to know that Aspen has joined his school, he was adamant on making her life a living hell. Little did she know that it would not be only Myles that's going to make it hard for her to survive. Myles has his new gang of friends, who equally enjoys in torturing people.
What do you think is going to happen with Aspen considering it is a school of messed up kids and these boys have a motive to get their revenge? Do you think Aspen will survive against these kids or is she going to leave the school? What do think Myles and his friends has planned for Aspen? Do you have a heart to enter the world of darkness from which it's going to be difficult to survive and leave? Do you love dark romance because I can assure you this book is much more dark than what you have read in Haunting Adeline.
Here is some of my POV:
* the starting of the book is little confusing but I am sure as you read the book you will enjoy it.
* Who is Rebecca? Maybe you will think of the answer since I couldn't find it in the beginning of the book but in the later chapter you will get your answer.
* MMC name - FOSTER is confusing since the FMC was a foster kid and the MMC name FOSTER collides sometimes for me.
* The book is a smooth read and you won't even know when you are done with so many pages.
* Book is from Multiple characters POV and that's a good thing
- The book is a Reverse Harem.
** I received this book for free to review it and I'm glad I get to read this book. I loved it.
Dark Romance lover's should definitely read this book.
**The book is left on a cliff-hanger.
* I hope the author puts me in her ARC team so that I can read her 2nd book.
BOOK REVIEW:
The story revolves around Aspen (the MFC) who never had an easy life. She was constantly moved from one house to other as she was a foster kid. After been treated like that for years, she became a messed up kid and at last her school gave up on her and she was forced to join Redwood academy (also known as Academy of Rejects), a school that is privately funded and is corrupt. This school is for the most messed up kids.
Aspen joined this school against her wishes but she started liking the environment until she came across Myles. He was one of the person she feared the most in past and never wanted to cross her paths with him ever again. But do things always go what you wish for? Once Myles get to know that Aspen has joined his school, he was adamant on making her life a living hell. Little did she know that it would not be only Myles that's going to make it hard for her to survive. Myles has his new gang of friends, who equally enjoys in torturing people.
What do you think is going to happen with Aspen considering it is a school of messed up kids and these boys have a motive to get their revenge? Do you think Aspen will survive against these kids or is she going to leave the school? What do think Myles and his friends has planned for Aspen? Do you have a heart to enter the world of darkness from which it's going to be difficult to survive and leave? Do you love dark romance because I can assure you this book is much more dark than what you have read in Haunting Adeline.
Here is some of my POV:
* the starting of the book is little confusing but I am sure as you read the book you will enjoy it.
* Who is Rebecca? Maybe you will think of the answer since I couldn't find it in the beginning of the book but in the later chapter you will get your answer.
* MMC name - FOSTER is confusing since the FMC was a foster kid and the MMC name FOSTER collides sometimes for me.
* The book is a smooth read and you won't even know when you are done with so many pages.
* Book is from Multiple characters POV and that's a good thing
- The book is a Reverse Harem.
** I received this book for free to review it and I'm glad I get to read this book. I loved it.
Dark Romance lover's should definitely read this book.
September 11, 2023
**ARC Reader Review**
I waited several days after finishing this to really let this book sink in and to consider what I want to say about it.
First, I would start by saying — remember to check your trigger warnings at the beginning of the book! The author has done a great job of providing a thorough list of triggering topics in the book and dark romance is definitely not everyone’s cup of tea, so make sure you stop there first!
Overall, I think I would give this book 3.5 ⭐️. I love a good dark romance and I think this one really kept me on my toes. Even with reading the trigger warnings and the book synopsis, I was still pretty shocked by the direction the book took most of the time. Which is not a bad thing!
I think the thing I struggled a bit with is that there were really no likable male characters for me. Myles is the actual worst. Foster is equally as awful, but at least has an absurd amount of trauma to back up why he’s so unhinged. Hunter is likable on maybe 1 or 2 occasions, but is mostly just someone I wanna smack. Collin is the only one that made a few good decisions and I mostly wanted to like him but he just kept letting his friends drag him back down to the unlikable category.
Now, this isn’t my first bully romance. So I’m not unfamiliar with the trope. I just fail to see any remotely redeemable qualities in any of the male love interests at this time, other than perhaps Collin. I think I expected to connect with them a little better, especially given that there are so many chapters in their POV as well. But mostly I wanted to throttle them for 400+ pages. I just really wanted to see that tiny silver lining somewhere of where I know I could eventually fall in love with their psychotic nature, and I just couldn’t find it at all.
The craziest part of this book is the ending!!!!!!! Even if I found the rest of the book to be unreadable (which I don’t), that ending would have me counting down for book 2 anyways, because WOW!!!!! It may even be the craziest ending of any book I’ve ever read. I absolutely have to know what happens next!
**I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**
I waited several days after finishing this to really let this book sink in and to consider what I want to say about it.
First, I would start by saying — remember to check your trigger warnings at the beginning of the book! The author has done a great job of providing a thorough list of triggering topics in the book and dark romance is definitely not everyone’s cup of tea, so make sure you stop there first!
Overall, I think I would give this book 3.5 ⭐️. I love a good dark romance and I think this one really kept me on my toes. Even with reading the trigger warnings and the book synopsis, I was still pretty shocked by the direction the book took most of the time. Which is not a bad thing!
I think the thing I struggled a bit with is that there were really no likable male characters for me. Myles is the actual worst. Foster is equally as awful, but at least has an absurd amount of trauma to back up why he’s so unhinged. Hunter is likable on maybe 1 or 2 occasions, but is mostly just someone I wanna smack. Collin is the only one that made a few good decisions and I mostly wanted to like him but he just kept letting his friends drag him back down to the unlikable category.
Now, this isn’t my first bully romance. So I’m not unfamiliar with the trope. I just fail to see any remotely redeemable qualities in any of the male love interests at this time, other than perhaps Collin. I think I expected to connect with them a little better, especially given that there are so many chapters in their POV as well. But mostly I wanted to throttle them for 400+ pages. I just really wanted to see that tiny silver lining somewhere of where I know I could eventually fall in love with their psychotic nature, and I just couldn’t find it at all.
The craziest part of this book is the ending!!!!!!! Even if I found the rest of the book to be unreadable (which I don’t), that ending would have me counting down for book 2 anyways, because WOW!!!!! It may even be the craziest ending of any book I’ve ever read. I absolutely have to know what happens next!
**I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**
February 25, 2026
I went into Sinful Desires completely blind after finishing another one of Annika’s books, and honestly? I had no idea what I was about to walk into.
Let me just say this right now: this is NOT a romance. If you’re looking for swoony moments and soft love confessions, you won’t find them here. This is dark. This is bully. This is unhinged in the best possible way.
And I ate it up.
Aspen is in foster care and has been through more than anyone her age ever should. After a traumatic incident forces her out of a foster home, she’s sent to a last-resort school for “rejects” — basically a dumping ground for troubled students (characters are 18+) with nowhere else to go. The atmosphere is tense, gritty, and full of damaged characters carrying heavy baggage.
Then her past comes back to life.
And not gently.
She’s suddenly face-to-face with her former tormentor, and the tension between them is explosive. The psychological warfare, the twisted dynamics, the unresolved trauma — it all makes for a story that feels chaotic and intense in a way that keeps you glued to the page.
Annika’s writing is addictive. She doesn’t soften the edges. She leans into the darkness and lets the story be uncomfortable, messy, and completely wild. The pacing had me flying through chapters — I binged the entire book in a couple of hours.
And that cliffhanger?!
Absolutely feral. I literally sat there staring at my Kindle like, “You cannot be serious right now.” Of course I immediately started book two.
If you’re looking for:
🖤Dark bully dynamics
🖤Trauma-heavy backstories
🖤Morally gray (or morally black) characters
🖤Zero fluff
🖤High tension and chaos
Then Sinful Desires will hook you.
But if you’re expecting traditional romance? This isn’t it.
This book is raw, unsettling, and unhinged — and if that’s your thing, you’ll be just as obsessed as I was.
Let me just say this right now: this is NOT a romance. If you’re looking for swoony moments and soft love confessions, you won’t find them here. This is dark. This is bully. This is unhinged in the best possible way.
And I ate it up.
Aspen is in foster care and has been through more than anyone her age ever should. After a traumatic incident forces her out of a foster home, she’s sent to a last-resort school for “rejects” — basically a dumping ground for troubled students (characters are 18+) with nowhere else to go. The atmosphere is tense, gritty, and full of damaged characters carrying heavy baggage.
Then her past comes back to life.
And not gently.
She’s suddenly face-to-face with her former tormentor, and the tension between them is explosive. The psychological warfare, the twisted dynamics, the unresolved trauma — it all makes for a story that feels chaotic and intense in a way that keeps you glued to the page.
Annika’s writing is addictive. She doesn’t soften the edges. She leans into the darkness and lets the story be uncomfortable, messy, and completely wild. The pacing had me flying through chapters — I binged the entire book in a couple of hours.
And that cliffhanger?!
Absolutely feral. I literally sat there staring at my Kindle like, “You cannot be serious right now.” Of course I immediately started book two.
If you’re looking for:
🖤Dark bully dynamics
🖤Trauma-heavy backstories
🖤Morally gray (or morally black) characters
🖤Zero fluff
🖤High tension and chaos
Then Sinful Desires will hook you.
But if you’re expecting traditional romance? This isn’t it.
This book is raw, unsettling, and unhinged — and if that’s your thing, you’ll be just as obsessed as I was.
August 29, 2023
Sinful Desires ( academy Of Rejects Book #1 ) OMFG !!! What a emotional Rollercoaster !!!! Sinful Desires was and is one of the best Dark Bully romances I’ve read all summer . A emotional rollercoaster that literally played on all my emotions in ways I was not even expecting. Seriously guys one second I would find myself utterly speechless, the next I was yelling outta pure frustration and trying so hard not to throw my tablet right across the room . There were also moments my heart like it was being crushed to the point I had tears streaming down my face . What never wavered though was how 100% invested I found myself in each and every character . Aspen has not had a easy life by any means. She’s a orphan who has not only been bounced around from family to family most of her life but she’s suffered through so much trauma as well .. She ends up attending The Academy Of Rejects and it’s there she comes across Colin , Foster , Hunter and Myles . The attraction between her and all 4 guys is instantaneous. Sparky fly - but each guy ends up fighting the attraction well at first anyway . There are just so many layers to each guy that there were seriously moments I could not decide if I loved or hated them but in the end I found myself rooting so freaking hard because there’s so much more to Foster , Colin , Hunter and Myles then meets the eye . This truly is such a phenomenal Debut . It’s dark and raw and gritty and extremely emotional, it’s filled with intrigue, suspense, twists and turns, non stop action , love , passion, secrets and lies , heartbreaking and heartfelt moments, family , friendships, drama , obstacles, oh so steamy moments, and so much more . I was hooked from start to finish
January 16, 2026
I have several critiques about this book. (I’m sorry if I butchered some of the names. Explanations below.)
I read that the author said she almost destroyed the whole book, and honestly… I can see it. There are moments in the plot where you just stop and think, what the fuck?
I’ve never read any of this author’s other books, so I don’t really know her writing style beyond this.
I liked the beginning with Aspen, the tough purple-haired kid. I also liked that she was still scared of Myles. That part worked.
Then I got hit with like ten different names and scenarios, and at one point I genuinely thought Jessica was dating two characters. That one’s on me, but still 😅
I kept missing the differences between characters. I had to keep going back to the chapter headers just to see who was talking, because most of them felt the same. The only exception was Foster. I liked him. I’m just sad he wasn’t finished.
And that’s kind of the main issue. A lot of people didn’t get an ending. The professor, for example, felt randomly added. Honestly, it felt like the author put him in just because college vibes. And yeah, it was hot 🔥 but it was also random. He had a wife and everything, and I was surprised he didn’t end up dead or with Aspen.
This is what I mean by unfinished.
Also, Aspen’s two BESTIES are horrible. I don’t know if that’s the writing or intentional, but if I saw my best friend covered in bruises and shaking, I would kill someone. They did nothing. Like… what??? 🤨
Raven is eavesdropping on them and gets killed off. I liked that, but I can tell it was hard to write, and it ended up feeling unfinished.
To the point where it feels like the author just said, fuck it, I’ll kill the main character.
I read that the author said she almost destroyed the whole book, and honestly… I can see it. There are moments in the plot where you just stop and think, what the fuck?
I’ve never read any of this author’s other books, so I don’t really know her writing style beyond this.
I liked the beginning with Aspen, the tough purple-haired kid. I also liked that she was still scared of Myles. That part worked.
Then I got hit with like ten different names and scenarios, and at one point I genuinely thought Jessica was dating two characters. That one’s on me, but still 😅
I kept missing the differences between characters. I had to keep going back to the chapter headers just to see who was talking, because most of them felt the same. The only exception was Foster. I liked him. I’m just sad he wasn’t finished.
And that’s kind of the main issue. A lot of people didn’t get an ending. The professor, for example, felt randomly added. Honestly, it felt like the author put him in just because college vibes. And yeah, it was hot 🔥 but it was also random. He had a wife and everything, and I was surprised he didn’t end up dead or with Aspen.
This is what I mean by unfinished.
Also, Aspen’s two BESTIES are horrible. I don’t know if that’s the writing or intentional, but if I saw my best friend covered in bruises and shaking, I would kill someone. They did nothing. Like… what??? 🤨
Raven is eavesdropping on them and gets killed off. I liked that, but I can tell it was hard to write, and it ended up feeling unfinished.
To the point where it feels like the author just said, fuck it, I’ll kill the main character.
November 15, 2023
Wow! I definitely have some strong feelings about this book and it's characters! I love dark romances and especially bully romances. I never, ever read trigger warnings but I must admit I found this book challenging. I'm just going to say the male characters in this book, who are supposed to be high school aged, are some of the most evil and truly psychotic I've ever read! I can only think of maybe 2 books that I've ever read, that the characters rivaled these in their bullying being so brutal and severe. Honestly, I don't think I've ever wished something bad for fictional characters before. It really bothered me that these boys forced Aspen, slut shamed her, and then said Aspen deserved everything. Everything was these boys fault from the very beginning. I would love for all these boys to be in Aspen's shoes for a change, maybe then they would develop a conscious and some sympathy. This is a school for delinquent kids basically, where are all the adults and supervision? I can't believe the torturous cliffhanger 😭! I can not even imagine what will happen in the next book. I do wonder where Myles' friends from the tree house and his sister are? There wasn't any further mention of them except from flashbacks. I have to wonder if anyone feels guilty about Apen? Please 🙏 let Aspen get some retribution in book 2 ! I think these boys feel like they can get away with doing anything to anyone. It's not fair. Foster, Hunter, Collin, and Myles are the absolute worst!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2023
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I read this book after the author suggested it on a Facebook page I follow and WOW.
Let me start by this.. for those of us who do not use trigger warnings as a check list at this point (aka my newcomers to dark romance) this has a LOT OF TRIGGER WARNINGS. (*mild spoiler - but not really because it’s listed in the trigger warnings*) I’d say about 95% of the smut in the book is dub-con with some non-con. If that is a no no for you, then this is not the book.
This is a bully romance which (once the series is done) I’d imagine with be a enemies to lovers (well we already know it will be because that’s why we all read why choose enemies to lovers!) Let me tell you the bullying in the book is DARK DARK, honestly probably some of the darkest I’ve read in a minute! So my true bully lovers, this is something you could definitely get behind.
The character development throughout this book is good, but I wish there was slight more detail into some of the characters. I will say you get a pretty good idea of who will be in her possibly harem, but there are some others that I’m holding onto the edge of my seat to see if they make the cut!!!
This book does end in a cliffhanger (not shocking!) BUT we do get an epilogue from the man most resembling the role of the golden retriever! There are SOOO many questions that I need answers too… like tomorrow… so please finish the next book… THANK YOU!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I read this book after the author suggested it on a Facebook page I follow and WOW.
Let me start by this.. for those of us who do not use trigger warnings as a check list at this point (aka my newcomers to dark romance) this has a LOT OF TRIGGER WARNINGS. (*mild spoiler - but not really because it’s listed in the trigger warnings*) I’d say about 95% of the smut in the book is dub-con with some non-con. If that is a no no for you, then this is not the book.
This is a bully romance which (once the series is done) I’d imagine with be a enemies to lovers (well we already know it will be because that’s why we all read why choose enemies to lovers!) Let me tell you the bullying in the book is DARK DARK, honestly probably some of the darkest I’ve read in a minute! So my true bully lovers, this is something you could definitely get behind.
The character development throughout this book is good, but I wish there was slight more detail into some of the characters. I will say you get a pretty good idea of who will be in her possibly harem, but there are some others that I’m holding onto the edge of my seat to see if they make the cut!!!
This book does end in a cliffhanger (not shocking!) BUT we do get an epilogue from the man most resembling the role of the golden retriever! There are SOOO many questions that I need answers too… like tomorrow… so please finish the next book… THANK YOU!
September 29, 2023
This is such a difficult book to review as I both loved it and hated it at times. When it says it's a Dark Bully Romance, it really is. I definitely advise you to check the triggers. I will add that it mentions dub-con as a trigger, and I wouldn't refer to the acts as dub-con but more non-con - a physiological response to some of the things that happened to the main female lead does not equate to consent.
Aspen has been through a lot and has finally ended up in a boarding school for what seems like the insane - known as The Academy of Rejects. There she is reunited with someone from her past, and not in a good way. Along with his friends, they set out to torture and break her. We aren't really given any sane reasoning as to why they are all going along with this and the different POVs can make it confusing because as the reader all four main males show they have some kind of attraction to Aspen but that doesn't explain their actions. We do, however, get to see tiny moments of kindness or regret and remorse, but sadly, they don't last for long or make up for the things that have happened.
As I said, I both loved and hated this book. The author did a fantastic job of drawing me in and no matter what happened, I couldn't put the book down. It ended on an immense cliffhanger that has left me with so many questions because I can't help but think there is a lot more to come in the future for Aspen and her boys.
Aspen has been through a lot and has finally ended up in a boarding school for what seems like the insane - known as The Academy of Rejects. There she is reunited with someone from her past, and not in a good way. Along with his friends, they set out to torture and break her. We aren't really given any sane reasoning as to why they are all going along with this and the different POVs can make it confusing because as the reader all four main males show they have some kind of attraction to Aspen but that doesn't explain their actions. We do, however, get to see tiny moments of kindness or regret and remorse, but sadly, they don't last for long or make up for the things that have happened.
As I said, I both loved and hated this book. The author did a fantastic job of drawing me in and no matter what happened, I couldn't put the book down. It ended on an immense cliffhanger that has left me with so many questions because I can't help but think there is a lot more to come in the future for Aspen and her boys.
October 1, 2023
This book WTF!! Sinful desires- Academy of Rejects- is Annika's first debut and what a f*cking book it was!!
It's dark, it's twisted, it's raw, it's real and I was here for it all.. it has bullying, why choose and academy tropes. It was definitely a roller-coaster of a read. There were so many emotions to this book. We also got drama, secrets, action, spice and more!
So dark and so good I loved every minute of it.. Annika did an amazing job with the characters, world building, and the bullying was extreme!! I highly recommend. I can't wait for part 2..
Aspen has had a hard life, but deep down she is resilient and keeps trying to fight, and fight she does, but she does not mess around. I cannot wait to see her growth.
The guys are messed up too, the guys are Foster, Collin, Hunter and Myles, I fucking loved and hated them at the same time.
let me tell you, that plot twist ending…OMFG!!! CLIFFHANGER!! That f*cking cliffy,.your trying to kill us with that ain't you.. around off applause to you Ms nofal that was an epic book. And I need more..
Please read trigger warning before reading..
It's dark, it's twisted, it's raw, it's real and I was here for it all.. it has bullying, why choose and academy tropes. It was definitely a roller-coaster of a read. There were so many emotions to this book. We also got drama, secrets, action, spice and more!
So dark and so good I loved every minute of it.. Annika did an amazing job with the characters, world building, and the bullying was extreme!! I highly recommend. I can't wait for part 2..
Aspen has had a hard life, but deep down she is resilient and keeps trying to fight, and fight she does, but she does not mess around. I cannot wait to see her growth.
The guys are messed up too, the guys are Foster, Collin, Hunter and Myles, I fucking loved and hated them at the same time.
let me tell you, that plot twist ending…OMFG!!! CLIFFHANGER!! That f*cking cliffy,.your trying to kill us with that ain't you.. around off applause to you Ms nofal that was an epic book. And I need more..
Please read trigger warning before reading..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews