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Heartless Heirs of Canyon Falls #1
Cruel Legacy
A NEW LIFE
That’s what the move to canyon falls was supposed to offer me. A chance to leave my past behind.
But day one I manage to paint a target on my back and the vindictive boys who run this school, Pax, Finn and Holden
decide to turn me into their personal punching bag.
They try it all. Liquidated accounts. Public humiliation. Every prank and act of horror designed to break me.
I’ve endured worse.
Too bad for them I never learned to turn the other cheek. At the end of this somebody’s gonna have to bend a knee
Spoiler Alert : It won’t be me
Please Cruel Legacy is the first book in a why-choose romance series, that contains dark themes. This book ends in a cliffhanger and the series must be read in order. Please read the content warnings at the beginning of the book and/or on the author's website. Due to the themes and content of the book it is recommended for 18+.
That’s what the move to canyon falls was supposed to offer me. A chance to leave my past behind.
But day one I manage to paint a target on my back and the vindictive boys who run this school, Pax, Finn and Holden
decide to turn me into their personal punching bag.
They try it all. Liquidated accounts. Public humiliation. Every prank and act of horror designed to break me.
I’ve endured worse.
Too bad for them I never learned to turn the other cheek. At the end of this somebody’s gonna have to bend a knee
Spoiler Alert : It won’t be me
Please Cruel Legacy is the first book in a why-choose romance series, that contains dark themes. This book ends in a cliffhanger and the series must be read in order. Please read the content warnings at the beginning of the book and/or on the author's website. Due to the themes and content of the book it is recommended for 18+.
546 pages, ebook
Published May 26, 2023
194 people are currently reading
407 people want to read
About the author
Dakota Lee
8 books61 followersDakota Lee is an overworked mom of three human garbage disposals and a dog who thinks she’s a wolf.
In the daylight, she loves paranormal/ supernatural books and tv shows, comic book movies, action movies, and the comfort of a good Hallmark movie.
When the sun goes down, she’s been known to tune into some after dark deliciousness that she would never tell her co-workers about.
She’s here to push boundaries through her words and hopefully take you on a twisty, thorny journey on the way to a happily ever after.
And if you happen to fall for the asshole before he’s redeemed, that’s okay.
Dakota’s got a weakness for the bad boys too.
In the daylight, she loves paranormal/ supernatural books and tv shows, comic book movies, action movies, and the comfort of a good Hallmark movie.
When the sun goes down, she’s been known to tune into some after dark deliciousness that she would never tell her co-workers about.
She’s here to push boundaries through her words and hopefully take you on a twisty, thorny journey on the way to a happily ever after.
And if you happen to fall for the asshole before he’s redeemed, that’s okay.
Dakota’s got a weakness for the bad boys too.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 19, 2025
What the hell is this ending?
🔥 bully romance
❤️ college romance
🔥 enemies to lovers
❤️ slowburn
🔥 student / teacher
❤️ secret society
🔥 why choose, 4 MMC
❤️ neighbors in dorms
TW:
Why Choose
Graphic Sexual Descriptions
Child Abandonment
Talk of Loss of Child
Student/ Teacher Relationship
Bullying (By Harem Members and Others)
Knife Play
Blood Play
Manipulation
Non-Con
Dub-Con
Somnophilia
Breath Play
Primal
Violence
Graphic Assault (Physical and Sexual)
Rape/ Attempted Rape ...
From the beginning the book drew me in and I couldn't stop reading it. And that ending🤯. So many mysteries still remain🫶
🔥 bully romance
❤️ college romance
🔥 enemies to lovers
❤️ slowburn
🔥 student / teacher
❤️ secret society
🔥 why choose, 4 MMC
❤️ neighbors in dorms
TW:
Why Choose
Graphic Sexual Descriptions
Child Abandonment
Talk of Loss of Child
Student/ Teacher Relationship
Bullying (By Harem Members and Others)
Knife Play
Blood Play
Manipulation
Non-Con
Dub-Con
Somnophilia
Breath Play
Primal
Violence
Graphic Assault (Physical and Sexual)
Rape/ Attempted Rape ...
From the beginning the book drew me in and I couldn't stop reading it. And that ending🤯. So many mysteries still remain🫶
July 8, 2024
I had to FORCE myself to finish this. Sllllllloooooow burn.
September 11, 2023
This book was so good. I think at first I kept reading because I've always been so interested in books involving a secret society of some sort, and I stayed because of the interaction between Thea, Finn, Holden, and Pax. Mostly for Thea and Pax because they're both so grumpy and Thea is so unafraid of him it's just comical. I was hoping for a little more spice in this book, but I can also fully appreciate the delicious frustration of a slow burn.
The society is so worried about Thea and I just kept yelling, "She's literally just a girl!!!"
Eloise is an actual nightmare and I hate her.
I'm fully invested in these characters so please give this a read. You'll love it, I promise.
P.S. The cliffhanger? Torture. Luckily the second book comes out soon so you won't have long to wait.
The society is so worried about Thea and I just kept yelling, "She's literally just a girl!!!"
Eloise is an actual nightmare and I hate her.
I'm fully invested in these characters so please give this a read. You'll love it, I promise.
P.S. The cliffhanger? Torture. Luckily the second book comes out soon so you won't have long to wait.
June 11, 2023
This lives up to all the hype
This has a lot packed into this part of the story. Dakota has become part of my top ten authors to read, because she writes dark, bully university romances with secret societies, hidden bloodlines, several k!nk$, and truly delicious characters. There are many things to appreciate about her writing and this first book. First, it's written in 4 person POV. I do love hearing both sides in a two person romance, but a 4 person perspective is golden. Second, the physical and intimate scenes are detailed and mouth watering, yum. Third, Thea is a fierce warrior woman, even with all her brokenness, she is not afraid of anyone, female or male. The four men that revolve around her are dominating, self assured, sexy as sin, and twisted in the head by life, by family and by circumstances. Lastly, I Beta read this a month ago, and I still purchased a copy for myself to reread., because I want to know how the final edit went down, also I want to read the story again and again. The blurb tells you everything you need to know about the story before you begin. I am psyched for the next book, already. Enjoy!!!!!!
This has a lot packed into this part of the story. Dakota has become part of my top ten authors to read, because she writes dark, bully university romances with secret societies, hidden bloodlines, several k!nk$, and truly delicious characters. There are many things to appreciate about her writing and this first book. First, it's written in 4 person POV. I do love hearing both sides in a two person romance, but a 4 person perspective is golden. Second, the physical and intimate scenes are detailed and mouth watering, yum. Third, Thea is a fierce warrior woman, even with all her brokenness, she is not afraid of anyone, female or male. The four men that revolve around her are dominating, self assured, sexy as sin, and twisted in the head by life, by family and by circumstances. Lastly, I Beta read this a month ago, and I still purchased a copy for myself to reread., because I want to know how the final edit went down, also I want to read the story again and again. The blurb tells you everything you need to know about the story before you begin. I am psyched for the next book, already. Enjoy!!!!!!
June 1, 2023
Amazing Read
This is a wild ride.
For those that don't want spoilers, this is a dark college romance, read the triggers. I usually don't really go for the college thing but this and Dakota's other series got me. I love them. The main character Thea is sassy and badass and always carries her knife, and she gets to find out how the rich and powerful kids do college, while coming from "the wrong side of the tracks". Someone has it out for her. Ends on a crazy cliffhanger.
For those of us that want a little more read on...
Thea is a badass, that always carries her knife Clint. She has to because she grew up in difficult situations as a foster kid that was moved around a lot. All of a sudden she is found by her wealthy aunt and uncle and they have her leave that life and her friends behind for a fancy private college in their hometown. All of a sudden this girl that has only known struggle is trust into a life of glamor, only she is still a sassy, take no crap from anyone badass. The problem? Well the rich kids think they are above her and the top 3 guys are gonna "put her in her place". Unfortunately for them, she is stubborn and will never come to herl. There is a "secret" society, a hot teacher, and spice! And the cliff hanger!!! I can't wait for the 2nd book because I NEED to know what happens!
This is a wild ride.
For those that don't want spoilers, this is a dark college romance, read the triggers. I usually don't really go for the college thing but this and Dakota's other series got me. I love them. The main character Thea is sassy and badass and always carries her knife, and she gets to find out how the rich and powerful kids do college, while coming from "the wrong side of the tracks". Someone has it out for her. Ends on a crazy cliffhanger.
For those of us that want a little more read on...
Thea is a badass, that always carries her knife Clint. She has to because she grew up in difficult situations as a foster kid that was moved around a lot. All of a sudden she is found by her wealthy aunt and uncle and they have her leave that life and her friends behind for a fancy private college in their hometown. All of a sudden this girl that has only known struggle is trust into a life of glamor, only she is still a sassy, take no crap from anyone badass. The problem? Well the rich kids think they are above her and the top 3 guys are gonna "put her in her place". Unfortunately for them, she is stubborn and will never come to herl. There is a "secret" society, a hot teacher, and spice! And the cliff hanger!!! I can't wait for the 2nd book because I NEED to know what happens!
May 18, 2023
Holy hell in a ham basket. What the fuck is what screamed through my mind at the end of this book. Did things go to far? Who was the one to blame? What will happen next? All the questions!!!!!! I have all the questions and man do I need the answer to them. What threw me for a roller coaster ride was the secret her Aunt and Uncle were keeping. That was one of the crazy things about this book. There was always the unknown on both sides. Boy, do I hate Pax. I understand why he is the way he is but he needs a good nut punch on a good day. Though Finn is my favorite in this book with Holden was second runner. He is all the clock and daggers type of guy. Super genius. Though our Thea is smart as a whip as well. She confuses the boys along the way. Also having to deal with snobby nose brats who think they are better than others because of who their family is or what sorority they belong to. I am craving book 2 of this series and I cannot wait for it to come out. 10/10 recommend but be ready for a wild ride.
July 14, 2024
Beware trigger warnings
This contemporary bully novel is very, very dark. It follows the typical trope of poor orphan foster kid is found by family and sent to an elite academic setting where a secret society lurks. The three central male characters suspect her of nefarious motives and bully her severely while also craving her. She is independent, strong and a skilled fighter, but appears innocent of any underlying sabotage. What stands out is the repeated instances of non con assaults while she is drugged. The bullying culminates in serious physical abuse. This first book leaves many mysteries, including her true heritage. There are numerous word use errors but is otherwise well written.
This contemporary bully novel is very, very dark. It follows the typical trope of poor orphan foster kid is found by family and sent to an elite academic setting where a secret society lurks. The three central male characters suspect her of nefarious motives and bully her severely while also craving her. She is independent, strong and a skilled fighter, but appears innocent of any underlying sabotage. What stands out is the repeated instances of non con assaults while she is drugged. The bullying culminates in serious physical abuse. This first book leaves many mysteries, including her true heritage. There are numerous word use errors but is otherwise well written.
May 18, 2023
Absolutely loved this book but the ending has me wanting more now.
Absolutely love the main female character Thea she is a boss. Sent to live with her aunt and uncle who are not who they seem (don’t want to give too much away)
Also loving the relationship development between Thea with Finn, Holden Pax - hoping they sort themselves out and realise she’s not trying anything funny.
Would highly recommend this book couldn’t put it down
Absolutely love the main female character Thea she is a boss. Sent to live with her aunt and uncle who are not who they seem (don’t want to give too much away)
Also loving the relationship development between Thea with Finn, Holden Pax - hoping they sort themselves out and realise she’s not trying anything funny.
Would highly recommend this book couldn’t put it down
January 22, 2024
Kindle. Low four. Slow rolling beginning and a slower burn overall. A bit more juvenile than I like with the non stop mention of “pranks” being such a high concern.
Read just a little bit choppy jumping around the storyline or skimming over parts. Minor writing/grammar/spelling errors. Bullying aspect was on the lighter side majority of book.
I’d say this was just an okay read but caught my attention enough to continue on in series.
Read just a little bit choppy jumping around the storyline or skimming over parts. Minor writing/grammar/spelling errors. Bullying aspect was on the lighter side majority of book.
I’d say this was just an okay read but caught my attention enough to continue on in series.
March 7, 2024
Wow
Wow this was a pretty intense bully book, I'd rate it a 3/5 in the bully scale. Lots of misunderstanding and miscommunication tropes. I adore Thea and her give no 💩 attitude and how the trium can't get their head around why nothing they tried works to get her to submit. But maaaannnnn that cliff!!! Holy wow that was a brutal chapter to read and place to leave. I can't wait to see how Thea escapes and watch her get her revenge!
Wow this was a pretty intense bully book, I'd rate it a 3/5 in the bully scale. Lots of misunderstanding and miscommunication tropes. I adore Thea and her give no 💩 attitude and how the trium can't get their head around why nothing they tried works to get her to submit. But maaaannnnn that cliff!!! Holy wow that was a brutal chapter to read and place to leave. I can't wait to see how Thea escapes and watch her get her revenge!
November 17, 2025
3.5 SUPER slow burn (slowest I've ever read), but still an interesting plot so I'm sticking with the series for now. There's too much time spent on the same story points for each character, repeated over and over again, about their background/why they are the way they are. That's great originally, but holy geez, we get the point already.... please move forward.
Hope the next book isn't like this.
Hope the next book isn't like this.
May 23, 2023
This book is filled with excitement and longing. I enjoyed learning about both Thea and The Legacies! I loved the darkness she added. Each character definitely has their own strengths and or weaknesses and honestly I forgot I was reading for so many POVs written by Dakota alone! She faceted each character perfectly!
That cliffhanger OH MAN. I CANT WAIT a for the next one!!!
That cliffhanger OH MAN. I CANT WAIT a for the next one!!!
June 13, 2023
Wow, this book was insane! If you love spicy, extra dark romances, then chances are you will enjoy this book! The concept and complexity of this book was so unique, and the characters…OH MY GOSH! And the spice was just amazing. And I absolutely loved the why choose! If this sounds like your thing, then I would give this book a try! Check tws! ❤️❤️
September 14, 2023
Deserves 10 stars!!!
Amazing characters, Thea is shaped by her past, she has no cares to give. She forges her own path and pays no attention to bullies. The rich and entitled don't know what to make of her, convinced she's there to ruin them. There is mystery galore, and what a cliffhanger!
Amazing characters, Thea is shaped by her past, she has no cares to give. She forges her own path and pays no attention to bullies. The rich and entitled don't know what to make of her, convinced she's there to ruin them. There is mystery galore, and what a cliffhanger!
February 12, 2024
what happened?!
Ok so I was about to DNF this book because it was starting slow. I wasn’t sure if it was going to be good until I got about 55% through it. I know it’s a long way but it may be different for others. I was not ready for the twist at the end. It makes me curious to see what happens with Thea in the next book.
Ok so I was about to DNF this book because it was starting slow. I wasn’t sure if it was going to be good until I got about 55% through it. I know it’s a long way but it may be different for others. I was not ready for the twist at the end. It makes me curious to see what happens with Thea in the next book.
May 6, 2024
Amazing (but needed a final edit)
Okay. This book was just incredible. I love how distinct the characters are. The story was well developed. There were a ton of typos and errant apostrophes/commas, but it didn’t detract from the overall impact of the book.
…and THAT cliffhanger. Good golly. I need to start reading the next book five minutes ago.
Okay. This book was just incredible. I love how distinct the characters are. The story was well developed. There were a ton of typos and errant apostrophes/commas, but it didn’t detract from the overall impact of the book.
…and THAT cliffhanger. Good golly. I need to start reading the next book five minutes ago.
May 25, 2024
I really like the FMC Thea and the fact that she is completely unfazed by all the petty drama and elitism around her. The MMCs though leave much to be desired, it's going to take a pretty herculean effort on the author's part to win me over to their side. There is nothing remotely interesting or likable about them.
February 24, 2025
Me gustó bastante, pero uff... No soporto a los hombres que siempre creen que tienen razón y escuchar nada ni a nadie solo a sus padres que le tienen algo de miedo o no le gusta mucho
La protagonista me encanta su forma de ser... de luchar con todos y no dejarse almendentrar por nadie y tampoco dejarse llevar completamente por la lujuria
La protagonista me encanta su forma de ser... de luchar con todos y no dejarse almendentrar por nadie y tampoco dejarse llevar completamente por la lujuria
March 19, 2025
This book is the "slow" in slow burn. Overall it had potential and I enjoyed it to some degree but it was slowest slow burn I have ever read. The stretch over so many details/pages felt totally unecessary for me.
DNFd second book as I couldn't get past AGAIN over the slowest slow burn and the party scene which was the nail in the coffin for me & this series.
DNFd second book as I couldn't get past AGAIN over the slowest slow burn and the party scene which was the nail in the coffin for me & this series.
January 10, 2024
I'm confused
I'm so confused and I can't wait to figure out this puzzle. This book jumps around and there missing pieces but it's one big mystery can't wait to see what happens s next
I'm so confused and I can't wait to figure out this puzzle. This book jumps around and there missing pieces but it's one big mystery can't wait to see what happens s next
January 26, 2024
Loved! Loved! Loved!
I am surprised this series is being talked about more! It is one of the best series I’ve read in a long time. Not only was it well written with little to no errors throughout but it kept a fast pace. Highly recommend!
I am surprised this series is being talked about more! It is one of the best series I’ve read in a long time. Not only was it well written with little to no errors throughout but it kept a fast pace. Highly recommend!
September 11, 2023
WOW!!!!!
I couldnt put this book down its was amazing with the story line and plot.. But I leaves me with what did I just read I need more..
I couldnt put this book down its was amazing with the story line and plot.. But I leaves me with what did I just read I need more..
June 30, 2025
Heartbroken
I m so in my feelings right now. I want to scream for help I know won't get no sleep what a cliff hanger
I m so in my feelings right now. I want to scream for help I know won't get no sleep what a cliff hanger
December 8, 2025
Enjoyable but I couldn’t finish it. Kept hoping the story would speed up a bit. DNF at 47%.
May 27, 2024
DNF 84%
August 8, 2024
This was a really good RH/Whychoose with bully romance.
Unfinnished
Unfinnished
July 1, 2023
To say I love this book is an understatement. I loved having all the POVs without it being overwhelming. Each male character is so different so it works great with different connections with the FMC. They each have their own quirks that make them likable in their own way, except pax but I hoping we will get more of him being likable in the rest of the series! I really want to like him. What really made me enjoy this is that a lot of this genre you find the book full of smut and lacking a good story or there is so much of it it overpowers the story. Cruel Legacy has a perfect combination of it all. I need book 2 like yesterday. I can’t wait
March 24, 2024
I stumbled across this Author and series via a Facebook ad and I am so glad I clicked on the link. It drew me in from the beginning and didn't release me till I finished the third book in the series so far. If you like your ladies dark and twisted and full of fire, and your men on the psycho side you will love this series. And you will want to unalive the baddies, I can't wait to see them all get theirs in the end. I love the character growth that starts in this book and continues into the other books. Make sure to check trigger warnings before reading and if they dont bother you I promise you will love the read. Thanks, I CA t wait to read more.
November 5, 2025
I loved this book right from the start. The twists and turns and the lil bit of mystery. Definitely dark, but I think it was well written. Can’t wait to read the next 3 books in the series!
January 8, 2025
Strong FMC that reacts to all the bullying EXACTLY the way you want her too. She is not meek or pathetic in any way. I love this story and everything about it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews