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Beautiful Desperation
The untouchable king of the university demanded that everyone bow to him. I refused.
I shouldn't have done it. I should have just swallowed my pride and gotten down on my knees. But people like him piss me off. People who have never had to work for anything but still have everything. So I decided to show him, publicly, that he has no power over me.
That was a mistake.
I have nothing. No money. No name. No connections.
He has everything. In this city, he is practically a god.
And now, he is coming for revenge.
I shouldn't have done it. I should have just swallowed my pride and gotten down on my knees. But people like him piss me off. People who have never had to work for anything but still have everything. So I decided to show him, publicly, that he has no power over me.
That was a mistake.
I have nothing. No money. No name. No connections.
He has everything. In this city, he is practically a god.
And now, he is coming for revenge.
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 24, 2023
476 people are currently reading
1573 people want to read
About the author
Raven Wood
7 books344 followersRaven Wood is an author of dark bully romance books. She loves writing beautifully messed-up relationships between dominant possessive men and strong intelligent women who refuse to back down from a fight. She is a firm believer in delicious spice and happily ever afters. To find out more, visit: www.authorravenwood.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
September 17, 2023
It almost felt like I was reading about some kid playing dress-up. The book was boring as hell. What 23-year-old wears suits day in and day out, with a bodyguard at a college, when in fact there is no threat? He took bullying to another level, he was just a spoiled, bored little boy. This book was just really unbelievable, the writing was good but the story itself and the characters not so much.
May 27, 2025
Oh how I missed Raven’s writing. I read this in one sitting lmao. Nothing hits like the books you read at midnight, delirious with lack of sleep 😝🤚
Was crazy frustrating but I kept eating up pages like no tmrw (literally)
Was crazy frustrating but I kept eating up pages like no tmrw (literally)
August 20, 2023
I really liked this book. Good story, well written, great chemistry and steam between the characters 🔥🔥
2 things took away from this book for me. They were the beginning … and the end.
The beginning because there is NO way Olivia would have worked this hard and sacrificed as much as she did to get where she was only to throw it all away in the beginning in an epic lack of common sense 😒
The end because there is NO way Olivia should have forgiven Alexander as fast as she did for what he gave Thomas the ok to do. One act of grovelling was not near enough for that 😑
This author wrote a fantastic bully book other than this. Would have been a 5⭐️ read for me otherwise.
2 things took away from this book for me. They were the beginning … and the end.
The beginning because there is NO way Olivia would have worked this hard and sacrificed as much as she did to get where she was only to throw it all away in the beginning in an epic lack of common sense 😒
The end because there is NO way Olivia should have forgiven Alexander as fast as she did for what he gave Thomas the ok to do. One act of grovelling was not near enough for that 😑
This author wrote a fantastic bully book other than this. Would have been a 5⭐️ read for me otherwise.
January 4, 2024
» That's why I did it. So that they would stare. So that they would know that they can look, but not touch. Because you're not one of them. You're mine.«
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
❥ 𝑶𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒂
Loved her with all my heart. She is very intelligent, strong and confident - and knows how to pick her battles. Liked the way she stood up to Alexander and let him grovel at the end.
❥ 𝑨𝒍𝒆𝒙𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓
What an asshole - a hot asshole. He is the king of the campus/city and does everything to get a reaction out of Olivia. Obsessed doesn‘t nearly describe it… Great character development!
✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
This was an awesome read!
Normally I‘m not that big of a fan of bully romances but this one was sooo good. I enjoyed it and I had a lot of fun while reading it.
Olivia is a badass female character and Alexander is a mean bully (in the beginning). Their battles were entertaining and it was fascinating to read how their relationship grew and they became lovers. It was so nice to read that Olivia let Alexander grovel a little bit at the end because that‘s what he deserved after the drama going down.
The side characters were great too, Benedict was so funny.
The plot was thrilling with some twists and turns, definitely entertaining!
Just keep in mind that this is a bully romance, so expect that the male character treats the female like shit in the beginning (that’s like the whole meaning of bully-romance). If you can accept that then this book will turn out so good!
»But never, ever, doubt that my feelings for you are real. I will kneel for you, crawl for you, grovel for you, every day for the rest of my life if that is what you want. Because I love you, Olivia.«
𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝟓
plot: 5/5
spice: 3/5
humor: 4/5
couple/tension: 5/5
world building: 5/5
happy end?: yes
𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬
forced proximity, poor x rich, college, bully, dark, enemies to lovers, betrayal, possessive and protective hero
𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲
ages: 19 (Olivia) and 23 (Alexander)
cheating: no
sharing: no
kinks: breathplay, handcuffs, dominance
𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬
Brutal Heir - Eden O‘Neill
God of Malice - Rina Kent
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
❥ 𝑶𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒂
Loved her with all my heart. She is very intelligent, strong and confident - and knows how to pick her battles. Liked the way she stood up to Alexander and let him grovel at the end.
❥ 𝑨𝒍𝒆𝒙𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓
What an asshole - a hot asshole. He is the king of the campus/city and does everything to get a reaction out of Olivia. Obsessed doesn‘t nearly describe it… Great character development!
✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
This was an awesome read!
Normally I‘m not that big of a fan of bully romances but this one was sooo good. I enjoyed it and I had a lot of fun while reading it.
Olivia is a badass female character and Alexander is a mean bully (in the beginning). Their battles were entertaining and it was fascinating to read how their relationship grew and they became lovers. It was so nice to read that Olivia let Alexander grovel a little bit at the end because that‘s what he deserved after the drama going down.
The side characters were great too, Benedict was so funny.
The plot was thrilling with some twists and turns, definitely entertaining!
Just keep in mind that this is a bully romance, so expect that the male character treats the female like shit in the beginning (that’s like the whole meaning of bully-romance). If you can accept that then this book will turn out so good!
»But never, ever, doubt that my feelings for you are real. I will kneel for you, crawl for you, grovel for you, every day for the rest of my life if that is what you want. Because I love you, Olivia.«
𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝟓
plot: 5/5
spice: 3/5
humor: 4/5
couple/tension: 5/5
world building: 5/5
happy end?: yes
𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬
forced proximity, poor x rich, college, bully, dark, enemies to lovers, betrayal, possessive and protective hero
𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲
ages: 19 (Olivia) and 23 (Alexander)
cheating: no
sharing: no
kinks: breathplay, handcuffs, dominance
𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬
Brutal Heir - Eden O‘Neill
God of Malice - Rina Kent
January 16, 2024
This book was a caricature of a dark bully romance. It was so juvenile. I don’t get all the high ratings. Wearing a 3 piece suit to college is ridiculous— it’s like the Mmc is playing dress up. Leave the 3 piece Armani to the Mafia king pins…oh and when she forgives him for telling her nemesis it’s okay to murder her…and she almost dies… all he had to do to be forgiven was get down on his knees???? …like I said juvenile…
October 1, 2023
Are you kidding me ?! He gave a green light to kill her and she forgave him because he knelt??
You could think that the heroine has a back bone… but no ! This book was ridiculous.
You could think that the heroine has a back bone… but no ! This book was ridiculous.
September 18, 2023
Where to Start…
Okay… just to get it out of the way, dark romance/bully romance stories are difficult to write and so I applaud any author who attempts to even begin writing such a concept. Suspension of disbelief is always necessary and more than your usual patience is required to get through these kinds of books. And it’s usually all worth it because the reading is entertainingly salacious and fun and, if done right, emotional too!
In my opinion, this book sadly did not do a good job in being entertaining. There are so many interesting moments where I feel like the author could’ve fleshed out the world a little more so the characters don’t come off across as cartoony puppets with unbelievable conveniences.
My tolerance for being able to overlook painful cliches and tropes and suspend my disbelief is high. But this book was just too much.
Okay… just to get it out of the way, dark romance/bully romance stories are difficult to write and so I applaud any author who attempts to even begin writing such a concept. Suspension of disbelief is always necessary and more than your usual patience is required to get through these kinds of books. And it’s usually all worth it because the reading is entertainingly salacious and fun and, if done right, emotional too!
In my opinion, this book sadly did not do a good job in being entertaining. There are so many interesting moments where I feel like the author could’ve fleshed out the world a little more so the characters don’t come off across as cartoony puppets with unbelievable conveniences.
My tolerance for being able to overlook painful cliches and tropes and suspend my disbelief is high. But this book was just too much.
August 31, 2024
4.5 stars
September 13, 2025
yes but he should have groveled more at the end, it was too rushed like he should have been sobbing on his knees calling HER master or just embarrass him a little over the course of WEEKS 💜 not one time
September 14, 2023
A College bully, Alexander, and Olivia
It was an okay read, but not great. The book was a little boring. The main female character was resilient and intelligent. However, her internal monolog frequently was annoying with the “Alexander did not know who she was and would show him.” Nothing happened, and she lost all their games except for the handcuffs that Olivia could uncuff. I was not too fond of Alexander; he had no redeemable qualities. I liked better his brother Benedict than Alexander. I thought that some of the scripts between Alexander and Olivia were so bad.
What was it with Alexander wearing the three pieces of suits and combing his hair to perfection? It was unbelievable that a college student wears suits, perhaps on a particular occasion, to intimidate his peers, but all the time, it was inconceivable and disagreeable considering Alexander's age. Then, he would play silly games just to have his way with Olivia; he obtained what he wanted because he was blackmailing her. I didn't particularly appreciate how the author scripted the scene between Thomas, Alexander, and Olivia toward the end. So, Alexander feels betrayed by Olivia; he takes away his promised protection from Olivia, and Olivia becomes hunting season by Thomas. Alexander personally called Thomas, stating that he could do anything to Olivia and that he was not protecting her any longer. Then, when he realizes that he made a mistake and Olivia did not betray him, he shoots Thomas; really, why? Why shoot Thomas? It did not make any sense. Alexander was angry with Thomas because Olivia had a bruise on her cheek, and he was choking her; in a rage, he shot Thomas for something he allowed Thomas to do. I do not apprehend why Olivia does not call for a cab to leave the University; instead, she runs toward the forest. Who does that? Where does she think she was going? Some particular script was silly. It is my first read from the author. I liked her writing, but the storyline and reasoning not so much. I am not sure if I would read another book from the author.
It was an okay read, but not great. The book was a little boring. The main female character was resilient and intelligent. However, her internal monolog frequently was annoying with the “Alexander did not know who she was and would show him.” Nothing happened, and she lost all their games except for the handcuffs that Olivia could uncuff. I was not too fond of Alexander; he had no redeemable qualities. I liked better his brother Benedict than Alexander. I thought that some of the scripts between Alexander and Olivia were so bad.
What was it with Alexander wearing the three pieces of suits and combing his hair to perfection? It was unbelievable that a college student wears suits, perhaps on a particular occasion, to intimidate his peers, but all the time, it was inconceivable and disagreeable considering Alexander's age. Then, he would play silly games just to have his way with Olivia; he obtained what he wanted because he was blackmailing her. I didn't particularly appreciate how the author scripted the scene between Thomas, Alexander, and Olivia toward the end. So, Alexander feels betrayed by Olivia; he takes away his promised protection from Olivia, and Olivia becomes hunting season by Thomas. Alexander personally called Thomas, stating that he could do anything to Olivia and that he was not protecting her any longer. Then, when he realizes that he made a mistake and Olivia did not betray him, he shoots Thomas; really, why? Why shoot Thomas? It did not make any sense. Alexander was angry with Thomas because Olivia had a bruise on her cheek, and he was choking her; in a rage, he shot Thomas for something he allowed Thomas to do. I do not apprehend why Olivia does not call for a cab to leave the University; instead, she runs toward the forest. Who does that? Where does she think she was going? Some particular script was silly. It is my first read from the author. I liked her writing, but the storyline and reasoning not so much. I am not sure if I would read another book from the author.
August 24, 2023
A few things that are weird in this story:
There aren't enough characters. Both MCs have no friends, but instead of it feeling like they are friendless and lonely, it feels like they are living in a world where there's no people at all. There needed to be more characters around.
What in the fuck was that first encounter where he tells her she's not allowed to come because she'll mess up his floors? And then she squirts on the floor. It was so weird because why did he assume she was gonna squirt? Like, I'm sorry, but how many girls do that when getting fingered?? And she doesn't have any reaction to herself squirting… it was weird…
And the scene where she cuts into the cake. I'm sorry but yes girl, that was terrible manners!! Who cuts into an uncut cake at a party?!! Like damn! If it ain't your cake you wait until it's cake cutting time!!!
But then he's acting like the only reason it's weird is because no one actually eats the cake at these parties because…. Idk they're all too good for cake? It was weird.
The whole “rich people are such snobs” and “she’s so DiFfErEnT because she doesn’t care about my money” cliche attitudes were annoying and honestly just so overdone.
I had to dnf this one… normally I can do cliche all day long, it just needs to be well developed. This isn’t it… unfortunately.
There aren't enough characters. Both MCs have no friends, but instead of it feeling like they are friendless and lonely, it feels like they are living in a world where there's no people at all. There needed to be more characters around.
What in the fuck was that first encounter where he tells her she's not allowed to come because she'll mess up his floors? And then she squirts on the floor. It was so weird because why did he assume she was gonna squirt? Like, I'm sorry, but how many girls do that when getting fingered?? And she doesn't have any reaction to herself squirting… it was weird…
And the scene where she cuts into the cake. I'm sorry but yes girl, that was terrible manners!! Who cuts into an uncut cake at a party?!! Like damn! If it ain't your cake you wait until it's cake cutting time!!!
But then he's acting like the only reason it's weird is because no one actually eats the cake at these parties because…. Idk they're all too good for cake? It was weird.
The whole “rich people are such snobs” and “she’s so DiFfErEnT because she doesn’t care about my money” cliche attitudes were annoying and honestly just so overdone.
I had to dnf this one… normally I can do cliche all day long, it just needs to be well developed. This isn’t it… unfortunately.
August 25, 2023
Great Read
I really really liked this story. I’m sorry for the little spoilers but I truly don’t think i could have forgiven him. Or if i have then it would be at least a year. I just couldn’t imaging going through that. The getting kicked out, yeah i could get over that but the other incident. I literally cried and my heart broke. But i liked the book. Over the top guy. Love Love Love that the MC wasn’t a pushover. She had strength,heart, and no bs attitude. Will definitely be reading more books by this author!
I really really liked this story. I’m sorry for the little spoilers but I truly don’t think i could have forgiven him. Or if i have then it would be at least a year. I just couldn’t imaging going through that. The getting kicked out, yeah i could get over that but the other incident. I literally cried and my heart broke. But i liked the book. Over the top guy. Love Love Love that the MC wasn’t a pushover. She had strength,heart, and no bs attitude. Will definitely be reading more books by this author!
November 5, 2023
This guy really needs to learn how to have sex naked and not just with his three piece suit on! I don’t think in one scene during the entire book he removes his clothes fully?!
Zero grovel but thirty-six suit mentions.
Zero grovel but thirty-six suit mentions.
October 25, 2023
Really enjoyed the flow of the book, the author did a wonderful job. Not a dull moment of fillers, which is my favorite style of writing!
Read
May 27, 2024―𝑩𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒅𝒂 𝒂 𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒂, 𝑶𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒂.
March 18, 2025
love me some dark bdsm always needing HEA recommendations
September 10, 2025
Surprisingly cuteee (to me)
April 1, 2024
Writing stories about bullying, from my perspective as a reader, is not easy. You have to find the balance between bullying, violence, romance and love.
This read didn't do it for me. It was impossible for me to empathize with Alexander, let alone Olivia. To allow so much baseness and go on and on and on is a big NO.
The setting did not scream college to me. Alexander was an insecure, tantrum-throwing brat who needed to exercise fear in order to receive respect that no one had for him. (The wearing a suit day to day thing was a meaningless detail).
I couldn't understand Olivia's strength or courage - did she have any? Pride certainly not because if seeing Alexander on his knees made her forgive him for everything he did to her, it tells me that girl doesn't know what self-respect is. And that she wasn't after his money?
Anyway. An author I won't read again.
This read didn't do it for me. It was impossible for me to empathize with Alexander, let alone Olivia. To allow so much baseness and go on and on and on is a big NO.
The setting did not scream college to me. Alexander was an insecure, tantrum-throwing brat who needed to exercise fear in order to receive respect that no one had for him. (The wearing a suit day to day thing was a meaningless detail).
I couldn't understand Olivia's strength or courage - did she have any? Pride certainly not because if seeing Alexander on his knees made her forgive him for everything he did to her, it tells me that girl doesn't know what self-respect is. And that she wasn't after his money?
Anyway. An author I won't read again.
Read
August 9, 2023I was an emotional wreck
New Auther for me. But glad i found Raven Wood. This book had me on an emotional roller coaster. I was shocked, irritated, hot & bothered, sad, giggly, and happy. I may have even shed a few tears. I read this book in a day. The possessiveness of the male character was hot. Just saying. Lol.
New Auther for me. But glad i found Raven Wood. This book had me on an emotional roller coaster. I was shocked, irritated, hot & bothered, sad, giggly, and happy. I may have even shed a few tears. I read this book in a day. The possessiveness of the male character was hot. Just saying. Lol.
March 10, 2024
why is a college student wearing a suit day in and out
this read like fanfic
this read like fanfic
May 27, 2024
Was a bit shit
September 23, 2023
I wish I could give this 20 stars 🥹 I love dark college bully romance and this was top tier 🤌🏻💋
Alexander was soooo mean and I ate it up 🤤
I loved how stubborn Olivia was and the banter between these two was SO good. I loved that it was just them. No long list of side characters we don’t really care about. No friends group whispering in their ears causing unnecessary drama, no “other” girl causing any problems. It was just perfection.
My only complaint is I wish it would have been longer! I couldn’t get enough.
Alexander was soooo mean and I ate it up 🤤
I loved how stubborn Olivia was and the banter between these two was SO good. I loved that it was just them. No long list of side characters we don’t really care about. No friends group whispering in their ears causing unnecessary drama, no “other” girl causing any problems. It was just perfection.
My only complaint is I wish it would have been longer! I couldn’t get enough.
November 23, 2024
I cannot explain how much I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the dynamic between the characters and how head strong Olivia was and was willing to do anything to survive.
I think my favorite part of this book was when he got on his knees for the first time in his life. Groveled for the first time in his life. Begged for the first time in his life. All after swearing he never would.
And the way he realized his mistake was priceless, it’s like the world stopped and he realized how much of an idiot he was and it made it so much better.
I think my favorite part of this book was when he got on his knees for the first time in his life. Groveled for the first time in his life. Begged for the first time in his life. All after swearing he never would.
And the way he realized his mistake was priceless, it’s like the world stopped and he realized how much of an idiot he was and it made it so much better.
October 2, 2025
2 stars
Definitely one of the worst books I have ever read. The only reason I am giving it two instead of one star is because I kinda liked the female lead. At the beginning of the book, she stood up for herself and did not take Alexander's crap.
I think Alexander is the worst main male character I have ever read. His ego was so annoying. I'm just disgusted even thinking about him.
It was an easy read, which was nice, but I would only suggest reading this if you feel like hating life because it was just that bad.
Definitely one of the worst books I have ever read. The only reason I am giving it two instead of one star is because I kinda liked the female lead. At the beginning of the book, she stood up for herself and did not take Alexander's crap.
I think Alexander is the worst main male character I have ever read. His ego was so annoying. I'm just disgusted even thinking about him.
It was an easy read, which was nice, but I would only suggest reading this if you feel like hating life because it was just that bad.
March 2, 2024
this book is so unserious like?????
April 9, 2025
Trashy but in a really comforting way iykwim
May 8, 2024
4.5⭐ 💞
Alexander Huntington IV. (23ans) et Olivia Campbell (19 ans)
Président du corps étudiant
Benedict (petit frère de Alexander)
Alexander Huntington III (leur père)
Huntingswell U (nom de l'université)
Une romance universitaire sombre et intimidante
tropes__
proximité forcée, pauvre x riche, université, tyran, sombre, ennemis des amoureux, trahison, héros possessif et protecteur
______
La plume est douce et intense.
Gardez simplement à l'esprit qu'il s'agit d'une romance d'intimidation, alors attendez-vous à ce que le personnage masculin traite la femme comme de la merde au début (c'est comme tout le sens d'une romance d'intimidation).
_
Olivia est un personnage féminin dur à cuire et Alexander est un méchant tyran (au début). Leurs combats étaient divertissants et c'était fascinant de lire comment leur relation s'est développée et ils sont devenus amants. C'était tellement agréable de lire qu'Olivia a laissé Alexander ramper un peu à la fin parce que c'est ce qu'il méritait après le drame.
Il est arrogant intimidant et exaspérant.
Mais il a un certain charme.
Alexandre était si méchant ! J'adore les bons tyrans et il était parfait ! En fait, j'ai adoré le fait qu'ils semblaient tous les deux ne pas avoir de système de soutien, ni d'amis ni de famille, cela faisait vraiment ce petit monde autour d'eux.
J'ai adoré que ce soit juste eux.
Pas de longue liste de personnages secondaires qui ne nous intéressent pas vraiment. Aucun groupe d'amis ou meilleur ami ne leur murmure à l'oreille, provoquant un drame inutile, aucune « autre » fille ne causant de problèmes. C'était juste une perfection. Droit au but.
Les personnages secondaires qui étaient present étaient super aussi, Benedict était tellement drôle. L'intrigue était passionnante avec quelques rebondissements, définitivement divertissante !
✖ Mon premier reproche serait que je voulais juste en savoir plus. Je voulais en savoir plus sur les personnages. Au début, on dirait qu'elle a une histoire, mais ensuite elle n'est jamais racontée. Le fait qu'elle ait une grande famille est finalement révélé, mais c'est essentiellement l'étendue de sa vie familiale.
Puis j'étais tellement en colère contre Alexander pour ce qu'il avait fait que j’avais décidé qu'elle ne devait pas lui pardonner, puis il a fait quelque chose qui m'a fait fondre.
💞 J'ai adoré
📖
Le roi intouchable de l'université a exigé que tout le monde s'incline devant lui. J'ai refusé.
Je n'aurais pas dû le faire. J'aurais dû ravaler ma fierté et me mettre à genoux. Mais les gens comme lui me font chier. Des gens qui n’ont jamais eu à travailler pour quoi que ce soit mais qui ont quand même tout. J’ai donc décidé de lui montrer publiquement qu’il n’a aucun pouvoir sur moi.
C'était une erreur.
Je n'ai rien. Pas d'argent. Sans nom. Aucune connexion.
Il a tout. Dans cette ville, il est pratiquement un dieu.
Et maintenant, il vient se venger.
📚
🖋
"Première règle", je continue. « Nous n'impliquons pas la ville dans des activités illégales. Cela signifie que si vous voulez de l’alcool ou de la drogue, si vous voulez organiser des paris illégaux, si vous voulez que quelqu’un règle vos comptes, ou toute autre chose qui n’a pas bonne réputation, vous le faites sur le campus.
En levant la main, je montre la femme blonde à gauche.
« Voici Jenna. Elle est la leader de la faction alcoolique. Si vous avez moins de vingt et un ans, ou si vous voulez simplement éviter d'aller en ville et que vous avez besoin d'alcool, vous la contactez. Je tends la main vers l'homme aux cheveux bruns à côté d'elle. « Voici Kenneth, le chef de la faction antidrogue. Si tu veux de la drogue, tu vas le voir. Je montre le prochain homme. «C'est Thomas. Il dirige la faction des bashers. Si vous voulez que quelqu'un soit battu ou intimidé et que vous ne voulez pas vous salir les mains, vous le trouvez.
Le choc et l’inquiétude transparaissent sur plusieurs visages alors qu’ils regardent autour d’eux. S'ils pensent que la violence n'existe pas sur notre campus, ils se trompent lourdement. Nous venons de trouver un meilleur moyen de nous en sortir.
Je montre la rousse à côté de Thomas. «C'est Moraine. Elle est la chef de la faction des joueurs. Si vous souhaitez parier sur quelque chose qui implique des actions ou des résultats illégaux, vous le faites par son intermédiaire. En déplaçant ma main, je me dirige vers la dernière personne devant l'estrade. « Et voici Herman. Nous aimons l’appeler Divers Herman. Si vous voulez faire quelque chose d’illégal qui ne fait pas partie des quatre autres factions, contactez-le.
Herman lève deux doigts sur son front et salue paresseusement les étudiants de première année.
« C'est la première règle », dis-je en glissant des yeux durs sur la foule.
« Voici la règle numéro deux. Vous pouvez faire ce que vous voulez… tant que vous ne vous faites pas prendre. Et si vous vous faites prendre, vous descendez seul. Si vous êtes arrêté pour consommation d'alcool ou de drogue par un mineur, ou pour avoir rendu des faveurs sexuelles pour régler un pari perdu, ou quoi que ce soit, vous assumez seul. Vous n’impliquez pas les chefs de factions.
"Bien. Voici la règle finale. Cette université est la mienne. Vous savez exactement ce que je peux faire pour les gens… et pour les gens. Ne m'approchez pas à la légère. Si vous voulez quelque chose de moi, vous feriez mieux d'avoir quelque chose qui vaut la peine d'être échangé. Et si je vous donne un ordre, vous l'exécutez. Les gens qui me désobéissent ne survivent pas longtemps sur ce campus.
«Jurez allégeance», je commande.
Comme un seul homme, ils prononcent les mots que j'attends d'entendre.
«Je jure allégeance à l'Université Huntingswell. Je jure d'obéir aux règles établies par le président. Je jure de ne jamais impliquer les chefs de faction. Et je jure d'obéir à Alexandre Huntington IV en toutes choses, d'aujourd'hui jusqu'à mon dernier jour sur le campus.
Ils se remettent sur pied.
« Vous disposez d'une demi-heure pour vous présenter et échanger vos coordonnées avec les factions dont vous pourriez avoir besoin des services. Je les suggère tous, juste au cas où.
Puis, sans autre mot, je m'éloigne de l'estrade et m'approche de Daniel. Être Huntington signifie que j'ai également une sécurité privée, et Daniel est mon homme de confiance.
"Amenez-la-moi."
«Oui, monsieur», répond Daniel.
Avec seulement quelques regards pointus, il informe les trois autres gardes que j'ai amenés ce soir. Et puis ils bougent tous. Je ne les regarde pas descendre sur elle. Au lieu de cela, je me dirige vers la pièce adjacente.
Elle pense qu'elle peut simplement refuser de s'agenouiller et jurer obéissance ? Personne ne me refuse. Et je vais lui donner une chance de corriger son erreur. Pour son bien, elle ferait mieux de le prendre.
.
"Un."
L'audace. L'audace absolue de cette fille.
"Deux."
Un rire incrédule sort de ma poitrine alors que je lève les mains en signe de capitulation. "Eh bien, je suppose que je n'ai pas le choix quand tu tires sur moi comme ça, mon amour."
En reculant de quelques pas, je m'éloigne de la porte. Olivia m'étudie en plissant les yeux. L'amusement me tire les lèvres lorsque je la regarde sortir du placard tout en tenant toujours l'extincteur devant elle. Elle recule jusqu'à ce qu'il y ait suffisamment d'espace entre nous pour être sûr que je ne puisse pas l'attraper. Puis elle abat l'extincteur sur le sol et s'enfuit.
Depuis ma position près de la porte encore ouverte, je souris en la regardant s'échapper.
C'est ce que j'aime chez elle.
À cause de qui je suis, les gens reculent et s'inclinent toujours à chaque fois que je me présente. Et sans aucun défi, ma vie peut parfois devenir si ennuyeuse.
Mais elle n'est pas comme ça. Elle ne recule pas. Elle n'est pas intimidée par mon pouvoir ou ma richesse. Par moi . Elle se bat et lutte et refuse de sombrer sans une guerre totale.
Et j’aime les défis.
.
Ses yeux brillent alors qu'il se penche et pose ses lèvres sur les miennes. Puis il murmure ses prochains mots contre ma bouche. "Tu ne vas pas me remercier?"
« Merci », réussis-je à insister.
Et je pense que j’aurais pu le dire aussi.
Avec le pouvoir et l'autorité d'Alexander à mes côtés, Thomas n'osera plus s'en prendre à moi. Je suis en sécurité. Je ne serai pas assassiné dans mon sommeil cette nuit.
Mais alors que je regarde ces yeux bleus méchants, je ne peux m'empêcher de penser que je viens de vendre mon âme au diable en échange de ma vie.
.
«Il n'a touché quelqu'un. Il t'a touché.
Et tu m'appartiens. Tu es à moi."
Il grogne pratiquement ce dernier mot.
Mon estomac se retourne et mon cœur bat dans ma poitrine. Et que Dieu m'aide, mais j'aime la façon dont il dit ça. J'aime aussi la façon dont il me regarde. Comme si j'étais la seule chose qui compte dans le monde entier. Il l'a fait aussi pendant la fête. Pendant que je dansais, je sentais constamment ses yeux sur moi. Me suivre. Je me regarde. J'étudie chacun de mes mouvements. Comme si personne d’autre n’existait dans toute la salle de bal. Et ce sentiment fait chanter mon âme.
.
🖋
Alexander Huntington IV. (23ans) et Olivia Campbell (19 ans)
Président du corps étudiant
Benedict (petit frère de Alexander)
Alexander Huntington III (leur père)
Huntingswell U (nom de l'université)
Une romance universitaire sombre et intimidante
tropes__
proximité forcée, pauvre x riche, université, tyran, sombre, ennemis des amoureux, trahison, héros possessif et protecteur
______
La plume est douce et intense.
Gardez simplement à l'esprit qu'il s'agit d'une romance d'intimidation, alors attendez-vous à ce que le personnage masculin traite la femme comme de la merde au début (c'est comme tout le sens d'une romance d'intimidation).
_
Olivia est un personnage féminin dur à cuire et Alexander est un méchant tyran (au début). Leurs combats étaient divertissants et c'était fascinant de lire comment leur relation s'est développée et ils sont devenus amants. C'était tellement agréable de lire qu'Olivia a laissé Alexander ramper un peu à la fin parce que c'est ce qu'il méritait après le drame.
Il est arrogant intimidant et exaspérant.
Mais il a un certain charme.
Alexandre était si méchant ! J'adore les bons tyrans et il était parfait ! En fait, j'ai adoré le fait qu'ils semblaient tous les deux ne pas avoir de système de soutien, ni d'amis ni de famille, cela faisait vraiment ce petit monde autour d'eux.
J'ai adoré que ce soit juste eux.
Pas de longue liste de personnages secondaires qui ne nous intéressent pas vraiment. Aucun groupe d'amis ou meilleur ami ne leur murmure à l'oreille, provoquant un drame inutile, aucune « autre » fille ne causant de problèmes. C'était juste une perfection. Droit au but.
Les personnages secondaires qui étaient present étaient super aussi, Benedict était tellement drôle. L'intrigue était passionnante avec quelques rebondissements, définitivement divertissante !
✖ Mon premier reproche serait que je voulais juste en savoir plus. Je voulais en savoir plus sur les personnages. Au début, on dirait qu'elle a une histoire, mais ensuite elle n'est jamais racontée. Le fait qu'elle ait une grande famille est finalement révélé, mais c'est essentiellement l'étendue de sa vie familiale.
Puis j'étais tellement en colère contre Alexander pour ce qu'il avait fait que j’avais décidé qu'elle ne devait pas lui pardonner, puis il a fait quelque chose qui m'a fait fondre.
💞 J'ai adoré
📖
Le roi intouchable de l'université a exigé que tout le monde s'incline devant lui. J'ai refusé.
Je n'aurais pas dû le faire. J'aurais dû ravaler ma fierté et me mettre à genoux. Mais les gens comme lui me font chier. Des gens qui n’ont jamais eu à travailler pour quoi que ce soit mais qui ont quand même tout. J’ai donc décidé de lui montrer publiquement qu’il n’a aucun pouvoir sur moi.
C'était une erreur.
Je n'ai rien. Pas d'argent. Sans nom. Aucune connexion.
Il a tout. Dans cette ville, il est pratiquement un dieu.
Et maintenant, il vient se venger.
📚
🖋
"Première règle", je continue. « Nous n'impliquons pas la ville dans des activités illégales. Cela signifie que si vous voulez de l’alcool ou de la drogue, si vous voulez organiser des paris illégaux, si vous voulez que quelqu’un règle vos comptes, ou toute autre chose qui n’a pas bonne réputation, vous le faites sur le campus.
En levant la main, je montre la femme blonde à gauche.
« Voici Jenna. Elle est la leader de la faction alcoolique. Si vous avez moins de vingt et un ans, ou si vous voulez simplement éviter d'aller en ville et que vous avez besoin d'alcool, vous la contactez. Je tends la main vers l'homme aux cheveux bruns à côté d'elle. « Voici Kenneth, le chef de la faction antidrogue. Si tu veux de la drogue, tu vas le voir. Je montre le prochain homme. «C'est Thomas. Il dirige la faction des bashers. Si vous voulez que quelqu'un soit battu ou intimidé et que vous ne voulez pas vous salir les mains, vous le trouvez.
Le choc et l’inquiétude transparaissent sur plusieurs visages alors qu’ils regardent autour d’eux. S'ils pensent que la violence n'existe pas sur notre campus, ils se trompent lourdement. Nous venons de trouver un meilleur moyen de nous en sortir.
Je montre la rousse à côté de Thomas. «C'est Moraine. Elle est la chef de la faction des joueurs. Si vous souhaitez parier sur quelque chose qui implique des actions ou des résultats illégaux, vous le faites par son intermédiaire. En déplaçant ma main, je me dirige vers la dernière personne devant l'estrade. « Et voici Herman. Nous aimons l’appeler Divers Herman. Si vous voulez faire quelque chose d’illégal qui ne fait pas partie des quatre autres factions, contactez-le.
Herman lève deux doigts sur son front et salue paresseusement les étudiants de première année.
« C'est la première règle », dis-je en glissant des yeux durs sur la foule.
« Voici la règle numéro deux. Vous pouvez faire ce que vous voulez… tant que vous ne vous faites pas prendre. Et si vous vous faites prendre, vous descendez seul. Si vous êtes arrêté pour consommation d'alcool ou de drogue par un mineur, ou pour avoir rendu des faveurs sexuelles pour régler un pari perdu, ou quoi que ce soit, vous assumez seul. Vous n’impliquez pas les chefs de factions.
"Bien. Voici la règle finale. Cette université est la mienne. Vous savez exactement ce que je peux faire pour les gens… et pour les gens. Ne m'approchez pas à la légère. Si vous voulez quelque chose de moi, vous feriez mieux d'avoir quelque chose qui vaut la peine d'être échangé. Et si je vous donne un ordre, vous l'exécutez. Les gens qui me désobéissent ne survivent pas longtemps sur ce campus.
«Jurez allégeance», je commande.
Comme un seul homme, ils prononcent les mots que j'attends d'entendre.
«Je jure allégeance à l'Université Huntingswell. Je jure d'obéir aux règles établies par le président. Je jure de ne jamais impliquer les chefs de faction. Et je jure d'obéir à Alexandre Huntington IV en toutes choses, d'aujourd'hui jusqu'à mon dernier jour sur le campus.
Ils se remettent sur pied.
« Vous disposez d'une demi-heure pour vous présenter et échanger vos coordonnées avec les factions dont vous pourriez avoir besoin des services. Je les suggère tous, juste au cas où.
Puis, sans autre mot, je m'éloigne de l'estrade et m'approche de Daniel. Être Huntington signifie que j'ai également une sécurité privée, et Daniel est mon homme de confiance.
"Amenez-la-moi."
«Oui, monsieur», répond Daniel.
Avec seulement quelques regards pointus, il informe les trois autres gardes que j'ai amenés ce soir. Et puis ils bougent tous. Je ne les regarde pas descendre sur elle. Au lieu de cela, je me dirige vers la pièce adjacente.
Elle pense qu'elle peut simplement refuser de s'agenouiller et jurer obéissance ? Personne ne me refuse. Et je vais lui donner une chance de corriger son erreur. Pour son bien, elle ferait mieux de le prendre.
.
"Un."
L'audace. L'audace absolue de cette fille.
"Deux."
Un rire incrédule sort de ma poitrine alors que je lève les mains en signe de capitulation. "Eh bien, je suppose que je n'ai pas le choix quand tu tires sur moi comme ça, mon amour."
En reculant de quelques pas, je m'éloigne de la porte. Olivia m'étudie en plissant les yeux. L'amusement me tire les lèvres lorsque je la regarde sortir du placard tout en tenant toujours l'extincteur devant elle. Elle recule jusqu'à ce qu'il y ait suffisamment d'espace entre nous pour être sûr que je ne puisse pas l'attraper. Puis elle abat l'extincteur sur le sol et s'enfuit.
Depuis ma position près de la porte encore ouverte, je souris en la regardant s'échapper.
C'est ce que j'aime chez elle.
À cause de qui je suis, les gens reculent et s'inclinent toujours à chaque fois que je me présente. Et sans aucun défi, ma vie peut parfois devenir si ennuyeuse.
Mais elle n'est pas comme ça. Elle ne recule pas. Elle n'est pas intimidée par mon pouvoir ou ma richesse. Par moi . Elle se bat et lutte et refuse de sombrer sans une guerre totale.
Et j’aime les défis.
.
Ses yeux brillent alors qu'il se penche et pose ses lèvres sur les miennes. Puis il murmure ses prochains mots contre ma bouche. "Tu ne vas pas me remercier?"
« Merci », réussis-je à insister.
Et je pense que j’aurais pu le dire aussi.
Avec le pouvoir et l'autorité d'Alexander à mes côtés, Thomas n'osera plus s'en prendre à moi. Je suis en sécurité. Je ne serai pas assassiné dans mon sommeil cette nuit.
Mais alors que je regarde ces yeux bleus méchants, je ne peux m'empêcher de penser que je viens de vendre mon âme au diable en échange de ma vie.
.
«Il n'a touché quelqu'un. Il t'a touché.
Et tu m'appartiens. Tu es à moi."
Il grogne pratiquement ce dernier mot.
Mon estomac se retourne et mon cœur bat dans ma poitrine. Et que Dieu m'aide, mais j'aime la façon dont il dit ça. J'aime aussi la façon dont il me regarde. Comme si j'étais la seule chose qui compte dans le monde entier. Il l'a fait aussi pendant la fête. Pendant que je dansais, je sentais constamment ses yeux sur moi. Me suivre. Je me regarde. J'étudie chacun de mes mouvements. Comme si personne d’autre n’existait dans toute la salle de bal. Et ce sentiment fait chanter mon âme.
.
🖋
April 10, 2024
the premise of the story is not terrible but the execution was just so…. flat.
what didn’t help was how there were NO side characters. neither one of them had friends or a group from start to finish and usually those are the things that elevate books in my opinion. the entire story was literally only alexander and olivia and the only other character you could say was “relevant” was one random dude that forced olivia to do his assignment but then she refuses so he makes a scene and then he disappears until one more scene towards the end.
what didn’t help was how there were NO side characters. neither one of them had friends or a group from start to finish and usually those are the things that elevate books in my opinion. the entire story was literally only alexander and olivia and the only other character you could say was “relevant” was one random dude that forced olivia to do his assignment but then she refuses so he makes a scene and then he disappears until one more scene towards the end.
October 3, 2023
seriously a 3 piece suit?
Honestly I couldn’t make myself finish I got through maybe a 1/4 of the way through. A college bully romance and he’s wearing 3 piece suits?! And I get that he’s supposed to own the whole city but it got just to unrealistic. Also these characters don’t seem to have any back story outside of this college. Like what was Olivia’s history other then wanting to leave a small town? How did she grind her way through life? Why is Alexander such a sociopath, and why is a 23 year old wearing suits in college? It’s just weird not based at all is reality so sorry but this book was a nope.
Honestly I couldn’t make myself finish I got through maybe a 1/4 of the way through. A college bully romance and he’s wearing 3 piece suits?! And I get that he’s supposed to own the whole city but it got just to unrealistic. Also these characters don’t seem to have any back story outside of this college. Like what was Olivia’s history other then wanting to leave a small town? How did she grind her way through life? Why is Alexander such a sociopath, and why is a 23 year old wearing suits in college? It’s just weird not based at all is reality so sorry but this book was a nope.
September 22, 2023
I am a die hard dark college bully romance fan and this was amazing and I may never recover. Alexander was so mean! I love a good bully and he was perfect! I actually loved that both of them seemed to not have a support system or friends and family it really made this little world all about them. There was the perfect amount of bullying, spice, and a strong independent FMC putting her foot down without it being too much or too over the top. I loved the I love yous and the groveling it was all amazing. This is a top favorite dark college romance now
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