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Brutal Academy #1
Heartless
They say blood is thicker than water, but one thing is thicker still—ambition. When my sister and I are pitted against each other for the most coveted role of our lives, the gloves are off. There's nothing Hunter, Parker, my new guy Slade, and I won't do to win. No one we won't step on, double cross or f**k with. Same with my sister. The game is going to be brutal and bloody. It might even be fatal. Let the games begin. This is a mafia, RH, university academy, with lots of adult content.
182 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 2, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 1, 2023
Lila and her twins Chloe are pitted against one another by their father, but Lila has Parker, Hunter and Slade by her side and things are about to get heated and dangerous! Well written steamy RH mafia, action and more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 6, 2023
Lila and her twin Chloe have been pitted against one another by their father to prove which one is more ruthless to take over his business as head of his organization.
Hunter and his twin Parker have gone missing. Only Slade is left to protect Lila.
Hunter and his twin Parker have gone missing. Only Slade is left to protect Lila.
April 22, 2024
3.5 stars
This one surprised me a lot. I was expecting the smut to plot ratio to lean the other way, and yet the plot was actually really intriguing. It was over the top and a bit ridiculous, but I read this in one sitting and couldn’t put it down.
This one surprised me a lot. I was expecting the smut to plot ratio to lean the other way, and yet the plot was actually really intriguing. It was over the top and a bit ridiculous, but I read this in one sitting and couldn’t put it down.
October 9, 2024
Title: Heartless
Author: Maggie Alabaster and Jo Bradley
Genre: Reverse Harem
Format: ebook
Series: Brutal Academy (#1)
Star Rating: 4 stars
tw: torture, blood, gun violence, murder, parental death, poisoning, hospital setting, sexism, human trafficking
This is one of the wildest books I’ve ever read and I loved every single minute of it. It had everything I needed in a book. It had a reverse harem, which I am a huge sucker for. It had a morally grey female main character and a few morally grey female side characters as well. It had so much spice and tension. And it had a pretty intricate storyline involving organized crime, which I did not expect but it was a welcome surprise.
Also, I have to mention the setting and yes, it needs its own little paragraph. This story takes place at a school called Brutham Academy. For the life of me, I cannot tell you what this school teaches. But apparently, you are allowed to beat up, torture, and even kill students/teachers just because they bother you but you can’t do it too much or the people in charge get fussy. I had to laugh out loud because I thought this was ridiculous. Oh, and you can sleep with teachers too. This school is a whole mess but I loved it so much.
I’ve also started to realize that I am slowly becoming a sucker for female morally grey characters. Lila was such a badass character. She took absolutely no shit but she had a soft spot for her boys: Hunter (who had a POV), Parker, and Slade. She would do anything for those boys and burn the world down if they got hurt. The duality of her character was lovely to see.
Overall, this was a great book! It was a quick read. I think I finished it in a day. It has plenty of spice for those that want lots of spice but it also has a plot to it. If you enjoy the reverse harem genre with a morally grey female and a pretty violent school then this is the book for you! I can’t wait to continue with the series.
Author: Maggie Alabaster and Jo Bradley
Genre: Reverse Harem
Format: ebook
Series: Brutal Academy (#1)
Star Rating: 4 stars
tw: torture, blood, gun violence, murder, parental death, poisoning, hospital setting, sexism, human trafficking
This is one of the wildest books I’ve ever read and I loved every single minute of it. It had everything I needed in a book. It had a reverse harem, which I am a huge sucker for. It had a morally grey female main character and a few morally grey female side characters as well. It had so much spice and tension. And it had a pretty intricate storyline involving organized crime, which I did not expect but it was a welcome surprise.
Also, I have to mention the setting and yes, it needs its own little paragraph. This story takes place at a school called Brutham Academy. For the life of me, I cannot tell you what this school teaches. But apparently, you are allowed to beat up, torture, and even kill students/teachers just because they bother you but you can’t do it too much or the people in charge get fussy. I had to laugh out loud because I thought this was ridiculous. Oh, and you can sleep with teachers too. This school is a whole mess but I loved it so much.
I’ve also started to realize that I am slowly becoming a sucker for female morally grey characters. Lila was such a badass character. She took absolutely no shit but she had a soft spot for her boys: Hunter (who had a POV), Parker, and Slade. She would do anything for those boys and burn the world down if they got hurt. The duality of her character was lovely to see.
Overall, this was a great book! It was a quick read. I think I finished it in a day. It has plenty of spice for those that want lots of spice but it also has a plot to it. If you enjoy the reverse harem genre with a morally grey female and a pretty violent school then this is the book for you! I can’t wait to continue with the series.
November 2, 2023
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
This is the first book in the Brutal Academy Series from Maggie Alabaster and Jo Bradley. This is a dark why choose romance. I will go ahead and tell you that you are going to be hooked from the very first of this book. I loved reading it. This is the story of Parker, Hunter, Slade and Lila. LIla is also a twin with Chloe but there father loves to pit them against each other. He is playing a game with them really as he told them only the strongest of them would take over the family business. However don't count Lila out because in her corner she has Slade, Parker, and Hunter. I don't want to get into the details because I really had a great time reading this story and discovering all there was to know on my own. If you love a good reverse harem book then you don't want to miss this one.
This is the first book in the Brutal Academy Series from Maggie Alabaster and Jo Bradley. This is a dark why choose romance. I will go ahead and tell you that you are going to be hooked from the very first of this book. I loved reading it. This is the story of Parker, Hunter, Slade and Lila. LIla is also a twin with Chloe but there father loves to pit them against each other. He is playing a game with them really as he told them only the strongest of them would take over the family business. However don't count Lila out because in her corner she has Slade, Parker, and Hunter. I don't want to get into the details because I really had a great time reading this story and discovering all there was to know on my own. If you love a good reverse harem book then you don't want to miss this one.
November 2, 2023
I've read a few books by Maggie and Jo and I have to say this was one of my favourites!! Short read but it sure packs a punch within the first few chapters.
So we have twins Lila and Chloe who are pitted against each other by their father for the head of the family......but Lila has a few secret weapons up her sleeve and they are twins Parker and Hunter. These two are just too funny with what they get up to they will have you laughing out loud, then we get sexy older Slade who comes into the fold and wow!!! Give me Slade any day!! The sex scenes are hot hot hot 🥵🥴 I love a reverse harem story and this one didn't disappoint. The loyalty of Lila's men is outstanding they will do anything and kill anyone to protect her. I can't wait for the next book!!!
So we have twins Lila and Chloe who are pitted against each other by their father for the head of the family......but Lila has a few secret weapons up her sleeve and they are twins Parker and Hunter. These two are just too funny with what they get up to they will have you laughing out loud, then we get sexy older Slade who comes into the fold and wow!!! Give me Slade any day!! The sex scenes are hot hot hot 🥵🥴 I love a reverse harem story and this one didn't disappoint. The loyalty of Lila's men is outstanding they will do anything and kill anyone to protect her. I can't wait for the next book!!!
November 1, 2023
This is the first in a new series, and this story had me on tenterhooks throughout.
Lila is a twin with her sister Chloe, and they are pitted against each other by their father, for the most important role in their lives. Lila has Hunter, Parker, and Slade on her side, and they will not stop for anything to ensure Lila wins.
This is a well written action packed, emotional roller coaster, with danger, suspense, twists, humor, witty banter, angst, revelations, drama, lies, betrayal, loyalty, family, friendships, and leads to a compelling dark romance.
I look forward to reading more from these talented authors’ whose work I highly recommend.
Lila is a twin with her sister Chloe, and they are pitted against each other by their father, for the most important role in their lives. Lila has Hunter, Parker, and Slade on her side, and they will not stop for anything to ensure Lila wins.
This is a well written action packed, emotional roller coaster, with danger, suspense, twists, humor, witty banter, angst, revelations, drama, lies, betrayal, loyalty, family, friendships, and leads to a compelling dark romance.
I look forward to reading more from these talented authors’ whose work I highly recommend.
November 2, 2023
*An ARC was provided in exchange of an honest review*
Wow, from the go this book had me focused. This is one heck of a read! Parker & Hunter are twin brothers who have quite the appetite. Their focus is Lila and they do anything to keep her safe. And while they’d do anything to protect her she still has challenges to tackle within her family. Her dad is quite the piece of work so why not put his twin daughters up against one another. Oh and then there is Slade! This RH read makes steam come up from the pages and hooks you in till the very end. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
Wow, from the go this book had me focused. This is one heck of a read! Parker & Hunter are twin brothers who have quite the appetite. Their focus is Lila and they do anything to keep her safe. And while they’d do anything to protect her she still has challenges to tackle within her family. Her dad is quite the piece of work so why not put his twin daughters up against one another. Oh and then there is Slade! This RH read makes steam come up from the pages and hooks you in till the very end. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
November 14, 2023
If you are a fan of RH I cannot stress enough that this is a perfect read for you! This is the first book in the Brutal Academy Series and is a dark why choose. From the moment I flipped the first page I was already hooked on this story!
⚠️HEED TRIGGER WARNINGS as there is content not suitable for all readers!⚠️
✨What to Expect:✨
🖤Why-Choose / RH Romance
💛Bully Romance
🖤Epic betrayals
💛Lots of action
🖤Found Family
💛🌶🌶🌶🌶
🖤Suspense
💛Plot Twists
🖤Ends on a cliffhanger
⚠️HEED TRIGGER WARNINGS as there is content not suitable for all readers!⚠️
✨What to Expect:✨
🖤Why-Choose / RH Romance
💛Bully Romance
🖤Epic betrayals
💛Lots of action
🖤Found Family
💛🌶🌶🌶🌶
🖤Suspense
💛Plot Twists
🖤Ends on a cliffhanger
November 17, 2023
Holy toledo did this book have me on the edge of my seat with anticipation of what was going to happen next. Omg these Bell sister’s are going to be the death of me as their father is pitting them against each and may the best twin win or die, because you have to have what it takes to make it in their world and especially at Brutham University. I highly recommend reading this, but check the TW's before reading and get on the wild af rollercoaster ride of betrayal, backstabbing, lying, picking sides yeh all that and more in this book. I'm so ready for the next book.
October 31, 2023
This was a quick fun read. The twins Parker and Hunter with their antics had me laughing out loud several times. Lila is a twin with Chloe and they are pitted against one another as their father told them only the strongest with take over. Bring in sexy older Slade to help even the playing field as he is teaching at Brutham’s. The loyalty and lengths Lila’s men go through to protect her is spot on. Let the trials begin and bring on the next book.
November 15, 2023
Heartless is the first book in the Brutal Academy series and let me tell you it is HOT.
Lila and Chloe are twins and are put against each other to become the head of the family. Lila has Parker and Hunter, who are twins and are so funny and hilarious with what they get up to. Slade enters the harem and OMG is it explosive. Lila’s men are loyal to her and I’m excited for book two. Review by Raychel
Lila and Chloe are twins and are put against each other to become the head of the family. Lila has Parker and Hunter, who are twins and are so funny and hilarious with what they get up to. Slade enters the harem and OMG is it explosive. Lila’s men are loyal to her and I’m excited for book two. Review by Raychel
December 20, 2023
✨Review✨
***
Heartless was a great read. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline. The writing was well done and the spice was good. The twists and turns were so good and had me on the edge of my seat. I loved the revenge and hate between some of the characters. The ending was surprising and left me so ready for book 2.
***
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Romance: 🩷
Spice: 🔥
***
Thank you to Maggie Alabaster & Jo Bradley for the ARC to review.
***
***
Heartless was a great read. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline. The writing was well done and the spice was good. The twists and turns were so good and had me on the edge of my seat. I loved the revenge and hate between some of the characters. The ending was surprising and left me so ready for book 2.
***
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Romance: 🩷
Spice: 🔥
***
Thank you to Maggie Alabaster & Jo Bradley for the ARC to review.
***
January 3, 2024
I adored the Saving Abbie and Dark Masque series so I couldn't wait to get this trilogy. Lila comes across as cold, brutal and ruthless but here we get a peek under her exterior image. She does have a few soft spots....well hidden but they are there.
Hunter and Parker are completely devoted to her and it's great to see. While Slade is an unknown for the most part.
Chole appears soft and gentle but inside is that ruthless streak. Don't turn your back on her.
Book 2 should be wild.
Hunter and Parker are completely devoted to her and it's great to see. While Slade is an unknown for the most part.
Chole appears soft and gentle but inside is that ruthless streak. Don't turn your back on her.
Book 2 should be wild.
October 20, 2023
This book went from 0 to 100 in the first paragraph and didn't stop. It's full of action n spice along with twists n turns I didn't see coming except for one betrayal. The cliff on this book is a doozy so be prepared. I loved the characters n the story plot can't wait for the next book its gunna be good.
November 1, 2023
Heartless by Maggie Alabaster & Jo Bradley is the First book in the Brutal Academy Series. This is the story of Lila, Hunter, Parker, and Slade. Lila has a twin sister named Chloe. They have an father that has been pitting them against each other. But Lila has Parker, Hunter and Slade on her side to help her. This was a hot reverse harem Romance.
November 8, 2023
If you love a sexy, dark and dirty reverse harem romance, then this is the story for you!!
Lila, Hunter, Parker, and Slade definitely bring the spice. I was hooked right from the start. This story is action packed with plenty of danger, suspense, humor, drama, and lies. This was quite the ride and I can't wait for more!
Lila, Hunter, Parker, and Slade definitely bring the spice. I was hooked right from the start. This story is action packed with plenty of danger, suspense, humor, drama, and lies. This was quite the ride and I can't wait for more!
November 10, 2023
Loved this book! It was a fast read and kept you on the edge of your seat.
Spicy and wild! I didn't want to put it down and I wasn't expecting the twists near the end. It ended on a cliffhanger. I'm impatiently waiting for book 2. Characters are fun and storyline great. My first academy book and I will be reading more!
Spicy and wild! I didn't want to put it down and I wasn't expecting the twists near the end. It ended on a cliffhanger. I'm impatiently waiting for book 2. Characters are fun and storyline great. My first academy book and I will be reading more!
November 11, 2023
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 5.0
~~~~~~~~~~Julie's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
I could not put this one down. So exited to see where this author takes this series. The twists and turns. The chemistry between these characters is explosive. Great read.
~~~~~~~~~~Julie's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
I could not put this one down. So exited to see where this author takes this series. The twists and turns. The chemistry between these characters is explosive. Great read.
December 6, 2023
Which twin will prove that she's the one to take over the family business?
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See full review of Beyond the Covers Blog here on Goodreads and check us out on Facebook..
http://beyondthecoversblog.blogspot.com
June 13, 2024
Yes
Ok wow. So very good. After the other series I thought I knew but I was wrong so so wrong lol I have no words yet on how to describe this book besides family drama and betrayal. On to the next
Ok wow. So very good. After the other series I thought I knew but I was wrong so so wrong lol I have no words yet on how to describe this book besides family drama and betrayal. On to the next
April 25, 2024
While I get this Lila is supposed to be all that but she comes across to me as very weak. So easily manipulated with mind games and just seems to run her mouth with big talk. The book has a good bit of action and flows nicely. Ends on cliff hanger.
November 13, 2024
Amazing!
What a cliffhanger! Epic start. Can't wait to see what happens in book 2. Chole and Zachary really are the worst. Hopefully, Lila and her guys can kick their butts
What a cliffhanger! Epic start. Can't wait to see what happens in book 2. Chole and Zachary really are the worst. Hopefully, Lila and her guys can kick their butts
March 16, 2025
Gangster
Definitely worth the read when it’s why choose and full of gangster activity. Looking forward to the second book and more!
Definitely worth the read when it’s why choose and full of gangster activity. Looking forward to the second book and more!
November 15, 2023
Lila and her twin sister Chloe have been pitted against each other to run the family business. Lila and her boyfriends; Parker, Hunter and Slade; are trying their hardest to win the slot. But what happens when Chloe has help from someone unexpected and trusted by Lila? Can Lila and her guys survive what's headed their way? Will Chloe win the spot?
Okay so yes this book ends on a really intense cliffhanger and I really hope I get the chance to see what happens next. I loved the characters and the plot. However, there were parts where I kind of lost track of who was with who because every character was in a poly/RH relationship. I absolutely can't wait to see what happens with these characters!
Okay so yes this book ends on a really intense cliffhanger and I really hope I get the chance to see what happens next. I loved the characters and the plot. However, there were parts where I kind of lost track of who was with who because every character was in a poly/RH relationship. I absolutely can't wait to see what happens with these characters!
March 13, 2025
OMG loved it can't wait till I can get more of the series
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews