Forbidden Lessons

Forbidden Dreams

by Logan Fox

Hot professors, devilish billionaires, irredeemable mob bosses, and off-limits rivals. They all have one thing in common… even flirting with them is strictly forbidden. Just one risqué glance will drag you into a thrilling world filled with wickedness and excitement. The Forbidden Dreams world is filled with secret crushes, filthy rich playboys, brutishly handsome grooms, and oh so grumpy bossholes. Fill your life with steamy, red-hot romance by one-clicking them all today!Forbidden Lessons features the following student teacher, praise kink, primal play, stalking, obsessive/possessive, touch her and die.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Romance

ebook

Published July 26, 2024

About the author

Logan Fox writes deliciously dark and twisted romance with damaged anti-heroes and kick-ass heroines.

Subscribe to her newsletter by heading over to her website at https://authorloganfox.com.

Reviews

[Shirley M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What the... what did I just read? First of all, yes read the trigger warnings, second hold on for a wild ride, and third yes, this book is everything the author says it is. There is no black and white, only deep shades of grey and black. There's Haven, the poor girl who is trying to make it out of her sh**** life by going to college on a scholarship. Then there's her now ex-best friend who hates her for some reason and tries to make her life hell and get her to leave college. Add in her professor who seems like an okay guy if not a little rough around the edges and a bit of an a-hole. He says he will take care of her and give her anything she needs. There is so much more to the professor though. Bastien draws her in, and she begins to trust him. Kai bullies her relentlessly in more ways than one. Haven is just trying to survive, so that she can have a better life for herself. I like that she doesn't give up, despite the odds stacked against her. At first, I thought maybe Professor Bastien Rooke was going to be more decent that I thought. By the end of the book, nope, he is less than decent. He is manipulative, cruel and if you ask me a bit of a pyscho. At times, Kai shows some concern for Haven, but then it's gone again. By the end of the book, maybe things are looking up for Kai and Haven. Time will tell...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheri Corriero · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book takes place in the small town of Agony Hollow. Haven has returned to go to college. She is set to make a fresh start here but plans are changed when her old friend, Kai, sees her and is set to ruin her. This is a dark college enemies-to-lovers book. Haven wants to keep away but is somehow drawn to him, even though he is mean and cruel. Haven’s professor, Bastian Rooke, is also drawn into the mix. The book is dark, twisted …and wonderful. Read the trigger warnings. I received an ARC copy from the author, and this is my honest review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forbidden Lessons is book one in the Lessons in Cruelty series and is Haven's story. Haven is a college student at the same college as her ex-best friend Kai and he takes bullying to a whole other trigger level. Bastian is Haven's professor and wow does he go ott crazy. If you are triggered easily this book might not be for you but if you like walking on the hot and crazy side then grab this book you will love it. This dark and twisted, enemies to lovers, bully romance is filled with suspense, intrigue, secrets, steam and so much more. Forbidden Lessons is a great story by Logan Fox my only complaint is that we have to wait until next year to find out what happens next—other than that, it is a great read. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Dunkinpumpkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD THAT I CAN’T EVEN TYPE IN LOWERCASE 😭 I NEED ANOTHER ONE. SPICE LEVEL OFF THE CHARTS. ANGST LEVEL? HAVEN’T SEEN HER SHE’S TO HIGH UP

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forbidden Lessons is the first dark physiological book in the duet of Lessons in Cruelty series. Do not go in blind, make sure to read trigger warnings. This book is twisted, forbidden and taboo. Not one but 2 MMC's who are both morally grey and a FMC who is naively innocent with a traumatic childhood. I didn't realize this book ends with a cliffhanger, that it was MFM or a hint of RH since there are 2 love interest. My rating is 3.5 stars.
TW: non-con, dub-con, breath play, knife play, blood play, grooming, gaslighting, bullying, humiliation and degradation, forced orgasms, somnophilia, corruption kink, physical assault, hand necklaces, slut shaming, drugging, suicidal ideation, mental disorders, drug and alcohol use, CSA (mention), domestic abuse and violence (mention), obsessive, possessive, touch her and die.



Haven Lee and Kai Jordan grew up in the same trailer park and became best friends until he moved across town.

Three years later they encounter each other at Agony Hollow College. Kai as her TA and he doesn't welcome her, he wants her gone...now.

Haven's professor, Bastian Rooke, takes a liking to Haven and would do anything to help her. She's poor and homeless and he has fantasies of a life with her.

Bastion is worse than Kai in his depravity and after a party has gone wrong they both come to her aid. However, Bastion has never had 2 innocent virgins at one time in the palm of his hand and now the fun of corruption begins.

I received an early digital copy from Booksprout and in return I promised an honest review.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy heck. Haven and Kai grew up as friends. When his family makes it out of the trailer park, they lose touch. Now she’s gotten a grant to his college. Their reunion ignites displaced anger and dangerous passion. Throw in Professor Bastian Rooke, who has his own host of issues, and the powder keg ignites.
If you are triggered by dark themes, pay attention to the author’s posted warnings.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously one twisted book, so read the trigger warnings. I loved it so much! This book had me holding my breath, had my heart dropping into my stomach and had me wondering wtf was going on. It was so, so good. Can't wait for book 2!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forbidden Lessons is the first book in Lessons in Cruelty series. A full-length standalone novel with no cheating and ends on mind-blowing cliffhanger and ends. A spellingbounding story with complex individuals and a twisty storyline that captures the audience attention from the first chapter and keeps you hooked and turning the pages until the end. This is Haven, Kai and Bastian which is told from multiple point of views. Hang on to your kindle and brace yourself for this rollercoaster ride of emotions, tension, anger and hate. This book contains dark subject matter and themes, including depictions of violence and mental health disorders. It may not be suitable for certain individuals. An absorbing addictive and unputdownable read.
A dark college bully romance, dark college romance, enemies-to-lovers story, hate-to-love vibes story, second chances romance, small town romance, hot professors-student romance, contemporary romance, forbidden romance, off-limits relationship, billionaires romance, taboo romance, irredeemable mob bosses, alpha male romance, gothic romance filled with secret crushes, filthy rich playboys, brutishly handsome grooms, bully, madness, manipulation, friendships, twists and turns, revelations, depravity, spice, passion, power and control, hurt, pain and do much more.
Haven had a poor and rough upbringing living in a trailer park in Riverside. Her home life was very bad and one five year old Haven ran away into to woods for some solitude trying to escape the harshness of her home life for a little and that where she met Kai boy who was also living in the trailer park.
They did everything together until he moved away. Fast forward, years later Haven got a scholarship for Agony Hollow College and she ran into her best friend Kai who was looking good and wearing expensive clothes. But he was happy to see her, he called her a slut and spit in her face. Kai vowed to get rid of her and make her life a living hell. Then throw in professor Bastian in her Lesson in Cruelty class. Kai was the TA for the class and she needs to pass the class in order to stay on her scholarship. Haven wanted a fresh start and that is the reason why she returned to Agony Hollow. Kai is cold-hearted, cruel, evil, ruthless and relentless. Haven thought that Bastian would be her savior but he's just has weird as Kai with deep dark secrets.

I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Frater · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Lessons in cruelty"—what an understatement. Rarely do I encounter a story so twisted that it compels me to take a break, but this one had me putting it down just to catch my breath. Watching the tangled, toxic dance between Kai and Haven felt like rubbernecking at a train wreck—you simply can't look away, no matter how dark it gets Then add Bastian Rooke to the equation and you have a recipe the darkest psychological mind f*ck I’ve read in ages. At first, I genuinely believed Professor Rooke was going to be Haven’s savior. Spoiler: not even close. He might actually take the crown for the most deranged character in this whole twisted drama. And as for Kai's hatred for Haven? That's a puzzle all on its own—his contempt is palpable, yet it takes one drug-fueled, deeply disturbing night to unravel the full extent of his suppressed emotions. Normally, I'd say "watch out for the trigger warnings," but where do I even begin? This book isn’t just a minefield—it’s a full-on emotional explosion waiting to happen. Even the most unflappable reader could find themselves triggered by the sheer intensity of this drama. And at the heart of it all is Haven, the tragic centerpiece. I was floored by how far the other characters pushed her. And knowing it’s all rooted in lies makes it even more devastating. But the real gut punch was Haven’s belief that she deserved every agonizing moment. It’s uncomfortable, it’s raw, and it leaves you reeling. And just when you think it can’t get worse, the shocking finale opens up a whole new can of worms. I can’t wait to see where Logan takes us next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[A. Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's technically a lot in this book that could be considered cruel! Add in this book has probably almost every trigger warning you can think of! This is book 1 in the Lessons of Cruelty series.

This book revolves around 3 main characters. Haven is the poor trailer trash, earning her way to college because of that. Kai is Haven's once childhood best friend who is now rich and hates Haven. Bastian Rooke is their professor who literally teaches "Lessons in Cruelty." This particular class attracts a lot of students because of the class and the hot aloof professor. "Then there are the…others. Sadists, hunting for inspiration. Sociopaths, upping their game. I love figuring out who’s who in the zoo. Professor Rooke’s intimate, rigorously controlled, mind-fuck of a zoo. I’m seldom dealt a wild card. This year, I got a pair."

At first, it seems this book is just a bully novel with Kai going after Haven. There literally is so much history with Kai and Haven that it takes a long time to get their full story. It seems that Bastian is the hero and Kai is the villain. "First, I was the hero, then I became the villain." Everything is not as it seems either. They all obviously have a dark side but that ending, dang 🤯🥵! I just can't imagine what the next book and Logan Fox have in store. Who is really playing who after all?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Athena, the goddess of books · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story alternates between three POVs: Haven – a scholarship student with a horrific past, desperate for a fresh start. She’s still haunted by her toxic connection to Kai, the boy who was once her only friend and playmate in the woods.
Kai – that same boy, now grown into a manipulative, magnetic, terrifying presence. His obsession with Haven borders on hatred and desire, and he thrives on control and cruelty.
Bastian Rooke – the enigmatic psychology professor who teaches the infamous “Lessons in Cruelty” course, a class designed to dismantle students’ morals through psychological games.

The class itself feels like a social experiment gone feral. Secrets are exposed, students are humiliated, and Kai relishes every chance to torment Haven in front of others. One particularly brutal scene has him reading classmates’ darkest confessions aloud and forcing them to vote on who’s “worse.”

Haven’s life quickly becomes a tug-of-war between Rooke and Kai. The professor is coldly compelling, pushing her to confront cruelty and her own darkness, while Kai plays the role of both tormentor and twisted protector.

The book closes on a cliffhanger: Haven, battered emotionally and physically, is still collared and claimed, after being intimate with both Kai and Bastian, her future uncertain. She knows this is only the beginning, and the danger is far from over — setting the stage for Cruel Lessons (book 2).

[Silvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

********Please check trigger warnings before beginning this book!********

A few days after finishing this book and I’m still left reeling! A part of me is asking myself what the heck did I just read, while another part is wondering how long will I have to wait to get my next fix! This book was dark and disturbing, yet I was completely captivated! Intoxicating is another word for this book!

From the very first chapter where Bastian starts off about cruelty and then refers to his class as a zoo, I knew I was in for a ride! Then when he was leading his class in Lessons in Cruelty, like Haven, I was instantly hooked!!

Haven and Kai’s history was something else! He was downright brutal, but she had no problems fighting back. I truly felt for everything she had been through in her young life and wasn’t a fan of how Kai treated her. Until it became obvious that there was more and a deeper history between them.

I honestly couldn’t put this book down! I had absolutely no clue where this book would end up and now I really can’t wait to find out what’s coming next!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merilu Keenum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured Haven, Kai, and Bastian’s story! There are multiple triggers to be mindful of: however, if dark, twisted, and morally gray MMCs interest you then Logan Fox’s unique style is a must read!! There are lots of surprises, drama, angst that turns physical, hate/ love encounters, and a rich vs poor dynamic with bullying and shaming. Haven is strong, feisty, and resilient, but she struggles daily emotionally and physically. Kai is difficult to have empathy for: he’s filled with conflicted emotions and treats her with disdain that’s hidden from others. Bastian/ Professor Rooke is an enigma: sympathetic or manipulative, lots of hidden depths and motivations, and a man with his own secrets and desires.

Together, they feed off each other’s fears, desires, and it’s a mesmerizing experience of pain and pleasure that pushes the limits of dark romance. The energy, the pain, and the power of hate/love in a relationship is volatile and beyond intense! Mental illness, sex, and taboo fixations make their story complicated and fascinating with a side of OMG!! I can’t wait for the next part!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leah Desjardins · Rating 3 out of 5]

….What the actual f*ck did I just read

Unclear if I need to stare at white walls for a few days, to go for intensive therapy, read several books to dissociate from this or what but I actually don’t even know what to say to summarize the hot mess that this is.

I read bully romance books, dark romance books, I wouldn’t even know how to classify this?

Haven is a good person who has a super traumatic childhood and frankly life in general.

Several times in this book I found the “bully” aspects were really pushing the limits with the stuff Kai was doing but words don’t even begin to describe the psychopath levels that Bastian/rooke hits? At several moments you don’t know if he is a good or bad person but ultimately believe he is looking out for her in some way.. ummmm not even a little bit.

I don’t know if I’ll read the second one because this ended on a cliffhanger and I kind of want to know how this ends but at the same time it’s just all kinds of messed up and that’s about all it is? I don’t even know how to rate this?
Did I read it? Yes.
Did I enjoy it? No.
Did I keep going wondering where they were going with this? Yes.
Was the writing terrible? I would say no?
Am I happy I paid $5.99 for this? I would say no?

[Polli.p · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeez! This is one helluva breath holding read that's going to mess with your head until you're as disturbed as the MCs!

I usually avoid the high school bully trope because it's so overplayed and often badly written. However, here Fox has masterfully created a unique dynamic by creating two seriously broken students who have never recovered from their childhood crush and throwing a pychologically damaged hot Professor into the mix. And what a mix it is!

The writing first class, the tension palpable, the psychology powerful, the back stories brilliantly interwoven, the cruelty so, so real.

Have to admit it's one of the best, and hottest, RH stories I've read in a while. But be warned, this is dark, so dark that after reading you're going to need a torch to find your way back to sanity.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

What the…….. I don’t know what to say without saying too much but I want to share that you must must read this one and I cannot wait until the next one.

First off, dark bully college romance that has a lot of triggers. This is not for the faint of heart it oh so very intriguing and will capture you. Haven and Kai knew each other when they were kids, fast forward she has now been granted a scholarship to Agony Hollow when they meet again. Kai is the TA to her class that she needs to pass in order to be in good standing. Professor Bastian Rooke, OMG how to describe him is that he is a delicious character that I want to peel back each layer and discover all on his own.
You will happily follow into the woods and never realize how far you have gone until it’s too late. Even then you won’t mind one bit

[Becky Dreyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forbidden Lessons is the first book in the Lessons in Cruelty series. This is a dark psychological traumance and contains subject matter and themes that could be triggering so please make sure you read the warnings before reading. This is the story of Haven, Kai and Bastian. Haven is the poor girl from the wrong side of town, just wanting to better her life. Kai is the former boy from the wrong side of town with the grudge against his former best friend. Bastian is the dark brooding professor playing a disturbing game. Will truth come to light on what truly happened between Haven and Kai? Will they be able to move forward? How does Bastian play into this story? Fantastic start to a new series and can't wait to see what comes next!!!.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Neena · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘A dark psychological traumance’

TROPES:
🔺Student-professor 
Prof Bastian Rooke (34) teaches the ‘Lessons in Cruelty’ course
🔺Praise kink
🔺Second Chance
Three years later
🔺Dubious Consent
‘Feels good when I hurt you like this, doesn’t it?’
🔺Age Gap
🔺Toxic + Taboo Relationship(s)
🔺Grooming
🔺Bully Romance (friends to enemies)
‘First, I was the hero, then I became the villain.’

Kai Jordan (age 22) is a TA to Rooke who is an eccentric professor. He holds a lot of anger towards Haven (age 19) who was his only friend. She is coming from a neglectful home life and this scholarship to college is her way out.

There is a lot going on in the background and all things are suspicious. I think I know what’s going on but then you have that cliffhanger ending so I really don’t know. Hopefully the next book is coming soon!

[Jen B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one of a new series Lessons in Cruelty. Wow! I am speechless and addicted and will be sitting here twitching for book two. First off, read the triggers. Second thing, hang on as this ride becomes everything until it is done. The characters in this story I found to love and hate throughout the story. Haven is just a girl wanting to better herself, go to college and believes returning to Agony Hallow is the first step. Kai is an ex best friend that is out for Haven's blood. Bastian, one of Haven's professors, yikes, this one wears sheep's clothing but I am not 100% sure what is underneath. Fantastic beginning to this dark and twisted tale, I cannot wait to return to Agony Hallow. Enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LeMiliere · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series and it was a little different to what I was expecting, and definitely different from most of the bully romances I have read. But then that is just my opinion. The characters are well-drawn and the interactions between them are very well done. The story is dark something any reader should be aware of.

I would have liked a little more detail about Kai and Bastian's history which is hinted at but not given. I don't know if the author plans on providing it in the next book but I for one would love more insights about why they are the way they are.


The book being the first in the series ends on quite a cliffhanger

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Agony Hollow College is definitely not for the faint of heart and neither is Forbidden Lessons. Please check the trigger warnings before you start reading this story. Haven is the outcast at Agony Hollow College before she ever even gets started good and that's thanks in part to her past and her financial situation. Kai, Havens childhood friend, is making life h*^* for her. Then comes Bastian. He's a force all his own and between him and Kai, Haven doesn't stand a chance. Forbidden Lessons ends on a cliffhanger and Cruel Lessons can't come fast enough.
"Because we’re all a little sadistic…and twice as masochistic."

[Chelcie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐️ 2/5🌶️ I don't know what it was, but this is definitely different from most of the bully romances I have read. Maybe mostly due to Bastian's interactions with Kai & Haven both? It feels wrong but I love his character and his manipulating. Haven is tenacious and love her and Kai's background with each other. I do wish more detail was provided on Kai' and Bastian's history; it's hinted at, so hopefully more will come out in the next book to provide more insights to why they are the way they are. Great cliffhanger that definitely has me ready for the follow-up.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mindy Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Book 1 in the Lessons in Cruelty Series by this author. It is a friends to enemies to lovers, second chance romance between Haven and Kai. These two flawed souls and the unique plot make for a captivating read. It is a steamy love story filled with drama, mistrust, passion, jealousy, revenge, secrets, plus engaging secondary characters to keep the reader interested. The chemistry between the main characters is combustible and the connection is strong. A fast-paced page turner ending in a cliffhanger.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

My-flaming-god!! This book completely floored me. It was so not what I thought it would be and I loved that it wasn't. A warning though read the trigger warnings because there is some dark content in it.

Haven (FMC) hasn't had a great life but an opportunity to study at Agony Hollow College. Only she's like a fish out of water there but that's not her childhood friend - Kai is studying there too. He's completely changed from the kid she knew. Add to that Bastian who brings a new level of complications. This book certainly draws you in and keeps you gripped from start to finish. With that ending I can't wait to get my hands on book 2.

[Leisel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new Author for me and I was pleasantly surprised by their version of a dark, forbidden and truly emotional romance story. I will admit at times I was left emotionally reeling at the attention that the lead female, Haven, was on the firing line of receiving but I guess that is 'part of the parcel' in the genre/trope of bullying romances. Characters were well created and certainly ones that left a lasting impression upon me but to have to wait for nearly a year for the second book definitely will require a reread to reestablish my thoughts on this story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Thee_reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sorry was all kinds of twisted and messed up. If you don't like dark romance..
find a romcom. This one is daaarrkkk.
Hoooo!! 😮‍💨
I mean the twist with the professor toward the end.😧
It is not an easy read.
Its story is defiantly a freaking page turner.
Totally will get you sitting on the edge of your seat.
I do wish it had a HEA.
But... then again it's not done yet.
This book ends with a cliffhanger.
Gonna have to wait for the next book.😵‍💫
Is it worth the read?? YES!!
Dang it! YES, it totally is.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[RoseyLovesBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The scholarship to attend Agony Hollow College is a lifeline for Haven. Too bad for Haven, her bullying ex best friend Kai is her TA in a class with smoking hot professor Bastian who's all kinds of inappropriate. You just know $#!+'s about to get crazy! Forbidden Lessons is a dark romance full of drama, intrigue, secrets, suspense, twists, villains, steam and more triggers than you can shake a stick at. And after that cliffhanger ending, I can't wait to find out what happens next in Cruel Lessons, Book 2 of the Lessons in Cruelty Book series!

[S I · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forbidden Lessons by Logan Fox
Always a pleasure reading one of these books by this author and I know you’ll love it too. This is so different than any book of bulling I have read. So many things in the works you are left as if a tornado whipped by. I’m surprised at how Bastain is so cruel at heart. Kai and Haven chemistry is fire & oil. But be forewarned many triggers and cliffhangers. Can’t wait to see how this goes.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Megan Mclellan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fox writing I freaking adore!!! Dark school romance at it's finest!!!! Man this book is so so so good! The way they set up this story and plot lines are incredible!!! It's a dark romance that isn't over gratuitous (although trust me this book is spice and steam to make you scream!) those scenes are just so so well setup to be as intense as possible because of a really well done storyline around them. I read this one in one sitting haha if you like dark romance you will absolutely love this!

[Bren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had a chokehold on me so tight I couldn't put it down. Bastian is full of secrets and it's those secrets that kept me on edge waiting and wondering what he'll do next. Ezra Kia's brother is one mean $ob and is causing trouble constantly. I wasn't expecting this book to be such a whirlwind that dragged me in so deep, but leave it to Logan Fox to create such a storm and the ending which is a cliffhanger is a real mind blower can't wait for book 2.