Cruel Beginnings

Blackmore University #0.5

by Cora Kent

Her innocence draws me to her.
My obsession keeps me coming back.
I will break Kaye Pennington, no matter what it takes.

Cruel Beginnings takes place three years before the start of Cruel Intentions. When Xavier's father marries Kaye's mom, it tangles their futures together forever.

In life, you have to decide if what you want is worth the evil you do.
For Xavier McCade, the answer is always yes.

Note: Cruel Beginnings sets the scene for Xavier and Kaye's relationship in Cruel Intentions.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Novella, Contemporary, Romance, College, New Adult

33 pages, ebook

Published September 25, 2023

About the author

Cora Kent fell for her first villain before she even knew what romance was. Ever since Scar was denied a happily ever after, she’s been on a mission to give all the dark, dangerous anti-heroes the endings they deserve. If the Big Bad Wolf had swept Little Red off her feet, it might have saved the fairy tale—so that's exactly what Cora does in her novels: grants her bad boys redemption through passion, power, and the women who can handle them.

When she’s not spinning tales of morally gray heroes and forbidden desires, you’ll find her snuggled up with her cat, sipping a margarita, and watching Grey’s Anatomy.

Reviews

[Jessa Delo · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short prequel, and an even longer game.

Xavier is angry & determine.
Kaye is young & confused.

Looking forward to the next book!.

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

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short & Sweet (just a term of phrase, not referencing the book as sweet) Prequel setting up for the series. If this is your preferred genre, I absolutely recommend this and the rest of Cora Kent’s books whom I’ve had the pleasure of reading throughout 2024 and continuing into 2025.

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

[Lammie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good set up for the main event. Someone is paying the long game and things are about to get interesting 😈

[Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short and sweet prequel that left me wanting to know what happens next and how if there’s a happily ever after or not. This was such an enticing prequel!

[C * Not Another Reader * C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, I'm sold! 👀😅

[Cassandra Doon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book: Cruel
Read By: Ebook
Author: >Cora Kent
Narrator: None
Genre: Dark Romance
Main Characters: Xavier and Kaye
Recommend: Yes
Spice: 🌶️️ 🌶️️ 🌶️️
Age recommendation: 18-30+ Years
My feelings:

This is the prequel to the Blackmore University Series.

This introduces us to Xavier and Kaye and gives us the information we needed for book 1.

Only 33 pages long so a very quick read.

[Lizl Kuschke · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a prequel!! This is loaded with emotions...that needs to be tamed! Can't wait to read how the family dynamics will work & definitely what will go down with Xavier & Kaye. I wonder if Xavier is really in control of his feelings, especially towards Kaye.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.ards Kaye.

[Trina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting

4/5🌟 I am looking forward to coming back and reading the extended story of Kaye and Xavier. This prequel got me wanting more and see what happens between these two characters.

[Lisbeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestamente, tuve problemas con el estilo de escritura en general. Es juvenil y redundante. Los personajes son cero interesantes y no creo que la historia fluya bien, así que al menos por ahora no continuaré con los siguientes libros.

[Carmen Dillard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This prequel gives a little bit more of introduction to Kaye, her mom and how they got mixed in with Xavier and his father Malcolm. It’s short and sweet and sets the tone for Cruel Intentions without saying too much!

[Just A Girl In Bookworld · Rating 5 out of 5]

This prequel has definitely got me wanting to read the first book. This sets you up for the main event & it looks like an event it will be. Someone is playing the long game & things are certainly going to get interesting.

[Sammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What a fun interesting way to start this series. Im doing an immersive read and Corvin King and Avery Reid really make it come to life! I can’t wait to read the entire series! Cora Kent always does such a good job writing!

[Carolina]

𝑨𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒂 𝒏𝒐 𝒍𝒐 𝒔𝒂𝒃𝒆, 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒐 𝒂𝒍𝒈ú𝒏 𝒅í𝒂 𝒔𝒆𝒓á 𝒎í𝒂. 𝑻𝒐𝒅𝒂 𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒂.

[Kelly Dillard · Rating 4 out of 5]

It definitely made me want to read the first book.

[cidney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall Rating: 2.25/5 stars

This book is a prequel to the first book in the series. I’m not entirely sure if I’m on board with the whole idea of an 18 y/o waiting until a 15 y/o turns 18 so that he can defile her type vibes. Like, the writing itself wasn’t bad? But I’m not sure if I can get behind reading the first book in the series when I know the FMC is underage when she meets the MMC.

I read the 35 pages in like 10 minutes though, so that’s a good thing I guess? It was a nice and quick read.

I might check out the main book. I might not… I’m pretty on the fence. It’s not like I haven’t read novels with non-con or dub-con scenes, but the whole age thing feels a little icky.

[Caroline · Rating 1 out of 5]

It literally took 15 minutes to read.

Yes I'm aware it's not meant to be a novel.

And it was Free on Stuff your Kindle day.

Although this is based 3 years before the first book takes place I found it creepy. The things Xavier did, said, thought... about a 15 year old was... wrong.

If Kaye was his age (18) It'd probably sit better... however there was no feeling in the words. Id still struggle to think someone saw someone for the first time and be like that.

It's not sold the series to me. It could have been a prologue.

[Catherine Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, shirt and to the point. It really sets the scene for Cruel Intensions.
Couldn’t put it down, was completely mesmerised.

[Xanthi patera · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kaye + Xavier the beginning ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Maddy Martinelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

You can read my review of Cruel Beginnings: A Blackmore University Prequel on my blog, here: https://thepaperworlds.blogspot.com/2....

This review contains spoilers fro Cruel Beginnings.

A super quick read clocking in at under forty pages, this novella sets up for the first installment of the Blackmore University series, Cruel Intentions, with Kaye and Xavier's story. I downloaded this on Stuff Your Kindle day and did not even realize the page count was that of a short story, but I have been in a reading slump for nearly two weeks and needed something to get me back into the groove of things.

When Xavier returns home from France, he finds his parents fighting over the fact that his father is leaving her for another woman, a client nonetheless, that he helped get a divorce from an abusive man. His father gives him the choice to move in with his new girlfriend and her daughter, but Xavier is anything but excited by the prospect. After showing up to this woman's house, he causes a scene and his father quite literally knocks some sense into him, really adopting the "these hands are rated E for everyone" lifestyle by punching his own son. Ridiculous.

You can tell that tensions are going to be high for the rest of the series, especially between Xavier and his father, but most importantly between Kaye and Xavier. He really has set his eyes on this new person in his life, essentially just collateral damage in his wave of destruction to retaliate against his father. I do wish that this novella was a touch longer and covered a little more on Kaye -- we learn a lot about Xavier in this short installment, but barely get to know anything about Kaye except for her age and a little backstory on her mother.

Xavier is about to start college and well, Kaye... is fifteen. Nothing happens between them in this novella that is more than a kiss, but this series is definitely leaning on the more taboo side of romance. Right off the bat, Xavier wants nothing to do with Kaye and her mother -- after all, her mother is the reason that his parents are divorcing. He essentially makes it his mission in this prequel to tell Kaye that he is going to make her life as complicated as possible because of what her mother has done.

This prequel definitely has me intrigued on what happens next in Cruel Intentions, and I may find myself revisiting this series in the future. If you are a fan of bully romances, I would recommend the Saint View High series by Elle Thorpe and The Dare by Harley LaRoux.

You can catch up with me and my current reads by friending me on Goodreads (maddymartinelli), Instagram (@thepaperworlds), Twitter (@thepaperworlds), and following this blog in order to stay up-to-date with any reviews, blog tours, and more!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "CRUEL BEGINNINGS" This is a great prequel to this series you get some background into what's to comes, full of retribution, revenge, angst, it's a dark twisted page turner you can't put down.
Xavier comes from France to find his mom Victoria & father Malcolm fighting over another woman a client of his he was helping get away from abusive relationship he talks him he can move in with him & his girlfriend Carrie Pennington & her daughter Kaye, he acts out & his father takes him down a peg or two by pinching Xavier.
Xavier going to Blackmore University while Kaye is only 15yrs old in this beginning of their story he tells her right away he's going to make her life miserable possible as retribution for what her mom Carrie has fine by breaking up his family.
I definitely recommend to read this story before getting "CRUEL INTENSIONS" to see where this story is going with "XAVIER & KAYE" I can't wait to read it can't come soon enough.
GREAT START TO THIS INTENSE INTRIGUING ROMANCE 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤

[Vivian R Wyatt-Aldrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This prequel teaser is very interesting. It gives you a feel for what the family dynamic is for the lawyer and his family. He left his wife for a client and you are learning that the son who is college age wants to get revenge on the father.

Now this book can be taken in very many ways. But if you look at it for literature itself, it is a very good prequel that captures your attention and draws you in getting you to want more of the story.

From that perspective this was a very good catcher. It gave you just enough information to know what was going on. It gives you a feel for the characters so you know what you're looking into and what you're getting into.

But based on how much you got ahead of time before the actual story came out, it makes me wonder what kind of changes there are going to be for the character throughout the actual book.

It's a short read, well put together and is great for anyone who likes dark mysterious romances. It is not for the faint of heart. But if you can take it, it's worth it.

[Grinning Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m on the fence about this one. The MMC is not particularly likable and the FMC is still unformed. I can totally understand why the MMC doesn’t like his father or the father’s girlfriend, but he is seriously crude and offensive to the FMC, and frankly, it goes beyond bullying and is especially inappropriate because she is a minor. I don’t believe that the author meant it to be inappropriate in quite that way (or at least I hope not) but the FMC is essentially still a child.
However, I think story established the background of the next book. And it does set forth the interpersonal dynamics between the characters. I also think that it will pique many readers’ interest in reading the full book. These are the purposes of a preview, and this book is more preview than prequel. So in these regards, this book is a success.

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

[LILIAN · Rating 4 out of 5]

“ But… love is love” can you imagine getting home from France and witnessing your mom and dad fighting only to say that they are getting a divorce and that your dad is in love with one of his clients from the law firm. That is exactly what happened to Xavier. Kaye on the other hand lost her dad in an accident and shows the opposite feelings she is hoping that her mom finds love after 10 years of losing when a drunk driver hit him. After going over to Kayes house to have words with his dad, things get heated. It is insta lust for Kaye but he just has to wait it out. What better revenge than trying to get with the daughter of what he considers the home wrecker and the person who ruined his parents' marriage. Cruel Beginnings is the prequel to Cruel Intentions and it sets the backstory to how Xavier and Kayes relationship started. I think the prequel was a perfect glimpse as to what to expect from the book. Can’t wait to read and see how this story will evolve.

[Heather Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cruel Beginnings is absolutely suspenseful and a page turning dark step-brother bully romance. I don’t typically read these kinds of dark romances, but I absolutely enjoyed reading this novel. The story is phenomenally written, well balanced and beautifully executed by Cora Kent. Cora Kent continues to prove to me what a brilliant author she is with each book I’ve read by her thus far. In my opinion, she pours her all into the stories she creates and writes. Cruel Beginnings follows the story of Xavier and Kaye. Cruel Beginnings being a prequel novel, I thought to be quite captivating, entertaining and an enjoyable read. The characters are well developed and beautifully executed throughout the story. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the Blackmore University series. I would certainly recommend this prequel for anyone to checkout and give it a read.

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

[Sandy S · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5stars—CRUEL BEGINNINGS is the prequel short story in Cora Kent’s contemporary, new adult BLACKMORE UNIVERSITY dark, romance series. This is the introduction of Kaye Pennington and Xavier McCade.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Kaye and Xavier) CRÜEL BEGINNINGS focuses on the introduction of Xavier McCade to Kaye Pennington in the wake of their parents’ affair. Xavier’s father Malcolm McCade left his mother for his client, a much younger woman Carrie Pennington, and Malcolm’s hope is for Xavier to follow but Xavier’s arrival ends in violence, and a threat against a fifteen year old child.

CRUEL BEGINNINGS is a short story; a fast paced few chapters focusing on the first meeting between Xavier and Kaye, and Xavier’s promise to make Kaye’s life miserable. The premise is dark; Xavier is desperate and cruel; Kaye is innocent and determined. CRUEL BEGINNINGS ends on a cliff hanger

Own a copy

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

***BOOK REVIEW***
Name: Cruel Beginnings
Author: Cora Kent
Rate: 4.25/5 🌟

~What a very, very quick novella! This is a brief intro of how Kaye and Xavier meet and how his obsession began towards Kaye. She was only 15yrs old the first time they met and he was 18yrs old going to college. His father had just announced his separation to his mother when he got back from vacation and this is when his world started to crumble down and started to plan his revenge plot to make them suffer for what they did. When he saw Kaye at her house… Xavier knew he found his new toy!!! He was quick and wanted to play!!! He claimed her quick…Now this is the prequel of Cruel Intentions which is the full story between Kaye and Xavier and let’s just say it’s totally worth it because it HOT HOT HOT!!! So if you have yet read it, like what are you waiting for? Go check it out now!!

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy and am voluntarily reviewing it. This book shows the beginning of end. Xavier McCade walked right into the end of his parents’ marriage. Malcolm McCade, lawyer extraordinaire, is leaving his wife for a client. Yes, men do leave their wives and Victoria McCade was finding out the hard way. Malcolm had the audacity to want Xavier to move with him. Xavier is starting school at Blackmore University. He doesn’t need this.

Xavier thought he would be able to drag his dad back to his family. Boy, was he mistaken. Malcolm had made his decision. There was one person who could change his mind. Kaye Pennington was Carrie’s daughter and a knockout. Xavier’s new goal became to ruin Kaye completely. Him and only him. She was his she just didn’t know it yet. This prequel sheds some light on the beginning of this tumultuous relationship.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cruel Beginnings by Cora Kent
Genre: Dark Romance
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: Maybe .5 🌶️ for a stolen kiss and Xavier’s lewd thoughts
•
TW: Divorce/cheating, child abuse. There may be others not listed here that could be triggering for individuals.
•
Cruel Beginnings is a prequel short story to Cruel Intentions by Cora Kent. It’s a nice tie into the first book in the Blackmore University novels, involving the inciting incident that leads to Xavier’s obsession with tormenting Kaye. While I enjoyed the short, but sweet glimpse into the past lives of Cruel Intentions’ characters, I would have liked it better if it had been longer. A further look at the building tension between Kaye and Xavier would lend a lot to this short story and to Cruel Intentions as its prequel.

Overall, if you enjoyed Cruel Intentions and Dark Obsession, be sure to give Cruel Beginnings a read.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malcolm and Victoria McCade are having a fight when Xavier (18) returns home. His parent getting a divorce after 20 years and he’s claiming he is in love with a client. At 18 his world has just come to a halt and his father has left, he needs to do something to get his father back. Kaye (15) lost her father when she was 5. And her mother, Carrie Pennington, decided to marry Owen, who turned out to be abusive and she divorced him after 10 years and Kaye being abused. Malcom McCade was her attorney and after the divorce was finalized they started to date. Now he has left his wife and was going to be moving in with them.
We get the introduction of Cruel Intentions, when Xavier sets his eyes on Kaye and declares to make her his when she is 18. I can’t wait to read the novel.

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

[Janeshia Sanchez · Rating 2 out of 5]

Received this as an ARC…I understand that it is a prequel I feel, however, it was extremely rushed. Maybe there could have been a POV added from the dad on why he cheated on the mom or now it all started. I also found it weird that Xavier switched between calling his parents “mom” and “dad” then in the next paragraph calling them by their names, it needs consistency and not to be switched so either sticking to their first names or simply “mom” and “dad. Something small but it really didn’t make sense to me (unless this is how it really happened), Kaye is 15 but Xavier mentions the mom looks almost in her 30s I take that to be she’s 28,29. With that age she would have had Kaye fairly young, nothing huge, but it threw me off. Overall I wouldn’t say this book made me want to read the next one. I felt the meeting between Xavier and Kaye was too fiction and inauthentic.