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The Royal Academy #1
The Royal Academy
A few days ago, I was chosen to attend the Royal Academy, a university for the wealthy, elite, and royal. The problem is, I'm none of those things.
I'm unsure why I was selected to attend there, but I accept the invitation anyway.
I definitely don't fit in, though. On top of being the only poor girl in the entire student body, I'm also drawing attention thanks to River Everson wanting to spend time with me. He’s one of the most gorgeous, wealthiest guys in school, and he's betrothed to another girl. And I kissed him, which wasn't my brightest of ideas.
But guy issues aren't my only problem. People from my old life are searching for me to settle my father's debts, and someone at the Royal Academy is set on making me drop out.
I also soon learn that darkness and secrets lie everywhere, even in the glittering walls of royalty.
This is a coming of age mystery romance. It includes mystery, a sports romance, secret societies, fake dating, and a ton of sweet moments.
I'm unsure why I was selected to attend there, but I accept the invitation anyway.
I definitely don't fit in, though. On top of being the only poor girl in the entire student body, I'm also drawing attention thanks to River Everson wanting to spend time with me. He’s one of the most gorgeous, wealthiest guys in school, and he's betrothed to another girl. And I kissed him, which wasn't my brightest of ideas.
But guy issues aren't my only problem. People from my old life are searching for me to settle my father's debts, and someone at the Royal Academy is set on making me drop out.
I also soon learn that darkness and secrets lie everywhere, even in the glittering walls of royalty.
This is a coming of age mystery romance. It includes mystery, a sports romance, secret societies, fake dating, and a ton of sweet moments.
258 pages, ebook
Published November 11, 2023
164 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Sorensen
421 books20.1k followersJessica Sorensen is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author from the snowy mountains of Wyoming. When she's not writing, she spends her time reading and hanging out with her family.
http://www.jessicasorensen.com
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
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October 15, 2024“This is why choose/reverse harem romance. It includes a bit of mystery, secret societies, fake dating, a forbidden romance, and a ton of steamy and sweet moments.”
So says the blurb on KU for Book 1, but then Book 2 says MF. So which is it? Why have twins and a stepbrother but no reverse harem? Putting this back on the shelf until further notice.
So says the blurb on KU for Book 1, but then Book 2 says MF. So which is it? Why have twins and a stepbrother but no reverse harem? Putting this back on the shelf until further notice.
November 27, 2025
58% in and only two days in the academy have gone by; one week in the story.
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The writing and storyline are too immature for me to continue on.
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The writing and storyline are too immature for me to continue on.
June 1, 2024
I decided to give this series a go as I have previous read a few Jessica Sorensen series and enjoyed her writing style. Having also read a lot of academy based books my expectations weren't terribly high, but surprisingly I found Sorensen's take on this trope refreshing and think the mysteries surrounding Maddie's past are intriguing.
I would most definitely describe the romance as a slow burn, but I'm shipping the undeniable chemistry between Maddie and River and can't wait to see how this develops as the series continues. I'm just a little confused as to why this book is labelled as Reverse Harem on Goodreads - not sure if this is an error on their part? I'm trying hard to not give any spoilers here 😉 I'm aware there are a few other potential love interests - it's just that none of the other relationships seen as developed as the one between River and Maddie. I'm hoping that this may be addressed in some way within the next book, but having said all that I'm actually happy with the direction this seems to currently be heading in and wouldn't be upset if the series ditched the reverse Harem concept completely, but let's see what the author has in store!
My only other criticism would be that there were a few writing/grammatical errors that I wish had been picked up in the edit, but unfortunately this seems to be the norm with most of my kindle reads these days 😔
With the above in mind I've rated this book 4 stars - perfect for fans of slow burn romance, academy/boarding school plots and rags to riches stories! I eagerly await the next instalment!
I would most definitely describe the romance as a slow burn, but I'm shipping the undeniable chemistry between Maddie and River and can't wait to see how this develops as the series continues. I'm just a little confused as to why this book is labelled as Reverse Harem on Goodreads - not sure if this is an error on their part? I'm trying hard to not give any spoilers here 😉 I'm aware there are a few other potential love interests - it's just that none of the other relationships seen as developed as the one between River and Maddie. I'm hoping that this may be addressed in some way within the next book, but having said all that I'm actually happy with the direction this seems to currently be heading in and wouldn't be upset if the series ditched the reverse Harem concept completely, but let's see what the author has in store!
My only other criticism would be that there were a few writing/grammatical errors that I wish had been picked up in the edit, but unfortunately this seems to be the norm with most of my kindle reads these days 😔
With the above in mind I've rated this book 4 stars - perfect for fans of slow burn romance, academy/boarding school plots and rags to riches stories! I eagerly await the next instalment!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2024
Great beginning
Well written and edited. I love this author's work. The only problem is she tends to not complete her series. The second book is noted as being available December 2023. It is not. I tried it anyway and was not disappointed. I'm hoping the series continues. The cover art portrays a very young girl that doesn't match the written heroine at all. Perhaps it is a hint of what's to come? Our bedraggled and abused heroine received an unexpected scholarship to an academy far above her status. Much intrigue is hinted at throughout the book about Maddy's attendance. There are several potential love interests, but no romance yet. The world this story is set in is confusing, as numerous people are referred to as Prince, but not what they are the prince of. There is a secret society, possibly bullying and threats from a gang.
Well written and edited. I love this author's work. The only problem is she tends to not complete her series. The second book is noted as being available December 2023. It is not. I tried it anyway and was not disappointed. I'm hoping the series continues. The cover art portrays a very young girl that doesn't match the written heroine at all. Perhaps it is a hint of what's to come? Our bedraggled and abused heroine received an unexpected scholarship to an academy far above her status. Much intrigue is hinted at throughout the book about Maddy's attendance. There are several potential love interests, but no romance yet. The world this story is set in is confusing, as numerous people are referred to as Prince, but not what they are the prince of. There is a secret society, possibly bullying and threats from a gang.
April 23, 2025
secret royal?
You know now that I am allowing myself time to think about it maybe Maddison is a descendant from that family and somewhere down the line someone either escaped or fell into the wrong crowd.
So then they ended up in Northside and the line continued until her mom and her sister, I also feel like her aunt was somehow able to reenter into society. Maybe that’s why she can’t reach her??
Why does drew thinking attacking Maddy will get her daughter to wise up and pay his debt? He clearly doesn’t care about her or her mother and isn’t he in jail? Or was it that he disappeared? I’ve forgotten so quickly..
I need answers😩
You know now that I am allowing myself time to think about it maybe Maddison is a descendant from that family and somewhere down the line someone either escaped or fell into the wrong crowd.
So then they ended up in Northside and the line continued until her mom and her sister, I also feel like her aunt was somehow able to reenter into society. Maybe that’s why she can’t reach her??
Why does drew thinking attacking Maddy will get her daughter to wise up and pay his debt? He clearly doesn’t care about her or her mother and isn’t he in jail? Or was it that he disappeared? I’ve forgotten so quickly..
I need answers😩
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2025
Royal Mysteries
What do you do if given the change at a top of the line education at royal academy and chance to get away from a less than ideal future? Maddy jumped at the chance.
This was a great start to a new series as we follow Maddy trying to get away from a shit situation thanks to bad decisions by her parents. But the Rich have their own darkness hiding around corners and with new mysteries and old enemies you are left wondering why there is all this interest in her.
Hoping book two will start to unravel some of the mystery and develop the relationships you can see forming
What do you do if given the change at a top of the line education at royal academy and chance to get away from a less than ideal future? Maddy jumped at the chance.
This was a great start to a new series as we follow Maddy trying to get away from a shit situation thanks to bad decisions by her parents. But the Rich have their own darkness hiding around corners and with new mysteries and old enemies you are left wondering why there is all this interest in her.
Hoping book two will start to unravel some of the mystery and develop the relationships you can see forming
January 9, 2024
So Exciting!
Well now that I have had a taste I am hooked! Couldn’t stop reading this one, so much intrigue, and flash backs in history! Maddy is in so much trouble and getting accepted to The Royal Academy was her saving grace. With Drew coming for her because of her father and her mother taking all her money someone is helping her but who? And will River and Finn be able to help her through the mess which is her life?
Well now that I have had a taste I am hooked! Couldn’t stop reading this one, so much intrigue, and flash backs in history! Maddy is in so much trouble and getting accepted to The Royal Academy was her saving grace. With Drew coming for her because of her father and her mother taking all her money someone is helping her but who? And will River and Finn be able to help her through the mess which is her life?
October 20, 2024
Frustrated
The book is great, but a bit predictable. What is frustrating is that at the end of the book it shows book 2 available with a picture, bio and reviews, but when you try to order the book you get an error. If you search for the book, you get nothing. Now I remember why I stopped reading her books, because she doesn't finish her series
The book is great, but a bit predictable. What is frustrating is that at the end of the book it shows book 2 available with a picture, bio and reviews, but when you try to order the book you get an error. If you search for the book, you get nothing. Now I remember why I stopped reading her books, because she doesn't finish her series
November 4, 2024
intriguing
This book is fast paced, mysterious, dangerous and filled with twists and turns. You don’t get to know much about the characters but this keeps you on your toes and guessing what’s to come. I’m looking forward to see what’s coming next and learning more about these characters and the world they are part of.
🌟🌟🌟🌟
This book is fast paced, mysterious, dangerous and filled with twists and turns. You don’t get to know much about the characters but this keeps you on your toes and guessing what’s to come. I’m looking forward to see what’s coming next and learning more about these characters and the world they are part of.
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Read
December 12, 2024DNF around 30%. This started off strong and was dealing with some serious issues (triggers for substance abuse, domestic violence, sexual abuse, and more). However; once she gets to the school it was all just too high school for me and young adult. It was not reading college. I just could not keep pushing to get to the actual romances and to see what unfolded.
May 29, 2024
secret society
Good start to the series. There is a lot of mystery surrounding Maddy. The only thing I find frustrating so far is that Maddy keeps saying “oh is because I’m north side trash” which is valid but overdone I think. Looking forward to the next book
Good start to the series. There is a lot of mystery surrounding Maddy. The only thing I find frustrating so far is that Maddy keeps saying “oh is because I’m north side trash” which is valid but overdone I think. Looking forward to the next book
September 11, 2024
YA fav read this year
I was hooked from the first page of this book. The personalities of the characters to the mysteries behind the main heroine and the Academy. I can't wait to continue into book 2!
I was hooked from the first page of this book. The personalities of the characters to the mysteries behind the main heroine and the Academy. I can't wait to continue into book 2!
September 10, 2025
I really enjoyed this book but I probably won’t read the rest as it apparently just turns into MF
After the first book kinda setting up a reverse harem then just disregarding it for the second and third makes no sense.
After the first book kinda setting up a reverse harem then just disregarding it for the second and third makes no sense.
January 5, 2024
Kept me reading
Good story with enough angst and mystery to keep the pages turning. Enjoyed the characters with good banter at times. Next book is calling me.
Good story with enough angst and mystery to keep the pages turning. Enjoyed the characters with good banter at times. Next book is calling me.
November 2, 2024
Very enjoyable
I really enjoyed this book and loved the characters. I can't wait to see what happens next for her and what River will do to protect her from the Society.
I really enjoyed this book and loved the characters. I can't wait to see what happens next for her and what River will do to protect her from the Society.
August 3, 2024
Secret society/ college/ why choose
Trigger warning: abuse/ neglectful parenting/ alcohol abuse/ cheating (?)
Meh this was just ok. It’s apparently a why choose but the FMC has really only connected with one guy (that is technically engaged). The FMC seems like a badass and I found her to be an interesting character, however, I’m just not invested enough to continue the series
Trigger warning: abuse/ neglectful parenting/ alcohol abuse/ cheating (?)
Meh this was just ok. It’s apparently a why choose but the FMC has really only connected with one guy (that is technically engaged). The FMC seems like a badass and I found her to be an interesting character, however, I’m just not invested enough to continue the series
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews