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Crestmont University #1
Ruin Me
I'm the new girl on a scholarship at Crestmont University. I thought I had enough to deal with just keeping my grades up. But then I stumble into the orbit of The Crowned Syndicate, and suddenly, grades are the least of my worries.
They rule this place like a mafia, and I'm caught in their world now. It's dangerous, it's seductive, and it's a game where the stakes are life and death. They've got plans for me, tying me to them with promises I'm not sure we can keep.
But I'm playing too, because I've got secrets of my own. And I'll need every one of them to survive the year. Welcome to the world of The Crowned Syndicate. It might just ruin me.
This is a dark academia reverse harem with plenty of TWs. This takes place in an entirely fictional world set in the UK.
They rule this place like a mafia, and I'm caught in their world now. It's dangerous, it's seductive, and it's a game where the stakes are life and death. They've got plans for me, tying me to them with promises I'm not sure we can keep.
But I'm playing too, because I've got secrets of my own. And I'll need every one of them to survive the year. Welcome to the world of The Crowned Syndicate. It might just ruin me.
This is a dark academia reverse harem with plenty of TWs. This takes place in an entirely fictional world set in the UK.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2024
558 people are currently reading
490 people want to read
About the author
Eve Newton
227 books822 followersEve is a USA Today Bestselling Author with a specialty for steamy romance with strong female leads.
She lives in the UK, with her husband and five kids, so finding the time to write is short, but definitely sweet. Eve has a number of series, both completed and on the go and hopes to release some new and exciting projects, both paranormal and contemporary in the future, so stay tuned!
Facebook: http://facebook.com/groups/sinfullyde...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorEve
Eve also writes under the name S.E. Traynor
She lives in the UK, with her husband and five kids, so finding the time to write is short, but definitely sweet. Eve has a number of series, both completed and on the go and hopes to release some new and exciting projects, both paranormal and contemporary in the future, so stay tuned!
Facebook: http://facebook.com/groups/sinfullyde...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorEve
Eve also writes under the name S.E. Traynor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
February 18, 2025
DNF
Supposedly Vogue (heroine) is highly intelligent yet all we read is a serious case of TSTL. I've said this before and I will reiterate, when MCs go looking for trouble and are shocked by what they find, it annoys me.
There is a lot of telling in this story, I started skipping the wax of poetry going on with each POV. They literally talked to Vogue for 2 minutes, not even Insta-love stories are that quick.
The more I read the more I disconnected with the heroine. I didn't care for her characterisation at all.
May as well carry on my wee rant.... What intelligent person doesn't use a map to get get to where they need to be? What happened to utilizing resources?? For a character that is supposedly meticulous it doesn't make sense.
Just not for me.
Supposedly Vogue (heroine) is highly intelligent yet all we read is a serious case of TSTL. I've said this before and I will reiterate, when MCs go looking for trouble and are shocked by what they find, it annoys me.
There is a lot of telling in this story, I started skipping the wax of poetry going on with each POV. They literally talked to Vogue for 2 minutes, not even Insta-love stories are that quick.
The more I read the more I disconnected with the heroine. I didn't care for her characterisation at all.
May as well carry on my wee rant.... What intelligent person doesn't use a map to get get to where they need to be? What happened to utilizing resources?? For a character that is supposedly meticulous it doesn't make sense.
Just not for me.
June 1, 2024
This book was a struggle to get through. It’s very disjointed. Poorly written. The spicy scenes were not very good for a RH I was expecting more detail and more feeling. And the end is stupid. If her dad cared so much why would he “kidnap” her and leave the very people he put to protect her only to have to test them. That’s just nonsense.
July 7, 2024
DNF page 82
This has such amazing bones. Thats the only reason it gets 2 stars. This could be such an amazing book.
This was obviously written by a beginner author. Very cheesy and cringy. You’re telling me a group of ‘mafia alpha males” just come in and tell her right away what their personal issues are? And open up completely? No.
Just horribly written and I couldn’t do it
This has such amazing bones. Thats the only reason it gets 2 stars. This could be such an amazing book.
This was obviously written by a beginner author. Very cheesy and cringy. You’re telling me a group of ‘mafia alpha males” just come in and tell her right away what their personal issues are? And open up completely? No.
Just horribly written and I couldn’t do it
April 12, 2024
Vogue is the new girl at Cresmont University to study Business. She is very hard working but has struggled. Her whole world gets turned upside down when she meets The Crowned Syndicate and four hot guys - Callum, Thayer, Quentin & Harrison. They are the King’s of Cresmont University. So many secrets, twists and turns. This book 1 of the duet. Loved it ❤️
May 23, 2025
Ruin Me
This is an enjoyable read, and while I would have liked the MFC to fight against the enviable more, I really enjoy the characters.
This is an enjoyable read, and while I would have liked the MFC to fight against the enviable more, I really enjoy the characters.
December 10, 2025
annoying audiobook narrators. writing lacks and story has been done by others WAY BETTER than this.
April 23, 2024
Ruin Me
Started this book and then I couldn't stop. Vogue is one character that you will definitely be rooting for. Thrown into a world she has no idea about, but that doesn't stop her from making it hers. And the guys? Oh man sign me up
Started this book and then I couldn't stop. Vogue is one character that you will definitely be rooting for. Thrown into a world she has no idea about, but that doesn't stop her from making it hers. And the guys? Oh man sign me up
August 12, 2024
I love the idea of this book but to me it fell flat. The root of it started strong but felt rushed and pretty unbelievable. She didn’t grow up in the world but suddenly is making major power plays without the guys knowing? The instalove is too much for all of the characters to fall the way they did. Also, boarder line creepy scenes like Thayor saying “I hope she’s ready for it because that won’t stop me.” Talk about ew! I wanted to love it but it just wasn’t there. I will read book two but it may end up a DNF at the way this one was written.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2024
Perfection in book form. That’s all I can say. Ruin Me packs a sucker of a punch with a tantalising plotline and glorious gameplaying. Vogue thinks college is just another experience to tick off the list of life goals with the focus on getting by but when she stumbles upon The Crowned Syndicate, she realises that what matters is most is the secrets you keep, the people you trust and the ways you choose to survive in this terrifying, twisted yet delicious world.
Firstly, read the trigger warnings! This is a must. This is not for the faint-hearted but for me, this was perfection. Dark, delicious, tantalising and tempting, this book had everything I needed to keep my heart pounding, my hands gripping the edge of my seat and my brain absolutely wired to every word. This fictional world is one of danger yet it draws you in and immerses you so fully that a small part of you would genuinely wish it were real and you could experience it. To feel that adrenaline. To feel that fire. To experience something so tantalising. It was everything. So many twists and turns, it was unexpected, it was brilliant. It’s something we’ve come to know and love about Eve.
Vogue: badass, smartass, hardass. I love her. Unafraid to show her feelings, she reads people so well and is able to hold her own in any situation, regardless of anyone else that may be there to protect her. She was everything. I love how strong she was built despite showing vulnerability. I adored how real she was and how everyone could find a connection with her in how she was perceived. Those protectors of hers will haunt (I’m not mad about it!) my dreams for weeks to come. Beautifully brooding, powerful and protective, they each stood strong in their sense of self yet merged as a collective so beautifully. Also, the spice, the heat, the fire…it was unhinged and I loved every second of it.
This was a thrill ride from beginning to middle to end and I’m so glad I had the pleasure of that journey.
Firstly, read the trigger warnings! This is a must. This is not for the faint-hearted but for me, this was perfection. Dark, delicious, tantalising and tempting, this book had everything I needed to keep my heart pounding, my hands gripping the edge of my seat and my brain absolutely wired to every word. This fictional world is one of danger yet it draws you in and immerses you so fully that a small part of you would genuinely wish it were real and you could experience it. To feel that adrenaline. To feel that fire. To experience something so tantalising. It was everything. So many twists and turns, it was unexpected, it was brilliant. It’s something we’ve come to know and love about Eve.
Vogue: badass, smartass, hardass. I love her. Unafraid to show her feelings, she reads people so well and is able to hold her own in any situation, regardless of anyone else that may be there to protect her. She was everything. I love how strong she was built despite showing vulnerability. I adored how real she was and how everyone could find a connection with her in how she was perceived. Those protectors of hers will haunt (I’m not mad about it!) my dreams for weeks to come. Beautifully brooding, powerful and protective, they each stood strong in their sense of self yet merged as a collective so beautifully. Also, the spice, the heat, the fire…it was unhinged and I loved every second of it.
This was a thrill ride from beginning to middle to end and I’m so glad I had the pleasure of that journey.
April 15, 2024
Vogue just started at Crestmont University. She didn't have an easy, paved way to get there like most of the students. Nope, she had to study and work hard for what she has and she isn't going to let anyone get in her way of her dreams, or will she? Enter the four deliciously hot men that she keeps running into. Callum, Quentin, Thayer and Harrison have been watching Vogue and keeping her safe from their secrets. Unfortunately secrets are never kept silent, and Vogue's future takes a drastic shift when she realizes those four hot men, that she can't stay away from, are more than she initially thought, and her world is going to be a lot darker and deeper than what she ever imagined. You will not regret reading this first book in the two book series.
April 16, 2024
This was a non-stop read for me. Vogue is a FMC that you fall in love with as soon as the story starts. She has worked her behind off to get into Crestmont University, and she is not about to roll over and let anyone take what she has coming to her from her! She is not only book smart but street smart as well, which helps her out a lot! Especially with Callum, Quentin, Thayer, and Harrison. She is totally willing to take charge and take care of her business. I am so glad that the 2nd book is being released at the same time because I know I could not wait to read it.
I swear this book will keep you guessing and not wanting to put it down at all! Loved this duet! Eve Newton, really honestly did it yet again!
I swear this book will keep you guessing and not wanting to put it down at all! Loved this duet! Eve Newton, really honestly did it yet again!
April 11, 2024
Oh my word was this book an epic read!! Vogue (FMC) is one smart cookie both academically, with being street wise but she also has an innate way of seeing through what people lie about. Which serves her right when she is dropped into Crestmont University. A place so out of her comfort zone which she has to find her feet in as well as navigate herself within it. Add to those problems 4 hot guys - Callum, Quentin, Thayer and Harrison that seem to be keeping an eye on her as well as hold plenty of secrets. Some of which involve Vogue.
Mafia, Dangerous men, underhand people and Vogue & the guys stuck in the middle of it all. A flaming great way to kick off this duet. Loved It.
Mafia, Dangerous men, underhand people and Vogue & the guys stuck in the middle of it all. A flaming great way to kick off this duet. Loved It.
April 25, 2024
I've become a fan of RHC books only because of Eve. She's brilliant and the theme of the story is never lost. These two books flowed amazingly. I was thankful that they came at the same time. For me, I loved the FMC coming from a more relatable economic background as opposed to a silver spoon situation. That said, I had a great college experience, however, I never had 4 guys like that, sigh.
You'll have a hard time putting these books down. Suspense, cliffhangers, steamy play time, all I can really say is keep a good stock of batteries or invest in an electric "toy"
Bravo Eve Newton you've made me a believer.
You'll have a hard time putting these books down. Suspense, cliffhangers, steamy play time, all I can really say is keep a good stock of batteries or invest in an electric "toy"
Bravo Eve Newton you've made me a believer.
December 1, 2025
Even in the audiobbook, you can tell the writing is not it.
This story has so much potential but the phrases used and all the blabbering just made me stop listening. I had 2 hours left and I just zoned out.
I think if this would be fleshed out a bit more with better writing, it has the potential to be great.
Also, seeing I've listened to the audiobook, I HATE it when it's a duet nrration, and the female does the male voice and the male does the female voice.
You have a duet narration, so this should not be a thing whatsoever. The man should just do his part instead of the woman mimicking his voice and the other way around. It NEVER works well.
This story has so much potential but the phrases used and all the blabbering just made me stop listening. I had 2 hours left and I just zoned out.
I think if this would be fleshed out a bit more with better writing, it has the potential to be great.
Also, seeing I've listened to the audiobook, I HATE it when it's a duet nrration, and the female does the male voice and the male does the female voice.
You have a duet narration, so this should not be a thing whatsoever. The man should just do his part instead of the woman mimicking his voice and the other way around. It NEVER works well.
April 13, 2024
This is a Dark College-Based Mafia Why Choose Romance. Our FMC, Vogue, doesn't want anything to do with her father or his legacy. However, when it becomes apparent that she doesn't have a choice - Vogue steps beautifully into her destiny. I love a strong FMC who knows when it's time to take charge. She has four men who love her just as fiercely as they protect her. Twins Quentin and Callum along with Thayer and Harrison are the next generation of the mafia and they fully intend on seeing Vogue come out on top.
Read
April 23, 2024Oh I Like
I am doing this review different from the rest
the introduction to the story is easy to follow 1 girl 4 guys in collage with an interesting web of secrets Quentin is a bit of a bad guy but with a mind that is used which is refreshing he is not just muscles
Callum has a Stalker ocd vibe to him can't wait to see how his character develops
Thayer is high strung when it comes to Vogue but also I bit layed back a round his mates
Harrison is deffently the the reserved guy in the mix
I am doing this review different from the rest
the introduction to the story is easy to follow 1 girl 4 guys in collage with an interesting web of secrets Quentin is a bit of a bad guy but with a mind that is used which is refreshing he is not just muscles
Callum has a Stalker ocd vibe to him can't wait to see how his character develops
Thayer is high strung when it comes to Vogue but also I bit layed back a round his mates
Harrison is deffently the the reserved guy in the mix
April 10, 2024
This book was amazing with twists and turns in the plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat! Vogue is a smart calculating fmc thrusted into a life with many unknowns. By her side the hot twins Callum and Quentin , along side with Thayer and Harrison are truly the bad boys you want with loyalty that knows no bounds. Vogue is a queen the Crowned Syndicate deserves. This book will leave you raw with emotions and truly worth the read!
April 10, 2024
If you want your guys to remain the dangerous, dark and depraved guys you met - then look no further as these guys aren't gonna go soft on your emotions or the fmc - they are delicious, dark and downright dangerous and that's who they are gonna remain. No sprinkles and rainbows here, just delicious Mafia darkness
Vogue and her guys grabbed my soul and don't wanna let go. Delicious start to the duet - lucky it's released together so I can dive into what happens next!
Vogue and her guys grabbed my soul and don't wanna let go. Delicious start to the duet - lucky it's released together so I can dive into what happens next!
April 10, 2024
This was another amazing book by this author. Vogue is thrown into a mafia world that she knows nothing about, but she takes to it like a fish to water. Between her and her guys, they truly do make a formidable group that you can’t help but love. With enemies popping up all over the place, you never really know what’s going to happen next, but one thing you can count on is tons of action! I can’t wait to read what happens next!
April 13, 2024
For someone who didn't grow up in the mafia world Vogue sure knows how to handle herself. The connection she has with her 4 protectors from even the beginning is brilliant. I love the pace of the story and dont forget the spice 😏 This i book 1 in a duet and im ready to dive right into book 2 to watch the story unfold. This is a Dark, College, Mafia RH romance so please check your trigger warnings. Unless you're like me then dive right in and do therapy later 😉
April 13, 2024
I’m a sucker for a FMC who can roll with the punches, and rise to any challenge, Vogue is the embodiment of all that and more! Not only is she quick to own her role as a Mafia heir, but she wins the hearts of all her new men. They are meant to be her protectors, but they become so much more when she shows them what she’s made of. I can’t wait to see their relationships develop (and get even more intense)!
April 14, 2024
As if being a new girl with those struggles isn’t enough, when she meets the four men who change things.
Vogue is a strong woman who will role with the punches but isn’t afraid of taking charge either. As a mafia princess there are things she’s expected to do, things she is expected to accomplish.
This is book one of an amazingly delicious duet.
So sit down and enjoy this ride of wild and crazy, protective and above all else plot mixed with twist.
Vogue is a strong woman who will role with the punches but isn’t afraid of taking charge either. As a mafia princess there are things she’s expected to do, things she is expected to accomplish.
This is book one of an amazingly delicious duet.
So sit down and enjoy this ride of wild and crazy, protective and above all else plot mixed with twist.
April 24, 2024
Eve delivers another dark amazing book and I didn't want to put it down. I love the FMC she's protective of her guys and her guys are protective of her. I love the support that she receives from them, and that they have no problem being by her side. There's some action, twists and I'm so ready to see what happens next!
May 3, 2024
this was a good book i only had a few dislikes the fact that the main males characters did get much time with our MFC she is a mafia princess and her dad sends 4 hot guys to watch her and she gets taken by the black vipers. its good revers herm but not spicey or dark
revers herm
mafia romance
tuch her a die
revers herm
mafia romance
tuch her a die
May 28, 2024
big let down
The first book was so rushed, I really hoped #2 would have more story. Some of the content was ridiculous - not believable in any sense. Even the spicy sex scenes fell flat. I felt I needed to finish it but I didn’t want to. I usually and stuck in the book and can’t wait for the next chapter. It was just a let down.
The first book was so rushed, I really hoped #2 would have more story. Some of the content was ridiculous - not believable in any sense. Even the spicy sex scenes fell flat. I felt I needed to finish it but I didn’t want to. I usually and stuck in the book and can’t wait for the next chapter. It was just a let down.
July 31, 2024
I made it to page 43 and just had to DNF. I found this poorly written and I just could not related to the protagonist. She nearly gets raped by 4/5 guys and then doesn’t even seemed phased. She’s followed home by one of the guys and is intrigued by him????? Like what! In my opinion it all happened way too quickly with no justification. I’m sorry just not for me
April 12, 2024
100% couldn’t out this one down! This book had me in its grips until I ran out of pages. Vogue and the twins are 🥵 and honestly love the darkness of this story. The story is twisty, and so are the characters, in the best way! Highly recommend!
April 12, 2024
Absolutely loved this book!!! If you want dark mafia romance then this is it!!! Loved reading about Vogue and her guys. Storyline is so so good. Definitely a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. I loved it. No spoilers here. A must read highly recommended story!!!
April 15, 2024
Dark and delicious this is an amazing start to this duet featuring Vogue and her guys. Vogue is a KA FMC who I am definitely rooting for. Her guys are all protective and lovable. With the ease that Vogue fell into her role and with her guys I am so excited to see how it evolves.
April 30, 2024
Whew...this was a wild ride! Vogue and her mafia men are just fire! The writing zings along at a great pace and the character interactions build up to explode! Loved it!! Steamy, dark romance at it's best!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews