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Blackmore University #1
Cruel Intentions
I set out to destroy her. But now I’m not sure if I can let her go.
Kaye Pennington is the daughter of the woman who destroyed my family, and now it’s her turn to pay.
Ruthless. Cold. Calculated. That’s who I’ve had to become. She’s guilty by association, tainted by her mother’s sins, and I won’t stop until I’ve taken everything from her—her innocence, her freedom, her heart.
But the more I push, the more I realize there’s something about her that calls to me, something I can’t resist. She’s supposed to hate me. She should fear me. And yet, with every glance, every touch, she falls deeper into my grasp—and I fall right along with her.
Each book in the Blackmore University series can be read as a standalone novel. The Blackmore University trilogy is complete.
Note: Cruel Intentions is Xavier and Kaye's story.
Kaye Pennington is the daughter of the woman who destroyed my family, and now it’s her turn to pay.
Ruthless. Cold. Calculated. That’s who I’ve had to become. She’s guilty by association, tainted by her mother’s sins, and I won’t stop until I’ve taken everything from her—her innocence, her freedom, her heart.
But the more I push, the more I realize there’s something about her that calls to me, something I can’t resist. She’s supposed to hate me. She should fear me. And yet, with every glance, every touch, she falls deeper into my grasp—and I fall right along with her.
Each book in the Blackmore University series can be read as a standalone novel. The Blackmore University trilogy is complete.
Note: Cruel Intentions is Xavier and Kaye's story.
327 pages, ebook
Published October 24, 2023
1036 people are currently reading
6741 people want to read
About the author
Cora Kent
49 books1,027 followersCora 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 811 reviews
January 16, 2024
Dnf spoilers
Dnf at 54 percent. It just got too ridiculous. So you find out ur husband been trying to have sex with your daughter basically forcing her and you don’t know if you want a divorce!? Kayes mother is crap and the rest of the family is just as ridiculous and unbelievable. So your stepfather tries to force himself on you but you don’t want to break your mom’s marriage up because she loves him. Get of here with this crap.
Dnf at 54 percent. It just got too ridiculous. So you find out ur husband been trying to have sex with your daughter basically forcing her and you don’t know if you want a divorce!? Kayes mother is crap and the rest of the family is just as ridiculous and unbelievable. So your stepfather tries to force himself on you but you don’t want to break your mom’s marriage up because she loves him. Get of here with this crap.
July 30, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ Who doesn’t love a bully romance. While I did enjoy this book it felt like something was missing and the ending felt abrupt.
October 18, 2023
ARC copy generously provided by the author.
CHECK YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS PRIOR TO READING!!
Overall star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall spice rating: 🔥🔥🔥
I've been in a bit of a reading slump and this book got me out if it. I flew threw this in just two days, would have been faster if it wasn't for pesky work. Kaye and Xavier are step siblings and Xave is out for revenge for Kaye's mom breaking up his family by marrying his creepy dad. Xave is obsessed with his "little love" and Kaye has some very mixed feelings for him. I looked Xave's character growth the most and seeing how his need for revenge and destruction changes over time. This book is intense at times, but perfect for anyone that loves a dark/taboo romance with a college bully. Step siblings is just a bonus in my opinion!
I will say, I thought the ending was a bit abrupt. I would have loved to see a little more to their story in the end. Hoping there will be a sequel and we will get tid bits of them moving forward!
Troupes:
Step-siblings
Dark romance
Taboo romance
College bully
Obsessed MMC
Mild stalking
CHECK YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS PRIOR TO READING!!
Overall star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall spice rating: 🔥🔥🔥
I've been in a bit of a reading slump and this book got me out if it. I flew threw this in just two days, would have been faster if it wasn't for pesky work. Kaye and Xavier are step siblings and Xave is out for revenge for Kaye's mom breaking up his family by marrying his creepy dad. Xave is obsessed with his "little love" and Kaye has some very mixed feelings for him. I looked Xave's character growth the most and seeing how his need for revenge and destruction changes over time. This book is intense at times, but perfect for anyone that loves a dark/taboo romance with a college bully. Step siblings is just a bonus in my opinion!
I will say, I thought the ending was a bit abrupt. I would have loved to see a little more to their story in the end. Hoping there will be a sequel and we will get tid bits of them moving forward!
Troupes:
Step-siblings
Dark romance
Taboo romance
College bully
Obsessed MMC
Mild stalking
May 9, 2024
I wanted to love it; I did but overall it felt like something was missing. The story in general was great, the plot was good, developed and the spice didn’t take away from anything.
My issues lies in two parts
1: it’s rushed, at under 200 pages there was sooo much that happened that it was a hit hard to keep up with, were the ideas great? Yes, but they could have been expanded, spread out.
Which brings me to part 2: there was a lot of unnecessary details but then the things that needed more didn’t have it.
I don’t need to know the decor of the apartment I want more history and chats between characters.
Overall it wasn’t a terrible read, and maybe as I read the rest of the series it will all tie in.
Overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
My issues lies in two parts
1: it’s rushed, at under 200 pages there was sooo much that happened that it was a hit hard to keep up with, were the ideas great? Yes, but they could have been expanded, spread out.
Which brings me to part 2: there was a lot of unnecessary details but then the things that needed more didn’t have it.
I don’t need to know the decor of the apartment I want more history and chats between characters.
Overall it wasn’t a terrible read, and maybe as I read the rest of the series it will all tie in.
Overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
October 22, 2023
3 stars
The first chapter? Omg hooked 🎣✨
This book has everything. My favorite tropes and smutty smut. Ngl, I truly enjoyed the story arc, but I found some chapters to feel rushed. Also, one thing I didn't like is that they didn't act like their age. Kaye was naive, and Xave has no character development, which was disappointing. I would have given this book a 4-star rating if it weren't for the rushed ending.
The first chapter? Omg hooked 🎣✨
This book has everything. My favorite tropes and smutty smut. Ngl, I truly enjoyed the story arc, but I found some chapters to feel rushed. Also, one thing I didn't like is that they didn't act like their age. Kaye was naive, and Xave has no character development, which was disappointing. I would have given this book a 4-star rating if it weren't for the rushed ending.
February 5, 2024
the person who said that all men should start their lives in prison and earn their way out was right.
January 21, 2024
Stepbrother Xavier has been tauting, bullying Kaye since her mother married his father. Pretty much for the usual reason of misplaced resentment against the sweet and unprotected daughter of the money-grabbing new, young wife; revenge for his divorced mother; and his twisted, unacknowledged attraction. Of course, none of it is Kaye's fault. This story follows his twisted feelings turning into obsession and infatuation -- she can't date any other man -- and her betraying attraction.
Xavier is the sexy, star football player whose wealthy lawyer father is one of the main benefactors to the university. So, yeah, Xavier has power. Kaye is the sweet daughter caught up in the mix. There are some fun side characters including her best friend, Christine, and surprise character, Jackson. Besides the couples growing romance, I loved Malcolm, Xavier's predatory father as well as his mother, Victoria. I would love to read an antihero story featuring these two former married partners, especially with Victoria's mafia connections. Yup, I suspect their marriage, his unfaithfulness and unscrupulous business dealings would come closer to the darkness and inventiveness I would look for in a story. Could work as a redemption story, too, minus groveling. Xavier and Kaye were great, but theirs were one of the many such stories I've read before. What distinguished them more were the events and histories of the side characters: Malcolm, Victoria, Jackson, and upcoming Niccolo.
Hot attraction but not especially spicy. (2/5 chilis) Some nice dirty talk and somnophilia, though the latter was missed opportunity for added spice. Perhaps because of the twist the author wished to surprise readers with, which wasn't really a surprise given the hints and foreshadowing throughout the book. A bit of dub ious consent would have really enriched the depth of the story, realism of the resentment, and lended some darkness that it didn't really have.
Still, overall, there was a lot to like. Absolutely loved all the characters, good and not so good (especially the not so good ones), the friendships, the enmity. The creativity around the side stories, besides being a bully, step-sibling romance. The relationship Xavier had with his mother, Victoria and father, Malcolm; his often protective ties to them; their vices.
There was a small grovel, for those who like it. Just little enough that it worked and that I wasn't turned off. (I hate groveling generally.) In fact, the story was rather romantic in the end.
Progressive in first person, dual points of view. Breeding kink and somno. Enjoyable read. Only didn't reach the level of darkness, spice or complexity of plot it could have been.
Story 4/5
Spice 2/5
Xavier is the sexy, star football player whose wealthy lawyer father is one of the main benefactors to the university. So, yeah, Xavier has power. Kaye is the sweet daughter caught up in the mix. There are some fun side characters including her best friend, Christine, and surprise character, Jackson. Besides the couples growing romance, I loved Malcolm, Xavier's predatory father as well as his mother, Victoria. I would love to read an antihero story featuring these two former married partners, especially with Victoria's mafia connections. Yup, I suspect their marriage, his unfaithfulness and unscrupulous business dealings would come closer to the darkness and inventiveness I would look for in a story. Could work as a redemption story, too, minus groveling. Xavier and Kaye were great, but theirs were one of the many such stories I've read before. What distinguished them more were the events and histories of the side characters: Malcolm, Victoria, Jackson, and upcoming Niccolo.
Hot attraction but not especially spicy. (2/5 chilis) Some nice dirty talk and somnophilia, though the latter was missed opportunity for added spice. Perhaps because of the twist the author wished to surprise readers with, which wasn't really a surprise given the hints and foreshadowing throughout the book. A bit of dub ious consent would have really enriched the depth of the story, realism of the resentment, and lended some darkness that it didn't really have.
Still, overall, there was a lot to like. Absolutely loved all the characters, good and not so good (especially the not so good ones), the friendships, the enmity. The creativity around the side stories, besides being a bully, step-sibling romance. The relationship Xavier had with his mother, Victoria and father, Malcolm; his often protective ties to them; their vices.
There was a small grovel, for those who like it. Just little enough that it worked and that I wasn't turned off. (I hate groveling generally.) In fact, the story was rather romantic in the end.
Progressive in first person, dual points of view. Breeding kink and somno. Enjoyable read. Only didn't reach the level of darkness, spice or complexity of plot it could have been.
Story 4/5
Spice 2/5
October 24, 2023
I was given an arc of this book via booksprout and this is my honest review.
So a dark twisty taboo stalker romance sounded right up my alley, but unfortunately I just didn’t gel with this book.
I found it fairly light on the darkness scale and the end leant towards a teen romance hea for me.
It was a quick, easy read and has lots to gorge on if you enjoy teen stalker, step brother romance with some extra taboo side events!
For me the areas I struggled with were the character development, some of the dialogue was a bit cheesey and it felt a little too cliched at times, I had quite a few ‘oh come on’ and eye roll moments.
I just didn’t click with any of the characters or get behind them unfortunately as I felt I only knew them superficially and couldn’t get behind their decision making.
I think where it’s strengths lay were in the dynamics between Kaye and Xavier and I would have perhaps preferred their storyline to have been stronger with a larger build with the stalker parts a focus and more body betrayal and tension added over the other sort of side plots and ending sweet hea build up.
So a dark twisty taboo stalker romance sounded right up my alley, but unfortunately I just didn’t gel with this book.
I found it fairly light on the darkness scale and the end leant towards a teen romance hea for me.
It was a quick, easy read and has lots to gorge on if you enjoy teen stalker, step brother romance with some extra taboo side events!
For me the areas I struggled with were the character development, some of the dialogue was a bit cheesey and it felt a little too cliched at times, I had quite a few ‘oh come on’ and eye roll moments.
I just didn’t click with any of the characters or get behind them unfortunately as I felt I only knew them superficially and couldn’t get behind their decision making.
I think where it’s strengths lay were in the dynamics between Kaye and Xavier and I would have perhaps preferred their storyline to have been stronger with a larger build with the stalker parts a focus and more body betrayal and tension added over the other sort of side plots and ending sweet hea build up.
October 23, 2023
What a great debut novel by this author!!
I read the prequel to get a feel for what I was going in to and knew this was gonna be right up my alley. Who wouldn’t want to read a bully obsessed stepbrother romance 🤷
Xavier was a man obsessed and poor innocent Kaye was the object of his twisted affection. Bring in her mom who’s who has made a lot of bad boyfriend choices and Xavier sicko dad/Kaye’s stepdad and we had the makings of an entertaining tale.
The writing started off a bit stiff but Cora quickly found her groove and I really liked this book. I will definitely be reading the other books in this series.
Congrats Cora and great work 🎉.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I read the prequel to get a feel for what I was going in to and knew this was gonna be right up my alley. Who wouldn’t want to read a bully obsessed stepbrother romance 🤷
Xavier was a man obsessed and poor innocent Kaye was the object of his twisted affection. Bring in her mom who’s who has made a lot of bad boyfriend choices and Xavier sicko dad/Kaye’s stepdad and we had the makings of an entertaining tale.
The writing started off a bit stiff but Cora quickly found her groove and I really liked this book. I will definitely be reading the other books in this series.
Congrats Cora and great work 🎉.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 4, 2024
3.6⭐️
Since her mother married his father, Kaye has been tormented and bullied by her stepbrother, Xavier. His actions stem from a mix of misplaced resentment towards the gentle and vulnerable daughter of his father's new, young wife, revenge on behalf of his divorced mother, and a twisted, unrecognized attraction to Kaye. The story follows Xavier's twisted feelings evolving into an obsession and infatuation, while Kaye grapples with her own conflicted attraction towards him.
Safety
Bully romance
Step siblings
Virgin h
OM drama
HEA
Trigger Warning: Sexual harassment, cheating, violence
Since her mother married his father, Kaye has been tormented and bullied by her stepbrother, Xavier. His actions stem from a mix of misplaced resentment towards the gentle and vulnerable daughter of his father's new, young wife, revenge on behalf of his divorced mother, and a twisted, unrecognized attraction to Kaye. The story follows Xavier's twisted feelings evolving into an obsession and infatuation, while Kaye grapples with her own conflicted attraction towards him.
Safety
Bully romance
Step siblings
Virgin h
OM drama
HEA
Trigger Warning: Sexual harassment, cheating, violence
February 7, 2024
**PLEASE CHECK YOUR TW BEFORE YOU READ!!**
WOW!! I was hooked on this book from the first chapter when it just dives right in. I really love the bully trope because the MMC is usually so unhinged.. and that’s okay in a book 😝 from when Xavier first saw Kaye and concocted his revenge plan to steal her innocence I knew the book was gonna be good. His possessiveness was a major red flag 🚩 but we love those in books right? 😉 Can I just say the maze scene was 🥵🥵
Then came the twists back to back. Starting with his dad. I was on the edge of my seat every time Kaye and Malcolm had an interaction. I was praying nothing would happen and I’m so glad Xavier stepped in and knocked his dad down a few pegs.
Moving on to Christine and Kaye’s friendship. I loved it. I love how they always had each others backs no matter what and they would always do anything for each other. Towards the end when Kaye finds out she’s pregnant, Christine is by her side through everything. I just love that. Especially growing up the way Kaye did having a good friend like Christine is always good.
I really liked the growth that comes from Xavier in seeing how he was wrong for taking his revenge out on Kaye when it was for his dad all along. We love a man who realizes he was wrong. And how crazy obsessed he is with Kaye and the baby is so cute!!! 🥰 This book was really good and I will for sure be reading more books by this author
I honestly can’t wait for Christine and Niccolo’s story!! Sounds super hot and I’m here for it!!!
What To Expect:
🖤 MF Romance
❤️ Dark!!
🖤 Stepsiblings
❤️ Bully/Revenge
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
❤️ Obsessed MMC
Rating ⭐️ 5/5
Spice 🌶️ 3/5 (could’ve used more spicy scenes)
***I received a copy of this book as an arc for an honest review of my thoughts***
WOW!! I was hooked on this book from the first chapter when it just dives right in. I really love the bully trope because the MMC is usually so unhinged.. and that’s okay in a book 😝 from when Xavier first saw Kaye and concocted his revenge plan to steal her innocence I knew the book was gonna be good. His possessiveness was a major red flag 🚩 but we love those in books right? 😉 Can I just say the maze scene was 🥵🥵
Then came the twists back to back. Starting with his dad. I was on the edge of my seat every time Kaye and Malcolm had an interaction. I was praying nothing would happen and I’m so glad Xavier stepped in and knocked his dad down a few pegs.
Moving on to Christine and Kaye’s friendship. I loved it. I love how they always had each others backs no matter what and they would always do anything for each other. Towards the end when Kaye finds out she’s pregnant, Christine is by her side through everything. I just love that. Especially growing up the way Kaye did having a good friend like Christine is always good.
I really liked the growth that comes from Xavier in seeing how he was wrong for taking his revenge out on Kaye when it was for his dad all along. We love a man who realizes he was wrong. And how crazy obsessed he is with Kaye and the baby is so cute!!! 🥰 This book was really good and I will for sure be reading more books by this author
I honestly can’t wait for Christine and Niccolo’s story!! Sounds super hot and I’m here for it!!!
What To Expect:
🖤 MF Romance
❤️ Dark!!
🖤 Stepsiblings
❤️ Bully/Revenge
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
❤️ Obsessed MMC
Rating ⭐️ 5/5
Spice 🌶️ 3/5 (could’ve used more spicy scenes)
***I received a copy of this book as an arc for an honest review of my thoughts***
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2023
The clock is ticking, little love. Start running.
🌟 Star Rating - 5/5
🔥 Spice Rating - 4/5
What To Expect:
🖤 MF Romance
❤️ Dark!!
🖤 Stepsiblings
❤️ Bully/Revenge
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
❤️ Obsessed MMC
When I see him outside the window, I should have known that he would come in. He always comes in
𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘
When I saw the trope list for this book, I knew it was going to be one I was going to love, and that it was! I read Cruel Beginnings because I couldn't wait for this one, and because it introduced me to the characters and their backstory, and I was craving this one straight after reading that one. From the very first chapter, I was hooked and I was drawn into the story completely. The characters were so compatible but so hateful to one another, the tension was divine! There were twists to keep me on my toes the entire time and I never knew what direction it was going to take. Overall this was an absolute stunner of a dark romance and I can't believe it is the authors debut novel, it was so well written!
🌟 Star Rating - 5/5
🔥 Spice Rating - 4/5
What To Expect:
🖤 MF Romance
❤️ Dark!!
🖤 Stepsiblings
❤️ Bully/Revenge
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
❤️ Obsessed MMC
When I see him outside the window, I should have known that he would come in. He always comes in
𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘
When I saw the trope list for this book, I knew it was going to be one I was going to love, and that it was! I read Cruel Beginnings because I couldn't wait for this one, and because it introduced me to the characters and their backstory, and I was craving this one straight after reading that one. From the very first chapter, I was hooked and I was drawn into the story completely. The characters were so compatible but so hateful to one another, the tension was divine! There were twists to keep me on my toes the entire time and I never knew what direction it was going to take. Overall this was an absolute stunner of a dark romance and I can't believe it is the authors debut novel, it was so well written!
October 16, 2023
ARC review. Check the trigger warnings before reading.
This book was spicy with a bit of sweet rolled in. Cruel Intentions is Cora Kent’s debut novel and she did not disappoint! There won’t be spoilers in this review but wow, the creepy stepdad, the hot stepbrother AND a college bully romance? Whew! Both the main characters come with past trauma surrounding their parent’s relationships which plays heavily into their own love lives. This book kept me on the edge of my seat until the last page. There were quite a few surprises I didn’t see coming but I loved how the full story line came together and all questions were answered by the end of the book. The ending was amazing and left me wanting more of the story!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥🔥 🔥
This book was spicy with a bit of sweet rolled in. Cruel Intentions is Cora Kent’s debut novel and she did not disappoint! There won’t be spoilers in this review but wow, the creepy stepdad, the hot stepbrother AND a college bully romance? Whew! Both the main characters come with past trauma surrounding their parent’s relationships which plays heavily into their own love lives. This book kept me on the edge of my seat until the last page. There were quite a few surprises I didn’t see coming but I loved how the full story line came together and all questions were answered by the end of the book. The ending was amazing and left me wanting more of the story!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥🔥 🔥
October 29, 2023
I was so excited to receive this book as a ARC and it was absolutely not what I was expecting. The maze scene? SO hot. Xavier is so HOT. I am obsessed with him. Why are the bullies always the best in books? but his character growth is also really hot😭
If you want to read a spicy taboo dark romance with a little bit ;) of bullying and stalking you should check out Cruel intentions!
If you want to read a spicy taboo dark romance with a little bit ;) of bullying and stalking you should check out Cruel intentions!
May 8, 2024
When her innocence has been plucked like a flower…
When she’s been made to pay for her sins…
When she stands before me a broken reed…
Her mother’s debt will be repaid.
Until then… she’s mine.
And I do whatever I want with my property.
This was a quick read. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Xavier and Kaye, and that he deeply protects her from his father.
This book brought out a great range of emotions, and kept me captivated right throughout.
Tropes:
- Enemies to lovers
- Step-siblings
- Dark romance
- Taboo romance
- College bully
- Obsessed MMC
- Mild stalking
When she’s been made to pay for her sins…
When she stands before me a broken reed…
Her mother’s debt will be repaid.
Until then… she’s mine.
And I do whatever I want with my property.
This was a quick read. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Xavier and Kaye, and that he deeply protects her from his father.
This book brought out a great range of emotions, and kept me captivated right throughout.
Tropes:
- Enemies to lovers
- Step-siblings
- Dark romance
- Taboo romance
- College bully
- Obsessed MMC
- Mild stalking
September 2, 2024
Well, crap. I wasn’t expecting to like a dark romance this much. Is this my vibe? I’m so confused. But also obsessed. Thanks, Cora Kent. Now I need more.
September 2, 2025
Very intriguing. Kept me hooked the entire time. The writing was easy to read and the spice was great ?.
Read ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review!
Read ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review!
May 1, 2024
ARC review
A quick darkish read that features college bullying, forbidden romance, step-siblings, with a HEA.
I flew through this book rather quickly. I enjoyed the dynamic and forbidden part of the MC's relationship
Some of it felt a little rushed, but overall, it was enjoyable
A quick darkish read that features college bullying, forbidden romance, step-siblings, with a HEA.
I flew through this book rather quickly. I enjoyed the dynamic and forbidden part of the MC's relationship
Some of it felt a little rushed, but overall, it was enjoyable
October 10, 2023
✨Arc Review✨
Now this book was interesting and I must say my interest was piqued from the very first chapter…
This book follows Xavier and Kaye, and before I get into it all yes they are STEP-SIBLINGS so this book does have that taboo element (Xavier’s father is married to Kaye’s mother).
Xavier wants to use Kaye to get back at his father for leaving his mother but what starts out as revenge quickly turns into obsession and let me say nothing can stop a man obsessed.
This book is fast paced and steamy, and quite a page turner with a few twists and turns along the way.👀 I enjoyed how Cora also set up her next book that will be coming out next year, and I look forward to reading that also👏🏼
Tropes:
- Taboo/Step-siblings
- Stalker Romance
- Obsessive MMC
- Slight Bully Romance
I am grateful to have been provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts. Congratulations to Cora on the debut novel🫶🏼
Now this book was interesting and I must say my interest was piqued from the very first chapter…
This book follows Xavier and Kaye, and before I get into it all yes they are STEP-SIBLINGS so this book does have that taboo element (Xavier’s father is married to Kaye’s mother).
Xavier wants to use Kaye to get back at his father for leaving his mother but what starts out as revenge quickly turns into obsession and let me say nothing can stop a man obsessed.
This book is fast paced and steamy, and quite a page turner with a few twists and turns along the way.👀 I enjoyed how Cora also set up her next book that will be coming out next year, and I look forward to reading that also👏🏼
Tropes:
- Taboo/Step-siblings
- Stalker Romance
- Obsessive MMC
- Slight Bully Romance
I am grateful to have been provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts. Congratulations to Cora on the debut novel🫶🏼
October 14, 2023
✨️ARC Review✨️
Don't forget to check the trigger warnings before reading!
I didn't really enjoy the book. I felt that more back story on Xave was needed it seemed all about his obsession with Kaye and not alot of anything else.
I felt that Kaye was very naive. Although I do think that might be intended.
I enjoy CNC or DUB-CON but this was straight up NON-CON, if I'm being technical he was r@ping her in her sleep.
I would have liked to see more of Xaves redemption for Kaye I feel that would have made Kaye's forgiveness easier to understand as a reader.
The first chapter had me absolutely hooked descriptive and perfect mood/tone for a great book. Other chapters did feel rushed.
Over all I give this book 3 stars and I would be interested in reading other books by this author. I am grateful to be given the opportunity to read this ARC.
I received a free copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Don't forget to check the trigger warnings before reading!
I didn't really enjoy the book. I felt that more back story on Xave was needed it seemed all about his obsession with Kaye and not alot of anything else.
I felt that Kaye was very naive. Although I do think that might be intended.
I enjoy CNC or DUB-CON but this was straight up NON-CON, if I'm being technical he was r@ping her in her sleep.
I would have liked to see more of Xaves redemption for Kaye I feel that would have made Kaye's forgiveness easier to understand as a reader.
The first chapter had me absolutely hooked descriptive and perfect mood/tone for a great book. Other chapters did feel rushed.
Over all I give this book 3 stars and I would be interested in reading other books by this author. I am grateful to be given the opportunity to read this ARC.
I received a free copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 22, 2024
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
This was actually my least favorite of all the books, and I read it last, thankfully.
I usually love dark romances but when it comes to the taboo versions of some situations, I get a bit nervous. This was one of them. Out of all the books, this took me the longest to read. It's not that it was bad, but compared to it's predecessors, Xavier and Kaye just weren't doing it for me.
It also gave me a bit of like A Haunting Adeline vibe but not in a good way. At the end, when the book started to pick up, that's when I kind of got a little bit more into it. However, when the pregnancy happened, I was a bit apprehensive because we kind of skipped over the fact that what Xavier did wasn't really okay.
However, I pushed through. I honestly thought I was gonna DNF it, but because I like the other books I gave it a chance. The writing style was great none the less, it's just this story wasn't for me.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was actually my least favorite of all the books, and I read it last, thankfully.
I usually love dark romances but when it comes to the taboo versions of some situations, I get a bit nervous. This was one of them. Out of all the books, this took me the longest to read. It's not that it was bad, but compared to it's predecessors, Xavier and Kaye just weren't doing it for me.
It also gave me a bit of like A Haunting Adeline vibe but not in a good way. At the end, when the book started to pick up, that's when I kind of got a little bit more into it. However, when the pregnancy happened, I was a bit apprehensive because we kind of skipped over the fact that what Xavier did wasn't really okay.
However, I pushed through. I honestly thought I was gonna DNF it, but because I like the other books I gave it a chance. The writing style was great none the less, it's just this story wasn't for me.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2023
I think the intention was there (hah, get it?), but I didn't like this book very much. The plot line was kind of all over the place. It's like they were trying to have all these pieces fit together but they didn't in the end. I think it would have been better if they ended up making it into a duet. Then they can flesh out one part of the story in this book and then another part of the story in another book. It just felt rushed and scattered. I enjoyed Xavier's character a lot. There were dark and light parts of his character which I always enjoy, but Kaye's character wasn't built well, if at all. I enjoy the book a lot more when both characters have well built stories behind them.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 23, 2023
✨ ARC Review ✨
Check your trigger warnings ⚠️
This book follows the story of Kaye and Xavier who are step-siblings (Xavier’s father is married to Kaye’s mother). Xavier is obsessed with Kaye and has been since her first saw her. What started off as a revenge plot swiftly turned into something much more.
Jumping in right away we see how their dynamic works or well at least kind of works. I love the story behind Kaye and Xavier and how especially Xavier evolved throughout the book. This book was definitely a fast paced, steamy, page turner. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book!
Tropes:
- Taboo (step-siblings)
- Bully / Stalker Romance
- Obsessive MMC
Check your trigger warnings ⚠️
This book follows the story of Kaye and Xavier who are step-siblings (Xavier’s father is married to Kaye’s mother). Xavier is obsessed with Kaye and has been since her first saw her. What started off as a revenge plot swiftly turned into something much more.
Jumping in right away we see how their dynamic works or well at least kind of works. I love the story behind Kaye and Xavier and how especially Xavier evolved throughout the book. This book was definitely a fast paced, steamy, page turner. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book!
Tropes:
- Taboo (step-siblings)
- Bully / Stalker Romance
- Obsessive MMC
May 12, 2024
After reading the ARC for Sweet Revenge the author provided me with a free copy of this book and I must say that I loved reading Kaye & Xavier their story. 😍
Also, I hate Malcolm even more now...
I really want to know how their story will go on but I guess I'll be seeing this in Nik & Christ their story.
Love this series so far.
Really easy to read, fast-paced, but I would love to have read more of them so hope to read this in the next book.
Also, I hate Malcolm even more now...
I really want to know how their story will go on but I guess I'll be seeing this in Nik & Christ their story.
Love this series so far.
Really easy to read, fast-paced, but I would love to have read more of them so hope to read this in the next book.
May 13, 2024
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is my first time reading a stepbrother/stepsister romance and it did not disappoint.The maize and cemetery scenes did not disappoint.
I understand where Xavier is coming from with his ill feelings towards the Penningtons but he only targets Kaye.
Kaye being the innocent child she is, never understood why her stepbrother could draw out her reactions to his touch. She was conflicted and utterly terrified of them and him. As the year progressed, she began to stand up to him and he became more and more obsessed.
He even snuck into her room for weeks when she slept just to watch her and do other things.
The only part of this book that needs improvement is the character development and the pace. It seemed a little rushed and Xavier and Kaye had barely any development.
Otherwise, this book was a quick read and a 4/5 stars. Thank you Cora Kent for allowing me a chance to read this ARC book!!
This is my first time reading a stepbrother/stepsister romance and it did not disappoint.The maize and cemetery scenes did not disappoint.
I understand where Xavier is coming from with his ill feelings towards the Penningtons but he only targets Kaye.
Kaye being the innocent child she is, never understood why her stepbrother could draw out her reactions to his touch. She was conflicted and utterly terrified of them and him. As the year progressed, she began to stand up to him and he became more and more obsessed.
He even snuck into her room for weeks when she slept just to watch her and do other things.
The only part of this book that needs improvement is the character development and the pace. It seemed a little rushed and Xavier and Kaye had barely any development.
Otherwise, this book was a quick read and a 4/5 stars. Thank you Cora Kent for allowing me a chance to read this ARC book!!
May 10, 2024
ARC copy generously provided by author!
Okay- I wasn’t sure how I felt about the step brother sister situation but let me say, I’m NOT MAD!! 4 stars because at one point the plot jumped so far I had to make sure my kindle didn’t skip ahead! Overall so good, loved the spice 🔥 🔥 , and my possessive Xave! I adore when a girl can turn a bad man soft 😎 excited to get back to university again!
Okay- I wasn’t sure how I felt about the step brother sister situation but let me say, I’m NOT MAD!! 4 stars because at one point the plot jumped so far I had to make sure my kindle didn’t skip ahead! Overall so good, loved the spice 🔥 🔥 , and my possessive Xave! I adore when a girl can turn a bad man soft 😎 excited to get back to university again!
April 26, 2024
ARC copy given by author.
This a dark bully romance so please check your trigger warnings ⚠️
This is an enemies to lovers, forbidden love, dual Pov, touch her and d*e, step brother/step sister, and breeding.
Kaye Pennington and Xavier McCade have been step siblings for three years. When Kaye leaves to go to college at Blackmore University, the same university that the McCade`s have all attended. Xavier wants revenge because his creepy dad broke up his family to marry Carrie( Kaye's mother) so he takes it all out on Kaye. He soon finds out that maybe it's not revenge keeping him going, but his love for her.
Overall I give it a 4.5/5 ⭐️
Spicy is 5/5 🌶
This a dark bully romance so please check your trigger warnings ⚠️
This is an enemies to lovers, forbidden love, dual Pov, touch her and d*e, step brother/step sister, and breeding.
Kaye Pennington and Xavier McCade have been step siblings for three years. When Kaye leaves to go to college at Blackmore University, the same university that the McCade`s have all attended. Xavier wants revenge because his creepy dad broke up his family to marry Carrie( Kaye's mother) so he takes it all out on Kaye. He soon finds out that maybe it's not revenge keeping him going, but his love for her.
Overall I give it a 4.5/5 ⭐️
Spicy is 5/5 🌶
May 12, 2024
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spicy : 🌶️🌶️🌶️
You definitely need to read the disclaimer before starting the book.
I got an ARC copy provided by the author.
Kaye is Xavier’s stepsister, he wants nothing but get revenge on her for her mom, who had broke his family by marrying his millionaire dad, what brings his mom to a depression. Or that so he thinks, along the events, Xavier grows and changes his mind about his loyalty and who he is.
It was a little too much at some parts, mostly because the traumas and stuff that the characters are envolved, that’s why it’s so important to pay attention to the trigger warnings.
Spicy : 🌶️🌶️🌶️
You definitely need to read the disclaimer before starting the book.
I got an ARC copy provided by the author.
Kaye is Xavier’s stepsister, he wants nothing but get revenge on her for her mom, who had broke his family by marrying his millionaire dad, what brings his mom to a depression. Or that so he thinks, along the events, Xavier grows and changes his mind about his loyalty and who he is.
It was a little too much at some parts, mostly because the traumas and stuff that the characters are envolved, that’s why it’s so important to pay attention to the trigger warnings.
October 19, 2023
ARC Review.
I devoured this book in an evening. It is taboo, dark, and delicious! The maze scene was *chef's kiss* iykyk!
This is advertised as a taboo dark romance, and potential readers should view trigger warnings before diving in. It was a 5-star read for me up until the last 12-15% of the book (I'll tell you why I dropped a star in the spoiler section, below).
Brief summary:
Cora and Xavier become step-siblings when Cora is around 15. Xavier blames Cora's mother for breaking up his parents' happy (from his pov) marriage. In order to exact his revenge on Cora's homewrecking mother, he becomes obsessed with terrorizing her and vows to take her virginity (whether she's willing or by force) when she turns 18. Read the trigger warnings for an idea of what happens.
**spoilers ahead**
The last part of the book felt rushed to me. I understand Cora's feelings and reasoning behind forgiving Xavier, but I think he could have worked harder for her forgiveness. Also, his personality completely changed. I get that he was being given a redemption arc, but the story went from him threatening her with knives, primal play/dubcon, noncon somnophilia, him threatening to unalive people for her, to him basically becoming a cinnamon roll all within a span of 5ish months? I wished the author would have let him keep some of his morally grey qualities up through the ending.
Another thing that left me dumbfounded: there's no way Xavier's father would have just given up and lost interest after everything that happened. You're telling me he just walked away from Cora and the whole situation? He just let his wife leave him with zero consequences? That's not believable for the character we were presented with.
I really, really hope we get a book with Christine and Niccoli next. I need their story!
I devoured this book in an evening. It is taboo, dark, and delicious! The maze scene was *chef's kiss* iykyk!
This is advertised as a taboo dark romance, and potential readers should view trigger warnings before diving in. It was a 5-star read for me up until the last 12-15% of the book (I'll tell you why I dropped a star in the spoiler section, below).
Brief summary:
Cora and Xavier become step-siblings when Cora is around 15. Xavier blames Cora's mother for breaking up his parents' happy (from his pov) marriage. In order to exact his revenge on Cora's homewrecking mother, he becomes obsessed with terrorizing her and vows to take her virginity (whether she's willing or by force) when she turns 18. Read the trigger warnings for an idea of what happens.
**spoilers ahead**
The last part of the book felt rushed to me. I understand Cora's feelings and reasoning behind forgiving Xavier, but I think he could have worked harder for her forgiveness. Also, his personality completely changed. I get that he was being given a redemption arc, but the story went from him threatening her with knives, primal play/dubcon, noncon somnophilia, him threatening to unalive people for her, to him basically becoming a cinnamon roll all within a span of 5ish months? I wished the author would have let him keep some of his morally grey qualities up through the ending.
Another thing that left me dumbfounded: there's no way Xavier's father would have just given up and lost interest after everything that happened. You're telling me he just walked away from Cora and the whole situation? He just let his wife leave him with zero consequences? That's not believable for the character we were presented with.
I really, really hope we get a book with Christine and Niccoli next. I need their story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2023
ARC 😈
🖤Always check trigger warnings before reading🖤
I loved that the book starts right off the bat. Xave is obsessed from day 1 with Kaye. He’s possessive, obsessed, and HOT. Visually speaking I would give the spice a 3.5 out of 5, but if you’re like me and go feral over possessive & protecting dialogue and scenes then I’d give it a 5 out of 5. The dual POV helped piece everyone’s thoughts and emotions together. I wasn’t bored at any point while reading. I loved seeing the growth out of the characters. The moms, Xavier, Kaye. I also ADORED Christine. It’s nice to see a sisterhood type of friendship in dark romance books. Her character is so important to me because she is the perfect blueprint for a best friend and she’s HILARIOUS(can’t wait to read her book👀). Not that Kaye and Xave don’t have their funny moments, but Christine brings a little lighthearted, comedic feeling, to the dark romance in the book.
“Who touched you little love? Tell me who I have to hurt.” PLEASE, HOMEBOY WOULDVE HAD ME FOLDED INSTANTLY. And he certainly has a way with words 🤤
I promise you will not regret picking up this book. I loved Kaye and Xavier’s story and I think you will too. Also cannot wait to read the rest of the books in the series.
🖤Always check trigger warnings before reading🖤
I loved that the book starts right off the bat. Xave is obsessed from day 1 with Kaye. He’s possessive, obsessed, and HOT. Visually speaking I would give the spice a 3.5 out of 5, but if you’re like me and go feral over possessive & protecting dialogue and scenes then I’d give it a 5 out of 5. The dual POV helped piece everyone’s thoughts and emotions together. I wasn’t bored at any point while reading. I loved seeing the growth out of the characters. The moms, Xavier, Kaye. I also ADORED Christine. It’s nice to see a sisterhood type of friendship in dark romance books. Her character is so important to me because she is the perfect blueprint for a best friend and she’s HILARIOUS(can’t wait to read her book👀). Not that Kaye and Xave don’t have their funny moments, but Christine brings a little lighthearted, comedic feeling, to the dark romance in the book.
“Who touched you little love? Tell me who I have to hurt.” PLEASE, HOMEBOY WOULDVE HAD ME FOLDED INSTANTLY. And he certainly has a way with words 🤤
I promise you will not regret picking up this book. I loved Kaye and Xavier’s story and I think you will too. Also cannot wait to read the rest of the books in the series.
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