Sweet Revenge

Blackmore University #3

by Cora Kent

I set out to ruin her life. But she might just ruin me instead.

For 25 years, I’ve lived with one goal—destroy my father. He ruined my life, branded me a b*stard, and left me in the shadows. Now it’s my turn to make him pay.

His new wife, Carrie, is the key to his downfall. She’s supposed to be nothing more than a pawn in my game of revenge, collateral damage in a war that’s been waging for decades. But the closer I get to her, the more I realize she might be the only thing I didn’t plan for.

I know it’s wrong. She’s my father’s wife. But the line between hate and desire is razor-thin, and I’m more than ready to cross it.

In this world, revenge is everything. But Carrie? She just might be the cost I never saw coming.

Each book in the Blackmore University series can be read as a standalone novel. The Blackmore University trilogy is complete.

Note: Sweet Revenge is Jackson and Carrie's story.

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance, Dark, College, Contemporary, Amazon, He Falls First

Unknown Binding

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

[Wyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨I received an ARC of this book to read and voluntarily review

So this is one of the first taboo romances I’ve ever read, and I really enjoyed it! The writing was good and it was a very quick book to read. I loved the way Jackson treated Carrie especially towards the end. Malcolm got what he deserved in my opinion. The character development was great, and I’m so happy Carrie got her happy ending. She was a very strong and resilient character. The spice was not over the top in my opinion and it didn’t overshadow the plot. The only thing I really wanted more from was the ending I felt it was a bit rushed. But I am definitely going to have to pick up the rest of the books in this series!

[CriSsStina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Easy read, not quite dark, in my opinion. Sure, it's questionable, on the morality level, when it comes to the initial goal of the MMC, most of the relationships are toxic, especially between Carrie and her POS husband. But hey, Jackson and Carrie's journey was interesting, at least. 😊

What to expect
- reverse age gap (32 h, 25 H)
- cheating trope, not between the main characters!
- revenge trope, he pursues her and makes her cheat on her POS husband (he was already a narcissistic cheater and liar); of course, everything turns to love and the real deal
- no V, spicy, I expected even more spice 😂 it was fine, balanced with the plot
- HFN (that's how I see this ending; see below why)

I might be picky, but I quite NEED AND CRAVE, haha, an epilogue. At least one!!! I wanted to read about them after a few years 😪.

Jackson was fine overall, I liked how he treated her, made her feel loved and appreciated. I don't understand why he didn't come clean earlier, and she had to find out his big secret through her daughter.

She was so and so. There were moments when I liked her, but also, there were moments where she basically let herself be a doormat in the relationship with her POS husband and his "friends." I expected more growth on her side.

The ending was rushed. Very rushed. Clap your hands and everything solved just like that. The last few chapters just felt flat, like this needed to happen, but the secret was so dragged out that I couldn't feel the torment / emotions, etc. in those moments. I was like damn, girl, make him work!! Don't accept everything is fine after a 30-minute discussion! Have some respect for yourself!

.
.
.
.
"Jackson was a mistake, but so was Malcolm. Maybe they’ll cancel each other out."
--- ma'am, you need to stop with the mistakes 😂
🤭🙄

"Why am I not enough? Why does he need other women? Is this how Victoria felt when Malcolm told her about me? Because if so, I owe her an apology."
--- you think!?? 🙄 🤨🤨


"I pour a glass and take another healthy swig. My daughter is sleeping with her stepbrother, and I’m sleeping with my stepson. This is going to make family get-togethers a blast."
--- 🤭😂😂

[Katie Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨

Sweet Revenge is the third book in the Blackmore University series and let me tell you it did not disappoint.

Now if you read Cruel Intentions, which was Carries Daughter Kaye’s book, you would have gotten a glimpse of the Carrie and Jackson and ever since then my interest has been piqued about their story👀

Carrie is married to Malcom McCade but let’s just say it is most certainly not a happy marriage. Carrie and her daughter came from a love of poverty before her marriage to Malcom and as a result of this Carrie is heavily involved in charity work to raise money for these causes. Carrie meets Jackson at a charity gala, now Jackson is her husbands son who is out to destroy his father and our story starts from there.

Now Jackson falls head over heels for Carrie from the moment he lays eyes on her. And yes while he wants to use Carrie as a means for revenge, it becomes a lot more than that🥺

Malcom is an absolute horrible individual, like my heart broke for Carrie so many times in this book😭

Jackson is 10 times the man his father is and worship the ground Carrie walks on- I just adore them🫶🏼

If you’re looking for a book with the following tropes then I would most certainly recommend this book:
- Step Mother/Step Son
- Reverse age gap (7 years)
- Forbidden romance
- Taboo Romance

The only additional thing I wish this book had was a little epilogue at the end, but other than that I loved it!

Thank you so much to the author for providing the e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭

[Jessi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an absolute page-turner! I was completely engrossed and couldn't tear myself away. Carrie and Jackson's union was a beacon of hope amidst Malcolm's despicable actions. Rooting for Carrie was a rollercoaster of emotions, but seeing her journey culminate in finding Jackson was incredibly satisfying.

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

[Susiesbookishworld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Step son/ step mum ✅
Dual POV ✅
Forbidden romance ✅
Age gap ✅
Some spice ✅
Being the first book I read of this series I will definitely be reading the first two because I was hooked. I did love Jackson’s character but feel like Carrie could have had a bit more of a back bone found myself getting annoyed 😂
I was a little upset there was no epilogue would have loved to see what happened a few years later.
Right in off to read the first 2 📚

[zari ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, as a baby dark romance reader, I love a good trigger warning!

On to the characters, I found it so hard to hate both Jackson and Carrie. Both coming from situations or trying to do things some may say are immorally wrong by but genuinely I loved the way both characters were written.

I read this in about 2 lunchtime periods and when I said I was glued to my kindle waiting to see what would happen next. I absolutely loved this author’s style of writing. It introduced me into a lot that I didn’t think I would be comfortable with. The only gripe I have is of the ending of the big reveal, I really wanted to see more expanded upon that but other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I would definitely recommend and read more from this author!.

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

[Kim Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review - Sweet Revenge is an easy to read revenge plot with exciting and enticing side plots with a range of side characters who weave in and out of the main story with an ease that makes sense. Jackson, has plotted for a long time to seek revenge on his estranged father and disrupt his life. This begins to take place as Jackson becomes close to Carrie, the current wife of his dad. Carrie & Jackson form a friendship, which grows and this book follows their story. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing of Cora Kent and felt the feelings and views of the characters come through Cora’s use of words and phrases. I haven’t read the previous books in this series but will be returning to Blackmore University to complete the earlier books. I was given an advanced reader copy of this book for an honest review and this is how I see it.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jacksons plan for revnge against his father starts with his step mum Carrie, married to Malcome she was poor along with her daughter before Malcome came into their lives and she dedicates a lot of her time to charity where she meets Jackson, sparks fly but he doesnt tell her who he is to her, but as feelings deepen, horrors close to home unravel and when the truth comes out just what will happen to all involved? well written engaging steamy, taboo, forbidden romance best read in order.

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

[Leah Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fast-paced book with twist and turns! I didn’t realize that this was book number three in a series until I finished it, but I was pleasantly surprised that it could be read as a standalone. I definitely want to go back and read the rest of the series!

[Alishia Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was truly 5 stars. I received it as an ARC to be released May 7th and I wasn’t totally sure what to expect in this one. I absolutely devoured it, in one day. Strong characters, great plot, great spice, easy flowing read that keeps you intrigued enough to keep reading!

[Lee Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and the whole series. I am more of a darker romance reader but this book has a lot of taboo and sex. I am new to this author and I will definitely be reading more of her books if they are as good as this one.

[Rebecca Kucinic · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review- I loved this book! Dual POV, short chapters, easy read, dark romance. We follow the MMC Jackson as he takes revenge on his absent father by getting involved with his stepmother, Carrie. We, also, follow Carrie’s story as she learns secrets about her husband and struggles to decide whether she should or should not leave him for Jackson, who unbeknownst to her, is her stepson. Great story with a HEA.

[Kaileyreadingkrnr · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️arc review⭐️ I received and e-arc of Sweet Revenge and am leaving a voluntarily review. Now that that is out of the way let’s go!

I originally requested an arc copy thinking this was either a first book in a series or a standalone, however I was pleasantly surprised to find out it was the third in a full series. I did go read the first 2 before starting this one and I am so glad i did. All 3 books take place around the same timeline but are different couples dealing with and going through their tumultuous taboo relationships. I loved this book as it gave more background into a lot of the relationships for the main characters of this specific book.
I was able to resonate with Carrie on a level I haven’t with any other character. single mom, trying to do her best for her child, met some terrible men who hurt her and her child thought she had found a good man who would love her and her child the way they should have been, who unfortunately turned out to be not any better than the men of her past. Carrie really comes into her own and stands up for herself against a husband who is just *ugh* granted that strength is helped along but another man who is her step son (she is unaware) who is set of getting revenge on the father who never wanted him.
This book doesn’t have a ton of 🌶️ but where it is it’s *chefs kiss*
Tropes include
Older woman younger man(stepmom/step son)
Primal play
Publicish sex
Cheating wife caught.
Taboo

Some of the things I hi-lighted while reading ⬇��




“Your body is perfect. Not perfect for me. Not perfect in my eyes. It is simply perfect”


“I know you don’t feel like you deserve to get everything you want because you’ve made mistakes and you’ve done things you regret. But the universe has something better in store for you. Carrie, I know this feels wrong, but this is how it was meant to happen.”

A stronger woman would have remained faithful to her husband regardless of the man who presented himself.

“You don’t have to fix anything, Carrie. You can leave Malcolm. You don’t have to work to fix a marriage that’s broken beyond repair.”


I see Malcolm’s smile on the day we married, coiling into sick gratification every time he humiliated me.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been invested in this series since the beginning. I knew Carrie and Jackson’s story was coming, but I wasn’t excited for it. I never felt any pull towards Carrie’s character.
Given that I’ve known who Malcolm is, I love Jackson for Carrie.
We see more into her past and learn why she’s fought so hard to be better.
Kaye remains the most important person for Carrie and Jackson’s past led to Carrie and Malcom’s marriage. But the biggest take away from this book is all the bad stuff had to play out, or they wouldn’t be where they end up. That goes for Kaye & Xavier too.
When the big drama unfolds, I’m shocked that it wasn’t more disastrous, but given who Carrie is, it made sense. And Jackson is probably the most honest character when caught.

Cannot wait to see what’s up next. I plan to stay with this series as long as it keeps going.

[Katie Meola · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Thank you to author Cora Kent for providing me with an ARC of this book to read & review!

Jackson (MMC) will do anything in his hunt for revenge against his estranged father, Malcolm. And that includes stealing Malcolm’s wife, Carrie (FMC). Jackson manipulates his way into Carrie’s life, forcing her to question if she is truly happy in her marriage to Malcolm. Of course, Carrie doesn’t know that Jackson is technically her stepson. The two embark in a steamy affair, surprising both of them when they realize they may actually be falling in love with each other.

The author did a great job in building the plot, suspense, and reader connection to the main characters. All the suspense and build-up in wanting to know what would happen once Carrie found out who Jackson really was, and what would happen to Malcolm as a result, had me turning page after page to find out.

Unfortunately, the end fell really flat for me. Malcolm finds out that Carrie and Jackson are having an affair, and promises to ruin both of them. Then… he just drops out of the book and we hear nothing more from him. Malcolm’s other son, Xavier, finds out who Jackson is and confronts him. And Jackson doesn’t think Xavier or Kaye (Carrie’s daughter) will tell Carrie? Then when Carrie confronts Jackson about his secret, it’s a brief exchange and her inner monologue is telling the reader the entire time that she knows she is going to forgive him. With all the build-up, I wish there was more to the unraveling of the secret and the impact it would have on all of the intertwining relationships.

This was my first time reading a Cora Kent novel. All-in-all, I am rating it 3.75/5 ⭐️

[Sammyll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read the prequel i could'nt wait to dive in to this taboo stepmum, stepson romance. The writing was indepth without dragging, the details intricate, and the emotions of the characters felt real. I enjoyed reading this plot twisty, angsty taboo romance. Carrie had been through a few toxic relationships before meeting Jackson, who unkowingly to her is the son of her husband Malcolm. Whist secrets unravel, lies told a HEA ensures. Not sure about the ending, a little abrupt but probably perfect for them and open to future books. A solid four star read, i will be looking into Cora's other books as she is a talented, engaging author.

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

[Smut Cartel · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you can't hurt the one you want, hurt the one he's with.
Humiliation is the sweetest revenge.

Another fast read from Cora, this is Book 3 in the Blackmore University series and filled with spice and drama!
Jackson is seeking revenge on his father, and that means manipulating his way into his stepmothers life making her question if she is actually happy in her marriage. They begin an affair realise they are falling for each other.

“You don’t have to fix anything, Carrie. You can leave Malcolm. You don’t have to work to fix a marriage that’s broken beyond repair.”

Tropes:
- Step-mum / Step-son)
- Primal play
- Taboo
- Revenge
- Secret identities

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to see how this book would play out in comparison to the first two. I was happily surprised to see that it followed jackson and carrie. It was like all of the missing puzzle pieces were coming to a close and everyone was getting a happy ending. It was interesting to see how their story played out in comparison to the others and it was just as satisfying as i had hoped. I am curious though to know why Malcolm didnt put up much of a fight and if theyll be another story further tying hia view points on things! Either way i enjoyed this story and was happy to see the story end on a happy note! (Though a bit of a cliff hanger for the future maybe? *all fingers crossed* )

[Kait · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story overall has so much potential to be great. However, I have issues with the setting of the story: it’s supposed to be in Manhattan but it reads as though it’s in the country side or a suburb. The characters are superficial and the timeline of events is too unrealistic. There’s no depth to the relationship between the FMC and her daughter, there’s no depth describing the relationship between the MMC and his father to evoke an emotional response for the disdain that led to this ultimate revenge plan.
There isn’t really any depth to the relationship between the two main characters either for them to go from essentially complete strangers to being in love in *assumed* 4 months time.
Positives: the banter between the two main characters is great. The dialogue is great also.
The FMC is seen immediately as a woman who has been in abusive relationships and the conversations she holds with the MMC make that evident so that’s another positive.
There’s no real discussion or depth to her husband leaving, he gets beat up by his other son and then decides to never go back to the house and just lets his soon-to-be-ex-wife live in it.
Nora, the assistant, falls into the same trap that Carrie fell into and is playing the “you’re just jealous” game and Carrie still doesn’t have the backbone to stand up to her and truly clarify how wrong she is about her husband.
Xavier and Kaye’s “relationship” has no depth to it either. Everything about this book just kind of drops into the story with no build up.

If this book were an additional 200 pages, it had SO much potential to be an incredible story. I just wish the author spent more time building up the story lines. I didn’t feel a connection with anyone.



Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this book to most avid readers. It’s a light read though so if you need something quick that isn’t totally mundane, this is a decent one to grab.

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

[Caitlin U. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve followed this whole series from start to finish and I have LOOOOVED it. Jackson and Carrie are such a good story and I don’t feel like this was as spicy as the first 2 but the scenes that were spicy?? Hellooooo. The library scene will live rent free in my head now thank you very much.

I do feel like it dragged out just a bit but I love how it filled out the back story from what was happening with Kaye in Cruel Intentions and you could see the other side. All in all, I LOVE Cora’s books and will continue to devour each and every one! 🖤😍

[⚔️ 𝑀𝒾𝓈𝒽 ⚔️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking a for a quick easy read that just sucks you right in - this is it!!
Jackson and Carrie’s story is hot and full of chemistry!
I hate cheating but love the way this was written, you’re right there with them and you ride those emotions and hit all the highs and lows together and you just can’t stop!
I couldn’t put it down and read it in one sitting - I just HAD to know what was happening next!
This was my first Cora Kent book and I am now a fan!!

This is part of a series but can be read as a standalone.
Go get it now - seriously you won’t regret it!

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review!

The book is the 3rd in a series (can be read as stand alones)
I really enjoyed this book!
It's a taboo, step-son/step mum book
With a age gap (step mum is older)
The writing is amazing & easy to read!
Is fast paced (which i enjoy more in a book)
Dual pov
Revenge
Overal very enjoyable!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Thank you Cora! ❤️

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had a bit of everything ! The taboo theme between stepmother and stepson .. 👌 chefs kiss! Amazing journey of revenge turning into love.. ❤️

[Sarah Peart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this took a while to read as had to take a break from reading but soon got back into it

[Nicole Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a bit to feel I got into the story and was hooked but once I did, I tore through this book! Definitely enjoyed the read and will be watching out for more of Cora’s books!!.

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

[Amy O · Rating 2 out of 5]

A story about a son taking revenge on his father for abandoning him and his mother 25 years ago. Using his father's current wife as a tool for revenge.
The romance was cute but came together a little too quickly for me. The characters lacked depth.
It can be a fun read for someone just starting to venture into romance novels.

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

[Kirsten Burkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet Revenge by Cora Kent is a dark, twisted, keep it in the family romance. Please read TWs before reading!! I really enjoyed reading this book and can’t wait to read the others. This is the third book to the Blackmore University series which can be read as standalones. I’ll definitely be going back and reading the first two books.

Jackson and Carries love for each other grew quickly. I was rooting for Jackson to get the girl in the end but I was unsure about Carries character because she seemed like a pushover and wouldn’t stand up to herself when it came to her abusive husband. In the end I did up liking her because she was learning to take a stand for herself and her daughter! I’d say the spice was 3/5 and wished there was more but when I did read the spicy parts 🥵🥵🥵

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Seana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a great book. It can be read alone but I personally think it's best if you read books one and two beforehand. I enjoyed the storyline in this book. I feel the author did a great job telling Carrie and Jackson's story. I Like their story the most out of the three. it was a great read!

[Toni Amey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the series and I have loved each and every book! Jackson and Carrie are perfect for each other. If you are not okay with cheating then please think before you read this story. I felt so bad for both characters, but I am so glad they got their HEA. I do wish we had an epilogue for these characters cause I would love to know more about what the future held for them, as well as the other characters in this series.

[Michelle Thome · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ & 🌶️🌶️

This a great easy read - dark romance from Cora Kent!

I loved the development between Jackson and Carrie and watching their story grow. I enjoyed the shorter chapters and banter.

Overall great read and recommend.

I received an ARC and leaving my honest review 🥰