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Crimson Royals #1
Soulless Rivalry
The Seamus Longfield Academy, or The Academy, for short, has always been where I felt more at peace. A nice reprieve from the chaotic life that awaited me back home, where I could just breathe and be myself.
But as girls started disappearing, their lifeless bodies turning up a few weeks later, battered and abused, my safe place became like a lion’s den.
I let curiosity guide me as I uncovered the secrets carefully hidden within the walls of The Academy.
Dangerous, deadly secrets.
One thing I didn’t expect, though, was having to share them with someone I could barely stand.
Konstantin Korolov. The Strategist.
His family’s reputation preceded him. Everybody knew not to fuck with the Korolovs, they were unhinged savages who only answered to their own rules and couldn’t give less of a fuck about Mafia codes. They were mercenaries, free spirits who openly looked down on The Families, mine included, and fucked with them as they pleased.
Konstantin lived up to his family’s legacy, he roamed the halls of The Academy like he fucking owned it, and I was the lucky girl who got on his last nerve. His forever rival and the one person he could never outsmart in class, no matter how hard he tried.
But as time passed and sickening truths got uncovered, I started to think that, maybe, what I felt for Konstantin wasn’t merely hatred, but something much more lethal.
Something neither of our families would approve of.
Not without blood getting spilled and both our legacies being tinted in crimson.
***
Soulless Rivalry is a dark rivals to lovers story set in an old, castle on a mysterious island. It contains strong, explicit languages and scenes which may not be for anyone.
-Touch her and 💀
-Organized crime
-Dark academia college
-Rivals to lovers
-Dual virgins
-Enemy families
-Found family
-Murder mystery with a shocking plot twist!
But as girls started disappearing, their lifeless bodies turning up a few weeks later, battered and abused, my safe place became like a lion’s den.
I let curiosity guide me as I uncovered the secrets carefully hidden within the walls of The Academy.
Dangerous, deadly secrets.
One thing I didn’t expect, though, was having to share them with someone I could barely stand.
Konstantin Korolov. The Strategist.
His family’s reputation preceded him. Everybody knew not to fuck with the Korolovs, they were unhinged savages who only answered to their own rules and couldn’t give less of a fuck about Mafia codes. They were mercenaries, free spirits who openly looked down on The Families, mine included, and fucked with them as they pleased.
Konstantin lived up to his family’s legacy, he roamed the halls of The Academy like he fucking owned it, and I was the lucky girl who got on his last nerve. His forever rival and the one person he could never outsmart in class, no matter how hard he tried.
But as time passed and sickening truths got uncovered, I started to think that, maybe, what I felt for Konstantin wasn’t merely hatred, but something much more lethal.
Something neither of our families would approve of.
Not without blood getting spilled and both our legacies being tinted in crimson.
***
Soulless Rivalry is a dark rivals to lovers story set in an old, castle on a mysterious island. It contains strong, explicit languages and scenes which may not be for anyone.
-Touch her and 💀
-Organized crime
-Dark academia college
-Rivals to lovers
-Dual virgins
-Enemy families
-Found family
-Murder mystery with a shocking plot twist!
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 17, 2025
11 people are currently reading
626 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
January 22, 2025
4.25 stars
this novel was my first glimpse into M.T. Riosa’s plume, and it certainly won’t be my last. what rhythmed the tempo for such an engaging story was the female main character’s ethnicity—one hundred percent Mediterranean, and more precisely, half Tunisian and half Italian.
what truly transfixed me to every word and each syllable, however, was the abundance of subplots that were exquisitely sewed together. It was a masterfully orchestrated page-turner. the story initiated as an academic rivals arc and gradually morphed into a hate-to-lovers dynamic as the protagonists tried to uncover the truth behind some obscure and sordid cult murders that took place in the vicinity of their college. the plot twist and the revelations at the end were far from what I had anticipated. to say my jaw dropped when everything came to light is an euphemism.
what I particularly appreciated about the couple was that both protagonists were virgins—a rarity in dark romance stories. I absolutely loved how their relationship evolved into an agonizingly slow burn.
many thanks to Good Girls PR for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review
”love made you do things you would have never done under normal circumstances. love builds you up… but as soon as it disappears you come crumbling down, unable to get back up.”
this novel was my first glimpse into M.T. Riosa’s plume, and it certainly won’t be my last. what rhythmed the tempo for such an engaging story was the female main character’s ethnicity—one hundred percent Mediterranean, and more precisely, half Tunisian and half Italian.
what truly transfixed me to every word and each syllable, however, was the abundance of subplots that were exquisitely sewed together. It was a masterfully orchestrated page-turner. the story initiated as an academic rivals arc and gradually morphed into a hate-to-lovers dynamic as the protagonists tried to uncover the truth behind some obscure and sordid cult murders that took place in the vicinity of their college. the plot twist and the revelations at the end were far from what I had anticipated. to say my jaw dropped when everything came to light is an euphemism.
what I particularly appreciated about the couple was that both protagonists were virgins—a rarity in dark romance stories. I absolutely loved how their relationship evolved into an agonizingly slow burn.
many thanks to Good Girls PR for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Want to read
November 17, 2024It says the release date is no January 18, 2025.(original release date was going to be November 26,2024 but the author had to push the book back some). This is a spin of series from Make You Wish I Was Dead. This series is about Alexei Korolov's siblings. The first book in the series is about Alexei's brother Konstantin.
Tropes the author listed:
Academic rivals
Dislike to lovers
Enemy families
Touch her and die
Organized crime
Good Girl/Bad Boy
Dual virgins!
Excerpt from Soulless Rivalry:
“Half of my culture had been stolen from me. When I came to live with them, they forced me to shut down this part of my identity and it hurt, so bad. Not only was I taken away from Baba and Jedde, but I couldn’t have anything that reminded me of them.
So when I was here, at The Academy, I claimed it back. Painting the tip of my fingers with henna, wearing a cheap gilded belt similar to the one Jedde always had around her waist, and of course, my bangles. The only thing I had left from my grandmother.”
What about the second Make You Wish I Was Dead book? I have been waiting for that book. I hope I don't have to wait for all 6 sibling books to come out before Anya's book.
I'm glad we will get to know more about the siblings bc they weren't in Make You Wish I Was Dead only mentioned. It will be nice to see more of Alexei/Camila.
Letter from author: I can't post the actual picture bc it won't let me copy stuff from IG that's annoying.
Dearest Reader,
It is with great pleasure that the Longfield Academy, college of the elite, opens its door to you for the first time.
Set on the highest mountain of the farthest island. The Academy remains a mystery to all of those that weren't fortunate enough to set foot in it.
Join us on November 26th and uncover all the secrets hidden deeply into the walls of this old castle...at the peril of your life.
Here is a link to the picture of the letter:
https://www.instagram.com/author.mtri...
https://www.instagram.com/author.mtri...
Tropes to except throughout the book series:
Academic Rivals
Bodyguard Romance
Taboo and Forbidden
Arranged Marriage
Single Father
Second Chance (I'm iffy about second chance. I don't like when they are with others while apart or long separations and that is usually what happens. Maybe this will be different).
Tropes the author listed:
Academic rivals
Dislike to lovers
Enemy families
Touch her and die
Organized crime
Good Girl/Bad Boy
Dual virgins!
Excerpt from Soulless Rivalry:
“Half of my culture had been stolen from me. When I came to live with them, they forced me to shut down this part of my identity and it hurt, so bad. Not only was I taken away from Baba and Jedde, but I couldn’t have anything that reminded me of them.
So when I was here, at The Academy, I claimed it back. Painting the tip of my fingers with henna, wearing a cheap gilded belt similar to the one Jedde always had around her waist, and of course, my bangles. The only thing I had left from my grandmother.”
What about the second Make You Wish I Was Dead book? I have been waiting for that book. I hope I don't have to wait for all 6 sibling books to come out before Anya's book.
I'm glad we will get to know more about the siblings bc they weren't in Make You Wish I Was Dead only mentioned. It will be nice to see more of Alexei/Camila.
Letter from author: I can't post the actual picture bc it won't let me copy stuff from IG that's annoying.
Dearest Reader,
It is with great pleasure that the Longfield Academy, college of the elite, opens its door to you for the first time.
Set on the highest mountain of the farthest island. The Academy remains a mystery to all of those that weren't fortunate enough to set foot in it.
Join us on November 26th and uncover all the secrets hidden deeply into the walls of this old castle...at the peril of your life.
Here is a link to the picture of the letter:
https://www.instagram.com/author.mtri...
https://www.instagram.com/author.mtri...
Tropes to except throughout the book series:
Academic Rivals
Bodyguard Romance
Taboo and Forbidden
Arranged Marriage
Single Father
Second Chance (I'm iffy about second chance. I don't like when they are with others while apart or long separations and that is usually what happens. Maybe this will be different).
January 23, 2025
This was such a treat to read.
It's been so long since I've read an academy/college romance, and I've missed this dynamic so much.
I was so excited when I found out that all the Korolovs would be getting their own books—I'm obsessed with this family. Ever since they were introduced in 'Make You Wish I was dead,' I was hooked.
The tropes for this book:
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
Overall I enjoyed this! I didn't love it, and it wasn't necessarily my favourite book by MTR, but I had a lot of fun with it. I was obsessed with the romance and dynamic between the MCs. I needed more scenes from them 😫.
However, there were a couple of things that didn't necessarily work for me:
I feel like this story would have been more compelling had it been shorter, or rather more simple (or on the flipside more detailed/longer). Just because a lot was going on and I don't think the way that it played out worked all that well as a whole (plot-wise).
Overall I feel like this was one of those books that you either want more or less from. You either want more from the plot, and for it to have felt more thorough (especially with its ending)- or less from it, to really let the romance shine.
I personally wanted the former, and felt like the plot was overcomplicating a dynamic that should have had more light/ screen time to properly flesh out.
There was a lot of telling and not showing with the characters and plot: we're told about this rival dynamic between the MCs but we don't really see it in action. We're told that they hate each other but it's quickly glossed over (and more). I normally wouldn't point something like that out, however considering the length, it made it hard to connect with the characters individually, and believe their initial dynamic.
That same sentiment applied to the plot to me. A lot of it felt obvious, but then the characters just weren't catching on, despite being smart. From a writing standpoint, I don't think that there was enough detail to the mystery. It started to get frustrating towards the end of the book when these characters weren't catching onto really obvious plot points. The characters also made some really questionable decisions (ie. going out alone when there were murders), that made it hard to relate to them.
There were also a lot of side characters that were introduced who had their own romances and individual plots going on that imo took away from the MCs.
One thing I really liked about 'Make You Wish I Was Dead' was that the story was primarily centered around the romance despite there being an overarching plot: it was short but so successful, where everything balanced out really nicely.
With this book, there was just so much going on, and not a lot of it was spent justifying the romance and the MC's actions. This also links to the layout of the book- there were a lot of chapters that would end at a really interesting point, and then just immediately cut to the next day, without letting us see the aftermath of certain dialogue and decisions.
After finishing the book, I was left with a lot of questions. I liked the epilogue, but just wished that overall there was more closure to the plot aspect of the book, considering its role in the story . I didn't expect the book to end in the way that it did.
I think it's important to note that I obviously understand that this is a series and that each book will cover different aspects of the plot, and that not everything will be/ has to be answered.
HOWEVER, it defeats the point with certain characterizations and goes against how this book was written. For example with these MCs, their whole goal in this book was to figure out the mystery. So the fact that they just accepted surface-level explanations and didn't question anything goes against their very being and contradicts all their actions throughout the book. Series aside, it made the individual book feel incomplete.
My favourite parts of the book had to be the romance, and all the little scenes between the MCs. They made such a good couple.
As a whole, I did enjoy the book, but I can definitely pinpoint certain things that didn't work out for me!
*Lots of love and thanks to Macy T. Riosa and Good Girls PR, for this ARC 🖤*
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
Omg I got the arc y'all I'm so excited 😭
Academic rivals? Rival families? I'm sat.
It's been so long since I've read an academy/college romance, and I've missed this dynamic so much.
I was so excited when I found out that all the Korolovs would be getting their own books—I'm obsessed with this family. Ever since they were introduced in 'Make You Wish I was dead,' I was hooked.
The tropes for this book:
※ Academic rivals
※ Dislike to lovers
※Touch her and die
※Dual virgins
※They both don't like being touched
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
Overall I enjoyed this! I didn't love it, and it wasn't necessarily my favourite book by MTR, but I had a lot of fun with it. I was obsessed with the romance and dynamic between the MCs. I needed more scenes from them 😫.
However, there were a couple of things that didn't necessarily work for me:
I feel like this story would have been more compelling had it been shorter, or rather more simple (or on the flipside more detailed/longer). Just because a lot was going on and I don't think the way that it played out worked all that well as a whole (plot-wise).
Overall I feel like this was one of those books that you either want more or less from. You either want more from the plot, and for it to have felt more thorough (especially with its ending)- or less from it, to really let the romance shine.
I personally wanted the former, and felt like the plot was overcomplicating a dynamic that should have had more light/ screen time to properly flesh out.
There was a lot of telling and not showing with the characters and plot: we're told about this rival dynamic between the MCs but we don't really see it in action. We're told that they hate each other but it's quickly glossed over (and more). I normally wouldn't point something like that out, however considering the length, it made it hard to connect with the characters individually, and believe their initial dynamic.
That same sentiment applied to the plot to me. A lot of it felt obvious, but then the characters just weren't catching on, despite being smart. From a writing standpoint, I don't think that there was enough detail to the mystery. It started to get frustrating towards the end of the book when these characters weren't catching onto really obvious plot points. The characters also made some really questionable decisions (ie. going out alone when there were murders), that made it hard to relate to them.
There were also a lot of side characters that were introduced who had their own romances and individual plots going on that imo took away from the MCs.
One thing I really liked about 'Make You Wish I Was Dead' was that the story was primarily centered around the romance despite there being an overarching plot: it was short but so successful, where everything balanced out really nicely.
With this book, there was just so much going on, and not a lot of it was spent justifying the romance and the MC's actions. This also links to the layout of the book- there were a lot of chapters that would end at a really interesting point, and then just immediately cut to the next day, without letting us see the aftermath of certain dialogue and decisions.
After finishing the book, I was left with a lot of questions. I liked the epilogue, but just wished that overall there was more closure to the plot aspect of the book, considering its role in the story . I didn't expect the book to end in the way that it did.
I think it's important to note that I obviously understand that this is a series and that each book will cover different aspects of the plot, and that not everything will be/ has to be answered.
HOWEVER, it defeats the point with certain characterizations and goes against how this book was written. For example with these MCs, their whole goal in this book was to figure out the mystery. So the fact that they just accepted surface-level explanations and didn't question anything goes against their very being and contradicts all their actions throughout the book. Series aside, it made the individual book feel incomplete.
My favourite parts of the book had to be the romance, and all the little scenes between the MCs. They made such a good couple.
As a whole, I did enjoy the book, but I can definitely pinpoint certain things that didn't work out for me!
*Lots of love and thanks to Macy T. Riosa and Good Girls PR, for this ARC 🖤*
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
Omg I got the arc y'all I'm so excited 😭
Academic rivals? Rival families? I'm sat.
September 6, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
There's a lot to unpack here, and honestly, I feel like the plot was mainly centered around the secret society stuff. The romance was included in the story, but it feels more like a secondary aspect.
I really enjoy the rivalry and tension between Konstantin (20/21?) and Elyssa (20) at the start. It was even more fun that they were upping one another, all while having that underlying attraction between them. There's definitely something intriguing about characters who are too stubborn and in denial of their feelings. 🤭 Tension? ✅ Chemistry? ✅
This is a slow burn, so the relationship developed slowly. They'll go days and weeks without seeing each other. And when they get together, it’s either because they’re digging into the secret society stuff or they’re getting cozy with each other, and a lot of that happens off the page. I wish the readers could be part of those conversations and moments when they get to know each other, because I think that would’ve been sweet and meaningful. But yeah, romance-wise, it was still enjoyable. I just wanted more scenes of them spending time together and not dealing with other things.
As for the secret society, it was freaking stressful, ngl. In this story, four girls lost their lives, and the things that happened to them were truly horrific. I had a feeling something was going to happen to Mia, but it still made me sad that this is how it all ends for her. She deserves so much more, and I feel like no one really got punished for what happened to her and the other girls. The society still exists, and I'm going to assume they will still continue to do whatever stupid sacrifices they were doing before. I just hope that awful organization gets their comeuppance in the upcoming books.
The issue with the two ballerinas wasn’t tackled as well. These two girls have so much potential in their field, but someone cruel came along and shattered those dreams. And for what reason? The readers had no idea. Elyssa had a suspicion, but it wasn’t confirmed, and no one truly faced consequences for what happened to Briar and Katarina. I can only imagine how devastating it must be to have their dreams taken away by some vapid, jealous person.
Anywaaay, I mostly enjoyed it, but the last 20% felt a bit crammed. The ending felt really rushed, and there were a few things that didn’t get wrapped up. I'm not really sure if this is intentional since it's the first book, or if any of the plot holes will be handled in the next ones. I surely hope so. That said, this was still a good start in the series, and I want to know more and read about the other characters.
Book info:
— Secret society
— Dislike to love
— Violence, Death
— Grief
— Animal cruelty
— SA (off page)
— Substance use
— Domestic violence
— Femicide
— Academic rivals
— Voyeurism
— No cheating, OM/OW
— Separation (3 weeks, school break)
— Dual virgins!
— HFN (6 mos later, engaged)
There's a lot to unpack here, and honestly, I feel like the plot was mainly centered around the secret society stuff. The romance was included in the story, but it feels more like a secondary aspect.
I really enjoy the rivalry and tension between Konstantin (20/21?) and Elyssa (20) at the start. It was even more fun that they were upping one another, all while having that underlying attraction between them. There's definitely something intriguing about characters who are too stubborn and in denial of their feelings. 🤭 Tension? ✅ Chemistry? ✅
This is a slow burn, so the relationship developed slowly. They'll go days and weeks without seeing each other. And when they get together, it’s either because they’re digging into the secret society stuff or they’re getting cozy with each other, and a lot of that happens off the page. I wish the readers could be part of those conversations and moments when they get to know each other, because I think that would’ve been sweet and meaningful. But yeah, romance-wise, it was still enjoyable. I just wanted more scenes of them spending time together and not dealing with other things.
As for the secret society, it was freaking stressful, ngl. In this story, four girls lost their lives, and the things that happened to them were truly horrific. I had a feeling something was going to happen to Mia, but it still made me sad that this is how it all ends for her. She deserves so much more, and I feel like no one really got punished for what happened to her and the other girls. The society still exists, and I'm going to assume they will still continue to do whatever stupid sacrifices they were doing before. I just hope that awful organization gets their comeuppance in the upcoming books.
The issue with the two ballerinas wasn’t tackled as well. These two girls have so much potential in their field, but someone cruel came along and shattered those dreams. And for what reason? The readers had no idea. Elyssa had a suspicion, but it wasn’t confirmed, and no one truly faced consequences for what happened to Briar and Katarina. I can only imagine how devastating it must be to have their dreams taken away by some vapid, jealous person.
Anywaaay, I mostly enjoyed it, but the last 20% felt a bit crammed. The ending felt really rushed, and there were a few things that didn’t get wrapped up. I'm not really sure if this is intentional since it's the first book, or if any of the plot holes will be handled in the next ones. I surely hope so. That said, this was still a good start in the series, and I want to know more and read about the other characters.
Book info:
— Secret society
— Dislike to love
— Violence, Death
— Grief
— Animal cruelty
— SA (off page)
— Substance use
— Domestic violence
— Femicide
— Academic rivals
— Voyeurism
— No cheating, OM/OW
— Separation (3 weeks, school break)
— Dual virgins!
— HFN (6 mos later, engaged)
January 22, 2025
Man I am so sad that I didn’t necessarily enjoy this book! Part of me is salty because I had been waiting for Alexei’s daughter’s book and not an entire series about his brothers!!
Anyway I liked the FMC just fine but it took me a while to warm up to Konstantin. He wasn’t exactly likable and nothing in his personality stood out aside from the fact that he didn’t feel many emotions and he didn’t like being touched. But I felt like we were told everything instead shown it. He catches the FMC Elyssa cheating on a test and decides he’s going to blackmail her. He wants her to do a bunch of stuff but again it’s just told and not shown. It was so very lack luster and I honestly found him to be a complete asshole. He had a small kind of sweet moment and then he pushed her in the pool because she hurt his pride and then he had to save her because she can’t swim and instead of apologizing he just kisses her and she takes it. I don’t think I actually liked him until about 70%. Also he was not obsessive or possessive enough for me. Yes he was a virgin and I appreciated that but he lacked so many other qualities
I didn’t like how Elyssa saw her friend and Konstantin’s friend hooking up and instead of turning away she watched them and then got turned on by it. And the Konstantin came and started getting her off while she watched them. That was gross to me!! And this was at 80%!!!
I enjoyed Alexeis book so much because it was straight to the point and a lot was focused on the romance. In this book we hardly see them together because there’s so much other crap going on like way too much stuff. A lot of which just gets wrapped up in such a sloppy way.
We were also introduced to way too much characters. Literally every single character that is going to get a book and then some and instead of giving us snippets about the next couple we get them about the next three and it was just too much going on. Also if you’re going to have so many characters please don’t name them names with the same letter. We have three names beginning with the letter R and three with D and I just kept getting confused!!
I wasn’t a fan of how the ending was handled. But that’s just me personally. Oh and the excessive use of the word Bitch was so annoying. I don’t care about the cussing, it doesn’t bother me. But the FMC kept calling the MMC “bitch” like “bitch wtf are you doing?” “Bitch just leave me alone” and he called her bitch a couple times and I’m sorry but that was not cute!!!
I was so very upset to hear one of the brothers, Mikhail is a really big manwhore!! I wasn’t expecting that from this author. It bummed me out we had to hear about it a lot. Also what’s up with dropping crumbs about certain couples and then completely changing it up. One that I really didn’t like was Asher and Rhodes. I was sooo excited there was going to be a MM book on this series and I loved the little snippets we got of their thing they have going on but then a girl was thrown into the mix and instead of a MM it seems like it’s going to be a MMF? Noooooo. Just my opinion but I’m not a fan.
So yeah obviously I’ll continue the series especially the next one because I liked Dominick and he’s a 26 yr old virgin!!! And I’m excited for Royal and Sin’s book. But I have a lot of opinions about this one that aren’t too great especially since I was left with more questions than answers.
NO CHEATING
NO OP DRAMA
DIDNT SPEAK FOR THREE WEEKS (which wasn’t needed at all)
DUAL VIRGINS
TALK OF PAST DRUG USE (sec character)
SA OF SECONDARY CHARACTER
ANIMAL CRUELTY (death of animal)
MURDER
Anyway I liked the FMC just fine but it took me a while to warm up to Konstantin. He wasn’t exactly likable and nothing in his personality stood out aside from the fact that he didn’t feel many emotions and he didn’t like being touched. But I felt like we were told everything instead shown it. He catches the FMC Elyssa cheating on a test and decides he’s going to blackmail her. He wants her to do a bunch of stuff but again it’s just told and not shown. It was so very lack luster and I honestly found him to be a complete asshole. He had a small kind of sweet moment and then he pushed her in the pool because she hurt his pride and then he had to save her because she can’t swim and instead of apologizing he just kisses her and she takes it. I don’t think I actually liked him until about 70%. Also he was not obsessive or possessive enough for me. Yes he was a virgin and I appreciated that but he lacked so many other qualities
I didn’t like how Elyssa saw her friend and Konstantin’s friend hooking up and instead of turning away she watched them and then got turned on by it. And the Konstantin came and started getting her off while she watched them. That was gross to me!! And this was at 80%!!!
I enjoyed Alexeis book so much because it was straight to the point and a lot was focused on the romance. In this book we hardly see them together because there’s so much other crap going on like way too much stuff. A lot of which just gets wrapped up in such a sloppy way.
We were also introduced to way too much characters. Literally every single character that is going to get a book and then some and instead of giving us snippets about the next couple we get them about the next three and it was just too much going on. Also if you’re going to have so many characters please don’t name them names with the same letter. We have three names beginning with the letter R and three with D and I just kept getting confused!!
I wasn’t a fan of how the ending was handled. But that’s just me personally. Oh and the excessive use of the word Bitch was so annoying. I don’t care about the cussing, it doesn’t bother me. But the FMC kept calling the MMC “bitch” like “bitch wtf are you doing?” “Bitch just leave me alone” and he called her bitch a couple times and I’m sorry but that was not cute!!!
I was so very upset to hear one of the brothers, Mikhail is a really big manwhore!! I wasn’t expecting that from this author. It bummed me out we had to hear about it a lot. Also what’s up with dropping crumbs about certain couples and then completely changing it up. One that I really didn’t like was Asher and Rhodes. I was sooo excited there was going to be a MM book on this series and I loved the little snippets we got of their thing they have going on but then a girl was thrown into the mix and instead of a MM it seems like it’s going to be a MMF? Noooooo. Just my opinion but I’m not a fan.
So yeah obviously I’ll continue the series especially the next one because I liked Dominick and he’s a 26 yr old virgin!!! And I’m excited for Royal and Sin’s book. But I have a lot of opinions about this one that aren’t too great especially since I was left with more questions than answers.
NO CHEATING
NO OP DRAMA
DIDNT SPEAK FOR THREE WEEKS (which wasn’t needed at all)
DUAL VIRGINS
TALK OF PAST DRUG USE (sec character)
SA OF SECONDARY CHARACTER
ANIMAL CRUELTY (death of animal)
MURDER
Want to read
October 18, 2024You know this book is gonna eat when it’s written by THE QUEEN MACY T RIOSA.
Want to read
November 19, 2024DUAL VIRGINS?!!!
Oh hell yeah! I have a feeling I’m going to EAT this up when it comes out😍😍😍
Oh hell yeah! I have a feeling I’m going to EAT this up when it comes out😍😍😍
January 15, 2025
“𝙄 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙠𝙞𝙨𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙣𝙤𝙬.”
“𝙎𝙤 𝙙𝙤 𝙞𝙩”
🪶🖤🥀📝🪶🖤🥀📝🪶🖤📝🥀🪶🖤🥀📝
This is by far my favorite book by Macy T Riosa. I’m still gasping at what happened in the end because my brain cannot comprehend the plot twist😭 I think I just don’t want to believe it because I genuinely had trust in this character.
That being said if you are looking for a dark thriller romance (that does not romanticize SA) then I highly recommend picking up this one. Macy always manages to create stories that will leave you absolutely baffled and shocked while throwing in the occasional romance.
Soulless Rivalry kicks off her new Crimson Royals series, which promises to be a rollercoaster of unique couples, different tropes, and based on this book- a plot that will make your head spin. This particular book is packed with academic rivalry, enemy families, and a classic "dislike to lovers" trope. Elyssa and Konstatin, two Academy students who are basically royalty, find themselves working together to solve the mystery of girls being mysteriously murdered and strung up in the forest. Totally normal Academy stuff, right?
But the real kicker? The school keeps trying to cover it up. So, naturally, our couple plays detective, uncovering clues like it’s some sort of murder mystery scavenger hunt. Along the way, Elyssa and konstatin realize they need each other more than they ever expected. Spoiler: It’s not just for solving crimes they conveniently bumped into. In fact, despite the cold exterior they put up they were actually so so cute😭 OH AND ALSO ELYSSA IS PART TUNASIAN/ARAB. Macy always serves giving us the most diverse characters.
And the plot twist. I’m still not okay. It’s the twist to end all twists. I don’t even know if I’m furious or thrilled, I’m just completely flabbergasted. I had so much fun trying to piece together who the killer could be, there’s definitely a moment where you think you’ve figured it out and then BOOM. Macy just wrecks you.
Now with the book done and my brain still short circuiting, I’m literally just aching for the next one. The next book? Older sibling coded people falling in love, an arranged marriage, and I’m sure twists because what is it if not a Macy T Riosa book? This series is going to be chaos, and I can't wait to dive back in. Like literally. I need book 2 in my hands RIGHT NOW.
Tropes🪶
-academic rivals
-enemy families
-dislike to lovers
-touch her and die
-organized crime
Disclaimer: this is not a high school academy this is a college/graduate school for rich people so all characters are older than 18.
Genre: Adult Dark romantic thriller
🔥Spicy pages for those who would like to avoid:
Chapters 23, 25, 29
“𝙎𝙤 𝙙𝙤 𝙞𝙩”
🪶🖤🥀📝🪶🖤🥀📝🪶🖤📝🥀🪶🖤🥀📝
This is by far my favorite book by Macy T Riosa. I’m still gasping at what happened in the end because my brain cannot comprehend the plot twist😭 I think I just don’t want to believe it because I genuinely had trust in this character.
That being said if you are looking for a dark thriller romance (that does not romanticize SA) then I highly recommend picking up this one. Macy always manages to create stories that will leave you absolutely baffled and shocked while throwing in the occasional romance.
Soulless Rivalry kicks off her new Crimson Royals series, which promises to be a rollercoaster of unique couples, different tropes, and based on this book- a plot that will make your head spin. This particular book is packed with academic rivalry, enemy families, and a classic "dislike to lovers" trope. Elyssa and Konstatin, two Academy students who are basically royalty, find themselves working together to solve the mystery of girls being mysteriously murdered and strung up in the forest. Totally normal Academy stuff, right?
But the real kicker? The school keeps trying to cover it up. So, naturally, our couple plays detective, uncovering clues like it’s some sort of murder mystery scavenger hunt. Along the way, Elyssa and konstatin realize they need each other more than they ever expected. Spoiler: It’s not just for solving crimes they conveniently bumped into. In fact, despite the cold exterior they put up they were actually so so cute😭 OH AND ALSO ELYSSA IS PART TUNASIAN/ARAB. Macy always serves giving us the most diverse characters.
And the plot twist. I’m still not okay. It’s the twist to end all twists. I don’t even know if I’m furious or thrilled, I’m just completely flabbergasted. I had so much fun trying to piece together who the killer could be, there’s definitely a moment where you think you’ve figured it out and then BOOM. Macy just wrecks you.
Now with the book done and my brain still short circuiting, I’m literally just aching for the next one. The next book? Older sibling coded people falling in love, an arranged marriage, and I’m sure twists because what is it if not a Macy T Riosa book? This series is going to be chaos, and I can't wait to dive back in. Like literally. I need book 2 in my hands RIGHT NOW.
Tropes🪶
-academic rivals
-enemy families
-dislike to lovers
-touch her and die
-organized crime
Disclaimer: this is not a high school academy this is a college/graduate school for rich people so all characters are older than 18.
Genre: Adult Dark romantic thriller
🔥Spicy pages for those who would like to avoid:
Chapters 23, 25, 29
February 6, 2025
3,75⭐️/5
Thank you for the arc.
We follow Elyssa and Konstantin who are rivals. They both come from "ennemies family."
The aspect of the rivalry between Elyssa and Konstantin was not enough deepened. I wish we would see a bit more of it.
Although I was not entirely convinced by the relationship between both characters, I liked them as individuals and I still wanted them to be together.
At the same time, on the Academy girls disappear. Elyssa can’t help but look into it. The author manages to lead us on several leads. For once, I found the answer but I still can’t process it was indeed that. My brain is still blown away.
What I loved the most were the side characters. She left details about them and she piqued my curiosity. All I want now is the book of each character we met. I am so intringued and can’t wait to read more about the Korolov family.
Thank you for the arc.
We follow Elyssa and Konstantin who are rivals. They both come from "ennemies family."
The aspect of the rivalry between Elyssa and Konstantin was not enough deepened. I wish we would see a bit more of it.
Although I was not entirely convinced by the relationship between both characters, I liked them as individuals and I still wanted them to be together.
At the same time, on the Academy girls disappear. Elyssa can’t help but look into it. The author manages to lead us on several leads. For once, I found the answer but I still can’t process it was indeed that. My brain is still blown away.
What I loved the most were the side characters. She left details about them and she piqued my curiosity. All I want now is the book of each character we met. I am so intringued and can’t wait to read more about the Korolov family.
January 8, 2025
Soulless Rivalry - Macy T. Riosa
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I already knew Macy T. Riosa was an incredible writer, but Soulless Rivalry?
Oh my goodness, this book blew me away! 😱 It’s clear that Macy really challenged herself with this one, and she completely crushed it.
After falling in love with Red Roses and Black Dahlias (seriously, Maddox, Sofia, and Valentina will always have a piece of my heart ❤️), I didn’t think anything could top that. Then Freezing Bonds That Tie Our Hearts came along, and it broke me into a million pieces 💔. The novellas were a sweet, light read, but Soulless Rivalry? This book is in a whole new league.
It’s dark, twisted, and so cruel in the best way, yet Konstantin Korolov somehow stole my heart 💘. The complexity of his character left me captivated from start to finish. Without a doubt, this is a five-star read 🌟. If you haven't read it yet, you absolutely NEED to when it releases — you won’t regret it!
The story kicks off with Elyssa Bianchi and Konstantin Korolov, who start as rivals, both fiercely competing for the top spot in their college year. But as their rivalry intensifies, an unexpected twist brings them together as reluctant allies, working to solve a mystery. What starts as a battle of wills turns into something deeper… maybe even more than they expected? 👀
The Bianchi and Korolov families are both incredibly influential and surrounded by danger. They know power, they know wealth, but that doesn’t mean they’re immune to the risks of their dangerous lives. Elyssa understands this better than anyone — life hasn’t been easy for her. Yet at the academy, she finds a strange sense of peace and safety. On the flip side, Konstantin is everything Elyssa isn’t: dangerous, dark, and filled with an air of mystery. While Elyssa is soft, she has a fire and anger burning inside her. Watching them get closer, seeing their interactions evolve, and sharing those intimate moments together… I was all in for it. 🔥
This book was everything I wanted and more. It’s a true emotional rollercoaster 🎢, packed with shocking plot twists, a mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat, and characters who were impossible to predict. I couldn’t put it down! I’m beyond excited for the next book in the series, and honestly, I hope we get to see more of Konstantin and Elyssa’s friends — they deserve their own stories too! 💫
Trust me, this book is going to be HUGE. Get ready for a wild ride!
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I already knew Macy T. Riosa was an incredible writer, but Soulless Rivalry?
Oh my goodness, this book blew me away! 😱 It’s clear that Macy really challenged herself with this one, and she completely crushed it.
After falling in love with Red Roses and Black Dahlias (seriously, Maddox, Sofia, and Valentina will always have a piece of my heart ❤️), I didn’t think anything could top that. Then Freezing Bonds That Tie Our Hearts came along, and it broke me into a million pieces 💔. The novellas were a sweet, light read, but Soulless Rivalry? This book is in a whole new league.
It’s dark, twisted, and so cruel in the best way, yet Konstantin Korolov somehow stole my heart 💘. The complexity of his character left me captivated from start to finish. Without a doubt, this is a five-star read 🌟. If you haven't read it yet, you absolutely NEED to when it releases — you won’t regret it!
The story kicks off with Elyssa Bianchi and Konstantin Korolov, who start as rivals, both fiercely competing for the top spot in their college year. But as their rivalry intensifies, an unexpected twist brings them together as reluctant allies, working to solve a mystery. What starts as a battle of wills turns into something deeper… maybe even more than they expected? 👀
The Bianchi and Korolov families are both incredibly influential and surrounded by danger. They know power, they know wealth, but that doesn’t mean they’re immune to the risks of their dangerous lives. Elyssa understands this better than anyone — life hasn’t been easy for her. Yet at the academy, she finds a strange sense of peace and safety. On the flip side, Konstantin is everything Elyssa isn’t: dangerous, dark, and filled with an air of mystery. While Elyssa is soft, she has a fire and anger burning inside her. Watching them get closer, seeing their interactions evolve, and sharing those intimate moments together… I was all in for it. 🔥
This book was everything I wanted and more. It’s a true emotional rollercoaster 🎢, packed with shocking plot twists, a mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat, and characters who were impossible to predict. I couldn’t put it down! I’m beyond excited for the next book in the series, and honestly, I hope we get to see more of Konstantin and Elyssa’s friends — they deserve their own stories too! 💫
Trust me, this book is going to be HUGE. Get ready for a wild ride!
January 26, 2025
This book had potential. Unfortunately, at times, it felt dragging and not fully developed. The MC’s feelings were told but not felt. The death of a character and the twist at the end was silly. The Epilogue? Way too rushed.
I know the author has mentioned some things remain open on purpose. I hope the next book is better developed.
I know the author has mentioned some things remain open on purpose. I hope the next book is better developed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2025
This author can do no wrong in my eyes
January 23, 2025
✨ ARC Review✨
Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Oh. My. Gosh. This book is EVERYTHING! I couldn’t put it down—who needs sleep?! Dark academia, mafia drama, and crazy plot twists. From page one, I was hooked and it only got better. Did I finish the book? Or did it finish me? Honestly, both!
Elyssa’s world turned upside down when her dad died, and she finds out she’s part of the Bianchi mafia. Her family basically ignores and mistreats her, but she’s a survivor! Longfield Academy is her safe space, where she can be herself and embrace her Tunisian heritage. But after breaking school rules last semester and getting caught by her rival Konstantin, she knows this year won’t be easy.
Everyone, say hello to my new book boyfriend Konstantin! Konstantin comes from a mafia family that doesn’t play by any "mafia" rules, where's the fun in that, he was raised to basically be a heartless killer. Yes, he's morally gray and emotionally unavailable, but when he starts to open up!! UGH, perfection!
The academic rivalry and enemies-to-lovers? Everything. The banter, chemistry, and slow burn between Elyssa and Konstantin had me kicking my feet! Watching them go from rivals to more? Chef’s kiss. I love the “only her” trope! Another trope that I love with this book is dual virgin MCs. Konstantin may threaten and put Elyssa in danger, but he also protects her. Both aren’t fans of physical touch—especially Konstantin—but with Elyssa, he makes expectations. The wall fall and baking prank are my favorite moments between them!
Now, let's talk about this plot because UMM HOLY SH*T! The ending was so unexpected, and I loved it! There's a dark academia vibe with academic rivals, dueling mafia families, a secret society (The Order), and plenty of twists that kept me on the edge of my seat.
This book had me hooked from start to finish! Dark academia, a secret society (The Order), shady deaths, and a morally gray MMC—yes, please! The plot twists? Chef’s kiss. But honestly, I wanted more Elyssa and Konstantin—their romance felt rushed, and I needed more slow-burn tension. The secret society was so intriguing but left me with questions.
Regardless though, I ate this up!
Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Oh. My. Gosh. This book is EVERYTHING! I couldn’t put it down—who needs sleep?! Dark academia, mafia drama, and crazy plot twists. From page one, I was hooked and it only got better. Did I finish the book? Or did it finish me? Honestly, both!
Elyssa’s world turned upside down when her dad died, and she finds out she’s part of the Bianchi mafia. Her family basically ignores and mistreats her, but she’s a survivor! Longfield Academy is her safe space, where she can be herself and embrace her Tunisian heritage. But after breaking school rules last semester and getting caught by her rival Konstantin, she knows this year won’t be easy.
Everyone, say hello to my new book boyfriend Konstantin! Konstantin comes from a mafia family that doesn’t play by any "mafia" rules, where's the fun in that, he was raised to basically be a heartless killer. Yes, he's morally gray and emotionally unavailable, but when he starts to open up!! UGH, perfection!
The academic rivalry and enemies-to-lovers? Everything. The banter, chemistry, and slow burn between Elyssa and Konstantin had me kicking my feet! Watching them go from rivals to more? Chef’s kiss. I love the “only her” trope! Another trope that I love with this book is dual virgin MCs. Konstantin may threaten and put Elyssa in danger, but he also protects her. Both aren’t fans of physical touch—especially Konstantin—but with Elyssa, he makes expectations. The wall fall and baking prank are my favorite moments between them!
Now, let's talk about this plot because UMM HOLY SH*T! The ending was so unexpected, and I loved it! There's a dark academia vibe with academic rivals, dueling mafia families, a secret society (The Order), and plenty of twists that kept me on the edge of my seat.
This book had me hooked from start to finish! Dark academia, a secret society (The Order), shady deaths, and a morally gray MMC—yes, please! The plot twists? Chef’s kiss. But honestly, I wanted more Elyssa and Konstantin—their romance felt rushed, and I needed more slow-burn tension. The secret society was so intriguing but left me with questions.
Regardless though, I ate this up!
January 15, 2025
#Review: *Soulless Rivalry* - Macy T. Riosa - ARC [18+]
5/5✨
3/5🌶️
I was impressed by the first book I read by the author. I'm talking about 'Freezing bonds that tie our hearts' which I completely adored! So, I needed to read this one now and thanks to Macy and Good Girls Pr I was able to read it in advance.
Elyssa Bianchi's life had completely changed when her dad passed away. Now she and her mom were forced to go back to the family from her mom's side. They were full of loathe against them because Elyssa's mom chose with her heart and didn't listen to her dad when it came to marriage, being part of a mafia kind of family.
Elyssa's refuge was the Academy, where she had her friends and was far away from her grandpa. But she didn't get a break here neither, because strange murderers disturbed her peace of mind. And she never thought that she and her enemy, Konstantin Korolov, will be teaming up to uncover some disturbing events. But while doing this, they'll slowly leave behind the enemy relationship and start a love one.
This book was pretty dark, with many violent scenes and morally grey characters. Konstantin was one of them, but he used this side of him to protect Elyssa, which I found to be really cute. He became obsessed with her and gravitated around her all the time. He discovered that she was that one person who made him feel something inside him and decided make her his and never let her go.
Even though the main topic of this book was a bit sinister, I was hooked by everything regarding this story. I really like the way Macy builds her stories and I'm slowly becoming a fan of her books🩵.
✨Tropes
#DarkRomance
#MorallyGrey
#EnemiesToLovers
#BoyObsessed
#BadBoyGoodGirl
#RomanticSuspense
#TouchHerAndDie
#OppositesAttract
#Mafia
5/5✨
3/5🌶️
I was impressed by the first book I read by the author. I'm talking about 'Freezing bonds that tie our hearts' which I completely adored! So, I needed to read this one now and thanks to Macy and Good Girls Pr I was able to read it in advance.
Elyssa Bianchi's life had completely changed when her dad passed away. Now she and her mom were forced to go back to the family from her mom's side. They were full of loathe against them because Elyssa's mom chose with her heart and didn't listen to her dad when it came to marriage, being part of a mafia kind of family.
Elyssa's refuge was the Academy, where she had her friends and was far away from her grandpa. But she didn't get a break here neither, because strange murderers disturbed her peace of mind. And she never thought that she and her enemy, Konstantin Korolov, will be teaming up to uncover some disturbing events. But while doing this, they'll slowly leave behind the enemy relationship and start a love one.
This book was pretty dark, with many violent scenes and morally grey characters. Konstantin was one of them, but he used this side of him to protect Elyssa, which I found to be really cute. He became obsessed with her and gravitated around her all the time. He discovered that she was that one person who made him feel something inside him and decided make her his and never let her go.
Even though the main topic of this book was a bit sinister, I was hooked by everything regarding this story. I really like the way Macy builds her stories and I'm slowly becoming a fan of her books🩵.
✨Tropes
#DarkRomance
#MorallyGrey
#EnemiesToLovers
#BoyObsessed
#BadBoyGoodGirl
#RomanticSuspense
#TouchHerAndDie
#OppositesAttract
#Mafia
January 16, 2025
Por muy agradecida que esté a Good Girls PR por darme la oportunidad de leer este libro antes de la fecha de su publicación, también estoy decepcionada con este libro.
Me esperaba una súper historia de romance entre dos enemigos de la mafia (que además son rivales académicos) y lo único que he encontrado es un libro que define literalmente “quiere ser, pero no llega a serlo…”.
Intenta dar palos a todos los clichés “aceptados” en general y no llega a desarrollarlos en profundidad. Esto mismo pasa con los personajes… los presenta, muestra sus diversas facetas, pero no les da profundidad.
Y esto es duro de escuchar pero por mucho que tus personajes sean los más traumados de este mundo, eso no les hace ser más profundos. Necesitas desarrollarlos y mostrar al lector qué les sucede, qué pasa y porqué son de esta manera.
Y eso, mi mayor crítica es a la falta de profundidad y desarrollo la vrd en todos los aspectos del libro (tanto la trama, personajes, ….)
Aun así os animo a leer el libro, esta es solo mi opinión personal 🙂↕️
Me esperaba una súper historia de romance entre dos enemigos de la mafia (que además son rivales académicos) y lo único que he encontrado es un libro que define literalmente “quiere ser, pero no llega a serlo…”.
Intenta dar palos a todos los clichés “aceptados” en general y no llega a desarrollarlos en profundidad. Esto mismo pasa con los personajes… los presenta, muestra sus diversas facetas, pero no les da profundidad.
Y esto es duro de escuchar pero por mucho que tus personajes sean los más traumados de este mundo, eso no les hace ser más profundos. Necesitas desarrollarlos y mostrar al lector qué les sucede, qué pasa y porqué son de esta manera.
Y eso, mi mayor crítica es a la falta de profundidad y desarrollo la vrd en todos los aspectos del libro (tanto la trama, personajes, ….)
Aun así os animo a leer el libro, esta es solo mi opinión personal 🙂↕️
January 8, 2025
Who doesn’t love a bully romance?
Especially when you make it mafia vibes in an academy setting?
I was hooked from the beginning!
Elyssa and Konstantin have such a complex relationship from the beginning and he even hates her a little bit god help anyone else who tries anything with her.
It was fun watching him going from hating her (her from hating him) to falling in love and him being in her corner and supporting her with everything, even against her family
I was lucky enough to be given an ARC from Good.Girls.PR!
Especially when you make it mafia vibes in an academy setting?
I was hooked from the beginning!
Elyssa and Konstantin have such a complex relationship from the beginning and he even hates her a little bit god help anyone else who tries anything with her.
It was fun watching him going from hating her (her from hating him) to falling in love and him being in her corner and supporting her with everything, even against her family
I was lucky enough to be given an ARC from Good.Girls.PR!
February 6, 2025
2.5 🌟 rounded down
Elyssa (h) is the unwanted and delegitimate mafia princess of an Italian mafia family. Her father was a Tunisian taxi driver, and her mother ran away to be with him. At just ten years old, they get dragged back into the mafia life and her life is never the same. That’s how she finds herself at the Academy, a university for the children of the elite. There are a bunch of other crime family kin there too, including Konstantin (H). Kon and Elyssa hate each other. They’re academic rivals and now, Kon has leverage on Elyssa that has her doing whatever he says, when he says it. When bodies start showing up though, they have to work together to figure out the mystery.
Okay so this was a rough first 50% for me. Dislike/hate to lovers is not usually my vibe and the start of this wasn’t executed well enough for me to get past that fact. It felt like most of these characters were in their teens, rather than their early twenties. They didn’t act or talk like young adults, let alone people who had grown up around the most notorious criminals in the country. The characters at this point, and honestly throughout, were incredibly unlikeable. Elyssa came across as a pushover, and Kon a bully. The side characters in their friend groups were flawed to the point of almost becoming villains themselves. It’s hard to find something I liked about this first half of the book.
I also really struggled with how physical Kon got with Elyssa. I don’t ever (even in an enemies to lovers) want to read about a H who hurts the h in any capacity that isn’t consensual. Kon was frequently shoving Elyssa into hard objects, putting his hands around her throat, knocking into her. It’s personal preference but seriously hindered my reading enjoyment.
In terms of the last 50%, when they start to develop into a romance, it was definitely better. I ended up liking them together, although would have liked to see them interact more at this stage. The pacing was a little off, considering the big climax happened in the final 10% and so it felt quite abrupt to me. I picked the twist pretty early but the overall story was still engaging. Kon and Elyssa were slow to the take romantically but I enjoyed their switch to lovers and Elyssa’s introduction into a loving, albeit criminal and ruthless, family.
Unfortunately it seems like only the next book will be safe enough for me, with the H also being a virgin. Possibly one other book, but that’s only a maybe. The rest of the potential H’s are portrayed in this book as extreme manwhores and very much not my vibe, which is super disappointing from this author who is usually quite good about that stuff.
Safety:
- Dual virgins - both first everything
- No ow or om drama
- No cheating
- Heaps of potential triggers so please check before reading
Elyssa (h) is the unwanted and delegitimate mafia princess of an Italian mafia family. Her father was a Tunisian taxi driver, and her mother ran away to be with him. At just ten years old, they get dragged back into the mafia life and her life is never the same. That’s how she finds herself at the Academy, a university for the children of the elite. There are a bunch of other crime family kin there too, including Konstantin (H). Kon and Elyssa hate each other. They’re academic rivals and now, Kon has leverage on Elyssa that has her doing whatever he says, when he says it. When bodies start showing up though, they have to work together to figure out the mystery.
Okay so this was a rough first 50% for me. Dislike/hate to lovers is not usually my vibe and the start of this wasn’t executed well enough for me to get past that fact. It felt like most of these characters were in their teens, rather than their early twenties. They didn’t act or talk like young adults, let alone people who had grown up around the most notorious criminals in the country. The characters at this point, and honestly throughout, were incredibly unlikeable. Elyssa came across as a pushover, and Kon a bully. The side characters in their friend groups were flawed to the point of almost becoming villains themselves. It’s hard to find something I liked about this first half of the book.
I also really struggled with how physical Kon got with Elyssa. I don’t ever (even in an enemies to lovers) want to read about a H who hurts the h in any capacity that isn’t consensual. Kon was frequently shoving Elyssa into hard objects, putting his hands around her throat, knocking into her. It’s personal preference but seriously hindered my reading enjoyment.
In terms of the last 50%, when they start to develop into a romance, it was definitely better. I ended up liking them together, although would have liked to see them interact more at this stage. The pacing was a little off, considering the big climax happened in the final 10% and so it felt quite abrupt to me. I picked the twist pretty early but the overall story was still engaging. Kon and Elyssa were slow to the take romantically but I enjoyed their switch to lovers and Elyssa’s introduction into a loving, albeit criminal and ruthless, family.
Unfortunately it seems like only the next book will be safe enough for me, with the H also being a virgin. Possibly one other book, but that’s only a maybe. The rest of the potential H’s are portrayed in this book as extreme manwhores and very much not my vibe, which is super disappointing from this author who is usually quite good about that stuff.
Safety:
- Dual virgins - both first everything
- No ow or om drama
- No cheating
- Heaps of potential triggers so please check before reading
January 18, 2025
Omg!! I don’t even know where to start.
I love the y that Macy is expanding on the universe and giving us the Korolov story cause god know i needed to know this. The story of Elyssa and Konstantin did not disappoint, the black sheep daughter of the Bianchini Outfit and the emotional-less son of the Korolov mercenary. At the Academy, surrounded by friends and far away from her grandfather, Elyssa finally found some peace. Yet her peace was still shattered by weird murderers. Little did she expect that she was to work with her enemy, Konstantin Korolov, in order to straighten some unexplained events. The more they worked together, the less hostile they grew, until one would think that they actually liked each other.
I will say i enjoyed it. The plot twist actually ruined me but I will say that I thought that Mia was actually smarter than that. Also the only flaw i had is never knowing who sabotaged the dancers. Other that. I liked it.
ARC REVIEW
The tropes for this book:
* Academic rivals
* Dislike to lovers
*Touch her and die
*Dual virgins
*They both don't like being touched
I love the y that Macy is expanding on the universe and giving us the Korolov story cause god know i needed to know this. The story of Elyssa and Konstantin did not disappoint, the black sheep daughter of the Bianchini Outfit and the emotional-less son of the Korolov mercenary. At the Academy, surrounded by friends and far away from her grandfather, Elyssa finally found some peace. Yet her peace was still shattered by weird murderers. Little did she expect that she was to work with her enemy, Konstantin Korolov, in order to straighten some unexplained events. The more they worked together, the less hostile they grew, until one would think that they actually liked each other.
I will say i enjoyed it. The plot twist actually ruined me but I will say that I thought that Mia was actually smarter than that. Also the only flaw i had is never knowing who sabotaged the dancers. Other that. I liked it.
ARC REVIEW
The tropes for this book:
* Academic rivals
* Dislike to lovers
*Touch her and die
*Dual virgins
*They both don't like being touched
January 24, 2025
5⭐️
thank you good girl pr and Macy for the arc!
When I tell this book was good, I mean it was GOODD!!
ohmygoddd!! idk what miss Macy put in her books but they are literally drugs! this is the second book I read by her and both books have been 5⭐️!!
I am in love with this story and in love with the Korolov family!! I want more of Konstantin and Elyssa!!
Honestly, the plot of this book, the setting, the characters, and the story are all incredible!!
The rivalry between Elyssa and Konstatin is on another level! I LOVE THEM SO MUCHH!!
and as always I love me a possisive, obsessive man!! and Konstatin was just that!! AHHH THIS BOOK DELIVERED!!
thank you good girl pr and Macy for the arc!
When I tell this book was good, I mean it was GOODD!!
ohmygoddd!! idk what miss Macy put in her books but they are literally drugs! this is the second book I read by her and both books have been 5⭐️!!
I am in love with this story and in love with the Korolov family!! I want more of Konstantin and Elyssa!!
Honestly, the plot of this book, the setting, the characters, and the story are all incredible!!
The rivalry between Elyssa and Konstatin is on another level! I LOVE THEM SO MUCHH!!
and as always I love me a possisive, obsessive man!! and Konstatin was just that!! AHHH THIS BOOK DELIVERED!!
January 22, 2025
Dark Academia with a mystery to solve. Immediately hooked. Rivals to Lovers
Konstantin and Elyssa are so imperfectly perfect for each other. They bring out the best in each other by trying to outdo each other. He's a literal "touch her and 💀" boyfriend
The mysteries behind the deaths on the island were turning me into a detective and the tension between the MCs while trying to solve the murders was addictive.
The book explores themes of heartbreak, loss, betrayal, found family, @bu$e and it was so beautifully done!
🌶.5
Konstantin and Elyssa are so imperfectly perfect for each other. They bring out the best in each other by trying to outdo each other. He's a literal "touch her and 💀" boyfriend
The mysteries behind the deaths on the island were turning me into a detective and the tension between the MCs while trying to solve the murders was addictive.
The book explores themes of heartbreak, loss, betrayal, found family, @bu$e and it was so beautifully done!
🌶.5
January 18, 2025
Following Konstantin and Elyssa through their academy year and being rivals gets you hopping onto a interesting plot with mystery, secrets, crimes and the love slowly blooming their way. I really enjoyed the mafia vibe, and I was so excited to get to know about Konstantin since he’s mentioned in make you wish I was dead by the author! Overall, I really enjoyed the story! My 3 star rating is based of on connecting with the characters and feeling it got a bit too rushed at parts I wish could take its time. I’m excited to continue this series though!
January 26, 2025
4 ⭐️
I liked this and will be keeping an eye out for the next release - I do wish we had more of an epilogue but with it being only the first in the series I understand
A bit dark in terms of the cult bit
– Dual pov
– Dual virgin (both don't like being touched)
– Both 21 years old, junior year of uni
– Mercenary H/mafia h
– No cheating or OW/OM drama
– HEA ending + epilogue
I liked this and will be keeping an eye out for the next release - I do wish we had more of an epilogue but with it being only the first in the series I understand
A bit dark in terms of the cult bit
– Dual pov
– Dual virgin (both don't like being touched)
– Both 21 years old, junior year of uni
– Mercenary H/mafia h
– No cheating or OW/OM drama
– HEA ending + epilogue
January 20, 2025
I enjoyed the suspense in the book and the twists were definitely nothing I could have predicted. I really liked the heavier side I this book with Elyssa’s past involving her family and seeing her open up to allow someone to help her. This book was the perfect mixture of suspense, spice, overcoming family trauma, and coming of age!
January 21, 2025
One thing about macy's books is that her plots EATTTTTTT
Super hyped for the next books in this series.
Imo there was something missing in Elyssa and Konstantin's relationship but this book was still a great start to the series <3
Super hyped for the next books in this series.
Imo there was something missing in Elyssa and Konstantin's relationship but this book was still a great start to the series <3
January 21, 2025
HOLYSHITTT THIS BOOK WAS INSANE THE PLOT TWIST OMDS
May 14, 2025
There is no bad book from this author!
June 22, 2025
academic rivals to lovers, dark academia vibes, and some suspense — aka all my favorite things in one book, i'm so excited for the rest of the series!! <3
January 13, 2025
I’ve been so excited to read the first book in this new series and it did not disappoint. One thing you can trust Macy to do is have an interesting storyline alongside a sizzling romance. This book really captivated me from the explanation and history of the academy to the depth of each character and the backgrounds they come from. I also loved seeing Elyssa’s cultural background represented in many accurate ways throughout the story it was refreshing to see. I really recommend reading Soulless Rivalry and am really excited for the rest of the series. As always happy reading!
January 19, 2025
I have no words, none. This exhilarating feeling and the need to finish a book to know what happens, while also not wanting it to end, has not happened to me since I read The Hollow Boys by Monty Jay. Since then, I haven’t found a book that has made me crave more.
Additionally, I am left with an obsession. I loved it. The academic rivals trope and the tension between our couple were done amazingly. The found family aspect was a plus, especially the brothers. The freaking Kovola brothers. It was just amazing.
If you love a good plot, smut, found family, badass women, and hot, delicious men who leave you panting over them, this is it.
Additionally, I am left with an obsession. I loved it. The academic rivals trope and the tension between our couple were done amazingly. The found family aspect was a plus, especially the brothers. The freaking Kovola brothers. It was just amazing.
If you love a good plot, smut, found family, badass women, and hot, delicious men who leave you panting over them, this is it.
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