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Evergreen Academy #1
Marked: A Dark High School Bully Romance
It wasn't supposed to be like this.
Evergreen Academy was meant to be my fresh start. My hair was on point. My skin was flawless. And now I wore the hell out of my clothes instead of hiding them.
Even running into Ryder hadn't thrown me. So what that the green-eyed devil who tormented me for years now ruled my new school with a band of boys everyone called the Knights. The four of them were devastatingly rich, enviously handsome... and heartbreakingly cruel.
But the Evergreen Knights didn't scare me. I had my own plans and no reason to enter their little world... until one fateful night and a masquerade ball changed everything.
I saw something I shouldn't have and now I've been Marked.
They'll do everything they can to break me but they don't know the monsters I've faced. They don't know I've been broken before.
If they want to take on Valentina Moon... bring it on.
Marked is a high school bully romance with a sweet tinge of mystery. This is book one in the series and features language and sexual scenes. If you're cool with that, dive in!
Evergreen Academy was meant to be my fresh start. My hair was on point. My skin was flawless. And now I wore the hell out of my clothes instead of hiding them.
Even running into Ryder hadn't thrown me. So what that the green-eyed devil who tormented me for years now ruled my new school with a band of boys everyone called the Knights. The four of them were devastatingly rich, enviously handsome... and heartbreakingly cruel.
But the Evergreen Knights didn't scare me. I had my own plans and no reason to enter their little world... until one fateful night and a masquerade ball changed everything.
I saw something I shouldn't have and now I've been Marked.
They'll do everything they can to break me but they don't know the monsters I've faced. They don't know I've been broken before.
If they want to take on Valentina Moon... bring it on.
Marked is a high school bully romance with a sweet tinge of mystery. This is book one in the series and features language and sexual scenes. If you're cool with that, dive in!
254 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2019
3263 people are currently reading
5313 people want to read
About the author
Ruby Vincent
71 books1,222 followersRuby Vincent is a published author with many novels under her belt but now she's taking a fun foray into contemporary romance. She loves saucy heroines, bold alpha males, and weaving a tale where both get their happy ever after.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 353 reviews
March 1, 2020
Mysteries abound in this interesting high school bully romance.
This was a very well written book with multiple storylines and a few different secrets and mysteries and it kept me guessing to the very end where there was a fairly predictable reveal/cliffhanger. However, it was about the only thing that was predictable in the entire book and at times it had me on the fence as to if I was going to be right about this one or not.
This was the story of Valentina Moon who is poor and was raised by her single mother Olivia. She lives in a tiny apartment and has a room about the size of a closet which she shares with her infant brother and she is just about to go away to a fancy boarding school for the first time.
Valentina is starting later in the semester than the rest of the students so when she gets there everyone is determined to find out how she got accepted since the school never takes late students and it is obvious her parents didn’t bribe the school.
Evergreen Academy runs on tradition which says that every year four freshmen are chosen by an unknown group called the spades. They leave cards in the lockers of the four Chosen “Knights” and those Knights are in charge of keeping peace at the school. But they also run the school more so than the teachers and the Headmaster. They can basically do whatever they want.
The four Evergreen Knights are the hottest guys in the freshman class. First Val meets Jaxson, the son of a record producer. Jaxson is a huge flirt and likes the limelight. Then there is Ezra, who tries to be perfect like his Mother who is an award winning Journalist. Ezra is exceptionally smart and tutors Val in Math. Then there is Maverick who is a big guy, and soft spoken. Maverick doesn’t talk much and he is great at art, computers and likes to take electronic things apart and put them back together after seeing how they work. The last Knight is Ryder, who Val knows from her childhood. Val’s Mom, Olivia was secretary to Ryder’s Dad and Ryder used to bully and torment Val. He still hates her for reasons unknown to her.
As I said, there are quite a few secrets and mysteries. One is how Val got into the school, another is where she gets her spending money, another is who are the spades. The spades end up playing a larger role because after Val sees something she shouldn’t see, she gets marked and the entire school turns against her. She thinks it is the Knights led by Ryder but it turns out that it goes much deeper than that. Though there is still something going on with Ryder and why he hates her. Suffice it to say there is just a ton of questions that make this book/series pretty terrific!
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This was a very well written book with multiple storylines and a few different secrets and mysteries and it kept me guessing to the very end where there was a fairly predictable reveal/cliffhanger. However, it was about the only thing that was predictable in the entire book and at times it had me on the fence as to if I was going to be right about this one or not.
This was the story of Valentina Moon who is poor and was raised by her single mother Olivia. She lives in a tiny apartment and has a room about the size of a closet which she shares with her infant brother and she is just about to go away to a fancy boarding school for the first time.
Valentina is starting later in the semester than the rest of the students so when she gets there everyone is determined to find out how she got accepted since the school never takes late students and it is obvious her parents didn’t bribe the school.
Evergreen Academy runs on tradition which says that every year four freshmen are chosen by an unknown group called the spades. They leave cards in the lockers of the four Chosen “Knights” and those Knights are in charge of keeping peace at the school. But they also run the school more so than the teachers and the Headmaster. They can basically do whatever they want.
The four Evergreen Knights are the hottest guys in the freshman class. First Val meets Jaxson, the son of a record producer. Jaxson is a huge flirt and likes the limelight. Then there is Ezra, who tries to be perfect like his Mother who is an award winning Journalist. Ezra is exceptionally smart and tutors Val in Math. Then there is Maverick who is a big guy, and soft spoken. Maverick doesn’t talk much and he is great at art, computers and likes to take electronic things apart and put them back together after seeing how they work. The last Knight is Ryder, who Val knows from her childhood. Val’s Mom, Olivia was secretary to Ryder’s Dad and Ryder used to bully and torment Val. He still hates her for reasons unknown to her.
As I said, there are quite a few secrets and mysteries. One is how Val got into the school, another is where she gets her spending money, another is who are the spades. The spades end up playing a larger role because after Val sees something she shouldn’t see, she gets marked and the entire school turns against her. She thinks it is the Knights led by Ryder but it turns out that it goes much deeper than that. Though there is still something going on with Ryder and why he hates her. Suffice it to say there is just a ton of questions that make this book/series pretty terrific!
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October 21, 2019
Never has a bully romance reduced to me tears. Like tears running down my face and not stopping anytime soon. Never have I actually hated all the guys supposed to be in the harem either... I hate them all.
August 29, 2019
Enjoyable read
I actually really liked this book. The pain Val has to endure from being marked after seeing something she shouldn’t. I liked how she didn’t crumble and run, instead she fought back. Only thing I couldn’t get behind were the ages of the main 4 boys. 15 years old was just way too young for how they were characterised in the book. When I’m reading i imagine them and all the other characters to be 18 or older. Can’t wait to read the second book..
I actually really liked this book. The pain Val has to endure from being marked after seeing something she shouldn’t. I liked how she didn’t crumble and run, instead she fought back. Only thing I couldn’t get behind were the ages of the main 4 boys. 15 years old was just way too young for how they were characterised in the book. When I’m reading i imagine them and all the other characters to be 18 or older. Can’t wait to read the second book..
March 23, 2020
Not too sure yet
I know it’s a high school bully, but I just can’t make myself believe these are 15 year olds!!! A 15 year old with a body like a god?! As if!!! Idk, I’m interested enough to continue due to the mystery and I do like the main character. But I’m not too sure where I stand on this series yet. As of right now, I’ve seen absolutely no redeeming qualities in any of the guys.
I know it’s a high school bully, but I just can’t make myself believe these are 15 year olds!!! A 15 year old with a body like a god?! As if!!! Idk, I’m interested enough to continue due to the mystery and I do like the main character. But I’m not too sure where I stand on this series yet. As of right now, I’ve seen absolutely no redeeming qualities in any of the guys.
August 21, 2020
HS RH
Took a chance on this series and so glad I did. It's fabulous. Slow burn RH, enemies/bullies to lovers, intrigue, and a FMC that's worthy of those guys. This review is for the whole series. Love it. Recommend for fans of Bully Academy RH genre.
Took a chance on this series and so glad I did. It's fabulous. Slow burn RH, enemies/bullies to lovers, intrigue, and a FMC that's worthy of those guys. This review is for the whole series. Love it. Recommend for fans of Bully Academy RH genre.
August 17, 2020
y'all. what in the mfukin hell. i did not see any of this shit going down. i thought i had the plot figured out.
nope.
stabe me pls.
June 6, 2021
Damn this book pushes the boundaries, turns me into a raving mad pile of revenge and does not hold back. This is definitely a bully read and I have no idea how the author is ever going to make these guys’ decent in my eyes. I know she’s done it again but holy shitballs this was a LOT to take in. At times I hated the heroine. She was your typical naive bimbo whose mind simply turns to mush when one of these guys are around. Some of the shit she’s put through is rough and yet she never got MAD, she never really did much but take it as they threw it at her. She fell for the dumbest tricks and let herself be fooled by everyone. Sure she talks back a few times but hell no, I was fired up and wanted action. But then I remind myself they all are only 15. There age didn’t mesh for me but honestly I’m so heated up and while pissed and angry I’m filled with so much revenge that I swear the heroine better live up to in the next book. While the content has my anxiety on high alert, I was sucked in to this book and couldn’t stop reading. I hated it as much as a loved it and I’m honestly floored by how absorbed I was lol. I will say I did predict almost everything and that was a bummer. However this authors execution was spot on as was the delivery in my opinion. Even expecting such a cliffy end, I was unprepared for how it all coalesced. Off to book 2, need some revenge and retribution.
November 16, 2019
Characters too young......
July 17, 2020
This is a book you either like or dislike! I disliked, but then again I am not a huge fan of RH books, but gave it a go anyway, because of the hype!
What I found laughable was how Ruby Vincent described her boys...yes BOYS...like the were men. When was the last time you seen a teenage boy with hard muscles and ripped abs...
umm NEVER! lol I have a son that is 13 and let me just tell you....he’s know where near looking like a man yet! just sayin...lol
I don’t think the book was horrible and that is why I gave it a 2 star and not a 1 star, but more because I just don’t want to waste any more of my time for couple of reasons....one being their ages, even though they acted more like 17 to 18-year-olds rather than 15, but just knowing they were only 15 kinda creeped me out. It was more because, I couldn’t make any connections with any of the MC’s so why continue when I’m not a huge fan of RH books anyways. Since this was my first time with this author I would definitely give Ruby Vincent another try as long as it’s not a RH book..seriously I would’ve been happy if Val just ended-up with Ryder. lol but that’s just me! 🤷🏼♀️
On a positive note....99.9 % of the time I listen to the audiobooks while I follow along with the book and Jillian Yetter did a good job as the narrator, but I hear she is switched out with someone else on the 3rd book. Just a heads up.
June 27, 2021
I kid you not, I almost DNFed this book, and then I suddenly found myself backtracking my comments about reverse harem and sharing lovers and finished all four books! Lol
This book was quite problematic, when you think of the fact that it was about high school students who are facing attempted murder, abuse, bullying, and are engaging in numerous sexual activities, and above all . Yes, high schoolers.
That said, this book was so action packed, drama packed, tension and excitement packed, that I couldn't let it go.
I'd read something similar, in the form of bully falls in love with victim and shares lover with friends, before, but it was so cringy for me, I couldn't keep reading, with this, I was so quick to pick up the next book you wouldn't even believe it, lol.
**This review will be posted for all books, it felt like one story divided too many times, general rating is three stars, general liking for the writing style, the plot, and the twists and turns of the book.
**Warning, this book talks about sex, rape, abuse, murder, attempted murder, violence, and bullying.
This book was quite problematic, when you think of the fact that it was about high school students who are facing attempted murder, abuse, bullying, and are engaging in numerous sexual activities, and above all . Yes, high schoolers.
That said, this book was so action packed, drama packed, tension and excitement packed, that I couldn't let it go.
I'd read something similar, in the form of bully falls in love with victim and shares lover with friends, before, but it was so cringy for me, I couldn't keep reading, with this, I was so quick to pick up the next book you wouldn't even believe it, lol.
**This review will be posted for all books, it felt like one story divided too many times, general rating is three stars, general liking for the writing style, the plot, and the twists and turns of the book.
**Warning, this book talks about sex, rape, abuse, murder, attempted murder, violence, and bullying.
October 27, 2020
Wow. I REALLY loved this reverse harem book. Like, as soon as it was done I bought books 2 and 3 in audio. I loved Val, Ryder, Ezra, Maverick and Jaxson. The bullying was SO INTENSE. I love when bully books actually get gritty with the hate. They dont water it down. Ruby Vincent did NOT water it down in this series. The pain Val went through before entering this academy was real just as much as the pain she endured while being here AND being marked. Very enjoyable story!
April 7, 2020
oh wow!
I must say, the ending did surprise me! I mentally made my remarks about certain aspects but I haven't thought of them becoming true!
wow... this but was intense. More intense than I actually expected.
I kinda like Val, as a headstrong character.
The school is trash tho...
and I have nothing positive to say about each of the boys so far.
off to book 2
I must say, the ending did surprise me! I mentally made my remarks about certain aspects but I haven't thought of them becoming true!
wow... this but was intense. More intense than I actually expected.
I kinda like Val, as a headstrong character.
The school is trash tho...
and I have nothing positive to say about each of the boys so far.
off to book 2
March 4, 2020
Kinda figured out the twist before i read it but either way it was still good.
June 15, 2020
Predictable as fuck. First chapter and I already knew the so called plot twist. Besides, I know she’s 15, but geez Valentina is annoyingly stupid.
May 29, 2020
Evergreen Academy was Valentina's fresh start. She's made it out of the poverty she grew up in and this is the first step to rescuing her mother and baby brother as well. She's now at the best high school in the world. She has a best friend, a good set of close friends, and opportunities like never before. Even the fact that Ryder, her bully from middle school is there and part of the school's rulers, the Knights doesn't ruin this new chance. What does ruin it is a Joker's card. She's been marked. She saw Ryder in the wrong place at the wrong time and now the entire school has turned against her and is determined to run her out. Val is equally determined to stay. Hopefully, it doesn't cost her her life.
First things first. I do not like bully romances. I hate that a girl is abused, mentally and physically, demeaned, and debased and still swoons over the guy. Ugliness shines through, so I don't care if Adonis himself is the torturer, the girl could have a bit of dignity and not go to the party, not partner up outside of class, not forgive with a smile. Have some respect for yourself, PLEASE! And to make it worse these are 15-year-olds. Way too young for the story. Finally, a 15-year-old who has survived what Valentina has would know better. But anyway...as much as I hate the genre I was completely captivated. It's like a slow-motion train wreck that I can't look away from. I kept hoping Val would speak up. Tell the school, especially the knights why she was marked. Why did she protect Ryder at her own expense? Why keep secrets when her room is destroyed, when she is hurt? Police, lawyers. Challenge Evergreen. She kept asking why everyone would go along with the marking but she played along as well. And maybe that's why I keep reading. I hate the genre but desperately want to see the girl stand up and be smart. Silence enables. Speak up. Fight back. Don't fall into bed with your bullies. The ending made me hopeful Valentina just might be that girl.
First things first. I do not like bully romances. I hate that a girl is abused, mentally and physically, demeaned, and debased and still swoons over the guy. Ugliness shines through, so I don't care if Adonis himself is the torturer, the girl could have a bit of dignity and not go to the party, not partner up outside of class, not forgive with a smile. Have some respect for yourself, PLEASE! And to make it worse these are 15-year-olds. Way too young for the story. Finally, a 15-year-old who has survived what Valentina has would know better. But anyway...as much as I hate the genre I was completely captivated. It's like a slow-motion train wreck that I can't look away from. I kept hoping Val would speak up. Tell the school, especially the knights why she was marked. Why did she protect Ryder at her own expense? Why keep secrets when her room is destroyed, when she is hurt? Police, lawyers. Challenge Evergreen. She kept asking why everyone would go along with the marking but she played along as well. And maybe that's why I keep reading. I hate the genre but desperately want to see the girl stand up and be smart. Silence enables. Speak up. Fight back. Don't fall into bed with your bullies. The ending made me hopeful Valentina just might be that girl.
September 27, 2019
How are you suppose to rate a book that is excatly like one you have read before? Do you penalise the former just because you read it after the latter? I dont know what the protocol is here but every page I turned in this book felt like dejavu, every single incident! While I didn't know which came first, the chicken or the egg, and I didn't want to check before finishing this book, I felt I should give it a fair chance. But its exactly the same as Filthy Rich Boys and I read this just last month, so I couldnt help myself but compare them.
I feel like I have wasted my time and money but I am not giving up just yet, I will see how book 2 goes
and I am not penalising it just because I read it last, so I gave it the same rating. Hopefully the story will take a different turn from here on (fingers crossed).
I feel like I have wasted my time and money but I am not giving up just yet, I will see how book 2 goes
and I am not penalising it just because I read it last, so I gave it the same rating. Hopefully the story will take a different turn from here on (fingers crossed).
April 20, 2020
2 Stars
If I had read this before I read Filthy Rich Boys then I'd probably give it 3 stars, but unfortunately that's not the case, so I couldn't give it a higher rating even though it was pretty good. This book isn't similar to The Rich boys of Burberry Prep, it's exactly the same! Valentina is Marnye, Sofia is Miranda, Ryder is Tristan, Maverick is Zack, Jaxson is Zayd, and Ezra is Creed.
I would recommend this to any one that hasn't read the other series, because if you have then sadly, this will be redundant and you'll guess everything that's going to happen. Now, in spite of this being too similar to the other series I previously mentioned, I will say that this was a fast paced and entertaining read. I guess I'm just a sucker for these tropes.
May 5, 2020
This book had so many similarities with my last academy book that I had to stop and check if I have already read it before.
The girl enters our screen at 15. She starts school later than everyone else which is surprising, and yet she is paying for herself when it's clear her mother can't afford it.
Anyway, later, of course, we find out that
Now all those revelations we find in the next 4 books, so read the spoiler at your own risk.
No sex in this book, so truly YA but there is a lot of bullying, slut-shaming and whatnot.
The girl enters our screen at 15. She starts school later than everyone else which is surprising, and yet she is paying for herself when it's clear her mother can't afford it.
Anyway, later, of course, we find out that
Now all those revelations we find in the next 4 books, so read the spoiler at your own risk.
No sex in this book, so truly YA but there is a lot of bullying, slut-shaming and whatnot.
September 30, 2019
First of all, I don’t typically read about 15 year old high school seniors bullying each other. But this was a good one. It was interesting. I’ll tell you that much. Especially with the twist in the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2019
Knights, Kings, joker cards, Diamonds, even spades (can’t remember) what a load of rubbish. This was poor.
November 6, 2021
Why is it that all high school bully romance series involving a private school have some kind of secret association that's responsible for everything bad that happens?!🤦🏾♀️
September 28, 2022
3 stars
I felt icky anytime I remembered their actual ages 🤢 15???? Nahhh
I felt icky anytime I remembered their actual ages 🤢 15???? Nahhh
June 3, 2021
Why on earth did I put reading this off for so long?!
🎭 The story 🎭
The book is about Valentina Moon (LOVE THE NAME), who has a troubled past, and wants to start over at Evergreen Academy. This is made quite difficult when she manages to piss off everyone in charge within seconds of being there.
We all know I love myself a reverse harem bully romance, and this one is all I wanted and more. I felt so bad for Val throughout the entire story, but she's damn strong and doesn't put up with anyone's shit. I screamed, laughed, and cried right along with her. I'm telling you, I'm always way too invested in these kinds of stories. I enjoyed this one even more than I did the Breakbattle Academy books (I read those before this series), which is surprising.
Going into the story, I honestly didn't think I'd like it. I of course already knew Val from Breakbattle Academy, and couldn't see myself getting invested in a story about someone's mom. But turns out; I did love it and I definitely did get invested. I wasn't very surprised with the plottwists in this one, We'll see. I'm never really surprised by the events in Vincent her books, but I'm not really reading the books for the mystery anyway ;)
I must say that I just somehow always notice mistakes in writing, and there were quite a few in this book. Keep that in mind if that bothers you.
🎭 The characters 🎭
💃Val Now this girl? She's a powerful protagonist. Damn, I love her girl power. She went through something really terrible in her past, but she's still here and she's so much stronger for it. I laughed so hard when she went Her comebacks, and the way she keeps her head up were just so great, I love this girl so much. I got so spitting mad when I do hate how forgiving the main characters in Vincent's book always are, so please, please, please at least make them all grovel :(I'm not a psychopath I swear
👨🏼💻🧍🏻♂️The boys I'm just discussing them all in one go. Damn, do I hate them at this point. I remember how mad I was in Breakbattle academy about the fact that the revenge wasn't what I wanted - at all. So I'm hoping this series is better at the revenge part lol. That ending, seriously, damn. Vincent is just so good at cliffhangers, and I just want to keep reading! I liked Jaxson and Maverick most of all (does anyone see Derek in Maverick?) I really expected Ezra to be the quiet type, but it seems like there's something very freaky and dirty underneath his fake exterior lol, love it. I also kinda thought he was gay, because of the way he was described everything (having a manicure and all that) lol! Oops. I can't wait to see them be nicer to her. I still do hope they will have to crawl for her, because Val would never settle for anything less. You go girl, make them pay.
🎭 Overall conclusion 🎭
Like I said, I have quite some ideas of where the story will go. She will obviously take revenge on all of them, hopefully a lot of revenge. They're going to find out who And then they will all make up and be happy. She also mentioned an allergy in this book, so I'm scared that'll come back too. We'll see.. I'm hoping we'll also see her dance, because we've barely seen her dance, while she's such a great dancer? Right.. Besides that, they'll obviously go after the Spades, can't wait to see who they are!
🎭 The story 🎭
The book is about Valentina Moon (LOVE THE NAME), who has a troubled past, and wants to start over at Evergreen Academy. This is made quite difficult when she manages to piss off everyone in charge within seconds of being there.
We all know I love myself a reverse harem bully romance, and this one is all I wanted and more. I felt so bad for Val throughout the entire story, but she's damn strong and doesn't put up with anyone's shit. I screamed, laughed, and cried right along with her. I'm telling you, I'm always way too invested in these kinds of stories. I enjoyed this one even more than I did the Breakbattle Academy books (I read those before this series), which is surprising.
Going into the story, I honestly didn't think I'd like it. I of course already knew Val from Breakbattle Academy, and couldn't see myself getting invested in a story about someone's mom. But turns out; I did love it and I definitely did get invested. I wasn't very surprised with the plottwists in this one, We'll see. I'm never really surprised by the events in Vincent her books, but I'm not really reading the books for the mystery anyway ;)
I must say that I just somehow always notice mistakes in writing, and there were quite a few in this book. Keep that in mind if that bothers you.
🎭 The characters 🎭
💃Val Now this girl? She's a powerful protagonist. Damn, I love her girl power. She went through something really terrible in her past, but she's still here and she's so much stronger for it. I laughed so hard when she went Her comebacks, and the way she keeps her head up were just so great, I love this girl so much. I got so spitting mad when I do hate how forgiving the main characters in Vincent's book always are, so please, please, please at least make them all grovel :(
👨🏼💻🧍🏻♂️The boys I'm just discussing them all in one go. Damn, do I hate them at this point. I remember how mad I was in Breakbattle academy about the fact that the revenge wasn't what I wanted - at all. So I'm hoping this series is better at the revenge part lol. That ending, seriously, damn. Vincent is just so good at cliffhangers, and I just want to keep reading! I liked Jaxson and Maverick most of all (
🎭 Overall conclusion 🎭
Like I said, I have quite some ideas of where the story will go. She will obviously take revenge on all of them, hopefully a lot of revenge. They're going to find out who And then they will all make up and be happy. She also mentioned an allergy in this book, so I'm scared that'll come back too. We'll see.. I'm hoping we'll also see her dance, because we've barely seen her dance, while she's such a great dancer? Right.. Besides that, they'll obviously go after the Spades, can't wait to see who they are!
"...I've always known perfect doesn't exist."
Ezra's eyes glided over my face - a slow, lazy sweep that didn't hide what he was doing. "I wouldn't say that."
February 11, 2022
Once again Ruby Vincent has wowed me with her writing ability. She sucks you in and makes you loose all track of time.
I really enjoyed this book. She did an amazing job laying the ground work for multiple storylines to keep the future books in the series interesting, without it being cluttered or feeling forced. It was seamless. By the end of this book you felt like you knew all the characters and a little about their backstory. Honestly, I don't really like any of them. Well, Maverick, but not the rest.
There must be some epic revenge or apologizing in the future, because I don't see how you could ever be friends with, or have a relationship with any of these people after what they do to Val! Especially the BFF, even if her excuse is how scared she was, she could have abandoned Val and left it alone, she didn't have to participate in the bullying.
My only issue with the story is how young all the characters are supposed to be. It's not reasonable to believe that they are all 15 years old. In my mind I'm thinking of them as at least 18, or picturing them in college instead of high school.
I can't wait to see what happens in Broken, the next book in the series. It's already downloaded on my kindle and read the go.
I really enjoyed this book. She did an amazing job laying the ground work for multiple storylines to keep the future books in the series interesting, without it being cluttered or feeling forced. It was seamless. By the end of this book you felt like you knew all the characters and a little about their backstory. Honestly, I don't really like any of them. Well, Maverick, but not the rest.
There must be some epic revenge or apologizing in the future, because I don't see how you could ever be friends with, or have a relationship with any of these people after what they do to Val! Especially the BFF, even if her excuse is how scared she was, she could have abandoned Val and left it alone, she didn't have to participate in the bullying.
My only issue with the story is how young all the characters are supposed to be. It's not reasonable to believe that they are all 15 years old. In my mind I'm thinking of them as at least 18, or picturing them in college instead of high school.
I can't wait to see what happens in Broken, the next book in the series. It's already downloaded on my kindle and read the go.
June 7, 2021
I read this out of order, starting with Breakbattle Academy where Valentina is an adult, so I know some of these things already. It is crazy to see how awful the guys are to Val compared with how they dote on her later in the other series.
This book introduces the school and their horrible policies that let students bully others until they drop out. Seriously, this place should be shut down and all the staff fired. Valentina is just starting after going through some horrible things when she's 'marked.' Now she's a target for everyone to harass, abuse, and threaten. She holds up a lot better than I would, taking a lot of crap and still pushing to succeed in school so she can get her diploma.
Valentina is naïve at times, but she's also only fifteen so I understand. I felt so bad when she had a bit of hope that someone was being nice and then it was ripped away. I hope we see her get revenge on everyone in school! They all deserve to be punished.
This book introduces the school and their horrible policies that let students bully others until they drop out. Seriously, this place should be shut down and all the staff fired. Valentina is just starting after going through some horrible things when she's 'marked.' Now she's a target for everyone to harass, abuse, and threaten. She holds up a lot better than I would, taking a lot of crap and still pushing to succeed in school so she can get her diploma.
Valentina is naïve at times, but she's also only fifteen so I understand. I felt so bad when she had a bit of hope that someone was being nice and then it was ripped away. I hope we see her get revenge on everyone in school! They all deserve to be punished.
September 13, 2019
An Incredible and Captivating Mystery
Well this story was unexpected and incredible. I love the way the author has Portrayed Valentina struggle and fight. Her interactions with the other characters have understanding more and more how strong she is. This story has drawn me in since the first chapter and the more I read the addict I become I can’t wait to read the next book.
Well this story was unexpected and incredible. I love the way the author has Portrayed Valentina struggle and fight. Her interactions with the other characters have understanding more and more how strong she is. This story has drawn me in since the first chapter and the more I read the addict I become I can’t wait to read the next book.
January 2, 2020
I did enjoy this book but it's too similar to all the others in this genre. I am looking for the one book or series in this genre that stands out. This one does have a semi-unique twist in the villain, but it mostly sticks to the "script" as it were. That being said, I did really enjoy this book. It is a slow burn build up to the steamy bits as mostly it stays focused on the plot and moving it forward, which I really liked. Hate when a character gets bullied but then jumps into bed as soon as the bully says something nice. The heroine in this series seems to have a good head on her shoulders and is most definitely strong-willed. She is put through the wringer, not only by her bullies but in other aspects of her life, and comes out with her head held high. I will say that this book has some trigger spots for those who are worried about that sort of thing, but the author makes sure to let the readers know. I gave 4 stars because I really enjoyed this book, so much so that I finished the entire series in 2 days, but it was very similar to other books in this genre. So far, though, this one stands out more than the others I have read so far. I definitely recommend.
October 27, 2019
2.5 stars
As ridiculous as the premise of this book was, I was pleasantly surprised by the good writing. The book was well written and I admired the fact that the heroine was so resilient and sassy.
I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at how cliche and predictable the plot was; and it was quite uncomfortable reading about how ‘ripped’ and ‘muscular’ the 15 year old boys are. It seriously irritates me when young teenagers are described as men. But I chose to look past it and read on.
As far as the bullying goes, it was pretty extreme compared to other bullymances I’ve read. But despite all the atrocious things the heroine had to endure she still viewed her tormentors as ‘beautiful’ and ‘perfect’... *Shakes my head*
This book was FAR from believable but was quite an enjoyable read. I will read the next instalment.
As ridiculous as the premise of this book was, I was pleasantly surprised by the good writing. The book was well written and I admired the fact that the heroine was so resilient and sassy.
I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at how cliche and predictable the plot was; and it was quite uncomfortable reading about how ‘ripped’ and ‘muscular’ the 15 year old boys are. It seriously irritates me when young teenagers are described as men. But I chose to look past it and read on.
As far as the bullying goes, it was pretty extreme compared to other bullymances I’ve read. But despite all the atrocious things the heroine had to endure she still viewed her tormentors as ‘beautiful’ and ‘perfect’... *Shakes my head*
This book was FAR from believable but was quite an enjoyable read. I will read the next instalment.
January 24, 2021
This was a really solid start to the series! I just finished the whole series, and I will say that while it is a little over the top and a bit dragged out at times, it was a good read.
I had been in a bit of series slump, but i was able to read straight through this series in two days. I definitely though the guys in her harem were going to be completely irredeemable, based on this book, but you gotta give them a chance.
Val is a great heroine, even if there were a few times, in this book specifically, where I wish she would’ve had a bit more backbone (a certain make out in a certain room).
Definitely worth a read if you’re into bully tropes, even if the romance doesn’t really develop until book 3!
I had been in a bit of series slump, but i was able to read straight through this series in two days. I definitely though the guys in her harem were going to be completely irredeemable, based on this book, but you gotta give them a chance.
Val is a great heroine, even if there were a few times, in this book specifically, where I wish she would’ve had a bit more backbone (a certain make out in a certain room).
Definitely worth a read if you’re into bully tropes, even if the romance doesn’t really develop until book 3!
June 14, 2021
3.5
Why do I read books that I know will piss me off? Maybe it's a good way to get some lazy cardio for my heart. God these guys made me want to start throwing punches. I liked Val but honestly so much of what she went through could've been avoided if she didn't have such a need for friends and to be liked. I loved the few times she clapped back. I saw a few pranks before they happened because despite all the torture, she wanted to trust people. Can't identify at all. In high school, I chose to become a pariah than join in with bullies. A few traitorous body moments that made me roll my eyes cause these guys are only 15. I saw the ending coming since I'd read the Battlebreak series before this one. I'll read the next book, hoping she starts fighting back instead of running off to cry.
Why do I read books that I know will piss me off? Maybe it's a good way to get some lazy cardio for my heart. God these guys made me want to start throwing punches. I liked Val but honestly so much of what she went through could've been avoided if she didn't have such a need for friends and to be liked. I loved the few times she clapped back. I saw a few pranks before they happened because despite all the torture, she wanted to trust people. Can't identify at all. In high school, I chose to become a pariah than join in with bullies. A few traitorous body moments that made me roll my eyes cause these guys are only 15. I saw the ending coming since I'd read the Battlebreak series before this one. I'll read the next book, hoping she starts fighting back instead of running off to cry.
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