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Ruthless Kings Of Thornhaven #2
Lords of Ruin: Owned
I took their money to save my family home. Now, the Kings of Thornhaven—own me.
For the next four months, I’m at their mercy.
I have to wear whatever they send in pink boxes—stuff expensive enough to cover my first year of college.
Vincent Beaumont- The king of Thornhaven - Old Money’s in his blood.
He gets whatever he wants, and claims I’ve always been his.
Juan ’Cast’ Castillo- The Rook of Thornhaven-
He can charm anyone, yet he's the deadly heir to the Castillo Mafia Cartel.
He knows my dark pleasure buttons and brings me to my knees with one word.
Damien Sterling - the Knight of Thornhaven-
He is the high school hockey heartthrob, but beneath that confident athlete lies a passionate, wounded, and quietly vulnerable soul.He hates me because his mother’s heart beats in my chest, yet he protects me at all costs.
I’m working off my debt, and I’m beginning to relish the attention of these three hot kings,
Who could have anyone, but they choose me–the girl who’s never been asked on a date.
Until their enemy tries to kill me and I take his life.
Now I have to run for my life; will the Kings come for me?
Lords of OWNED is Book One in The Ruthless Kings of Thornhaven Series.
Watch them fall first for the queen they hate to love. It's an Angsty, Spicy, Dark, Enemies to Lovers, Young Adult Romance.
Reader's This is A Standalone Novel. For maximum enjoyment, I recommend reading the Novella First- Lords of RUIN.
For the next four months, I’m at their mercy.
I have to wear whatever they send in pink boxes—stuff expensive enough to cover my first year of college.
Vincent Beaumont- The king of Thornhaven - Old Money’s in his blood.
He gets whatever he wants, and claims I’ve always been his.
Juan ’Cast’ Castillo- The Rook of Thornhaven-
He can charm anyone, yet he's the deadly heir to the Castillo Mafia Cartel.
He knows my dark pleasure buttons and brings me to my knees with one word.
Damien Sterling - the Knight of Thornhaven-
He is the high school hockey heartthrob, but beneath that confident athlete lies a passionate, wounded, and quietly vulnerable soul.He hates me because his mother’s heart beats in my chest, yet he protects me at all costs.
I’m working off my debt, and I’m beginning to relish the attention of these three hot kings,
Who could have anyone, but they choose me–the girl who’s never been asked on a date.
Until their enemy tries to kill me and I take his life.
Now I have to run for my life; will the Kings come for me?
Lords of OWNED is Book One in The Ruthless Kings of Thornhaven Series.
Watch them fall first for the queen they hate to love. It's an Angsty, Spicy, Dark, Enemies to Lovers, Young Adult Romance.
Reader's This is A Standalone Novel. For maximum enjoyment, I recommend reading the Novella First- Lords of RUIN.
356 pages, Paperback
Published February 9, 2025
1513 people are currently reading
455 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
March 17, 2025
The author doesnt know where the story is going with weird plot and im completely lost. Cringy fmc. Hot guys on the cover though
June 4, 2025
God no. DNF at 32%. I'm 99% sure this is A.I. slop. Four books coming out in a matter of months? Check. A plot that seems like a nonsensical version of several other books? Check! Characters so shallow even a baby wouldn't drown? Check. Horrible grammar and very strange repetition? Check and check. That's enough A.I. markers for me, folks.
December 4, 2025
The premise has promise but the execution...
I hate rating books poorly but when I cannot force myself to finish a book and dnf at 60% in... Well what can you do? This book has an interesting premise and could def be a solid read but unfortunately, in it's current form reads like a temu version of Mafia/bdsm fanfic. This series needs a solid alpha reader team to catch overlap, repetitive words and plot issues.
Potential spoilers:
In one chapter the fmc is told to ignore the "contract" but then in the next chapter she's upset because she has to follow the contract. Also, this book is supposed to be RH but the interpersonal relationships are severely lacking. Only one of the boys seem invested, the others are either missing in the arc or only about sex. Then suddenly she's going to be one of theirs "queen" and is meeting his father for permission and she's somehow performing appropriately and showing affection without any warning/prep. Also the FBI scene is poorly written. No checking the warrant, no ensuring they're actual agents, no warning call from the gate guards. The power handover scene is... Fanfic at best.
There's also the cafeteria scene. No. That's not at all realistic. My husband had open heart surgery. The recovery time is poorly addressed and the scar she would have.... There's no world in which she would shamelessly bare herself. The scar wouldn't be less visible for years. It would be raised, angry looking, red. Very visible. She's a teenage girl that nearly died and is being bullied. And suddenly she's not shy at all? Unrealistic. And where were the guys that are supposedly protecting her?
A plot needs to be grounded in some reality even if that's only character psychology. The character backgrounds don't make a lot of sense. The super rich but still have to adhere to the parents? The way she gets contracted but yet the guy has been in love with her forever and he never once thought about taking care of her hospital bills? And he's super rich? And the connection to the other guy in the group? There couldn't have been another way to get her under contract that actually made sense?
It feels, as a reader, that the author had a great idea and wanted to write the sexy scenes without putting any effort into making the story feel grounded in reality.
I would recommend looking into series like Sunshine and the Bullets, Lords of Pain by Angel Lawson and authors like Marie Mackay etc to get a better understanding of the bully/enemies to lovers trope.
I hate rating books poorly but when I cannot force myself to finish a book and dnf at 60% in... Well what can you do? This book has an interesting premise and could def be a solid read but unfortunately, in it's current form reads like a temu version of Mafia/bdsm fanfic. This series needs a solid alpha reader team to catch overlap, repetitive words and plot issues.
Potential spoilers:
In one chapter the fmc is told to ignore the "contract" but then in the next chapter she's upset because she has to follow the contract. Also, this book is supposed to be RH but the interpersonal relationships are severely lacking. Only one of the boys seem invested, the others are either missing in the arc or only about sex. Then suddenly she's going to be one of theirs "queen" and is meeting his father for permission and she's somehow performing appropriately and showing affection without any warning/prep. Also the FBI scene is poorly written. No checking the warrant, no ensuring they're actual agents, no warning call from the gate guards. The power handover scene is... Fanfic at best.
There's also the cafeteria scene. No. That's not at all realistic. My husband had open heart surgery. The recovery time is poorly addressed and the scar she would have.... There's no world in which she would shamelessly bare herself. The scar wouldn't be less visible for years. It would be raised, angry looking, red. Very visible. She's a teenage girl that nearly died and is being bullied. And suddenly she's not shy at all? Unrealistic. And where were the guys that are supposedly protecting her?
A plot needs to be grounded in some reality even if that's only character psychology. The character backgrounds don't make a lot of sense. The super rich but still have to adhere to the parents? The way she gets contracted but yet the guy has been in love with her forever and he never once thought about taking care of her hospital bills? And he's super rich? And the connection to the other guy in the group? There couldn't have been another way to get her under contract that actually made sense?
It feels, as a reader, that the author had a great idea and wanted to write the sexy scenes without putting any effort into making the story feel grounded in reality.
I would recommend looking into series like Sunshine and the Bullets, Lords of Pain by Angel Lawson and authors like Marie Mackay etc to get a better understanding of the bully/enemies to lovers trope.
March 19, 2025
Lords of Ruin: Owned
This is a really intense story. And ending on a cliffhanger. I can not wait to read the next book!
This is a really intense story. And ending on a cliffhanger. I can not wait to read the next book!
April 4, 2025
Plot: 3/5 • Smut: 3/5 ————-> This really just runs in circles for 50% of the book. She belongs to them. She’s their puppet basically. Little does she realize that one, two, if not all three are in love with her. Smut is okay.
February 23, 2025
Willow is alive because Damien's mother gave up chemo and left her heart to her so she could live. The hospital bill was horrendous and to help her dad she makes a deal with the three boys who are called the Three Kings of the school. Now she is their pet, their little devil and their toy. They call the shots and she has to take the hits because that is what their terms were for her to borrow the money to pay off her hospital bills. But it's so hard. They are all three addictive in their own way. To her the things they want her to do only humiliates her. Then they make a contract and have her sign it. To them it has only the items they know she'll do or want to do to or with them. She asks them what happens if they break the contract. They've set up a trust fund in her name that has enough money to set her family up for generations. To them that's incentive. The bad part of this whole contract and secrets is that she needs to keep it secret from her dad and her bestie. She's miserable and her art has taken a back seat to this whole farce. Her reputation is in tatters and the boy she liked is now calling her names. He even accosts her in the women's locker room until Vincent shows up and beats the daylights out of him.
Her life is no longer her own. She does enjoy what's happening to her with the three chessmen. They protect her and that makes her feel not only protected but loved, turned on and alive!
Will she be the subject of ridicule and malicious gossip for the next three months? Or will she come to terms with everything and hope she can get her scholarship for art school and leave this part of her life behind?
An intense story that tugs at the heart strings and also brings out some aggression towards the three males.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Her life is no longer her own. She does enjoy what's happening to her with the three chessmen. They protect her and that makes her feel not only protected but loved, turned on and alive!
Will she be the subject of ridicule and malicious gossip for the next three months? Or will she come to terms with everything and hope she can get her scholarship for art school and leave this part of her life behind?
An intense story that tugs at the heart strings and also brings out some aggression towards the three males.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 10, 2025
Oh wow! This prequel hinted at what this series would be but let me say..I’m blowed away. It is a series and ends on a cliffhanger. I “can not” wait for the next book!
College student Willow’s dad was deeply in debt from Willows hospital stays. In debt as in having their house taken away and him possibly selling your deceased mother’s wedding set for a motel to stay in.
So Willow comes up will a plan. She crashes (prequel) their party and Propositions “The Chessmen”, Vincent Beaumont (King of Thornhaven), Juan “Cast” Castillo (The Rook) and Damien Sterling (The Knight) for one hundred fifty thousand dollars to do with her what they will for four months. She dosnt ever want to see her father cry again no matter the cost to herself.
Willow knew Damiens mom from her stay in the hospital. Two sick patients, one making it, the other not. But Willows life saving gift from his mom affected Damien. Making him hate her. And she was mother to Vincent and Juan by association.
But she willingly made the agreement to be theirs for four months in exchange for the money. Damien’s to control, Vincent’s to tease and Cast’s to to torture.
So much comes out in this book. Like, Vincent has secretly been in love with her for four years, since he was fourteen. He’s wanted, watched and waited for her.
This is a reverse harem and most deffinatly an adult read! 👍🏻🥰.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
College student Willow’s dad was deeply in debt from Willows hospital stays. In debt as in having their house taken away and him possibly selling your deceased mother’s wedding set for a motel to stay in.
So Willow comes up will a plan. She crashes (prequel) their party and Propositions “The Chessmen”, Vincent Beaumont (King of Thornhaven), Juan “Cast” Castillo (The Rook) and Damien Sterling (The Knight) for one hundred fifty thousand dollars to do with her what they will for four months. She dosnt ever want to see her father cry again no matter the cost to herself.
Willow knew Damiens mom from her stay in the hospital. Two sick patients, one making it, the other not. But Willows life saving gift from his mom affected Damien. Making him hate her. And she was mother to Vincent and Juan by association.
But she willingly made the agreement to be theirs for four months in exchange for the money. Damien’s to control, Vincent’s to tease and Cast’s to to torture.
So much comes out in this book. Like, Vincent has secretly been in love with her for four years, since he was fourteen. He’s wanted, watched and waited for her.
This is a reverse harem and most deffinatly an adult read! 👍🏻🥰.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 5, 2025
I was unfamiliar with this author, so I picked her up through an ARC. I'm glad I did, as this book had me gripped from the beginning. It's one I read in one sitting.
We have Willow, who has had major heart surgery. Her father is drowning in medical debt, so she comes up with a solution to help with the debt. That's where Vincent, Cast, and Damien come in. But there is a catch, she is theirs for 4 months, to do as they please. The Chessmen have made their play.
Vincent, Cast, and Damien are the 3 most popular men in college. Because of her treatment in the past or the lack thereof, Willow has always thought these 3 do not like her, but she can't be further from the truth.
Soon Willow finds her feelings for the men are changing. Vincent whose obsession with her makes her feel safe and loved. Cast whose unpredictability keeps her on her toes. Damien, who she has a link with, is moody, distant, and controlled but she feels their intense connection. Instead of being their pawn to move around the board can she have the strength to become their Queen?
Just as things are getting spicy, plans go awry and we are left on a cliffhanger. I can't wait for the next book to be released so I can continue on their journey.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
We have Willow, who has had major heart surgery. Her father is drowning in medical debt, so she comes up with a solution to help with the debt. That's where Vincent, Cast, and Damien come in. But there is a catch, she is theirs for 4 months, to do as they please. The Chessmen have made their play.
Vincent, Cast, and Damien are the 3 most popular men in college. Because of her treatment in the past or the lack thereof, Willow has always thought these 3 do not like her, but she can't be further from the truth.
Soon Willow finds her feelings for the men are changing. Vincent whose obsession with her makes her feel safe and loved. Cast whose unpredictability keeps her on her toes. Damien, who she has a link with, is moody, distant, and controlled but she feels their intense connection. Instead of being their pawn to move around the board can she have the strength to become their Queen?
Just as things are getting spicy, plans go awry and we are left on a cliffhanger. I can't wait for the next book to be released so I can continue on their journey.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 6, 2025
So Much More Than a Reverse Harem Story
Sophie Rivers has come up with quite an interesting story about a virgin and the three dominant, dark, and possessive young men (labeled the Chessmen for their manipulative games). Each one craves her for their own reasons. All four characters are complicated and troubled. This is the start of a smolderingly hot series.
Vincent Beaumont is ‘old-money’ wealthy but has an emotionally painful family background. Juan “Cast” Castillo is heir to a violent cartel and has dark sexual predilections. Damien Sterling is their close friend, whose late mother was the maternal influence for all three friends. He’s passionate, wounded, and quietly vulnerable. Willow is a heart transplant survivor with no sexual experience and is drowning in medical bills.
This book is best read following the prequel “Lords of Ruin”. It all starts when Vincent has an ABC Party (Anything But Clothes) and Willow ends up in a very compromising situation that is the basis for the rest of the books in this series.
This book will keep you interested from the first page. If you like your romance a bit on the dark side with incendiary chemistry between the main characters, then you will enjoy this book. It does end with a cliffhanger since it is book one of an ongoing story. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sophie Rivers has come up with quite an interesting story about a virgin and the three dominant, dark, and possessive young men (labeled the Chessmen for their manipulative games). Each one craves her for their own reasons. All four characters are complicated and troubled. This is the start of a smolderingly hot series.
Vincent Beaumont is ‘old-money’ wealthy but has an emotionally painful family background. Juan “Cast” Castillo is heir to a violent cartel and has dark sexual predilections. Damien Sterling is their close friend, whose late mother was the maternal influence for all three friends. He’s passionate, wounded, and quietly vulnerable. Willow is a heart transplant survivor with no sexual experience and is drowning in medical bills.
This book is best read following the prequel “Lords of Ruin”. It all starts when Vincent has an ABC Party (Anything But Clothes) and Willow ends up in a very compromising situation that is the basis for the rest of the books in this series.
This book will keep you interested from the first page. If you like your romance a bit on the dark side with incendiary chemistry between the main characters, then you will enjoy this book. It does end with a cliffhanger since it is book one of an ongoing story. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 10, 2025
Wow, that was… Not worth it
(Disclaimer: I’m writing this review as I read the book. There may be a whirlwind of emotions lol)
Suuuuuch a love/hate relationship with this book… GAH, I WANT to love it, I really do. There’s just a little ✨to much✨ cringe at the beginning with what the guys do to her. It’s not terrible but definitely over done. There’s also a few editing mistakes, such as stating that Willow is the one talking when it’s actually Jasmine. Also a few misplaced commas, sentences repeating themselves, etc. I do like it, don’t get me wrong! I just wish I LOVED it.
What the helly… the way that it was turned into Vincent loving her, CRINGE.
Ugh, the writing is immature. It’s RIGHT THERE, right there on the edge of being something great. I hope as the series goes on her writing develops into something deeper (one can hope)
Honestly… I feel like this was mainly written by Ai, could be wrong though
Wtf, Everytime something goes south “you should go to bed” “get some sleep willow” like ???
Mother Teresa, there is no DEPTH to this book. The smex scenes are so chaotic. The attention to detail is majorly lacking.
Dang it, this could be such a good book if it had more consistency. Do I dnf after this book?! Do I finish the series?! Time will tell.
Welp…. That ending was big dumb.
(Disclaimer: I’m writing this review as I read the book. There may be a whirlwind of emotions lol)
Suuuuuch a love/hate relationship with this book… GAH, I WANT to love it, I really do. There’s just a little ✨to much✨ cringe at the beginning with what the guys do to her. It’s not terrible but definitely over done. There’s also a few editing mistakes, such as stating that Willow is the one talking when it’s actually Jasmine. Also a few misplaced commas, sentences repeating themselves, etc. I do like it, don’t get me wrong! I just wish I LOVED it.
What the helly… the way that it was turned into Vincent loving her, CRINGE.
Ugh, the writing is immature. It’s RIGHT THERE, right there on the edge of being something great. I hope as the series goes on her writing develops into something deeper (one can hope)
Honestly… I feel like this was mainly written by Ai, could be wrong though
Wtf, Everytime something goes south “you should go to bed” “get some sleep willow” like ???
Mother Teresa, there is no DEPTH to this book. The smex scenes are so chaotic. The attention to detail is majorly lacking.
Dang it, this could be such a good book if it had more consistency. Do I dnf after this book?! Do I finish the series?! Time will tell.
Welp…. That ending was big dumb.
February 10, 2025
I enjoyed this story and can’t wait for the next instalment, it ended on a cliff hanger and I can’t wait to find out what happens next!
Willow makes a deal with the chessmen to pay off her medical bills after they catch her trying to steal from them. In return for the money she needs she must agree to belong to them for the rest of the school year til graduation. Vincent the rich entitled heir, cast the rich cartel heir and Damien whose mother’s heart is what now beats in willows chest intend to make willow regret her decisions. Each of them fall for willow and she soon becomes the most important person in their world, which they realise when their enemy starts to target her.
I really enjoyed the story, however did find it a little bit disjointed and the pace felt a little off, almost as if parts of the story had been missed out. It wasn’t enough to detract from the story enough to put me off and i will be reading the next instalment when it comes!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Willow makes a deal with the chessmen to pay off her medical bills after they catch her trying to steal from them. In return for the money she needs she must agree to belong to them for the rest of the school year til graduation. Vincent the rich entitled heir, cast the rich cartel heir and Damien whose mother’s heart is what now beats in willows chest intend to make willow regret her decisions. Each of them fall for willow and she soon becomes the most important person in their world, which they realise when their enemy starts to target her.
I really enjoyed the story, however did find it a little bit disjointed and the pace felt a little off, almost as if parts of the story had been missed out. It wasn’t enough to detract from the story enough to put me off and i will be reading the next instalment when it comes!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 18, 2025
Great book interesting story! Reverse harem bully romance. Although it becomes an obsession.
Willow:fmc sells the last 4 month of her senior year away to save her well…. Everything. Since her father is struggling to pay for her medical bills on top of everything else. She turns to the chessmen for help when everything else fails, and of course for a price they are willing to help despite the fact that they blame her for their mother’s death. Their game turns out more than what they planned, and That ends up more than she can handle in the end.
Chessmen: mmc’s cast,Vincent, and Damien all three are broody kings. Of course Vincent is getting exactly what he wanted since he was 14. Damien holds the biggest grudge seeing as how it was really his mom he’s pissed but he’s pissed for the feelings he doesn’t want to have. Cast of course is your mafia hard ass but can’t help but to make her his queen. They all do. But being her bully is easier than admitting they care about her right??… wrong!
Enemy’s to lovers bully romance in the best way!
Willow:fmc sells the last 4 month of her senior year away to save her well…. Everything. Since her father is struggling to pay for her medical bills on top of everything else. She turns to the chessmen for help when everything else fails, and of course for a price they are willing to help despite the fact that they blame her for their mother’s death. Their game turns out more than what they planned, and That ends up more than she can handle in the end.
Chessmen: mmc’s cast,Vincent, and Damien all three are broody kings. Of course Vincent is getting exactly what he wanted since he was 14. Damien holds the biggest grudge seeing as how it was really his mom he’s pissed but he’s pissed for the feelings he doesn’t want to have. Cast of course is your mafia hard ass but can’t help but to make her his queen. They all do. But being her bully is easier than admitting they care about her right??… wrong!
Enemy’s to lovers bully romance in the best way!
February 4, 2025
The Lords of Ruin: Owned is the first novel in the Ruthless Kings of Thorn Haven Series. This book is a great introduction to the Reverse Harem Dark College Bulky Romance genre for those who are unfamiliar with it.
The female main character, Willow, occasionally had a personality that swayed for me. I hope that as the series progresses, she develops more into her own character.
The three male main characters, Vincent, Damien, and Cast, each bring unique elements to the story. I am particularly interested in learning more about Damien and Cast's backgrounds, as we get to know Vincent a little better in this book.
Some parts of the story drag a bit for me, but they do help set up other scenes. Being the first in the series, it ends on a cliff hanger, and I will definitely continue reading to see what happens next!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The female main character, Willow, occasionally had a personality that swayed for me. I hope that as the series progresses, she develops more into her own character.
The three male main characters, Vincent, Damien, and Cast, each bring unique elements to the story. I am particularly interested in learning more about Damien and Cast's backgrounds, as we get to know Vincent a little better in this book.
Some parts of the story drag a bit for me, but they do help set up other scenes. Being the first in the series, it ends on a cliff hanger, and I will definitely continue reading to see what happens next!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 14, 2025
I'm enjoying the over-arching story in this book, but I feel like the content is a bit choppy. There were some editing issues that I've seen with incorrect words used, misspellings, and referencing a character's name incorrectly. Like Willow was talking to Jasmine but the text referred to Jasmine as Willow.
The relationships also don't seem as solidly baked as I would have liked either. Vincent you can tell is deeply in love with Willow. Cast likes her, probably more obsessed/possessive about her, while Damien is completely standoffish. Damien is the one I'm most confused about. He clearly has feelings towards Willow but is letting the fact Willow has his mother's heart stand in the way. We also didn't really see things from his point of view in the book until the end.
The idea behind the story is new and refreshing though and I'm looking forward to seeing how it evolves in the next book.
The relationships also don't seem as solidly baked as I would have liked either. Vincent you can tell is deeply in love with Willow. Cast likes her, probably more obsessed/possessive about her, while Damien is completely standoffish. Damien is the one I'm most confused about. He clearly has feelings towards Willow but is letting the fact Willow has his mother's heart stand in the way. We also didn't really see things from his point of view in the book until the end.
The idea behind the story is new and refreshing though and I'm looking forward to seeing how it evolves in the next book.
June 18, 2025
dnfd at 14%.
So this book is set in their last year of high school. do you have the FMC who had some medical issues and had a heart transplant. then you've got too rich dudes and their friend whose mom was their maid. mom got colon cancer but she was like the mom figure to all of them. in the first novella you learn that I think they caught it late but their mom met the FMC in the hospital and when the mom was dying she decided to get tested to see if she could donate her heart. which I don't know is actually something you could do considering she was actively in chemo it sounded like but whatever. so coming off the first book which is a novella which really should have just been part of this book there is a lot of inconsistencies especially with timeline and things like that then you get to this book and it's the first day of her going back to school and they send her an outfit to wear and then she gets to school and not a whole lot happens.
So this book is set in their last year of high school. do you have the FMC who had some medical issues and had a heart transplant. then you've got too rich dudes and their friend whose mom was their maid. mom got colon cancer but she was like the mom figure to all of them. in the first novella you learn that I think they caught it late but their mom met the FMC in the hospital and when the mom was dying she decided to get tested to see if she could donate her heart. which I don't know is actually something you could do considering she was actively in chemo it sounded like but whatever. so coming off the first book which is a novella which really should have just been part of this book there is a lot of inconsistencies especially with timeline and things like that then you get to this book and it's the first day of her going back to school and they send her an outfit to wear and then she gets to school and not a whole lot happens.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2025
Don't you love it when you find a new book and new Author and walk away thinking how lucky you can be in that moment? Well that is exactly how I felt when I picked up a copy of this book through Booksprout. Ok, so maybe the genre of bully to lovers, bully college romance and of course the good old RH genre only makes it even 'hotter' and more delicious.
Loved the Chessmen characters they were so addictive and simply 'mouthwatering' and naughty.
I thought it was a well devised plot nicely enhanced with great characters and definitely enough action, dramas and all sorts of lovely scenarios that really kept me glued to wanting to learn more about this story and the mind of this talented author. Thank goodness this is only book 1 as need more from the Kings of Thornhaven.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loved the Chessmen characters they were so addictive and simply 'mouthwatering' and naughty.
I thought it was a well devised plot nicely enhanced with great characters and definitely enough action, dramas and all sorts of lovely scenarios that really kept me glued to wanting to learn more about this story and the mind of this talented author. Thank goodness this is only book 1 as need more from the Kings of Thornhaven.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 14, 2025
I read the novella first and thought this would be a really good series (I love RH) but I just feel like there are quite a few grammar mistakes (I'm always willing to overlook a couple but this bordered on more than a handful in my opinion) and also like the author couldn't pick a plot point she wanted to go with...what was the point in the chess references? I don't feel like those went anywhere, does Damien love her or hate her, just because Cast's dad gets caught by the FBI doesn't make him the heir all of a sudden...get a good lawyer and get the dad freed, if Vincent is supposed to be the king then why does it feel like Cast fits the role better? and they just didn't feel like a good reverse harem unit. I don't know, the whole thing just felt really jumpy to me. I might start the second one and see if it's better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2025
I really really wanted to love this, despite the inaccuracies from the prequel that continue through this book. But there where so many inconsistencies, they way the book jumped from places, to days and weeks later, there was no flow. In the last chapter one clear mistake within a few lines was mentioning a glass vase, it smashing and all of a sudden it’s ceramic, these inconsistencies where all throughout the book, things like Willow is wearing one of the guys jackets, yet she pulls him closer by the lapels of his jacket. I can see where the author wanted to go with the book and I think fixing the previous stated issues and making it flow so your not questioning what’s going on would have made a huge difference. I’m going to finish the series as I need closure, I just hope they get better
February 9, 2025
Signing on to Chaos -
Daaaaaam! This story definitely matched the title of the book, as I have just been on a reading adventure, that took me through a myriad of emotions and left me feeling like I had just ridden Kingda Ka. I was hooked on the story from the beginning and it drew me in as it got thicker and darker, as I turned the pages, but I just couldn’t stop reading. I enjoy reading dark romance stories, but Sophie J. Rivers took it to another level with the reverse harem and cartel twist woven into the story. My only disappointment about this story was that it ended on a cliffhanger just when the story got juicy and I really wanted more. I am really looking forward to reading book three.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Daaaaaam! This story definitely matched the title of the book, as I have just been on a reading adventure, that took me through a myriad of emotions and left me feeling like I had just ridden Kingda Ka. I was hooked on the story from the beginning and it drew me in as it got thicker and darker, as I turned the pages, but I just couldn’t stop reading. I enjoy reading dark romance stories, but Sophie J. Rivers took it to another level with the reverse harem and cartel twist woven into the story. My only disappointment about this story was that it ended on a cliffhanger just when the story got juicy and I really wanted more. I am really looking forward to reading book three.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 11, 2026
Well, this story is good but confusing at times because the story doesn't always make sense. I can't figure out why Damien hates Willow so much since his mom wanted her to have the heart. It doesn't make sense.
Then there is confusion on why Vincent & Cast even listen to Damien when he says they can't be with Willow.. like where does his power come from? It sounds like they literally support him and without them he is just a broke powerless athlete.
I also hate when the female characters always run without talking to the men she is in a relationship with before running for some stupid reason. I honestly do not understand this because we all know the men would have protected her and supported her.
On to the next book to see if things get more clear.
Then there is confusion on why Vincent & Cast even listen to Damien when he says they can't be with Willow.. like where does his power come from? It sounds like they literally support him and without them he is just a broke powerless athlete.
I also hate when the female characters always run without talking to the men she is in a relationship with before running for some stupid reason. I honestly do not understand this because we all know the men would have protected her and supported her.
On to the next book to see if things get more clear.
February 2, 2025
The King, Vincent Beaumont, The Rook, Juan Castillo and Damien Sterling, The Knight. These guys make up The Chessmen of Thornhaven and they're the ones who make Willows life a living hades. She knew being indebted to The Chessmen was a mistake, she just didn't realize how big until it was too late. This story is gritty and intense, compelling and consuming. These characters are absolutely fantastic and will completely pull you into their journey. Owned ends on a cliffhanger and while it's not absolutely necessary I would recommend reading the short prequel Lords Of Ruin first. I can't wait for the next book in this series!
February 6, 2025
Received an ARC COPY. Ultimately it was a pretty good reverse harem bully romance. There was a bit of a disconnect between the original novella and the book you received, and there seems to be an issue with typos and repeating lines on a few pages. The story itself was good, but the pacing feels a bit askew. I’ll pick up the next book, for sure, because the last 50 pages or so hook you in. Willow, the FMC isn’t dreadfully typical and boring. There’s some growth with her. The three guys don’t feel like they’re a cohesive harem unit, so there’s a lot to look forward to in the next one! Good job!
February 12, 2025
I love a good bully romance so I picked this up. Aside from being forced to wear what is picked for her I didn't consider this much of a bully romance though. That was a slight let down.
Plot = Intriguing and decently written
Characters = Fun, well formed and unique
Flow and Pace = Great!
Willow sells herself to the Chessmen(?). One of them has been in love with her since they were 14 and one who's mothers heart now beats in her chest, the third just kind of claims her I guess. What happens when truths start coming out? Can they protect her from the real dangers and enemys?
Yes it ends on what I feel is a cliffhanger. I have so many new questions floating through my head and I will for sure be looking for the next book to release. I need it like yesterday. This was a new author for me and I wasn't let down, I look forward to reading more soon!
Plot = Intriguing and decently written
Characters = Fun, well formed and unique
Flow and Pace = Great!
Willow sells herself to the Chessmen(?). One of them has been in love with her since they were 14 and one who's mothers heart now beats in her chest, the third just kind of claims her I guess. What happens when truths start coming out? Can they protect her from the real dangers and enemys?
Yes it ends on what I feel is a cliffhanger. I have so many new questions floating through my head and I will for sure be looking for the next book to release. I need it like yesterday. This was a new author for me and I wasn't let down, I look forward to reading more soon!
February 13, 2025
Cannot wait for the next book. Willow needed money to help keep their home. She decided to make a contract with Vincent, Cast and Damien. Now they own her for 4 months. Willow did not know how hard this was going to be. She thought school only, but not by a long shot. They buy her clothes and she has to wear them or there will be a punishment for her. They keep getting more and more ridiculous, but Willow is also enjoying it very much. She was losing her house, because of the medical bills she had ran up when her heart gave out and she need a heart transplant. So she had to earn the money. And boy does she earn it.
March 5, 2025
Sadly I hadn't read Lords of Ruin (the first book in that series that was a novella) before I'd gotten my hands on this book but at some point I will read that book too.
Willow (FMC) ends up indebted to The Kings of Thornhaven (The King - Vincent, The Rook - Juan and The Knight - Damien after needing money to help her family out. They had endless ways of things for her to do and ways to humiliate her. Only for it to bring them all closer which puts Willow at risk from outside influences. Dangerous ones which led to a jaw droppingly brilliant cliff-hanger ending. Which left me counting down the days until the 2nd book comes out now.
Willow (FMC) ends up indebted to The Kings of Thornhaven (The King - Vincent, The Rook - Juan and The Knight - Damien after needing money to help her family out. They had endless ways of things for her to do and ways to humiliate her. Only for it to bring them all closer which puts Willow at risk from outside influences. Dangerous ones which led to a jaw droppingly brilliant cliff-hanger ending. Which left me counting down the days until the 2nd book comes out now.
June 30, 2025
3.5⭐️ 2🌶️
This was a good book. I like the characters, like the plot, still not sure where they’re heading with that but the reason this is a 3.5⭐️ rating and not higher for me is the amount of errors throughout the book.
We’re talking grammatical errors, names that change spelling from paragraph to paragraph, people handing Willow a jacket that she has on and then she is gripping the jacket they’re not wearing, wrong names in sentences. As an example, when Jasmine was walking it said Willow was, these don’t sound like a big deal but the frequency was high for these errors and you’d have to reread the same spots a few times to ensure you had it right.
This was a good book. I like the characters, like the plot, still not sure where they’re heading with that but the reason this is a 3.5⭐️ rating and not higher for me is the amount of errors throughout the book.
We’re talking grammatical errors, names that change spelling from paragraph to paragraph, people handing Willow a jacket that she has on and then she is gripping the jacket they’re not wearing, wrong names in sentences. As an example, when Jasmine was walking it said Willow was, these don’t sound like a big deal but the frequency was high for these errors and you’d have to reread the same spots a few times to ensure you had it right.
February 11, 2025
It was a great book. The book cover was marvelous. It was a steamy page turner and the suspense was intense. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t even put it down. These characters were captivating and chaos of drama and passion. But she has to choose between her these guys. The physical attraction between them was sexual tension and the chemistry between all them was electric and tension of emotions. I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones
June 1, 2025
Good Story
Ok right out the gate, the story is good. I like the characters. But the lack of attention to detail keeps pulling me out of the story. In one paragraph she is wearing a satin flowy dress but in the next she is shoving her phone in her back pocket and she hasn't left her locker. Transitions are choppy and it feels like you missed something and you go back to check and nope it just wasn't there. Im going to keep reading the series hopefully the further I get the better it gets.
Ok right out the gate, the story is good. I like the characters. But the lack of attention to detail keeps pulling me out of the story. In one paragraph she is wearing a satin flowy dress but in the next she is shoving her phone in her back pocket and she hasn't left her locker. Transitions are choppy and it feels like you missed something and you go back to check and nope it just wasn't there. Im going to keep reading the series hopefully the further I get the better it gets.
September 19, 2025
Is this written by AI?
Cause it sure feels like it. So many mistakes I the story or things that don't make sense??
The ending? Wtf was that? 1 of the 3 mmcs is a mob/cartel & has obe of his bodyguards protecting the Fmc. The bodyguard turns out to be the mole & is killed when he attacks the FMC in her home..
Fmc's dad walks in & is like you gotta run! Go! And so she leaves..
Why? WHY wouldn't she just call her cartel boyfriend & TELL him that
His bodyguard attacked her & she defended herself?
Like, duh?
This has got to be the dumbest cliffy ever.
Cause it sure feels like it. So many mistakes I the story or things that don't make sense??
The ending? Wtf was that? 1 of the 3 mmcs is a mob/cartel & has obe of his bodyguards protecting the Fmc. The bodyguard turns out to be the mole & is killed when he attacks the FMC in her home..
Fmc's dad walks in & is like you gotta run! Go! And so she leaves..
Why? WHY wouldn't she just call her cartel boyfriend & TELL him that
His bodyguard attacked her & she defended herself?
Like, duh?
This has got to be the dumbest cliffy ever.
February 5, 2025
In order to save her dad, Willow agrees to be owned for four months by the Chessman's of her school. They may own her but she couldn't let them control everything in her life. The story was pretty good, I felt like some details were missing though such as how the characters look. This does end on a cliffhanger so be prepared.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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