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The Kings of Wayward Academy #5
Queen's Gambit
Father tried to make me a pawn, but I controlled my destiny. I would be a queen and take all that was mine.
The car shifted, and the metal groaned, making me jump.
“What the hell was that?” His worry was evident through the phone.
“Oh god…we’re slipping.”
The rushing water was so high that it pressed against the window and came in around the door. A small crack spider‑webbed across the glass as the pressure built.
“Oh my god, Dimitri isn’t going to make it in time.”
***
From the first moment I saw her, I fell hopelessly in love. One bloody nose later was all it took for me to know she was my forever. I might have only been ten at the time, but my heart had never beat for another.
Unfortunately, business meant more to our families and signed marriage contracts tore us apart. But defiance flowed through our veins thicker than blood. She was my oxygen, and I couldn’t breathe without her.
There was only one thing I could do…become one of the most powerful Dons in the world and crush anyone who dared oppose me. The path of good intentions might be lined with gold, but it still led to hell, and my world once more burned around me.
One day, I would take back what was rightfully mine, even if it meant going to war.
The car shifted, and the metal groaned, making me jump.
“What the hell was that?” His worry was evident through the phone.
“Oh god…we’re slipping.”
The rushing water was so high that it pressed against the window and came in around the door. A small crack spider‑webbed across the glass as the pressure built.
“Oh my god, Dimitri isn’t going to make it in time.”
***
From the first moment I saw her, I fell hopelessly in love. One bloody nose later was all it took for me to know she was my forever. I might have only been ten at the time, but my heart had never beat for another.
Unfortunately, business meant more to our families and signed marriage contracts tore us apart. But defiance flowed through our veins thicker than blood. She was my oxygen, and I couldn’t breathe without her.
There was only one thing I could do…become one of the most powerful Dons in the world and crush anyone who dared oppose me. The path of good intentions might be lined with gold, but it still led to hell, and my world once more burned around me.
One day, I would take back what was rightfully mine, even if it meant going to war.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 14, 2025
525 people are currently reading
591 people want to read
About the author
Brooklyn Cross
40 books2,151 followersWriting is not just a passion for me. It is a lifeline to my sanity.
I have always loved writing but suffer from severe dyslexia and short-term memory retention issues. I struggled in school while I worked every night on re-training my brain.
I was frequently treated like I would never succeed, and I found myself putting my love for writing on a shelf.
Even at the age of six, I found it easier to communicate with animals than people, which was a big reason why I was drawn to dressage horseback riding. I remained focused on my passion for riding until I had to step away from the competition world for personal reasons.
Today, my desire for writing and storytelling has been rekindled. I have published multiple books and will never let anyone or anything hold me back again.
I am a proud romance author who offers my readers morally grey heroes, a ton of spice, epic journeys, and redemption stories.
-Follow Your Dreams-
I have always loved writing but suffer from severe dyslexia and short-term memory retention issues. I struggled in school while I worked every night on re-training my brain.
I was frequently treated like I would never succeed, and I found myself putting my love for writing on a shelf.
Even at the age of six, I found it easier to communicate with animals than people, which was a big reason why I was drawn to dressage horseback riding. I remained focused on my passion for riding until I had to step away from the competition world for personal reasons.
Today, my desire for writing and storytelling has been rekindled. I have published multiple books and will never let anyone or anything hold me back again.
I am a proud romance author who offers my readers morally grey heroes, a ton of spice, epic journeys, and redemption stories.
-Follow Your Dreams-
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
April 20, 2025
i’m sorry but noooooo
this could’ve been released as bonus chapters or a novella later on. i’ve waited and waited for this book and for it to be a backstory about her parents?!
this could’ve been released as bonus chapters or a novella later on. i’ve waited and waited for this book and for it to be a backstory about her parents?!
July 24, 2025
2.5 stars — sorry! Its unfortunate.
This wasn't a bad book — it was a decent read, and it gave us a few answers. But honestly, I only had one big question going in: Who is Vicky to Ren? Are they sisters? Half-sisters? Stepsisters? This never got answered — unless I completely missed it? Who is Vicky’s mom?? So many questions, and after 300+ pages, I’m still in the dark. Someone help!
Everything else in the plot felt predictable — very Romeo & Juliet vibes — and while that’s not inherently bad, it didn’t feel fresh or surprising.
But here’s the real issue: the disappointment of this released boo was next-level. We were led to believe this was the finale of Ren and her guys’ story — the one we’ve all been waiting for — and instead, we got a spin-off/prequel about her bio parents. Why?
Why label this Book 4 when it reads more like Book 0.5? If it's a prequel, just say so. Market it as a novella. Release it separately. Don’t frame it as a continuation of Ren’s journey when it’s clearly not??
I’d be totally fine if the finale needed more time — life happens, writing is hard — but misleading readers like this feels unfair.
This entire book could’ve been released after the main series wrapped. A full-length novel for the parents' backstory — when we’re still dangling from that brutal cliffhanger? It just didn’t feel necessary. I don’t understand why BC didn’t clarify upfront that this wouldn’t be about our MC's.
I know this book has great reviews, and I wish I felt the same. But the sheer letdown dragged my rating down. I couldn’t even get into it, which is wild considering how much I’ve loved the series until now.
After that cliffhanger?! Seriously?! Who does this?!
This wasn't a bad book — it was a decent read, and it gave us a few answers. But honestly, I only had one big question going in: Who is Vicky to Ren? Are they sisters? Half-sisters? Stepsisters? This never got answered — unless I completely missed it? Who is Vicky’s mom?? So many questions, and after 300+ pages, I’m still in the dark. Someone help!
Everything else in the plot felt predictable — very Romeo & Juliet vibes — and while that’s not inherently bad, it didn’t feel fresh or surprising.
But here’s the real issue: the disappointment of this released boo was next-level. We were led to believe this was the finale of Ren and her guys’ story — the one we’ve all been waiting for — and instead, we got a spin-off/prequel about her bio parents. Why?
Why label this Book 4 when it reads more like Book 0.5? If it's a prequel, just say so. Market it as a novella. Release it separately. Don’t frame it as a continuation of Ren’s journey when it’s clearly not??
I’d be totally fine if the finale needed more time — life happens, writing is hard — but misleading readers like this feels unfair.
This entire book could’ve been released after the main series wrapped. A full-length novel for the parents' backstory — when we’re still dangling from that brutal cliffhanger? It just didn’t feel necessary. I don’t understand why BC didn’t clarify upfront that this wouldn’t be about our MC's.
I know this book has great reviews, and I wish I felt the same. But the sheer letdown dragged my rating down. I couldn’t even get into it, which is wild considering how much I’ve loved the series until now.
After that cliffhanger?! Seriously?! Who does this?!
April 27, 2025
was i expecting ANYTHING that happened in this book ? no.
did I love everything that happened here ? no.
did I cry ? yes.
will I read it again ? yes.
was this book what I wanted ? kinda BUT IT WAS WHAT WE ALL NEEDED 😭
The absolute love that is shared between the main characters is unique and just so darn pure. Eddie, has just placed himself above and beyond any book bfs I've ever had. and I've had a good amount since I started reading. Yuli, o Yuli my heart cries for you in so many ways...
did I love everything that happened here ? no.
did I cry ? yes.
will I read it again ? yes.
was this book what I wanted ? kinda BUT IT WAS WHAT WE ALL NEEDED 😭
The absolute love that is shared between the main characters is unique and just so darn pure. Eddie, has just placed himself above and beyond any book bfs I've ever had. and I've had a good amount since I started reading. Yuli, o Yuli my heart cries for you in so many ways...
April 28, 2025
Queen's Gambit. The Kings of Wayward Academy Book 5
By Brooklyn Cross
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Always remember to read your trigger warnings!!
Tropes:
🖤MF
🖤Contemporary
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤Dual-1st-Pov
🖤Mafia Romance
🖤Forbidden Romance
🖤Instant Attraction
🖤Academy Setting
🖤Slow Burn
🖤No HEA
Queen's Gambit is the fifth book in The Kings of Wayward Academy series by Brooklyn Cross. A much needed backstory that was full of heartbreaking revelations and insight into former family life.
A fantastic addition to the series. This book is filled with intriguing information and insights throughout the whole narrative! And a must read to keep you in the know... each instalment must be read in order.
This is an absolute rollercoaster ride of pure brilliance from beginning to end and sets up for the next book perfectly!
Such an amazing and complex storyline. I am in awe!
Eddie and Ana are amazing and deeply inspiring characters that you will no doubt fall in love with.
This series is one of my all time favourites...
A must read!
Quotes:
"I love you more"
"Impossible"
“Just be you, and you’ll figure it out. You’ve always been a strong, vibrant woman.”
“You move your mistress into the house we share, drag her to my bachelorette getaway with you, and your deal is granting me a few days a year? Oh, how fucking kind. Shall I grovel at your feet with thanks?”
By Brooklyn Cross
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Always remember to read your trigger warnings!!
Tropes:
🖤MF
🖤Contemporary
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤Dual-1st-Pov
🖤Mafia Romance
🖤Forbidden Romance
🖤Instant Attraction
🖤Academy Setting
🖤Slow Burn
🖤No HEA
Queen's Gambit is the fifth book in The Kings of Wayward Academy series by Brooklyn Cross. A much needed backstory that was full of heartbreaking revelations and insight into former family life.
A fantastic addition to the series. This book is filled with intriguing information and insights throughout the whole narrative! And a must read to keep you in the know... each instalment must be read in order.
This is an absolute rollercoaster ride of pure brilliance from beginning to end and sets up for the next book perfectly!
Such an amazing and complex storyline. I am in awe!
Eddie and Ana are amazing and deeply inspiring characters that you will no doubt fall in love with.
This series is one of my all time favourites...
A must read!
Quotes:
"I love you more"
"Impossible"
“Just be you, and you’ll figure it out. You’ve always been a strong, vibrant woman.”
“You move your mistress into the house we share, drag her to my bachelorette getaway with you, and your deal is granting me a few days a year? Oh, how fucking kind. Shall I grovel at your feet with thanks?”
April 27, 2025
Queen’s Gambit is the fifth book in The Kings of Wayward Academy series. While this book follows Ren's parents, it NEEDS to be read after the 4 previous books.
You have:
🩷MF
🩷Contemporary
🩷Forced Proximity
🩷Dual-1st-Pov
🩷Mafia Romance
🩷Forbidden Romance
🩷Instant Attraction
🩷Academy Setting
🩷Slow Burn
🩷No HEA
I didn't know I needed this "meta-episode" type book in my life, but I am truly happy we got it. This follows Ren's parents, Yulianna,"Ana" and Edmundo, "Eddie". While this is set before Ren's story, it's not meant to be read as a prequel, but it does give you more insight into how life was for her parents, the world building, and more of a background into the criminal enterprise. I freaking loved it and was the perfect vibe with Ren's story. I am so obsessed with this series and definitely one of my favorite series from Brooklyn Cross. If you haven't started it, I highly recommend that you do!!
You have:
🩷MF
🩷Contemporary
🩷Forced Proximity
🩷Dual-1st-Pov
🩷Mafia Romance
🩷Forbidden Romance
🩷Instant Attraction
🩷Academy Setting
🩷Slow Burn
🩷No HEA
I didn't know I needed this "meta-episode" type book in my life, but I am truly happy we got it. This follows Ren's parents, Yulianna,"Ana" and Edmundo, "Eddie". While this is set before Ren's story, it's not meant to be read as a prequel, but it does give you more insight into how life was for her parents, the world building, and more of a background into the criminal enterprise. I freaking loved it and was the perfect vibe with Ren's story. I am so obsessed with this series and definitely one of my favorite series from Brooklyn Cross. If you haven't started it, I highly recommend that you do!!
April 18, 2025
I am pretty sure that there is nothing Brooklyn will write that I won’t love, as the Queen has knocked it out of the park once again!!
I was not expecting this book to go in the direction that it did but was so good to get the back story of Edmundo and Yulianna. It was also really good to see how everyone was tied together and had my jaw in the floor at the end. This book pulled out all the emotions, especially seeing that some of things Ren is experiencing with her guys her mom experienced with Edmundo. It even made me throw my kindle at times (don’t worry it still works). The love that Yulianna and Edmundo share is absolutely breathtaking and made me swoon so hard. As much as Yulianna and Edmundo shined together they stood out separately just as well. Seeing Yulianna break the mold of what a woman born into the mafia is supposed to be like, was absolutely phenomenal. She was fierce, strong willed, wrote her own rules and was a force to be reckoned with. And then there’s Edmundo, who has now been dubbed as DADDY GENOVESE. This man was the perfect package and was the definition of smooth. When you find a man that can be a gentleman but also handle business, there is nothing else for you to do but to fall and fall hard.
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again if you haven’t checked out this series then you definitely need to. It just keeps getting better and better. Bring on book 6!!!
I was not expecting this book to go in the direction that it did but was so good to get the back story of Edmundo and Yulianna. It was also really good to see how everyone was tied together and had my jaw in the floor at the end. This book pulled out all the emotions, especially seeing that some of things Ren is experiencing with her guys her mom experienced with Edmundo. It even made me throw my kindle at times (don’t worry it still works). The love that Yulianna and Edmundo share is absolutely breathtaking and made me swoon so hard. As much as Yulianna and Edmundo shined together they stood out separately just as well. Seeing Yulianna break the mold of what a woman born into the mafia is supposed to be like, was absolutely phenomenal. She was fierce, strong willed, wrote her own rules and was a force to be reckoned with. And then there’s Edmundo, who has now been dubbed as DADDY GENOVESE. This man was the perfect package and was the definition of smooth. When you find a man that can be a gentleman but also handle business, there is nothing else for you to do but to fall and fall hard.
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again if you haven’t checked out this series then you definitely need to. It just keeps getting better and better. Bring on book 6!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2025
Holy crap. After reading Queen’s Gambit I have a much better understanding of Ren’s parents. This book is their story. All the struggles and hardships they endured for their relationship. Ren’s dad Eddie is the absolute best with her mom Yuli. They have loved each other for years. I hate all the struggles they had to endure to be able to be together whenever they could. Twist and turns, family betrayal. Lots of moving parts in this book. Hooked me in beginning to end. After reading Queen’s Gambit I’m dying to get the next book. I need it bad. I absolutely loved this book. Thank you Brooklyn Cross for an another amazing book. I love this series so much!!!!
April 22, 2025
this shouldn't have been book 4, it's not part of the story. fine to have a prequel, but don't call it book 4. now we have to wait until September to find out what's happening in the actual main plot? lame.
April 29, 2025
Let’s just start by saying it wasn’t what I thought it be..I don’t mean that in a bad way at all! The povs..they were not what I was expecting!
Brooklyn made sure to definitely dig into our already wounded hearts with this one. She made sure that it would possibly hurt us! I truly assumed this book would be in a different direction and boy was I wrong lol!
5 stars for this book! I can’t wait for book 6!
Not only is the cover amazing like the rest but the story was too.
It’s available to buy or get on KU! But I suggest reading the other books too!!!
#brooklyncross #books #romance #darkromance #bookish #marriage #drama #dark
Brooklyn made sure to definitely dig into our already wounded hearts with this one. She made sure that it would possibly hurt us! I truly assumed this book would be in a different direction and boy was I wrong lol!
5 stars for this book! I can’t wait for book 6!
Not only is the cover amazing like the rest but the story was too.
It’s available to buy or get on KU! But I suggest reading the other books too!!!
#brooklyncross #books #romance #darkromance #bookish #marriage #drama #dark
April 15, 2025
The biggest disappointment of this year. This is not a continuation of the series. People should be warned before they spend their time or worse money in this scam of a book. Does not even deserve half a star. Minus for deliberate misdirection and false marketing. Author should have had the courtesy of warning that this is a prequel. I have serious apprehensions for the next book in the series. Will it even be a continuation or more unnecessary ramblings cashing on the success of the series.
April 29, 2025
Brooklyn in this series always please you wondering what more can come from the story, what more can she actually give us. And she has done it again with Queen’s Gambit, which is a welcome stand alone backdrop to our main characters. I say stand alone in lose terms as you do need to read the other books first.
This book focuses on Rens parents and their love story and all the hardships they face in many forms. It also opens the door to the other characters we know from the first four books. I like this book being dropped here as it adds more meaning into the Wayward world.
Another great story.
December 31, 2025
“i love you.”
“i love you, more.”
“impossible.”
okay i’m gonna go cry now
“i love you, more.”
“impossible.”
okay i’m gonna go cry now
April 26, 2025
OK, this book is totally different than what anyone is going to expect going into the fifth book of The Kings of Wayward Academy series. Yet, it was something we needed and the perfect time to go into the backstory of Ren’s mom. It will have you sucked in!
“𝚃𝚞 𝚜𝚎𝚒 𝚕𝚊 𝚖𝚒𝚊 𝚊𝚗𝚒𝚖𝚊. 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚊𝚕𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚋𝚎 𝚖𝚢 𝚜𝚘𝚞𝚕, 𝙰𝚗𝚊…𝚊𝚕𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜.”
Queen’s Gambit gives you the background and the dynamic of these characters, and answered some questions that you will have during book one through four of the kings of wayward academy series. Also some characters show up from other of Brooklyn’s books. Love it!
“𝙽𝚘 𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚎𝚗𝚜, 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝙸 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙸 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚗𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚙 𝚏𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚞𝚜.”
It was so freaking good and I felt this was the missing piece that we needed to continue the series. It was an amazing read. To me it felt like a retelling of Romeo and Juliet. A forbidden love. Eddie and Ana’s love for one another was just so pure, and yet it wasn’t enough. My heart broke for them💔This book was more emotional I think because we know where they end up. I did love the ending where we find out who’s who and their identity, yet I feel I’m left with more questions too, but I’m ready for the next installment which is the Volatile King.
“𝙸’𝚕𝚕 𝚜𝚎𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚐𝚊𝚒𝚗 𝚖𝚢 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎, 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝚔𝚎𝚎𝚙𝚜 𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐.”
#kingsofwaywardacademy#brooklyncross#queensgambit#forbiddenloveromancebook#disobedientpawn#defiantknight#intolerablebishop#rebelliousrook#bookstagram
“𝚃𝚞 𝚜𝚎𝚒 𝚕𝚊 𝚖𝚒𝚊 𝚊𝚗𝚒𝚖𝚊. 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚊𝚕𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚋𝚎 𝚖𝚢 𝚜𝚘𝚞𝚕, 𝙰𝚗𝚊…𝚊𝚕𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜.”
Queen’s Gambit gives you the background and the dynamic of these characters, and answered some questions that you will have during book one through four of the kings of wayward academy series. Also some characters show up from other of Brooklyn’s books. Love it!
“𝙽𝚘 𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚎𝚗𝚜, 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝙸 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙸 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚗𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚙 𝚏𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚞𝚜.”
It was so freaking good and I felt this was the missing piece that we needed to continue the series. It was an amazing read. To me it felt like a retelling of Romeo and Juliet. A forbidden love. Eddie and Ana’s love for one another was just so pure, and yet it wasn’t enough. My heart broke for them💔This book was more emotional I think because we know where they end up. I did love the ending where we find out who’s who and their identity, yet I feel I’m left with more questions too, but I’m ready for the next installment which is the Volatile King.
“𝙸’𝚕𝚕 𝚜𝚎𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚐𝚊𝚒𝚗 𝚖𝚢 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎, 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝚔𝚎𝚎𝚙𝚜 𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐.”
#kingsofwaywardacademy#brooklyncross#queensgambit#forbiddenloveromancebook#disobedientpawn#defiantknight#intolerablebishop#rebelliousrook#bookstagram
April 18, 2025
When you thought you knew all about the past then BAM!!!! This book comes out…..
Yuli & Eddie’s story was both beautiful and full of heartbreak. We all knew it didn’t have a HEA but wow!!!!
You thought you didn’t like Christtov before, didn’t you? Well buckle up buttercup it is about to get so much worse!!! The names I called that man can’t be mentioned. On here or I would be banned for life….
Now we see where Ren gets her strong will, determination and huge heart from. Knowing all the backstory makes you understand why her mom made all the decisions she made, and kept her bio father at a distance. I cried and ugly and got just as ugly mad reading this story.
Highly recommend reading this before the final book comes out in September. Be prepared for answers and tears….
Yuli & Eddie’s story was both beautiful and full of heartbreak. We all knew it didn’t have a HEA but wow!!!!
You thought you didn’t like Christtov before, didn’t you? Well buckle up buttercup it is about to get so much worse!!! The names I called that man can’t be mentioned. On here or I would be banned for life….
Now we see where Ren gets her strong will, determination and huge heart from. Knowing all the backstory makes you understand why her mom made all the decisions she made, and kept her bio father at a distance. I cried and ugly and got just as ugly mad reading this story.
Highly recommend reading this before the final book comes out in September. Be prepared for answers and tears….
April 16, 2025
Not another Brooklyn Cross book I couldn’t put down?! 😝
This book wasn’t like the other in the series which- read the first four before diving into this one or you won’t have a clue what’s going on.. maybe but trust me, start with number one. 😉
This book is the story of Yulianna and Edmundo. At first I was like ok.. I see why..but please get to Ren and her men but then I was officially sucked into the this book and couldn’t wait to see what happened. The love, the sadness, the heartbreak.. this story has it all and like someone else said it’s a Romeo and Juliet vibe and I am here for it.
This book had me grinning ear to ear when Yulianna destroyed her dad’s office - you go girl!
I love Yulianna’s strength she had to get what she wanted and deserved. Poor girl was totally blindsided then did what was necessary to achieve her goal. Seriously can’t wait to get to the next book!
This book wasn’t like the other in the series which- read the first four before diving into this one or you won’t have a clue what’s going on.. maybe but trust me, start with number one. 😉
This book is the story of Yulianna and Edmundo. At first I was like ok.. I see why..but please get to Ren and her men but then I was officially sucked into the this book and couldn’t wait to see what happened. The love, the sadness, the heartbreak.. this story has it all and like someone else said it’s a Romeo and Juliet vibe and I am here for it.
This book had me grinning ear to ear when Yulianna destroyed her dad’s office - you go girl!
I love Yulianna’s strength she had to get what she wanted and deserved. Poor girl was totally blindsided then did what was necessary to achieve her goal. Seriously can’t wait to get to the next book!
April 16, 2025
Well…I cried, loved, grieved, and felt rage like no other while reading this incredible book. I didn’t think I needed this back story, but it turns out that I did. It answered so many questions. Eddie and Ana are to die for. Their chemistry and love are everything. And now I’m not so patiently awaiting the next book…I still have questions that need to be answered, but please go run and read this book…you won’t regret it.
April 18, 2025
I love and hated so much of this story.
My heart broke right along Ana and Eddie I can’t even explain how much I needed this backstory. Lord I don’t know how many times a gasped and was connecting SO many dots from the plot line!!!!! Ugh I need SOooooo much more of this.
My heart broke right along Ana and Eddie I can’t even explain how much I needed this backstory. Lord I don’t know how many times a gasped and was connecting SO many dots from the plot line!!!!! Ugh I need SOooooo much more of this.
April 15, 2025
💜
Not going to lie, I was super disappointed when I first started reading this book, as the previous book left off on a cliffhanger, but I loved this so much. So much love and heartbreak. The determination of these two was out of this world. I didn’t know that I needed this book, but I definitely did!
Not going to lie, I was super disappointed when I first started reading this book, as the previous book left off on a cliffhanger, but I loved this so much. So much love and heartbreak. The determination of these two was out of this world. I didn’t know that I needed this book, but I definitely did!
April 15, 2025
*throws phone across room* whyyyyy!?
Queens Gambit is the fifth installment in The Kings of Wayward Academy series by Brooklyn Cross, and I devoured it in one sitting.
Be sure to have your tissues, an emotional support blankie & pet ready because you will need them! This book will destroy you in all the right ways! 😭💔
"I love you more"
"Impossible"
Queens Gambit is the fifth installment in The Kings of Wayward Academy series by Brooklyn Cross, and I devoured it in one sitting.
Be sure to have your tissues, an emotional support blankie & pet ready because you will need them! This book will destroy you in all the right ways! 😭💔
"I love you more"
"Impossible"
April 12, 2025
Book 5 and man oh man Brooklyn has done it again!!!! I can’t give out any spoilers, that’s being said a lot of questions were answered and a lot fell into place but wow oh wow!!! Can’t wait to find out what happens next! Thank you Brooklyn for this amazing series!!!!
May 12, 2025
I adored this!
After devouring the first 4 books in no time at all, I delved into book 5 and initially was a little gutted that I’d not be reading more Ren & her guys, but that faded quickly… Yuli and Eddie’s love was the perfect semi-palette cleanse I didn’t know I needed. I sobbed, laughed - honestly, it’s rare that a book gives me chills but the beach moment… arghhh! The character & world development in all of the books are so wonderfully done… I don’t ever want them to end! Counting down the days until September and PLEASE don’t make book 6 be the last. I live in Ren’s world now.
After devouring the first 4 books in no time at all, I delved into book 5 and initially was a little gutted that I’d not be reading more Ren & her guys, but that faded quickly… Yuli and Eddie’s love was the perfect semi-palette cleanse I didn’t know I needed. I sobbed, laughed - honestly, it’s rare that a book gives me chills but the beach moment… arghhh! The character & world development in all of the books are so wonderfully done… I don’t ever want them to end! Counting down the days until September and PLEASE don’t make book 6 be the last. I live in Ren’s world now.
May 1, 2025
Enjoyed reading it yet it was sooooo disappointing to know it wasn't actually a continuation after book 4.
Can you actually make a prequel into book 5? 🤷🏻♀️
Can you actually make a prequel into book 5? 🤷🏻♀️
April 22, 2025
I was nowhere close to prepared for Queen’s Gambit and all of its heart smashing emotions. Will I recover? Eventually, but haven’t yet. My goodness, does Brooklyn Cross have a way with words, weaving an intricate story of love, loss, passion and pain. My eyes are filling with tears, thinking about all of the sacrifices, triumphs, turmoil, trauma and unconditional love. Purest true love at its finest, I became completely consumed by Eddie and Ana. My heart and soul will never be the same. Their cruel violent, corrupt world crushes anything and everything of beauty but nothing could extinguish their selfless, infinite love. This forbidden love story definitely took me through the emotional ringer, and I did not realize how much I needed it. The foundation has been laid for the series to continue and I cannot wait for more from this world. I literally need it.
October 6, 2025
Tbh I wouldn’t have read this if I hadn’t needed answers so badly knowing how it ended. It was so hard so see them fighting so hard to be together knowing the outcome. So well told and so bittersweet. I’m now secretly praying that Ana didn’t really die in the beginning of Wayward and Eddie managed to fake to all and squirrel her away 😭😭😭
April 13, 2025
*MF
*Contemporary
*Dual-1st-Pov
*Mafia Romance
*Forbidden Romance
*Instant Attraction
*Academy Setting
*Multi-Timeline
*Slow Burn
*Non-HEA
*Standalone
*Accompanying Novel.
Heart 💔 such a beautiful pair!
So this is a standalone in the Wayward Academy series in that it follows Rens parents rather than Ren and the boys but you absolutely HAVE to read the first four books so this does not give you any spoilers!
Eddie and Ana are a beautiful coupling, their love is so pure and it’s clear they adore each other - willing to do absolutely anything to be together as the end game 🥰 however life is cruel and theirs is a story fraught with trouble 😢 whether it’s conniving family members, criminal family rivalries or plain jealousy they have a lot to deal with! Ana really grows into her status as a strong FMC as she takes on those who’ve wronged her, and Eddie is a stalwart in his adoration willing to do whatever it takes for his girls 😍 it’s a good background to some of the other characters that crop up in the main Wayward series to undertake some of their issues! But the focus is truly on Ana, Eddie and their journey 😀 although does make me hope for the comeuppance of certain characters 😡I couldn’t put this down I blitzed through it in one night - a must read for lovers of the world!
*Contemporary
*Dual-1st-Pov
*Mafia Romance
*Forbidden Romance
*Instant Attraction
*Academy Setting
*Multi-Timeline
*Slow Burn
*Non-HEA
*Standalone
*Accompanying Novel.
Heart 💔 such a beautiful pair!
So this is a standalone in the Wayward Academy series in that it follows Rens parents rather than Ren and the boys but you absolutely HAVE to read the first four books so this does not give you any spoilers!
Eddie and Ana are a beautiful coupling, their love is so pure and it’s clear they adore each other - willing to do absolutely anything to be together as the end game 🥰 however life is cruel and theirs is a story fraught with trouble 😢 whether it’s conniving family members, criminal family rivalries or plain jealousy they have a lot to deal with! Ana really grows into her status as a strong FMC as she takes on those who’ve wronged her, and Eddie is a stalwart in his adoration willing to do whatever it takes for his girls 😍 it’s a good background to some of the other characters that crop up in the main Wayward series to undertake some of their issues! But the focus is truly on Ana, Eddie and their journey 😀 although does make me hope for the comeuppance of certain characters 😡I couldn’t put this down I blitzed through it in one night - a must read for lovers of the world!
April 29, 2025
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
POV: dual
Tropes: secret identities, Forced marriage, Forced Proximity, Domestic violence (not between the MC & FMC), Gun violence, Murder, Attempted murder, Captivity (Eddie at the hanger & Yuli at home), Fertility drugs (off page),
Was this what I was expecting??
Absolutely not.
Was it everything I never knew I needed and more??
1000%
Absofreakinglutely!!!!!
BROOKLYN! Yes I am yelling!! Every time I read a new book of yours I don’t think it can top the last yet you continue to do it over and over again!
I don’t even know where to start. And I don’t want to spoil it for anyone who hasn’t read Queen’s Gambit yet but good lawd! When we were told we would get answers I did not expect them to be told and unfold the way they did! I should have known when the dedication was “You asked for answers…be careful what you wished for” that we would be in for more then our typical Brooklyn rollercoaster.
I held off on writing my review not because I didn’t freaking LOVE book 5 but because it has taken me this long to put into words how phenomenal this book truly was. Since the beginning I have had question after question and it seemed that each time I thought I had it figured out BAM something else would pop up. Queen’s Gambit has all the answers I was hoping for and more! Was I left with even more questions and new theories? Also, yes! But the way we get answers and new questions didn’t leave me angry or frustrated at the book. Nope, but I was hanging off every word and now am trying to figure out how I’ll be able to survive the wait for book 6!
I absolutely loved getting to see everyone from when they were younger and into adulthood. The way that we got to see how relationships were formed, enemies made and why some of the characters are the way they are was laid out perfectly!
This is not a prequel, and couldn’t have come at the beginning or it wouldn’t have made sense. And it couldn’t have been written at the end, or it would have been repetitive and lost the shock value. Everything leading up in books 1-4 set the stage for the info that we learned in book 5. The new questions and Easter eggs that were dropped, set the stage for the rest of the series.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
POV: dual
Tropes: secret identities, Forced marriage, Forced Proximity, Domestic violence (not between the MC & FMC), Gun violence, Murder, Attempted murder, Captivity (Eddie at the hanger & Yuli at home), Fertility drugs (off page),
Was this what I was expecting??
Absolutely not.
Was it everything I never knew I needed and more??
1000%
Absofreakinglutely!!!!!
BROOKLYN! Yes I am yelling!! Every time I read a new book of yours I don’t think it can top the last yet you continue to do it over and over again!
I don’t even know where to start. And I don’t want to spoil it for anyone who hasn’t read Queen’s Gambit yet but good lawd! When we were told we would get answers I did not expect them to be told and unfold the way they did! I should have known when the dedication was “You asked for answers…be careful what you wished for” that we would be in for more then our typical Brooklyn rollercoaster.
I held off on writing my review not because I didn’t freaking LOVE book 5 but because it has taken me this long to put into words how phenomenal this book truly was. Since the beginning I have had question after question and it seemed that each time I thought I had it figured out BAM something else would pop up. Queen’s Gambit has all the answers I was hoping for and more! Was I left with even more questions and new theories? Also, yes! But the way we get answers and new questions didn’t leave me angry or frustrated at the book. Nope, but I was hanging off every word and now am trying to figure out how I’ll be able to survive the wait for book 6!
I absolutely loved getting to see everyone from when they were younger and into adulthood. The way that we got to see how relationships were formed, enemies made and why some of the characters are the way they are was laid out perfectly!
This is not a prequel, and couldn’t have come at the beginning or it wouldn’t have made sense. And it couldn’t have been written at the end, or it would have been repetitive and lost the shock value. Everything leading up in books 1-4 set the stage for the info that we learned in book 5. The new questions and Easter eggs that were dropped, set the stage for the rest of the series.
June 6, 2025
Queens Gambit by Brooklyn Cross is book 5 in the Kings of Wayward Academy. This novel is a dark forbidden mafia romance. In this installment we got to see into a lot of the backstory which was definitely heart wrenching especially if you are as invested in the series as I am. The author does such a fantastic job of weaving a tale and bringing you into the world she has created. The characters are so well developed that you feel as if you know them.
I enjoyed learning about Eddie and Ana (Rens parents). It was nothing like I expected but that made me like it even more. Their story was interesting and complex making me understand Ren even more.
I enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it as part of this series. I can not wait to read more.
April 24, 2025
So I started this and i didnt know it was going to be about the mom (thats on me for no reading the sinopsis) and like is cute or whatever but idc about them, i need to know what happens next and therse not even a book announcement about the next book, what am i supposed to do know? why even publish a prequel before finishing tha main saga? like why on earth would you think your fans want that instead of the next book when your book ends in a cliffhanger? so yeah I think im going to DNF because i really cant get into it when all im thining bout is the main saga. Anyways if anyone ever reads this please dont take it seriously, im sure its a good book because the author is great but i wanted to vent and im not being fair because i tought i was getting answers and im now frsutrated.
April 11, 2025
Another one goes down in history for the Wayward series by Brooklynn Cross!!
When I started this book I had no idea what I was about to dive into until a few chapters in. I am not allowed to post spoilers but this book answers alottttt and ties some things together.
I enjoyed this book even tho it was unexpected but still full of the typical B. Cross style writing! If you love her then you’ll love this installment.
When I started this book I had no idea what I was about to dive into until a few chapters in. I am not allowed to post spoilers but this book answers alottttt and ties some things together.
I enjoyed this book even tho it was unexpected but still full of the typical B. Cross style writing! If you love her then you’ll love this installment.
April 25, 2025
✨ Queens Gambit Review✨
5 ⭐️/ 2 🌶️
I can’t with @Author Brooklyn Cross ! She has done it once again. This is the book I needed on the background that was so confusing. It filled a lot of gaps and answered a lot of questions. I LOVE this series! And I cannot get enough of it ! Ren is absolutely just like her mom, strong and fearless! I love it, I love it, I love it!
This is the fifth book in the kings of wayward academy. It follows the story of Ren’s mother, Yulianna, as she tries to escape her fathers wants and grasp. She wants nothing to do with her father, his wishes, nor his marriage contract to someone she doesn’t love. She plans her escape plan to make sure she is able to protect her daughter from everything she knows is coming to her.
If you haven’t started this series, you will definitely not be disappointed. It was such an amazing love story and so touching… I might have teared up at the end 🫣
5 ⭐️/ 2 🌶️
I can’t with @Author Brooklyn Cross ! She has done it once again. This is the book I needed on the background that was so confusing. It filled a lot of gaps and answered a lot of questions. I LOVE this series! And I cannot get enough of it ! Ren is absolutely just like her mom, strong and fearless! I love it, I love it, I love it!
This is the fifth book in the kings of wayward academy. It follows the story of Ren’s mother, Yulianna, as she tries to escape her fathers wants and grasp. She wants nothing to do with her father, his wishes, nor his marriage contract to someone she doesn’t love. She plans her escape plan to make sure she is able to protect her daughter from everything she knows is coming to her.
If you haven’t started this series, you will definitely not be disappointed. It was such an amazing love story and so touching… I might have teared up at the end 🫣
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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