She thought she could escape her past, but she just walked straight into the one person who wants to make her pay for it. She ruined his life, and now he’s going to ruin hers–One twisted game at a time. Vendetta is the first novel in a series of interconnected standalones.
LANDRY
A fresh start–That’s all I want. Ivybrook University is my chance to leave the past behind, to finally breathe again after my life got turned upside down just a few months ago. But from the moment I step on campus, Cashton Astor makes it his mission to ruin me.
He’s cruel, relentless, and completely unavoidable. I don’t know what I did to make him hate me, but it’s clear that he wants to make my life miserable. What he doesn’t realize, however, is that I don’t plan on going down without a fight.
CASHTON
Landry Andrews thinks Ivybrook is her fresh start–I’ll make sure it’s her downfall. She took something from me, something I’ll never get back– and she doesn’t even realize it. Now, I’ll take everything from her. The best part? She’ll never see me coming.
But the more I watch her, the more cracks I see in my plan. She’s not who I expected. Not who I wanted her to be. And for the first time since this all began… I’m not sure if I’m here to destroy her, or if she’s about to destroy me.
Perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers, dark college romances, "who did this to you?", and morally grey MMC's.
This book contains themes that aren't to everyone's liking. For a full list of content warnings, please refer to the author's note inside the book.
"She is my future wife, and the future mother of my children. She is my home, my comfort, my peace. She is my favorite person, my best friend, and the love of my life. Landry Andrews is my everything." _______________________________________
I was undecided about what rating to give this book because, as much as I found it a really fun read and loved it, I think it has many "problems" that bothered me, and I feel like, in 70%, things went off track.
First of all, I love, love bully romance and dark college tropes, and this book had a lot of that. Even though it was a "light" dark, I think it delivered well in those aspects. Especially the bully part—OMG, I got SO mad at this, seriously! Cash (the protagonist) went way too hard on Landry because of a certain revenge he planned, but I think there were moments when he went too far. And Landry never fought back, even though she kept saying she would make him pay and blah blah blah. I really wanted her to have more fight in her, you know? But she was way too weak for him, and I had hopes that would change by the end, but it was just the same thing.
But honestly, when I rethink her personality, it kind of makes sense for her to be this way. The poor girl went through hell and carried a lot of guilt over things from the past, yet she always saw the good in people. (Anyway, she is truly a sweetheart.)
Aside from the bully aspect, I enjoyed the dark part. It was light, not too heavy, but still surprised me at certain moments.
Talking about them as a couple, I really liked them. From the beginning, I knew I was going to love their dynamic. They had so much chemistry, and they really delivered in the hot scenes, you know? I didn’t skip a single one because they were that good. Especially the first one—WOW.
For me, the highlight—and maybe what I hated the most ??? (I’m still thinking about this)—was the multiple plot twists that happened around 70%. So many things were being revealed all at once at the end that I don’t know, I just didn’t vibe with it. However, I wouldn’t say they were pointless plots. If you pay close attention to the details from the beginning, you’ll notice they were always there, and that was really well done. But the book took an unexpected turn because of them, and maybe that’s why I didn’t like it as much. That being said, I have to admit—the final page plot was mind-blowing. Damn! I was shook. Just because of that, I raised my rating for the book.
Finally, I’m excited for the next books in the series. I really liked all the side characters, and the next book will focus on a couple that is completely opposite from each other, but they already showed a lot of chemistry in the few scenes they had. Plus, they’ll be really important for the final plot development, so I’m really looking forward to seeing things from their perspective.
But there’s one character, Kap, who is definitely my favorite. He stole my heart, and I can’t wait to find out who his love interest will be. He has everything it takes to be the best character in this series.
Anyway, I only recommend this book to those who truly enjoy bully romance. I don’t think everyone will like it because of that, but I loved it. I devoured this 300+ page book in just a few hours because I was so hooked!
If you’re a fan of dark academia, bully romance, and revenge-driven plots, Vendetta is a solid addition to the genre. It blends obsession, mystery, and twisted mind games with an intense enemies-to-lovers dynamic that keeps the tension high. However, whether it’s an enjoyable read depends on how much you can tolerate morally gray characters and toxic relationships.
• Landry is a resilient heroine who refuses to back down, even when faced with relentless torment. Her character arc seems to focus on uncovering both her past mistakes and her strength in the face of adversity. • Cashton is a classic dark, brooding, and obsessive male lead with a vendetta. His emotional complexity—oscillating between vengeance and unexpected attraction—makes him compelling, though his actions will likely be polarizing. • The romantic tension is high, filled with power struggles, heated confrontations, and forbidden attraction. This isn’t a sweet love story—it’s about obsession, revenge, and blurred moral lines.
Vendetta is a dark, gripping, and tension-filled read that will appeal to fans of bully romance, revenge-driven plots, and morally gray relationships. However, if you prefer healthier romance dynamics, this book might not be your cup of tea.
This is my honest review in exchange for an ARC! 🖤
This book had me hooked from the start! It gave me "After" vibes with the college scene and the secrets which is one of my faves so an instant appeal. It takes a lot to get emotional reading but I definitely did! I felt anger, anxiety and even shed a few tears so kudos to Sayler!
I really enjoyed the character developments for Cash and Landry. It was refreshing to read a FMC that wasn't this over the top feminist "bad bitch" I don't need a man. I think it was a great blend of strength/weakness and Landry finding herself after change and tragedy. You see Cash really struggle with his emotions of should hate Landry but wanting her.
Essentially the time frame is almost a full school year & for the bully aspect I could have had a longer or maybe more scenes of how much Cash hated her.
I was surprised by the twist in plots & it did flow very nicely. It was a great way to keep the story going and hook the readers for the next book which I defiantly will be reading because I need to see what happens! I know the next book will focus on other main characters but I hope we get to see justice for Landry and Cash's family by the end of the series
Thank you for letting me read and be apart of your ARC team, i think you did a great job and I had so much fun reading!
I was lucky enough to receive an early-release copy of “Vendetta” and DEVOURED it. Literally— I couldn’t put it down.
Thoughts on Premise:📖
Wow wow wow, Sayler knows how to write a good intrigue. I thought that this would be straightforward dark romance (and it is, don’t get me wrong), but there’s a whole subplot mystery that escalates throughout the story. With plot twists, and heart-wrenching revelations, the story is beautifully crafted to hook you deep into the characters’ lives. Also, the writing was actually hilarious at some points (basil, cockroaches, etc.🤣).
Thoughts on Characters:💃
Sayler’s character development was so rich and full of life. These characters really grow on you, to the point of wanting to become part of their entourage. How can I befriend these people? Landry and Cashton (hot names tbh) are an ACTUAL enemies-to-lovers couple. Sometimes I dread the trope starting out as enemies, and by the 4th chapter, they unrealistically declare their love for each other. “Vendetta” includes complex characters, with a wonderfully steamy relationship arc between Lanton/Cashdry?🫣🌶️.
Thoughts on Spice:🌶️
This one was HOT. Not too much kink, but hot “I hate you”-love scenes. Cashton and Landry make for a hot couple, and there were some steamy pages in there🫣🥰.
Overall:💪
Super entertaining and enthralling book. Would recommend to any lover of dark romance, or just mystery mixed in with steamy scenes. Cannot WAIT for the sequel, the epilogue not helping my impatience…🫠
I don't know how exactly I feel about this book. At the beginning I hated Cashton so much and he redeemed himself a little after 75% of the book and that was also not that satisfying because of the writing. Landry, oh my god girl I literally cried so much, yelled/screamed at you to stop being doormat, stop your hormones controlling your mind and see things for logical point of view. But no she was a doormat, she kept allowing Cashton to treat her horribly and then did nothing just shrugged off. Like girl the guy was literally treating you like shit then just apologized once when you were thinking of apologizing to him because you thought it was all your fault and you were ready to justify all his doing because he was grieving his sister. He did horrible/awful things to her and he didn't even grovel enough. 1 He tried to harm her when they were on the boat she was fucking bleeding and he didn't even feel remorse 2 He gave her vodka even after knowing she was allergic to it she could have even died because he didn't know how her body will react after allergy and again he stood there just feeling a guilt while in such vulnerable state in front of the whole class. 3 He got her abducted for the game while she got hurt and then after seeing his teammates reaction to her he left her alone with them key/not key doesn't matter. She got assaulted by them and they would have raped her if he didn't reach there on time. 4 and after she got almost raped. What does the he do? No, he didn't console or comfort her all night like we expect. He had sex with her in the kitchen while she was vulnerable and he took advantage of her. And no he didn't cuddle with her or anything. He leaves her there alone and again he doesn't even have any remorse for doing that to her. 5 once she was walking alone in rain so he givers a lift and then when she tells him to take different route or stop the the car because she has trauma from her accident. He enjoys seeing the terror on her face and speeds the car. She has a panic attack and then again he just says sorry because her fear turned out to be true. 6 once while they were at a party and playing spin the bottle he was kissing other girls in front of her and she doesn't kiss him at her turn he gets angry and follows after her later forcefully fucks her in the bathroom then tells her to get on her knees. And guess what? She let's him fuck her, humiliate her while being controlled by her hormones and then when he walks away she regrets it and cries. 7 He recorded the bathroom incident and for his revenge he spreads that sex tape other students and then again she gets a panic attack and he is justifying it because of what happened with his sister and he revenge because that was his way of grieving. He finally tells her that why he was making her life hell when he didn't even know the whole truth. Again guess what did she do now? No, she doesn't get just angry or hates him or vows to never forgive him. Instead, she goes to him to fucking apologize for something she didn't do but feels guilty about. 8 and guess what? Even after getting to know the truth he doesn't properly apologize or ask for forgiveness or grovel. He actually tells her that he can't stand looking at her because she reminds him of everything about his sister's death. So he tells her to stay away because he can't get over something she actually didn't even do to begin with. 9 then at the ball he gets angry because she is dancing with some other guy. I mean dude make your mind you want her or revenge. I mean audacity of him to do that. Honestly I am so pissed about so many things😶 I think the writing really needed work. The characters and their development could have been written so so much better. The story lacked so much. There was just so much happening, so many twists that it was just a mess which didn't satisfy at the end. And just made me angry. I have read Dark and Bully romances before but in all of those hero was redeemable because despite being an asshole he was still caring towards the heroine in some way. Never actually hurting them because they knew that hurting her would hurt them also. The were assholes but then they were whipped too. Heroine is the one who softens the hero and gets his soft side out. But here it didn't feel that way. He hated her while being attracted to her but never really cared about her and hurt her causing her pain and then suddenly he was in love and wanted her near her all the time. And the heroine was so weak, had no self respect or backbone and was just lusting after him. Because what they had was not exactly love. Because for them to fall in love with each other they didn't get those type of moments written for them. Sorry but this book was just not it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Oh boy, Landry and Cashton sure had some pure love/hate going on throughout the book.
This dark bully academia will have you devouring every page in the book. The storyline hooked me since page one. I couldn't get enough of their back and forth. Although Cash had revenge on his mind the whole time, somewhere down the line, the lines blurred for him and it seemed like hate was starting to turn to obsession and love for the woman he was out to get.
Everything he seemed to do that would humiliate Landry would end up falling flat for him, although he always seemed to hurt her, she would just bottled that up and stew within herself until the day came when she had no fight left in her.
Landry not only had to deal with Cashton, but then something else pops up that puts not just her in danger but also Cashton. Can they surpass the danger or are they destined to always have to watch their backs?
I kid you not, this totally took me for a loop towards the last 3 chapters maybe. I never saw that coming nor did I think that this was going to be a series, but I am so looking forward to the next couple's book. The story will continue and more twists and turns are about to head our way!
𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪 ... I absolutely loooved this book!! It was so well written, it was hard for me to believe this was a debut novel. Sleep was completely forgotten as I made my way through the entire book in one sitting!
Landry was the best character in Vendetta. You really sympathize with everything she's going gone through, but what I really loved was how imperfect she was. Cashton... where to start with you? He was so... mean. Which makes sense since he was the bully, but I didn't expect him to be so cruel.Yet despite how much of a jerk he was, I couldn't help be intrigued by him and eventually start liking him, Even after secrets come out, I don't justify Cashton's actions...There is never an excuse to bullying, just to be clear! But then again, I can't say what I'd do in this situation because like I already said, there's a fine line between love and hate.
I recommend this book to anyone who's a fan of angst and drama because this is without a doubt one of the best I've read. I'm definitely looking forward to book 2! ... 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: Enemies to Lovers Dark Romance Bully Romance College Setting Who did this to you
This dark bully academia read snatched me up!! My husband couldn’t pry it from my hands. I was consumed from the moment I started. Landry is a sweet soul who has trouble standing up for herself, although she wants to, she just has trouble following through. Cashton has a bone to pick with Landry, revenge for what he feels she took from him. Cashton has a very dark soul and is clearly mean and a bully towards Landry and he shows no remorse. You could definitely feel the emotions and angst between the two. And let me tell you the heat between the two of them was the perfect amount of steam. The love-hate dynamic between the two kept my toes curling. The plot and dialogue flowed seamlessly and effortlessly. So wonderfully written and you wouldn’t know it was this author’s debut novel. It’s that good!
If you are not one for dark bullying romance then this is not for you. But for those who do enjoy the fiction of bullying romance then definitely out this book on your list to read! I will definitely be reading the next one! 4.5⭐️/5
Apparently, all it takes to be an author now is a Wi-Fi connection and unchecked confidence.
This book was a chaotic dump of every dark romance trope known to BookTok, slapped together with zero sense of plot, character development, or basic grammar. It reads like a first draft that got lost on the way to an actual editor—assuming one was ever involved. At one point, the author uses “FOMO” in the narration. Not dialogue, but actual narration. Later, we’re treated to lines like “you got me fucked up” on repeat, as if that counts for meaningful interaction. It’s not edgy. It’s lazy. You can expect names like Bexley, Kaptan, Cashton, and Lardley, or whoever the hell the FMC was…I swear to God, I am not making any of this up.
There’s no tension, no buildup, just pseudo shock-value nonsense stacked on top of each other until the whole thing caves in. I’m not sure if this was meant to be satire or self-insert fanfiction, but either way, it was painful. And the gall to say book two is on the way…
Avoid unless you’re actively trying to lower your standards.
This book is a dark college romance that follows the FMC Landry and the MMC Cashton. I loved this book and the angst between Landry and Cashton. It really kept me entertained. I also loved the scenes with the background characters, and eventually learned that even the background characters had something to do with the plot twist at the end. This gave you a fun college setting, and really described the life that a college student had.
Eventually you learned why Cashton was a bully or even an enemy with Landry. His backstory was sad, but it was great to get that understanding. The FMC Landry is strong and fierce and you could see her strength while she endured Cashton's bullying. You could really feel the emotions between both the characters.
The spice in this book was steamy, hot and angsty. It had a perfect balance and not too much of it. The love that Cashton eventually had for Landry was enjoyable to read and gave you a sigh of relief after all the tension. I loved the enemies to lovers trope. Overall, this book was written so well and had me hooked from the first chapter. I loved how you could escape into a different world and really feel the college life. I rated it five stars.
Reads like so many new adult books I’ve come across but continued to beat around the bush. By 20% I was losing interest. Love a bad boy and revenge plot, but lost interest in all the background noise of going to classes, working out, going to parties, girl talk, and little character development. Needlessly slow pace. It’s like all the foundational points needed to be built before the story could be told even though I had all the information I needed to enjoy the book.
The bullying and main characters physical interaction starts slow, remains slow, and when some enemies to lovers— but really I’m attracted to you— does occur, it gets caught up, intermingled with uninteresting day to day school activities. Cashton just hates to like Landry, and the plot reads very predictable.
This book isn’t dark; it’s just isn’t for me. I found it and the writing generic.
I was lucky enough to get an advance reader’s copy of Vendetta and I'm eagerly waiting for its release so I can get my own copy as soon as possible.
From the start, Sayler's exceptional writing skills had me captivated by this intense enemies-to-lovers dark college bully romance. Please note that trigger warnings apply.
I loved the dynamic of the love-hate relationship between Landry and Cashton, with its strong touch-her-and-die vibes, redemption, and perfect balance of heat and steaminess. The plot flows effortlessly, keeping you highly engaged throughout this emotional rollercoaster that explores past, present, and future, ending in a cliffhanger.
I highly recommend reading it.
My Rating for Vendetta. Stars- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 Heat- 🔥🌶️🔥🌶️ 4/5
📚✨ Just finished "Vendetta" by Sayler Moreau, and wow, what a wild ride! 🎢 This dark college bully romance had me hooked from the first page. The characters are so well-written that I was constantly torn between loving them and wanting to shake some sense into them. The tension and chemistry? Off the charts! 🔥💕 Seriously, I couldn't put it down. And that plot twist? Absolutely jaw-dropping! 😱
Set against the backdrop of college life, this story dives deep into themes of power, revenge, and unexpected love. Sayler Moreau’s writing is raw and captivating, making every twist feel so intense. If you're into stories that push boundaries and explore the darker sides of romance, this book is a total must-read! 📖💔 I can't wait for the second book! Have you read it yet? Let’s chat! 💬
Did I finish this book in less than 25 hours? ABSOLUTELY!! I literally could not put it down, she had me hooked from the first chapter. The burning chemistry between Cash and Landry is to die for. She is a complete badass on her own terms and I am here for it! I do not want to post spoilers but her “get fu**ed” moment had me SCREAMING!! And don’t even get me started on the hammer. Like SAYLER BABBBBYYYYY I need more! That last page/chapter had my jaw on the floor and I am still trying to pick it up. The mother of all damn plot twists and it literally leaves you needing more. I highly recommend you grab this book when it drops!
I don't even know where to begin. The plot, the characters, the developments, the feelings, the spice. Every box has been checked. I DEVOURED this book in less than 5 hours. I should have called into work because I would have had it done sooner. I didn't even eat until I was done reading this. This book is one where you can tell the author has POURED their heart and soul into it. I am so grateful to have received an ARC of this. I am very much looking forward to reading the rest of the series! If you love a good bully romance in a college setting with all the other elements of dark romance, READ THIS BOOK!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Not an expert of dark romance, but THIS ONE Vendetta got me engaged from the beginning, and I read it in one day! I was expecting a complicated love story with hot, steamy scenes (yes to both)😋🌶️, but was surprised by the interesting mystery plot line (good set up with hints that make for a rewarding pay off)🔎, the insightful development on the characters and the dark humor (laughed out loud at some parts). Overall, very entertaining and a solid story nicely written. REALLY looking forward to a follow up!😁
Omg.. my mind is blown. I loved this book so much and can’t wait for the second one now. The enemies to lovers… the banter… the spice… the plot twists… I could not get enough. This was amazing and one of the best books I have ever read. And it wasn’t all spice. This has an amazing plot and I actually could feel for these characters. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars because I’m at a loss of words
Omg I absolutely loved Landry and Cashtons story!! At first it took me a minute to get into it but once I did boy oh boy I couldn’t stop reading. I had to know what was going to happen. I’m so glad I was picked as an ARC reader for this one because I devoured it and it needs to be shared with everyone. It had me in all the feels. I can’t wait to see what else she writes and the end???? Was not expecting it
Legit. What the hell was this ridiculousness that I just endured?? Yes endured. The amount of twists in this story was just plain stupid in the end. The trauma the FMC endured throughout the entirety of this story and she just shrugged it off and got on with life. Lol IT WAS JUST RIDICULOUS
It was a trauma to finish this I can’t deny…and quite frankly there is not even a slight temptation to read the next instalment.
Landry hoped that attending Ivybrook Elite University would provide her with a fresh start after experiencing a horrific accident just a few months earlier. However, upon meeting Cashton, she quickly realized that this new beginning might not be as easy as she had hoped. Cashton knows Landry’s past, and he seems intent on making her suffer, driven by a desire for revenge.
This story is profoundly moving, capturing the depths of angst, trauma, and pain in a way that truly resonates. Prepare for an emotional journey that might just tug at your heartstrings *so keep the tissues on hand*.
The underlying plot and unexpected twists are masterfully crafted, pulling you in and keeping you on the edge of your seat. I was completely taken by surprise by the revelations, and that ending has left me eagerly anticipating the next installment.
Was a great read for sure. I enjoyed the bully romance theme going on and how these two ended up needing one another after everything they’ve gone through. This is definitely morally grey and filled with tension/angst throughout the book but it all adds to making this a great book. I enjoyed all the details and twists presented
This story had more twists than I thought going into it. I struggled with getting into it to start with then I was hooked wanting to know what was next for Laundry and Cash. This book is a story in a story and also Laundry’s self awareness and my heart hurt for her with all she had to go through.
This caught my attention on social media and peaked my interest. The tropes had me, but the storyline and PLOT TWISTS really made me finish this in 24 hours. I am so excited to see this author expand and grow the Ivybrook Elite series and understand how the characters will grow and overcome new challenges.
When I say my jaw was on the floor almost the entire time, I went through ALL of the emotions and my girl Landry is now one of my favorite FMCs, she is badass. The tension between her and Cash…. WHEEWWWWW. The ENDING…… HAD ME SCREAMING. I can’t wait for book 2!
Where I think this could be a great book if editing and rewriting is done. Its a great plot but there's too much going on. Too many side tracks. I wanted to love this book I really did. Unfortunately it didn't hit the mark for me
Wow I have to say I hated Cashton most of book, I could see he was hurting but he was so freakin mean. Landry had her own demons but I’m so glad when it all came to a head n Cashton realised he made a terrible mistake n now I can’t wait for book 2 ❤️❤️❤️