Cruel Crypts : Edizione italiana (Gods of Hatherley Hall Vol. 1)

Gods of Hatherley Hall #1

by Becca Steele, Alessandra Pedrabissi (Translator)

Knox Ashcroft è uno dei cosiddetti dei di Hatherley Hall. Bellissimo, ricco, arrogante… e tutto ciò che detesto. Gioca a lacrosse, sa di avere il mondo ai suoi piedi e soprattutto mi odia dal primo momento in cui ci siamo guardati.
Il sentimento è assolutamente reciproco.

Per lui non dovrei nemmeno mettere piede a Hatherley. Vuole che me ne vada.
Peccato, perché io non ho nessuna intenzione di andarmene.
Non prima di aver ottenuto quello per cui sono venuta.

Tutti hanno scheletri nell’armadio, no?
Io scoprirò i suoi.
A patto che lui non scopra i miei.

Genres: Enemies To Lovers, Romance, Dark Romance, Dark, High School, Sports, Contemporary

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 25, 2025

About the author

Becca Steele is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of new adult romance from contemporary to dark. Her books have been translated into multiple languages.

Becca resides in the south of England with her family. When she's not writing, you can find her reading, gaming, or curating yet another Spotify playlist.

Stalker links
http://linktr.ee/authorbeccasteele

Reviews

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY REVIEW AND OTHERS can also be found on my blog:
╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS

༺✿ 𝐂𝐑𝐔𝐄𝐋 𝐂𝐑𝐘𝐏𝐓𝐒 ✿༻Is the first full length romance book within the (Gods of hatherley Hall) series by author becca Steele. spoken in 'Dual Perspectives.' Knox & Elena

I couldn't help myself, one read of the synopsis, one look at the author, one look at the cover and I hunted this down with a vengeance, once it landed on my ipad I dived in and didn't come up for breath until that very last page was closed.

This book was shrouded in secrecy, with twists and turns which had me by it's tethers, Elena and her mother turn up on the Ashcroft's doorstep after her mother gets a job as the nanny for little jo-jo, the Ashcroft's toddler.

Everything seems above board, but don't be fooled, things are going to start heating up, the mother daughter duet have one big secret, wanting the Ashcroft's pay for what they had done, but the thing with secrets they never stay buried, what is revealed definitely had me reeling.

'𝙆𝙣𝙤𝙭 𝘼𝙨𝙝𝙘𝙧𝙤𝙛𝙩 𝙢𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙜𝙤𝙙, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙝𝙞𝙢, 𝙝𝙚'𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝 𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜.'

Elena arriving as she did put the spanner in the works for Knox, he had his whole year planned out, and couldn't wait to live on campus and party it up with his two best friends. Until he's given the task of taking Elena too and from school on a daily basis, thus making him hate her with a vengeance for waylaying his plans.

Knox was one of the elite, right alongside his two best friends, Head boy Tristan & Roman, some even go so far as calling them the three gods. Knox was hot, popular and had a guaranteed spot working at his father's law firm once he'd finished off his final year at Hatherley Hall.

It didn't take these two long until they were each under the others skin.

I expected this book to be a darkish kind of read, especially with the setting when it came to the crypts deep underground beneath the boarding school, endless tunnels, hidden rooms, what Knox liked to call his lair, so I was expecting a wee bit of grit to make it into the storyline. But all in all this was still an enjoyable read making me invested enough to want to read the other two boys stories.

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[Nour Hane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Note to self: Stop taking recommendations from tik tok stick to your tbr 🙂

[antri౨ৎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

the a-level mention made my eyes twitch

[shy · Rating 2 out of 5]

really nothing special only read for the second one 😏😏 made me realize i'm at a point where the hs "we're the kings of the school" type books don't gag me anymore and i don't know how to feel

[⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven• · Rating 5 out of 5]

A enemies-to-lovers HS romance which sucked me right into the story! There's hate glares that become so much more, sizzling desires, suspense that made me theorize, Spooky vibes great for Halloween, bonds that made me say "that's so good". I loved this so much, Knox & Elena are lovely 😍. Devoured my #ARC in 6hrs!

Knox is an arrogant, lacrosse playing, rich boy (I'm pretty sure he's written after Hades). Cruel, smirky yet deep, softie underneath. Elena is the daughter of his baby sister's nanny. She's sweet, fierce, & no damsel 😉. Their banters are fun, as it's a mostly equal give & take.

It's interesting how the mystery of Elena & her mum's ploy unravels. I liked to see an elite school which actually has no apparent bitches (oh I've seen that so much!) where our FMC actually makes many good friends soon. I loved Knox's family 🥰. The chemistry b/w Knox & Elena is so good, they can't help be drawn to eachother. Most of all, I felt happy that we get quite some time with them after climax! I also liked the spookiness due to "lair" but it isn't overly dark, perfect for me.

Becca you've done it again, I'm so excited for this new series 😍.

Story Ratings:

POV: 1st person, Dual POV
1) Overall Enjoyment—> 5+/5
2) The Characters: 5/5
3) Top feels: 😳🤩🙁😍😩😎🤭🤨😏😉🥰🥺😆
4) Steamy scenes: 3.5/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 4/5
Angst: 3/5
Dark: 2/5
6) Creativity + world: 4.7/5
7) Plot arc: (Captivating suspense, Hate to love) 5/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.8/5

[PP's Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cruel Crypts by Becca Steele was a sinful adrenaline fuelled enemies to lovers new adult romance with the touch of spooky vibes. Knox has a wicked hero but Elena unexpectedly rocked his world with her sexy fierceness. It all started with secrets and lies but ended with an epic love.

Elena moved into Ashcrofts' house where her mother has taken a new job as their youngest daughter's nanny. She has a mission that has been planned by her mother who is convinced that the Ashcrofts are responsible for their life falling apart and he need to pay. Her job is to get close to Knox Ashcroft, the c0cky arrogant player ruling Hatherly Hall with his friends..where she will continue her studies. Knox is annoyed and suspicious with her as her presence delayed his plan to move to the spooky Crypts under the school for his final year. He is also irrationally attracted to her. What will happen when they fall for each other and Elena's secrets come out?

It isn't a dark romance per se. Knox has all the sides of an amazing morally grey hero. He can come across as a spoilt brat all the way. He lives a privileged life and he has high ambition for future that began from being the god of their elite school. He is wanted and worshipped by all and he enjoys the power and attention. Except Elena didn't pay him any attention at all. And that made him intrigued even more. He tried to break her and make her bow. But Elena refused. She has been through a lot of grief and heartache throughout last few years. It's a mess really. May be that's why she agreed to her mother's plan so easily. At the beginning, she thought Knox as a rich ah0l3 only. But through their hate/lust tension, she realised he isn't a bad guy at all. He doesn't want to show his soft underbelly but his little gestures to protect her and make her life better didn't go unnoticed. Their chemistry was explosive. They thought they can satisfy this insane lust and leave their hearts aside. But slowly feelings crept in. The underground Crypts became their playground and that added to the thrill and seduction. But falling for her didn't remove Knox's suspicion. Elena realised their plan was wrong all the way and she wanted to save Ashcrofts from all harm. And then the dominoes came crushing down. Ugly Truths came out. It tested their bond and their love but Knox fell hard for the girl who didn't fit in his pretentious luxury world and made him see the world differently. Elena never thought she will fall for someone like Knox but he completed her world and gave her a new beginning.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily

[NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books} · Rating 4 out of 5]

***4,5 "My little liar!!!" stars***



"This is... my world. You don't belong here."

A beautiful beginning in a very promising new series by Becca Steele!!!
The three gods of Hatherley Hall was intriguing and I suppose that Knox has taken after Hades... but don't fool yourselves, "Cruel Crypts" is loosely based on the God of Death...
The atmosphere in here was haunting and the storyline was everything...
I fell in love with Knox and Elena from the very first moment and I can not wait for the next book in the series!!!

"Justice would be served.
And if Knox Ashcroft tried to get in my way, I'd make sure he'd regret it."

Elena and her mother had come to live with the Ashcroft family... Her mother will be the new nanny of the family's toddler. These two have a secret and they are chasing revenge...
Knox is the popular, rich kid that doesn't like to be messed with... and Elena's appearance is ruining his plans...
There is lying hatred between these two and their moments together were explosive!!!
Of course, something else is larking under the surface, something that could ruin them forever!!!

"Elena Greenwood would learn her place, even if I had to break her to do it."

I loved Knox very much... He was arrogant and demanding and when he was feeling threatened, he could be very cruel...
The new girl was getting under his skin so easily, but he knew that she was keeping secrets and he was determined to uncover them!!!
Elena was amazing!!! She wasn't a damsel in distress and I loved that about her... Life had toughen her up and this entitled rich prick couldn't intimidate her...
She was giving exactly what she was taking and the results were unbelievable!!!

"You're a bastard."
"I'm the bastard who's going to ruin you, Elena."

Somewhere in here, I need to praise the unbelievably beautiful cover of this book and to tell you that the scenery of the crypts was so promising...
The truth is that I was expecting a little bit more darkness in here, but I am very satisfied with what I finally got...
Elena and Knox had amazing chemistry and my insides were tingling everytime they were in each other's space...
I had such a great time while I was reading this book and the way things turned out was very intense...
Honestly, I can not wait for Tristan and Roman's turn... I am already very invested to their story!!!

"We were the gods of Hatherley Hall, and we had each other's backs. Always would."

**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**

[queen_of_the_books_18 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a start to a new series and Becca started this one with a bang. Meet the Gods of Hatherley Hall. Knox, Roman and Tristan. And yes that is Roman Cavendish, cousin of Caiden and Weston from the Four 👀

Becca has us on the edge of our seat with Elena and her mother up to no good. Elena hates Knox but I couldn’t figure out why. That plot twist was jaw dropping. The sexual tension between the pair, even when they hated each other was haaaawt! I loved all of the scenes in the crypts. IYKYK

❤️M/F
❤️Academy
❤️Enemies to lovers
❤️Rich boy/poor girl

Such an addictive read. I can’t wait to find out more about Roman and Tristan and the girls who will bring them to their knees.

[LaBibliotecaDeRoxy · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,7⭐️♥️

[Nic_key_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cruel Crypts is the first book in the Hatherley Hall series. It’s an enemies to lovers with a side of mystery.

Cruel Crypts is a standalone that introduces us to a brand new world. It also ends with little bit of brand crumbs to what to come next.

I freaking loved this book! The Four series was my all time favorite series by Becca and Cruel Crypts gave me all the Four vibes. Becca delivered an amazing story that will have you wondering what’s going on. The mystery of this story is what had me hooked that and Knox of course.

I really wish I could read this for the first time again. It really is that good!!!!!

[ari · Rating 5 out of 5]

alexa play that should be me by justin bieber.

ummm he's such a SOFTIE. this was supposed to be dark academia/dark romance but tbh i was giggling the entire time.

would i say this is peak literature? eh. but, did i eat it up? YES. x1000000

[Mamma Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Complessivamente mi è piaciuto molto, Elena e Knox sono una coppia esplosiva con un’intesa che si percepisce prepotentemente durante la lettura. Si passa da un ti odio a un ti amo il tutto contornato da grandi sco***e molto calde. Mi sarebbe piaciuto che la parte bully fosse stata più presente e non sono con “le parole”. I genitori di Knox dolcissimi mi è piaciuto leggere che, nonostante Elena sia stata coinvolta nel piano della madre per rovinare la vita del padre di Knox, abbiano capito che fosse solo plagiata dalla mente malata della madre.
Attendo di leggere di Quinn e Roman

[nikki ౨ৎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

maybe a lil too much but fully getting me out of my reading slump yes!

[Lammie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one kinda missed the mark for me 🤷. I didn’t feel the chemistry between Knox and Elena, who was a pretty weak fmc. I also found the plot kinda lame.

I bought the whole series when the last book came out, figuring I’d love it. Hopefully the next two books are better.

[loonyasabat12 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ummm….🤔. It just wasn’t for me! This was just too insta love for me when it was supposed to be hate-to-love. Like they hated each other for a millisecond and then straight to bang town. 🤷‍♀️I mean if you are just looking for something smutty, this will do.

[kreadsoften · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cruel Crypts is the first book in the Gods of Hatherley Hall series, but it can be read as a standalone.

Elena Greenwood and her mother are living in the Ashcrofts’ house because her mother has just taken on a full-time babysitting/nanny job for their youngest child. The Ashcrofts are extremely wealthy, and Knox is the epitome of a spoiled rich boy. At Hatherley Hall, he and his two best friends, Roman Cavendish and Tristan Smith-Chamberlain, are known as the elite, sometimes called the gods.

Knox has plans to board at school, but his mother insists that he take Elena to school and bring her home, so he has to continue living at home for a while. He hates Elena, and not only because his boarding plans are ruined, but also because there’s something about her and her mother that he doesn’t trust.

Knox and Elena both hated each other, but they were also undeniably attracted to each other. Knox had been the cold, playboy, never one to want a relationship. But there was something about Elena that he could not resist; even though he didn’t trust her, he wanted her. He was broody and cruel (at times), but he was also possessive and really sweet at other times.

Elena adapted to her new surroundings pretty easily, and she was quick to make friends. She was also so brave and strong because she stood up for herself; she put her foot down and made the decision to follow her heart, even though the potential outcome would be awful for everyone.

This was slightly dark, enemies to lovers, high school romance with lies, secrets, angst, spice, and healing. It was my first book by Becca Steele, and I really enjoyed it. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!

Tropes:
Enemies to Lovers
Forced Proximity
High School
Possessive Hero
Secret Past
Angsty
Rich Boy/Poor Girl

[maria❀ · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐✨(3.25/5)

I’ve seen a lot of people enjoying this book, and it definitely wasn’t disappointing, but personally I didn’t feel a deep connection with the characters. The pacing felt a bit rushed, and Knox confused me more than once. One moment he’s kissing Elena, and the next he’s saying, “This was a mistake. It will never happen again,” only for it to happen again a chapter or two later. Honestly, it amused me a little. He’s the typical “I’m the king of this school” MMC, but I expected a more detailed and consistent character development.

As for Elena, our FMC, she’s portrayed as independent and rational—except when it comes to Knox. I also don’t think there was a strong reason for them to be enemies at the beginning, it mostly felt like Knox being arrogant for the sake of drama.

Overall, it was enjoyable, but I was hoping for more depth in the characters and their relationship.

[Laura Reads Too Much · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well darn, didn't Becca just go and start another series that has me glued from book one and screaming for more!!!...

This is an academy, mf, enemies-to-lovers story, one that will have you intrigued about not only the people but the secrets you know they have! And before you know it, you're cheering for them to get an hea - never that straight forward tho is it....

Really enjoyed it and although this is a standalone, the path for the next book and couple has been paved and I can't wait to get it!!!






*I voluntarily received an arc and this is my honest review. 4/4.5stars.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cruel Crypts is the first book in the God's of Hatherley Hall series, and let me tell you, you are going to want to read this series. Cruel Crypts is an M/F, enemies-to-lovers romance that has you hooked and begging for more. This book has great MCs and side characters (need their stories!), great storyline, and spicy scenes.

Thank you to Wordsmith Publicity for this advanced readers copy.

[Evi Janssens · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5

[Ode to my book boyfriends · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I even start? I freaking loved Knox and Elena's story. There's a reason Becca is one of my favorite authors and it's showcased with another amazing tale. We get enemies to lovers and mystery with this story.

Elena's mother took a job as the Ashcroft family's nanny. Their arrival screws with Knox's plans and his hate is immediate. Knox is forced to take Elena with him to and from school, but Elena isn't scared of his threats. This girl has her own agenda and she gives it as good as she gets.

The chemistry, the story, the twists and turns...all delicious! I can't wait for Roman and Tristan's stories! Great start to a new series of inter-connected standalones, you don't want to miss this!

[K_Tyoko_Readss · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Knox Ashcroft might think he was a god, but once I was through with him, he'd be worth less than nothing.”

This one sucked me right in because the Enemies to lovers vibes were on point right from the beginning.

It definitely had some mystery and twists that I really enjoyed so I ended up reading this book in 2 days because I needed answers!

I am currently in my dark romance era so I loved the bad boy / morally grey hero / Hades vibes I got from Knox.

This is a great start of the series and I can’t wait for the other books.

[Lager Lefse Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becca Steele is off to a bang with her first book in this series, Cruel Crypts. Here we meet the ‘Gods of Hatherley Hall’ with a specific story on Knox and Elena.

Knox is entering his last year of school and with his mates, Roman and Tristan, they have big plans for their reign this year. What Knox didn’t expect was the hiring of a new nanny and her tagalong daughter. Enter Elena Greenwood into the Ashcroft household and the newest student at Hatherley Hall and those plans of theirs (Knox, Roman, and Tristan’s) may be delayed.

Becca is a master at writing enemies to lovers and Cruel Crypts is no different. The hate between Knox and Elena was just dripping off the pages. Some stories talk about love at first sight, but these two were immense HATE at first sight. Making this contentious relationship worse is the fact that Knox’s parents have tasked him with showing Elena around and giving her rides to/from school. Talk about a major cockblock and his plans go up in smoke.

Elena (and her mom) are not all innocent in this production. Let’s say, they may/may not have ulterior motives in working for the Ashcrofts. Only time will tell how this unfolds.

I adore Becca’s writing because she is so descriptive in her storytelling. She makes it so easy to visualize these crypts that she is talking about. The college I went to was interconnected under the ground to all buildings and in a weird way, this reminded me so much of that.

Cruel Crypts was phenomenal, and I am addicted to this series, Knox and Elena, Tristan, and Roman. Bravo Ms. Steele on a fantastic start. I can not wait to see where it goes next!

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded to 5

I LOVED our heroine Elena. Her sass and strength. I also loved the reverse poor heroine rich man. It brings a different dynamic than the reverse, since typically women see more then social status. Obviously there is always exceptions.

Knox….. sometimes his attitude borders on entitled jerk, which with his wealth and upbringing it makes sense. For me though there were a few times it become more annoying then jerk dark romance.

I wouldn’t call this DARK romance persay but it’s on the gray spectrum 🤣🤣

It’s hard to not like Becca books.

[KelsBookstagram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wam Bam another new series and i am friggin for it!! This world left me reeling for more that's fore sure 😍

Elena & Knox are true young love and the enemies to lovers fades quickly as their attraction for one another develops quickly and the tension is thick!! 😍

Knox and Elena both have good hearts and it shows the further we get through the book. I am in love with Knox and his beautiful personality and good heart!

My lips are sealed and trying to not share too much detail but holymotherofgod it's one of my fav reads to date! ❤️

[Macie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a dark romance fan but I have to admit this book was such a blast to read.

Like the chemistry and tension was just chef's kiss 💋

[gene · Rating 1 out of 5]

dnf — felt like it was a copy and paste of every other book😭 I’m so tired of the “kings of school” romance books, we seen it, we read it, it’s over🫢

[★ Greta Booklovers ★]

3,5 stars! Una lettura piacevole ma non un'esperienza indimenticabile

Seguitemi su Greta Booklovers >> https://shorturl.at/aTaoL

Con «Cruel Crypts» Becca Steele inaugura la serie Gods of Harthley Hall, che consiglio a chi ha amato le atmosfere di Maxton Hall e predilige le storie condite con un pizzico di mistero. Vi segnalo che è disponibile anche la versione italiana. Tutto ha inizio quando la protagonista, Elena Greenwood, varca la soglia della lussuosa dimora degli Ashcraft, una delle famiglie più ricche e potenti della contea, dopo che sua madre è stata assunta come nuova babysitter della figlia minore. Elena scoprirà ben presto che quella casa custodisce dei segreti molto più oscuri di quanto osasse immaginare e nasconde verità inquietanti che, una volta riemerse, metteranno a repentaglio la sua stessa vita.

Ma Elena non si trova lì per caso. È una donna con una missione e nel suo piano non sono ammessi margini d’errore. La distrazione è un lusso che non può concedersi. La sua sete di giustizia e il desiderio di vendetta la spingeranno oltre ad ogni limite, finché l'obiettivo non sarà finalmente raggiunto. Il primo passo richiede di avvicinarsi a Knox, aitante erede di Antony Ashcrafts, influente e facoltoso avvocato milionario senza scrupoli. Bello, arrogante e lontano anni luce dall'essere un "bravo ragazzo", avvicinarlo significa una sola cosa: andare in cerca di guai. L’impenitente donnaiolo e presuntuoso adone è il dio indiscusso di Harthley Hall. Insieme a Tristan e Roman, i suoi inseparabili amici, Knox governa il campus come un sovrano autoritario. Tra quelle mura, la sua parola è legge e chiunque osi sfidarlo scopre ben presto che il prezzo dell'insubordinazione è un'esistenza trasformata in un inferno senza via d'uscita. Per un uomo come Knox, abituato a essere venerato con la devozione riservata alle divinità, Elena rappresenta una boccata d’aria fresca: il modo per evadere dalla prigione dorata di una vita priva di senso e di solitudine. Elena mostra fin dal primo istante manifesta un totale disinteresse per il suo status e i suoi soldi, un’indifferenza genuina che, paradossalmente, non fa che alimentare l’attrazione di Knox.

Aspettatevi la tensione crescente tipica degli enemies-to-lover romance in cui inizialmente i protagonisti sono nemici, si scambiano sguardi taglienti e si assiste a scontri verbali. Con lo scorrere delle pagine l’accesa rivalità e il rancore accumulato sfociano in un’attrazione travolgente, trasformando lo scontro in un desiderio magnetico a cui è impossibile resistere. La linea sottile tra l’odio e la passione si assottiglierà fino a spezzarsi, lasciando che l’ostilità ceda il passo a una tensione erotica inarrestabile. Il romanzo racchiude le tipiche dinamiche dove odio e amore si intrecciano, ma al termine è l’amore ad avere la meglio. Elena è il tipo di protagonista in cui amo immedesimarmi: una donna che affronta la vita a testa alta, senza lasciarsi intimidire dal fascino manipolatorio del 'bell’imbusto' di turno. Nonostante Knox utilizzi ogni stratagemma per piegare la sua volontà e spezzarla, lei oppone un’accanita resistenza. La protagonista non si limita a reagire; si ribella, rifiutando categoricamente di sottomettersi. Lei è una donna che ha fatto della resilienza la sua armatura e non permette a nessuno di scalfirla. Knox, d’altro canto, è un uomo abituato ad avere tutto senza combattere; per lui la vita è sempre stata un percorso in discesa. Eppure, per la prima volta, si ritrova a dover lottare con le unghie e con i denti per ciò che desidera davvero. È sorprendente scoprire come, dietro alla maschera del bullo, batta un cuore capace di un amore autentico e profondo.

Non è il primo romanzo di Becca Steele che trova posto sugli scaffali della mia libreria: quando scelgo le sue storie, so esattamente cosa aspettarmi e la componente mystery è un suo marchio di fabbrica. Il lettore viene trascinato in un gioco di specchi dove le reali motivazioni che spingono Elena alla vendetta restano celate fino alle battute conclusive. È proprio il desiderio di scoprire la verità a preparare il terreno per un epilogo del tutto inaspettato, capace di ribaltare ogni certezza. In quanto assidua lettrice di questo genere di romance, le mie aspettative erano piuttosto alte. Il romanzo, purtroppo, non è riuscito a coinvolgermi pienamente, mancando di quell’originalità che trasforma una lettura piacevole in un'esperienza indimenticabile. Il ritmo della narrazione risulta eccessivamente frettoloso, lasciando poco spazio alla descrizione e all’approfondimento degli avvenimenti. Una gestione più dilatata dei tempi narrativi avrebbe reso più credibile il percorso della vendetta. Questa compressione finisce per penalizzare l'introspezione psicologica dei personaggi, che risultano tratteggiati in modo un po' superficiale. -, Greta Booklovers

[Stasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Storyline: 4/5
Angst: 2/5
Spice level: 3/5
Triggers: slightly dark romance, slightly BDSM, possessive/protective hero, enemies to lovers


There’re no spoilers, only some of my fav quotes from the book.

It had passed some time since I've read anything from Becca Steele. I received the ARC for "Cruel Crypts" being the first book completely new series named "Gods of Hatherley Hall" and I enjoyed it quite a bit. My review will be 100% honest and it will be based on the time it got me to finish to book, how much I enjoyed it, my general thoughts about the plot, the characters and their evolvement.

The book is about Knox and Elena who hate each other for their own reasons. Knox is protective of his family and he sensed something weird and off about Elena when she appeared and didn't want her close to them. Therefore, he started digging deep into her life trying to find what h felt. Elena had her own reasons at the beginning of the book for her hatred towards Knox and his parents, but through all of it her perspective took a turn and changed. She was manipulated into believing things that weren't true and fully honest. She lacked the needed transparency to see everything how it really was.

”Knox Ashcroft might think he was a god, but once I was through with him, he’d be worth less than nothing.

I liked both the MMC and MMF characters because they're displayed very well and built up just fine. The element "enemies to lovers" was quite short for my liking, buuuut this doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the book because, well, Knox is so sweet behind closed doors. I was swooning all the time because of his protectiveness, care for his friends/family/Elena herself and the alpha vibes he gave me. He's my classic hero who appears the bad guy with some bullying tendencies and possessive nature, but in the end he's sweet and caring (and still possessive).

Elena's personality is one I usually like and it did not disappoint me. She's strong, mentally fighting constantly with her unfair past and her emotions, trying to see things always the right way. She's in a way rebellious in front of people because she doesn't accept what she's told when it's something opposite her thinking.

”I spoke in a low, savage rasp. “I said. Don’t. Fucking. Test. Me.” Her expression twisted into pure hate, and I drank it in. Elena Greenwood would learn her place, even if I had to break her to do it.”

The book is a quick read that enters a new world, but with a small mention of "The Four" series and a specific character from them. The secondary characters that appeared in the book were interesting and I can't wait for Roman's book. He's character is darker and turbulent. I see him much more complex than Knox. As for Tristan I still can't decide how I see him and what he represents. It soon to yet be decided, but I don't think he's actually this funny guy who takes life as a joke and loves enjoying women, parties and, well, life in general. I think he'll also be somewhat twisted and I already have my theories for him but I'm not sharing because I don't want to reveal anything about the book.

“How… long… have you been wanting to do this?” I managed to gasp out my question. “Since the first second I saw you tonight. Then when that fucker dared to ask you to dance earlier, I knew I was going to make you mine,” he growled.

The female secondary characters were also nice and interesting. Specially, Aria could be complex and evolve enough if the author decides to give her a chance.

Lastly, I enjoyed the book a lot and I think this series will be very interesting. The world that Becca has created is in a way new/different and the characters and storyline that compose it are intriguing.


I received ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Maddie (Bookaholic_Dreamer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Becca Steele is back with her newest series Gods of Hatherley Hall, kicking it off with book one Cruel Crypts.
This interconnected Standalone has us following Elena Greenwood and Knox Ashcroft's story in what is an Enemies to Lovers, Academy Romance.

The narrative had me intrigued with not only Elena and Knox, but also some of the secondary, as well as the storyline that Becca had us navigating through. And the further it progressed, the more it pulled you in.
From the many mysteries that were alluded to due to all the secrets, lies and deceit that came about, it had your curiosity getting the best of you with wondering what it could all be and mean.
Particularly when it came to Elena and her mother, since not much was known about them, other than some breadcrumbs dropped along the way.
And from the little tidbits you got, it kept you guessing with trying to figure it out, reeling you in with further intrigue and wonder. Especially with the heavily growing suspense that seemed to surround it. Plus with the added bonus of spooky vibes from the haunting feels of the Crypts, the hangout belonging to The Gods aka Knox, Roman Cavendish (yes Cavendish as in Caiden and Weston from The Four series cousin) and Tristan Smith-Chamberlain. It kept the anticipation building, only to lead you off from the cliff from having you stunned due to the shocking surprises from the twists and turns of what was revealed.
Safe to say it left me jaw dropped a couple of times from what came to light and was divulged, having never expected it.

When it came to the focus on Elena and Knox and their very interesting, for the lack of a better word relationship, they had made it worthwhile when it came to the exploration on the inside.
It was most definitely a bit of a whirlwind rollercoaster ride to say the least.
Even more so when you took into account the morally grey, spoilt brat, hero that is Knox.
His hot and cold behaviour towards Elena sometimes left you guessing with waiting to see how exactly he would act towards her. Leading to a bumpy ride full of ups and downs.
Simultaneously Elena knew how to dish it right back out, which we saw from the way she would behave towards him. Giving him the same treatment if need it be, showing that she was and could be just as strong.
Their Love/Hate emotional relationship added to the narrative in leading to a satisfying storyline overall.

Considering Cruel Crypts is apart of a series, it meant we were given peeks into the secondary characters, which was good to see and know, as not only did it allow us to get a bit of a feel for Roman and Tristan, who are not only Knox’s best friends but also the members of The Gods alongside him.
But knowing they will be getting their own stories, it definitely upped the curiosity of intrigue for it to come. Especially considering what we learn towards the end in regards to them and their possible love interests.

Cruel Crypts was definitely an interesting read with a good storyline that kept you reading on when it came to Elena and Knox’s story.
And with the way it ended, safe to say Becca Steele has me looking forward to reading the next book Wicked Waters from Gods of Hatherley Hall series.



*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.