Pretty Ruthless. The Order. The Beginning: A Southern Gothic Dark Academia Secret Society Romance

by Lexi Davis

At Ashford University, power doesn’t belong to the professors.
It belongs to the students.
The ones with the right names.
The right connections.
The ones who decide what happens behind closed doors.

Becky Dawson doesn’t belong there.
She’s not rich. Not connected. Not invited.
But she knows something’s not right.
And every answer leads back to one man.

Carrson Ashford.
Cold. Controlled. Untouchable.
They say he’s dangerous. They don’t know the half of it.

Now Becky’s on the hunt.
Studying him, following him, learning patterns he thinks no one sees.
Because Carrson isn’t just a man.
He’s a door.
The heir to a world built on power, ambition, and survival.

But Becky isn’t the only predator here.
Carrson notices. Pushes to see if she’ll break.

When he presses a blade to her throat, she doesn’t run.
When he tells her to stay away, she steps closer.
When he tells her to run,
she waits to see if he’ll chase.

That’s a problem.
Because Becky Dawson?
She was never supposed to be part of his world.

But now that she is,
Carrson can’t decide
whether to destroy her…
or make sure she never leaves.

Before Pretty Vicious... there was Pretty Ruthless.
Set in 1994, this dark academia secret society romance is where is all begins, where power is everything, obsession is inevitable, and love is the most dangerous game of all.

Genres: Dark Romance, Spicy, Dark

343 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication May 28, 2026

About the author

Lexi Davis loves long walks on the beach, drinking iced mochas, and writing smut. She believes in the ultimate power of love to both heal and transform. Her greatest hope is that her books bring joy to readers and allow them to escape one page at a time.

Reviews

[angelinabvby ۶۟ৎ {rest in peace estie}]

🐍 𝖆𝖗𝖈 𝖆𝖓𝖓𝖔𝖚𝖓𝖈𝖊𝖒𝖊𝖓𝖙 🐍
GUESS WHAT GUESS WHAT GUESS WHAT

[Shelbey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Becky is definitely persistent, and obsessive, I’ll give her that! Carrson doesn’t give in straight away, he’s so used to closing himself off that he doesn’t want to let anyone in. Their building relationship is beautiful to read; Becky has the patience of a saint, and watching Carrson slowly lowering his walls made me smile.

This was a great prequel to Pretty Vicious, showing the challenges everyone has to obey when in the Order. However, I did find parts of it repetitive to the goings on in Pretty Vicious, but it acted as a nice reminder to what occurred in Pretty Vicious.

The second epilogue left me with many more questions, and I can’t wait to dive in to Pretty Savage! The romance was a lot darker, and definitely spicier!

[Rachel Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5✨

thank you sooo much to lexi for this ARC!!! i knew id love this series when i first read pretty vicious and i am still so obsessed!!

honestly, i was curious how a prequel was going to be since in reality i expected book 2 to be a continuation if book 1, but WOW!!! honestly not what i was fully expecting, especially from the main characters becky and carrson (technically senior, iykyk). typically with dark romances it is a man who has all this experience and knows what he wants and how to go about it, but i was SOOO pleasantly surprised when carrson turned out to be quite anti-touch, aka has never let any woman touch him at all, until becky, so he was so new and unsure about everything he did with becky at the beginning. but on TOP of that, he was WORRIED and SCARED about doing things wrong or hurting her (especially bc of his past)…i didnt realize id enjoy a trope like that but my lord did i👀

i also loved the plot line of why becky was so invested in the order and then her getting ACTUALLY and TRULY invested in carrson, so you kind of forget why she was originally wanting to be there, just waiting for the shoe to drop about it all…so suspenseful! the only thing i wish i knew more about was a bit of a plot hole at the very end that i wont spoil but im just curious about more details in the middle of point A and B at the end! regardless im obsessed!!!

lexi you are AMAZING!!! i cannot wait for book 3😍

[Tara Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
I loved pretty vicious, so when I saw this was a prequel about Daddy Carson I was sat.

Pretty ruthless follows Daddy Carson & Becky Dawson.
Becky is seeking answers to a condition that killed her sister. And they keep leading to Carson, the ashford house & the order. What she didn’t expect to find was love for him.

I’m honestly blown away. I feel like I got some questions answered, while being left with so many more!
I’m also genuinely curious how this man turned into the father/person he did after reading this. Like, I don’t see it! What happened?!

After those epilogues, I’m questioning so much about pretty vicious & almost need to re read it because hello Easter eggs! I’m definitely piecing things together.

You can read pretty ruthless before pretty vicious and still get the same wow effect.
I am so ready for Pretty Savage.

Thank you netgally && Author Lexi Davis for an eARC in exchange for an honest review

[Ashleigh Forbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

“He has no idea the power he holds. How easily he could ruin me. How badly I want him to.”

“I’m not a good person, but I promise to be good to you.”

SO excited I received the ARC for this, thank you so much Lexi Davis!!💚 I adore all of her books & this one was no different.

I love an academia setting with an obsessive FMC🤭 You have a secret society, a morally black MMC bad boy, predator vs predator & a chasing woods scene😮‍💨 What more could you want!?

There were so many secrets to uncover throughout & I still feel like I have some questions left unanswered, even with the epilogues, so I’ll definitely be reading Pretty Vicious now. And it seems this also sets up for another book, Pretty Savage! Count me in on that one as well!

[Kalie]

Eeek! That was a whole VIBE. Full review to come!

[Chloë · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5✨

⭑ Publication date: 28th May 2026
⭑ ARC SIGNUP: https://tr.ee/yzMNHZqarA
⭑ Prequel to Pretty Vicious but can be read either before or after.
⭑ Book 3, Pretty Savage - September 2026

A dark academia, secret society romance for readers who enjoy -
🖤A morally grey MMC
💋A bad-ass, risk taking FMC
🖤Obsessive, possessive heroes
💋A college setting (1990s elite)

⭑ Remember to check all content/trigger warnings prior to reading!


~ plot ~

1994 ⏪

Determined to get answers to the questions that matter most, Becky Dawson finds herself somewhere she doesn’t belong - in the company of Carrson Ashford, heir to The Order, a secret society built on power, determination & survival.

He’s the key, her way in & her best chance of finding the answers she so desperately seeks. He may be closed off & controlled, the world he lives in dangerous & dark but that’s not going to stop her. You see, she’s just as much of a predator as he is & they soon find themselves caught in each other’s cross hairs.

But where there’s an Ashford, there’s The Order & where there’s The Order, there’s danger. This isn’t Becky’s world, but is it about to be?


~ review ~

Ok I have to start by saying AGAIN!? A cliffhanger ending AGAIN!? I cannot cope with this. I’ve not stopped thinking about Pretty Vicious’ ending since I closed the book
& now, this!? Lexi Davis’ ability to keep people on the hook even after reading the last word is off the charts. Time & time again, she is able to immerse you in her fictional worlds. Prime example > me, sat on that bus, in that metal box, since LAST DECEMBER.

Pretty Ruthless is exactly what it says on the cover, Ruthless. It’s dark, dangerous, suspenseful, mysterious & most of all, addictive. That’s not to say there aren’t softer, lighter moments though because Lexi Davis doesn’t miss, she’s got you, she delivers it ALL.
Dark academia, secret society & spicy romance fans - add this book to your TBR & signup for the ARC/request on NetGalley, trust me.

Carrson & Becky’s slow burn, hot, tense, spicy romance is certainly darker than Pretty Vicious & I devoured it. I absolutely loved how the dynamic differed from your typical dark romance. The rolls were somewhat reversed with our strong-willed, bad-ass FMC Becky taking the lead. However don’t fret! Carrson does find his way & what follows is a deliciously dangerous relationship. They push each other to the limit, testing how far the other will go & their bedroom antics? Ooh.
Their relationship does have a softer side too. They’ve both experienced trauma, Becky with the loss of her Sister & Carrson with his upbringing/Father. What they have is dark yet somehow pure too. Neither saw it coming but they let their walls down, built each other up & now, together? They’re unstoppable.

While Pretty Ruthless succeeds in giving a deeper insight into The Order, their rituals & hierarchy, I’ve still been left with waaayyy more questions than I started with. Something that really perplexed me (aside from the second epilogue because, what!?) was the change in Carrson’s character between Pretty Ruthless & Pretty Vicious. In PV & just in general, he’s one of the most unlikable characters but that isn’t the case here? What on earth happened between 1994 & present day!? I’m really banking on Pretty Savage to answer some of the lingering questions.


~ final thoughts ~

Pretty Ruthless is a fantastic addition to The Order series. Having enjoyed Pretty Vicious so much I was slightly apprehensive as to whether this would be able to sustain that feeling however I needn’t have worried!! Carrson & Becky’s love was totally electric & I was SO relieved that the 3rd act breakup was short lived. Again, the cliffhanger ending isn’t ideal however it makes me that much more exited for Pretty Savage, I’m counting down the days to September!

Thank you to NetGalley, The Author Agency & the amazing Lexi Davis/Melissa Dymond for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC. This is my honest opinion & I’m sharing it voluntarily❣️

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

The year: 1994 . The Place : Ashford University. Where the professors do the students’ bidding and it’s counterpart Rosewood Hall where the females are up to no good. They’re the cream of the crop. The elite and make the sinners complete…

The start of a beautifully dark relationship or an unorthodox internship? You decide and be warned. Hold on tight for the ride of your goddamn life! It’s darkness ,starkness ,cutting edge of pain and insane with a knife skilled . Kill or be killed ? Is that a question,or a suggestion? Stand up and be seen or face the consequences so deprave and obscene. Is this Academy a smoke screen of pain . Are they all insane or do they see what others don’t?

Pretty Ruthless by Lexi Davis is a must devour origin story. Ashford University the beginning of sin and depravity of all who enter in. Be warned . This book has a lot packed in. Fainted hearted ? Enter at your peril . Leaving isn’t your will it’s theirs. Carrson Ashford ,a household name that can soon as look at you maim or claim however the mood takes him. But DO NOT underestimate him . This next in line ,heir to the only throne that you need to succeed is all power and so you must heed the darkness within these telling walls.

Becky Dawson is unrelenting,a force of reckless abandon. His presence is frightening but compelling and like a moth to a flame 🔥 She doesn’t have fear of the Ashford name but despises and loves the attention she lures and endures for the memory of her Remy and will enter and overturn the corrupt system that sealed her fate forever or die trying. She’s stopped her tears as well as her fears . Peers? Oh no the people she’s going to overthrow. Starting at the top ,she’ll defy the corrupt.

Predetermined at birth is how these academia sorts have Order and intent on ruling the earth. Predator or prey? Becky Dawson knows where she needs to be to find answers to questions she hasn’t yet begun to formulate but she knows that this powerhouse is where her hate will drive a stake through the heart of this institution and the only solution she does seek. For her Remy ,for the whole goddamn world she will speak.

Whether you’re new to this series or hungry for more . This insatiable desire for every deprave ,sinful and evil dark soulless ,devil may ride ,tan your hide and you’ll thank him for the spanking and the tanking. No questions asked …except the biggest and most important of all for one determined lass.

The avenues and alleyways and all the plays. Knife plays 🔪 run for your life or on my life thinking all the ways. Even when she’s not relenting to your will Carrson.You can thrill Becky senseless leave her defenceless still especially the thrill of the chase still zooming inside my mind .Oh my days my core is still afire from the flame 🔥 cos this book…Goddamn …Lexi Davis ma’am.

These books live on inside one’s head whether alone in your bed or out shopping you’ll be hoping to find your release by immersing into this excellent,exceptional series that I can’t see coming to conclusion anytime soon. This makes me swoon. Over the moon with the possibilities open thus far. How far the reach ,over the sea and beyond . I beseech ,this powerhouse has you in its frond and you too will be most fond.

[Uncaged Reads Uncaged Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

+++I have received a free eARC of this book. This is my honest review+++

If you’re reading this review, you are either Lexi Davis curious or already a devoted fan. If you are the latter, let me tell you that you are absolutely in the right place, because Lexi Davis is a powerhouse author who deserves all the notoriety she can get. Pretty Ruthless is book 1.5 in The Order series, and it is aptly subtitled ‘The Order. The Beginning.’ because it delivers the gripping 1994 origin story. You can easily dive into this prequel before or after Pretty Vicious, and either way, you are in for a wild ride. I found it to be incredibly fast-paced, exciting, and just the right amount of spicy—perfect for readers who love some heat but still want the plot to drive the story. The characters are completely fascinating, and the world-building pulled me right in from the very first page.
The dynamic between Carrson and Becky gives us a spectacular slow-burn romance. Carrson is the exact type of main male character who will completely break your heart. The sheer amount of psychological and physical trauma he has endured to make him who he is only makes it that much sweeter as the layers of the onion start to peel back and his walls finally begin to come down. Becky is just as intriguing and mysterious as she is beautiful, driven by a deep love and intense grief for her sister that serve as her ultimate motivation for vengeance and change. I absolutely loved the tropes woven throughout this story: it delivers delicious forced proximity (but was it really forced?), a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers journey, dark academia, a secret society, a morally black hero, an obsessive heroine, and a thrilling predator-versus-predator dynamic.
And please, don’t even get me started on that ending! I did not expect a cliffhanger in a prequel origin story, and it left my jaw on the floor. I am left with so many burning questions, but I’m going to have to wait until September to get them answered. You truly do not want to miss out on this series. Whether you start with Pretty Ruthless or Pretty Vicious (which is available now on Kindle Unlimited) doesn’t matter; it only matters that you begin this journey, because you certainly won’t regret it. Do yourself a favor, add Pretty Ruthless to your TBR, and get your preorder in now! It drops May 28, 2026, at all participating retailers and Kindle Unlimited.

I want to thank @authorlexidavis @netgalley for allowing me to read this amazing eARC. I truly feel honored to have had the privilege to read and review it.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read this book for:
💚 Dark Academia
🔪 Secret Society
💚 Enemies to Lovers
🔪 Morally Black MMC
💚 Obsessive FMC
🔪 Predator vs Predator

Synopsis
At Ashford University, power belongs to the students, and no one holds more of it than Carrson Ashford.

Cold, dangerous, and untouchable, Carrson is at the center of every secret Becky Dawson is trying to uncover. She knows she should stay away.

Instead, she keeps getting closer.

The more Becky digs into Carrson’s world, the more dangerous their connection becomes. Because Carrson doesn’t know if he wants to destroy her…

Or make sure she never leaves.

My Thoughts
This book is the prequel to the Order series. It tells the story of Carrson’s father from Pretty Vicious and Becky, his stepmother, who are both leaders of the Order. Honestly, I think the reading order is completely up to the reader. I personally did not find one order better than the other, so I do not really have a recommendation for that.

What I really enjoyed was getting more background information about Carrson’s father and seeing how the Order worked back then. It added more depth to the world and helped me understand the history behind the series a little better. However, I did struggle a bit with connecting this version of his father to the behavior he shows in Pretty Vicious. I expected to see more hints or development that would explain his actions later on, but for me, that connection was not fully there.

I was also hoping we would get more insight into Carrson’s mother, but sadly there was almost none at all. I think that could have added even more emotion and depth to the story.

That being said, I still really enjoyed the book overall. The story kept my attention the whole time, and around the 80% mark it became even better because of the plot twist. I genuinely did not expect it, and it made the final part of the book so exciting to read.

One small thing for me personally was the second bonus epilogue. Instead of giving me clarity, it actually left me even more confused. Maybe that was intentional, but I finished it with even more questions than before.

Now I seriously cannot wait to dive into Pretty Savage, the second book in the Order series, which releases this September. After that cliffhanger in the first book, I absolutely need to know what happens next!

[Janel Norman (fantasyrealms.and.tales) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Lexi Davis for this ARC.

This is the prequel for Pretty Vicious. I loved Pretty Vicious. Hooked and excited see where this dark academia romance goes. In Pretty Ruthless it follows Carrson Ashford, as in Carrson's dad 30 years prior, and Becky Dawson. Setting is the same-south and Ashford University.

So many emotions in a relatively quick read. It was heart wrenching hearing how Carrson was raised and abused, prepped but yet not prepared appropriately to know how to lead or how to let people in. Another heart tug when you hear about Becky's inner guilt and family trauma surrounding her sister's death. Other times, I was outraged and questioning what in the world are these people thinking? What is wrong with this couple? And what is wrong with me continuing to read this? But you know I continued.

When you step into a dark academia romance, check your triggers, and see it for what it truly is about not just the dark pieces and explicit scenes. It really is a story of becoming and belonging to something bigger and better and the choices that will determine outcomes... good or bad, even when the deck is stacked against you. About being vulnerable and still going all in. Love and choosing to love all pieces of someone. Trusting someone with your truth and being loved through it. Being stronger because of that person. That is what I felt when I read it. Was there things this secret society and couple did that are just cruel and unstable- yes. Was some of it linked and more understood once you see the upbringing and trauma-yes. Do I need to be into those things to understand it-no.

It made so much since relating this to some of the things in Pretty Vicious. But it leaves me with so many other questions. @authorlexidavis-thank you for braving this story and bringing it to life. 5 star read.
#fantasyrealmsandtales #prettyruthless #bookreviews #bookstagram #goodreads #facebookreviews

*secret society
*predator vs predator
*cat/mouse
*dark academia
*morally very dark MMC
*obsessive FMC
*trauma/abuse
*touch adverse
*dark elements-check TW and content
*plot with spice-medium spice but with dark elements
*slow burn/enemies to lovers
*social/financial status emphasized-"outsider"
*chronic illness representation
*mental health representation

[Jess23Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty Ruthless is the Prequel to Pretty Vicious and introduces Carrson's father and the girl that comes into his life... Becky Dawson. This is the story of the parents of Carrson (from Pretty Vicious) when they first crossed paths. When Becky first ended up at Ashford University she knew she did and would not fit in. Unlike the other students she has no wealth, no connections, and she was certainly not invited into the fold. However, Becky has done whatever it takes to get in to Ashford University. She has a purpose and a reason and it all starts and ends with Carrson Ashford. The man seems untouchable but he is obviously the one to go after. Despite his cold indifference Becky finds herself drawn to him in an almost magnetic intensity.

Becky begins to study and follow Carrson like a predator stalking her prey. Little does she know that Carrson is all too aware of her presence. As the path of the two become more entangled and the attraction builds despite all efforts the feelings become involved. Carrson isn't willing to break so easily and as he protects himself he in turn works to push Becky to see if she will break. Becky doesn't know Carrson though... she doesn't break that easily.

Becky is fearless, reckless, and just as stubborn as Carrson. Confused by the exchange Carrson can't decide if he wants to pull her closer or break her and never look back . Set in the early 1990s Ashford University is not the world like it was for Pretty Vicious. Never you fear though, the Order still exists. The Order still thrives, it manipulates, it destroys, it holds its secrets... and when Obsession is dragged through each and every step of the Order love is the most difficult challenge of all. You see love is a weakness in the foundation of the Order and the Order doesn't tolerate weakness.

For Becky and Carrson though... they are willing to take the risk... even as love fades and steels itself in endless desire and need... a craving that feeds into the first steps of the world and Order the reader knows from Pretty Vicious.... however... those revelations as shown by Becky and the cliffhanger it leaves... well that's just Pretty Ruthless.

If you want to find where it all began then I highly recommend Pretty Ruthless. Until next time, Happy Reading!

[DeeG Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

After finishing Pretty Vicious, I was so excited to go back and get more of the history behind The Order in Pretty Ruthless by Lexi Davis. And honestly? This prequel delivered.
Set in 1994 at Ashford University, this story follows Becky Dawson and Carrson Ashford’s father, giving readers a much deeper look into The Order, their rituals, and the dangerous power structure controlling everything behind the scenes. Becky knows something sinister is happening, and the closer she gets to Carrson, the more dangerous things become.
Even though this is a prequel, don’t expect all your questions to suddenly be answered. If anything, this book gave me even MORE theories and unanswered questions spinning around in my head. It adds layers to the world and mythology of the series without taking away the mystery, which I actually loved.
The cat-and-mouse dynamic between Becky and Carrson was so good. The tension between them built perfectly throughout the story, and the slow burn leading up to the romance worked really well for me. Their relationship had this dangerous push-and-pull energy that kept me fully invested the entire time.
I also loved getting a deeper look into The Order itself. The rituals, the power plays, the atmosphere of Ashford University, it all had that dark academia vibe mixed with something much darker underneath. The stakes felt high the whole time and there was this constant sense that things could spiral out of control at any moment.
And that ending? Wow. Absolutely brutal in the best way. It’s one of those cliffhangers that leaves you staring at the page trying to process what just happened while immediately needing the next book. I finished with about a million theories and questions and now I’m impatiently waiting to see where this series goes next.
If you love dark academia, secret societies, dangerous romance, slow-burn tension, and morally gray characters, this series is seriously addictive.

[Naked_Genius · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously Lexi what have you done to me?! I love your books, I really do. But you have stop ending them in ways that leave me screaming "OMG!" and then immediately angry that I have to wait so long for the next book. It isn't fair!
That being said, I obviously loved Pretty Ruthless. Completely devoured it. It's a prequel to Pretty Vicious, so you definitely get some background and a little more info on the The Order. But don't go expecting all your questions to be answered. In fact you will end up with a whole bunch of new questions and theories spinning in your head.
Pretty Ruthless follows Becky, who unlike Laurel in Pretty Vicious, actually goes out searching for Carrson (this would be the father of Carrson from Pretty Vicious) in order to gain access and information to what she believes is a very powerful group of people with the ability to change history. What starts as a calculated plot on her part to gain power and influence soon becomes a very complex relationship with it's own crazy power dynamics as Becky and Carrson find themselves completely drawn to each other.
The relationship is totally different than the one Laurel and Carrson had in Pretty Vicious, which gives Pretty Ruthless a totally different feel. In Pretty Ruthless, both Becky and Carrson are morally gray, obsessed with power, and willing to do whatever it takes to get what they want regardless of the consequences. They are perfect for each other, and feed off each other in a way that is both delicious and dangerous.
Carrson is impossibly strong and ruthless but due to his own tragic past and upbringing lacks the ability to lead effectively and damn does he have serious trust issues! That's why Becky, who has her own tragedy that drives her motivates her, is the perfect other half. She helps Carrson step further into his power and his birthright.
This was absolutely addictive reading, and every page had me riveted. I'm now counting the days to Pretty Savage.

[Hailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ ARC Review ✨

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This story takes place in 1994 and is the prequel to Pretty Vicious, where it all began. It shows Carrson's dad and stepmother's love, alongside the secrets and background of The Order, where power is everything and love is the most dangerous game of all.

This series has such an addictive feeling when reading it. I loved Pretty Vicious and loved seeing how Carr (son) came to be (especially after seeing how he acted towards his son (Carrson) in Pretty Vicious).

I could not get enough of Carrson and Becky. Seeing his past and watching him learn to trust and love Becky was so special in its own way. And Becky? She is so determined to figure stuff out, no matter the cost. She's just as strong as the top of The Order. This is one thing I adore about Lexi's writing, is how she writes her FMCs. They never come across as weak, no matter the situation, and I love it! Another reason is that her writing makes you feel every single emotion; you feel fully immersed in the story. Let's not forget about the artwork in the books!!! I LOVE how she adds artwork within her books. It's so special and wonderful, and it adds to the feeling.

The slow burn that led to the perfect amount of spice was soooo good. ❤️‍🔥

The second epilogue? Ahhh, I have SO many questions. I ate it up, and I assume the cliffhanger will be talked about in the upcoming books. Lexi knows how to write a good book and leave it with the perfect cliffhanger.

I cannot wait for book three, Pretty Savage, because I am so in love with this series. 😍

Thank you Lexi, as always, for this ARC! 💚

Favorite Quotes:

"Love is always a risk. It’s the ultimate act of self-sabotage... Handing over your heart and hoping it doesn’t get a knife driven into it. Knowing how exposed you are and doing it anyway."

"If there's one thing you need to know about me, it's that I always win."

[Elissa Macedo · Rating 4 out of 5]

*BOOK REVIEW*
Gah! The cliffhangers! Love how the story is coming together yet leaves me needing more!! I cannot wait for books 3, Pretty Savage! This book was focused on the storyline before Carrson and Laurel from book 1. Understanding the order and hierarchy as well a many secrets at the Ashford House. Suspenseful and worth the read!

Pretty Ruthless
AUTHOR: Lexi Davis
PAGES: 300+
GENRE: Dark Romantic Suspense
PUBLISHER: Lexi Davis
PUB DATE: May 28, 2026
MY RATING: 4⭐️

• SYNOPSIS•

At Ashford University, power doesn’t belong to the professors.
It belongs to the students.
The ones with the right names.
The right connections.
The ones who decide what happens behind closed doors.

Becky Dawson doesn’t belong there.
She’s not rich. Not connected. Not invited.
But she knows something’s not right.
And every answer leads back to one man.

Carrson Ashford.
Cold. Controlled. Untouchable.
They say he’s dangerous. They don’t know the half of it.

Now Becky’s on the hunt.
Studying him, following him, learning patterns he thinks no one sees.
Because Carrson isn’t just a man.
He’s a door.
The heir to a world built on power, ambition, and survival.

But Becky isn’t the only predator here.
Carrson notices. Pushes to see if she’ll break.

When he presses a blade to her throat, she doesn’t run.
When he tells her to stay away, she steps closer.
When he tells her to run,
she waits to see if he’ll chase.

That’s a problem.
Because Becky Dawson?
She was never supposed to be part of his world.

But now that she is,
Carrson can’t decide
whether to destroy her…
or make sure she never leaves.

Before Pretty Vicious... there was Pretty Ruthless.
Set in 1994, this dark academia secret society romance is where is all begins, where power is everything, obsession is inevitable, and love is the most dangerous game of all

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Prequel for the series: The Order by Lexi Davis. It can be read before or after Book 1: Pretty Vicious. The timelines are different, although they are both set at the same place, at Ashford University. I have read both books & look forward to the rest of the series!!

This series - the whole plot about The Order, the cult that it is, their rules & the whole worldbuilding around it is fascinating & very well written. I really like the characters in the books,

The book is dark... it's a dark romance... but I found it to be very well written and didn't feel as dark to me as I expected. And, it does end with a HEA, which is important to me when I read a dark romance...

The author did such a good job with these 2 main characters - Carrson & Becky... you feel so much for them... for their past trauma & upbringings that have so much to do with how they are today. I love that they find each other & find peace & hope for a good future with each other... they are so good for each other.

There is a 3rd act breakup, which isn't my favorite... but thankfully it was fairly short!!

Spice level: 4/5

*dark acadamia romance
*new adult/college romance
*he's in a cult of sorts
*she lost a sister who had medical issues
*he killed his father, who was abusive to him
*BDSM - tying up, breath play, cross, chasing, etc
*dub con
*ends with a HEA!

****NOTE: If you notice that the main male character (MMC) names are the same for this book & Book 1 - Pretty Vicious, yes, they are... however, it is not the same person. In The Order, when a man has a son, he loses the "son" off the end of his name, so Carrson changes to Carr & his son becomes Carrson... so this book is about the Carrson in Book 1's father, if that makes sense.****

Thank you to the author (Lexi Davis), publisher (Victory Editing) & Netgalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Bitzreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I received an ARC copy of this book, all opinions are my own)

Sooo happy and excited we got more of this world!

Ruthless is probably the right word to sum up this book. I thought it was bold to write a book revolving a character I remember hating from Pretty Vicious and with a sequel on the way. However I was excited to get back into the world, even If it meant I might actually like Carrson (Snr) by the end.  

However it’s complicated, within the realm of this book I loved both Becky and Carrson. Becky was full of character with her own goals, ideals & grief I wasn’t sure what to expect with her and I don’t think I could have predicted anything she did. Carrson equally had his ideal and was maybe slightly more predictable, but only just. Together they are a force, an incredibly hot force, I needed a fan for this one, and I ate up every moment they were together in whatever capacity. Their back and forth had me hooked completely.  

The story stayed close to Becky and Carrson, whilst still learning about The Order it was tense, mysterious, sad and dark, I definitely shed a few tears in parts, but there were also some light hearted, amusing moments. Mostly it was unpredictable, even near the end I wasn’t sure what was going to happen. I had an idea or two about how it could end (can’t say what they were as spoilers) but I can say they were both wrong and now I don’t know what to think. 

But in the context of it being a prequel I now have many questions about them and The Order and I don’t know what to think of either of them. Do with that what you will, but I know that I am now even more eager for the sequel. I also think I need to go back and read Pretty Vicious which was already one of my favourite reads this year. 

I think anyone who likes dark academia, secret society books should definitely give this series a read.

[Euphonious Times · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy

Pretty Ruthless is the prequel to Pretty Vicious, the first instalment in the series The Order. We get a bit more background on this secretive society of elites and how complex it really is, and we also spend some time with Carrson Sr during his university years, where he meets Becky.

I’m not sure how but after reading this I have even more questions, especially given the second epilogue!! I think that’s a great thing because I am still curious and engaged and I will be definitely be picking up Pretty Savage when it comes out, but also not necessarily that good because maybe there wasn’t enough background provided about The Order or some parts were already covered in Pretty Vicious so it seemed a little repetitive where we could have had new information provided. Having said that, I was all here for Becky and Carrson and I am probably about to do a reread of Pretty Vicious just to see him from his son’s perspective again.

These characters were definitely flawed and they are not good people, but they are good to each other (kind of). I liked their dynamic and how they were wanting someone romantically and loving them for who they were but also being their own person and knowing when to stand their ground. They also understood each other well and built each other up to achieve their goals and I am hopeful we will see how their story develops in the upcoming books.

I am trying to figure out whether I wish I read this before Pretty Vicious or whether I like this situation I am in now where I want to go back over the initial story so I guess have a think about that before picking up this series !

🗡️ Dark Academia
💚 Secret Society
🗡️ Strangers to Enemies to Lovers
💚 Both Predators
🗡️ Obsessive FMC
💚 Morally Black MMC

Thank you Lexi for this advanced copy !

[Willie Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

🤤 Please excuse the saliva dripping all over my grabby-hands that are begging for 𝓟𝓻𝓮𝓽𝓽𝔂 𝓢𝓪𝓿𝓪𝓰𝓮, book 3!

🖤 I LOVED 𝓟𝓻𝓮𝓽𝓽𝔂 𝓥𝓲𝓬𝓲𝓸𝓾𝓼.
🤩 I FREAKING LOVED 𝓟𝓻𝓮𝓽𝓽𝔂 𝓡𝓾𝓽𝓱𝓵𝓮𝓼𝓼!

🤘 And now I CANNOT wait for the next instalment of TᕼE OᖇᗪEᖇ!

𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘺 𝘙𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 is the second book in the series. It’s the prequel to 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘺 𝘝𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴, but it can either be read before or after book 1.

* 𝙎𝙚𝙩 𝙞𝙣 1994, 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙠 𝙖𝙘𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙖, 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩 𝙨𝙤𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙩𝙮 𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙨. 𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙨 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙤𝙗𝙨𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙜𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙖𝙡𝙡.

- This book offers us a more detailed look into the history of The Order.
The MMC is the father of the MMC in book 1, Carr(son) Ashford.
We get his back story and see his rise to power within The Order as heir to the powerful Ashford legacy.
And we learn how he meets Rebecca (Becky) Dawson.
She was never meant to be part of that world.
She’s on a quest of her own that leads her straight into his crosshairs.
And her obsession with the truth and power puts her heart and her life in danger. Because Carrson isn’t her only threat.

❤️‍🔥 "𝙻𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚊𝚕𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚊 𝚛𝚒𝚜𝚔. 𝙸𝚝'𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚞𝚕𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚎 𝚊𝚌𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚜𝚎𝚕𝚏-𝚜𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚝𝚊𝚐𝚎… 𝙷𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚑𝚘𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚒𝚝 𝚍𝚘𝚎𝚜𝚗'𝚝 𝚐𝚎𝚝 𝚊 𝚔𝚗𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝚍𝚛𝚒𝚟𝚎𝚗 𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚘 𝚒𝚝. 𝙺𝚗𝚘𝚠𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚑𝚘𝚠 𝚎𝚡𝚙𝚘𝚜𝚎𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚍𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚒𝚝 𝚊𝚗𝚢𝚠𝚊𝚢."

*******************
Y'all, listen... The Vault Scene... Shewwwww
🔥🫠🥵
And then The Chase Scene… Girrrrlllll!
*******************

☠️ The world of The Order is 𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗸, 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗿𝘂𝗽𝘁, 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗹, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀.
And I cannot get enough!



ⓉⓇⓄⓅⒺⓈ
🖤Dark Academia
🎓Secret Society
🖤Enemies to Lovers
🎓Morally black MMC
🖤Obsessive FMC
🎓Predator x Predator
🖤Slow Burn
🎓Cat and Mouse
🖤Forced Proximity

🙏🏼Thank you so much, Lexi, for allowing me the opportunity to read this early!

[The Millennial Mood Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review: Pretty Ruthless

I don’t k ow what Lexi puts in her books but it just keeps me coming back for more! I enjoy her writing style and how intriguing stories are.
I LOVED Pretty Vicious and cannot wait for Book 2 Pretty Savage and this was a perfect way to give us just a little more in that world.

Pretty Ruthless is prequel and focuses on Carrson and his bonded Becky (Rebecca). Seeing his backstory and how he was co pared to how he acts in Pretty Vicious was interesting. I loved the cat and mouse game between the two of them and how she was also eager for power. They complimented each other well. I love the dark academia setting with secrets and rituals. We get a deeper look at The Order and its history. The plot moved at a good pace and kept me engaged.

This was a perfect slow burn and build up. When the spice hit.. whew it was so good! We get to see a little darker themes with the play which I enjoyed! (Check TW) (rope play, spanking, knife play, breath play🔥)

Carrson is not really a funny guy or emailed much but this scene had me snorting —
“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙣𝙤𝙧𝙚?” 𝙄 𝙘𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙮𝙚 𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙣. -𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣
“𝙊𝙛 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨, 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙤?” -𝘽𝙚𝙘𝙠𝙮
“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣.” -𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣
“𝙁𝙞𝙣𝙚,” 𝙄 𝙝𝙪𝙛𝙛. “𝙄 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙝𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙖𝙨𝙢.” -𝘽𝙚𝙘𝙠𝙮
“𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙨𝙚.”-𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣

I really enjoyed how Becky showed him what it feels like to be loved and also respected his boundaries regarding touch. Slowly over time he began to heal from past trauma with her right be his side showing him that she chooses him, that he’s worthy.

“𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚?” 🥺😭

The second epilogue… wow! I cannot wait for more books in this world!

4.5⭐️
3🌶️


Thank you so much to Lexi Davis and her team for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Carriebooksandart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alright… Lexi Davis has hit us with another greatly descriptive book of secret societies, slow burn, and the strength of a woman that’s not afraid to find the truth. Pretty Ruthless is Book 2 of The Order Series, and just happens to be available on NetGalley right now! Want to fall in love this world completely… check out Book 1, Pretty Viscous first. Once you have entered The Order, there is no going back. I’m desperate for Book 3!

Book overview
At Ashford University, power doesn’t belong to the professors.
It belongs to the students.
The ones with the right names.
The right connections.
The ones who decide what happens behind closed doors.

Becky Dawson doesn’t belong there.
She’s not rich. Not connected. Not invited.
But she knows something’s not right.
And every answer leads back to one man.

Carrson Ashford.
Cold. Controlled. Untouchable.
They say he’s dangerous. They don’t know the half of it.

Now Becky’s on the hunt.
Studying him, following him, learning patterns he thinks no one sees.
Because Carrson isn’t just a man.
He’s a door.
The heir to a world built on power, ambition, and survival.

But Becky isn’t the only predator here.
Carrson notices. Pushes to see if she’ll break.

When he presses a blade to her throat, she doesn’t run.
When he tells her to stay away, she steps closer.
When he tells her to run,
she waits to see if he’ll chase.

That’s a problem.
Because Becky Dawson?
She was never supposed to be part of his world.

But now that she is,
Carrson can’t decide
whether to destroy her…
or make sure she never leaves.

Before Pretty Vicious... there was Pretty Ruthless.
Set in 1994, this dark academia secret society romance is where is all begins, where power is everything, obsession is inevitable, and love is the most dangerous game of all.

[Milena · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way I dropped everything to read this book is a little over dramatic. But I was so happy when I was approved for an arc. Thank you very much Lexi Devis!

Well, that was quite a journey! Passionate, twisty and great!

As always with Lexi Davis' books I'd like to mention her writing. It is beautiful and addictive. As soon as you start the book, you won't be able to stop. Within a blink of an eye you'll finish the book and will ask for more.
Now about the series.

Pretty Ruthless is a prequel to Pretty Vicious, which I've read early this year. Basically, the series is all about a secret society named The Order. The organisation rules the world, let's say. The Order goes back generations and generations of strictly followed rules and traditions. With that being said I honestly would enjoy a prequel to that prequel, to see how The Order was created hundreds of years ago. So, if you enjoy a secret society/dark academia stories you'll definitely enjoy this one too.

The series is also considered a dark romance. And we're getting it. It is twisted, it is complicated, it is hard at places. But I like that in the end they (both couples) love each other not because of something good but against all odds, despite all the demons.

The plot.
In Pretty Ruthless we're following Becky who enrolled in prestigious Ashford University. For better opportunities, she says to everyone, but in reality she needs to uncover the truth that lays beyond the facade. When she meets Carrson Ashford, the future head of the elite society, she sees the opportunity to go “inside”. But Becky was never supposed to be a part of this brutal world...

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty Ruthless by Lexi Davis absolutely consumed me from the very first page. This book is dark, addictive, intense, and dripping with obsession in the best possible way. The atmosphere alone had me hooked. The secret society vibes, the elite power plays, the tension simmering beneath every interaction... it felt impossible to look away.

Carrson Ashford is the kind of morally gray man that completely ruins your standards. Cold, calculating, dangerous, and yet somehow impossible not to crave more of. Every scene with him had me on edge because you never fully knew what he was going to do next. And Becky? I loved her. She wasn’t weak or naive. She pushed back, stepped closer to the danger, and refused to run even when every warning sign was screaming at her to do it. The chemistry between them was absolutely electric and filled with so much tension that I swear I was holding my breath half the time.

Lexi Davis has such an incredible way of building suspense while also making you completely invested in the characters. The writing pulled me in so deeply that I lost track of time reading. The dark academia setting mixed with obsession, power, manipulation, and twisted attraction created the perfect storm of chaos that I never wanted to end.

This book felt dangerous, seductive, and completely unforgettable. If you love dark romances with secret societies, possessive men, intense chemistry, and a story that keeps you spiraling deeper with every chapter, you need Pretty Ruthless on your TBR immediately. I already know this story is going to live rent free in my head for a very long time.

[Alex Beisel · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5 Stars)
ARC Review | Pretty Ruthless by Lexi Davis
📖 Release Date: May 28 2026

After Pretty Vicious completely wrecked us with that ending, there was no way I wasn’t diving straight into this one.

This prequel completely pulled me back into the world of The Order and had me reading with the same obsession as the first book.
I swear our buddy read practically inhaled Pretty Vicious in a day because every chapter left us needing more, and

Pretty Ruthless somehow did it all over again.
Going into this, I never expected Carrson Ashford Sr. to have a story that would make me question everything I thought I knew about him. I also loved Becky, our curious FMC, with a dark side, trying to find her other half, and where she belongs. This book adds so much depth and context without taking away the darkness of the world we already know. Watching Becky slowly break through Carrson's walls was addictive — the tension, the push and pull, the quiet moments, and seeing pieces of him surface that nobody else ever got to see.
Their dynamic had me completely hooked. There was mystery, emotional moments, tension that kept building, and that constant feeling that something bigger was lurking around every corner. I genuinely could not put it down. Questions were answered but I’m left me with so many more.

And then THAT ending?! Lexi… respectfully… how am I supposed to wait now?! 😭

Our Queen of cliff hangers making us want more, always!

✨ Tropes:
🖤 Villain origin story
🖤 Dark romance
🖤 Touch her & die vibes
🖤 Grumpy x sunshine energy
🖤 Slow burn
🖤 Protective MMC
🖤 Secret society/cult world
🖤 Emotional healing
🖤 Push & pull romance

[Alicia BookNookAtoZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fully Consumed by The Order
Ahhh!!! I am still spinning after finishing this. I fear The Order is officially my new Roman Empire.

After reading Pretty Vicious a few months ago, I was beyond excited to dive into this prequel and get more insight into The Order and the members who came before. While we definitely get answers and see some pieces fall into place, it also opens the door to even more questions, which just makes my obsession and need for answers even stronger.

Becky and Carrson’s dynamic is messy, raw, and impossible to look away from. It pulls you in again and again. Add in the slow burn and enemies to lovers tension, and it turns into a full-blown obsession that honestly rivals Becky’s.

When the spice finally comes, it does not hold back. It is exactly what I expect from a dark romance. It is rough, consuming, and plays into control, power, and that edge of danger that fits their dynamic perfectly.

Lexi’s writing is so vivid and emotional that you do not just read these characters, you understand them. Her FMCs never come across as weak; they hold their ground, go after what they want, and stand in their power. Her MMCs are fully morally grey, walking red flags, and somehow still impossible not to fall for because of how deeply devoted they are.

I have to mention the artwork throughout the book because it genuinely adds to the experience. It complements the story so well and made it even easier to picture everything as it unfolded.

I already need more from this world and cannot wait to see what is coming next with Pretty Savage in September.

[Alicia BookNookAtoZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fully Consumed by The Order
Ahhh!!! I am still spinning after finishing this. I fear The Order is officially my new Roman Empire.

After reading Pretty Vicious a few months ago, I was beyond excited to dive into this prequel and get more insight into The Order and the members who came before. While we definitely get answers and see some pieces fall into place, it also opens the door to even more questions, which just makes my obsession and need for answers even stronger.

Becky and Carrson’s dynamic is messy, raw, and impossible to look away from. It pulls you in again and again. Add in the slow burn and enemies to lovers tension, and it turns into a full-blown obsession that honestly rivals Becky’s.

When the spice finally comes, it does not hold back. It is exactly what I expect from a dark romance. It is rough, consuming, and plays into control, power, and that edge of danger that fits their dynamic perfectly.

Lexi’s writing is so vivid and emotional that you do not just read these characters, you understand them. Her FMCs never come across as weak; they hold their ground, go after what they want, and stand in their power. Her MMCs are fully morally grey, walking red flags, and somehow still impossible not to fall for because of how deeply devoted they are.

I have to mention the artwork throughout the book because it genuinely adds to the experience. It complements the story so well and made it even easier to picture everything as it unfolded.

I already need more from this world and cannot wait to see what is coming next with Pretty Savage in September.

[M. Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty Ruthless was absolutely insane! I finished this book in less than 24 hours because I could not put it down. Just like Pretty Vicious, this story completely grabbed me by the throat from the very beginning and never let go. Every chapter pulled me deeper into the chaos, and I kept telling myself “just one more chapter” until suddenly I was at the end.

Getting a glimpse back in time at Ashford University and learning more about Carrson and Becky added so much depth to the story. Seeing pieces of the past come together with what I know about the present made everything feel even more intense and addictive. The characters were messy, complicated, and impossible to look away from, which made every interaction feel charged with tension.

The twists and turns in this book were absolutely wild. Every time I thought I had things figured out, something happened that completely shocked me. There were multiple moments where I was genuinely holding my breath waiting to see what would happen next. The suspense and pacing were so well done that I felt anxious in the best possible way the entire time I was reading.

And that ending? The most delicious cliffhanger imaginable. It left me staring at the page trying to process everything that just happened. Now I’m sitting here with a million unanswered questions and theories running through my mind, counting down the days until the next installment releases.

This series continues to be dark, addictive, dramatic, and impossible to stop reading. Easily a 5 out of 5 stars for me!

[Akku · Rating 4 out of 5]

• 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 4.5✨

• 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 -

• 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
- dark academia
- secret society
- morally grey MCs
- obsession & possession
- toxic romance
- touch her and die
- psychological tension
- trauma & grief
- slow burn
- southern gothic vibes

• 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
Becky comes to Ashford University searching for answers after losing her sister, but instead she gets pulled into a dark world full of secrets, power, manipulation, and Carrson Ashford. Carrson is cold, dangerous, emotionally damaged, and completely impossible to stay away from. What starts as curiosity slowly turns into obsession for both of them.
This book consumed me from the first chapter. The dark academia atmosphere was EVERYTHING. The secret society vibes, creepy woods, old buildings, hidden power games, and the tension between Becky and Carrson had me obsessed.
Carrson Ashford is actually insane in the best way possible. The knife scene in the woods altered my brain chemistry. This man was terrifying, possessive, emotionally broken, and somehow still so addictive. Becky was also such a strong FMC. She never backed down from him and I loved how fearless and determined she was.
Their relationship was messy, toxic, intense, and full of obsession. Every interaction between them felt dangerous and addictive at the same time. The chemistry was unreal. Even the smallest scenes between them had so much tension.
The grief and emotional trauma in this story hit really hard too. Under all the darkness, this book was also about pain, loss, and wanting control after losing someone you love.
Thank you author for the ARC! 🖤

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chapters 6-10

I feel like I am flying through these chapters. I love how it's the point of view of both characters and also the continuing of a diary entry or letter,we still need to find out who is Remi and why is Becky in town stalking Carson?
Books being thrown in the woods "(WHAT'S UP WITH THAT"!)


There is just a moment where both of their walls come down,
but are snapped back up,something else was snapping as well(attack of the trees in the woods,WrestleMania book edition.)
The last of chapter 10 has Carson's walls coming down again.

I CAN'T to read more



Lexi Davis is one of my favorite authors and yes this is an ARC copy and I will give my honest review.

Now that I have my brain fog gone and remembered that another person's name was Carson I can go on with the book.
If you have never read my reviews before I like to read 5 chapters and review and repeat the process until I finished the book.
I also like to have my favorite actor/actress,
Broadway Actor/Actress' or favorite Wrestler as the characters in my head,but I have not gotten a full picture in my head yet,but I will.

With that said:
Chapters 1-5

First thing is first who is Remi and what does
Carson have to do with all of this?
I love how Lexi gives us a letter or diary entry and
then then the next chapter is the story.
It is only the beginning of the book and already there is
trouble between Becky and Carson
Why is it that I have Laurel vibes when I'm reading about Becky?
So many questions and it's only the beginning.

I Can't wait to read more !!