Thriller Thursday: A Dark College Romance

Cult Campus #4

by Kitty King, Alyssa Avery (Narrator), Anthony Palmini (Narrator)

On Thursdays, we hide. If we’re tagged… we’re bagged.

Everyone knows the rules.

Stay silent. Hide. Survive the fog.

I was supposed to keep my head down.

Fake compliance. Graduate. Make it out alive.

Then I saw something I wasn’t meant to see.

Now I’m being hunted.

Apollo Griffin says he’s here to protect me.

The Delta president. And my newly assigned husband.

A man who follows orders.

But in a system built on obedience, protection feels like another cage.

If I stay, I lose everything.

And if I’m tagged?

I won’t make it to Friday.

If you like ritual hunts, false marriages, masked killers, and lovers bound by fear, obsession, and control—you won’t make it through Thursday untouched.

Genres: Dark Romance, College, Secret Society

Audible Audio

Published August 20, 2026

About the author

Corruptio mentis. Devotio carnis.
Author of cinematic dark romance. Hitchcock tension. Tarantino action. Blazing spice.

Kitty King is a best-selling romance author and retired physician entertaining readers with her dark and twisted stories. She is the author of over thirteen books and counting.

Kitty enjoys reading all kinds of books, listening to ASMR, and building houses with her mind (or in Sims).

Prior to writing, she was a psychiatrist that trained medical students, residents, and worked in various institutions, as well as performed psychotherapy. Her expertise in trauma and personality disorders seeps through her works in a way that provides a unique perspective on dark romance.

Sign up for her newsletter for FREE chapters, books, upcoming releases, and more! Find her at kittykingauthor.com

Reviews

[GCR | Book Realm]

ALC provided by Blue Nose Audio.

Thriller Thursday was a really good listen. Apollo and Scout’s story kept me invested, the spice was definitely there, and the pacing moved well without dragging.

This is book four in the Cult Campus series and can be read as a standalone, but there were enough references to the bigger story that I kept thinking I needed to go back and listen to the first three. Not because I couldn’t follow what was happening here, but because I really wanted the full context. By the end, I was just as intrigued by what was happening in the background as I was by Apollo and Scout.

Alyssa Avery and Anthony Palmini were both great. The narration flowed really well, the voices were easy to distinguish, and both performances kept me in the story.

I enjoyed the relationship and their story, but this one also managed to make me curious enough about the larger series that now I need to start from the beginning.

I’d recommend this to readers who enjoy dark college romance, spice, interconnected standalones, and series with a bigger plot running underneath each couple’s story.

[Lauren Head]

I couldn’t put this book down and finished it in less than a day. Apollo Griffin completely stole my heart with his cinnamon-roll personality, fierce protectiveness, and irresistible “touch her and die” energy. Scout is the perfect match for him! Smart, sassy, and unapologetically herself. Between the haunted mansion cat-and-mouse chase, shocking twists, unforgettable characters, and chaotic fun, I was hooked from start to finish. This was my first Kitty King book, and it definitely won’t be my last. If you love college romances packed with suspense, found family, an arranged marriage, and a hero who would do anything for his wife, you need this on your TBR.

[Brittni Shafer]

This one had me calling the author an ahole because my anxiety was hanging out with the moon. It was beyond through the roof. This thriller absolutely had my heart pounding and stresssseeeddddd... but it was also so cute and so sweet. It reminded me of a gender bending my big fat Greek wedding (if youve never seen that movie, you must!) But make it a sëxy thriller. Apollo and Scout were so freaking adorable. They made me laugh and freak tf out and had me sweaty from their chemistry. I'll leave it at that before I give spoilers!

[~*~Princess Nya Vasiliev~*~]

Pre-read thought..

I have only downloaded the Sample to this story.. Once I have the chance to read it, if I like it, then I'll get the book/finish it..

[Erin A. {midnight_rosepetals} Thorne]

✨ALC Review✨

🎧 ALYSSA AVERY - you ma’am, NAILED scout for me! Loved her from the start to end!

🎧 ANTHONY PALMINI - you are a god amongst men sir. That is all!

📚 Kitty!!!! I am so said I kissed Wednesday, but so absolutely thrilled I got Thursday! You had me from the start, as per the usually!!! Absolutely loved it! Strong FMC, book boyfriend MMC, and mystery… what’s not to love!!!!

[shanelle maree]

𝖆𝖚𝖉𝖎𝖔 𝖗𝖊𝖈 & 𝖗𝖊𝖛𝖎𝖊𝖜

🌟:5 🌶️:3.5 🎧:5

Narrated by: Alyssa Avery & Anthony Palmini in duet

•–•Some tropes I think you’ll love•–•
▪️ dark, college, secret society romance
▪️ arranged marriage
▪️ cinnamon roll mmc
▪️ forced proximity

I’m completely obsessed with this series, and Thriller Thursday took me by surprise and blew me away at the same time!! 😍😍

This book kind of flipped the script on the others in the series, because Apollo was the sweetest, and most obsessed cinnamon roll mmc and it was adorable watching him fumble around to try to do anything he could to make Scout happy. He loves being married to her, and just wants her to love their marriage too. He cooks her dinner, buys things for their apartment, and takes care of it while also tending to her needs and doing everything in his power to make her fall him. Oh, and did I mention he’s big with a huge pierced 🍆?

The chemistry between these two was FIRE. 🔥 Omg the way that things just exploded between them when they finally let go… 👀😍

Aside from the book itself being a knockout, the audio just made it 10x better! It was performed in duet, and I loved every minute. Alyssa was the perfect casting for Scout. Scout is so headstrong and she’s incredibly intelligent, with a bit of vulnerability, naivety and innocence, and Alyssa brought out all of that! Anthony as Apollo, absolutely nailed the assignment. He gives him that deep, commanding voice when he's dealing with the higher ups in the secret society, but then transforms his tone into something so warm and intimate when he’s with Scout. It makes the cinnamon roll aspect of his character hit that much harder.

HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend this on audio and 1000% recommend every single book in this series so far!! 💖✨

[Emmy Wong]

Kitty King always manages to right the perfect mix of spice, romance and plot, and she really outdid herself with this one. This series as a whole is fire and I loved the mystery of the secret society and The Seven mixed with the unhinged romance. Apollo Griffin is a man obsessed but also the “mildest” man in this series yet. He’s actually respectful and is the IDEAL husband and tries to make the best of their arranged marriage when she clearly just wanted them to say their vows then live separate lives. But don’t get me wrong the Thriller Thursday event is all kinds of messed up but I loved it. This book had me going through it with the plot twists and it was written so well that someone’s I even questioned my own sanity. I loved Scout’s character, especially her ambitions and dedication towards becoming a doctor, but her decision at the end also made sense as her ambitions changed. She was a force of nature and I loved how Apollo helped her break through her more “good girl” qualities and go a little rogue. Apollo himself is quite a rule following character but his methods of revenge (especially on those who harm him wife) are unhinged and totally inhumane to say the least. There is an interconnected element to this book so while Apollo and Scout get their HEA the general “threat” isn’t resolved yet, and I can’t wait to see what comes next in Feral Friday. I give this a 5/5

[thebookishpumpkinpatch]

ARC review!

🖤 size difference
🔥 twisted hide and seek
🖤 Secret society
🔥 soft for her hero

Continuing into the world of Cult campus and the games are always a fkn ride. You never know where Kitty might take you. Apollo and Scout are a power couple and I LOVED how devoted this man was for her. It took some time for Scout to open up but when she did, her loyalty held no bounds.

I love Kitty's writing and how she manages to build upon this world, including within the series but also from the parents (even if I need to go back and read them!). Another thing that makes this series so good for me is how much she manages to switch up the roles between the books while being in one theme. Both within the series and plot but also between the couples and their dynamic. I loved how Apollo was soft towards Scout and how devoted he was, how he just wanted to be this great husband for her. Meanwhile Scout being a bit prickly and having a hard time accepting their arranged marriage and opening up to him was so nice to see! She was so strong and had such big goals!

I am veeery excited about how we will continue this series!

Thank you to Kitty King for the ARC, I'm leaving my review voluntarily.

[couchpotata]

tropes: secret society, arranged marriage, he falls first, exhibitionist
spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

i wasn't expecting it to be so wholesome, compared to the previous books. their dynamic was so much fun to read. the MMC was ridiculously sweet, while she was sassy enough to keep him on his toes.

[Emmy P]

Every one of these is a darkly treat for to lovers of forced marriages and deadly attractions. An ALC I love to receive.

[Sandra (millennial.reading)]

I was really looking forward to this one, as I got super invested in the series, but somehow it did not meet my expectations.
Apollo as his buddy Valen is equally boring.
The main couple was okay(ish) but nothing compared to book #3.

What I liked about this book is that the subplot finally unravels.

Some things though did not make sense, or maybe I wasn’t invested enough.
The plot twists felt a bit flat as well.

What feels tiresome sometimes is that there are a lot of side characters and I often have to go back to the “tree” to remember who’s who. Some context as a reminder would be good from time to time

Anyway, I will definitely continue the series mainly because of those triller elements and the sub-plot.

[Faiza]

Thriller Thursday — Cult Campus Series, Book 4
Narrated by Alyssa Avery & Anthony Palmini

I went into Thriller Thursday expecting another dark romance set inside the Cult Campus world, but Apollo and Scout's story ended up giving me plenty to think about beyond the romance itself. This was an entertaining, suspenseful listen with chemistry, spice, secrets, and just enough unanswered questions to keep me guessing.

Scout is such an interesting character because she has her life mapped out so carefully. She's disciplined, ambitious, and very much someone who likes knowing what comes next. Then Apollo enters the picture and completely disrupts that sense of control. I really enjoyed watching their dynamic develop because he brings something into her life that she clearly wasn't prepared for. Their connection had an immediate spark, and I was hooked on seeing where it would lead.

The arranged marriage aspect was probably one of my favorite parts of their story. It gave Apollo and Scout a completely different kind of relationship dynamic and forced Scout outside the comfortable routine she'd created for herself. Apollo, meanwhile, was surprisingly sweet with her while still having that dominant edge, which made him a really enjoyable hero.

There was also a strong mystery running underneath everything. I kept wondering who could be trusted, which pieces of information were genuine, and which ones might have been manipulated. Just when I thought I had something figured out, another question would pop up. That uncertainty worked really well with the secret-society atmosphere and gave the audiobook a nice sense of urgency.

Even though Thriller Thursday works as a standalone, I could definitely tell there was a much bigger story happening within the Cult Campus series. The references to earlier events didn't make this book confusing, but they absolutely made me curious. By the end, I found myself wanting to go back to the first three books because I want to understand all those connections and see how everything fits together. This installment also feels like it is opening the door to something much bigger for the remaining story, which has me very curious about what comes next.

Alyssa Avery and Anthony Palmini were a great narration team for this one. Their voices worked naturally together and made it easy to tell the characters apart. Alyssa Avery did a particularly good job showing Scout's different sides. She captured her intelligence and confidence while also bringing out her wit, attitude, and more vulnerable moments when the situation became frightening or uncertain.

Anthony Palmini gave Apollo the right balance as well. His performance captured Apollo's softer, more affectionate side with Scout while still giving him the confidence and authority needed for his more dominant moments. I really liked the contrast between the two performances, and together they made the relationship even more enjoyable.

This was another strong addition to the Cult Campus series for me. I liked Apollo and Scout as a couple, loved the unexpected arranged-marriage setup, and appreciated how much suspense was woven into their story. More importantly, the book left me wanting answers about the larger secret-society storyline, which is always a good sign.

If you enjoy dark college romance, secret societies, arranged marriages, plenty of spice, suspense, and interconnected books where each couple has their own story while a larger mystery continues in the background, Thriller Thursday is definitely worth adding to your list. And now I apparently have three earlier books to catch up on before the next installment arrives!

[Audio book lover]

A dangerous game, an arranged marriage, and another twisted trip into the Cult Campus world.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)
Spice-meter: 🌶️🌶️🌶️☆☆ (3/5)
Audiobook: 🎧 Duet
Series: Cult Campus, Book 4 (interconnected standalone)
HEA: Yes

Back again with the Cult Campus series!

Thriller Thursday is book four and can be read as a standalone, although the larger storyline is definitely still present. If you're planning to read the whole series, I would recommend starting from book one.

Compared to Wicked Wednesday, this one felt noticeably less dark and intense, but that definitely didn't make it less enjoyable. It simply has a lighter, more romance-focused feel while still keeping the secrets, danger, and mystery in the background.

I really enjoyed Apollo and Scout together. Their chemistry worked well, and I liked the contrast between Scout's confident, intelligent personality and Apollo's more controlled and protective nature. The pacing was also a highlight for me. It moved along nicely without dragging, with a good balance between romance, spice, and the ongoing series plot.

I also like how each book gives its couple their own HEA while continuing to move the bigger storyline forward. Apollo and Scout get their happy ending, but the overall threat is definitely not resolved yet, leaving me curious about what's next.

🎧 Narration

Alyssa Avery and Anthony Palmini were great together. Their voices were easy to distinguish, the narration flowed naturally, and both brought their characters to life really well.

Alyssa captured Scout's confidence, wit, and vulnerability, while Anthony gave Apollo the right mix of authority, protectiveness, and softness. Together, they made this an enjoyable audiobook experience.

What I Loved

✔️ Fast pacing
✔️ Strong chemistry
✔️ Sassy, intelligent FMC
✔️ Protective and obsessive MMC
✔️ Arranged marriage
✔️ Forced proximity
✔️ Secret society atmosphere
✔️ Good balance of romance, spice, and plot
✔️ Ongoing series storyline

Tropes & Vibes

✔️ Dark College Romance
✔️ Secret Society
✔️ Arranged Marriage
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Fast Burn
✔️ He Falls First
✔️ Possessive & Obsessive MMC
✔️ Morally Gray Hero
✔️ Sassy Genius FMC
✔️ Touch Her & Die
✔️ One Bed
✔️ Exhibitionist
✔️ Pierced MMC
✔️ Dual POV

Final Thoughts

Thriller Thursday was another fun addition to the Cult Campus series. It's less dark than Wicked Wednesday, but that doesn't make it any less enjoyable. I actually liked the slightly lighter balance between romance, spice, and the larger mystery.

If you enjoy dark college romance, secret societies, arranged marriages, obsessive heroes, plenty of spice, and interconnected standalones with a bigger storyline running underneath, this one is definitely worth picking up.

And now, naturally...

I need to know what happens in Feral Friday.

[Taylor Abrahams]

Thank you so much to Kitty King for allowing me to ARC read Thriller Thursday. It has been such a joy to follow this series, and I truly appreciate the opportunity to experience this story before release. I think this may be my favorite book in the series so far.

Apollo and Scout were such a perfect match, and after loving the original generation of characters, I was incredibly excited to see the next generation step into the spotlight. Kitty once again created characters that felt authentic, emotionally layered, and impossible not to root for.

Apollo quickly became one of my favorite heroes. He is fiercely protective, endlessly patient, and completely devoted to Scout. His love for his "little tulip" was one of my favorite parts of the story, and every interaction between them made me fall for him even more.

Scout's journey was equally compelling. She has clear goals for her future, but life forces her to adapt in ways she never expected. Watching her navigate those challenges while trying to protect both herself and Apollo made for an emotional and believable story.

As always, Kitty King knew exactly how to pull at my heartstrings. There were several moments where I found myself frustrated with both characters because of the secrets they kept and the pain they unintentionally caused each other. More than once I wanted to yell at them to simply be honest. Those emotional moments made their relationship feel incredibly real.

One aspect I especially loved was seeing Apollo and Valen's friendship from Apollo's point of view. Readers who have followed the series will appreciate those scenes on an entirely different level. While this book can technically stand on its own, I wholeheartedly recommend reading the series in order to fully appreciate the character relationships and emotional callbacks.

There were also several scenes that will stay with me long after finishing the book. During many of Scout's milestone moments, I couldn't help but think of *Watermelon Moonshine* by Lainey Wilson because the emotions fit those scenes so perfectly.

Compared to some of the previous books, Thriller Thursday isn't quite as dark, but it still contains the suspense, emotional depth, and relationship tension that make the Cult Campus series so addictive. Kitty continues to balance romance, mystery, and character growth in a way that keeps me completely invested.

If you've been reading the Cult Campus series, don't miss Apollo and Scout's story. It was emotional, heartfelt, and another reminder of why Kitty King remains one of my favorite dark romance authors.

[KayBeReading]

We are starting off with a bang. Scout just found out her boyfriend was an ahole and Apollo helped her save face. Now these two have taken off and Scout is going balls to the wall. Apollo is willing to give her anything she wants. Girlie is a serious person, she gets it from her momma. Friends chapter eight was a hoot, I was giggling the entire time. Each game that they play is wild but Thriller Thursday is outlandish. It’s a very adult version of tag/hide and seek. I adore Apollo. He’s trying to make the best out of the situation. And Scout is raining on our parade, but I get it. Apollo is the definition of a golden retriever I just want him to hold my fist in his hand. I love this man. Now don’t get it twisted he is very much touch her and meet dirt as well. And if Scour keeps being mean to this man, we can handle it in the streets. My shadow figure has made an appearance, I also look for this person. There is something else going on in addition to the main story and I want to know what it is and who it is. As always something is going on with Greek life. And that new president they have, I got my eyes on her all four of them( I wear glasses). Scout tried to fight her feelings so hard but Apollo is just amazing and you can’t help but fall for him. Their relationship developed organically and beautifully. We have to talk about the spice miss mamas threw down a challenge and Apollo said say less. Ole girl was walking funny because big man is hung. There is one scene where big man dropped off that thang and said I’ll see you at home. And all Scout could do was say yes daddy and bring her ass home. I was giggling so hard. A lot of things happened and puzzle pieces are falling into place. This university and all the people in charge are crazy and need admitted. Our couples are working some things out and I can’t wait to see how it plays out. Apollo and Scout are perfectly matched. The nicknames they have for each other, their acts of service for each other, swoon. Now I’m going to tell you now this one isn’t as dark as the rest which we are told in the beginning. Apollo and Scout’s coupling wasn’t as dramatic as the previous couples but they still had their fair share of drama and interference to overcome to be and stay together. This was a beautiful love story. We also got a glimpse at Feral Friday and I’m ecstatic for the FMC. I’m so excited to see how this series plays out. As always well done Kitty, your writing is outstanding.

[Cafe and Spice]

💭Reading Thriller Thursday gave me the brightness I needed, both in a book and in real life. I know the series has a few more books to go, so there’s a lot of tough skin needed to get through it, but both personally and creatively this was the pace and boyfriend I needed. In this series’ last book, Wicked Wednesday, I was going through some stressful times, and reading it helped me go through an emotional cleansing. There were tears from the story and from my own stress. I am a crier🫣.

I know I repeat myself when I describe Kitty’s writing, but her words flow so well for me that I feel like I’m an actual fly on the wall seeing the story firsthand. These aren’t just words on paper or my screen. I can sense the fear when Scout was in danger. I can feel the stiffness in my body as the MMC's father groans in discomfort. Smell the sterile odor of the clinic. Hear the footsteps as the girls panicked, running for their lives during the Thriller Thursday game. Taste the perfect cup of coffee the MMC made just right for our FMC. And finally, see the devotion that Apollo had for Scout. Kitty’s play on your senses is effortless. This goes for her dark romances, her horror stories, and her softer novellas.

☀️Apollo & Scout🌷with a nickname like Tulip, there was no way Scout wasn’t going to gravitate towards Apollo. He is the sun god after all. These two started out fulfilling their duty but ended up carrying out a mission larger than themselves. While finding true love in the process.

🤍Big G & Apollo☀️ joining forces gave me one of the best father/son-in-law duos ever.

☕️While the story brought up vanilla creamer for coffee, I paired this read with a pistachio-flavored medium-dark roast from Wake the Hell Up! From Utica Coffee Roasting Company. This ultra-caffeinated blend is guaranteed to give you the stamina you need to get through the sorority games that Kitty puts you through with the Cult Campus series.

🎶 When the Levee Breaks by Led Zeppelin, Thriller by Michael Jackson, obviously! Forever Your Girl by Paula Abdul, Scenario by A Tribe Called Quest.

⏭️ Next? Feral Friday releases in November, so I may need to re-read Red Night or Anorthic Anarchy to prepare myself. Speaking of Red Night, this series further cements it as a forever read for me, and it will never ever let me go.

[Jen Strimbeck]

The Cult Campus series has been such a wild ride, and Thriller Thursday gave me another reason to love the completely twisted college world Kitty King has created.

Scout had me from the beginning. She is ridiculously smart and in med school, but unfortunately her boyfriend is too weak to handle having a woman like her beside him. She finds out he is cheating on her at a party. Apollo is VERY willing to step in and take a moment that should be humiliating for her and an takes an opportunity to put his smug entitled rear in his place while helping her to save face.

Apollo was absolutely my kind of MMC. Instead of being intimidated by Scout, he appreciates exactly who she is, and that protective side of him comes out quickly when things start getting darker around them. I love a calm teddy bear type of MMC

And can we talk about the tattoo scene? Because HELLO. I was not prepared for THAT particular scene with Nico. Seriously Kitty King is over here trying to make women spontaneously combust.😂

One of my favorite things about this series is that each couple gets their own romance while the larger Cult Campus story continues in the background. The games between the fraternities and sororities are getting increasingly twisted, and the mysteries of what was happening with the unexpected misadventures had me wild with theories, and I loved how none of them ended up being what I predicted. I was just as curious about what was happening there as I was invested in Scout and Apollo.

Alyssa Avery and Anthony Palmini narrate this one in duet, which was such a good fit for these two characters. Alyssa really captured Scout’s intelligence while still giving us those moments where you listen to her fear when some of the thrilling scenes happen. Anthony gave Apollo that protective edge I wanted from him, especially when you start seeing exactly what he is willing to do for Scout. When he fell apart when she is taken away, and he later expressed how much that hurt, my heart was breaking.

Thriller Thursday was another really fun addition to Cult Campus, and Scout might be one of my favorite FMCs in the series so far.

Dark college romance, protective MMC, genius FMC, med student FMC, morally gray MMC, he falls first, fraternity and sorority games, secret society vibes, suspense, duet narration.

[Mala]

Every time Kitty King announces a new book in this series, I get ridiculously excited because I know I’m about to dive into hours of suspense, mystery, and unforgettable characters. And Thriller Thursday didn’t just meet my expectations, it completely exceeded them.

Apollo Griffin stole my heart from the very beginning. I loved that, even as the president of Delta House and someone raised to follow the rules of such a twisted society, he never stops putting Scout first. He’s the kind of hero who would do absolutely anything to protect the woman he loves without ever taking away her strength. Their relationship is filled with sweet moments, incredible chemistry, and a tenderness I wasn’t expecting to find in the middle of all the chaos.

Scout was just as amazing. She’s smart, determined, and knows exactly what she wants for her future, so watching her navigate a forced marriage while trying to uncover the truth behind the campus's terrifying events had me completely hooked. Every time Thriller Thursday began and the fog rolled in, I felt just as anxious as she did. The chase, the disturbing rules of the secret society, and the unexpected twists kept me turning the pages nonstop.

One of the things I love most about Kitty King is that she never sacrifices the mystery for the romance. While Apollo and Scout’s relationship grows, the secrets surrounding the campus only become darker, leaving you with even more questions than answers. There were so many moments when I was convinced I had figured everything out, only for Kitty to completely shatter my theories a few chapters later.

This book definitely leans a little more into the romance than the previous ones, but it never loses the tension. If anything, the balance between the suspense, the constant danger, and the love story made it impossible to put down.

I finished this book with the exact same feeling I have after every installment in this series: I desperately need the next one. I honestly can't contain my excitement every time a new Cult Campus book is released because Kitty King always finds a way to surprise me and make this world even more addictive.

[Trinket Reads]

ARC Review
I love this series! This is 4th book in this next gen series, and is so unlike her others, it's less dark and more romance but of course in Kitty fashion there's high heat and some tense and scary moments too. I swear this secret society has some freaky crazy people.
I love our MMC, Apollo, he is absolute perfection. Yes, he's hot AF, rides a motorcycle, tatted and did I mention pierced... oh also that man can cook!! BUT he's also incredibly sweet, devoted to his wife from the get go even before their wedding. His insecurities I think match that of each and everyone of us. he just wants to be accepted. He has his own struggles but rather than face them he puts everyone else before himself and his absolute devotion to Scout was nothing short of beautiful, even when she was pushing him away (yes Miss Scout we're gonna have words about that) he still persevered and would protect her to the ends of the earth even up against this messed up Seven.
Scout is intelligent, fierce and so determined just like her mom, Kinsley. But watching her start to realise that Apollo's love & care is genuine, and open herself up to be taken care of as well as caring for him was everything. But also, seeing her help realise Apollo's dream and bring them to life was so freakin sweet!!Scout suffers a loss which is so emotional but she's suffereing in amongst the chaos of the society which means she's given little time to mourn and more to seek retribution which starts her investigations alongside Apollo, her parents and some of my faves, Aiden, Ashlyn, Valen and Olivia.
I loved getting to see some of my faves from the first series, Kinsley and George as parents in this one.
Kitty writes spice so bloody well! It was HOTTT and landed Apollo right on the book boyfriend list for me. An action packed read full of heart and heat (and a few gory moments - that you can't help but keep reading)Thriller Thursday was everything I wanted from a next-generation story and then some! Roll on Feral Friday

[ComeReadWithDocP]

Back again with the Cult Campus series! This is book 4 but it can be read as a standalone! I will say this book is less dark than Wicked Wednesday, I can’t speak for books 1 & 2 since I haven’t read those yet. But even though it was less dark, there are still dark moments, and the plot, MCs, secret society shenanigans, and spice were phenomenal! I love Kitty King’s writing and am now a hooked fan!

This story follows our new MCs and couple, Apollo & Scout! I absolutely loved them. I’m not gonna lie, I saw a lot of me in Scout, especially in what she wants to do in life, because I’m living that dream. So I understand the ambition and drive that make her who she is. Apollo is such an amazing, loving, caring man, but don’t threaten his woman, because if you f*ck with her you’ll find out EXACTLY what he’s about. lol but I love that about him. I loved how much change and growth both of them had in this book, and their story is so sweet. Also the spice is on 🔥! And wait until you see what Apollo’s got that will drive you crazy! 🤪

Now the thriller part of this title is accurate, it is a thriller for SURE! The thrill starts with the Thriller Thursday games: hide & seek, but as a girl, you do NOT want to be found & tagged. And per usual, people start dying in unusual ways, and once again we’re thrown into figuring out why. On top of that, the secret society has some secrets of its own that come out… and not everyone may be on board. 👀 I loved this aspect of the plot! Between this and the romance, I was hooked and could NOT stop listening.

The duet narration was out of this world! You know I already love Anthony Palmini, and he killed it per usual! This was my first time listening to Alyssa, and she did an amazing job, you could feel the fear, love, and fierceness in Scout!

I can’t wait to dive into the next book and go back to read the first 2!

If dark romance + thriller + secret society shenanigans is your thing, add the Cult Campus series to your TBR immediately!

[Teags Downwiththetriggers]

4 Stars – 3.5 Chilli
Tropes:
🖤Arranged marriage
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤Fast burn
🖤She can’t ‘O’ – so he makes sure she does before he does.
🖤Touch her & die
🖤Obsessive
🖤Possessive
🖤Morally Grey MMC
🖤Sassy Genius FMC
🖤Secret Society
Micro-Tropes:
🖤Pierced MMC
🖤One Bed

Thank you to Kitty King for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review (sorry for the delay in getting it posted!).

Thriller Thursday is for those who LOVE a good arranged marriage/forced proximity trope. While this was for sure a lighter experience in comparison to the last few books in this series, but still a banger.

Thriller Thursday was more focussed on the overarching plot and left me excited to see what is coming up next.

Now about our couple – Apollo and Scout.

Our girly Scout is a genius with a plan, and that plan doesn’t really have room for all consuming love. She has quite literally planned her life in stages, revolving around a career as a doctor. She knows she will have to marry a brother, but as long as she gets to go to Med School, she doesn’t care. Her plan and academic mind means she can be frustratingly logical, in a world where logic is a cover. Until the worst happens right in front of her eyes, and she begins to see the bigger picture.

Apollo, oooh our yummy man with a spicy mouth, Apollo. He is the President of the Frat, the big bag protector, scary and always playing the game – until you close the doors. Apollo is fighting his own internal battle to win, to be the best and to never quit, and when he finds out who is wife to be is, he simply won’t quit until he becomes the best husband.

What happens when a literal genius and a man that won’t quit come together?
As always, Kitty left me panting for more. Bring on the next book!

[Harmeet Kaur Ghai]

Apollo and Scout are THE couple. 😭🖤
This book had me hooked from the very first page. The tension between the MCs? INSANE. The secret society, survival games, and twisted game of hide-and-seek vibes had me completely locked in😭🤌

Apollo… THE MAN YOU ARE. This man is so down bad for his wife from the start, and watching him do everything to be the husband Scout deserves had my whole heart. He cooks, sets up their apartment, makes sure she’s comfortable, protects her with the strongest “touch her and die” energy… acts of service MMCs will always win🫠🤍
And Scout? Girl, I get you. She’s fiercely independent, career-driven, and not about to let anyone tell her what to do. Of course, accepting the marriage and Apollo isn’t easy. But watching her slowly let her walls down, notice all of Apollo’s efforts, and warm up to him? AHHH. Those little moments between them had me kicking my feet🥹

The wedding scene?? Absolutely beautiful. And don’t even get me started on Apollo calling her Tulip… the nickname was already adorable, but the reason behind it? SO creative. I was giggling and blushing right along with them🌷🫣

AND THE POOL SCENE??? OHHH. MY. GOD. 😮‍💨🫣 The tension was absolutely off the charts. The second they got wet… I WAS GONE. That scene had me blushing, giggling, and kicking my feet; the chemistry between them was actually unreal.🥵🤌

The romance had my heart, the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat, and the ending left me desperate for more. I’m so invested in this world already, and Apollo & Scout have officially become one of my favourite power couples. They’ll fight together, survive together, and conquer everything together. This series has me in an actual chokehold, and I genuinely cannot wait to see where the story goes next😭🖤

[Ashley]

This is my 2nd trip to Northview University and once again it did not disappoint!!

This time we are following Scout and Apollo and the ups and downs of their heated relationship and arranged marriage. Plus all the twists and turns I’ve come to expect after the last instalment, this one providing a very sinister aspect to the plot dealing with forms of control and ultimately mental abuse. This place is just crazy at how they operate and what the secret societies council expects from the students!

I did find at times I got annoyed with Scout and how she behaved toward Apollo as he was just a golden retriever guy, desperate to be accepted and find his place, so thought he had to follow all the rules, much to Scouts annoyance. But once they got on the same page they were the perfect couple and the fire you could tell was there the moment they met just burned harder.

The back story of an on campus serial killer that’s been present in all the books, ramped up in this one and enjoyed the way that was weaved into this couples story. Plenty of hot and spicy scenes between these two that could melt the page and the dark themes to the plot just add suspense to it all. Still so much to find out and get resolution’s for so can’t wait for the next book to wrap it all up!

Alyssa Avery and Anthony Palmini were amazing as the leads! The emotion both of them managed to convey for these characters just pull you in and you had a better idea of what they were going through. Anthony was just a perfect Apollo soft and almost innocent at times, but boy could he switch on that dominant version of him that made my knees weak!

Such a great audio and would highly recommend giving this one a listen you won’t regret it.

[Vallenreads]

Thriller Thursday Review

This book was just so swoon! It will have you swooning while peeking through your fingers.
In this story we have Scout, our MFC, she is a tiny genius, scarily decisive, career driven, and hyper-focused on her life plan and following it.
Then we have Apollo, our MMC, fraternity president, street smart, perceptive, knows how to play the politics game, he also has a plan and… secrets.
The book will hit your emotions differently, Apollo is just so swoon worthy, he can’t do a thing wrong in my eyes. I loved his devotion, his drive to be steps ahead in all aspects, but also seeing the self doubt when it comes to Scout and his family. Scout took a bit for me to warm up to but I loved her character development and was in love with her too by the end.
I loved the twists this story took, the way it was written had you guessing the whole read through and the thriller elements got me good, I was screaming at my kindle. Apollo and Scout’s story is so sweet and the way their relationship develops is beautiful, but under that you have the overall series plot line mixed in, and we make huge steps forward in seeing it all start to come together for the series. This story will have you second guessing, raging against the machine, melting from the swoon, falling in love with Apollo and Scout, and gasping at the revelations. Don’t get me wrong there are dark elements to both storylines, it wouldn’t be a Kitty King book without them, but this is probably the sweetest story of hers that I have read, so far, I love it so much, I’ve read it twice already!

[Linda Roach]

Verdict: So so sexy, Apollo is like a sweet treat and there was plenty of sëx in public places, Thriller Thursday was such a treat to read!!

I didn’t want this book to end and also I couldn’t put it down! I finished it in less than a day and in that time I became OBSESSED with Apollo Griffin. He’s such a cinnamon roll and he has a heart of gold. He’s protective and he is not letting anyone near his wife, but he’s also got the growly touch her and die vibes down! Did I mention he has something pierced!!

Scout Turner is my type of girl. She’s nerdy and she would rather stay in than go out, she’s sassy and wild and she lets herself fall hard for her man, Apollo.

I loved the cat and mouse game held in the haunted mansion. There’s a scene in amongst the chaos that if you know you know, damn that was hot!

There’s an awful cheating ex, a gimp grandma and a stalker carving up body part. This is unhinged goodness and it’s so addictive. The twists and turns had my eyes glued to the pages.

This is my first Kitty King book and now that I’ve started, I can vouch for how incredible her writing is. The pace is fast, the characters are fun and there’s amazing found family. Set in Northview University, you will get completely sucked in to the collage frat and sorority houses. Oh and I hated the stuck up President of NU!

If you love a college setting, psychological thrillers and an arranged marriage with a man who would do anything for his wife, you’re going to eat this one up! Enjoy!

My thanks to Kitty King for the advanced review copy and this is my honest option.

[Nicole Skinner]

and what a thriller it was indeed.

I am Such a sucker for secret society and this is another book within the cult campus series. This was a different storyline than the others so far. I kinda loved the arranged marriage for these two. I think It helped Scout step out of her regular scheduled programming. This girl was so structured and goal oriented she needed a little shock to her system. Enter Apollo. He had been there from go for her in this story and I ate It up. From the first scene with them i knew it was going to be a wild ride. This book had me in the edge of my seat there was a great level of suspense wondering who knew what, what was real and what was a fabrication. It was great. I’m enjoying that this one set up for a bigger revelation for the rest of the series. Each book had its own rebellion to the society but this one left me wondering what’s next. It was a great audiobook for me. It held me attention and I’m eager for the next one.

The narrators were well casted for this one. I think Anthony Palmini and Alyssa Avery did well together. Their voices paired great and they brought out both characters well. I liked The Alyssa was able to really bring Scouts voice to life by showing all the elements of her from being sassy and whitty to fearful at times. It was a great performance for her. Anthony narrated Apollo well. He brought out the soft sweet side for Scout well while also showing his dominant side well. The narrators again were paired well for this one.

[Jammie Bebout]

This is the fourth audiobook in Kitty King’s academia, dark romance series, Cult Campus. There is an overarching plot across books, but this can still easily be listened to as a standalone. Any way you listen to it, though, you’re going to love it! This particular story is a bit lighter than the other books in the series, although it definitely has its own twists and turns and dark scenes. I was hooked right from the start and stayed hooked right through to the end. Is there such a thing as a darkish cinnamon roll, because that’s how I would characterize Apollo. He can be absolutely swoon worthy, but never forget he is still a Viscount. He and Scout are a perfect match, in my opinion. They’re both kind of home bodies at heart. But Scout needs Apollo to help her get out of her head and to take care of her (which she needs more than she would ever admit to). And Apollo definitely knows how to take control when needed. Kitty King just keeps hitting home runs with this series! The writing is amazing, the characters are forever intriguing, and the plot keeps you guessing. Add to that the stellar duet-style narration from Alyssa Avery and Anthony Palmini, and you’ve got yourself a “don’t miss” listen. Both of these amazing voice actors are outstanding at capturing their characters’ personalities and at keeping you invested in their every word and emotion. And I was certainly hanging on each and every word out of their mouths during this listen. I absolutely did not want this story to end. But, I also cannot wait for Feral Friday!

[OooLaLa Reads]

Apollo... You Beautiful Menace

OMG Besties, lemme spill the tea about Apollo and Scout for a minute. Because these two absolutely stole the show for me. ☺️

While "Thriller Thursday" is a little lighter than the first three books in the series, do NOT mistake that for lacking suspense. The danger is STILL lurking around every corner, the mystery KEEPS you guessing, and the chemistry between Scout and Apollo is IMPOSSIBLE to ignore! 😉

Scout may be tiny, but daaaaayyyuuummm... she's fierce, stubborn, and refuses to back down when things get dangerous. Apollo, Apollo, Apollooooo... weeeeelll... he's practically a giant Greek god wrapped in red flags and devotion. 🤭 This man would burn the world down for Scout after knowing her for like 5 minutes, and you know what? I. Ate. That. Up! He's ruthless to everyone else but completely soft when it comes to her.

The ritual hunts, forced marriage, secret society drama, and constant threat hanging over them kept me fully invested. Yea... ok... Yes, this series can technically be read as standalones... BUUUUUUTTTT... why would you do that when the entire Cult Campus world is so addictive?!

Another great read in this series, and I'm already excited for what's next. Apollo and the series belongs in your TBR! Seriously! 😉

My Ratings:  ⭐ 4.5/5  ▪︎  🥵 3.5/5

🥀 My ratings and review are my own. For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤

[Kristy Garrison]

I could not wait to get my hands on this book!!! Thriller Thursday lived up to the hype I had playing out in my head. From page one I was hooked and couldn’t be bothered until I got to the last page.

Apollo is the standard I need from now on in my cinnamon- role MMCs. Seriously, the things he did for Scout. My guy was IN LOVE. Even in the sketchy parts when I didn’t exactly understand in the moment what was actually going on … I knew Apollo would never do anything that could negatively impact Scout. He had her back at all times. And he handled business!!! Also, I don’t want to say bc it would be a spoiler … But he was so endearing … the way he was quietly struggling. That hurt my heart. I like how he never let that impact how he met his goals. He knew what he wanted and he went for it.

Scout, I just love a FMC who is smart. Tough. But also soft. She was all of those. I know at times she was questioning Apollo and didn’t understand what he was doing or why he was doing it. In her heart of hearts though she trusted him and always turned to him in the times she needed someone.

The chemistry between these two characters was off the charts. The banter was comical. They just meshed so well.

We have dived deeper into the murder/mystery aspect also. There was some major stuff to unpack with this. Poor Scout!!

If you love dark romance / college campus setting / secret society / forced proximity / “my wife” / arranged marriage - this is for you!

[Adri]

Hopefully you have been reading along with the Cult Campus series so you won't feel lost.

The first 3 books were all very deeply Thriller /Horror /Cult Novels.
The secret society and very dark and twisted games meet with arranged marriage pacts and even more sinister dark secrets.
Nothing is too dark. Nothing is off limits. And Nothing gets sweetened over.
BUT
Thriller Thursday even though it is the same Cult, the same families and the same Darkness have a feeling of Hope to it. There is more warmth.
The family connections and headway they make against the Cult in this book gives you hope that things might be making a turn for the better for them.

Don't get me wrong. It's all still very Dark and there will be more than one upsetting scene but I loved this Couple.
Apollo and Scout are such an unlikely couple and should not be a match but they are brilliant together. They really see each other. It might take a while for everything to fall into place but the chemistry between them is undeniable and later on the connection between them builds into something envy worthy.

Scout's first impression on Apollo:
*and… Holy fu**ing sh*t! The guy behind him is gigantic. The shadow of his figure absorbs the hallway like a black hole. I think it’s the Delta president. Dark hair, longer in the back, perfectly gelled. Deep-set eyes. Yep. Griffin… Apollo Griffin.*

Apollo's take on Scout:
*I snort. The way she talks is…smart. Obviously, she’s sharp as a whip. Intimidating as hell. But* *there’s some wild freedom about her that’s infectious. “You want to head inside? We can get out of the wind in there⁠—” She faces me, and my heart skips a beat at the way she gazes up into my eyes, all heated lust and devilish ideas. “Yeah, I do.”*