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Mount Valley #1
Cruel Me
He breaks. He steals. He torments.
Cruelty is his specialty.
Some love him. Some respect him.
But most are scared of him.
Oz Lacy gives "bad boy" a whole new meaning.
___
From the world of A and D, but with a darker and edgier take on high school life in Mount Valley High.
This is a stand-alone, so you don't have to read A and D or Mismatched Compatibility first. Also, this has a different atmosphere compared to the bright romantic comedies I usually do. It's edgier, with more use of vulgar words. But there are still sweet moments, of course! ;)
Cruelty is his specialty.
Some love him. Some respect him.
But most are scared of him.
Oz Lacy gives "bad boy" a whole new meaning.
___
From the world of A and D, but with a darker and edgier take on high school life in Mount Valley High.
This is a stand-alone, so you don't have to read A and D or Mismatched Compatibility first. Also, this has a different atmosphere compared to the bright romantic comedies I usually do. It's edgier, with more use of vulgar words. But there are still sweet moments, of course! ;)
- GenresSports RomanceRomance
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2015
About the author
Louisse Carreon
6 books297 followersLouisse divides her time between reading books, binge-watching films and tv series, and traveling. Her laid-back personality makes it easier for her to go where the waves of life take her, but her mind often wanders outside the atmosphere and to the galaxies left undiscovered.
Just like her fascination with watching sports films (because they're so inspirational), she writes because she also wants to encourage people to take a leap of faith.
She started writing when she was thirteen years old, but she started being a book nerd when she reached the age of fifteen.
Her most acclaimed work is A and D, which she started working on during her sophomore year in college (2010).
She is now a college graduate with hopes of her works being published worldwide.
Just like her fascination with watching sports films (because they're so inspirational), she writes because she also wants to encourage people to take a leap of faith.
She started writing when she was thirteen years old, but she started being a book nerd when she reached the age of fifteen.
Her most acclaimed work is A and D, which she started working on during her sophomore year in college (2010).
She is now a college graduate with hopes of her works being published worldwide.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 13, 2022
This was an amazing book, refreshing in so many ways. It always kept me on my toes.
I actually finished this book in less than a day. I started reading it just over 13 hours ago, and only took breaks when I needed to. I just couldn’t stop myself from continuing, since there was always something going on that made it quite difficult to leave!
Oz is honestly such an exciting and interesting character. I kinda love and hate him at the same time. He’s dark and twisted in his own way, yet he can be completely and utterly “adorkable” when he wants to be. He’s a complex guy, and you never know what to expect from him. This is what made him such an extraordinary character.
Then there’s Halo. I have such respect for this fictional character. She was a breath of fresh air, unique in the best way possible! She’s intriguing, understanding and completely genuine. She continued to stay optimistic, loyal and brave through everything. She was never judgmental and always kept her feet on the ground. (Low-key, I think I might actually be in love with this dork.)
I doubt I’ll ever wholly forget these characters. They have given me perspective (believe it or not) on a lot of things. They showed me that things only are as bad as you make them out to be, and that you can always move on from obstacles if you really want to. It’s never too late!
On another note, I highly recommend reading this book! It was romantic, thrilling, hilariously sarcastic and occasionally suspenseful from time to time. I’m actually very impressed. I’m ESPECIALLY impressed with the fact that the author (as a female) was able to write this book in nothing but a male’s perspective, and still managed to pull it off realistically. I praise her for that, and for all the energy and effort she put into the making of this book. Bravo!
The only thing that’s been slightly bothering is Oz’s constant use of the word “fucking” when it isn’t really necessary. I’m talking about sentences like “It fucking pisses me off how easily they got away with it” and “I didn’t have the fucking balls to use it for a long while”. (These two examples are from part 1 of chapter 11.) I typically have no issues with swearing—especially since I’m basically a walking encyclopedia of curse words myself, but this is just waaay too much. If you’re gonna use that much swearing, at least make it sound realistic. Sheesh. But, other than all that, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and will most likely read it again soon enough!
I’m going to have to finish reading A and D now, too, since a few of the characters from that book appeared in this one. I definitely remember enjoying that one (even if I didn’t end up finishing it at the time), which is why I’m quite confused as to why I even stopped reading it in the first place, lol. I might have to restart from the very beginning since it’s been a few months now. I don’t really mind, though, since I already know I’ll be pleased with the general outcome.
Aaaand, I’m rambling, but I don’t really give a shit at this point. I’m the kind of person who simply needs to express herself. That’s just how I roll! Whatever, you get the gist. Read this book if you’re looking for something low-key sweet and exciting, which also isn’t totally lacking in the comedic department! It really did have its funny moments.
(The sarcastic remarks in this book were overall outstanding, by the way.)
Happy reading!
I actually finished this book in less than a day. I started reading it just over 13 hours ago, and only took breaks when I needed to. I just couldn’t stop myself from continuing, since there was always something going on that made it quite difficult to leave!
Oz is honestly such an exciting and interesting character. I kinda love and hate him at the same time. He’s dark and twisted in his own way, yet he can be completely and utterly “adorkable” when he wants to be. He’s a complex guy, and you never know what to expect from him. This is what made him such an extraordinary character.
Then there’s Halo. I have such respect for this fictional character. She was a breath of fresh air, unique in the best way possible! She’s intriguing, understanding and completely genuine. She continued to stay optimistic, loyal and brave through everything. She was never judgmental and always kept her feet on the ground. (Low-key, I think I might actually be in love with this dork.)
I doubt I’ll ever wholly forget these characters. They have given me perspective (believe it or not) on a lot of things. They showed me that things only are as bad as you make them out to be, and that you can always move on from obstacles if you really want to. It’s never too late!
On another note, I highly recommend reading this book! It was romantic, thrilling, hilariously sarcastic and occasionally suspenseful from time to time. I’m actually very impressed. I’m ESPECIALLY impressed with the fact that the author (as a female) was able to write this book in nothing but a male’s perspective, and still managed to pull it off realistically. I praise her for that, and for all the energy and effort she put into the making of this book. Bravo!
The only thing that’s been slightly bothering is Oz’s constant use of the word “fucking” when it isn’t really necessary. I’m talking about sentences like “It fucking pisses me off how easily they got away with it” and “I didn’t have the fucking balls to use it for a long while”. (These two examples are from part 1 of chapter 11.) I typically have no issues with swearing—especially since I’m basically a walking encyclopedia of curse words myself, but this is just waaay too much. If you’re gonna use that much swearing, at least make it sound realistic. Sheesh. But, other than all that, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and will most likely read it again soon enough!
I’m going to have to finish reading A and D now, too, since a few of the characters from that book appeared in this one. I definitely remember enjoying that one (even if I didn’t end up finishing it at the time), which is why I’m quite confused as to why I even stopped reading it in the first place, lol. I might have to restart from the very beginning since it’s been a few months now. I don’t really mind, though, since I already know I’ll be pleased with the general outcome.
Aaaand, I’m rambling, but I don’t really give a shit at this point. I’m the kind of person who simply needs to express herself. That’s just how I roll! Whatever, you get the gist. Read this book if you’re looking for something low-key sweet and exciting, which also isn’t totally lacking in the comedic department! It really did have its funny moments.
(The sarcastic remarks in this book were overall outstanding, by the way.)
Happy reading!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2022
“I miss Halo. But I need this. I needed to heal on my own. So that when the time came that she was ready to accept me again, I wouldn't be broken. I'd be whole.”
I'm totally regretting that I didn't read this book as soon as I discovered it, that I kept putting it off because the vibes just intimidated me. This book just woah-ed me so much. I didn't get enough sleep because every chapter was so good, I kept wanting for more. I really thought this was going to be as morbid as Game of Thrones. It had lots of dark stuff, but it also had lots of fluff thanks to the other characters who I loved as much as I did with the protagonists. I really loved the characters and the dynamic they have.
Oz Lacy, the main character, wasn't just any bad boy who loves to bully, but he's also academically smart, good at playing football, and could be a dork when he wanted to be. He's a morally grey character that kept me on my toes in every chapter (why I wasn't able to put this book down until I was starting to have a headache), who was validly cruel in some moments yet sometimes isn't, and whom I understood in all aspects, but of course, won't agree to most as well i.e. his way of last payback to McKinley. He's also one of those characters who made me realize a lot of things in the real world that I wasn't able to see in that angle until he mentioned it.
The author really pulled off with writing this book considering that it was written in a guy's POV and not just any guy, but it was a bad boy who thinks that good is overrated. Although, I was bothered by how crude Oz was—every sentence or paragraph seemed to have a curse from him that maybe I should propose to The Crew to have a swear jar just because.
Furthermore, I loved how Oz's character developed; when he said that giving Halo space was the best decision he could make because he also needed time for himself to heal, I just knew it then and there. The author was also able to write how the bond between The Crew was strong and deep especially the trio—Oz, Connie, and Alfie—wishing I have what they have, and as well as write resolutions for everything—payback for the bad guys, confusion with Oz's feelings for Snow and Halo, Connie and Alfie's sexual tension and relationship, Frisco's accident, and Snow and her twin, Scout.
This was such a really good read. Totally served my favorite trope: bad boy x good girl trope. Would definitely and always recommend this one to my friends.
second read: I may not have finished this in one sitting like I did on my first read, but that hasn't changed the fact that I still love this book like how I loved it the first time. I even think that Halo and Oz are my comfort couple, and Halo Buckley is my comfort character.
January 18, 2021
Aaaaaaaaaack! I’ve been rereading this book every year and yet the feels I get is still like the first time I read it way back when it was still on-going. No wonder it’s in my top tier favorite YA contemporary novels of all time.
You don’t know how much I squealed at adorable moments, laughed at hilarious parts and felt the rush during intense chapters.
Don’t get fooled, though. Sure, it’s about a high school bad boy (which is a mild way to describe him, by the way) who’s seeking justice in the not-so-moral ways but you know what? You’d still root for him. You’d still want him to succeed and achieve his goals even when he’s the Devil himself. But it’s a whole lot more — camaraderie, loyalty and chaotic love lives.
This is told from the point-of-view of Oswald ‘Oz’ Lacy, our antihero. You see, he’s the guy that no one dares to cross with. He’s troubled, and he’s messed up. Him and his crew are the kids your parents warned about. The book is written following two timelines, a present-past narrative, which is one thing that I like. It keeps you guessing on what happened, why he’s seeking revenge, and how it’ll unfold later on during the present time.
What I love about Cruel Me are the characters, who I believe, are the core of this book. Each one is likable in their own way. You’d feel as they are real life people. They are flawed, imperfect. Another thing is that, extra characters aren’t just extra. They’re featured with a purpose. There’s an arc among all those characters, and they developed into a more lovable version of themselves, which is another thing. They are dynamic, no one’s the same after the story is told.
Also, the rivalry between the football and basketball team. This book made me fell in love with American Football. The sports thing isn’t just for shiz and giggles. It’s really an integral part in the book. He’s not just the football player for the sake of it.
I visualized this book like it’s a Netflix film or series. This is a story worthy of being seen in cinemas or computer screens. Mark my words, if Netflix does feature this as a movie/TV series — it’ll be big and hype like it deserves to.
This book is one of those rare books that I do not see any faults or something to be improved. It's already perfect, just the way it should be.
PS: I really want to do an in-depth analysis on this book but this book review might just be too long to be called a novella. (Maybe I'll do a booktalk, or I dunnoo.)
You don’t know how much I squealed at adorable moments, laughed at hilarious parts and felt the rush during intense chapters.
Don’t get fooled, though. Sure, it’s about a high school bad boy (which is a mild way to describe him, by the way) who’s seeking justice in the not-so-moral ways but you know what? You’d still root for him. You’d still want him to succeed and achieve his goals even when he’s the Devil himself. But it’s a whole lot more — camaraderie, loyalty and chaotic love lives.
This is told from the point-of-view of Oswald ‘Oz’ Lacy, our antihero. You see, he’s the guy that no one dares to cross with. He’s troubled, and he’s messed up. Him and his crew are the kids your parents warned about. The book is written following two timelines, a present-past narrative, which is one thing that I like. It keeps you guessing on what happened, why he’s seeking revenge, and how it’ll unfold later on during the present time.
What I love about Cruel Me are the characters, who I believe, are the core of this book. Each one is likable in their own way. You’d feel as they are real life people. They are flawed, imperfect. Another thing is that, extra characters aren’t just extra. They’re featured with a purpose. There’s an arc among all those characters, and they developed into a more lovable version of themselves, which is another thing. They are dynamic, no one’s the same after the story is told.
Also, the rivalry between the football and basketball team. This book made me fell in love with American Football. The sports thing isn’t just for shiz and giggles. It’s really an integral part in the book. He’s not just the football player for the sake of it.
I visualized this book like it’s a Netflix film or series. This is a story worthy of being seen in cinemas or computer screens. Mark my words, if Netflix does feature this as a movie/TV series — it’ll be big and hype like it deserves to.
This book is one of those rare books that I do not see any faults or something to be improved. It's already perfect, just the way it should be.
PS: I really want to do an in-depth analysis on this book but this book review might just be too long to be called a novella. (Maybe I'll do a booktalk, or I dunnoo.)
July 5, 2022
Contains spoiler *
Okay so start was like obviously he is such a dickhead and bulky in the top of that
Halo the fl is amazing sweet and lovely
I just hated how she let ml walk all over her .
For me this book was no no . I mean yeah I've read so many books with horrible past guys . But they handled it differently.i don't question him personally because we all have our own way to deal with problems but that doens't give you right to bully others . You are stuck with you ex so don't get in new relationship. He was co fused okay happens but he said he loves fl and after that he kisses back his ex and then acts like nothing happened to fl and asks for forgiveness like he won't do this again . He left her hanging once again when he was Gooding around with his ex and forgot to teach spikes he made time with fl . She was scared he will brack her heart . He did . She forgave him then he goes and cheats on her .
There's absolutely no character development for him because he cheats on her near climax . He can't convince me that he won't cheat on her again . He is manipulative cheater.
Safe - NO
Cheating - Yes ( he kisses his ex girlfriend)
Ow/om - slight om , whole book is filled with OW drama . He's still in love with his ex , he says otherwise but his actions are opposite . His ex kisses him and he kisses her back and even before that he was pinning on her , getting swayed by her .
Recommendation - Nah I won't recommend it . I'd recommend a book where author have some real story and plot and twist . Not just some ex and cheating for plot twist and make fl go run back to cheater . Just make someone kidnap her and blind readers with that twist and make them forget he cheated and he will save her and viola she's back with after after few days of ignoring . Like nothing happened.this book did nothing but frustrated me to the core . Ml wasn't worth it . And fl got on my nerves for choosing him despite all his infidelity.
Okay so start was like obviously he is such a dickhead and bulky in the top of that
Halo the fl is amazing sweet and lovely
I just hated how she let ml walk all over her .
For me this book was no no . I mean yeah I've read so many books with horrible past guys . But they handled it differently.i don't question him personally because we all have our own way to deal with problems but that doens't give you right to bully others . You are stuck with you ex so don't get in new relationship. He was co fused okay happens but he said he loves fl and after that he kisses back his ex and then acts like nothing happened to fl and asks for forgiveness like he won't do this again . He left her hanging once again when he was Gooding around with his ex and forgot to teach spikes he made time with fl . She was scared he will brack her heart . He did . She forgave him then he goes and cheats on her .
There's absolutely no character development for him because he cheats on her near climax . He can't convince me that he won't cheat on her again . He is manipulative cheater.
Safe - NO
Cheating - Yes ( he kisses his ex girlfriend)
Ow/om - slight om , whole book is filled with OW drama . He's still in love with his ex , he says otherwise but his actions are opposite . His ex kisses him and he kisses her back and even before that he was pinning on her , getting swayed by her .
Recommendation - Nah I won't recommend it . I'd recommend a book where author have some real story and plot and twist . Not just some ex and cheating for plot twist and make fl go run back to cheater . Just make someone kidnap her and blind readers with that twist and make them forget he cheated and he will save her and viola she's back with after after few days of ignoring . Like nothing happened.this book did nothing but frustrated me to the core . Ml wasn't worth it . And fl got on my nerves for choosing him despite all his infidelity.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2026
I've read this book long time ago (in pandemic, i think?), and I'm planning to read it again this year. I adore this book so much that I made a promise and a tradition to myself that I'll always read this book every year and I never miss so far. I love Oz and Halo so much, even their names are so cute! Out of all books I've read, this might be so far the story where I always look forward to every characters in each chapters. I'm proud to say that I have this book on my shelf, since I bought one copy from Lathala Press. The book is now worn-out on how many times I've read this book. I wish I had an another copy to display on bookshelf. I'm currently writing this review while at work, huhu. I'll edit this again once I've read it again this year.
March 23, 2019
I love this boooookkk. A thumbs up to the author for rocking Oz's pov (she's a girl yenno). I think everyone could relate to Halo's character. She's sweet, a weirdo, and I dunno she's just so cute haha! I had fun while reading this and honestly, it kinda pulled me from the reality. It was that good, well, for me.
February 14, 2019
I love this story to bits... i am a more on spy-thriller-assassin-super deep heart stopping kind of reader but i truly love this teen fiction because of its simplicity and totally teen that i felt like a teen again which was more like a decade back.but love this book nonetheless.
December 4, 2019
6/5 stars. Just kidding 😂 One of my all time favorite Wattpad book. A go-to when I'm slumpy.
June 2, 2024
LOVE LOVE LOVE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! found it originally on wattpad long ago... has been my comfort read for ages, i always come back to certain scenes
April 29, 2023
One of the best books I have ever read! I have read it maybe 5 times and it’s still as good as the first time. Would 100% recommend if you have wattpad.
April 9, 2022
I’ve slowly gravitated away from coming of age stories that take place in high-school but I’ve had this in my library for a few years and finally decided to crack it open. LORD. This book was ADDICTING. There’s just something about certain wattpad books that capture the essence of the state of writing at a certain time and after pushing through some cringy bits, the plot had me hooked. The ability to marry deep rooted pain, fear, and self-perception at the root of the transition throughout high school was beautifully done. Although a typical trope that we still see recreated today, I think this story used it to its advantage to make readers truly feel connected to the story that you forgot all about it. Reading this story, I actually felt like I was passing these characters in the halls and watching the scenes unfold and I couldn’t stop reading until I had nothing left of it to read.
September 5, 2019
With “A and D”, Louisse Carreon made her public debut as a writer. But it is in Cruel Me where she truly began to shine. In this new era, Carreon proves how much she has grown in the craft, and it seems that she has found, or is close to finding, her literary voice—her style is clear and crisp, yet she keeps the ball rolling with just the right mix of thrill, romance, and genuine youthfulness. Carreon is a force to be reckoned with in this new age of writers, and avid fans are looking forward excitedly to more of what this young craftswoman has up her sleeve.
March 24, 2021
I really loved the characters in this book, especially Halo. I'm just kinda pissed about Oz for being an idiot. Overall, I really loved the whole book. BY the way, I want to know their baby(or babies); and also the color of the eye(s). Thank you so much for writing this.
February 29, 2020
10/10
Loved the book.
Loved the book.
July 6, 2021
Don’t even think about it, just read it. You will thank me later.
July 7, 2021
All I can say is I love Oz and Halo. There's always a smile on my face every time I finish a chapter. I literally can't put the book down, so I finished it in one sitting. I find Oz super cool, as well as his friends. I love their friendship. I feel like I won't know how it is to be left behind because they will always be there no matter what. I will probably be rereading this book twice a year because you know, I don't want to miss them so much. 😉
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews