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Woodside Academy #1
To Ensnare a Spider
It is time for the geeks of Woodside Academy to exact their revenge on the soon to be Prom Queen and King.
ThThey think it's just a harmless game, a lesson in humility, but someone else doesn't.
Who is the real bad guy in their midst?
Facades will be broken. Not everything is at it seems. And everyone has on their poker face.
- GenresSchool
117 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 10, 2019
82 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
A.S. Oren
63 books322 followersI never really know how I should write these things. Do I go the professional, but boring route and talk about myself in the third person (which feels unnatural), or do I do first person, like a dating site? Sadly, second person doesn't work here, that would be cool.
Something like:
You are looking at the profile of GoodReads author A.S. Oren. You know she is a cat person, and owns three of the little fuzzy things.
I digress. I live in Colorado, born and raised here all my life. Like you read above, I have three cats and want a big dog (perhaps an Alaskan Malamute).
I love writing, it's one of the few things I get joy out of and know I'm good at. I've been doing it off and on since I could draw and think I was writing words with backwards sevens and squiggle lines.
I currently work as aghostwriter, graphic artist and editor.
Feel free to friend me or message. I like getting to know other people who like reading and writing, too.
Something like:
You are looking at the profile of GoodReads author A.S. Oren. You know she is a cat person, and owns three of the little fuzzy things.
I digress. I live in Colorado, born and raised here all my life. Like you read above, I have three cats and want a big dog (perhaps an Alaskan Malamute).
I love writing, it's one of the few things I get joy out of and know I'm good at. I've been doing it off and on since I could draw and think I was writing words with backwards sevens and squiggle lines.
I currently work as a
Feel free to friend me or message. I like getting to know other people who like reading and writing, too.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 8, 2019
Lately, I have been on a reading binge of the latest trope which is YA rich academies bully romance with an RH feel to it. I am loving it for now as this has always been a trope I have enjoyed. To Ensnare a Spider by Cleo Fox was one with a different twist to the book. Unlike the majority of books in this genre where the guys are bullies to the female, this is a gender reversal. Chanel is Queen of the school along with her boyfriend Jason who is a grade-A jerk. He likes to pick on the geeks of the school which include Rhett and his friends. During this book, we get a glimpse into Chanel's life and discover that it is far from perfect and in fact, she isn't exactly living and hasn't been happy ever since her father died. Of course, when she is at school or in public, she puts on this mask of a Queen B. When she learns she is needing help in a few subjects, she signs up for a tutor using a new app she has found. It turns out that the tutors are none other than Rhett and his friends. They see this as an opportunity to gain some dirt on Chanel and Jason and expose them to the school and humiliate them, so Sai gets access to Chanel's phone and Zeke clones it. Later the boys are out at an amusement park and run into Chanel who doesn't look like her usual put-together self and discover that underneath the facade, she is a really nice person. That day, Chanel has the best time of her life and is the happiest she has been in a long time as with the guys she could be her "true self". However, happiness doesn't stay for long as Chanel is getting stalkerish texts. The boys discover this and try and save Chanel before it's too late. This is where the OMG comes in as I did not see the mystery twist aspect coming into the story and it was out of the blue. It also meant that this book ended on a major cliffhanger which now I cannot wait to read Book #2 and I am wondering if it has something to do with her Dad's death those many moons ago. To Ensnare a Spider was a different take on the Reverse Harem Bullymance storyline.
June 12, 2019
Gorgeous and dating the quarterback/school's meanest bully, Chanel has the reputation of the stereotypical high school mean girl. And yes, she lives up to her reputation, but that's only a small part of her story. There's also the heart-broken, abused, desperate girl. Faced with two choices for her future Chanel's plan is to escape to college after graduation and disappear from her current life. In order to do that however, she needs to get her grades up, so she responds to a school ad for Four Epic Tutors. Rhett, Zeke, Sai, and Bon are at the top of the graduating class. Each has a bright future ahead of them but presently they live life at the bottom of the high school hierarchy and as the main target of Jason, Chanel's boyfriend. Each has been an object of ridicule or physical abuse by the school's 'king" and to a lesser extent the 'queen". Having made a plan to turn the tables on the golden couple to teach them a lesson, the guys see their opportunity when Chanel reaches out to them for help. It doesn't take long, however, for them to see that there's more going on than they imagined with Chanel. And possibly, Chanel doesn't even know.
I'm almost at a loss as to how to review this book. Honestly, I wasn't sure if I could enjoy it when I started. I do not like the mean girl character. EVER. I love a bad boy but not the jock/bully type. I love intelligent guys but looks are important to me. I will own up to being shallow in my fictional tastes. I want broad shoulders, cut jawlines, and lickable abs. No apologies. So the main characters didn't originally appeal to me. But I trust this author, so I dove in. It became clear immediately that Chanel is anything but a one-dimensional mean girl. She's an almost fragile creature locked in a gilded cage. She's not fragile by nature but by circumstances. The spirit can only stand strong for so long and her's is bruised. Yet, she still has a spark of fight and hope. Given even a slight opportunity, she will burn bright again. The Epic Tutors are definitely not my typical Alphas but it does sound like there is more to work with than I originally imagined. I also had a problem with their revenge plot. Lowering themselves to 'teach someone empathy' makes you more like them than you want to believe. I am hopeful now that they have more information and the beginning of a connection, they will rethink their plans.
As the book went on, it picked up momentum. As the characters became more fleshed out, I sunk deeper into their lives. I like their inner thoughts about one another and I think intelligence is sexy. Then...the book changed direction on me. A mystery was introduced and I became intrigued. I need more! I have theories and can't wait to see if I am on the right path or not. This story line definitely makes a huge difference. Now the book stands out and makes me want the sequel as soon as possible.
I'm almost at a loss as to how to review this book. Honestly, I wasn't sure if I could enjoy it when I started. I do not like the mean girl character. EVER. I love a bad boy but not the jock/bully type. I love intelligent guys but looks are important to me. I will own up to being shallow in my fictional tastes. I want broad shoulders, cut jawlines, and lickable abs. No apologies. So the main characters didn't originally appeal to me. But I trust this author, so I dove in. It became clear immediately that Chanel is anything but a one-dimensional mean girl. She's an almost fragile creature locked in a gilded cage. She's not fragile by nature but by circumstances. The spirit can only stand strong for so long and her's is bruised. Yet, she still has a spark of fight and hope. Given even a slight opportunity, she will burn bright again. The Epic Tutors are definitely not my typical Alphas but it does sound like there is more to work with than I originally imagined. I also had a problem with their revenge plot. Lowering themselves to 'teach someone empathy' makes you more like them than you want to believe. I am hopeful now that they have more information and the beginning of a connection, they will rethink their plans.
As the book went on, it picked up momentum. As the characters became more fleshed out, I sunk deeper into their lives. I like their inner thoughts about one another and I think intelligence is sexy. Then...the book changed direction on me. A mystery was introduced and I became intrigued. I need more! I have theories and can't wait to see if I am on the right path or not. This story line definitely makes a huge difference. Now the book stands out and makes me want the sequel as soon as possible.
September 19, 2019
Wow
WTF did I just read!!!!!!!! I mean Jesus Christ,,, honestly it starts of normal and good and rather interesting, I loved how there was multiple POV’s from the guys and Chanel it was nice getting to know each character their all so interesting in their own way, zeke was well lol it’s funny a geek that’s a drug dealer that got a chuckle out of me but I loved all of them, but honestly the further I went with the story like the last chapter creeped the hell out of me. Can’t wait to read book 2. Definitely a good read.
WTF did I just read!!!!!!!! I mean Jesus Christ,,, honestly it starts of normal and good and rather interesting, I loved how there was multiple POV’s from the guys and Chanel it was nice getting to know each character their all so interesting in their own way, zeke was well lol it’s funny a geek that’s a drug dealer that got a chuckle out of me but I loved all of them, but honestly the further I went with the story like the last chapter creeped the hell out of me. Can’t wait to read book 2. Definitely a good read.
July 11, 2019
Love this new series. The changing POVs and large cast were a little tough to keep track of at first, but I love this rag tag group of friends and hope they don't disappoint me in the end! Our leading lady is an enigma, and I'm so glad the boys got a peek behind the curtain at the real Chanel. Her back story is legitimately rough and presented as extreme but fairly believable. Fair warning this one ends on a major cliffy!
June 11, 2019
Twisted
This one surprised me ! I figured it would be good as this author is an excellent writer but I didn’t expect it to be so amazing ! An emotional rollercoaster , well written , and the ending completely threw me ,well worth the read , can’t wait to find out what happens next !
This one surprised me ! I figured it would be good as this author is an excellent writer but I didn’t expect it to be so amazing ! An emotional rollercoaster , well written , and the ending completely threw me ,well worth the read , can’t wait to find out what happens next !
June 12, 2019
I gotta say that was freaking amazing. Honestly that was my first bully romance type book and I can’t wait for book 2 to come out. It kept me wanting more I couldn’t seem to put it down. And that ending omg what a damn cliffhanger it left. I highly recommend this book.
July 27, 2021
Really promising….
I actually looove the premise behind this series, but the writing itself was pretty clunky.
I really wish this author had more beta reader/editing help, because this could have been a 5 star read with some tweaks.
I adored that in this RH, the MC is the bully/popular girl and her love interests are the school nerds. And by the end of the book I was really interested in knowing more about the weird secret society twist.
The story is told between multiple POVs, but unfortunately all the characters have the same “voice” and it was hard to tell who was who. It also kind of made the characters feel like they were lacking personality. There were also A LOT of repetitive observations that made things drag at times.
The vague way the author didn’t name things in the setting was also really weird. The MC’s mother is the Governor of “The State.” We never know what state, or what part of the country. We never know the name of the city where everything takes place. The amusement park didn’t have a name, at first I thought it was going to be one of those temporary carnivals, but then it sounded more like a permanent attraction- it was confusing and pulled me out of the story.
Anyway, I think this author has a lot of promise and even with my problems with this book I’m still looking forward to reading the next one. - It was a rough around the edges, but still left me wanting to read more.
I actually looove the premise behind this series, but the writing itself was pretty clunky.
I really wish this author had more beta reader/editing help, because this could have been a 5 star read with some tweaks.
I adored that in this RH, the MC is the bully/popular girl and her love interests are the school nerds. And by the end of the book I was really interested in knowing more about the weird secret society twist.
The story is told between multiple POVs, but unfortunately all the characters have the same “voice” and it was hard to tell who was who. It also kind of made the characters feel like they were lacking personality. There were also A LOT of repetitive observations that made things drag at times.
The vague way the author didn’t name things in the setting was also really weird. The MC’s mother is the Governor of “The State.” We never know what state, or what part of the country. We never know the name of the city where everything takes place. The amusement park didn’t have a name, at first I thought it was going to be one of those temporary carnivals, but then it sounded more like a permanent attraction- it was confusing and pulled me out of the story.
Anyway, I think this author has a lot of promise and even with my problems with this book I’m still looking forward to reading the next one. - It was a rough around the edges, but still left me wanting to read more.
June 28, 2019
Caught is it’s web!
This is the first Cleo Fox book I’ve read and it was intriguing. The cliffhanger ending had me frothing at the mouth to get my hands on the next book!
It’s a slow-burn bully RH, written in multiple POVs. It’s easy to read and fast paced, all too soon it was over and now I’m left wanting.
The storyline is good and I can’t wait to see where the author takes this.
The characters backstories are slow building. You’re given just enough to get an impression of the characters personalities but not enough to truely know their intent or worth, again something I’m keen to see.
This is the first Cleo Fox book I’ve read and it was intriguing. The cliffhanger ending had me frothing at the mouth to get my hands on the next book!
It’s a slow-burn bully RH, written in multiple POVs. It’s easy to read and fast paced, all too soon it was over and now I’m left wanting.
The storyline is good and I can’t wait to see where the author takes this.
The characters backstories are slow building. You’re given just enough to get an impression of the characters personalities but not enough to truely know their intent or worth, again something I’m keen to see.
November 23, 2019
Wow
So the summary for this book is what had me intrigued. It definitely has not been a let down. It's utterly awesome and unpredictable. Downloading the second now as I need to know what's going on.
So the summary for this book is what had me intrigued. It definitely has not been a let down. It's utterly awesome and unpredictable. Downloading the second now as I need to know what's going on.
January 3, 2021
Prequel to the series. Nothing is revealed about the mystery AKA no plot. It is a quick read that adds background to the FMC: her relationships, her childhood, her personality. I am excited to read the next book.
June 10, 2019
It was...
Eh.... well written but the story was confusing and there were a few character details that didn’t make sense or seemed to be mixed up.
Eh.... well written but the story was confusing and there were a few character details that didn’t make sense or seemed to be mixed up.
November 19, 2019
Very enjoyable great reading
I really enjoyed this book and loved the characters. I can't wait to see what will happen next for Chanel and who is Red?
I really enjoyed this book and loved the characters. I can't wait to see what will happen next for Chanel and who is Red?
March 27, 2020
Great story!
This story definatly had some twist and turns I didn't see coming. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
This story definatly had some twist and turns I didn't see coming. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
May 30, 2020
Ridiculously quick read
Very interesting start to the story but I didn’t realize it would be so short. On to the next one I guess, I really want to know what happens anyway.
Very interesting start to the story but I didn’t realize it would be so short. On to the next one I guess, I really want to know what happens anyway.
November 22, 2024
Breath of fresh air in the RH world.
This was a pretty quick read that I finished in one sitting. Though I find it too fast, without much plot behind it, I think it’s still pretty good for how small of a book it is.
The characters are very diverse, and the mystery element that’s in the title is definitely there. If I were to continue it, it would be to uncover the secrets in the plot and to know how the relationships will develop between the characters. I guess I also want to see a happy ending for Chanel’s life.
This was a pretty quick read that I finished in one sitting. Though I find it too fast, without much plot behind it, I think it’s still pretty good for how small of a book it is.
The characters are very diverse, and the mystery element that’s in the title is definitely there. If I were to continue it, it would be to uncover the secrets in the plot and to know how the relationships will develop between the characters. I guess I also want to see a happy ending for Chanel’s life.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews