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Five people bound by the most terrible secret... and something else.

I never thought I could forgive them. I didn't believe there was still a heart inside of me that could forgive. But my boys, my knights, were taking down my walls and claiming a piece for themselves.

All I wanted was to lock our secret away and enter junior year as though the past never happened...

...but someone won't let me.

Someone knows what we did and the price for their silence may be more than I can give.

The game will only grow more vicious until lines are drawn in the battle for who truly rules Evergreen Academy.

Bound is a reverse harem high school bully romance with a sweet tinge of mystery. This is book three in the series and features language, dark themes, and sexual scenes. If you're cool with that, dive in!

256 pages, ebook

First published August 29, 2019

1995 people are currently reading
949 people want to read

About the author

Ruby Vincent

71 books1,221 followers
Ruby Vincent is a published author with many novels under her belt but now she's taking a fun foray into contemporary romance. She loves saucy heroines, bold alpha males, and weaving a tale where both get their happy ever after.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
Profile Image for Ꮗ€♫◗☿ ❤️ ilikebooksbest.com ❤️.
2,945 reviews2,673 followers
March 14, 2020
The romance between Val and each of the Knights is heating up!



This book marked a bit of a change in the series as the Knights of Evergreen Academy are now finally starting to see the light of day and are no longer on opposite sides from Valentina. The Knights have been a bit like the rest of the school all along in that they were cowards and afraid of what the spades could do to them and their families if the didn’t bully Val out of the school, but they were doubly afraid because they had a bigger secret that they didn’t want exposed to their families and the world.

Though there is one thing I really like about this book and series that I haven’t found in other Bully romance series is that Val is not just taking their word for anything and falling right into love or into bed with any of them. She was duped by them before so now they are doing these twelve trials. The four Knights have three tasks each that they have to perform for Val in order to show her that she can trust them. I like that idea.

The struggle at Evergreen is not over yet though. There is now a stalker that goes by Ace that is sending threatening texts to Val. This person has something on Val and is blackmailing her into doing things she does not want to do. Each thing is worse than the last.

The book ends in another explosive cliffhanger and there are still more mysteries to be solved. It seems like it still may all hinge on who the spades are and having the entire school stand up for what is right. However, Val and the knights still have secrets that haven’t been exposed to the entire school so who mows what will happen next.

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Profile Image for Aly.
3,181 reviews
June 9, 2021
I was a bit disappointed with this one, especially after seeing Valentina be so tough and ruthless. This time she let herself be bullied and blackmailed and immediately forgave people who were so horrible to her. I wanted to see Valentina take back her life and in moments she did, but she's still under the thumb of the spades. Hopefully in the final book we'll get reveals and finally see Val and her guys get their happy ending.
Profile Image for Donna ~ The Romance Cover.
2,907 reviews323 followers
August 29, 2019
Damn damn damn damn damn damn damn damn damn. I thought this was the usual three-book series, but alas, no, there is ONE MORE!!! and I NEED IT LIKE NOW, STAT, PRONTO. The mystery that is entwined throughout this series is DRIVING ME NUTS!!! I will personally murder the spades. Ruby Vincent must need a beta reader for book 4, right? Is begging bad? Well, not too long to wait, hell, who am I kidding, just over two weeks is WAYYYYYY too long to wait lol.
Profile Image for TheDailyKaylee.
362 reviews71 followers
March 25, 2020
Book 3 of this high school bully romance, reverse harem series with a mysterious twist. Must be read in order.

I’m STILL so iffy on how to rate these books. On one hand, the mystery of the spades and who is blackmailing her is keeping me so intrigued, but on the other hand, I keep finding something in every book that just turns me off from it. Our characters are now 17, so the age is starting to be a little more believable to me with the way they act and the things they do, unlike in the first and second book. What I didn’t like about this book was how easyyyyy Valentina started giving her cookie to the guys. I mean, I get it, they’re making amends with her, but Ryder literally tried to drown her years back and he’s tried choking her out, and they really haven’t had much interaction so it’s sooo unbelievable how it’s all fine and dandy now and he “wants to deserve her” and she “knows that’s just who he is” um what? I totally get dark romances, but even in other dark romances there’s some kind of build up of affection between the characters that helps you move past all the bull crap they put each other through. There’s none of that with Ryder, or Maverick for that matter. They hang out one time after everything went down and she decides to have sex with him. Girl, at least make them work for it a little bit after everything they did. It’s just such a whiplash, going from hating each other to basically instant love. And alllllll they think about is sex. I loveee the “trashy romances” but they pretty much have sex, and then it’s balls to the wall every conversation is about when they are gonna hook up again.

Eh, the authors writing style is great, the mystery has me hooked, but I’m just not feeling the relationships between Val and the guys that much. I ended up skimming a large portion of this book, and in all honesty I’ll probably skim the next one too just to find out who the spades are.

Profile Image for Aplis.
582 reviews51 followers
November 6, 2021
DNF.
I can't deal with how quickly she forgave them. Like at least drag out the "I hate you" part a little more! 😐

But like seriously..where can I find bully romances with more angst and more grovelling from the guy's/guys' side?!
Profile Image for ❀ Crystal ✿ -  PEACE ☮ LOVE ♥ BOOKS .
2,532 reviews308 followers
June 7, 2021
Book two was really awesome for me but this one once again just worked to anger me. At the same time I can’t get enough of this series. Of course now that things with the Knights are practically over and done with there's a new faceless enemy in town. I hated this aspect of it especially how easily the heroine caved to them. Where she was pure badass in book two this time she reverted to a complete dumb-ass and I hated that. At this point in the series I still trust no one and finally came to an issue I have not pieced together beforehand. I'm not sure who this mysterious Ace person is or who the Spades are/is either. There are just so many possibilities it's not easy to figure out which is a nice change. Things finally go all the way with a couple of the guys and while I'm happy for the heroine, I still think she should have not caved so easily. I get not wanting to be angry and have a grudge all the time but some of the things these people said/did just because again, of these unseen enemies, are inexcusable. Plus I'm still waiting for her to come fully clean with all the guys. As of now only Ryder knows her full truth and I'm not OK with that. Sure they want to atone but her giving in to them without truly letting them know the can of worms they opened and why it was even worse for her than they realize is not OK in my book. Especially when it comes to Jaxson. I still don't like Ryder and think he was the worst, but what Jaxson did at the ceremony was way beyond all they'd done. I think he deserves to know how much of a grade A asshole he is. They can't really atone without knowing the full cusp of their actions. Can't wait to see how it all ends. While I hated the Ace aspect I was once again sucked in and couldn't stop. Off to see how or if a HEA is possible!
Profile Image for CeCe.
3,612 reviews109 followers
September 30, 2019
I enjoyed this one, but I think it was my least favorite of the three books. I love the suspense of who is actually sending Val those threatening texts a.k.a ACE.

In this book, Val and the four heroes bonded over what happened in book 4. The four guys are also trying to make up for the bullying they did in the first two books. Val is also trying to figure out how to find time to spend time with the heroes. All four of the guys are different. It is what makes them special to Val.

Now I am enjoying this series and I have already put the release of book 2 in my calendar (09/26/19) with an alert. However, I am not feeling that love connection that I normally feel in these RH romance stories. I like all the guys. I like Val. However, I am not sure what it is, but I don't feel a real connection between them. It feels forced. Whenever, Val and any of the heroes are intimate, it feels awkward and forced. I am not sure why. I LOVE reverse harem stories. I can't get enough of them. I can read them all day, every day, and not get sick of them. I usually feel a real, strong connection between all the men and the heroine. However, that is not the case with this one. I think Val will need to pick one guy. The reverse harem situation does not feel right in this saga. I think the right thing to do is pick one guy (Ryder) *wink* and leave the other guys as friends.

Saying all that, I hope that we see several more books in this series/saga. I hope the story carries on to college. Even though I don't feel a real connection between all the characters, I am still enjoying all the mystery and drama.

There are two new characters in this book. Sofie's new boyfriend and his twin who are from South Africa. I am not really sure why they are in this book. They feel like fillers unless there is more to them than we know right now.

This one ends in a cliffy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Amara.
598 reviews68 followers
August 21, 2020
Bully RH

Took a chance on this series and so glad I did. It's fabulous. Slow burn RH, enemies/bullies to lovers, intrigue, and a FMC that's worthy of those guys. This review is for the whole series. Love it. Recommend for fans of Bully Academy RH genre.
Profile Image for Kim.
693 reviews24 followers
February 16, 2022
Bound is the third book in the series, and sadly it fell short compared to the first two books.
Valentina is tough through the first two books, but she becomes a puppet in the third book. She is blindly following orders from someone on the phone and not confiding in anyone, despite having so many people on her side at this point.

This book almost read like a rough draft compared to the first 2 as well. Lots of missing details and fast forwarding in time. We don't get enough interaction between Val and the guys for me too see them getting closer, let alone falling in love. I don't feel that connection between them because we speed past months at a time. I also don't like that the guys do not know the full truth about Val.

I have suspicions on who Ace is, but so far it has stumped me.

Hoping the last book is better.
Profile Image for Jodi.
353 reviews1 follower
August 30, 2019
Holy fork!! 😱

Ok so I didn’t really believe that the knights could be redeemed (in my eyes) but I was wrong. Clearly. This story has more twists and turns than a road map. I have a couple ideas who Ace might be...
If I haven’t said it before, this is a terrific storyline. The characters are phenomenal from our FMC, her harem and all the secondary characters. Can’t wait to find out how senior year goes.
Profile Image for Mai.
850 reviews82 followers
April 10, 2020
The surprises never stop huh? lol
what a mean cliffhanger.

I dont really know what to think of Ace anymore, but I still find those new guys Kai and Zane veeery suspicious.
I liked Vals relationship with the guys and how they all tried to atone for their actions in book 1.

off to book 4.
Profile Image for Skye  Minnick.
98 reviews12 followers
July 5, 2020
AMAZING!!!! 100⭐️✨☀️

BETTER THAN THE LAST TWO ( WHICH IS HARD TO BEST). CAN'T WAIT FOR THE LAST BOOK. STARTING IT NOW!!!
Profile Image for Bayan Sh.
89 reviews5 followers
June 27, 2021
I kid you not, I almost DNFed the first book, and then I suddenly found myself backtracking my comments about reverse harem and sharing lovers and finished all four books! Lol

This book was quite problematic, when you think of the fact that it was about high school students who are facing attempted murder, abuse, bullying, and are engaging in numerous sexual activities, and above all . Yes, high schoolers.

That said, this book was so action packed, drama packed, tension and excitement packed, that I couldn't let it go.
I'd read something similar, in the form of bully falls in love with victim and shares lover with friends, before, but it was so cringy for me, I couldn't keep reading, with this, I was so quick to pick up the next book you wouldn't even believe it, lol.

**This review will be posted for all books, it felt like one story divided too many times, general rating is three stars, general liking for the writing style, the plot, and the twists and turns of the book.
**Warning, this book talks about sex, rape, abuse, murder, attempted murder, violence, and bullying.
Profile Image for The Bodacious Bibliophile.
1,020 reviews
August 17, 2024
This book was a total waste of my time and money. It was a filler book and a horrible one at that.
There was absolutely the most minimal relationship and plot progression. If you even wanna call it that.
Any of her free time she only spends with her friends, not at all, but for maybe only one minute with any of her harem.
The sex scenes are nonexisting and if there’s anything that does happen, it suggested and not detailed. It’s basically like one of those and then we fall into each other‘s arms and fireworks explode and that’s it.
The weakest shit I’ve ever read.
This is the second series I’ve read from this author, and the other one was also horrible. I wanted to give her another chance, but this will definitely be the last because her books are way too childish and I don’t even know why she put them in this genre because they don’t deserve it at all.
Profile Image for Myndi .
1,544 reviews51 followers
April 26, 2021
I am so sucked into this world that Ruby Vincent has created. I'm dying to get some answers as to why the school works like it does and who is behind it all. In this volume there is some blackmail going on and I just wanted to weep for Val and some of the things she felt forced to do. The story really makes you think about how far you'd be willing to go to protect certain secrets.

I love how some of the relationships progress in this book, too. I can see some of the characters maturing and I see their relationships getting stronger. I especially like seeing how different Ryder is.

I'm finding it hard to review without spoiling things, so suffice it to say that this book was not as fast paced as the first two, but was just as good. If you've begun the series, you're going to want to continue. If you haven't started the series but enjoy a dark bully romance or a good reverse harem romance, you should definitely give it a go.
Profile Image for Tania J.
617 reviews18 followers
April 20, 2020
3 Stars

Like the previous book in the series, I was hooked on this and couldn't put it down. I found the boys in this book to come off really cheesy and one dimensional but I still wanted to see how they were going to make it up to Valentina. Even though this is a reverse harem book, I was totally rooting for Valentina to hook up with Kai and end up with only him. He's hilarious and goofy and my favorite male character in the series.

Profile Image for ☆Mel☆.
483 reviews154 followers
April 13, 2025
2,5 ⭐️

"Puedo compartirte, Valentina... siempre y cuando tenga alguna parte de ti. Eso es suficiente para mí."
969 reviews2 followers
September 19, 2022
Riveting!

So, just when Valentine seems to be getting the happy ever after with her Knights that she deserves, Ace is out to destroy her, and possibly, the Knights too. It looks like book four, and Vals final year at Evergreen Academy, will be her toughest one yet.
Profile Image for Siri.
1,219 reviews69 followers
April 22, 2020
3,5 stars ish
it´s really getting interesting and intense in this book, i like that. I wonder who Ace is, i have my guesses who that could be. i feel like it could be either on of those girls but i think not or it might be Eric or a teacher maybe. Chliffhanger as always
Profile Image for Alisha Thompson.
526 reviews10 followers
October 4, 2019
Evergreen Academy is now a completed series (4 book series). It’s a Academy/Bully slow burn RH. Loads of suspense, a “who done it” theme and let’s not forget the romance (ya know horny teenagers and all).

This is the first series (or books) I’ve read from Ruby Vincent and I really enjoyed it.

This series follows Val, our heroine, who is from the poorer side of the track, where she is accepted into the most prestigious school in the world. She witnessed something she shouldn’t and becomes target to some of the most heinous bullying ever. All the friends she made turned on her and left her on her own to face the Knights and eventually the Spades. Val being who she is and needing to pave a bright future for her and her family doesn’t let the bullying deter her and she fights back.

Val’s love interests, like every story, don’t realise what they have until challenged by the spitfire that is Val now there is a lot of instant attraction but love does take time and over the four books it blossoms. The guys are hot by the way and the labors they endure to apologise are cute and very thoughtful.

I loved the twist and turns in each book and I can honestly say that I didn’t guess who Ace ended up being. It’s fantastic that even uncovering somethings that the main rouse was hidden until the very end ... awesome!

🚨triggers 🚨 there are some topics that may be too raw for some readers such as: rape, assault and other abuse bare in mind before reading.
Profile Image for Danique van Dijk.
551 reviews61 followers
June 5, 2021
🎭 The story 🎭
After the events in the last book – meaning the death of one of the teachers – the boys and Val have to work together to keep the events quiet. Sadly, this is easier said than done, when someone starts blackmailing Val with a video.

Damn dude, I’m way too invested. I might even like this one the most out of the series so far – although I might’ve actually liked the second one the most, I don’t know. I’m really glad about the way the story went. I was really happy about that, because it felt stupid not to tell them.

Eric held the car door open for me to get out. His car was sweet with a capital S. A sleek silver Mercedes that tried to seduce me with its heated leather seats and smooth interior. I was one stolen key away from adding it to my harem.


The ending had me screaming again. I really want to know who Ace is, and who the other Spades are. I have so many theories, it’s insane. I really thought Markham would be a Spade, but since she felt bad about the whole murder situation, I feel like she can’t be..? I think Ace is one of the Diamond girls, so Natalie, Isabella or Airi, but that feels like such an obvious choice, I don’t think I’d like that. I still feel like Neomi will turn out to be a Spade too, but I do wonder why we haven’t seen her again. Eric is definitely a Spade, but I’m not sure if he’s Ace too. Still hoping that Scarlett isn't just not dead, because that would seem way too easy xD I was very surprised

Again, there were some mistakes in writing in this book, but it didn’t bother me as much because I was very invested lol. The writing was very funny to me at times too, take this for example.
“You can get some sleep,” said Jaxson. “It’s a long drive.”
“I won’t be able to fall asleep.”
I fell asleep.

I don’t know, but I really like that kind of writing xD

🎭 The characters 🎭
🃏Val After the events in the last book, Val’s relationships with the boys are evolving. The boys are here to grovel for her (uhm, yEs pLeAsE), which gives us a lot of cute moments. They are dead set on the ‘twelve labors of the knights’, which means they all have to do 3 things for her, and I loved every single one of their actions. They are all so cute!!!!! Val was again really strong in this one, she keeps standing up for everything she believes in and I love it. The boys support her way more too, I might’ve actually cried about the things Ace made her do, like Poor thing, her high school years have definitely been the worst ever. She was so smart in this book too, like the phone box thing, which was really smart to me!

⚔️The boys Like I said, I loved the actions of the boys in this one. Ace definitely has a weird crush on them – totally understandable by the way, so it can’t be a teacher then right..? Unless it’s Scarlett, but I hope not. Weird, weird, weird. I don’t have a clue who Ace could be honestly. But back to the boys. I’m still not too sure how I feel about Ryder, but the sexual tension is killing me. Why is he holding back like that?!?! I mean, I just want to know argh. I love every single one of the boys, but I think I still like Jaxson and Maverick the most. Ezra is great too, he has such a dirty mind ahaha. Love them.
“How did that come up? You guys sit around talking about me?”
“We do when Ezra announces that he’s going after you with everything he’s got.”
“He said that?”
“He did, and that’s why I’m saying now” – Maverick closed the distance between us until his forehead reasted on me – “I’m going after you too.”

*melts*

♠️Side characters I loved Sofia in this one, she’s done pretending that they aren’t friends, and she sticks with Val throughout the story. I loved that. And when Sofia called Val out on some stuff, and I liked that because I felt the exact same. Like I really like the twins too; I definitely thought Kai was bad at first, but I don’t think so anymore. I love how he stands up for her, and he doesn’t care about any of the Spade shit. I really like Zane , they’re so cute together. I definitely hope none of them turn out to be a Spade lol, but I don't think they will. I still love Val’s mother too, and just her interaction’s with Val in general. Olivia, I love you.

🎭 Overall conclusion 🎭
Of course, I loved it again. The ending was great, and I can’t wait to find out who Ace and the Spades is/are (I definitely think there are multiple Spades). I loved some of the new characters, and I’m hoping none of them die (like Kai). I’m not sure why I feel like someone will die lol, maybe because the Spades are crazy. I’m still waiting for Neomi to make a comeback, and I definitely still think she’ll meet her father and her allergy will be used. Can’t wait!
Profile Image for Kalli Kounavong.
437 reviews19 followers
January 2, 2020
I did enjoy this book but it's too similar to all the others in this genre. I am looking for the one book or series in this genre that stands out. This one does have a semi-unique twist in the villain, but it mostly sticks to the "script" as it were. That being said, I did really enjoy this book. It is a slow burn build up to the steamy bits as mostly it stays focused on the plot and moving it forward, which I really liked. Hate when a character gets bullied but then jumps into bed as soon as the bully says something nice. The heroine in this series seems to have a good head on her shoulders and is most definitely strong-willed. She is put through the wringer, not only by her bullies but in other aspects of her life, and comes out with her head held high. I will say that this book has some trigger spots for those who are worried about that sort of thing, but the author makes sure to let the readers know. I gave 4 stars because I really enjoyed this book, so much so that I finished the entire series in 2 days, but it was very similar to other books in this genre. So far, though, this one stands out more than the others I have read so far. I definitely recommend.
Profile Image for Sonya.
393 reviews
September 14, 2019
Unbelievably good

This next chapter in Evergreen saga has left speechless and praying for next book to be out sooner rather than later. Not knowing about Valentina and knights plights is driving me insane.

Shocking in all the best ways.

Wow what a series the adventure and struggles are just getting intense. I am glad I now understand the boys more, and cruel world they bound to. I only hope need book is just as exciting.

An Incredible and Captivating Mystery

Well this story was unexpected and incredible. I love the way the author has Portrayed Valentina struggle and fight. Her interactions with the other characters have understanding more and more how strong she is. This story has drawn me in since the first chapter and the more I read the addict I become I can’t wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Courtney Turner.
1,716 reviews5 followers
August 27, 2019
This book series is amazing! I can’t get enough. Valentina’s world has changed again because she has the Knights on her side. But that doesn’t stop someone from trying to ruin everything Valentina wants to accomplish.

This book will keep you guessing from beginning to end. It takes you on an emotional roller coaster that you don’t want to get off of.

I could go on but I don’t want to spoil anything. But if you have read the previous books you know how amazing this book will be. Oh and that cliffhanger is a doozy!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kasumatata.
1,140 reviews23 followers
September 26, 2019
Bound

I really like this series so far, but compared to the previous book, this one felt like a detour from the main plot. There's less action than the previous books, we do get some dates and Ace stirring up trouble plus the addition of the twins who apparently are the only ones with a brain at Evergreen Academy, deciding not to participate in the bullying. *Yay*. I would have gladly ran off into the sunset with them, but alas... We do have some Knights trying to make up for their previous antics. All in all an enjoyable read, but I missed the spark of the previous books.
Profile Image for Kimberly Garner.
1,336 reviews29 followers
October 6, 2019
Devoured this book in just a couple of hours. Holy moly, all I will say is this author know s how to end a book with the doozy of a cliffhanger. Lord a mercy, I just cannot deal. I am so glad this series is complete cause I honestly would have to stalk the author for the last book. The characters are once again so real, it's like watching this play out in a movie, and I love it.
Profile Image for ❤️Melanie G.📖💛.
2,235 reviews
August 30, 2019
Another Awesome book. The twist and turns that keeping happening have me on edge. I swear once I think I have something figured out, I’m wrong. I can’t wait for the next book because I need answers!!!
Amazing series.
Profile Image for Karen.
232 reviews39 followers
September 1, 2019
*****5 knightly stars*****

I could see that ending coming, but I don't care. Still in love with this series and can't wait to read the final book. 12 more days to unmask the spades. I have my suspicions, hope I'm wrong.
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