Cruel Abandon

Fallen Royals #5

by S. Massery

*A Dark Bully Romance*

Liam's standalone story.

More information coming soon.

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance, Dark, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, College

ebook

First published February 4, 2021

About the author

S. Massery is a dark romance author who infuses all her stories with a dash of suspense. Formerly from Massachusetts, she now resides in Southern California with her dog, Alice.

Before adventuring into the world of writing, she went to college in Boston and held a wide variety of jobs—including working on a dude ranch in Wyoming (a personal highlight). She has a love affair with coffee and chocolate. When S. Massery isn’t writing, she can be found devouring books, playing outside with her dog, or trying to make people smile.

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Reviews

[A HEA · Rating 5 out of 5]

That book was unbelievable. It had me guessing right the way through and just as I thought I working through the story BAM.

S Massery throws in so much action, suspense and had me devouring the pages to know what was going to happen next. Leading to a nail biting conclusion to the story. There is a lot of mystery in the story and Liam was brutally of protective of Sky but it wasn't till the end of the story that we found out why. I can't recommend this book highly enough. One of my fav's this year so far and in a long time.

I would have enjoyed a smidgen more sexy times but overall an amazing read.

Although this is part of a series I think you could read this one by it's self. However, to fully appreciate the book it is best read in order.

[Irma *Irma The Book Whisperer* · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

Great story line! Fresh and different, a special, superbly written slow-burn bully romance with a touch of suspence. Liam tested my patience from time to time, just because he was so freaking noble. And Sky - exceptional character development here.

I loved every single moment.

[Lozz’s Random Reads McKenzie - Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Abduction, Murder, Plot Twists, & a bit of Bully Romance


This story starts off at an illegal fight ring.

Liam, who is from a slightly disadvantaged background, uses the fights to supplement his income while he is in his last year of college.

All is going alone fine until,...Skylar, the girl he’s known for most of his life, and now his....What?...the girl that gets under his skin.
The girl he hasn’t been able to forget?,
Obsessed over.
Has allegedly film him (fighting...illegally) and posted the video to her social media platform.
Thus, causing problems for Liam at school and beyond.

This sets Liam on a four year plan of revenge to get revenge on Skylar.
Why?
Because Liam knows A LOT about Skylar’s past.

A past that involved her being abducted for thirty-six days when she was thirteen, before she found her, walking through the forest near their home, bloody and bruised.

This abduction forms the premise for most of this book, right down to the gripping twists at the end, along with Liam trying to (eventually) re-establishing his previous connection/relationship with Skylar.
A connection he has never been able to forget.

Right off the bat, I started to formulate the direction this book in heading.

Liam and Skylar’s hate attraction to each other was always going to lead to one end, and one end only.

In fact, the whole premise at the beginning involving the “alleged filming of Liam’s fight by Skylar, was only in the plot to provide the “bully” part of the “Bully Romance” and a ploy to push them together.
That part was quickly put aside until midway through the book ( when we learn the TRUE story)
Its pretty obvious, these two were going to happen.

Over four years, Liam is already an obsessive stalker by chapter seven, and Skylar is at equal odds fearful, as she is intrigued, scared and attracted.

So yeah...here we go...again.
I say again, because it’s the “go to” plot play out of the “bully romance”

Throw in a underlying threat of a serial killer on campus, and at 15% in, I’m going to take a guess and say Skylar becomes a victim with Liam to the rescue...
How I’m I doing? (*Psst...I was proven correct*)

To be fair, the book was a slow burn between these two.
My yard stick for authors getting the central couple together is normally 50% in before they have put aside their differences and start screwing.

The character that annoyed me the MOST however in this story was Skylar herself.
Yes! She had gone through a terrible attack.
Yes! She was still, after seven years, working through her PTSD
BUT!
I couldn’t deal with her compliance and virtually not being present when it came to Liam.

He basically lead her around by the arm and she would follow.
She never spoke up or objected to his overbearing behaviour, and THAT annoyed me.

So, we eventually got a dramatic ending with a twist in the tail while also catching up with Margo,Caleb, Riley, Eli, and Theo, from previous books, seeing what they have been up to.

The latter (Theo) being set up for his own story.

By the end, for our efforts at sticking with the story we learn of a pregnancy amongst the tight knit group of friends.
A wedding on the way, and a new possible explosive relationship between Theo and Lucy coming.
This was an okay read but, really it did have a lot of BR cliques also.
***

[S.]

Cruel Abandon is LIVE!
Grab it now on Amazon & Kindle Unlimited.

[Ariadna Basulto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author S. Massery has mastered the art of making her heroes deliciously devious. So much so that you hate to love them, but love their devious and slightly destructive ways even more. If you love a good anti-hero, CRUEL ABANDON needs to be on your TBR.

[Jolie Vines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohhh boy, strap in because Cruel Abandon is going to take you on a wild ride.
This is the romance of Sky and Liam, college students who act like they hate each other, but have a mysterious and compelling connection. The story starts with a fist fight before rolling out with a number of tantalising mysteries.
How our couple know each other.
What happened to Sky in the past.
Who is killing women in Boston.
Honestly, I couldn't put the story down. I devoured it quick time, flipping the pages to get to the bottom of the secrets. Massery writes suspense with an expert eye. She feeds tidbits of information then mixes it up again. I adored the guessing game.
I also adored Sky and Liam. Their push and pull and their clinches. I so badly wanted them to find solace in each other, and every time they clashed, I loved it. Snap Cruel Abandon up now. You won't regret it.

[booksandbubbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/4.5 stars

"I used other girls to try and shield myself from the truth. But nothing can completely block out the sky."

Another great installment in the Fallen Royals series. This series features Liam and Skylar and offers plenty of twist and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat. Liam definitely starts the book as a loose cannon with anger issues but eventually evolves into a fierce protector. And Skylar just pulls at your heartstrings as she's recovering from trauma that she can't remember. These two together have so much chemistry and I loved seeing their relationship grow from the initial hate vibes into one of mutual support and caring. Similarly to the other books in the series, S Massery is able to weave in intrigue with romance and she definitely had me turning the pages to see what would come next. Loving this series and looking forward to the next one!

[jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

*arc provided for honest review*

Cruel Abandon has been one of the books that I have been most anticipating due to the mystery behind both characters! I really wasn’t expecting such a twisted story between Liam and Sky, although I did enjoy reading this book and the secrets that were revealed thought the chapters.

Liam and Sky’s chemistry is definitely one of my favorite aspects of the book. I liked how we didn’t know the full extent of their character until this book and I was intrigued every time something new was revealed! Above all, their character development was written really well given the things they went through and the personal growth they both encountered was everything.

I can’t wait for what’s to come of the series!

[Stital · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark and Twisted but inherently beautiful,
Cruel Abandon captured my attention from the very first page.
When I read the disclaimer I was a bit apprehensive, as consent is one of my triggers, but Liam had me falling for him and his good heart hard and fast.
And Sky... where do I even begin? She is probably one of my favorite heroines I've even read, with such conflicting characteristics and immense internal strength. I absolutely adore her.
With so many secrets and twists, fast paced action, and deeply developed characters, Cruel Abandon is the epitome of a page-turner. This book will take you on an emotional rollercoaster, but at the end, when you finally manage to catch your breath, you'll be grateful for the ride of a lifetime.

5 stars and a memory

[Chrissy Busick · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a romance full of romantic gestures......THIS IS NOT THAT BOOK!!!!!! Turn away now, this is not what you are looking for.

S. Massery has blown me away, knocked my socks off, and spun my world on its axis with this one. We all know Liam from the previous books in the Fallen Royals series. To me he was always one I felt I never really got a good feel for. I didn't feel like I knew him as well as Caleb (obviously), Eli, or even Theo. I am still struggling to remember Skylar from the original trilogy, I'm sure she was mentioned, but I sure can't remember her.

I have learned to expect the unexpected from S Massery. This time however she threw one heck of a curve ball!!! There was a twist I didn't see coming, I don't think there was any way anyone could have predicted that twist. Oh, how I would love to spend a day in her wicked mind.

This book is full of suspense. It will suck you in and leave you wanting more. The intensity of Liam and Skylar's relationship is addictive. From Friends to Enemies to Frienemies(?) to Lovers, this book has it all.

I almost feel sorry for Theo, because I don't think there is any way possible his story could top Liam's. I still can't wait to read it though.

[Jillian Marks · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m sorry but this book was so bad. I actually breathed a sigh of relief when it was over because I was so happy to be done. I still love this author and her twisted mind but this book gave me the ick. I absolutely hate that the FMC was overall weak minded and fully relied on the MMC. She just seemed so helpless the whole time and felt the need to remind us 4273 times that she has PTSD. We get it. I honestly did not sense that much a connection between sky and Liam and even worse, the spicy scenes were sooooo anticlimactic (no pun intended). I hate myself for being mean about this book but I’m in a bad mood and reading is my happy space and this book did not add to said space.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oof not expecting that ending

[Werda · Rating 2 out of 5]

TITLE: CRUEL ABANDON
I am someone who likes to pick at a title, take it apart, and after reading the book, I NEED to be able to understand why the title is what it is. But honestly, with Massery’s title, it’s just as much of a guess coming into the book as it is coming out.

Could the cruel abandon have something to do with her memories of that day leaving her?

Could they be the feelings of loneliness or being kept in the dark of your OWN secret?

Well I guess we’ll never know.


THE STORY AS A WHOLE
The bases of the author’s books are VERY promising, exciting, and intruging. HOWEVER, I think Massery still needs to hone her organisation of her story, the pacing as the fire quickly sizzles out. The stakes, the anxiety and the chemistry are often or not very bleak by the end of the story.

I love a good crime romance novel. But this just felt so over the place that I didn’t even WANT to appreciate the plot twist, the climax and not EVEN the romance. A lot of her chapters read like filter chapters that could’ve easily be swapped with something MORE intimate, angsty, or even something that adhered to the pacing of the book. For example, the whole situation with Colt was so out of the blue, unnecessary and completely not carried on with the right purpose. Yes, it did give us an insight into the extent of her trauma and yes we got to see Liam fight in a ring and be a knight in shinning armour for Sky. But did that really evoke the feelings of anxiety, unrest or even of swoon at Liam’s saving. NO . Because I was busy judging the hell out of Sky for being the stupidest FMC I’ve read this year.


SKYLAR aka ANGEL
Before I get into anything, I LOVE the nickname angel, and to have Liam say that, well damn, that had me in a puddle.

She says she hates masks, but she’s only just learned how to take off her own.

Now, I was pretty apprehensive of Sky in the previous book, she just gave off this sus vibes but judging by the fact that this book was of her, I figured that she wasn’t the mean girl that I was inclined to believe. HOWEVER, a lot of her actions were so mean girl like that it made me question her personality. I can’t tell if it was either her innate characteristic or something that was born because of the trauma but the way she acted around Whitney was not it. Like I get that it doesn’t excuse what Whitney did (still kind of missed we didn’t stay long on the Howl aspect of the story, nor we saw her apologise for doing that for no apparent reason) but I still it was out of place, that reaction of hers.

She nods, crossing her arms over her stomach. “I considered us friends. But you were a real bitch when Natalie went missing.”
I glance away. That’s not how I see it, but whatever. I’m not going to waste energy on explaining it.

She did A LOT of stupid things like not calling Liam because of her pride and going back inside when she was clearly uncomfortable with the Halloween atmosphere. And then just taking a drink her someone that clearly has a grudge against you. Don’t even get me started on how blindly she followed Masters to his car. Like the moment he asked her to come with him, I was SURE that it was going to be him. Not to mention the little detail of him not showing his badge.

There isn’t anything to out there with her personality that I should like. She is pretty bland for a character that should have a lot of depth, perception, but she lacks that.

I am going to blame it on the writing style that just didn’t suit me. Because I could not find the darkness or the horror of her dreams. It was just not written in a mysteries, creepy kind of way. And it certainly had potential for something more.


LIAM
I really liked him when he gave Margo a knife to protect herself. And I feel like his protectiveness and caring attitude didn’t leave him in this book either. And I was glad for that.

Clapping jars us from the moment.
I glance around and find Jake standing by our table. He’s the clapper,
loud and slow.
“What a show,” he calls

I wish we could’ve seen more of Jake because he genuinely seems like a sweet brother and friend to Sky and Liam.

Except, Theo said I didn’t owe him anything. Caleb said as much, too, when he visited last semester with gifts in tow. Namely, a new computer that I almost refused.
They’re assholes, but they love me.

The relationship with the boys always comes on top . And to think that these teenagers are already adults and MARRIED AND HAVING KIDS Don’t mind me as I cry in a corner. Caleb and Margo have suffered so much, they deserve their HEA.


CALEB x SKYLAR

“Oh, and Sky?” he calls. “Your hair makes you look like a ghost.”

You know what I felt from them, 0 chemistry.

What I saw was a brother-sister kind of relationship. There was no fire, no intimacy, no sense of connection that they kept talking about. I just didn’t see it. Or feel it.

“I’m here,” I say.
She shivers. “I’m not.”
I lean back and touch her cheek. She’s right: she’s not here. Her eyes are
glassy, her expression... wrong. Maybe she’s not awake—maybe she’s stuck somewhere between.
“Where are you, Sky?”
Tears fill her eyes. “In the woods. Will you come find me?”
My heart lurches. “Yes. Always.”

Like yes, I like them together but would I like them together if Caleb hadn’t been the first person to find her? Like for Caleb and Margo, you could SEE how only they could handle each other, and since childhood, they’ve had this linkage.

I ignore the fact that he knows my passcode. After the first time he got into it, I changed it. He had been right: setting it as my birthday was dumb. But this one was more creative, and he still was able to guess correctly.

This scene was actually kind of romantic. Like I loved how he get got her, knew her better than even her own mum understood her.


OTHER

This is why dogs are better, both personality-wise and for protection.

As a cat owner, am offended.

Is, not was.
Verb tense has never been so stressful.
She’s like Schrödinger’s cat—alive and dead at the same time. Both
variations exist simply because we don’t know.
Simple. When has life and death ever been simple?

This was so deep and it completely adhered to the mood of the story. Not the complete obliviousness to obvious threat roaming around that Sky seemed to have throughout the story. Like are you telling me that girls are going MISSING and showing up DEAD and the university is still carrying on, there is Halloween going on, the boyfriend of the dead girl is going to a PARTY?! And Sky is refusing to let that faze her and pushing to stay right where the danger is. Sweetly, that’s not brave that’s stupid.

Taryn sucks in a breath. “No offense, but that woman isn’t your biggest
fan. Was she calling to accuse you of something?”

I have to admit that I saved this quote because I felt there was something off about Taryn and I was getting ahead of myself and even pinning the blame on her. I thought that it was some sort of revenge from her side, like maybe the mistreatment that Whitney and Natalie did to Sky they might’ve done the same to Taryn and it was her way of getting back at them. But I guess not. She was just part of the extra characters that just wasted pages.

While Caleb and I have our issues with anger, Theo treats it as his lover. He cultivates it, tends to it. He’s the one I’d never want to cross—and yet, Lucy Page continually does it. Crosses him, pushes his buttons. They’ve done this since middle school, on and off, but it’s becoming more... just more. More violent, maybe? More dangerous?

I’m actually pretty excited for Theo’s book because I feel like his cruelty is much like Cakeb’s and I would like some after getting too much chivalry from Liam and Eli.

“You were the one I tried to take,” he admits. “I would’ve recognized you if you hadn’t dyed your fucking hair gray. Or put this stupid thing in your nose—” He grabs my septum piercing and yanks.

I have to say that I DID NOT see that coming until the car and box scene. But like WHAT?! I was just warming up to Masters. He seemed decent enough. Plus, I thought he was genuinely a nice guy when he sort of helped Riley and Margo (sometimes). I wish we could’ve had a better explanation for him going crazy. Also it was such poor excuse that the others girls were a mistake as he didn’t recognise her. But like, he’s a bloody DETECTIVE (well ex) and he couldn’t wait around, ask around, search social media? Like if you can get her number, you should be able to find her.

The plot twist of the OG kidnapper being Liam’s father was so ironic because she was scarred by one Morrison and saved by another. I have to ask his father on what he was planning on using the money? Like you didn’t even improve your living situation. Also I wish we could’ve had final words from his father. Like what was he thinking, planning or aiming to do. Did he feel guilty after? Like I hate that we didn’t get an expansive ending.


RANKING FOR THE COUPLES:
1. Caleb x Mago
2. Riley x Eli
3. Sky x Liam


RANKING FOR THE MALE LEADS:
1. Caleb
2. Liam
3. Eli


RANKING FOR THE FEMALE LEADES:
1. Margo
2. Riley
3. Skylar

[Jacquelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kurze Zusammenfassung: Liam ist Mitglied einer Underground Kampfgruppe, was heißt das? Es ist illegal was er macht und man darf nichts davon filmen, well was ist passiert? Liam wurde beim Kampf gefilmt und dann auf social media gepostet und der Post stammt von Skylar. Dieser Kampf hat sehr viel Unruhe gebracht das es in den Nachrichten zu sehen war somit heißt das alle die Liam kennen es auch gesehen haben, seine Familie war enttäuscht von ihm und seine Freund naja die wussten davon. Genau am selben Abend such Liam Skylar auf und stellt sie zur rede, Sky jedoch weiß nicht wovon er redet und sieht dann auf ihren sozialen medien das von ihrem konto sie ein Video vom Kampf gepostet hat, was sie jedoch nicht in erinnerung hat. Sie löscht das Video auf befehl von Liam. Zeitsprung ein Jahr später Skylar hat sich vom aussehen her verändert ihr Blondershaar ist nun Silber (davor war es Schwarz, die Farbe ist verblast auf silberbauish) und sie hat ein Septrum, ihr Style ist nun schwarz gothic like und sie ist der Outsider der Uni, nachdem das video viral gegangen ist und viele sie dann auch deswegen verachtet haben ist sie nun allein. Sie lebt mit ihrer Mitbewohnerin Whitney mit der sie jedoch keinerlei Freundschaft hat, sie ist nur froh das sie ein eigenes Zimmer hat wo sie alleine sein kann. Liam der seine Eltern angelogen hat das er wegen einem Scholarship angelogen hat und gekämpft hat um sich das zu finanzieren, geht auf die selbe Uni wie Sky. Sky versucht Liam zu meiden der aber will Rache und lässt sie nicht aus den Augen. Sie bekommt bis heute noch blicke aber das ist ihr recht egal geworden. Plötzlich verschwindet ein Mädchen und zwei Wochen später wurde ihre Leiche gefunden, kurz darauf verschwindet wieder ein Mädchen. Liam und Sky waren als Kinder (14-15jährige Freunde da sie nebeneinander gewohnt haben nachdem Liams Familie von Reich auf Arm gefallen ist) Freunde doch das wusste keiner außer die Familien, Sky hatte eine crush auf Liam und Jake (Liams kleiner Bruder) ist ihr bester Freund. Nachdem so viele Mädchen verschwinden wird skys mutter panisch bzw kriegt sorgen weswegen sie Liam bittet auf sie aufzupassen und wenn das schicksal es nicht so will zieht ihre Mitbewohner vorübergehend wieder zu den Eltern und somit ist sie nun alleine und ihre mom ist nicht begeistert davon weswegen sie jetzt bei Liam zu Hause ist. Es ist Halloween und Sky mag den feiertag nicht (wegen den Masken, sie wurde als kind gekidnappt und dann im Wald frei gelassen wo sie dann von Liam gefunden worden ist), sie trifft auf paar mitschüler die sie einladen mit auf eine party zu gehen was sie dann auch tut und dort wird sie von einem Typen gedrugt und gekidnappt. (Es war einer der Howl Zwillinge vom Undergroundkämpfen) Sie haben sie als druckmittel genommen damit Liam wieder kämpfen tut, was er nicht wirklich wollte aber nun tun muss also erscheinter zu dem Kampf und kämpft mit denen aber ein kampf ist ihnen nicht genung sie wollen mehr sehen weswegen er weiter kämpf naja bis es dann eskaliert und Theo eingreifen muss und er somit Sky wieder bekommt. Kurz darauf wird Whitney vermisst und Sky bekommt angst/sorge weswegen sie und Liam dann nach Hause fahren, und versuchen Skylars erinnerung von der Vergangenheit etwas aufzufrischen da sie immer wieder träumt von ihr und Liam. Er bringt sie in der Wald wo er sie gefunden hat und Erinnerungen kommen wieder hoch. Während der Zeit dort passiert etwas rambazamba und dann kommen die wieder zurück nach Boston, dort wird Skylar in einem Cafe wo Liam sie alleine gelassen hat weil Theo sie gerufen hat, gekidnappt von Jim Masters, der Detektiv von Caleb und Margos Buch. Liam gibt sich die Schuld das sie nun weg ist und sucht mit seinen Freunden nach ihr momentan ist Caleb bei ihm, er findet sie dann auch beim Wasserkraftwerk wo sie von Jim geflohen ist der aber ihr noch hinterher rennt, well nachdem Masters keiner andere Wahl hat ersschisst er sich selber und sagt davor noch zu Liam „Grüß deinen Vater von mir“, was beide sehr verwirrend fanden doch dann schlägt der Blitz ein Sky erinnert das das es Liams Vater Alen war der sie entführt hat weil er Geld brauchte und somit lösegeld verlangt hat von Skys familie. Liams Vater wurde festgenommen und Liam und Sky kommen zusammen (ohh das Video wurde von Whitney gepostet sie hat es gestanden als sie zu ihren Eltern ziehen wollte und sie wurde auch von Jim gekidnappt)

Meine Meinung: Die Story ist gut hat mir gefallen hätte nicht gedacht das die Story passiert so ist dachte eher es ist eine harmlose story oder so idk es hat mir aber gefallen und war nett zu lesen kann man machen, in der Wild Fury review wird dann wohl mein Ranking stehen für buch und couple.

[Erica Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness. S Massery has created another fantastic read in the Fallen Royals series. Readers will simply fall in love with Skylar and Liam. These two were such a mystery in the first few books of the series, but Cruel Abandon blows the doors wide open. You will not be able to put this book down. There is suspense, angst, desire, and dark pasts in this book. It was such an addicting read and a fantastic addition to the series.

I’m not going to lie, I wasn’t a huge fan of Skylar in Vicious Desire. Something just didn’t sit right with me about her and it all had to do with her past with Riley. It really bothered me that Skylar just dropped their friendship so quickly and didn’t rekindled it until their senior year of high school after her own fall from grace. S Massery quickly changed my mind about Skylar though. I ended up loving her character so much. I completely understand why she didn’t fight harder to keep her friendship with Riley alive before senior year. She was fighting for her own survival. She had her own demons to contend with and had to focus on that. Skylar is a warrior and fighter. I admire her greatly. Her past is definitely a dark and slippery slope that she herself is still learning about. It’s fascinating to learn about Skylar’s past along with her. There is so much suspense and mystery surrounding her character that you won’t be able to put this book down. Skylar has amazing character development throughout the story and you’ll find yourself rooting for her to get the answers she deserves. She’s such a complex and fascinating character.

Liam. Oh boy. What can I say about Liam? Out of all the boys from the Fallen Royals books, he was the one I knew the least about and he was my least favorite. He was a complete mystery to me. He was always going toe-to-toe with Caleb and seemed to enjoy getting into fights as much as Caleb did. And well, it was usually with one another. His character was fascinating to learn about throughout this story. He’s also pretty complex and his past is so closely tied with Skylar’s that you can’t help but want to know more about him. About them. I honestly loved Liam a lot. He was fierce, loyal, a jerk at times, dark, broody, and all sorts of drool worthy, which I was not expecting at all. Half the story I couldn’t stand him and the other half I fell completely in love with him. It was this crazy push and pull with him that I was not expecting. His character development did not disappoint. I honestly wanted more of Liam and was sad when the story was over! I hope to see more of him in the next book.

Liam and Skylar together are everything. They have intense chemistry that they both try to fight but for completely different reasons. It was amazing to watch them work their way towards one another in the end. There were times they brought out the absolute worst in each other, but there were times when they brought out the best in each other too. I seriously loved these two together. Their pasts were so intertwined with one another’s that it would have broken my heart if they didn’t heal and come together in the end. S Massery did not disappoint on that front at all. She also added in some suspense and mystery to their already complex story that completely captures and steals your attention for the entire length of the story. You will not be able to put this book down. You’ll want to know the answers to all your questions, and trust me, you will have so many!

Overall, I rate this story a 5/5! This is another fabulous edition to the Fallen Royals series and I absolutely cannot wait for Theo’s story. I have a feeling his will be the darkest and most complex story yet but I am totally here for it! In the meantime, Cruel Abandon should definitely be your next binge read! You will not regret it for a second.

[Rebecca Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liam Morrison has secretly been fighting to pay for his tuition when his parents believe he is attending because of scholarships but when his secret is exposed he loses everything and only one person is to blame.

Skylar Buckley doesn't remember posting the video that ruined Liam's life but she definitely has paid for it. She has no friends at school and she had to move off campus with Whitney, who may be her only friend.

When girls start going missing on campus Liam seems to be watching Skylar and following her every where.

Does Liam hold the keys to unlocking what Skylar has been hiding from herself?

This was such an incredible book and I loved it from start to finish!!!

Liam is definitely a guy that you don't liek at the beginning of the book as he is such a jerk to Skylar but in his defense he lost a lot when the video was leaked about his fighting. Yet there is something about Skylar that he seems to want to ruin and at the same time protect. Slowly we learn why and things begin to make sense yet Liam definitely doesn't cut Skylar any slack.

Skylar's life was thrown into disarray when the video comes out and she struggles to have anyone to talk to. Gradually she forms "friendships" with Mitchel and Taryn but when Mitchel questions Skylar's past she is thrown for a loop.

We learn more about Skylar's past and there are some huge holes but slowly things begin to fall into place. When certain situations come up, like with Colt, we begin to really learn how Liam feels about Skylar and how far he is willing to go to protect her.

As Skylar begins to remember things we are completely thrown for a loop and I was definitely saying WTF!!! I was completely blown away by who was involved and why. Shocked!!!

Then the ultimate shock happened and I was once again blown away completely. Did not see that coming at all and I must admit that I was shocked that she never felt a connection of any kind before.

The end was awesome and made me do a happy dance!!

I can't wait for what the next book brings!!

[Dania · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wonder, psychologically speaking, what does it say about a person when their favorite trope is bully, enemies to lovers, I hate you but I’ll still annihilate anyone who touches a hair on your head. Don’t mind me, just asking for a friend…

𝑪𝒓𝒖𝒆𝒍 𝑨𝒃𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒐𝒏 is the fourth book in the 𝑭𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒏 𝑹𝒐𝒚𝒂𝒍𝒔 series. Boy did Liam surprise me, it’s always the quiet ones! Honestly, while reading the previous books, his was the one I was the least excited for because he seemed like the quiet, balanced and stable one. Maybe I felt that because he had a lot on the line while in high school so compared to the others, he was relatively keeping a low profile. And this raw masculinity was not focused on then, BUT boy was it explored here! It was like reading about a whole new man.

So just to give a quick idea, the story takes place in college. The gang is scattered, but we do get to see them at different stages in this book. To be honest, it took me a while to connect the dots as to who Skylar was. When I remembered who she was I couldn’t wrap my mind around how much her character changed throughout the series, new layers revealed with each book.

The mystery and suspense theme continues on here, but still nowhere near the developed storyline of Caleb and Margo. Granted those two had a whole trilogy allowing the growth and development of character and plot. I think Caleb will remain my favorite, but I have a hunch Theo with knock him down to second.

Skylar and Liam have a very mysterious and compelling relationship. The author raised so many questions about past events and present ones, while giving other pieces of information that blurs your train of thoughts when you’re trying to figure it and manages to keep you guessing… at least that was the case for me.

So, not only did I love this one, but it teases us about 𝑾𝒊𝒍𝒅 𝑭𝒖𝒓𝒚, as if I’m not already bursting at the seams for Theo’s book, but also I just can NOT wait for the 𝑫𝒆𝑺𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒔 𝑴𝒂𝒇𝒊𝒂 series!!! 𝑹𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑺𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒕 will be out on May 18 and I’m losing my shit because… **arranged marriage mafia romance** how am I supposed to resist!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite book so far in the series and one that I felt could have EASILY been a duet. I've always loved Liam and even when he tried to be harsh, he failed miserably. He just can't really effectively bully, which I'm okay with. I'm all for possessive.

My major issue is that two of the books in the series have the girls forgetting pretty major events and the men somewhat helping them remember. Liam was more aggressive about helping her remember and I was on his side with that. I know her mom thought she shouldn't remember to save her from grief but the girl deserved it. Especially since it kept her from the love of her life ... thanks again to her mother's misplaced "protection."

Liam not being able to forget about her and basically pining for six years (while still trying to forget) was pretty good book boyfriend material. But honestly, not all that expected since there was no hint of that in the other books. It kind of fit with the whole trying to forget about her thing, but since she was Riley's friend in their senior year and Liam was around a bit, it was still weird.

Each of these stories has some random off the wall side story and while the fight ring was obviously an important beginning part of it, her kidnapping by Colt was just weird. I didn't really understand how that fit in because it didn't even bring back any real memories for her and the fight ring could have easily stayed dead with no issues for the main story. Whitney admitting she's the one who shared the video on Skylar's account is also out of left field. I feel like we could have had more insight into both of those and it would have made more sense than the brief mentions.

[Thalia | NightlyReadandTea · Rating 4 out of 5]

CRUEL ABANDON is exactly what I needed from the Fallen Royals series. With more twists and turns than any of the previous stores, a reader can’t help but to root for the Liam and Skylar.

I’ll just say it right now, I love Liam. From previous books, Liam always seemed to be the calmest of the Golden Boys. He didn’t seem to get bothered easily and he seemed to smile often enough, even through adversity. That changes however in the beginning of CRUEL ABANDON. We see a darker, tougher Liam trying to support not only himself but his family. Seeing him fighting sparked an interest in me. He wasn’t my favorite of the bunch, but suddenly I was intrigued. He had more layers than I thought. I also loved his banter with Sky. He was gentle in ways the previous boys weren’t which I greatly appreciated. Sky is my favorite of the female leads. I found her strength inspiring as well as her attitude. She KNEW there was pieces missing in her mind, boxed up and unable to be reached, yet she tries her best to get to them in a safe manner whether it be therapy or talking about her past with people she should be able to trust.

The twist and reveals were well executed and didn’t leave the audience needing more. I was on the edge of my seat most of the story honestly but the ending had me shaking!

As far as steam goes, this book did it for me but not because it was super sexual and exciting, like Caleb and Margo, but more so because I could feel the trust and respect these two characters had for one another. It was sweet and sensual in ways that Caleb and Margo weren’t (which was fine, their story was amazing in its own right).

Overall, I am extremely happy with their story and how Massery handled such serious and scary topics. Last up is Theo and while he WAS my most anticipated, I think Liam might just hold my heart as the favorite Golden Boy.

[Kristy Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review! No spoilers!
I don't even know where to begin!! Just absolutely blown away. I knew Liam and Sky were going to a twisted story and goodness gracious Sara delivered in that aspect! This story was so dark and twisted and extremely powerful. Be prepared for a wild ride, because this story makes you want to throw your Kindle across the room but then immediately run over and pick it up and pick up from where you left off.
I thought I found my favorite characters in the previous books but I truly believe Sky and Liam have captured my number one spot. They way Massey writes Sky's character is incredible, she truly captures what a strong heroine can be like, someone who knows pain and still tries to push forward. Someone who is innocent but yet tainted. Sky is so strong and beautiful!
And I don't even know where to begin with Liam, he is just wow!! When he decides what he wants and truly puts his focus on it, he is unstoppable and no one better get in his way! I love the need he has to protect Sky and how with her he really does wear his feelings on his sleeve even if she can't see it. Their relationship is slow burning but at the same time a whirlwind!
Fellow readers be ready for a truly remarkable story! You will not be disappointed! And Sara Massey I am looking forward to Theo's story because that is going to be one feisty heroine he has and I'm excited to see his dark side and her beautiful chaotic side.

[Misty (Reds Romance Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skylar Buckley has never known normal, her life is anything but. She hasn't had an easy time of things, her life has many dark moments in it, ones that drive her to move forward and never stop to look back at them. From her most painful times she has drawn a strength that motivates her, and keeps her from backing down from adversity. On campus she keeps her head down, does not try to draw attention to herself, and does her best to fly under the radar and draw in unwanted trouble.

But she is about to meet it... trouble that is, in the form of a handsome moody boy named Liam Morrison!

Cruel Abandoned comes with a story line riddled with suspense, intense drama... and loads of steam! These two will wander onto the page and you will find yourself becoming enamored by them. The complexity of their character, the emotion they bring to the page, and of course the intense heated exchanges. Sky wasn't looking to fall in love, let alone meet someone, she felt she didn't need anyone. That is until Liam showed her what they could be together, they were definitely meant for one another. I loved my time with these two, they had me swimming in feels the whole way through. If you like dark and emotional stories that give the heart an intense squeeze then I have no doubt you will love what you find between the pages here! It's amazing!!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cruel Abandon: A Dark College Bully Romance
Fallen Royals, Book 5
By: S. Massery
Narrated by: Keira Stevens, Troy Duran

It happens to me every time I listen to a book in this series. I am completely drawn in and no one can bother me until I here "The End". I think, how can you possible compete with the last book? And boy does this one deliver! Sky has always known there is something important missing from her past, but to delve into her memories may be the worst decision she can make. She already suffers from nightmares, and she definitely doesn't want to make it worse. Liam and Jake always did their best to protect her, but when circumstances now has Liam doing everything but looking out for her. Until a girl on campus goes missing. Twists, turns, bullying, fear, passion, it's all in this story and I fed into it all. Massery is an intriguing author, cultivating stories that are passionate, make you think and has you on the edge just wondering what can happen next. I absolutely loved this book and as always can't wait for more!

Troy Duran and Keira Stevens narrate together again and are absolutely fabulous. Duran keeps Liam real, exuding his anger all the time having an undertone of protection. I love his voice and how he understands his characters. Stevens had an emotional journey with Sky. Sky is a mess, and each nuance and inflection let us know exactly where she was in her head. These two are perfect for this series and make a pleasure to listen.

[Kerri’s Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now LIVE and Free in KU
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2MjeNrI
Universal: http://mybook.to/FR5

When Skylar uploads a video of Liam fighting in an underground ring to social media, their lives both change drastically. Once good friends, they're now enemies. Liam has to work to pay his tuition and Sky is the rat no one wants to be friends with. But when girls start going missing, and the past seems to be catching up with them, Liam is suddenly overly protective of Skylar, confusing her and leaving her with questions she may not want the answers to.

I really enjoyed this book. I wasn't sure what to expect from Liam and Skylar because they seemed like two opposites in the previous books in this series but they were perfect for each other. I loved the whole friends-turned enemies-turned lovers with these two. Their relationship was fueled by chemistry and need, and so deliciously angsty.

Cruel Abandon is packed to the hilt with suspense. You don't know who to trust and there were many surprises throughout the story, none bigger than the jaw dropping twist at the end. This was a perfectly written, edge-of-your seat, romantic suspense that i highly recommend. It is part of a series but can be read as a standalone.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deviously twisted bully romance!

DAMN! It's dark, thrilling, twisted and very suspenseful. I didn’t want to take my eyes off the story in case I missed something. My pulse was racing, my palms were sweating and I think I may have forgotten to blink in a few places. This story absolutely blew me away!

Liam and Skylar’s story is filled with so much mystery and suspense that throughout the whole book I was on the edge of my seat, completely and utterly shocked how new things kept unfolding between them within every chapter. There is so much history with Liam and Skylar, which just makes their connection to each other stronger over time. It was fantastic how everything slowly gets revealed.

There were so many layers to this story that after finishing I am still shocked with how this amazing author kept it all a secret. The way this story unfolded was unexpected and had my head spinning with every twist that was thrown in. I really did not see it coming.

It’s wicked, delicious and very cunning! You will be hooked, shocked and left completely blown away!

Brilliant writing, with fantastic characters and a plot so thick no one could predict the outcome.

[Brooke Torrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC and am providing my honest review of this book.

I absolutely love this series especially this book. Oh man the little maze that S. Massery sends you on will have you turning the pages to see what happens next. I really enjoyed the plot and the crazy twists I was sent on while reading. I read this book in one day and then had to reread it was just that good. I have read the previous books in this sereis and love the character development of both characters. Liam and Skylar are just like the sun and moon for each other.

Skylar Buckley is the outcast at college and has done a good job blending in until she doesn't anymore. I felt for her through everything she had to experience and deal with. She is such a strong girl even though we might not look at her that way. She was a fighter that wouldn't back down unless she new she had to.

Liam Morrison is every girls dream and Skylar's new nightmare. In previous books you catch glimpses of him and learn a little more about him in those books but this book you get the whole enchilada!! Oh how he will have you hating him one moment and swooning the next. He is a storm you don't want to recon with but you just can't help yourself anbd get sucked in to his world.

This is a standalone but I would really say you want to read the previous books because characters from them make an appearance in this book. You won't regret it at all other than you might want to carve out a weekend to read them all lol!!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 5 in the Fallen Royals series and this time we are getting the story of a new couple, Skylar and Liam. The first 3 books in the series focus on Margo and Caleb's relationship, and book 4 was Riley and Eli’s story, so this is a new couple and could be read as a standalone, but of course reading the series in order will give you the best experience.

So, there is initial chemistry between Skylar and Liam, but Skylar inadvertently nearly destroyed Liam’s future with one social media post. Now these is a weird tension between them, but there are things in Sky’s past that she doesn’t remember….does Liam know what happened to her?

I was intrigued by the mystery that is woven throughout this story both in the present and the past. I can’t wait to see what comes next in this series.

In a nutshell: 5/5 Stars • Hero (Liam) • Heroine (Skylar) • Plot 5/5 • Writing Style 5/5 • Steam 4/5 • Romance 4/5 • Pacing Steady • MF • Suspense • College • Plot twists
#MSBB

[Zara · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

If a book could be a tease this would be it

Like most books in this genre have one dimensional characters and we've made our peice with it... most female protagonists deserve Razzie Awards in the Human Being category and what can we do?

But here... like the guy.. OK he's layered... the girl... I don't want to throw her in a ditch face down...

But who are they??? Like I'm intrigued.... its all.there ... there's a multidimensional polt too... the writing is way above average....Massery can craft a clever sentence ...

But what??? I got NOTHING from this book but frustration

Like why aren't other people with me here??
What was this???

And the reveal about the past trauma... what a snooze fest.. like I felt nothing to be honest...

The guy and girl are both like normal jerks.. like they're believable and that in itself is an accomplishment which warrants 5 stars but I can't

[hadie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review!! No spoilers!!

The one word I could think of to describe this book was wow. Just wow. I couldn’t put it down once I read the first page. The very definition of a page turner.

I loved Caleb and Margo’s book, and was very excited and impatient to read Eli and Riley’s book. But this book was amazing and definitely worth the wait. The characters, the plot everything.
Sky’s character was beautifully written. She was strong and continued to push through even though life hadn’t really been kind to her. I admire her for how she’s lived her life and the choices she’s made despite her setbacks in life.
Liam’s character was one I, with out a doubt, enjoyed reading about. The way he helped Sky overcome her trauma along with all the things he’s done for her, that he may not have realized he did for her and her well-being. The way he just cares about her is just so wholesome.
I loved the, in my opinion, mental, physical, and emotional roller coaster that was this book.
I CANNOT wait for Theo’s crazy journey. I have a feeling I’m going to absolutely love Lux’s character. Fellow readers be prepared.


Much love to Sara and her team.
Can’t wait for what’s to come.

[Jocelyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in the Fallen Royals series, A Dark High School Bully Romance. This is a captivating Series! Liam and Sky's story is breathtaking, and enthralling. Liam is dark, complex, secretive, and handsome. Sky is beautiful, sweet, strong, and broken. She has a PTSD from a mysterious and traumatic event that happened in her past. The mystery unfolds at a gripping pace. Liam and Sky have a push and pull relationship, and they share an undeniable attraction, and a strong chemistry. This is a riveting story. The supporting characters are interesting. The storyline is intricate, filled with intrigue, mystery, and suspense. OMG! I loved their story! It was impossible to put it down. Looking forward to listen to the audiobook version, and to read Theo's story in Wild Fury, the next book in the Series. I love this series, and I HIGHLY recommend this Series.

[Jennifer Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent twisty read - I didn’t see that shocking revelation coming! Twice!

As usual, the writing is excellent, and the plot well fleshed out. The relationship between Liam and Skylar blossoms beautifully as they learn to trust each other again. There are numerous twists and turns which I did not expect, including the two HUGE revelations.

Although this can be read as a standalone, reading Vicious Desire, book 4 in the series gives a lot of background re Skylar. And to better understand the dynamic between Liam and his friends, as well as Skylar and her friends, its a really good idea to read the first 3 books as well. Its well worth the read! In addition, those HUGE revelations are even more shocking if you have read all the books. I can hardly wait for Theo’s story in Wild Fury and I’m hoping (please) that Jake will eventually get a book as well.