What do you think?
Rate this book
Rosehaven Academy #1
Savage Rose
Xander Grey
Star wide-receiver of the football team.
All the girls want him. All the guys wish they could be him.
He’s a savage.
He plays with my heart, but I can’t tear myself away.
I’ve made a mistake in coming here.
He holds the key to everything.
And I’m afraid of the truth he hides.
Welcome to Rosehaven Academy.
This is a mature new adult high school series and contains situations that some readers might find offensive.
This Book 1 of a duet and ends on a CLIFFHANGER. Book 2, Tainted Rose releases Feb 2021.
Star wide-receiver of the football team.
All the girls want him. All the guys wish they could be him.
He’s a savage.
He plays with my heart, but I can’t tear myself away.
I’ve made a mistake in coming here.
He holds the key to everything.
And I’m afraid of the truth he hides.
Welcome to Rosehaven Academy.
This is a mature new adult high school series and contains situations that some readers might find offensive.
This Book 1 of a duet and ends on a CLIFFHANGER. Book 2, Tainted Rose releases Feb 2021.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 7, 2021
540 people are currently reading
1134 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
May 4, 2022
This book caught my eye, then the blurb sucked me in. There are secrets, half truths and intrigue. Kept me reading and wanting to find out what happens. I've read a lot of bully/academy reads and this one was predictable in some ways and also new in others. This author made me a believer in this story and the characters.
Rosehaven Academy - where the Roses rule over all and can do no wrong. Thorns are the ones who shouldn't be attending there and don't have a say. They try to stay out of the way of the Roses, but that doesn't always happen. Sometimes a rose can long for a thorn... maybe.
Scarlett just lost her mother, moved to a new town to stay with her aunt and uncle, lastly enrolled in a new school. After being a well liked and popular kid at her old school she is thinking it will be like that again. Wrong. She happens to be a nobody in a sea of somebodies. She tries to fly under the radar with the help of her 2 new friends, but they can't always be there to help and shelter her.
She's caught the eye of one Rose in particular. Xander is the top guy at school. Talented football player, friend to most and charming in the best of ways. She was able to see a different side of him when she met him before starting school. The guy she met while out on a run is nothing like this a-hole she's going up against now. He wants her to leave. Doesn't want her there, but won't give her a reason.
Things happen to her and she doesn't know who is truly behind it or if she should put trust in anyone. She for sure isn't naive, has a bit of a backbone, but unfortunately her body conspires against her when she is around the sexiness that is Xander.
I was rooting for him, but then the end.... Dude! Why you gotta do that?!!? Guess I'll have to start book 2 to see if I can really like him or if I'm rooting for Red to knock him down a peg, to his knees where he belongs!
Rosehaven Academy - where the Roses rule over all and can do no wrong. Thorns are the ones who shouldn't be attending there and don't have a say. They try to stay out of the way of the Roses, but that doesn't always happen. Sometimes a rose can long for a thorn... maybe.
Scarlett just lost her mother, moved to a new town to stay with her aunt and uncle, lastly enrolled in a new school. After being a well liked and popular kid at her old school she is thinking it will be like that again. Wrong. She happens to be a nobody in a sea of somebodies. She tries to fly under the radar with the help of her 2 new friends, but they can't always be there to help and shelter her.
She's caught the eye of one Rose in particular. Xander is the top guy at school. Talented football player, friend to most and charming in the best of ways. She was able to see a different side of him when she met him before starting school. The guy she met while out on a run is nothing like this a-hole she's going up against now. He wants her to leave. Doesn't want her there, but won't give her a reason.
Things happen to her and she doesn't know who is truly behind it or if she should put trust in anyone. She for sure isn't naive, has a bit of a backbone, but unfortunately her body conspires against her when she is around the sexiness that is Xander.
I was rooting for him, but then the end.... Dude! Why you gotta do that?!!? Guess I'll have to start book 2 to see if I can really like him or if I'm rooting for Red to knock him down a peg, to his knees where he belongs!
Read
January 7, 2021Everyone that knows me knows I hate the “betraying body” trope but in some case if the heroine is strong and actually has pride in herself I can ignore it. In this one this guy did so many things real or perceived I don’t care. She just let her body control her and make a mockery of being done with him every time. In my opinion her behaviour was pathetic and embarrassing and definitely not someone I would consider strong. I didn’t finish after the 3rd or maybe the fourth time she let her body control her common sense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2021
A ruthlessly dark, twisted, and dangerous bully romance that is completely enthralling from beginning to end!
Welcome to Rosehaven Academy. A place where Xander Grey rules the Roses and new transfer student Scarlett Miller (Red) has just become the newest little Thorn in his side. The question that remains is why?
The relationship between Xander and Scarlett is complex and will evoke strong feelings. Xander is a character that you will love to hate. He leaves you constantly questioning why he is the way that he is.I had some serious whiplash from his mood swings. Scarlett...let's just say you are going to feel for this girl. This guy is definitely bad for her but, the attraction and pull she feels toward Xander is undeniable and she finds it hard to tear herself away despite getting burned multiple times.
This story will have you on the edge of your seat with it's twists and turns still leaving so many questions to be yet uncovered. Despite the dark themes and situations I found this story completely addictive and hard to put down.
Ending with a completely shocking WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED cliffhanger I am needing Tainted Rose and NOW because this girl needs some answers!!
If bully romance is your thing, let me say that this book definitely delivers and I HIGHLY SUGGEST putting it on your TBR NOW! You'll thank me later 😘😘
*I was generously given an ARC copy of this book by the author for an honest review *
Welcome to Rosehaven Academy. A place where Xander Grey rules the Roses and new transfer student Scarlett Miller (Red) has just become the newest little Thorn in his side. The question that remains is why?
The relationship between Xander and Scarlett is complex and will evoke strong feelings. Xander is a character that you will love to hate. He leaves you constantly questioning why he is the way that he is.I had some serious whiplash from his mood swings. Scarlett...let's just say you are going to feel for this girl. This guy is definitely bad for her but, the attraction and pull she feels toward Xander is undeniable and she finds it hard to tear herself away despite getting burned multiple times.
This story will have you on the edge of your seat with it's twists and turns still leaving so many questions to be yet uncovered. Despite the dark themes and situations I found this story completely addictive and hard to put down.
Ending with a completely shocking WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED cliffhanger I am needing Tainted Rose and NOW because this girl needs some answers!!
If bully romance is your thing, let me say that this book definitely delivers and I HIGHLY SUGGEST putting it on your TBR NOW! You'll thank me later 😘😘
*I was generously given an ARC copy of this book by the author for an honest review *
January 31, 2024
Nothing unique here but I enjoyed it none the less 😊
February 22, 2021
Spanish & English Opinion :: 4.5 🍭🍭🍭🍭🍭
ENG ::
I LOVED the book! Definitely a bully romance with classic elements but arranged in a different way so the story is original and I really like that. And adding mystery to the mix made it incredible. My lack of sleep was definitely not only my baby’s fault last night.
Scarlett & Xander have of the charts chemistry but Xan is still a mystery to me! Why he acts the way he does? What about Aria? The end was a shock.
So many questions! I need the second part ASAP.
ESP ::
¡Me encantó este libro! No lo podía dejar de leer (o sea que mi desvelada no fue solo culpa de mi bebé) pero es que estaba tan adictivo que no quería parar.
Es un bully romance con elementos clásicos pero utilizados de una manera original y diferente, entonces el libro es bastante innovador. Y meter misterio es definitivo algo excelente.
Me encantan Scar y Xander aunque él sigue siendo un completo misterio para mí. ¿Por qué actúa como lo hace? ¿Qué onda con Aria?
Me urge leer el siguiente libro para poder resolver tantas incógnitas.
¡Leila James, me tienes en suspenso!
ENG ::
I LOVED the book! Definitely a bully romance with classic elements but arranged in a different way so the story is original and I really like that. And adding mystery to the mix made it incredible. My lack of sleep was definitely not only my baby’s fault last night.
Scarlett & Xander have of the charts chemistry but Xan is still a mystery to me! Why he acts the way he does? What about Aria? The end was a shock.
So many questions! I need the second part ASAP.
ESP ::
¡Me encantó este libro! No lo podía dejar de leer (o sea que mi desvelada no fue solo culpa de mi bebé) pero es que estaba tan adictivo que no quería parar.
Es un bully romance con elementos clásicos pero utilizados de una manera original y diferente, entonces el libro es bastante innovador. Y meter misterio es definitivo algo excelente.
Me encantan Scar y Xander aunque él sigue siendo un completo misterio para mí. ¿Por qué actúa como lo hace? ¿Qué onda con Aria?
Me urge leer el siguiente libro para poder resolver tantas incógnitas.
¡Leila James, me tienes en suspenso!
January 15, 2021
Absolutely ruthless, dark and twisted bully romance book.
OMG! This book was freaking amazing. I love bully romance books. Xander Grey rules the roses and targets the new student Scarlett Miller (aka Red) a thorn. The chemistry between Xander and Red is intense and HWATTTTT! Xander evokes some strong feelings where you either want to Punch him in the face one second or kiss him another second. You either hate that you love Xander or love that you hate Xander. You feel like you have whiplash due to his roller coaster mood swings. Scarlett is fierce and I love how she doesn’t care that he doesn’t like to be touched and that she keeps coming back to him even though he publicly brings her down multiple times. The way Xander treats Scarlett at times definitely gives you the FEELS. This books is a roller coaster ride and was unable to put the book down until the very end where duh, duh, duh you are left with a cliff hanger that leaves you asking WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED and screaming NOOOOO HE DIDN’’T JUST DO THAT TO HER. So looking forward to reading more about Xander and Scarlett.
OMG! This book was freaking amazing. I love bully romance books. Xander Grey rules the roses and targets the new student Scarlett Miller (aka Red) a thorn. The chemistry between Xander and Red is intense and HWATTTTT! Xander evokes some strong feelings where you either want to Punch him in the face one second or kiss him another second. You either hate that you love Xander or love that you hate Xander. You feel like you have whiplash due to his roller coaster mood swings. Scarlett is fierce and I love how she doesn’t care that he doesn’t like to be touched and that she keeps coming back to him even though he publicly brings her down multiple times. The way Xander treats Scarlett at times definitely gives you the FEELS. This books is a roller coaster ride and was unable to put the book down until the very end where duh, duh, duh you are left with a cliff hanger that leaves you asking WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED and screaming NOOOOO HE DIDN’’T JUST DO THAT TO HER. So looking forward to reading more about Xander and Scarlett.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2021
Absolutely Fantastic Bully Romance
Hold on to your hat! Holy moly! This book was absolutely amazing. My good friend tried to get me to read it a while back and I should have listened and read it right there and then because, it is absolutely
amazing!! A MUST READ!!!!
See now this is the type of bully book I love. Characters hate each other, guy is a jerk, but there is a reason he is a jerk (family home is bad, bad environment, ect.) and the chemistry flies off the pages!!! I read this book in half a day. I couldn’t put it down. When I finished I pre-ordered book2 and plan on going to buy this book (I read it through Kindle Unlimited), because I need to read it again!
Oh. My. Gosh. Eeeekkk! I loved Xander so much. He is the ultimate jerk but also makes your heart beat so fast at everything he says! And Scarlett, that girl is fierce. There is so much more to learn about these two. This book had lots of fun twists and turns! I can’t wait to see what comes next!
Hold on to your hat! Holy moly! This book was absolutely amazing. My good friend tried to get me to read it a while back and I should have listened and read it right there and then because, it is absolutely
amazing!! A MUST READ!!!!
See now this is the type of bully book I love. Characters hate each other, guy is a jerk, but there is a reason he is a jerk (family home is bad, bad environment, ect.) and the chemistry flies off the pages!!! I read this book in half a day. I couldn’t put it down. When I finished I pre-ordered book2 and plan on going to buy this book (I read it through Kindle Unlimited), because I need to read it again!
Oh. My. Gosh. Eeeekkk! I loved Xander so much. He is the ultimate jerk but also makes your heart beat so fast at everything he says! And Scarlett, that girl is fierce. There is so much more to learn about these two. This book had lots of fun twists and turns! I can’t wait to see what comes next!
December 31, 2020
This book was amazing for being Leila's debut book. Scarlett is an all around good girl who is looking for answers and Xander is the type of guy that you should be afraid of. I was hooked from page one and I couldn't but it down. The chemistry and attraction between these two is hot, intense and its very push and pull. This book as all of the classic elements to make it a great bully romance book with a side of sports which is a plus. Xander is a bit of mystery which makes you wonder what he is hiding and will Scarlett figure it out. This book ends on a cliffhanger which I didn't see coming and I can't wait for the second book in this series to come out because I really need to now what happens between Xander and Scarlett.
January 9, 2021
Great story
This was a great intro to a few main characters. It ends with an intense cliffhanger... I’m anxiously awaiting the next book!
This was a great intro to a few main characters. It ends with an intense cliffhanger... I’m anxiously awaiting the next book!
May 11, 2021
An enemies-to-lovers trope full of scorching-hot passion and torturing bullying that will set any reader on a rollercoaster of contrasting emotions!
Read full review in the 2021 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2021 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
January 6, 2021
Book 1 is a cliffhanger, but the release dates are set so we don’t have to wait long for the next book.
Bully romance isn't a trope I normally read, but this one intrigued me.
After her mother's death, Scarlett moves in with her aunt and uncle and starts school at Rosehaven Academy, her mother's alma mater. Rosehaven is the typical rich snobby kid private school. So not Scarlett's scene. But she's here on an athletic scholarship and, her mom loved it there, so it couldn't be all bad.
Xander is typical popular football player and general pain in Scarlett's side from the first day. Sort of like the boy that pulls the girl's hair because he likes her. Except in high school, the taunting is kicked up major degrees.
But Xander and Scarlett just keep gravitating towards each other like there is some gravitational pull that neither can control.
With so many questions swirling around her scholarship and her mother and the father she never knew, will Scarlett ever fit in? And that cliff hanger will have you wanting to turn to pages that aren't there. I need book 2 soon to get the resolution of Xan and Scarlett's story (and to see if Xan can redeem himself).
Bully romance isn't a trope I normally read, but this one intrigued me.
After her mother's death, Scarlett moves in with her aunt and uncle and starts school at Rosehaven Academy, her mother's alma mater. Rosehaven is the typical rich snobby kid private school. So not Scarlett's scene. But she's here on an athletic scholarship and, her mom loved it there, so it couldn't be all bad.
Xander is typical popular football player and general pain in Scarlett's side from the first day. Sort of like the boy that pulls the girl's hair because he likes her. Except in high school, the taunting is kicked up major degrees.
But Xander and Scarlett just keep gravitating towards each other like there is some gravitational pull that neither can control.
With so many questions swirling around her scholarship and her mother and the father she never knew, will Scarlett ever fit in? And that cliff hanger will have you wanting to turn to pages that aren't there. I need book 2 soon to get the resolution of Xan and Scarlett's story (and to see if Xan can redeem himself).
January 6, 2021
I don't even remember the last time I read a book without any typos. Typos don't necessarily turn a good book into a nasty pile of words, but they do take you out of the reading experience. This book has freaking zero typos. It's impressive, honestly.
The story did not stick with me though. It's more of the same. Another bully story following the same ideas, no surprises. You expect the turns and revelations because it's nothing new.
Xander was all right, and the bullying level is very, very light. At a certain point in the book I had even forgotten it was a bullying romance.
The main character, whose name already escapes me, has a strong reaction to her mother's passing in the beginning of the book, which was interesting. But then it was quickly forgotten and her mother became just a memory. I felt like the first reaction was too extreme if there was going to have no consequences or other reactions.
Her friends were alright. Daphne I felt lacked personality. Max was too stereotypical, as was the rival.
Overall a good, entertaining read. It moved quickly and I might grab the next one. Not sure though.
The story did not stick with me though. It's more of the same. Another bully story following the same ideas, no surprises. You expect the turns and revelations because it's nothing new.
Xander was all right, and the bullying level is very, very light. At a certain point in the book I had even forgotten it was a bullying romance.
The main character, whose name already escapes me, has a strong reaction to her mother's passing in the beginning of the book, which was interesting. But then it was quickly forgotten and her mother became just a memory. I felt like the first reaction was too extreme if there was going to have no consequences or other reactions.
Her friends were alright. Daphne I felt lacked personality. Max was too stereotypical, as was the rival.
Overall a good, entertaining read. It moved quickly and I might grab the next one. Not sure though.
December 22, 2020
This book really drew me in, I do love a good NA High School bully romance story. I need all the drama the angst and characters to both love and hate, Savage Rose had all of these things.
Xander gave me whiplash with his Jekyll and Hyde personality, I wanted to know who he really was, which side was the real him. He's one of those characters that get under your skin as you try to unravel his personality.
Scarlett was a great girl I loved her fire, she's smart, independent and strong. I really felt for her, she hasn't had an easy time. Trying to fit into Rosehaven Academy was never going to be easy for her but she faced it head on.
I loved the back and forth between Scarlett and Xander, their whole enemies to lovers story was addictive. The pace of the story flowed well and kept me intrigued throughout.
That ending.....OMFG!! I loved it. I can't wait for Tainted Rose. ( Part 2 )
Xander gave me whiplash with his Jekyll and Hyde personality, I wanted to know who he really was, which side was the real him. He's one of those characters that get under your skin as you try to unravel his personality.
Scarlett was a great girl I loved her fire, she's smart, independent and strong. I really felt for her, she hasn't had an easy time. Trying to fit into Rosehaven Academy was never going to be easy for her but she faced it head on.
I loved the back and forth between Scarlett and Xander, their whole enemies to lovers story was addictive. The pace of the story flowed well and kept me intrigued throughout.
That ending.....OMFG!! I loved it. I can't wait for Tainted Rose. ( Part 2 )
December 8, 2020
As the first half of a duet, this book absolutely does its job. It will suck you in, demand your attention, make you fall HARD for the characters, and leave you wanting more!
Scarlett is such an all encompassing heroine, she's bright & fun & a hard worker, despite the heartache she's seen. She deserves so much good!
Xander... Xander is definite proof that there is more to the "Roses", the rich kids, than what they put up for show. Despite Xander's bad boy ways & tendency to be a bit of a bully & a tease, he has these few moments of redeeming sweetness that keep you from wanting to kick him in the shin & throw Legos under his feet. Lol what? It's true. You'll see.
This cliffhanger is going to knock you over though, so be prepared for that! I spent 10 minutes saying "No! No! Nooooooo! Why?" After I finished.
Overall I absolutely LOVED this book & I'm dying to read the other half
Scarlett is such an all encompassing heroine, she's bright & fun & a hard worker, despite the heartache she's seen. She deserves so much good!
Xander... Xander is definite proof that there is more to the "Roses", the rich kids, than what they put up for show. Despite Xander's bad boy ways & tendency to be a bit of a bully & a tease, he has these few moments of redeeming sweetness that keep you from wanting to kick him in the shin & throw Legos under his feet. Lol what? It's true. You'll see.
This cliffhanger is going to knock you over though, so be prepared for that! I spent 10 minutes saying "No! No! Nooooooo! Why?" After I finished.
Overall I absolutely LOVED this book & I'm dying to read the other half
January 18, 2021
⭐️ 5/5 ARC Review ⭐️
I stumbled upon this new author and as soon as I saw the cover and read the blurb I was sold!
🔥Xander ~ HOT, HOT... oh and HOT, he’s the big shot football player of Rosehaven Academy and he has his eyes, heart set on Scarlett
❤️Scarlett AKA “Red” ~ Sweet, smart, athletic, and in Xander’s crossfire.
Xander “runs” into Scarlett one day and she gets totally smitten until the next time she sees him he’s not the sweet kind boy she thought he was. Xander drives her crazy with his bully antics. But she slowly can’t help but feel the steamy hot attraction to their high school football star.
🌹 Enemies to lovers with cliffy... BUT the second book is right around the corner :)
I stumbled upon this new author and as soon as I saw the cover and read the blurb I was sold!
🔥Xander ~ HOT, HOT... oh and HOT, he’s the big shot football player of Rosehaven Academy and he has his eyes, heart set on Scarlett
❤️Scarlett AKA “Red” ~ Sweet, smart, athletic, and in Xander’s crossfire.
Xander “runs” into Scarlett one day and she gets totally smitten until the next time she sees him he’s not the sweet kind boy she thought he was. Xander drives her crazy with his bully antics. But she slowly can’t help but feel the steamy hot attraction to their high school football star.
🌹 Enemies to lovers with cliffy... BUT the second book is right around the corner :)
March 18, 2021
Two stars due to distasteful scene
The story started ok. The plot and bullying are a little confusing. The reason and excuses for the bullying are just silly, do not make any sense. Scarlett is a weak female character. I tried to like her but I cannot figure her out. I lost interest when she feels sorry and wants to apologize to the boy that almost raped her. I lost interest in the story and thought she was so dumb. What was the author thinking to insert an awful scene? It is the reason for the two stars. I believe I already know who is Scarlett’s father and Xander's behavior. I am not sure if I want to read book two. Lost interest.
The story started ok. The plot and bullying are a little confusing. The reason and excuses for the bullying are just silly, do not make any sense. Scarlett is a weak female character. I tried to like her but I cannot figure her out. I lost interest when she feels sorry and wants to apologize to the boy that almost raped her. I lost interest in the story and thought she was so dumb. What was the author thinking to insert an awful scene? It is the reason for the two stars. I believe I already know who is Scarlett’s father and Xander's behavior. I am not sure if I want to read book two. Lost interest.
January 27, 2021
This book caught me off guard BIG TIME !!! I've never read this type of book before in honesty and wasnt sure I would. From page one I was hooked !!! I feel in love with Scarlet (maybe because I am a redhead.lol) It was many years ago when I was in high school and this took me back immediately. I was the sheepish girl who would have loved the attention of a football player. While I was reading this book "I was Scarlet" and I felt all the feelings she felt. I was so caught up in the book that I was shocked by the ending for sure and I cant wait to read the second book.❤🔥❤🔥❤🔥
February 2, 2021
You had me at "im lost"
Holly Cow!!! Savage Rose
The minute the words "im so lost" were whispered i was sucked in. Then a brief reinforcement for my new love of sweat pants on men, guess I know what im getting him for valentines day. Holy crap the magnetised attraction 🥴🥴🥴🥴From there I honestly just believe my Jay has been dropping little by little until it smashed into the floor 😲 .
P.S I need to buy myself some yoga shorts. Stat lol 🥴🥴🥴
Holly Cow!!! Savage Rose
The minute the words "im so lost" were whispered i was sucked in. Then a brief reinforcement for my new love of sweat pants on men, guess I know what im getting him for valentines day. Holy crap the magnetised attraction 🥴🥴🥴🥴From there I honestly just believe my Jay has been dropping little by little until it smashed into the floor 😲 .
P.S I need to buy myself some yoga shorts. Stat lol 🥴🥴🥴
December 22, 2023
Some of the most crushingly boring characters/writing I've ever experienced. The book is bland and over half of the plot doesn't matter, and the book would be no worse without it.
The writing wasn’t great; the characters were undeveloped, and everything seemed forced and confusing. The female was very frustrating, she was very weak despite her character being written to seem stubborn and strong. She was a doormat, a boring AF doormat. I would rather watch paint dry than read another one in this series.
The writing wasn’t great; the characters were undeveloped, and everything seemed forced and confusing. The female was very frustrating, she was very weak despite her character being written to seem stubborn and strong. She was a doormat, a boring AF doormat. I would rather watch paint dry than read another one in this series.
May 19, 2022
Woo, okay I have conflicting feelings on my enjoyment of this story. It was my first Leila James book and I'm willing to look more into their other titles if the oportunity presents itself. I have no qualms with James' writing style.
Did I like this story as a romance? No. I believe I just don't really vibe much with bully stuff. After reading this whole novel (in one sitting) I still don't buy that they actually know each other. Do they find each other hot? Yes. But that's it. Outside of that he was just a complete dick to her the entire time until he made her suck his finger off in the nurse's office. The complete 180 in relation to Xander's treatment of her doesn't make sense to me either. Again, I just think bully romances aren't for me. Of the two I've read, it gives me more toxic/Stockholm syndrome vibes rather than swoony vibes.
I have this feeling I know who Scarlett's father is. Confirming this feeling is the only reason I will probably pick up book 2 at some point--from KU of course, not super invested enough to "buy" it.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Also if Xander and like the whole school knew about Justin, why didnt Xander tell Scarlett straight up, "hey stay away from my step-brother because he's a rapey fuck" not just "Stay away from this one random dude thats been the only one nice to you, he's bad news. You'll find out soon enough.(But hey I can sexually harass/molest you anytime I want because the author said we're supposed to be end game and you're not telling me no)" Also I'm having a weird time with all the sexy time stuff knowing that she's still a minor/teenager(17). I did appreciate the minor few occurances that Xander checked for verbal consent however.
For as racked up with grief Scarlett was about her mother, she got over it hella fast in the matter of a couple weeks because hot dude with huge dick(of course) and a dimple kept staring at her...so that was a thing I guess.
3.5 stars because it kept my attention enough to finish it in one sitting. Plus, I only caught one typo.
Did I like this story as a romance? No. I believe I just don't really vibe much with bully stuff. After reading this whole novel (in one sitting) I still don't buy that they actually know each other. Do they find each other hot? Yes. But that's it. Outside of that he was just a complete dick to her the entire time until he made her suck his finger off in the nurse's office. The complete 180 in relation to Xander's treatment of her doesn't make sense to me either. Again, I just think bully romances aren't for me. Of the two I've read, it gives me more toxic/Stockholm syndrome vibes rather than swoony vibes.
I have this feeling I know who Scarlett's father is. Confirming this feeling is the only reason I will probably pick up book 2 at some point--from KU of course, not super invested enough to "buy" it.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Also if Xander and like the whole school knew about Justin, why didnt Xander tell Scarlett straight up, "hey stay away from my step-brother because he's a rapey fuck" not just "Stay away from this one random dude thats been the only one nice to you, he's bad news. You'll find out soon enough.(But hey I can sexually harass/molest you anytime I want because the author said we're supposed to be end game and you're not telling me no)" Also I'm having a weird time with all the sexy time stuff knowing that she's still a minor/teenager(17). I did appreciate the minor few occurances that Xander checked for verbal consent however.
For as racked up with grief Scarlett was about her mother, she got over it hella fast in the matter of a couple weeks because hot dude with huge dick(of course) and a dimple kept staring at her...so that was a thing I guess.
3.5 stars because it kept my attention enough to finish it in one sitting. Plus, I only caught one typo.
May 5, 2021
So Unbelievably Hot
This is not your average bad boy/bully read, This is a Helluva Intense, exciting, keep you on the edge of your seat journey that you do not want to end!! This does have a cliffy, but book 2 in the series is Now out!! Yassssss...See ya on the flip side!!!
This is not your average bad boy/bully read, This is a Helluva Intense, exciting, keep you on the edge of your seat journey that you do not want to end!! This does have a cliffy, but book 2 in the series is Now out!! Yassssss...See ya on the flip side!!!
January 10, 2021
3.5 stars
This is an interesting start to a new series. Scarlett has been accepted to Rosenhaven Academy on a scholarship. Her mother attended there in the past and Scarlett would like to learn more about her. The book leaves a lot of unanswered questions about her mother's past. Throw in Xander and his mysterious behavior and you have some interesting questions. The book ends on a cliffhanger and will leave you cursing out a certain character I'm sure.
This is an interesting start to a new series. Scarlett has been accepted to Rosenhaven Academy on a scholarship. Her mother attended there in the past and Scarlett would like to learn more about her. The book leaves a lot of unanswered questions about her mother's past. Throw in Xander and his mysterious behavior and you have some interesting questions. The book ends on a cliffhanger and will leave you cursing out a certain character I'm sure.
April 12, 2021
If you want an edge of your seat, angsty romance with a massive cliffhanger, this is definitely your book.
We meet Scarlett who has just moved to the area after her mother dies, to live with her aunt and uncle. Scarlett has been given a scholarship to the prestigious Rosehaven academy. Scarlett meets Xander on a couple of runs before school starts and he’s nice to her. But that all changes when she’s gets to school.
I’m not normally a fan of ‘my body betrays me’ lines, but Leila James has written it in such a way that it is integral to the storyline. Scarlett hates Xander in some ways but her body tells a different story. There is so much bullying in this book, but it is done delicately.
I was gripped right from the start and the way the story unfolds is amazing. Scarlett has been through so much already. Can she survive Xander?
Good points
Good characters- absolutely love Micah and Beau
Gripping
Excellent plot line
Real issues that face teenagers
Bad points
This may sound cliché but there are not I loved this so much and had the worst book hangover afterwards. Thank goodness book 2 was already available when I read it or I would’ve been climbing the walls 😂😂
We meet Scarlett who has just moved to the area after her mother dies, to live with her aunt and uncle. Scarlett has been given a scholarship to the prestigious Rosehaven academy. Scarlett meets Xander on a couple of runs before school starts and he’s nice to her. But that all changes when she’s gets to school.
I’m not normally a fan of ‘my body betrays me’ lines, but Leila James has written it in such a way that it is integral to the storyline. Scarlett hates Xander in some ways but her body tells a different story. There is so much bullying in this book, but it is done delicately.
I was gripped right from the start and the way the story unfolds is amazing. Scarlett has been through so much already. Can she survive Xander?
Good points
Good characters- absolutely love Micah and Beau
Gripping
Excellent plot line
Real issues that face teenagers
Bad points
This may sound cliché but there are not I loved this so much and had the worst book hangover afterwards. Thank goodness book 2 was already available when I read it or I would’ve been climbing the walls 😂😂
April 12, 2021
Let me start by saying this is the first book I've ever read by Leila James, and I am so glad I did! I am so impressed with Leila's writing style and storytelling, and the editor did an amazing job, which I always appreciate.
This book got my attention from the very first page, and held my attention until the very end (with that cliffhanger!), so I'm definitely going straight to the second book in this duet. Xander and Scarlett had amazing chemistry, and I just couldn't put it down. This book is definitely recommended!!
This book got my attention from the very first page, and held my attention until the very end (with that cliffhanger!), so I'm definitely going straight to the second book in this duet. Xander and Scarlett had amazing chemistry, and I just couldn't put it down. This book is definitely recommended!!
April 2, 2021
OMG!! Sander and Scarlett are freaking hot from the start. The chemistry is amazing!! There's steamy dirty talk and secrets that revolve around Scarlett and her family. This series is great one. It doesn't disappoint
January 26, 2021
WHAT THE F**K!!!!
[image error]
I WAS ROOTING FOR YOUR XANDER!!! AND THEN YOU PULL SOME 💩 LIKE THAT?!?!?! I don't know what's going to happens in the next book but I demand answers, and that Scarlett kick his rear to the curb.
I didn't put this book down till I finished, James had me hooked. With the passing of her mother and moving in with her aunt and uncle, Scarlett gets accepted into Rosehaven Academy on a scholarship, but you come to find out that there is something strange about her situation. Her mother was a graduate of RA, but snobby rich kids isn't really Scarlett's scene (not to mention Xander doesn't exactly welcome her either). The school is divided into the roses and the thorns, the rich supa dupa elite kids, and the thorns being everyone else who attends RA. Scarlett tries to discover secrets about her scholarship and her mother while also trying to understand her dizzying feelings for Xander. He's a lovable and unlovable character. Towards the end of the book, he becomes more lovable and then on the last page he becomes scum.
Xander and Scarlet got some C-H-E-M-I-S-T-R-Y!!! They damn near made my phone overheat
Xander began bullying her because she was beautiful but she was also "unworthy" of being at his school and he is hiding something. This book ended on a cliffhanger I wasn't expecting and am very pissed about.
P.S. there was a girl bully cause would this really be a bully romance if the MC didn't have a hot bully boy and his crazy ex on her ass? She is a piece of work.
[image error]
I WAS ROOTING FOR YOUR XANDER!!! AND THEN YOU PULL SOME 💩 LIKE THAT?!?!?! I don't know what's going to happens in the next book but I demand answers, and that Scarlett kick his rear to the curb.
I didn't put this book down till I finished, James had me hooked. With the passing of her mother and moving in with her aunt and uncle, Scarlett gets accepted into Rosehaven Academy on a scholarship, but you come to find out that there is something strange about her situation. Her mother was a graduate of RA, but snobby rich kids isn't really Scarlett's scene (not to mention Xander doesn't exactly welcome her either). The school is divided into the roses and the thorns, the rich supa dupa elite kids, and the thorns being everyone else who attends RA. Scarlett tries to discover secrets about her scholarship and her mother while also trying to understand her dizzying feelings for Xander. He's a lovable and unlovable character. Towards the end of the book, he becomes more lovable and then on the last page he becomes scum.
Xander and Scarlet got some C-H-E-M-I-S-T-R-Y!!! They damn near made my phone overheat
Xander began bullying her because she was beautiful but she was also "unworthy" of being at his school and he is hiding something. This book ended on a cliffhanger I wasn't expecting and am very pissed about.
P.S. there was a girl bully cause would this really be a bully romance if the MC didn't have a hot bully boy and his crazy ex on her ass? She is a piece of work.
February 12, 2021
Very cliché. One of those ‘been there done that’ plots. But pretty well written so I hung in.
I did enjoy the fact that the main guy was not described like they are in every other book ‘devastatingly handsome, muscles upon muscles’ and every unrealistic teenage boy description I’ve read. He was a normal buff football player with normal hotness factor lol! He seemed like a real guy I could have gone to highschool with. The main girl was also realistic.
The bullying is pretty tame, but I can appreciate that. Sometimes authors take it too far. It was annoying that is went from 0-100 in sexual tension and acts though. I like a little more slow burn. Like he went from ‘hating’ her to his hands down her pants and her thinking ‘oh no! I shouldn’t do this! He was mean to me yesterday!’
Typical — I need to hurt you to protect you, type cliffhanger... but I’ll read the next one!
I did enjoy the fact that the main guy was not described like they are in every other book ‘devastatingly handsome, muscles upon muscles’ and every unrealistic teenage boy description I’ve read. He was a normal buff football player with normal hotness factor lol! He seemed like a real guy I could have gone to highschool with. The main girl was also realistic.
The bullying is pretty tame, but I can appreciate that. Sometimes authors take it too far. It was annoying that is went from 0-100 in sexual tension and acts though. I like a little more slow burn. Like he went from ‘hating’ her to his hands down her pants and her thinking ‘oh no! I shouldn’t do this! He was mean to me yesterday!’
Typical — I need to hurt you to protect you, type cliffhanger... but I’ll read the next one!
March 12, 2021
This is the 1st in a duet and is Xander and Scarlett’s journey. Scarlett is a new transfer student who is at Rosehaven Academy on a scholarship, and Xander is the leader of the “Roses”. Scarlett is drawn to Xander and the chemistry between them is off the charts and undeniable, and while Scarlett is looking for answers, Xander is an enigma and mysterious, and is hiding some secret which could explain the reason he is acting the way he does towards Scarlett. My word that cliffhanger!! This is a well written tale which is dark, twisted, intense, and with emotions, secrets, and a love / hate, bully romance with a complex relationship. I was totally enthralled throughout this riveting and addictive page turner, and I cannot wait to read #1. This talented author has done an amazing job in weaving this storyline, and I highly recommend her work.
March 5, 2021
OMG this series is so GOOD! I didn’t think this story could be anywhere near as good as the first two but boy was I wrong! I have a new fantasy of libraries now for sure. The only thing I can say in the negative is more about my lack of patience not the authors writing is that dang cliff hanger!!! I don’t want to wait to find out what happens!!!! Lol Awesome job Leila James.
February 15, 2021
Absolutely LOVED this from cover to cover!! Cannot wait to get my hands on book 2!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews