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Raven River Academy #1
The Angels
My parents forgot something when they ran… me.
After scamming most of our town out of their life savings, my folks disappeared in the middle of the night.
Forced to take me in, my estranged aunt and uncle shipped me off to Raven River Academy the first chance they got.
In my town, the line between the haves and the have-nots is actually a twelve-foot gate that keep the unwanted where they belong. Nothing could unite the two factions until I set foot on campus.
For the first time in our history, they all agree on one thing:
I must pay for my father’s sins.
But why should I care?
The joke is on them because I have nothing left inside. No part of me that isn’t already broken. I invite them to do their worst.
Until The Angels enter the game.
The most dangerous gang in town has a score to settle with my family, and Cassius, Clay, Hiro, and Royal are here to collect.
Raven River soon becomes a battleground of lies, deceit, and violence, and I stand at the heart of it.
The gorgeous otherworldly Angels will remind me that there is one thing left that I care about… and they’ll destroy it in heavenly fire.
After scamming most of our town out of their life savings, my folks disappeared in the middle of the night.
Forced to take me in, my estranged aunt and uncle shipped me off to Raven River Academy the first chance they got.
In my town, the line between the haves and the have-nots is actually a twelve-foot gate that keep the unwanted where they belong. Nothing could unite the two factions until I set foot on campus.
For the first time in our history, they all agree on one thing:
I must pay for my father’s sins.
But why should I care?
The joke is on them because I have nothing left inside. No part of me that isn’t already broken. I invite them to do their worst.
Until The Angels enter the game.
The most dangerous gang in town has a score to settle with my family, and Cassius, Clay, Hiro, and Royal are here to collect.
Raven River soon becomes a battleground of lies, deceit, and violence, and I stand at the heart of it.
The gorgeous otherworldly Angels will remind me that there is one thing left that I care about… and they’ll destroy it in heavenly fire.
Audible Audio
First published May 28, 2020
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About the author
Ruby Vincent
86 books1,246 followersRuby Vincent is a published author with many novels under her belt but now she's taking a fun foray into contemporary romance. She loves saucy heroines, bold alpha males, and weaving a tale where both get their happy ever after.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 276 reviews
May 2, 2021
Good things about this book:
-I've been dnfing new adult books like crazy, and this was the first in a string of other books where the writing was compelling enough to hold my attention till the end.
-The set-up to how this heroine was bullied by her classmates was brilliant imo. Having parents defraud their friends, family members, & colleagues in a Bernie Madoff-like ponzi scheme isn't something I've read before.
-The heroine's little brother was deaf, and the author wrote his character well with sensitivity.
-The city's economics & social structure was well-thought out by the author, and contributed to the hierarchy of the private school in a realistic way. I have a wealthy family member that lives in a city filled with circles multi-millionaires (some old money, others new money). She comes from an old money name, but married new money so she isn't on the highest rung of the hierarchy. She lives in a gated community within a city, and the set-up in this book kind of reminded me of that. She & her husband were on the board of this fancy summer camp, and they would send me to the camp each summer on scholarship. Many of the kids coming from that camp came from the same private school and the hierarchy of the school would follow them to the camp. I think this author must have some kind of experience from being in the kind of private school wealthy parents send their kids too. I don't always see this authenticity in these new adult books.
-There was a lot of realism in this book. Unlike one of the most recent new adult books I read the concept of police exist. Students actually go to class & have assignments. There are all kinds of contraband being funneled into the school by dealers - alcohol, candy, & drugs. Totally loved the added detail with the candy.
-The group of angels (gang members) were all described well, were hot, and had their own personalities.
Things that I didn't like or were only so-so
-The triplets - Cas & Clay sharing the heroine squicks me out. I don't like it when 2 brothers share a girl. It's too incestuous for me.
-With the 2 groups of bullies being introduced, I wasn't sure who the MMCs were supposed to be at first, and I think the story lost some of its focus because of that.
-The heroine so clearly has it bad for Royal, it seems like she's just hooking up with the other two brothers.
-I read spoilers for the next book, and it looks like this turns into convoluted drama, with twists I'm not a fan of, and I just don't feel inclined to spend any more of my time on this series.
-I've been dnfing new adult books like crazy, and this was the first in a string of other books where the writing was compelling enough to hold my attention till the end.
-The set-up to how this heroine was bullied by her classmates was brilliant imo. Having parents defraud their friends, family members, & colleagues in a Bernie Madoff-like ponzi scheme isn't something I've read before.
-The heroine's little brother was deaf, and the author wrote his character well with sensitivity.
-The city's economics & social structure was well-thought out by the author, and contributed to the hierarchy of the private school in a realistic way. I have a wealthy family member that lives in a city filled with circles multi-millionaires (some old money, others new money). She comes from an old money name, but married new money so she isn't on the highest rung of the hierarchy. She lives in a gated community within a city, and the set-up in this book kind of reminded me of that. She & her husband were on the board of this fancy summer camp, and they would send me to the camp each summer on scholarship. Many of the kids coming from that camp came from the same private school and the hierarchy of the school would follow them to the camp. I think this author must have some kind of experience from being in the kind of private school wealthy parents send their kids too. I don't always see this authenticity in these new adult books.
-There was a lot of realism in this book. Unlike one of the most recent new adult books I read the concept of police exist. Students actually go to class & have assignments. There are all kinds of contraband being funneled into the school by dealers - alcohol, candy, & drugs. Totally loved the added detail with the candy.
-The group of angels (gang members) were all described well, were hot, and had their own personalities.
Things that I didn't like or were only so-so
-The triplets - Cas & Clay sharing the heroine squicks me out. I don't like it when 2 brothers share a girl. It's too incestuous for me.
-With the 2 groups of bullies being introduced, I wasn't sure who the MMCs were supposed to be at first, and I think the story lost some of its focus because of that.
-The heroine so clearly has it bad for Royal, it seems like she's just hooking up with the other two brothers.
-I read spoilers for the next book, and it looks like this turns into convoluted drama, with twists I'm not a fan of, and I just don't feel inclined to spend any more of my time on this series.
July 3, 2020
The problem I had connecting with this book was that there were two groups of guys initially. Who were the heroes?!?! There was Leo, Nolan, and Julian and then there was Clay, Hiro, and Royal. I did not know where the story was going.
What was the point of introducing the first group of bullies?? Then the author introduced the second group.
Ember's parents' stole from the town and left. Ember and her brother were left with her aunt and uncle who wanted nothing to do with them. They send Ember and her brother to Raven River Academy. There Ember is bullied. The students want to know where Ember’s parents are and where their money is.
Ember has a history with Royal Cruz.
Clay, Cas, and Hiro are Royal’s best friends. Royal and the other guys are part of a gang.
The gang wants $100,000 from Ember.
“Where are your parents, Ember?”
“Where is our money, Ember?”
“We are going to hurt you if you don’t tell us where your parents are, Ember!”
I hope this verbiage changes soon.
I skimmed a lot of this. I liked the last 20% of this book.
What was the point of introducing the first group of bullies?? Then the author introduced the second group.
Ember's parents' stole from the town and left. Ember and her brother were left with her aunt and uncle who wanted nothing to do with them. They send Ember and her brother to Raven River Academy. There Ember is bullied. The students want to know where Ember’s parents are and where their money is.
Ember has a history with Royal Cruz.
Clay, Cas, and Hiro are Royal’s best friends. Royal and the other guys are part of a gang.
The gang wants $100,000 from Ember.
“Where are your parents, Ember?”
“Where is our money, Ember?”
“We are going to hurt you if you don’t tell us where your parents are, Ember!”
I hope this verbiage changes soon.
I skimmed a lot of this. I liked the last 20% of this book.
November 15, 2022
Great original storyline! There is a lot of mystery to be found here. Tons of suspense. Smidge of how done it. Dabble of violence. Could be triggering for some readers.
Really enjoyed this read. There was a little something missing I can't quite put my finger on. It could be the lack of a solid relationship between the FMC and MCs. When there is finally a hook up it seems rushed. At this point, I would almost that aspect have not happened at all than for it to happen and be meaningless. Just my opinion.
Truly great storyline! Perfect cliffhanger! Looking forward to book 2!
Happy reading,
DD 🥂
Really enjoyed this read. There was a little something missing I can't quite put my finger on. It could be the lack of a solid relationship between the FMC and MCs. When there is finally a hook up it seems rushed. At this point, I would almost that aspect have not happened at all than for it to happen and be meaningless. Just my opinion.
Truly great storyline! Perfect cliffhanger! Looking forward to book 2!
Happy reading,
DD 🥂
June 13, 2025
There was justice in this world. But only the kind you made for yourself.
I loved this book so much I had trouble articulating why. There were so many things that just hit right with me and that cliffy just made me want to jump right to the next book.
I am SO rooting for Ember and the guys to get through this and I have no doubt they will. There was no point in this book where I got bored. I was laughing, giggling, and 🥵 because these characters are just that lovable. It felt like so many things happened and the progression of Ember's relationship with each guy was just. WELL. DONE. I'm so excited to read more.
It was amazing for me to realize that this is told in a single POV and still, it didn't feel like I was missing anything. I loved guessing each guy's thoughts and motivations.
THE MCs
Ember — How can an 18-year-old be this badass and mature? I loved Ember so much. She's everything I wanted in an FMC — feisty, strong-minded, proactive, smart, protective, and compassionate. Despite how tough and prickly she may act, at the core of her, she has a strong sense of right and wrong. You can really tell that she's a good person.
She was getting bullied from all sides but she just let them roll off her back and got even with the people who went too far. What she did to get a little revenge on the Raveners and the Angels? DEVIOUS. I was cackling in delight while reading it.
Royal — Leader of the Angels. Always sketching or smoking. Has history with Ember that made their reunion explosive. They were like bitter exes who broke up but didn't get closure - on fire together but they keep going back.
Clay — The responsible elder brother. Once Ember realized the triplets' story, she realized Clay is like her - a protective older brother who would do anything for people he cares about and she started falling a little for him then.
Cassius — The playful, flirty, potty-mouthed twin. Ember found reprieve with him when something happened and everything became too much for her. He's the sunshine in the group.
Hiro — The beautiful, angry, Japanese guy. He acts like he hates her all the time but wouldn't tell her why. What he did at the end was a nice surprise though because it showed how he really felt about her.
😍 OTHER THINGS I LOVED
✔ That scene in the classroom when she first saw them will forever live rent free in my mind because it was so k-drama/anime coded.
✔ Ember and Royal's dry humping sessions 🤣
✔ Ember visiting the Angels in the school clinic
✔ Ember and Clay in the bathroom scene
✔ Ember and Royal in the garden
✔ Ember and Cassius after the Eli incident
✍🏻 RATINGS
OVERALL RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Loved Everything!
SWOON SCORE: 💓💓💓💓 Swoon-Worthy
SPICE LEVEL: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 Hot and Explicit
Did I laugh? Yes! Many times.
Did I cry? Yes, because I hurt for Ember.
Do I recommend? ✅ YES 💯
💜💜💜
Genre: Contemporary
POV: Single, 1st Person
TROPES: why choose, academy, bully, dark, new girl, badass/sassy FMC, hate-to-love
I loved this book so much I had trouble articulating why. There were so many things that just hit right with me and that cliffy just made me want to jump right to the next book.
I am SO rooting for Ember and the guys to get through this and I have no doubt they will. There was no point in this book where I got bored. I was laughing, giggling, and 🥵 because these characters are just that lovable. It felt like so many things happened and the progression of Ember's relationship with each guy was just. WELL. DONE. I'm so excited to read more.
It was amazing for me to realize that this is told in a single POV and still, it didn't feel like I was missing anything. I loved guessing each guy's thoughts and motivations.
THE MCs
Ember — How can an 18-year-old be this badass and mature? I loved Ember so much. She's everything I wanted in an FMC — feisty, strong-minded, proactive, smart, protective, and compassionate. Despite how tough and prickly she may act, at the core of her, she has a strong sense of right and wrong. You can really tell that she's a good person.
She was getting bullied from all sides but she just let them roll off her back and got even with the people who went too far. What she did to get a little revenge on the Raveners and the Angels? DEVIOUS. I was cackling in delight while reading it.
Royal — Leader of the Angels. Always sketching or smoking. Has history with Ember that made their reunion explosive. They were like bitter exes who broke up but didn't get closure - on fire together but they keep going back.
Clay — The responsible elder brother. Once Ember realized the triplets' story, she realized Clay is like her - a protective older brother who would do anything for people he cares about and she started falling a little for him then.
The kiss-stealing, crude-talking, panty-burning gangbanger had to go and show me the fiercely protective side who does whatever it takes to protect the people he cares about. What the hell was that for! Like I needed to be fixated on another guy when I was already dealing with the king of mind games, Royal Cruz.
Cassius — The playful, flirty, potty-mouthed twin. Ember found reprieve with him when something happened and everything became too much for her. He's the sunshine in the group.
And then he walked in. Beams of light broke through the blinds, covering him in strips of shadows. Sun. Shadows. Sun. Shadows. Both passing over his face as like met like. Brilliant platinum hair flowed from pitch-black roots and brushed his pale forehead. Sun and shadows.
Hiro — The beautiful, angry, Japanese guy. He acts like he hates her all the time but wouldn't tell her why. What he did at the end was a nice surprise though because it showed how he really felt about her.
I didn’t use the word beautiful lightly. I’d been forced to assign it to Julian because some things were just woven into the fabric of reality. The sun rose in the east. I was afraid of frogs. And this angry boy was one of the most gorgeous things I’d ever seen.
😍 OTHER THINGS I LOVED
✔ That scene in the classroom when she first saw them will forever live rent free in my mind because it was so k-drama/anime coded.
✔ Ember and Royal's dry humping sessions 🤣
✔ Ember visiting the Angels in the school clinic
✔ Ember and Clay in the bathroom scene
✔ Ember and Royal in the garden
✔ Ember and Cassius after the Eli incident
✍🏻 RATINGS
OVERALL RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Loved Everything!
SWOON SCORE: 💓💓💓💓 Swoon-Worthy
SPICE LEVEL: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 Hot and Explicit
Did I laugh? Yes! Many times.
Did I cry? Yes, because I hurt for Ember.
Do I recommend? ✅ YES 💯
💜💜💜
Genre: Contemporary
POV: Single, 1st Person
TROPES: why choose, academy, bully, dark, new girl, badass/sassy FMC, hate-to-love
February 6, 2021
3.5 Stars
I struggled with this book because it really is a bully romance. There's not much for the romance side of things because everyone is so focused on blaming her for the mistakes of her parents. I really hated this fact at times. Ember is more than once assaulted for something she did not even do. Even by the guys who will in the future be her men-the relationship as a whole is not cemented in this book and she doesn't even hook up with one of them until nearly the end. Ember has a past with Royal but all the other guys (3) are new to her. At times I think it went too far and even if Ember occasionally fought back, blaming her and treating her the way her peers did was hard to take. I did love the ferocity in which Ember loved her brother. She became his sole protector and even made sure to garner the pain from her peers so he would not. Eli may have been deaf but he was always first in Ember's mind. When something happens to threaten him I was pretty devastated. It was at times hard to fathom how so much cruelty could go on at the school. The headmistress was a decent woman and I think she gave her rich students too much credit. Most of the rich kids AKA Raveners were slime and the stupid divide at the school between rich and poor should have been something the school always tried to bridge. The end was a huge cliffhanger and so much was left hanging in the balance. I did enjoy the book even if it wasn't the best. The men are not my favorite and I didn't love the gang connection they all shared but hopefully we learn more about the why and how's as the series progresses.
I struggled with this book because it really is a bully romance. There's not much for the romance side of things because everyone is so focused on blaming her for the mistakes of her parents. I really hated this fact at times. Ember is more than once assaulted for something she did not even do. Even by the guys who will in the future be her men-the relationship as a whole is not cemented in this book and she doesn't even hook up with one of them until nearly the end. Ember has a past with Royal but all the other guys (3) are new to her. At times I think it went too far and even if Ember occasionally fought back, blaming her and treating her the way her peers did was hard to take. I did love the ferocity in which Ember loved her brother. She became his sole protector and even made sure to garner the pain from her peers so he would not. Eli may have been deaf but he was always first in Ember's mind. When something happens to threaten him I was pretty devastated. It was at times hard to fathom how so much cruelty could go on at the school. The headmistress was a decent woman and I think she gave her rich students too much credit. Most of the rich kids AKA Raveners were slime and the stupid divide at the school between rich and poor should have been something the school always tried to bridge. The end was a huge cliffhanger and so much was left hanging in the balance. I did enjoy the book even if it wasn't the best. The men are not my favorite and I didn't love the gang connection they all shared but hopefully we learn more about the why and how's as the series progresses.
September 7, 2025
I love Ruby Vincents books and this was no exception. This book was really different to most bully romances I've read before especially because you have the 'rich assholes' who are all out to get her because her parents stole their money, but you also have the angels who are also seeking retribution for her parents crimes. Ember is basically penned in from all sides and is just fighting to protect her younger brother (their relationship is the cutest - serious sibling goals right there!). The plot between all 3 groups was really well written, and it was clear to see that while the angels and the 'rich assholes' were all out to get Ember, you could see who the truly vindictive people were. The author also did an excellent job with the growing chemistry between Ember and the Angels. The storyline was full of plot twists and of course a dramatic cliffhanger leaving us dying for the next book!
June 21, 2020
The Angels is a dark, RH bully romance. It is book 1 in the series and ends on a cliffhanger.
I found this story quite confusing. There are 2 separate groups in this school who band together to make the heroines life hell after her parents defrauded their parents and ran away. So they bully her to try and get answers. It’s full on bullying too, causing her physical harm.
Some stuff for me didn’t add up and make sense and I found myself starting to skim. I was really hoping to enjoy this more.
I found this story quite confusing. There are 2 separate groups in this school who band together to make the heroines life hell after her parents defrauded their parents and ran away. So they bully her to try and get answers. It’s full on bullying too, causing her physical harm.
Some stuff for me didn’t add up and make sense and I found myself starting to skim. I was really hoping to enjoy this more.
August 21, 2020
*****5 Stars*****
Triggers: Attempted rape, talk of suicide
Amazing start to a new series! Love Ember the FMC, she is strong, badass, loyal, and unflinching in her will to protect her brother. There is a secret she is guarding, one I didn't see coming. The plot is intriguing and keeps you invested. Her "Angels"are fascinating as we are given little hints and insights in to who they are. Huge cliffhanger! But the trilogy is complete. I will not be sleeping anytime soon, I must know what happened. Need to start next book right the fuck now.
Highy recommend!
Triggers: Attempted rape, talk of suicide
Amazing start to a new series! Love Ember the FMC, she is strong, badass, loyal, and unflinching in her will to protect her brother. There is a secret she is guarding, one I didn't see coming. The plot is intriguing and keeps you invested. Her "Angels"are fascinating as we are given little hints and insights in to who they are. Huge cliffhanger! But the trilogy is complete. I will not be sleeping anytime soon, I must know what happened. Need to start next book right the fuck now.
Highy recommend!
July 31, 2020
i don't know who the hell created the cliffhanger but they need to be slapped with a hardback dictionary.
this shit is torture.
when i get the last book i'll do a better review for each of the books in the series.
March 20, 2025
I'm still waiting for this book to make its point... narration was great.
The boys:
Royal Cruz is the boy who saved her. Talked her off of a ledge and treasured her through her first time, only to disappear in the morning. Bumping into him at her new Academy comes as a shock, only outclassed by discovering his gang affiliations. But everything that should scare her away from him doesn’t stop her from remembering her savior and fantasizing about a second chance.
Clay and Cassius Walker are two mischievous twins. Blonde adonis’ adorned in tattoos and mystery. Cas implores the broken girl inside her to acknowledge their common ground. Clay has yet to really come out of his shell, but you can sense the building tension between them.
Hiro Saito is the most reclusive, most hidden of their group. Always quick with a sneer, always dismissive. But it’s more difficult not to imagine them together in the future than that they won’t overcome their current differences.
Online audiobook 🎶
The boys:
Royal Cruz is the boy who saved her. Talked her off of a ledge and treasured her through her first time, only to disappear in the morning. Bumping into him at her new Academy comes as a shock, only outclassed by discovering his gang affiliations. But everything that should scare her away from him doesn’t stop her from remembering her savior and fantasizing about a second chance.
Clay and Cassius Walker are two mischievous twins. Blonde adonis’ adorned in tattoos and mystery. Cas implores the broken girl inside her to acknowledge their common ground. Clay has yet to really come out of his shell, but you can sense the building tension between them.
Hiro Saito is the most reclusive, most hidden of their group. Always quick with a sneer, always dismissive. But it’s more difficult not to imagine them together in the future than that they won’t overcome their current differences.
Online audiobook 🎶
February 15, 2021
I go back and forth with my feelings on bully romances. I can't really understand how a girl would want to be with a guy who treated her terribly and if there's abuse, I can't continue. In this book, Royal and his boys aren't that bad and they protect Ember more than hurt her so I was on board. I was also drawn in by Ember's relationship with her brother Eli. She loves him so much and their sibling bond was really sweet.
There are two main sets of guys in this, Royal and his crew from the poor Outer Banks and Julian and his friends from the wealthy part of town. It seems like since Royal is a gang member that he'd be the bad guy, but instead it's the wealthy assholes who think they can get away with anything. I loved seeing Ember and the guys get back at the 'raveners' and show them they have consequences. I hope in the other books we see them all taken down!
There are still several questions about Ember's parents and where they are, as well as the Horseman and what will happen with Rio. I'm starting book two now!
There are two main sets of guys in this, Royal and his crew from the poor Outer Banks and Julian and his friends from the wealthy part of town. It seems like since Royal is a gang member that he'd be the bad guy, but instead it's the wealthy assholes who think they can get away with anything. I loved seeing Ember and the guys get back at the 'raveners' and show them they have consequences. I hope in the other books we see them all taken down!
There are still several questions about Ember's parents and where they are, as well as the Horseman and what will happen with Rio. I'm starting book two now!
October 6, 2022
Yeah, I need the next book now.
May 29, 2020
Uhm, rude.
I hate you Ruby Vincent.
This book was everything that I didn't know I needed.
But that cliffhanger, tho... 😳😳😳
I loved every second I spent reading this. Em and these boys are something else and I am HERE FOR IT!!!
I have some suspicions about Brandon that, if I'm right, will destroy me. 😭😭
Royal is perfect. Cas and Clay are perfect. Hiro is a mystery, but a perfect mystery.
I was rooting for Cam to become her bff so I am really looking forward to their relationship to grow. 🥰🥰
This book has everything I love right now. Bullying, Alpha asf males, mystery, angst and a badass fmc.
Read this and thank me later. 😘
I hate you Ruby Vincent.
This book was everything that I didn't know I needed.
But that cliffhanger, tho... 😳😳😳
I loved every second I spent reading this. Em and these boys are something else and I am HERE FOR IT!!!
I have some suspicions about Brandon that, if I'm right, will destroy me. 😭😭
Royal is perfect. Cas and Clay are perfect. Hiro is a mystery, but a perfect mystery.
I was rooting for Cam to become her bff so I am really looking forward to their relationship to grow. 🥰🥰
This book has everything I love right now. Bullying, Alpha asf males, mystery, angst and a badass fmc.
Read this and thank me later. 😘
November 29, 2023
This is a reread and it just reminded me of how much I actually loved this book. Terrible cliffhanger at the end, btw! But so totally worth the time.
The main draw for me is the female MC, who may be getting bullied but she definitely knows how to punch back, figuratively and literally. She's also a very protective sister and you can clearly see that in her actions. Also, she may get in fights and throw a lot of verbal jabs but deep down, I know she's a good person.
I liked that she has a tender history with Royal (causes a lot of angst in their reunion), and of course, I can't resist the perpetually broody and angry Hiro Saito. The twins are a lot of fun, very playful, especially Cas, but their personalities are a little difficult to differentiate (though Ember is right, Cas is more crude than Clay).
Rereading is also a different experience because there's a bomb that will get revealed further into the series that I never saw coming the first time I read it, but now I am seeing all those interactions involving the betrayer in a new light.
Anyway, I definitely recommend this book and I'm off to read the next one!
The main draw for me is the female MC, who may be getting bullied but she definitely knows how to punch back, figuratively and literally. She's also a very protective sister and you can clearly see that in her actions. Also, she may get in fights and throw a lot of verbal jabs but deep down, I know she's a good person.
Because that’s who I was. Beneath the fights, the talking-tough, and the terrible secret of the music box, I was a good person.
I liked that she has a tender history with Royal (causes a lot of angst in their reunion), and of course, I can't resist the perpetually broody and angry Hiro Saito. The twins are a lot of fun, very playful, especially Cas, but their personalities are a little difficult to differentiate (though Ember is right, Cas is more crude than Clay).
Rereading is also a different experience because there's a bomb that will get revealed further into the series that I never saw coming the first time I read it, but now I am seeing all those interactions involving the betrayer in a new light.
Anyway, I definitely recommend this book and I'm off to read the next one!
May 27, 2020
Ends on a cliffhanger ...
Ember and her brother Eli have been dealt a raw hand – abandoned – left to deal with the fallout after their parents fled with money they’d conned from the townsfolk. Now, the students at their posh new high school have plans to enact their own revenge against the siblings; I don’t expect any are anticipating the wild card that is Ember Bancroft however.
I enjoyed this well written, entertaining, high school bully romance. Ember was a smart-mouthed, sassy, take-no-crap spitfire! While she was the subject of constant verbal abuse and numerous physical attacks, in many cases she was also the instigator by throwing the first punch. With zero friends, I enjoyed how she was able forge relationships with some of the schools toughest – The Angels. There’s plenty of drama, humiliation, harassment and bullying behaviour, anguish, violence, some mystery, suspense, secrets, and coarse language, plus some dirty talk along with some steam, and a few surprises. I’m looking forward to the continuation of this tale.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ember and her brother Eli have been dealt a raw hand – abandoned – left to deal with the fallout after their parents fled with money they’d conned from the townsfolk. Now, the students at their posh new high school have plans to enact their own revenge against the siblings; I don’t expect any are anticipating the wild card that is Ember Bancroft however.
I enjoyed this well written, entertaining, high school bully romance. Ember was a smart-mouthed, sassy, take-no-crap spitfire! While she was the subject of constant verbal abuse and numerous physical attacks, in many cases she was also the instigator by throwing the first punch. With zero friends, I enjoyed how she was able forge relationships with some of the schools toughest – The Angels. There’s plenty of drama, humiliation, harassment and bullying behaviour, anguish, violence, some mystery, suspense, secrets, and coarse language, plus some dirty talk along with some steam, and a few surprises. I’m looking forward to the continuation of this tale.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 10, 2025
Freebie Friday
Ok then. Not the best academia book but That twisted cliffhanger has me wanting to know more
Ok then. Not the best academia book but That twisted cliffhanger has me wanting to know more
July 29, 2021
4.5 stars
August 13, 2020
Overall: 0/5
Heat: 0/5
Romance: -100/5
Drama: 4/5
Suspense: 3/5
Cliffhanger(?): This was a DNF for me, so not sure.
MM: Not that I know of
Anal: Not that I know of
BSDM: Not really
Cheating: No
HEA: 0/5
World Building: 1/5
Relationship Building: -100/5
Triggers: 5/5 Bullying, assault, attempted suicide, etc.
This was a DNF for me at 58%. There is no redemption for “The Angels”. They assault her on multiple occasions, groping her, cutting her even cutting her clothes off while holding her down, etc. I like some darkness in romance sometimes, a little roughhousing, and a little bullying.
I don’t like actual assault, stabbing or beating up by the males.
These guys aren’t bullies they are criminals who assault her. How is that sexy and acceptable?!?
I stopped reading at 58% on the 3rd attack where “The Angels” are holding her down, on her bed, in her bedroom at night. She’s got the two “triplets” holding down each arm and covering her mouth while another holds down her legs and is cutting open her pajama top. He then proceeds to draw on her naked body and her body starts to react so he was starting to rub areas. NOT ACCEPTABLE! She’s going to end up being ok with this and ending up in a HEA relationship with the these criminals.
Heat: 0/5
Romance: -100/5
Drama: 4/5
Suspense: 3/5
Cliffhanger(?): This was a DNF for me, so not sure.
MM: Not that I know of
Anal: Not that I know of
BSDM: Not really
Cheating: No
HEA: 0/5
World Building: 1/5
Relationship Building: -100/5
Triggers: 5/5 Bullying, assault, attempted suicide, etc.
This was a DNF for me at 58%. There is no redemption for “The Angels”. They assault her on multiple occasions, groping her, cutting her even cutting her clothes off while holding her down, etc. I like some darkness in romance sometimes, a little roughhousing, and a little bullying.
I don’t like actual assault, stabbing or beating up by the males.
These guys aren’t bullies they are criminals who assault her. How is that sexy and acceptable?!?
I stopped reading at 58% on the 3rd attack where “The Angels” are holding her down, on her bed, in her bedroom at night. She’s got the two “triplets” holding down each arm and covering her mouth while another holds down her legs and is cutting open her pajama top. He then proceeds to draw on her naked body and her body starts to react so he was starting to rub areas. NOT ACCEPTABLE! She’s going to end up being ok with this and ending up in a HEA relationship with the these criminals.
August 11, 2020
Currently on a three day road to make it back to school so I doubt I’ll write a full review of this while it’s still fresh in my mind but I’ll say that this wasn’t bad. Definitely not a favorite and this is really a 2.5 star rating. The reason I didn’t give this two stars here is because I do plan to continue the series (mostly because of the cliffhanger) so that pushes it to three for me. There were too many unexplored side characters in this book for my taste. I wish we had focused on a smaller group and gotten to know them better. The signing element wasn’t as bad as it could have been but there were still times where it was assumed he could lip read perfectly when really you can only ever get 40% of what is said even if you’re really good at it and a lot of characters talked about learning to sign as if it would be easy when in reality it takes a very long time to learn just like any other language. I am interested to see what happened in book two and I hope the plot is more focused and there’s less info dumping.
July 29, 2020
The romance aspect of this isn’t really there at all. Very little in actually developing feelings between the h and the guys. The mystery aspect over the blackmail is interesting but dragged on. Don’t understand why there was the other bullies too.
March 17, 2021
This book gave me serious Hannaford prep vibe in every way. I did like some parts but most of then were really stupid. The reverse harem aspect was forced because Ember shares a deeper connection with Royal and has more chemistry with him while the other 3 guys were more like the side characters. With the other 3 guys, the relationship between them and Ember felt forced. I dont think i ll be reading the next book, i did not like the ending. I mean half of the book the Guys are like “ where is my money, give me my money back” they bully her, harm her, threaten her but then suddenly they are nice as a kitten. Literally out of no where they are so nice and it didnt even feel like it’s a plan where they are being nice to her and later on they ll break her heart and bully her, it wasnt like that tho cuz at the end they genuinely liked her...out of the blue. The only character i liked was Eli’s who is Ember’s younger brother, he is sweet and nice. The Raveners or whatever their name is and Angels ( both are like two groups in their school ) were confusing af, at the beginning when i read about them i couldn’t understand who is whom and belongs who which group or what they want from Ember and then there was the whole OB thing...the two groups of the school and gang part was hella confusing. Good thing was that the characters were not really annoying, it was just the story that was confusing, the relationship felt forced and the guys started being nice so suddenly.
May 30, 2021
OMG!!! I'm hooked, I'm obsessed, This series has all of my attention. There's no adulting, don't ask me where the kids are because Idk. Lol! (They're teens, they're totally fine.)
I instantly fell for Ember and the guys. She's fierce and so protective of her brother Eli whom I absolutely adore. How could you not, right?! They've been through so much, oh but Ember is a fighter, she won't give up.
As I continue with this story, it keeps getting better and better. There were a few things that left me surprised. Definitely has me running to read the next book!
The audio is amazing too.
I instantly fell for Ember and the guys. She's fierce and so protective of her brother Eli whom I absolutely adore. How could you not, right?! They've been through so much, oh but Ember is a fighter, she won't give up.
As I continue with this story, it keeps getting better and better. There were a few things that left me surprised. Definitely has me running to read the next book!
The audio is amazing too.
May 26, 2020
A wonderful start to a new series. Bully romances are hard to get right, but with this beginning Ruby has nailed it.
Ember and her brother were abandoned by her crook parents and now lives with her aunt and uncle attending Raven River Academy. She is blamed for her a parents theft and is abused by the rich and poor alike. In walk the Angels, someone from her past and his dark associates. The boys are wicked and delicious and Ember is bitter and believable as a broken young adult.
I highly recommend this for all fans of the genre. It’s not your cookie cutter bully romance.
I received an ARC for a review.
Ember and her brother were abandoned by her crook parents and now lives with her aunt and uncle attending Raven River Academy. She is blamed for her a parents theft and is abused by the rich and poor alike. In walk the Angels, someone from her past and his dark associates. The boys are wicked and delicious and Ember is bitter and believable as a broken young adult.
I highly recommend this for all fans of the genre. It’s not your cookie cutter bully romance.
I received an ARC for a review.
February 21, 2022
Have you ever read a book and felt like you are suffering from deja vu? Well that's what I get from this book. All the way up until the very last page, and then it changed. But the entire concept, the entire book like the personality of the book, and all of the personalities of the characters involved, I swear to God I've read this book before. But then the last chapter serve me off. So I don't know. So I'm going to read the second book and see what happens. I'll share my opinion at the end if I would recommend this book series to friends.
August 4, 2020
Wow
Great book had me hooked from the get go
. . . . . . . . . . .
Great book had me hooked from the get go
. . . . . . . . . . .
July 2, 2022
Not as cliche as I expected to be. It's really interesting.
March 21, 2024
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
👿
🥵🥵
Very enjoyable series, that keeps you on your toes.
Brilliant characters and writing.
Can’t fault this one.
💋💋
👿
🥵🥵
Very enjoyable series, that keeps you on your toes.
Brilliant characters and writing.
Can’t fault this one.
January 28, 2026
I tried this book I thought it was a love triangle and I’m still not sure. It’s a very slow burn and isn’t graphic! I enjoyed and I would recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2021
Well some good parts some shady parts. The teens in this place are out of control and even stupid. If her parents committed the crime and left her why would she have the money to pay them back? The guys were very unflattering in this one until She saved Cam. I can't believe the adults didn't think that something bad would happen and as well as that ending we have her brother....jeez guys his 14 and deaf his such a target. That ending leaves you running to read the second one.
November 27, 2020
Bully Romance, hah!
Idek why I keep reading these types of books that have: bullying, gangs, secrecy, brooding and mysterious boys, rh, boys who “rule the world,literally” (smh Tbh nothing said from above is wrong but it’s how much you use it in a book that makes it good!)
I hate the first book/s in these types of series because the bullying gets overloaded sometimes :/ which is overwhelming and uncomfortable to read…
Putting that aside, I already read the rest of this trilogy and overall it’s a good read. Somethings were rightfully so unpleasant to read and ruined the looks of this series but still it’s decent :)
Idek why I keep reading these types of books that have: bullying, gangs, secrecy, brooding and mysterious boys, rh, boys who “rule the world,literally” (smh Tbh nothing said from above is wrong but it’s how much you use it in a book that makes it good!)
I hate the first book/s in these types of series because the bullying gets overloaded sometimes :/ which is overwhelming and uncomfortable to read…
Putting that aside, I already read the rest of this trilogy and overall it’s a good read. Somethings were rightfully so unpleasant to read and ruined the looks of this series but still it’s decent :)
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