What do you think?
Rate this book
Moretti Academy #1
Cruel Beasts
I stood in their way and now they vowed to destroy me.
All I wanted was to experience life without my every move monitored, and Moretti Academy was my chance at freedom.
They had other ideas.
The werewolf I grew up with, the cold fae sleeping with school staff, and a dragon with psychotic tendencies set their sights on me—and not in a good way.
The university was supposed to save my life by bringing out my dragon, but the cruel beasts tormenting me may kill me before I get the chance to live.
CRUEL BEASTS is a 96,000 word paranormal romance with enemy-to-lovers/love-hate themes. This is a REVERSE HAREM novel, meaning the main character will end up with more than one love interest by the end of the series. This is book ONE in the series. Triggers: Contains foul language, sexual scenes, heavy bullying, cliffhanger, and jealous/possessive themes.
All I wanted was to experience life without my every move monitored, and Moretti Academy was my chance at freedom.
They had other ideas.
The werewolf I grew up with, the cold fae sleeping with school staff, and a dragon with psychotic tendencies set their sights on me—and not in a good way.
The university was supposed to save my life by bringing out my dragon, but the cruel beasts tormenting me may kill me before I get the chance to live.
CRUEL BEASTS is a 96,000 word paranormal romance with enemy-to-lovers/love-hate themes. This is a REVERSE HAREM novel, meaning the main character will end up with more than one love interest by the end of the series. This is book ONE in the series. Triggers: Contains foul language, sexual scenes, heavy bullying, cliffhanger, and jealous/possessive themes.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 2, 2021
531 people are currently reading
953 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 92 reviews
February 27, 2025
1.5 ☆ gave me hope just to snatch my wig and my will to read away
April 3, 2022
PNR bully academy (college age) RH, told in single POV by FMC.
Overall it held my interest to keep reading and I'll be continuing the series. The FMC being quirky, having a backbone, and being more than snarky attitude was major plus. The bully was typical; I just wish I had more of a clue as to any of their reasoning. Right now I'm assuming they will be redeemable... But they make it hard to root for something other than their ruin.
I really liked the FMC - she's been sheltered and is socially awkward and lacks life experience. She's a cancer survivor, which has sparked her 'yolo' / wanting to live her life fully. She has a steel backbone and refuses to bow. She's got some sass but isn't all snarky attitude. She tries to befriend others, even when most of the student body are a**holes, and manages to make a few friends.
There's some past trauma that she's compartmentalized. Part of it is tied to the mother who abandoned her and her sister. I was hoping that the sister might be a source of healthy, positive relationship and someone in her corner she can count on... But it's not looking that way. Our FMC is a bit blinded by loyalty to her older sister plus the guilt she carries over their mother abandoning them.
The bullying comes from the guys and other students and is quite intense. There's an aspect of supernatural orders getting into dominance battles and some clashes are explained by that, but for the most part it feels like typical bully academy - they try to put her in her place, try to get her to leave.... Their bully motivation?? I have no idea. It mostly seems like a power play, but there's hints of more going on. Maybe the one guy is trying to protect her... But he just comes across as a coward. It's confusing. There are a couple of instances near the end where she encounters real danger and they don't show any concern at all 🤔🤷
I think the mystery of what exactly is going on at this Academy could have been played up more... The faculty turn a blind eye to everything. Then there are clearly some who are up to no good. When something gets investigated and I expect it to be more of a thing and have follow through - then nothing. I think more could have been done to keep up the intrigue and build suspense.
There's OW... Like a lot. There's only one who's a major source of drama in addition to mean girl antics with others. The guys all have very apparent sex lives and groupies. There's some explanation about how matured supernaturals (term for their order fully awakened) are have a heightened sex drive and are constantly horny, as if to reason why hookups and orgies are so casually accepted norm. So, you see them with OW, from flirting attention to getting it on. Arguably, there's not an expectation of fidelity (except for when things change with one of the guys), but if you're sensitive to OW like me, this is quite in your face.
Overall it held my interest to keep reading and I'll be continuing the series. The FMC being quirky, having a backbone, and being more than snarky attitude was major plus. The bully was typical; I just wish I had more of a clue as to any of their reasoning. Right now I'm assuming they will be redeemable... But they make it hard to root for something other than their ruin.
I really liked the FMC - she's been sheltered and is socially awkward and lacks life experience. She's a cancer survivor, which has sparked her 'yolo' / wanting to live her life fully. She has a steel backbone and refuses to bow. She's got some sass but isn't all snarky attitude. She tries to befriend others, even when most of the student body are a**holes, and manages to make a few friends.
There's some past trauma that she's compartmentalized. Part of it is tied to the mother who abandoned her and her sister. I was hoping that the sister might be a source of healthy, positive relationship and someone in her corner she can count on... But it's not looking that way. Our FMC is a bit blinded by loyalty to her older sister plus the guilt she carries over their mother abandoning them.
The bullying comes from the guys and other students and is quite intense. There's an aspect of supernatural orders getting into dominance battles and some clashes are explained by that, but for the most part it feels like typical bully academy - they try to put her in her place, try to get her to leave.... Their bully motivation?? I have no idea. It mostly seems like a power play, but there's hints of more going on. Maybe the one guy is trying to protect her... But he just comes across as a coward. It's confusing. There are a couple of instances near the end where she encounters real danger and they don't show any concern at all 🤔🤷
I think the mystery of what exactly is going on at this Academy could have been played up more... The faculty turn a blind eye to everything. Then there are clearly some who are up to no good. When something gets investigated and I expect it to be more of a thing and have follow through - then nothing. I think more could have been done to keep up the intrigue and build suspense.
There's OW... Like a lot. There's only one who's a major source of drama in addition to mean girl antics with others. The guys all have very apparent sex lives and groupies. There's some explanation about how matured supernaturals (term for their order fully awakened) are have a heightened sex drive and are constantly horny, as if to reason why hookups and orgies are so casually accepted norm. So, you see them with OW, from flirting attention to getting it on. Arguably, there's not an expectation of fidelity (except for when things change with one of the guys), but if you're sensitive to OW like me, this is quite in your face.
August 4, 2025
I cringed so much whilst reading this
February 11, 2023
***A BIT CONFUSING***
Ok the first 80% was how to say improbable, i meant come on a sweet and stupid girl who keeps on hugging everyone and go looking for trouble by challenging all the unnatural school alphas? It is very unbelievable and stupid, so i skipped chapters. And why is it that all the men hates her for? What is their reason? No reason what so ever.
Ok the first 80% was how to say improbable, i meant come on a sweet and stupid girl who keeps on hugging everyone and go looking for trouble by challenging all the unnatural school alphas? It is very unbelievable and stupid, so i skipped chapters. And why is it that all the men hates her for? What is their reason? No reason what so ever.
June 26, 2024
Only made it 15% the mfc is an idiot for starters. She’s like ten mentally which feels really gross.
July 3, 2024
I was surprised by how much I actually liked this book. Spoilers.
Main character:
I like how she never backed down and had a clear view of herself. She did end up incredibly trusting and naive but I think that was on her uncle for her being isolated. You can't expect much when that's the background. I do hope we see her be a little more guarded and angry in the next book. The shit she took from absolutely everyone she knows is astonishing for such a strongly written character.
Main men:
There better be some intense groveling because not a single one at this point is redeemable. The struggle with bully style books is where the line is drawn between things a main character can and should let go. The physical violence is one thing, but filming sexual acts without permission to mock her? Too far. That is going to be almost impossible to let go, and I wouldn't be upset if she found other people that were her love interests after this one.
Beck: are you serious with his bullshit mood swings? Some of the stuff he says is ridiculous and I just wanted her to get mad and say it back. Not the "oh I know he's the boy I used to know". Enzo: we see the ground work for him supposedly not being all that bad, then he is a coward that goes through with his friends plan. Which makes him even worse. And tanner. We don't have much to go on with him yet but still sucks.
Side characters:
Is anyone but our main character redeemable? Sister? Sucks. Uncle? Hangs out with clearly purist racist dudes. Friends? Willing to drop her at the first sign of a problem or were in on the hurting her.
Plot:
So far this has left something to be desired. We find so many secrets and no answers which I know is the plot device at play but at some point are you going to forget all the holes you left in the story.? I hope so.
Main character:
I like how she never backed down and had a clear view of herself. She did end up incredibly trusting and naive but I think that was on her uncle for her being isolated. You can't expect much when that's the background. I do hope we see her be a little more guarded and angry in the next book. The shit she took from absolutely everyone she knows is astonishing for such a strongly written character.
Main men:
There better be some intense groveling because not a single one at this point is redeemable. The struggle with bully style books is where the line is drawn between things a main character can and should let go. The physical violence is one thing, but filming sexual acts without permission to mock her? Too far. That is going to be almost impossible to let go, and I wouldn't be upset if she found other people that were her love interests after this one.
Beck: are you serious with his bullshit mood swings? Some of the stuff he says is ridiculous and I just wanted her to get mad and say it back. Not the "oh I know he's the boy I used to know". Enzo: we see the ground work for him supposedly not being all that bad, then he is a coward that goes through with his friends plan. Which makes him even worse. And tanner. We don't have much to go on with him yet but still sucks.
Side characters:
Is anyone but our main character redeemable? Sister? Sucks. Uncle? Hangs out with clearly purist racist dudes. Friends? Willing to drop her at the first sign of a problem or were in on the hurting her.
Plot:
So far this has left something to be desired. We find so many secrets and no answers which I know is the plot device at play but at some point are you going to forget all the holes you left in the story.? I hope so.
November 13, 2025
Easiest 5 start
I'm a gonner for the Paranormal academy bully trope and this is becoming one of my favorite guilty pleasure series.. I read these books like an addict on a mission. The best part is the freaking groveling and crawling these dudes are about to do. Call me crazy but the more red flags I see, the more love sick I get 😫. I'm just a girl!! Don't judge.. we girls love the idea of fixing him, the idea of the soft man behind the monster, the idea of the villain with a mushy side only for us. Yeah, yeah!! It's not realistic. But neither are 8ft tall dragon shifters with 20 ich phallic appendices. 😂😂😂 also, I live for the drama, the crying, banter, quiet yearning, and, of course, the crawling and begging for forgiveness. Don't forget about the begging!!
I'm a gonner for the Paranormal academy bully trope and this is becoming one of my favorite guilty pleasure series.. I read these books like an addict on a mission. The best part is the freaking groveling and crawling these dudes are about to do. Call me crazy but the more red flags I see, the more love sick I get 😫. I'm just a girl!! Don't judge.. we girls love the idea of fixing him, the idea of the soft man behind the monster, the idea of the villain with a mushy side only for us. Yeah, yeah!! It's not realistic. But neither are 8ft tall dragon shifters with 20 ich phallic appendices. 😂😂😂 also, I live for the drama, the crying, banter, quiet yearning, and, of course, the crawling and begging for forgiveness. Don't forget about the begging!!
July 7, 2025
The 4 star is based on vibes only. It was by no means really worth the 4, more like 3 but I had a great time. This was like reality tv level and I just couldn’t stop reading.
These men are TRASH! And honestly I’d love if they spend some time being miserable.
Maya is sweet, too trusting and naive which is annoying BUT she’s supposed to be like that since she didn’t have a normal upbringing.
Really need her to have a bit more rage next book!
These men are TRASH! And honestly I’d love if they spend some time being miserable.
Maya is sweet, too trusting and naive which is annoying BUT she’s supposed to be like that since she didn’t have a normal upbringing.
Really need her to have a bit more rage next book!
May 16, 2024
I am not a fan of bully romances but if you are then I think you will like this series. My 3.5-3.75 stars is based off of what I read if I was a super fan of this trope.
My rant below is just a call to authors to stop making all the bully academy books where the fmc is WAP over her abusers. Make her strong. Make the attraction happen while the healing of the relationship is going down. Not while she is getting water boarded with alcohol.
I read this book to support the wonderful author behind it.
This story makes me cringe thinking of that poor fmc being so brutally abused and tortured by these guys and then thinking they want her. She is somewhat pitiful. Bums me out.
She is super sheltered and naive but at a certain point I feel that as women and romance readers we deserve more of an fmc fighting back and being SMART, OR LEARNING TO BE SO rather than the fmc sort of fighting but then getting all W💦A💦P🐱over men who were horrible to her. I mean, she goes around hugging people and pissing off every alpha in the school, it is super weird. You can be sick w cancer, perhaps totally sheltered bc of that challenge and not be a total dingbat. And she comes across as a dingbat.
What sort of message does that send to women? Not a good one.
Yeah, it’s fiction.
And authors can write what they want.
And we can read what we want.
WHO TF WANTS TO BE WITH AN ABUSIVE DICK? I want a heroine who knows her worth.
Anyhoo. The end where she gets down on her knees to suck his cock and then finds out they have been messing with her and videoed the entire thing??? Ugh. It was gross to read. I don’t see this dude being redeemable.
But again, IF THIS IS YOUR JAM peeps YOU WILL LOVE THIS SERIES. My four stars rating is FOR YOU!!!
So ignore my rant bc it is personal to my preferences and what I wish to see more of.
This rant is not for the author nor future readers!!!
Just my own annoyances in general with this trope.
Happy reading to all of you who love this trope!!!
My rant below is just a call to authors to stop making all the bully academy books where the fmc is WAP over her abusers. Make her strong. Make the attraction happen while the healing of the relationship is going down. Not while she is getting water boarded with alcohol.
I read this book to support the wonderful author behind it.
This story makes me cringe thinking of that poor fmc being so brutally abused and tortured by these guys and then thinking they want her. She is somewhat pitiful. Bums me out.
She is super sheltered and naive but at a certain point I feel that as women and romance readers we deserve more of an fmc fighting back and being SMART, OR LEARNING TO BE SO rather than the fmc sort of fighting but then getting all W💦A💦P🐱over men who were horrible to her. I mean, she goes around hugging people and pissing off every alpha in the school, it is super weird. You can be sick w cancer, perhaps totally sheltered bc of that challenge and not be a total dingbat. And she comes across as a dingbat.
What sort of message does that send to women? Not a good one.
Yeah, it’s fiction.
And authors can write what they want.
And we can read what we want.
WHO TF WANTS TO BE WITH AN ABUSIVE DICK? I want a heroine who knows her worth.
Anyhoo. The end where she gets down on her knees to suck his cock and then finds out they have been messing with her and videoed the entire thing??? Ugh. It was gross to read. I don’t see this dude being redeemable.
But again, IF THIS IS YOUR JAM peeps YOU WILL LOVE THIS SERIES. My four stars rating is FOR YOU!!!
So ignore my rant bc it is personal to my preferences and what I wish to see more of.
This rant is not for the author nor future readers!!!
Just my own annoyances in general with this trope.
Happy reading to all of you who love this trope!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2025
I absolutely love this series. The mmcs are unapologetic, ruthless, and cruel to our fmc, Maya. But fear not, she's got a backbone. In many bully romances the female character never gets her revenge and most of the time it's lackluster at best. It won't happen in this series, but you'll have to wait for it. Maya will get her vengeance and serve it on a freaking platter. Just you wait.
Keep in mind, that these guys are not nice. It'll take awhile for the situation to turn around. Now, introducing the mmcs:
Enzo - our dragon. He's infatuated with Maya from almost the get go. Their rooms are next to each other.
Beckett our wolf. Maya has loved him for a long time. But betrayed her by hooking with her crappy sister, Rita. (maybe?)
Tanner our fae. Can kill with just his touch, wears gloves
And another mmc.... not telling you.
If you're in search of a book that has:
🧍🧍💃🧍♂️🧍♂️ - mmfmm (there is no MM in this series)
🏫 Academy
✅bully, cruel male characters
✅paranormal - wolves, fae, dragons, vampires, demons
✅fated mates
✅strong female character
✅grovelling by mmcs
✅sweet revenge
✅other women drama (there's a fair amount of it)
Keep in mind, that these guys are not nice. It'll take awhile for the situation to turn around. Now, introducing the mmcs:
Enzo - our dragon. He's infatuated with Maya from almost the get go. Their rooms are next to each other.
Beckett our wolf. Maya has loved him for a long time. But betrayed her by hooking with her crappy sister, Rita. (maybe?)
Tanner our fae. Can kill with just his touch, wears gloves
And another mmc.... not telling you.
If you're in search of a book that has:
🧍🧍💃🧍♂️🧍♂️ - mmfmm (there is no MM in this series)
🏫 Academy
✅bully, cruel male characters
✅paranormal - wolves, fae, dragons, vampires, demons
✅fated mates
✅strong female character
✅grovelling by mmcs
✅sweet revenge
✅other women drama (there's a fair amount of it)
August 15, 2023
I don't really know how to feel after reading this. I hope she doesn't end up with any of these guys and that she burns this school to the ground. Like nothing goes in this girl's favor at all. The way these folks are mean to her is so extreme. Like she is nearly killed multiple times. Her virginity is taken by someone who then hurts her and allows her to get beaten up not once BUT twice. Unless they do some major major groveling then she just needs to wrap it up and call it a day.
Also the fact that she's crushing on her sisters ex while her sister still has feelings for the guy. I don't see how any of this ends well. I'm curious enough to continue but also throughly angry for her.
Also the fact that she's crushing on her sisters ex while her sister still has feelings for the guy. I don't see how any of this ends well. I'm curious enough to continue but also throughly angry for her.
July 20, 2024
Wtf did I just read? Okay, I skimmed more than half of it because what the hell is this? All the bullying? The way she acts? I mean, I get the backbone thing but… she’s really pushing buttons. And these people are all such bullies. For no reason. This is… I don’t even know if I want to read the next because this is crazy.
September 23, 2021
Not a huge fan of bully but thought I'd give this a try. I couldn't finish the book. It was to slow and I dont like a weak Heroine in a bully book. She needs to be strong and give as good as she gets. This one from the start she was weak and lacked common sense!
January 31, 2025
Got to about 10% and DNF. I always give books a chance longer than that too. The FMC is beyond cringy! Being sheltered is one thing, but she goes beyond socially awkward I just couldn’t read it. Like so so awkward
June 17, 2024
This chick is delusional.
July 28, 2025
I actually started this pretty optimistic. It's not immensely unique (to say the least), but the writing isn't bad, and the main character was really growing on me. She was cute and steadfast, and yeah, she's definitely the naive, innocent girl sort of trope, but she was just so cheerful and really tried to see the best in everything and I appreciated that. Give me less doom and gloom and woe is me sadness and instead give me just cheerful people who try their best in really awful circumstances. So I was really liking it, even with the relentless bullying Maya faced.
But then it just went downhill roughly middle of the book. I just could not understand why she made the decisions she made, why she continued to trust the people who were making her life hell the entire time. I just was very ???????? BUT WHY at her so many times, and she gets beat down so many times without actually DOING ANYTHING that it was driving me up a wall. Yes, it's the first book of the series and I don't expect the main character to instantly be a complete badass who can beat up just about anyone, but her getting beat down is relentless. The constant, oh she has this secret beast inside her raging at the cage to get out, but of course she doesn't let it out because she's a good girl was infuriating.
The male leads are all assholes. I expected this! This is a bully romance! But they really are unredeemable at this point, and Maya giving them chance after chance makes me want to throw things at her head. The way Went from enjoying the book to just disinterest.
The plot is... eh. It's very much the dark academy, everyone is basically trying to assert dominance, the people who are fully 'matured' are the ones who can shift into their other form and subsequently become exponentially more powerful, while the rest of the ones still waiting are basically the school dregs in the meantime. Everyone is scared of the male leads (plus a few others), there's something hinky going on in the background, ect. Here comes plucky MC who stands up to the powerful in the school even if she hasn't awakened her powers yet, but wow why is she panting after the men who treat her like trash. Hmmmmm!!! I wonder why!!!
Anyway, it went from oooo I like this, to ooo what the hell and it never quite recovered. Shame, I really was enjoying the book up until that point, even with all the melodrama.
But then it just went downhill roughly middle of the book. I just could not understand why she made the decisions she made, why she continued to trust the people who were making her life hell the entire time. I just was very ???????? BUT WHY at her so many times, and she gets beat down so many times without actually DOING ANYTHING that it was driving me up a wall. Yes, it's the first book of the series and I don't expect the main character to instantly be a complete badass who can beat up just about anyone, but her getting beat down is relentless. The constant, oh she has this secret beast inside her raging at the cage to get out, but of course she doesn't let it out because she's a good girl was infuriating.
The male leads are all assholes. I expected this! This is a bully romance! But they really are unredeemable at this point, and Maya giving them chance after chance makes me want to throw things at her head. The way Went from enjoying the book to just disinterest.
The plot is... eh. It's very much the dark academy, everyone is basically trying to assert dominance, the people who are fully 'matured' are the ones who can shift into their other form and subsequently become exponentially more powerful, while the rest of the ones still waiting are basically the school dregs in the meantime. Everyone is scared of the male leads (plus a few others), there's something hinky going on in the background, ect. Here comes plucky MC who stands up to the powerful in the school even if she hasn't awakened her powers yet, but wow why is she panting after the men who treat her like trash. Hmmmmm!!! I wonder why!!!
Anyway, it went from oooo I like this, to ooo what the hell and it never quite recovered. Shame, I really was enjoying the book up until that point, even with all the melodrama.
October 27, 2025
(Libros 1-3) 📚 Serie de 5 libros – DNF en el tercero
No pude terminar la serie. Llegué al tercer libro y simplemente tuve que dejarlo porque ya no aguantaba más. ( de lo absurdo que se volvió todo) La protagonista femenina… verdaderamente un caso perdido. Llegó un punto en el que sentí más pena ajena que empatía.
El final del tercero me dejó en shock, sí, pero no necesariamente por lo bueno, sino porque después de tantas vueltas, giros y dramas, la historia se sentía cada vez más forzada. La FMC rozaba lo irreal de lo ingenua y masoquista que era. No había crecimiento, ni red de apoyo, ni un solo personaje que realmente la tratara con respeto. ( bueno si aparecieron pero o los mataban o ella los dejaba 🙄)
Los chicos principales… simplemente no pude conectar con ninguno. Entre el lobo que sabía todo y aun así se mete con la hermana (¿WTF?), el que la maltrataba físicamente cada vez que podía, y el otro que era puro hielo, terminé saturada. Encima, los pocos personajes que sí parecían tener buenas intenciones con ella o los rechazaba o terminaban muertos. Lo cual fue el colmo.
La trama se alargó demasiado, se centró en detalles que no aportaban y dejó de lado lo que realmente importaba. Para al final solucionar todo de una manera muy sencilla y que apareciera un nuevo villano, Y para rematar, los capítulos de Helen me estresaban más de lo que aportaban a la historia. Sentí incluso que a Maya le cambiaron completamente la personalidad; entiendo que pasó por muchas cosas, pero llegó un punto en que parecía otra persona.
Y no hablemos de Helen, porque sus capítulos fueron el equivalente literario a escuchar a alguien masticar hielo. Estresantes, innecesarios y me robaron neuronas. Encima, a Maya la cambiaron tanto que ya no parecía la misma persona —más bien un personaje nuevo sin aviso ni justificación.
En conclusión: Cruel Beasts tenía potencial, pero se fue directo por el acantilado de lo absurdo. Si te gustan las historias donde la protagonista no aprende nunca y los hombres compiten por quién es más tóxico, adelante, puede que te diviertas gritándole al libro. Pero para mí fue un DNF con gusto a “¿por qué seguí leyendo hasta acá?”.
No pude terminar la serie. Llegué al tercer libro y simplemente tuve que dejarlo porque ya no aguantaba más. ( de lo absurdo que se volvió todo) La protagonista femenina… verdaderamente un caso perdido. Llegó un punto en el que sentí más pena ajena que empatía.
El final del tercero me dejó en shock, sí, pero no necesariamente por lo bueno, sino porque después de tantas vueltas, giros y dramas, la historia se sentía cada vez más forzada. La FMC rozaba lo irreal de lo ingenua y masoquista que era. No había crecimiento, ni red de apoyo, ni un solo personaje que realmente la tratara con respeto. ( bueno si aparecieron pero o los mataban o ella los dejaba 🙄)
Los chicos principales… simplemente no pude conectar con ninguno. Entre el lobo que sabía todo y aun así se mete con la hermana (¿WTF?), el que la maltrataba físicamente cada vez que podía, y el otro que era puro hielo, terminé saturada. Encima, los pocos personajes que sí parecían tener buenas intenciones con ella o los rechazaba o terminaban muertos. Lo cual fue el colmo.
La trama se alargó demasiado, se centró en detalles que no aportaban y dejó de lado lo que realmente importaba. Para al final solucionar todo de una manera muy sencilla y que apareciera un nuevo villano, Y para rematar, los capítulos de Helen me estresaban más de lo que aportaban a la historia. Sentí incluso que a Maya le cambiaron completamente la personalidad; entiendo que pasó por muchas cosas, pero llegó un punto en que parecía otra persona.
Y no hablemos de Helen, porque sus capítulos fueron el equivalente literario a escuchar a alguien masticar hielo. Estresantes, innecesarios y me robaron neuronas. Encima, a Maya la cambiaron tanto que ya no parecía la misma persona —más bien un personaje nuevo sin aviso ni justificación.
En conclusión: Cruel Beasts tenía potencial, pero se fue directo por el acantilado de lo absurdo. Si te gustan las historias donde la protagonista no aprende nunca y los hombres compiten por quién es más tóxico, adelante, puede que te diviertas gritándole al libro. Pero para mí fue un DNF con gusto a “¿por qué seguí leyendo hasta acá?”.
May 22, 2024
3.5 stars
I liked the book enough to finish it but, I disliked the FMC way too much.
Basically the FMC is a cancer survivor, an immature unnatural and was abandoned by her mother along with her sister because of some "anger issues" that are not clarified.
FMC has been sheltered because of the cancer, but she was supposedly trained, and even carries a dagger with her. Except... when it's necessary she always forgets about it... and shen she "leaves it" with Enzo she doesn't replace it.
Onto other things, she's very socially awkward. Ok, I get it, but I don't think it's normal to be giving just about ayone a hug??? I'm sorry, this and also she thinks she's standing up for herself when she meddles in things that have NOTHING to do with her.
About this, I hate FMC's that are WARNED against getting on someone's bad side (obviously MMC) but still do anything in their power to piss them off??? Like girl, I get it if it was an accident, but why would you CONSCIOUSLY put a target on your back??
As fo the MMC's there's not much to say about them... Beckett was a dick, I don't get why she would even try to "get him to realize" that she was his best friend (gil, learn social cues pls). Tanner idn't leave much of an impression on me, and Enzo, well... I didn't dislike him, but she was warned several times by several people to stay away and she decided the change was normal.
All in all, I found this book a little cringy, I really disliked the FMC, and the MMC's didn't leave that much of an impression on me. The end was a cliffhanger, so I will start book 2 and see if she gets any better.
P.D: I love bully romances, BUT. I hate it when the FMC's put up with the abuse without a legitimate reason other than just to be tough. I mean, I get it that if not there wouldn't be many bully books, but hey! She ould have something at stake if she in't attend the academy.
I liked the book enough to finish it but, I disliked the FMC way too much.
Basically the FMC is a cancer survivor, an immature unnatural and was abandoned by her mother along with her sister because of some "anger issues" that are not clarified.
FMC has been sheltered because of the cancer, but she was supposedly trained, and even carries a dagger with her. Except... when it's necessary she always forgets about it... and shen she "leaves it" with Enzo she doesn't replace it.
Onto other things, she's very socially awkward. Ok, I get it, but I don't think it's normal to be giving just about ayone a hug??? I'm sorry, this and also she thinks she's standing up for herself when she meddles in things that have NOTHING to do with her.
About this, I hate FMC's that are WARNED against getting on someone's bad side (obviously MMC) but still do anything in their power to piss them off??? Like girl, I get it if it was an accident, but why would you CONSCIOUSLY put a target on your back??
As fo the MMC's there's not much to say about them... Beckett was a dick, I don't get why she would even try to "get him to realize" that she was his best friend (gil, learn social cues pls). Tanner idn't leave much of an impression on me, and Enzo, well... I didn't dislike him, but she was warned several times by several people to stay away and she decided the change was normal.
All in all, I found this book a little cringy, I really disliked the FMC, and the MMC's didn't leave that much of an impression on me. The end was a cliffhanger, so I will start book 2 and see if she gets any better.
P.D: I love bully romances, BUT. I hate it when the FMC's put up with the abuse without a legitimate reason other than just to be tough. I mean, I get it that if not there wouldn't be many bully books, but hey! She ould have something at stake if she in't attend the academy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2024
⚠️‼️ MAJOR SPOILERS BELOW ‼️⚠️
That ending was 100% a train wreck and at least partially unnecessary. In my opinion it could have been improved if Maya’s dragon form emerged while she was fighting Purity, she got a few swipes in, and escaped. Instead she just about died on the ground. Also, that betrayal from the boys was devastating and I would’ve loved to get POV from one of them (especially Beckett) at the end that supported them having a good motivation to be so cruel to her (not that any of it was okay). This is fairly similar to Zodiac Academy, but in that series the love interest has a *very* good reason for tormenting the FMC that makes sense for the character and the plot and even creates sympathy for him. Of course we don’t discover this right away, but I really hope the boys in this series have equally “good” reasons for their actions.
By about halfway in, I had a feeling that fated mates would be a thing in this series and it looks like I was right. The concept of mates is mentioned briefly— and based on Beckett’s history and behavior with Maya, I think they’re mates, but there are varying ways for different species to be sure of this connection and the criteria hasn’t been met yet for these two. I also think she and Enzo are mates but they won’t know for sure until she reaches “maturity” and her dragon form emerges. I’m unsure about Tanner, but if even one of the others is her mate, it stands to reason that they would all be.
On another note, based on the first 20% of the second book, I strongly suspect there will be at least one additional love interest added to the story, likely one who is not involved with or even aware of all the bullshit Maya went through, so I’m hopeful about that.
That ending was 100% a train wreck and at least partially unnecessary. In my opinion it could have been improved if Maya’s dragon form emerged while she was fighting Purity, she got a few swipes in, and escaped. Instead she just about died on the ground. Also, that betrayal from the boys was devastating and I would’ve loved to get POV from one of them (especially Beckett) at the end that supported them having a good motivation to be so cruel to her (not that any of it was okay). This is fairly similar to Zodiac Academy, but in that series the love interest has a *very* good reason for tormenting the FMC that makes sense for the character and the plot and even creates sympathy for him. Of course we don’t discover this right away, but I really hope the boys in this series have equally “good” reasons for their actions.
By about halfway in, I had a feeling that fated mates would be a thing in this series and it looks like I was right. The concept of mates is mentioned briefly— and based on Beckett’s history and behavior with Maya, I think they’re mates, but there are varying ways for different species to be sure of this connection and the criteria hasn’t been met yet for these two. I also think she and Enzo are mates but they won’t know for sure until she reaches “maturity” and her dragon form emerges. I’m unsure about Tanner, but if even one of the others is her mate, it stands to reason that they would all be.
On another note, based on the first 20% of the second book, I strongly suspect there will be at least one additional love interest added to the story, likely one who is not involved with or even aware of all the bullshit Maya went through, so I’m hopeful about that.
September 8, 2024
Cured my Reading Slump
I got the first book during the Stuff your Kindle event and was intrigued by the prompt of the book. I started last night on a whim and the story, pacing, and mystery were so good, it sucked me into their world!
IMO, the real star of this book was how well-written the FMC is. Maya is a bit of a dolt; she’s very sheltered but sweet. She’s strong of character, and while she does experience some body-betrayal, she doesn’t give in to it like a lot of other characters in other books do(finally!) It’s so refreshing to see a character that has backbone but isn’t SaSsY. She’s kind-hearted, albeit a bit of an idiot when it comes to social situations. However the authors do an excellent job of making her charming rather than annoying.
The intrigue in the book is interesting enough to keep the pages turning. I kept telling myself “one more chapter” until I realized it was 5:00am and my children were going to wake in an hour. Honestly, no regrets though! I can’t wait to start the next book, just not right before bed or I’ll never get sleep.
I’m so happy to be over my reading slump!!!
I got the first book during the Stuff your Kindle event and was intrigued by the prompt of the book. I started last night on a whim and the story, pacing, and mystery were so good, it sucked me into their world!
IMO, the real star of this book was how well-written the FMC is. Maya is a bit of a dolt; she’s very sheltered but sweet. She’s strong of character, and while she does experience some body-betrayal, she doesn’t give in to it like a lot of other characters in other books do(finally!) It’s so refreshing to see a character that has backbone but isn’t SaSsY. She’s kind-hearted, albeit a bit of an idiot when it comes to social situations. However the authors do an excellent job of making her charming rather than annoying.
The intrigue in the book is interesting enough to keep the pages turning. I kept telling myself “one more chapter” until I realized it was 5:00am and my children were going to wake in an hour. Honestly, no regrets though! I can’t wait to start the next book, just not right before bed or I’ll never get sleep.
I’m so happy to be over my reading slump!!!
August 23, 2025
Good
1) Female lead was quite amusing; so chaotic, so stubborn, so wonderfully deaf, dumb and blind to social conventions
2) Secondary 'friend' characters were nice
Neutral
1)This is not a full story; it is the first installment of five which will need to be individually purchased at five+ bucks a pop ($27 in total) in order to have the full story
Mixed
1) The three male leads' behavior would have been intriguing if didn't know the reasoning behind it because I have seen this plot before (and done better)
Bad
1) VERY generic
2) 'Time-passing' transitions were poorly written and jarring
3) Big deal was made of her 'monster anger' but
4) Female lead/sister relationship was a mess of contrary info
5) 'Mean girls' were so over-the-top ridiculous
Awful
1) I have read this arc/plot before and it lacks basic logic in this setting
Outside of the female character, it's not really interesting so I don't recommend it even if all you were spending was your time.
1) Female lead was quite amusing; so chaotic, so stubborn, so wonderfully deaf, dumb and blind to social conventions
2) Secondary 'friend' characters were nice
Neutral
1)This is not a full story; it is the first installment of five which will need to be individually purchased at five+ bucks a pop ($27 in total) in order to have the full story
Mixed
1) The three male leads' behavior would have been intriguing if didn't know the reasoning behind it because I have seen this plot before (and done better)
Bad
1) VERY generic
2) 'Time-passing' transitions were poorly written and jarring
3) Big deal was made of her 'monster anger' but
4) Female lead/sister relationship was a mess of contrary info
5) 'Mean girls' were so over-the-top ridiculous
Awful
1) I have read this arc/plot before and it lacks basic logic in this setting
Outside of the female character, it's not really interesting so I don't recommend it even if all you were spending was your time.
April 5, 2021
Action-Packed Fabulous Start to this series..
I am so happy I found this author. This is everything I love in a series. Its Academy, bully, and so many mysteries and suspense. I am so invested in this series now. Its a unique storyline which I love. Maya is just finding out what its like to be in school. After recovering from sickness she gets to go to school for shifters. She meets 3 of the schools kings one which she knew growing up and she finds out that things aren't what they seem. She gets in over her head trying to figure out the mystery. How will it end? This story had me at the edge of my seat and at times I wanted to punch the guys out. I wanted to be on her side and kick everyone's butt. I loved this story. Its way less steamy than I normally read. It is slow burn but I can't wait for book 2 to get more answers. That cliffy was crazy!! ! A must read for sure!!!
I am so happy I found this author. This is everything I love in a series. Its Academy, bully, and so many mysteries and suspense. I am so invested in this series now. Its a unique storyline which I love. Maya is just finding out what its like to be in school. After recovering from sickness she gets to go to school for shifters. She meets 3 of the schools kings one which she knew growing up and she finds out that things aren't what they seem. She gets in over her head trying to figure out the mystery. How will it end? This story had me at the edge of my seat and at times I wanted to punch the guys out. I wanted to be on her side and kick everyone's butt. I loved this story. Its way less steamy than I normally read. It is slow burn but I can't wait for book 2 to get more answers. That cliffy was crazy!! ! A must read for sure!!!
September 10, 2024
This book is a tough one to review because while I didn't love it, I was very invested in seeing the plot unfold.
The fmc is interesting. She is a strange mix of gullible, naive, and endearing but also a bit of a badass. She's spent years sheltered from the real world - learning about life from TV shows - but her uncle also trained her to fight. This means we have a knife carrying female main character who is socially inept but has a heart of gold, whilst being able to throw a punch. She wants to see the best in people, which would be fine if she wasn't attending a deadly school for the supernatural.
In parts of this book, I felt for her, but I also wanted her to gain some self-respect and a backbone. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for some personal growth into book two, where we see her gain confidence and remove the rose-tinted glasses.
The fmc is interesting. She is a strange mix of gullible, naive, and endearing but also a bit of a badass. She's spent years sheltered from the real world - learning about life from TV shows - but her uncle also trained her to fight. This means we have a knife carrying female main character who is socially inept but has a heart of gold, whilst being able to throw a punch. She wants to see the best in people, which would be fine if she wasn't attending a deadly school for the supernatural.
In parts of this book, I felt for her, but I also wanted her to gain some self-respect and a backbone. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for some personal growth into book two, where we see her gain confidence and remove the rose-tinted glasses.
July 22, 2025
What the hell is this, bro? 😭
I came here from Reddit recs that sounded promising and convincing enough for me to read this. But what the actual hell?
You see, I love a good bully RH but only when the FMC isn't panting after the MMCs.
But this bitch... ugh. I hate her.
Like, how can you trust someone who’s been torturing you, raised his hand on you—let alone be intimate with them when they were nothing but cruel to you???
But no, this FMC is dumb, yes.
The book started out good, but alas, we can't have that now, can we?
She had to be just like those spineless heroines I hate.
Still, I’m going to read the rest of the books just to see if I’ll get the grovel I was promised.
I hope this moron (FMC) gets her head in the right place."
I came here from Reddit recs that sounded promising and convincing enough for me to read this. But what the actual hell?
You see, I love a good bully RH but only when the FMC isn't panting after the MMCs.
But this bitch... ugh. I hate her.
Like, how can you trust someone who’s been torturing you, raised his hand on you—let alone be intimate with them when they were nothing but cruel to you???
But no, this FMC is dumb, yes.
The book started out good, but alas, we can't have that now, can we?
She had to be just like those spineless heroines I hate.
Still, I’m going to read the rest of the books just to see if I’ll get the grovel I was promised.
I hope this moron (FMC) gets her head in the right place."
November 6, 2021
Captivating read
I really enjoyed this book. It’s sucks you in and you can’t help but need to read more. Maya is a dragon but hadn’t matured to be able to turn in to one yet. She is young and naïve about the world. She was homeschooled do to health issues. When she gets the chance to go to college her uncle tells her of a school for supernatural creatures like her. With the hope of being around people like her will help her change. She meets Enzo and his friends. They are mean and bully her. She makes friends to help her along her way. Will Maya stop the bullies or will she succumb to them. Read the book to find out what happens to Maya and friends.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s sucks you in and you can’t help but need to read more. Maya is a dragon but hadn’t matured to be able to turn in to one yet. She is young and naïve about the world. She was homeschooled do to health issues. When she gets the chance to go to college her uncle tells her of a school for supernatural creatures like her. With the hope of being around people like her will help her change. She meets Enzo and his friends. They are mean and bully her. She makes friends to help her along her way. Will Maya stop the bullies or will she succumb to them. Read the book to find out what happens to Maya and friends.
June 22, 2024
It's not the best of the saga, but I did like it quite a bit. I liked Maya even though she was weak at times, but she had a fire inside her that wouldn't be stomped on. And I liked that she was logical, she could defend herself, but physically she was still weak and that showed, it's not like the typical books where even though the prota was just a human she can take down the strongest. Sometimes I worried about her lack of survival instinct and her being so meddlesome, but it was understandable why that was the case.
In this first book Enzo, Tanner and Beckett were jerks and none of them I liked, although that gradually got better, but that's for the other 3 books.
In this first book Enzo, Tanner and Beckett were jerks and none of them I liked, although that gradually got better, but that's for the other 3 books.
March 25, 2025
Loved it
This was my 1st book by this author. I loved it so much. I can't believe this author isn't super popular. I think I got this book for free on a stuff your kindle day. It's been sitting in my Kindle for a while, and I decided to read it on a whim yesterday. Man, I can't believe I've had this awesome story just sitting there. I am so glad I opened it. I love the fmc. She is tough and funny as heck. I love the way she holds nothing back and speaks her mind. I do not like any of the mmc's yet. They tick me off. I hope there is major groveling at some point.
This was my 1st book by this author. I loved it so much. I can't believe this author isn't super popular. I think I got this book for free on a stuff your kindle day. It's been sitting in my Kindle for a while, and I decided to read it on a whim yesterday. Man, I can't believe I've had this awesome story just sitting there. I am so glad I opened it. I love the fmc. She is tough and funny as heck. I love the way she holds nothing back and speaks her mind. I do not like any of the mmc's yet. They tick me off. I hope there is major groveling at some point.
September 20, 2024
Bully Academy PNR RH
This was excellent!!
The weird thing is I've never heard of this book or author but I am so glad I found this because I was looking for a bully academy rh. Specific mood reading amirite?
Anyhoo, the FMC is a scrappy, take no shit, scrapper who has just survived cancer and is starting a Paranormal academy until she comes into her powers as a dragon. I really liked her.
There's angst, betrayal and mystery in this and that ending...
Need to go read the next in series asap.
This is going on my favorite list.
This was excellent!!
The weird thing is I've never heard of this book or author but I am so glad I found this because I was looking for a bully academy rh. Specific mood reading amirite?
Anyhoo, the FMC is a scrappy, take no shit, scrapper who has just survived cancer and is starting a Paranormal academy until she comes into her powers as a dragon. I really liked her.
There's angst, betrayal and mystery in this and that ending...
Need to go read the next in series asap.
This is going on my favorite list.
September 15, 2021
Amazing!
This was such a great book! I loved how Maya is tough and stands up for herself even though she’s human and knows she’s no match to those who bully her. That cliffhanger! Oh my God, I can’t wait for book 2! I’m looking forward to seeing how the guys make up for everything and especially seeing Maya getting even. The whole book had me hooked and the characters had me falling in love with them. Especially Enzo!
This was such a great book! I loved how Maya is tough and stands up for herself even though she’s human and knows she’s no match to those who bully her. That cliffhanger! Oh my God, I can’t wait for book 2! I’m looking forward to seeing how the guys make up for everything and especially seeing Maya getting even. The whole book had me hooked and the characters had me falling in love with them. Especially Enzo!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews