Pretty Little Puppet

Elite Royal University #1

by L.J. Woods

𝘒𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘶𝘴, 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘻 𝘰𝘸𝘯𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭. 𝘔𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘺, 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘱𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘰𝘥. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘺𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥, 𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘸𝘯𝘴 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘰.

𝑅𝒶𝓎𝓃𝑒
Christian Perez thinks he’s entitled to my attention but he’s as delusional as this elite small town.
Doesn’t matter how sparkly his eyes are, or how chiselled his body is.
I hate that bully and everything he stands for.
But when he finds me in the worst position imaginable, there’s nowhere left to run.
Being the coach’s daughter won’t help me now. Fake-dating the star hockey captain is my only solution.
Now I’m his puppet. Perez property who must bow to his demands.
Every want, every desire, I’m at his beck and call.
But something tells me this campus “King” won’t stop until he owns my all.

𝘍𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘢𝘤𝘩’𝘴 𝘥𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯. 𝘚𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘺. 𝘈 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘳𝘦. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭.

𝓒𝓱𝓻𝓲𝓼𝓽𝓲𝓪𝓷
I have one rule on campus. Don’t get distracted.
But Rayne Rose is the sultriest, sassiest distraction yet.
She’s also the coach’s daughter and that’s one line I can’t cross.
That is until she’s everything I need to save my future NHL career.
Fake-dating the enemy is my only solution.
She’s burned me once and I won’t let her do it again.
I’m not a bully, I’m determined and for three months, Rayne is mine.
She’ll do what I say. Even if it breaks her.
But when secrets unravel, my career isn’t the only thing on thin ice.
I’ll have to risk my heart
And my life.

Love rich alpha possessive bad boys? This book is for you! PLP is a full-length new adult college sports romance novel with mature themes that include bullying. This enemies-to-lovers romance is recommended for mature readers.

Authors note: This is a standalone book that can be read as part of an interconnected series. PLP is a spin-off of Elite Royal Academy with characters and storylines that overlap. That said, prior reading is NOT required. 

Genres: Dark, Dark Romance, College, Sports, Sports Romance, Romance, Fake Dating

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 25, 2021

About the author

L.J. Woods is an author of young adult and new adult contemporary dark romance. Her deliciously dark novels feature fierce heroines and irresistible bad boy anti-heroes that can’t get enough of them. With a thing for themes like enemies-to-lovers, bullying and suspense, Books by Woods will leave you gripping to your Kindle.

Woods is a Bi-Bipoc with a passion for travel, bourbon and new experiences. While she's anglophone, she calls both Montreal and Paris home.

Read KING - Available now on Amazon & Kindle Unlimited: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MLD3H3L/...

Free Bonus Scene ➜ https://rb.gy/znec2j
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Twitter ➜ https://twitter.com/BooksByWoods

Reviews

[Lady Raven RAVE! · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Style: Dark Romance (College)
Story: 3.5/5
Enjoyment: 4/5
Dark Level: 2/5
Sexual Level: GOOD
Triggers: Yes
Violence: Yes
Male: Possessive & Sexy
Series: Book 2
Pages: loc. 4021
Audio: N/A
Kindle Unlimited: Yes


STORY:
This was an enemy to lovers theme story. I liked that the theme was dominant and didn’t fade after 5 minutes. I felt the chemistry between Rayne and Christian during their first interaction, and as the story progresses. It kept fanning that fire and it was blazing. There is just something about that I hate you, but I want to **bleep** you tension.

At one point, Christian blackmails Rayne to become his girlfriend, and that possessive side kicked in. I loved it. I see Rayne as the don’t care heroine. She is definitely not soft and keeps Christian on his toes, but she did have her moments when he made her weak. Christian is an alpha and very cocky, and I just really liked the way he handle Rayne in this book. That whole tell him you’re my girlfriend scene between Christian and Rayne, was low-key turning me on the longer it went on.

SEXUAL CHEMISTRY:
I am satisfied with the sexual chemistry. I hate you sex always hits a little different.


SECONDARY CHARACTERS
Isaac, interesting friend. He is Christian’s teammate and friend. I found myself liking Rayne’s brother August. There were other characters that made this story interesting as well.


OVERALL
I like this book and the connection between both characters and the little action thrown in. I was satisfied.


✰✰TRIGGERS:


****I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read. I based my book reviews on my preferences and what I like, and while these preferences may not be the same for others, I hope this review was still helpful.

[Uma, it's a lavenderbookverse · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I won’t let you down, Ray. Not if you don’t let me down. You and I are power.” I blink, those words lifting a huge load off my chest. “Not prey."

Oh you thought Elite Royal Academy was insane? Wait till you enter Elite Royal University, because it's about to go down! Ever since we met Christian Perez in ERA, I've been endlessly curious about him and I'm just going to say it, Damien was King alright but Christian? He rules. The one we saw in ERA has got nothing on the person Christian Perez really is. We see the darker side to Christian and damn, was it a sight! He can fight for what he believes in and at the same time express an emotional profoundness that really has been explored. He has a thoughtful and caring side and I'm here for it. Also, goes without saying, he's fire,through and through. He had me laughing with his antics and awed with his depth.

Rayne Rose tho? Someone needs to give this Queen the crown she deserves. This girl, Rayne, she's a force to be reckoned with. From brandishing knives to being a woman who owns herself, she is literally ah-mazing. She has been through so much, yet she came out on the damn top, fishnets, cut-offs and all. The resilience and raw....power in her is *chef's kiss*. Her development throughout the book was wonderfully carried out!!

What started out light took a dark turn halfway through. Gotta say it though, all the hockey game moments were so well written and gosh, I felt the energy in that field! But then, THEN the plot intensified and wow, the twists had me tearing up. The part that really got to me was how nothing was sugarcoated. LJ Woods presents some really dark realities and is it heartbreaking? Yes. Does that make it any less of a truth? No. I really appreciated that. When the main characters were in over their head, it was presented as such. The love that blossomed between Rayne and Christian, damn it was spectacular to watch unfold. These two, they're partners in crime and complement each other so damn perfectly.

This was a dark, gritty story and that cliffhanger had my heart jolting. Was it all wrapped up in a bow at the end? Yes....a bloody, twisty, strong as all hell and beautiful bow. A Rayne-bow.

"You’re my home. I will go where you go, whether you want me to or not.” His blatant obsessiveness makes a teary smile pull at my face. “This place isn’t my home, Ray. You are.”

ARC provided in exchange for a honest review

[NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books} · Rating 5 out of 5]

***5 "Loca & the Prince Prick!!!"stars***

OUT NOW!!!



"You are power. Not prey."

I think I have found one of my new favorite authors!!!!
OMG!!! This book was soooo good and sooo unpredictable that I was drowning to the mighty force that was Rayne and Christian!!! And I just want more of this world and these crazy people that are living in the Eden, a wealthy town with the darkest and deadliest secrets!!!

"I have to remember he's the enemy."

For a while, I wanted to sink into L.J. Wood's writing and my instict was right!!!
The blurb promised me a dark bully romance, but I got so much more!!!
This story gave me so much rush and hotness!!!
Rayne was a badass chick and Cristian... Holy shit!!! Who would have thought that Perez had it in him, ugh???
These two were explosive and they pulled me under their spell since the very first page...

"I should stay away. But there's something about her that always keeps me coming back."

How the mighty have fallen!!!
Rayne is getting back to the one place that had hurt her in the past... She used to be one of them, but now she is miles apart of them...
Cristian Perez is catching her eyes, but he is as preppy as he seems and he is not for her...
Unfortunately, he is someone from the past and he is about to make her life a living hell alongside with other problems that are chasing her...

"I don't trust guys like you, Perez. You're rich and entitled and I'm not your toy."

Cristian is popular and rich!!! He is the King of the campus and he has a great future ahead of him...
He is the captain of the hockey team and he is about to follow his mighty father's footsteps...
He is fitting right with this crew, but in hiding he is having his own issues...
When Rayne Rose is coming back into his world, he knows from the very first moment that he wants her, but she is a tough nut to crack...
When the opportunity is arising, he is determined to make her bow to his feet!!!

"Rayne Rose is a thorn in my side. And for some reason that makes me want her more."

This was a very intriguing story with so much twists in it...
The main characters were explosive together and on their own...
The secondary characters were making you crave more of them...
And nothing was as you really expecting here!!!!

"Ray's life is as dark as Eden and something is pushing me to be the dark knight she needs."

I loved Rayne and Perez... They were having out of this world chemistry and they were making my heart beat wildly when they were on each other's presence...
Rayne was a tough girl who knows how to clean up her messes and trust me that her life was full of these said messes... Perez was making her lose herself in a way and she was determined to fight him on that...
As for Christian??? OMG!!! He was kind of a preppy jock, but... he was sexy as fuck!!! His whole demeanor was powerful and honestly, I didn't think he had it in him... But I was sooo wrong and he made me swoon very badly over him!!!
These two were fitting perfectly together, even though their characters were bringing them all the time to butting heads...

"Something tells me there's no happy ending when it comes to Christian Perez. Sure, things could've worked before but who we are now, who I am now, we're only setting ourselves up for failure."

Wow!!! I'm just impressed of this dark bully romance by L.J. Woods and trust me on that!!! I'm like a major dark bully romance slut and I have read countless books with this trope...
L.J. took a common thing of nowadays and turned it to so much more!!!
I just need more and more and more!!!!
Damien, Isaak and August are some of the characters that I'm craving to read their stories!!!
Thank you, Ms. Woods, for a wild ride!!! I needed this kind of excitement!!!!

""You've always been mine, Ray."

**I received an ARc for the exchange of an honest review**

[Mandyloves2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read by this author and it was so freaking good! I absolutely loved it! Christian and Rayne’s chemistry is off the charts the sexual tension is real in this one ! I loved the characters the side characters the unique storyline is one I haven’t read before . There’s so much drama which I loved and I’ll definitely be reading other books from this author to get the back story on a few characters that I met in this one . This story was everything I love about this trope and I’m so glad I took a chance on this new to me author !

[Ziezie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[•Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being new to Ms.Woods' work I've been looking so forward to picking up one of her books! As soon as I heard about this one I knew that I had to pick it up first. I really liked this story!

Rayne and Christian's journey had my attention quickly. I enjoyed the fact that I felt different things throughout with these two! I wasn't sure what all was going to happen and I liked that.

With Pretty Little Puppet, Ms.Woods has created a good read!


*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author via Booksprout*

[Dear Ellie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Anyone who has ever read my reviews on the occasional book knows that I love my dark, twisted romances. I’m a huge sucker for the deepest, ugliest parts of souls mixed with the good — the duality and complexity of human beings. Therefore, this book got to me until 70% hit, where every element of the story simply went to hell with unnecessary murder of secondary characters and, well, r*pe that lead to the death of a woman. This will NOT be flagged as a spoiler because readers need to know this! I was shocked and deeply disgusted, even though it was a brief description of events.

I read other reviews and nobody seems to be talking about this. Meanwhile, I’m baffled. Just NO.

[Jess McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved going back to Eden! Pretty Little Puppet follows Christian who we met in the Elite Royal Academy trilogy. I have been waiting to see where his story would go and I was not disappointed!

Christian is manipulative, posesssive and a giant alphahole. And I love him so much! He knows what he wants and has his eyes set on Rayne.

Rayne, Ray for short, is everything a strong fmc should be. She's fierce, strong willed, witty and above all loyal. She may be from Eden, but she isn't welcomed back with open arms.

While Ray was away from Eden, she became mixed up in the wrong crowd and is now running from that situation. She just wants what is best for her family and will do what it takes to survive, even if that means being Christians "girlfriend."

The chemistry that Ray and Christian has is off the charts! They can't resist each other, even when Ray tries to push him away. I love a good push and pull relationship that is full of tension. The cooler scene is... 🔥🔥🔥

There was so many things happening throughout this book, and everything essentially leads up to the next book in this world. Isaac is next and I cannot wait for it. I am here for it and super excited about it. And for good measure I'm going to throw this out there #teamisaacandlexi 🤣

[Katiesbookland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review: Pretty Little Puppet ( Elite Royal University Book 1 ) By: L.J. Woods Stars: 5/5⭐️

This this the very first book I’ve ever read by L.J. Woods and I wasn’t disappointed at all.

This is a enemies to lovers, dark college, sports romance. If your a fan of all three of these then this is your book.

I really liked the banner between these two characters, the slow burn of instant attraction, and the intensity.

I hope that anyone who reads this review is interested enough to check it out on release day!

[Megan megsbooktique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello Christian and where have you been all my life?!? Loved this one!! It was fun to go back to the Elite Royals. I desperately wanted a Christian story when he was in the elite series and I am SOO happy to have read this one! He is the sexy sweet Alphahole we all need to have! Then we get Rayne….. the perfect combo of vulnerable and tough! Combine the two and it’s explosive!! They have sizzling chemistry that comes alive! We get a great story with rich characters and that keeps going. The steam here is off he charts and made me loco! Can’t wait for more…. Bring in Isaac!!

[The Lushy Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

From his very first words of “Like it?” Sparkly Eyes had me sucked in, but before I get my knickers in a twist over him, let me tell you about my girl Ray….

This woman is fierce, strong, snarky…but also has a vulnerable, fragile side that is actually quite beautiful. Her life hasn’t been sunshine and roses, she gets mixed up with the wrong crowd, and drama seems to follow her. But through it all, this girl perseveres. And with Christian… 😏 things get quite interesting.

Oh Christian, you dirty, beautiful green eyed a-hole. Ok how swoony is he every time he whipped out his Spanish!?! Yes ladies, this man may just be your next book boyfriend. He’s a dirty talking, hot alpha who has some possessiveness and protectiveness that will get your panties in a twist.

And um, their chemistry is OFF THE FUCKING CHARTS!! I mean, no spoilers, but there is one scene that will have you questioning if a certain vegetable should be in your next salad 😏

LJ kills it with PLP!! She takes you on a serious mind-fuck that will have you screaming and yelling and maybe cursing her too!! And oh boy, is it worth the ride!!

[Amber · Rating 1 out of 5]

- seem interesting enough to get out of the biggest slump in weeks
- hmmm the writing feels disjointed. It doesn’t flow
- what’s with all the references to a past
- I just know this Natasha girl is the one who did something. And rayne ended up being blamed
- it started on a high note and it’s just falling apart
- they kiss twice and now he’s pushing a knife handle into her? I feel we’ve missed a few steps
- SLICK PEARL?????
- SWOLLEN PEARL????
- still don’t get the point of the fake dating
- I’m confused. Wasn’t he just in an accident or something? Wtf.
- ok so that’s what happened. But for someone who was beaten numb, shouldn’t he look worse? Should she be able to tell?
- ya I’d be pretty pissed if the MMC believed a lie about me without question as well
- ewwwwwww wtf. He gave the chef a cucumber he put inside her
- wtf… she wants him to stay with her when he wants to go help his MOM in an invasion by the guy who’s looking for her. A little selfish much?
- omg…. They killed his mom. OFCOURSE he’d blame her
- GIRL his mom is dead on the floor and you’re telling him you need him???
- i mean I know this is like a rock and a hard space and I hate her but is he not worried about her AT ALL? There’s a violent guy after her
- see this is the thing I don’t like. Her dad founds out what going on and he says “explain everything now” and she starts to explain but her dad immediately says “I can’t deal with this now”. Helllooo????
- wtf. Was he really gonna proposition the journalist who’s gonna write shit about his family ???? He was literally just insulting her
- how is she so stupid that she’s getting drinks with the prof she KNOWS if purposely failing her???? Also how old are they??? What year of university?? I’m so confused
- she really is stupid for accepting to put something in her drink. He’s gonna spike it
- see. He spiked it
- ok I know he’s mad. He’s right to be. But this is a romance and at 80% I expect the romance and feelings to have happened. So why is it that when he finds her drugged and almost raped, he just leaves her????? Sure be mad. Maybe get her to safety and then leave?? Your friends take care of her instead???
- why at 80% does this girl say Christian is in love with Jo or should be?????
- what was the point of the setting being in university?
- not sure why he suddenly cares about her
- honestly not sure why half the things happened. The mentioning of her past, his drunk and suicidal dad, whatever happened with her mom. None of it makes sense to me.
- well. Tit for tat. His mom died cuz of her. Her dad died cuz of him (technically)
- this is not the time for a life declaration…. She LITERALLY just found out her dad died
- I’m not sure why they’re having sex. I’m also not sure why she’s thinking of her dad and his last words to her while having sex. Ok I can understand thinking of her dad. But during sex???
- her dads funeral was not the place for a publisher to come see her. Wtf??
- the sex was horrible
- did she accept the offer? What offer did he get and did he accept it? Wth actually happened?
- this was horrible. Plot. Characters. Writing. Romance. Nothing good
- last note but doesn’t the cover model look like Victoria Beckham????

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa, this book was not what I was expecting at all. Here I am expecting a typical bully romance and got something completely different. While there are some bully themes I honestly think their actions towards each other are pretty equal and honestly I wouldn’t even call in enemies to lovers since more of the hate is one-sided. This book is dark and gritty, and real, which is one of the things I enjoy most about L.J.’s writing.

After her dad gets a job as the new hocket coach, Rayne is forced to move back to Eden after leaving ten years ago. She is a completely different person than before. After living a rough life and stealing to make it by, she doesn’t fit in. But soon after arriving she runs into Christian, an old friend and someone who wasn’t there when she needed him the most. Their relationship starts off rocky. Christian’s old feelings for Ray surface as soon as he sees her. He always had a crush and now that she’s back he will do anything to make her his, even if he has to blackmail her to do so. While Christian wants to be with Ray she keeps pushing him away because she doesn’t think they could ever work. Even though they are completely opposite on the outside you find out they are both broken on the inside. It just shows looks can be deceiving. Aside from the back and forth with Christian and Rayne, there are other things happening also. Rayne is in danger with someone from her old life following her. Christian is trying his best to handle school, hockey and take care of his alcoholic father all on his own. With everything going on Ray and Christian find support in each other even if they are fighting half the time.

I think this is the first book I loved the male character from the start and the most out of the two main characters. Usually, I love the fmc or at least love them equally, but this book Christian won me over the first time he appeared. Ray got on my nerves a bit. I get where she was coming from for most things but I also wanted to shake her and tell her to open her eyes. Isaac was a great side character the true definition of ride or die. Lexis was cool but I don’t know exactly how I feel about her yet. I’m excited to see more of their relationship in their book.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this is the second book I have read by the author and both have one thing in common slightly border line psychotic bad boys and female leads that don't give a crap sexual chemistry off the charts and parents that never ever should have had children these kids would have been better off raised by wolves scratch that some of the guys may have actually been raised by wolves when you consider there beastly behavior. Second if your the type of person who can't look away from and accident then this is your book if your triggered in anyway by dirty ruff sex, questionable teenage behavior such as drugs, alcohol, possible alluded to rape and lots of death this is nought your book its all about personal preference because if these kids were real weed all be in trouble. Now about these kick but characters.

Christiano the reigning King of Eden is no knight in shining armor hes raw dirty gritty and hot and believe me he knows it but the one that got away is back he can't let go and the minute he gets something on Rayne it's on she can't ignore him anymore. Rayne is interesting she had everything lost everything but instead of giving up she adapted and now she could care less about some boy that was a friend along time ago who now can't wait to get in her pants. But like all good bully romance what starts out as a power struggle gets turned upside down and there like animals all over each other basically there each others poison and they can't get enough of each other. But this book also has great side characters Christian's fried Isaac Rayne makes some enemies but she develops friendships too her brother you either hate him or like him. And the level of violence is crazy the underlying danger these characters are constantly in it will keep you reading all night and when you finish you kinda want to scream because these stories never really end they just feed of each other and now I'm waiting for the next one ugh.


I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.

[britts.bookish.bliss · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALL. THE. THINGS.

🏒 𝟛 𝕕𝕒𝕪𝕤 𝕥𝕚𝕝 𝕡𝕦𝕔𝕜 𝕕𝕣𝕠𝕡 🏒

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

As soon as I read the Blurb for ‘Pretty Little Puppet’, I knew I needed to get it in my hands!! It’s all my favorite things combined in one book and now I’m obsessed!

- Dark 🖤
- College 🎓
- Sports; specifically hockey! 🏒
- Enemies to Lovers ☠️
- Angsty ✨
- Steamy 🥵
- Tons of plot twists 👀

This book had it ALL, and I already know I’m getting this bad boy in a paperback because I LOVED it that much! Please note, this is a dark romance which could be triggering for some.

This was my first time reading a LJ Woods book, and I’m impressed! She did an amazing job with every aspect of PLP. I was so drawn into the plot and characters, I couldn’t put it down. SO MUCH HAPPENS!! I was reeling from it all. If you like dark romance, and have no triggers, I highly recommend ‘Pretty Little Puppet’.

Rayne’s character was simply, incredible. She is a BADA$$! There is no other way to put it. She is cut throat strong and takes no crap. Except when it comes to Christian, but not always!

Christian was perfect in so many ways. He’s a little jealous/possessive, protective, a dirty mouth, and a caring heart. This to me is everything I need in a book boyfriend.

Rayne & Christian’s chemistry is next level. The banter, the hate, the love, the steam. You guys aren’t ready for their relationship and all of their trials and tribulations. I’m still not over it; I could read all over again, right now!

Thank you L.J. Woods for accepting me into your ARC Team. You are a queen 🙌🏼 I can’t wait for Isaac & Lexi’s book!!

[Have Coffee Need Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a hockey book that doesn't seem to know about hockey.

Augh, Smalls, you're killing me here.

When down on her luck and rough on the edges, Rayne Rose is taken from Shady Shores and forced to attend the ritzy Elite Royal University. She is back in the lap of luxury she grew up in, but now the rules have changed. A Robinhood for her own good fortune, she isn't afraid to steal from the goody-goodies and line her own pockets. It's just that childhood crush and current bully, Christian Perez, is more than willing to use her current behavior against her to get what he needs too. A fake relationship is born, one they both find benefits in having.

Pretty Little Puppet is okay all around, except it is a hockey book that feels like the author talks about soccer. As a hockey fan, that is WRONG. If you can't name a hockey position or describe the agility or skill that it takes to play the game, you don't know what you are watching when you see a game.

BUT...

The rest of this story isn't too bad if you stick strictly to the romance. It's super hot. Steamy, smexy, pervy sizzle-y hot even, with a touch of oh my goodness, Christian Perez is a real freak. Ray is, too, though, so they are a great match.

I give this a three-star rating because there are so many things that didn't work for me.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary advance copy of this book.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 OFF THE CHART STARS for Pretty Little Puppet by L.J. Woods

ARC received from Booksprout and author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

This book is Christian and Rayne’s story and has you once again returning to Eden Gardens and Elite Royal University (ERU)

WOW I could not put this book down and read in pretty much one sitting !

Cover and book blurb - perfection would most likely having me one click
Enemies to lovers ( sports romance too - hockey )
Pretty dark story line - filled with lots of angst , unexpected twists / turns
Amazing characters in Rayne and Christian
Very strong female heroine
Sizzling off the charts chemistry
Angst and more angst
Some really great lol dialog and situations
Hard fought HEA
Standalone - but I highly recommend all the books in the Elite Royal series

L.J. Woods is a very talented author - her stories keep you totally engaged right from page one! If enemies to lovers is your “jam” I highly recommend this book as well as the Elite Royal series ! Awesome work - loved it !!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Yoneidis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rayne is a girl who had everything until her mother gets sick, the bills start to pile up and she and her family lose everything, even her mother. They have to move to a poorer neighborhood and she and her brother August have to make a living as best they can, even if that means hanging out with bad people and breaking the law.
But when Rayne's father is offered a coaching position at a prestigious university, he agrees to give her daughter a chance.
But Rayne doesn't want to go back to her old life, because that means meeting people from the past like Christian.
Christian is the captain of the hockey team, a womanizer, used to being the king of the school. But when he sees her again, everything changes, because he has not been able to forget the girl who once stole his heart.
But the reunion is not as he expected. Rayne comes ready to do anything, including revenge on him. But he will not be left behind either, besides what it is a bit of blackmail between old friends?
It is not the typical bully romance since the protagonists will have to face death more than once.
The truth is that she has hooked me. I'm dying to keep reading books in this series.

[Short and Sweet Reviews by Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, L.J Woods, for providing a copy of Pretty Little Puppet. I have reviewed honestly.

Pretty Little Puppet features, but is not limited to, the following themes:
○ New adult
○ Dark romance
○ Enemies to lovers
○ Second chance
○ Bully romance
○ College
○ Sports romance
○ Fake relationship

My overall rating for Pretty Little Puppet is…

4.5 Stars!

I was so excited when I heard that Christians book was next in the Eden world! I loved his character in the original series (Elite Royal Academy) and couldn't wait to meet his girl and get inside his head. And let me tell you, that gorgeous head of is filthy, dirty and raw. His love interest, Rayne, is fierce, saucey and rebellious. Their relationship is sexy as sin and crazily compelling. Woods is exceptional at writing dark, gritty and twisted romances and I can't wait to see what she comes up with for Isaacs book! I also just want to mention that though this book has characters from an interconnecting series it can definitely be read as a standalone.

[Kelly Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

LJ has really outdone herself with this book....i just didn't want the story to end!
I couldn't get enough of Christian when he featured in the previous Elite Royal academy Trilogy, so was beyond excited to finally get my hands on this!
This was definitely an enemy to lover romance with a few darker themes. The plot was action filled, with suspense and certainly a few little twists to keep you on the edge throughout!

I just really loved these characters though....Christian was obsessive and manipulative but he was also quite funny at times, i loved how he challenged Rayne and when he provoked her by calling her silly nicknames. As for Rayne, she fought her feelings for Christian as much as she could, but it wasn't a fair fight and she stood no chance! Together their chemistry sizzled!

I cant wait for more from this author, hopefully we get Isaac's story next and i would really like Rayne's brother August to get his own book!

I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.

[Evelyn Jane Thorne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty Little Puppet has to be my favourite book by L.J. Woods so far. It is an enemies-to-lovers college sports romance that will leave you begging for more.

I absolutely loved just how intense, fierce and sassy Ray was. She never backed down from anyone and that is one of the reasons why I loved her. I have loved Christian since he appeared in Elite Royal Academy and he did not disappoint. I loved being able to see inside his head and I must say that it was a very intriguing place to be. My heart broke for Christian several times throughout this book and it was hard having to watch him deal with his father. The chemistry between Ray and Christian was out of this world. It definitely caused some panty drenching sex scenes.

Omg please tell me that August is getting a book pleeeasssseeee!!! I will give you my soul in exchange for his story.


There were so many twists, secrets and mind blowing scenes that had me shocked. That cliffhanger was the perfect way to tease the next book.

I recieved an advanced copy for free, and this is my honest opinion.

[L.J. Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eden Gardens is as filthy and deadly as we left it. Matter of fact, it's worse.
Can't wait for you to get your hands on this one!
𝗣𝗿𝗲-𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿 ► https://amzn.to/3vXPT2H



Get acquainted with Eden:
King
Knight
Pawn

[Maddi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty Little Puppet by L. J. Woods is the first instalment in the Elite Royal University series. This is a standalone book that can be read as part of an interconnected series. PLP is a spin-off of Elite Royal Academy with characters and storylines that overlap but is not required to read prior or inter-connectedly. It is an Enemies to Lovers Dark College Sports Romance. This book revolves around Rayne, the coach’s daughter and Christian, the enemy as they embark on a thrilling journey whilst fake dating. I have loved Christian since he appeared in Elite Royal Academy! I loved being able to see inside his head and gage his emotions whilst he keeps up his stone front because of his Dad. I can't wait to read the next book which is hinted about in the cliffhanger ...

This book is for those who love rich alpha possessive bad boys and killer plots. I highly recommend this read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ode to my book boyfriends · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like this blurb was very misleading, this is not a dark sports romance. There is very little hockey involved. I still think this is a good read, I just wasn’t prepared for the drinking, drugs, murder and gangs. Not that I don’t enjoy those books, I just didn’t expect it in this book based on the blurb.

I like that it’s told in dual POV. And I definitely think there is good character development. But, there are definitely some gaps in the story and it’s difficult to understand what the author is trying to say in some sections.

Overall, a decent read from this new to me author. Not sure if I’ll read another from this author though.

If you’re looking for some really amazing dark romances (5 stars), I’d recommend Sick Boys Series by Lucy Smoke, The Golden Series by Rachel Jonas, Windsor Academy by Laura Lee, Boys of Brayshaw by Meagan Brady or G.N. Wright’s Black Hallows series. If you’re looking for an amazing sports romance…Meghan Quinn is the queen of them!

[Tea Rodríguez]

DNIF at 27% If the mothers of the main characters born in Spain, they speak Spainish and not Spanish Latino. In Spain we don't use "mijo" we use "hijo mío", "mi niño" or an affectionate term like "vida", "cariño" if you are from Galicia, as is the case in the book, you can use "fillo", "meu neno". We never use "pendejo", we have "capullo", "cabrón", "desgraciado", "hijo de perra"... but not "pendejo". The phrase "tú pareces estúpida" is not well constructed either, it would be "pareces estúpida" or simply "estúpida", in my opinion it would be better "pareces tonta". I never heard "como una caldereta" in the context of calling someone crazy, caldereta is a fish stew in Spain. I don't know if in Spanish Latino that expression is used, here it would be "como una cabra", "como unas maracas"or directly "se te va la pinza". I was liking the story, but after reading this, I couldn't continue.

[Shawna Jimenez more.books.forever · Rating 5 out of 5]

I freaking love Christian! That man is a complete possessive alpha a-hole to the max but he’s also loyal to those he cares about and no matter how hard he tries he cares about Rayne!! These two have this amazing off the charts hate/hate that turns into love/hate sexual tension that is straight fire. Those spicy scenes will leave you fanning yourself for sure! Ray is strong independent sassy AF and seriously take no crap from anyone…. Well except Christian! There is so many moving parts in this book and so much mystery. Everything leads up to the jaw dropping ending that will leave you begging for the next book. I absolutely cannot wait to see what happens next… If you love a dark enemies to love college sports romance then you are definitely going to want to pick this up and hold on to you panties because you are in for one wild ass ride!!

[JenMcJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although I found the characters believable and Ray was a refreshingly angry/destructive teenager, I had a really hard time suspending disbelief for the many deadly circumstances they ended up in and how it never came back to them. I don't like second chance storylines very often and this one did not convince me that Rayne should have trusted Christian, and in fact, I don't think she ever did which made it hard to believe in any strength in the relationship. Add the trust issue to the mom tragedy and I did not finish the book expecting that these two were any kind of solid.

I was also a little annoyed at the references to the prior book related to this world that I didn't know preceded it so I had to struggle to figure out some of the dynamics.

It took me a long time to read this one.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I volunteered to read this ARC for an honest review. This was a dark story filled with tension and emotions. Rayne and Christian were friends growing up and both of their fathers hockey legends. Christian's dad wants him to be a pro hockey player but after his parents divorce things become harder. Rayne's life falls apart after her mom passes away and they are forced into poverty. Now they are back where it all began, her dad's the new hockey coach of ERU. They sparks between Rayne and Christin fly the moment they meet again, even when they don't realize who the other is. But when her past tries too harm her, he's there's too protect her.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first L.J. Woods novel and wow! I have been missing out on stories I didn't even know I needed in my life! I am very much looking forward to binging her other stories this summer.

I loved everything about Christian and Rayne! They have off the charts chemistry that made me blush at times. She doesn't take crap from anyone and NEVER backs down. She is a strong badass woman who is inspiring despite her dark and twisted background. Christian is everything sexy about a man: strong, confident, obsessive alphamale. I couldn't get enough of them.

The storyline was so unique and had such real and relatable side characters. I'm not usually one for darker romance so I am SO GLAD I branched out and gave Pretty Little Puppet a chance.

[Ann Mihailovic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty Little Puppet is book one in the Elite Royal University series by L.J. Woods and is a dark college enemies-to-lovers sports romance. What can I say? This story was an amazing introduction to the series and I'm excited for the rest of the ERU series.
In this book we hear Rayne and Christian's story. Rayne Rose is a force to be reckoned with. She is strong, fierce, witty, but also vulnerable. Having returned to the luxury of Eden after a decade living on the wrong side of the tracks, she's not the girl she once was.
When Christian Perez finds out that Rayne is back in town, his feelings for her resurface and he's determined to make her his no matter how dirty he has to play to get her. He's a complete alpha who is obsessive and manipulative at times but can also be protective and sweet.
These two had a slow-burn romance with alot of angst on both of their parts. Rayne is trying to stay away from the danger that's followed her while Christian is trying to juggle school, hockey and an alcoholic father. The chemistry between these two was absolutely sizzling. Like, off the charts scorching. I loved watching these two fight and love hard. The banter, love/hate relationship and steam in this book made for a great story.