Wicked Beginnings

Wicked Bay #1

by L.A. Cotton

An edgy, angsty, addictive YA/NA crossover series from L. A. Cotton, author of the Rixon Raidersseries.

Sometimes wrong feels so right...

When seventeen-year-old Eloise Stone finds herself halfway across the world, moving into her uncle's pool house, she expects things to be ... awkward. She doesn't expect to come face-to-face with the boy from last summer. The boy that made her feel things she'd never felt before. But a year is a long time, and Lo isn't the girl she was then. Besides, they're family now.

It's weird.

Maverick Prince acts as if he doesn't remember her, treating Lo like nothing more than an annoying younger sister, and not in a 'he cares' way, just in a 'he's an arsehole' way. One thing's for sure, he isn't just dangerous for her sanity--he's hazardous for her heart.

Lo thought moving to Wicked Bay was the worst of her problems, but as life begins to unravel around her, she's going to find out it's only the beginning...

~

The Wicked Bay Series is recommended for readers aged 17+ due to mature themes, language and content.

Reading Order
Wicked Beginnings
Wicked Rules
Wicked Lies
Wicked Games
Wicked Hearts
Wicked Surprise
Wicked Promise
Wicked Forever

Genres: Romance, High School, Sports, New Adult, Young Adult, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary

360 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 16, 2017

About the author

Reckless Love. Wild Hearts.

L A COTTON is USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over forty mature young adult and new adult novels, LA COTTON is happiest writing the kind of books she loves to read: addictive stories full of teenage angst, tension, twists and turns.

Home is a small town in the middle of England where she currently juggles being a full-time writer with being a mother/referee to two little people. In her spare time (and when she’s not camped out in front of the laptop) you’ll most likely find LA immersed in a book, escaping the chaos that is life.

L A loves connecting with readers, and you can find her at:

Official Website
www.lacotton.com

Social Media
www.facebook.com/authorlacotton
www.instagram.com/authorlacotton

Reviews

[Nazanin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars

Seven months ago, Eloise’s (aka Lo) mum and brother died in an accident and she barely made it. Then Lo and her father went to America (from England) to make a good life for themselves. Lo wasn’t happy about this change but she accepted it (just for her father) as a fresh start. So they went to her uncle’s home, they were supposed to live with them for a month. But she didn’t expect to come face to face with the mysterious guy from last summer! But that guy was changed just like Lo! He was angry and violent! And he treated Lo with cold shoulder! And that's not all! Then Lo found out about the real reason for coming to the state and she felt betrayed...

As much as I liked Lo, I disliked Maverick and Lo's father! I mean I could understand her father for what he did but I couldn't accept it! And I think in this case it was Lo's right to know about everything! I wanted Lo hated her father, Urgh... I couldn’t understand why Maverick pushed Lo away! He had a reason but it wasn't strong and I think it wasn’t the main reason! I really liked to know why he was so angry! And what was his problem with his dad! I really liked to have his POV and know what's going on in his mind! I think I should read the second book to know more about him!

Told in Lo’s POV, 1st person. It’s the first installment in the "Wicked Bay" series and it ended with a mild cliffhanger. It's well-written. The main characters aside, I really really liked Kyle and would like to read his story! He was so fun! Overall, it was a good read and I hope you like it as well!

[Wendys Wycked Words · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG....so many tears...not to mention how many times I wanted to throw my tablet against the wall. So much delicious teenage angst !!!!

I read all into the night because I couldn't put it down...Didn't help me much though, because when I read the last page, I finally realized there was a second book... Stupid me didn't know !!! Now don't get me wrong, I dont mind reading more about this crazy ass family, but if I had known, I would have taken a nap in between LOL...

Now I need some shut eye so I can start book 2.... so excited !!!

4,5 stars from me, I really love this author's writing style.

[Bilabi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished this in a day so I guess this book wasn't too bad.
While reading I felt like i read something similar before already ... "Paper Princess (The Royals)".

I'm starting to think I've just read way too many romances.

If I haven't read "Paper Princess" I'm pretty sure this book would have been rated slightly higher .. 4.5?

Storyline:
There's a forbidden(?) step-cousin relationship, high school popularity drama and loads of alcohol. Throw all that together & you've got a slightly angsty romance novel.

[Elisabetta Veneziani · Rating 4 out of 5]

È difficile giudicare questo libro, è evidente che fosse solo una premessa per quello che verrà, troppi sono i segreti non chiariti o svelati, troppi i dubbi lasciati senza una spiegazione. Quello che è certo è che la storia mi ha incuriosito molto e mi ha preso da subito, alcune cose non mi hanno convinto del tutto ma forse è anche perché non ho il quadro completo della situazione (a tal proposito spero che venga pubblicata anche la novella prequel), in certi momenti pensavo proprio mi mancassero dei pezzi per capire. Avrei voluto però un po’ più di interazioni tra loro due e non mi sarebbe dispiaciuto leggere anche il POV di Maverick, ma magari comparirà nei prossimi libri (spero!! 🤞🏻🤞🏻). Non ho sopportato invece per niente il papà di Lois, non sembrava lui l’adulto nel loro rapporto, non mi è piaciuto come ha gestito il loro trasferimento e ciò che ne è seguito, è migliorato solo verso la fine ma prima bocciatissimo 👎🏻👎🏻
Comunque spero di leggere presto il seguito perché ho bisogno di capire TUTTO!!!

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS!
First, and most importantly, can I get book 2 now please? Like, right now?!

Okay, so this isn't a cliffhanger per se, just a very open ending. It's obvious that the story between this group of characters is only just beginning and there's more to come. I can't wait!

Plus I love all of the extra drama/angsty bits. Definitely different than the regular books I've been reading. And Lo, you go girl! She's kicking butt and taking names. I love how she doesn't put her issues aside and she's not afraid to ask the hard questions. A take no prisoners kind of attitude.

Some small things might have annoyed or confused me a little bit but I'm hoping that will all come to light as the story continues.

Cliff notes version:
Lo and her father move to California from England
They move in with her uncle, cousins and step cousins
Maverick and Macey are broody step cousins with undisclosed reasons for their issues.
Kyle and Summer are the cousins, both are awesome people.
Maverick and Lo had met before and didn't end of good terms
Tons of family drama from every angle
Friend drama
Mean girl drama
Football vs Basketball drama
Lots of good stuff

Click on amazon for your copy now! It's an addictive story.

[Tiziana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok datemi il seguito e nessuno si farà male 🤣🤣😱😱😱 intrigante, doloroso, palpitante, emozionante e tanta roba per un new adult fitto di segreti, parole non dette e cuori palpitanti di due ragazzi distrutti e che hanno un solo unico appiglio dove aggrapparsi per non crollare. Loro, Maverick e London, solo insieme possono sperare di recuperare pezzi di cuori ammaccato e distrutto per andare incontro insieme a quel futuro che forse chissà sarà quello predestinato per loro❤️❤️❤️ amato ogni singolo momento 😍

[Sharon ∞❥ is an emotional book junkie ❥∞ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐'s

This is another book of teenage angst involving a family with complicated dynamics.

Two broken *non blood-related* young adults are drawn to each other but at the same time their brokenness is the very thing that is hampering their relationship.

Maverick and Eloise (Lo) met each other last summer when she came to visit. They had a very intense, bonding evening with Lo getting her heart broke.

Fast forward a year and things are very different. Lo has suffered through a tremendous tragedy and is still suffering. Maverick is still going through what he was going through last year but he's so closed off that Lo doesn't know what to think.

It doesn't help that Lo's Dad is acting very strangely and keeping secrets from her but it does help her spend more time figuring Maverick out.

This book was an interesting start to the series. We get to know the family members and a little bit of some of the secrets. That takes a lot of page time and since the next book is also about Maverick and Lo, I realized I'm in for the long haul...and no resolutions.

Still it was intriguing. I really enjoyed Lo's cousins Kyle and Summer and can't wait to find out some of these secrets!

[New Adult e dintorni · Rating 4 out of 5]

CLICCA SULL'IMMAGINE PER LEGGERE LA RECENSIONE COMPLETA:

L.A. Cotton è ormai una garanzia in Italia e qui la ritroviamo nel primo capitolo della Wicked Bay Series dove il capitano della squadra di pallacanestro dei Wreckers, Maverick, conquista portando allo sfinimento la cugina acquisita Eloise.

Eloise Stone è appena arrivata dall’Inghilterra con il padre Robert, a preoccuparla e a renderla nervosa non è solo il fatto di ricominciare tutto da capo e a chilometri di distanza ma è anche il doppio peso sul cuore che l’ha annientata completamente mesi prima.
Wicked Bay in California non sarà così accogliente, quando lo zio Gentry li ospiterà in casa propria non potrà mascherare i dissapori che dividono in due la famiglia Stone-Prince. Se da una parte abbiamo i figli Summer e Kyle Stone che sembrano accoglienti e nel caso di Kyke addirittura invadenti, dall’altra abbiamo i loro fratellastri Macey e Maverick Prince che sono scontrosi e a dir poco diffidenti. Quest’ultimo sarà una croce e una delizia per la malcapitata Loise che riconoscerà in quel ragazzo una vecchia conoscenza tramutata nel tempo nel suo incubo peggiore.

‘𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑜 𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑙𝑖 𝑛𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑎 𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑎, 𝑎𝑠𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑖 𝑠𝑢𝑜𝑖 𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑒𝑟𝑖 𝑒 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝑙 𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑜 𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑜 𝑖 𝑠𝑢𝑜𝑖 𝑜𝑐𝑐ℎ𝑖. 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑜 𝑠𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑟𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑎 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑣𝑎 𝑠𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑀𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑘 𝑃𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒.’

La vita del liceo tra feste alcoliche e balli studenteschi farà da sfondo a un incredibile tira e molla che disorienterà la povera Eloise ma l’attrazione per il bad boy Maverick non si affievolirà, anzi, lui non è disposto a mollare la presa nonostante gli innumerevoli tentennamenti.

‘𝑰𝒏𝒅𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒂𝒗𝒂 𝒖𝒏𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒔𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒂 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒆, 𝒆 𝒕𝒊 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒗𝒂 𝒅𝒊 𝒈𝒖𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒄𝒊 𝒔𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒐 𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒛𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒊.’

London, così la chiama Maverick, anche grazie alle sue evidenti origini anglosassoni è una ragazza con gli attributi che mi ha piacevolmente stupita e più di una volta. Se da una parte c’è quel passato che fa ancora tanto male, dall’altra c’è la sua lotta a non farsi mettere i piedi in testa da Maverick ma ci sono anche delle bugie che dette da chi ami fanno male doppiamente.

[Bookgasms Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy crap what did I just read?! GAH did L.A. Cotton just move to the top of my kindle crack pile?? YES! YES SHE DID! Good Lord people - Wicked Beginnings was amazing!!! It was edgy and so tension filled. I absolutely loved Lo and Maverick. Their chemistry was HOT and the tension was palpable between them!! These kind of stories are my crack and I honestly could not get enough.

When Eloise "Lo" Stone moved to another country with her father to live with her American relatives, she never expected her life to be thrown into so much turmoil. Dealing with recent tragedy, only the memory of a boy she met a year ago keeps her warm. But when that long-lost boy turns out to be her broody and edgy step cousin - Maverick Prince - she realizes she never really knew him after all. Filled to the brim with so much drama, secrets and angst.. Wicked Beginnings rocked my world. I loved the intensity between Lo and Maverick and all of the extended characters. I never wanted this story to end!! Would I have wanted it to be a little bit more steamier? Of course! But as this novel surfs the YA/NA line, I could deal with it.

This novel was reminiscent of all the NA/High School/social elite stories we love from Tijan and Erin Watt, but also had its own unique flavor. I seriously can not wait for the next book! Bravo! 4.5 stars!

[Vanitiromance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eloise nell’ultimo anno ha subito un grave lutto ed è caduta lentamente in una spirale discendente di droga e alcool. Suo padre per salvarla decide che è ora di ricominciare da capo, lasciando la loro vecchia casa in Inghilterra e trasferendosi in California da suo fratello. Per il momento avrebbero vissuto con lo zio e la sua famiglia allargata, fino a quando la loro nuova casa non sarebbe stata pronta. Lois non è entusiasta dell’idea, soprattutto quando scopre che uno dei suoi cugini acquisiti altri non è che lo sconosciuto con cui l’estate prima ha passato una notte indimenticabile.

“Volevo essere più entusiasta, davvero. Ma prendere tutto, lasciare casa tua e trasferirti dall’altra parte del mondo non era qualcosa su cui ci si poteva “passare sopra”. Per non parlare dello stress dovuto alla lunghezza del viaggio”

Maverick ed Eloise si sono incontrati la scorsa estate, hanno trascorso una serata molto intensa su un pontile a parlare tutta la notte, e da allora si sono persi di vista, spezzando quel legame appena creato. Passa un anno durante il quale molte cose sono cambiate. Lois sta soffrendo e tenta in ogni modo di soffocare il suo dolore e Maverick sta attraversando un periodo difficile in famiglia, facendo fatica a contenere i suoi eccessi di rabbia.

“Forse era per questo che ero attratta da Maverick, anche dopo aver scoperto chi era davvero: le sue parti danneggiate richiamavano le mie. Riconoscevano che dentro di lui qualcosa si era spezzato e gravitavano nella sua direzione. Non volevo. Desideravo solo dimenticare tutto di lui.”

Lois fa fatica a inserirsi nelle strane dinamiche della sua nuova famiglia acquisita, suo padre non c’è mai e quando c’è si comporta in modo strano. I suoi cugini maggiori Maverick e Macey la trattano con sufficienza, gli unici che le vengono incontro sono Kyle e Summer, suoi coetanei che la aiutano a inserirsi a scuola tra i compagni. Essendo una ragazza molto bella attira sguardi indiscreti di ogni ragazzo della Wicked Bay, uno in particolare tende a desiderare più del suo status di amico con lei scatenando le ire funeste di Maverick, che le fa terra bruciata intorno.

Se lui non può averla, allora nessuno le deve stare intorno, perché lei è sua e rivendica il suo possesso. Ma quanto può sopportare una ragazza in un così breve periodo di tempo dopo un lutto, un trasferimento improvviso, e una accoglienza in una nuova realtà delle peggiori?
Maverick è fuoco puro, caldo cupo e intrigante. In lui coesistono due personalità, il bravo ragazzo che si aggira nell’ombra per proteggerla, e quello schivo ed evasivo, quasi tenebroso, che scappa e torna con lividi ed ematomi su tutto il corpo senza dare alcuna spiegazione. Quando vede di nuovo Lois dopo un anno, si comporta come se non la riconoscesse, e allo stesso tempo, non vuole che nessuno le stia vicino. Ogni volta che sono vicini l’uno all’altro la tensione è palpabile.

“Ma le parole mi morirono sulle labbra quando Maverick riempì il mio campo visivo. Riempiva tutto. Le crepe nel mio petto… Rubava l’aria dalla stanza… Mi faceva attorcigliare lo stomaco per desiderio.”

Un cambiamento radicale per Lois, che improvvisamente la mette in condizione di dover fare i conti con una nuova famiglia, ma soprattutto con quattro fratelli belli, viziati ricchi e pieni di sé, che attraverso le loro “leggi” cercano di metterle i bastoni tra le ruote. Ma Lois nella sua vita è sempre stata abituata a sopravvivere e troverà la strada giusta anche questa volta.

Anche se il suo recente vissuto all’apparenza può farla passare per quella che non è, con il suo carattere tosto terrà testa anche a Maverick, che non solo dimostrerà di non esserle indifferente, ma la porterà a lasciarsi andare a emozioni sconosciute. La nostra Lois con la sua determinazione a piccoli passi, riuscirà a conquistare anche la più odiosa delle cugine Macey, che dopo dei mesi difficili, le rivolgerà finalmente la parola.

L’inizio della mia fine è il primo libro che leggo di L.A. Cotton, ma sicuramente non sarà l’ultimo. Questo romanzo è stata una lettura avvincente fin dalle prime pagine e l’ho divorato a tempo di record. Al suo interno c’è tutto ciò che amo in un romanzo: un’eroina coraggiosa per la quale possiamo tifare, cattivi ragazzi eccitanti e ricchi in abbondanza, romanticismo da svenimento, angoscia, dialoghi spiritosi e drammi da primo amore. Tutti ingredienti che faranno amplificare ogni vostra sensazione.

Maverick è il cattivo ragazzo per eccellenza, l’incompreso che nega costantemente i suoi sentimenti, tanto da chiedervi spesso quale siano i motivi. La natura tira e molla della relazione tra Lois e Maverick è deliziosa e la chimica sessuale che si sprigiona ogni volta che si trovano nella stessa stanza, farà battere i vostri cuori.

Anche i personaggi secondari sono ben descritti. Ho avuto un debole per Kyle e Summer, i due peperini della famiglia. Una storia cadenzata da un ritmo serrato che vi terrà incollati alle pagine. Alla fine rimangono molto dubbi e interrogativi non risolti, ma essendo una dilogia dovremo aspettare il secondo volume per svelare qualche mistero.

La storia è raccontata interamente dal punto di vista di Lois, e percepirete fin da subito il dolore della sua perdita. Lois è un’adolescente con un profondo vuoto nel cuore, frustrazione per il trasferimento in un paese straniero e tanta rabbia contro un padre che ha voltato pagina troppo in fretta. Lois è un personaggio verso il quale è fin troppo facile provare empatia, e conoscere la sua storia e immedesimarsi con i suoi momenti felici e tristi, viene quasi naturale.
continua su https://www.vanitiromancebook.com/boo...

[Lustful Literature · Rating 5 out of 5]

**KIM'S REVIEW**

I am an LA Cotton fan so when I saw a new series coming out I said please, thank you and added it to my TBR! Of course she did not let me down with this bad boy.

Eloise (“Lo") lost her mother and brother in an accident and slowly fell into a downward spiral. Her father decided it was time for a fresh start so they moved from England to California. For the time being they would be living with her uncle and his family until their new house was ready. She wasn’t exactly thrilled with the idea but she definitely wasn’t expecting two of her step-cousins to be so wicked. Never mind the fact that that one of them just so happens to be the boy she met when she visited Cali last summer. However, the other two are nice to her and she manages to make friends quickly. One boy in particular tends to want more than a friend’s status with her while another one completely gives her the creeps. Lo can also tell something is going on with her father as he’s barely around and when she finally finds out why…sheesh…how much can one girl take in such a short period of time?!

Maverick (“Rick”) is hot, dark and broody. Something has clearly made him that way but we don't know what it is...yet. When he sees Lo again he acts as if: a. He doesn’t remember her or b. He doesn’t want to. Yet at the same time it’s clear as day he doesn’t want her to be with anyone else either. And when these two are put in the same room you cannot deny the attraction between them. Now whether he wants to entertain that or not is something you will have to find out. You can also tell something is going on with him and Lo's uncle. Whenever they are near each other the tension is palpable. I know there will be more to this storyline and I can’t wait to delve into it.

So what happens when you throw a new girl into school who has the attention of a few boys and particularly the most popular boy in the school? Said boy who pretty much every girl in school wants especially one in particular. Oh and did I mention secrets? Yes secrets…secrets between friends…secrets in the family. Again I ask you...so what happens?! DRAMA! YES FOLKS DRAMA! LOTS OF IT! SQUEE! Can you tell I’m a fiend for it? Gimme, gimme, gimme!!

I sat down the other night and read this book from front to back. No breaks. You won’t want one either. But then there was an unfortunate truth. I was done! AND NOW I NEED MORE! I am so happy I was lucky enough to receive an ARC from this author however now I’m greedy and I want the next one ASAP! Like right now. STAT! Pronto. Arriba! PLEASE?!!

[Siobhan Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wicked Beginnings is the first book I've read by L.A. Cotton, but it most definitely won't be the last. This book was an addictive read from the very first page and I devoured it in record time. It contains everything I love in a novel - a plucky heroine we can root for, hot, rich bad boys in abundance, swoon-worthy, angsty romance, witty dialogue, and high-school drama in spades.

Maverick, oh Maverick (furiously fanning face in a feeble attempt to cool down) how my heart beats wildly for you! He is the quintessential misunderstood bad boy constantly denying his feelings, and we're left wondering why. The push-and pull nature of Lo and Maverick's relationship was delicious, and the sexual chemistry sizzled across the pages of my Kindle.

The side characters were great too, and I especially liked Kyle and the youngest sister. Character development was great, the pacing was consistent and it flowed smoothly, and the writing was superb. While we are still left with many questions at the end, I don't consider it a cliffhanger ending. That said, I'm dying for the next installment because I'm in bad need of another Maverick Prince fix.

Highly recommended if you are a fan of angsty, dramatic YA/NA crossover romance.

[Miftahul · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.7

This book was pretty basic, this reminded me of Did I mention I love you and Paper Princess. Wicked Promises is one of my favourite books which is about Summer and Jb, but this book which is about Lo and Maverick, it was like other highschool books. Nothing different and kinda boring. Lo is Maverick’s step cousin and she stays at their house with her dad after her mom and brother died. As expected, she is new in school and all the guys wants her cuz “she is not like the other girls”. I swear this line “ you are not like the other girls” bothers me in so many ways, this line is literally in all highschool books but tbh ALL HEROINES ARE THE SAME! Maverick has no personality, all he does is push Lo away and fight with ppl. Lo on the other hand, i liked her cuz she is strong but she is like the basic troubled heroine. Laurie who is Lo’s bff is soooo annoying! She keeps pushing Lo to do whatever she wants, she is legit so annoying ugh! I only liked Kyle who is Lo’s another cousin, and Lo. I only liked these two and their friendship!

[Sharon Mariampillai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Sharon J for recommending this book to me. This was an amazing read. I read this book in one day, and could not put it down. I really loved every minute of it. Eloise aka Lo is an amazing character. She lost her mother and brother in an accident. So she and her father move from England to California to start fresh and living with her uncle. She is the new girl in school and she attracts the attention of the most popular guy in school along with some other guys as well. It was amazing to read, especially with all of the secrets and drama that occurs in the book. Now, Maverick aka Rick is broody and hot. He met Lo last summer in Cali, and when he meets her again, he tries to act like he does not remember her. However, he does not want anyone else to have her. They have amazing chemistry. I wonder how the series will turn out for them. The ending was fantastic. I cannot wait to read the second book. Overall, an incredible read.

[Il confine dei libri · Rating 5 out of 5]

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[Dali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fans of Siobhan Davis’ Kennedy Boys series will love Wicked Beginnings. It is an ensnaring read full of teen angst and forbidden love.

When Eloise Stone’s world is turned sideways and she’s forced to move across the world to LA into her uncle’s pool house she never imagined she’d come face to face with the boy who kissed her for the very first time. Much less have him be her step cousin? It should be irrelevant since he treats her like she doesn’t even exist. But the truth is, there’s a connection between them they can’t deny. Can they find a way to navigate their feelings and situation?

Lo is a courageous young woman I found myself rooting for and even though we only got her perspective in this book I loved Maverick. He plays the bad boy but mostly I feel as though he’s grossly misunderstood. I get the feeling Lo will break down his walls though and we’ll get to know the reasons behind his broodiness soon enough.

The chemistry, and ebb and flow between Lo and Maverick was mouthwatering and I was left wanting to keep reading about this couple. Blessedly, their story is now complete so I’ll jump right into the next book.

Wicked Beginnings is book #1 of the Wicked Bay series by L.A. Cotton. It is a Young Adult, slow burn story told from the heroine’s point of view and has a semi resolved ending. Genre: young adult romance Tropes: Basketball Romance

Amazon -> https://amzn.to/3mghxUm

★ I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via Candi Kane. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. ★

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[Becky Rendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leave it to L.A. Cotton to have you needy and on edge. Full of angst, energy, and chemistry. This book needs a warning. Wicked Beginnings is all about the intrigue. It is full of eyebrow raising situations but not enough answers.

I need more. I need it now. I want to know all those deep dark secrets hiding behind those hooded eyes. I am twisted with the need to know everything.

It seems waiting is all I can do. But I will get more info if I have to shake these characters until they tell me everything. I mean it's only book one after all.

reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood

[✨ Lucy ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a good book, nothing special but I enjoyed reading it. The story between the two main characters isn’t very clear, there are some omission that made you lose a little the logic of what happened and why that thing happened. It’s not that I didn’t like it, because i did, but it wasn’t one that makes you say i will absolutely reread it . So i gave it ⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars

[Leggere Romanticamente · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recensione sul blog --> https://www.leggereromanticamente.com...
Se amate i romance new adult, i bad boy e le storie sofferte questo romanzo fa per voi.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

recensione "a cura del blog Libri magnetici" by Meghan

Ed eccoci ad una nuova serie di L.A. Cotton, scrittrice molto versatile e che in questo primo capitolo ci presenta una storia molto particolare.
Eloise e Maverick sono all’ultimo anno delle superiori; lei inglese, lui americano, sono imparentati senza legami di sangue e vivono nella stessa casa. Di lei leggiamo subito che porta in sé il dolore per la morte di sua madre e di suo fratello.

«Ma la vita ti tratta così. Ti strappa il cuore e lo lascia sanguinare sul pavimento, poi aspetta che tu raccolga i pezzi per ricomporli.»

Il suo trasferimento con il padre in USA, a Wicked Bay, la porta ad affrontare di nuovo Maverick, conosciuto per caso una notte d’estate tempo prima, e al tempo stesso, tutta una nuova vita. Il libro ha il solo POV di Eloise, per cui solo dopo metà lettura, ci viene raccontato come e quando i due si sono conosciuti: fino a quel momento entrambi si cercano e si rifiutano.

«Forse era per questo che ero attratta da Maverick, anche dopo aver scoperto chi era davvero: le sue parti danneggiate richiamavano le mie. Riconoscevano che dentro di lui qualcosa si era spezzato e gravitavano nella sua direzione. Non volevo. Desideravo solo dimenticare tutto di lui.
……………...
Eravamo entrambi feriti. Entrambi arrabbiati. Entrambi in lotta con i nostri demoni»

Di Maverick capiamo che è un ragazzo tormentato, ma non un bad-boy: piuttosto lo definirei un giovane uomo che cerca se stesso e che, da quello che capiamo dalla lettura, nasconde una ferita che lo lega a Eloise.

«In qualche modo era sempre stato lui; il ragazzo sulla spiaggia dell’estate precedente, con gli occhi scuri e misteriosi. Quella notte mi aveva ferita, ma la cosa mi aveva impedito di fantasticare su di lui una volta tornata in Inghilterra. Sulla sua storia, sui segreti celati dietro quell’espressione oscura e indecifrabile. Volevo conoscerlo. Scoprire la verità oltre quella sua facciata glaciale.»

L’autrice riesce a coinvolgerci nella lettura della vita di questi protagonisti: il ballo di fine anno, le partite, la mensa, le ubriacature fino ad annullarsi: tutto è ben inserito, anche la diversità che Eloise, in quanto british, sente verso tutto il modo di vivere USA.
Personalmente trovo il POV unico molto pesante, ma qui è gestibile perché inserito anche con molti personaggi corali, la famiglia di Eloise e i nuovi amici, per cui la lettura è resa più scorrevole.
Il libro termina con un finale aperto (non c’è il colpo di scena), per cui non ci resta che attendere il seguito, che la CE, in modo molto rispettoso e corretto verso noi lettori, pubblicherà a breve.
Quattro petali per un young adult interessante.

[hugsandcookies · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Lo.

Even though when I started this book I was a little confused about the relationships between the families but I know now.

There were a few things I didn’t like. Lo’s dad and Maverick’s confusing secrets and I did not like her grandmother to be exact.

The story itself is good which flows really well. Lo is an amazing character she has spirit, she has problems and after what she’s been through she’s a fighter, but at times she became abit too evolved in Maverick even though she wasn’t going to go there. Whatever right. The characters are good. It’s funny, lovable and of course nothing but high school drama.

[The Romance Book Disciple (Samantha) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wicked Beginnings is perfect for fans of the Fallen Crest series by Tijan or The Royals series by Erin Watt! Lo lost her mom and her brother in an accident and now she has to move to America and live with her dad's brother and his blended family. No one seems happy to have her there. She had visited in the past and had a connection with Maverick, but they did not know who they were to each other.

The story is told entirely from Lo's POV. You get an understanding of her pain and loss. She is a teenager with deep grief over losing her mother and brother, a bit of survivor's guilt, frustration at moving to a foreign country, and then anger at her father for moving on. Lo was a very dynamic character that I felt really sympathetic towards. I wanted to throat punch her dad. Like, really hard!

Because you don't get any POV from Maverick, I am not sure I like him yet. They are in lust for sure, but I don't have any clue as to why he is such a jerk to her. Honestly, I don't really see the chemistry between Maverick and Lo. He is so hot and cold that I can't understand his behavior. I don't know what Lo sees in him and honestly just wanted her to move on! And there are so many questions! What is the deal with Alec Prince? What is going on with Rebecca and Gentry?

I think readers will draw a lot of comparisons to Paper Princess and The Royals. It didn't bother me, but I did find myself making parallels in the characters for sure!

 

POV: 1st
Tears: a few (Lo has had some crappy stuff happen!)
Trope: high school drama, step-family
Triggers: none
Series/Standalone: series
Cliffhanger: yes in the sense you have a lot of unanswered questions. There is some resolution to a few things however making it feel like a more bearable cliffy!
HEA: it ends on a positive note between Maverick and Lo but not an HEA by any means!

Paper Princess by Erin Watt, Fallen Crest by Tijan, How to Date a Douchebag by Sara Ney...then you will probably like Wicked Beginnings!

 

Wicked Beginnings!


 

See full review on The Book Disciple

[Nadine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a "super secret book blind date" within the facebook group "Quirky Blind Date With A Book". This means I didn't knew the title nor the author while reading it. Even though it was tempting doing my research while reading, I decided to do it after finishing in favor of my reading experience. It truly is some experience reading a book knowing nothing, not the blurb nor anything else.

It was obvious right from the beginning that this is some YA novel and honestly I groaned a little inwardly, because I haven't read one in a while. But soon I had to rethink my feelings toward this book because my heart was breaking constantly.

Wicked Beginnings is not a book where the love story or the love/hate relationship between Lo and Maverick is in the spotlight. For me it's the heartbreaking loss Lo has to go through and the fact that she felt betrayed by her own father finding out the things she does. It almost killed me. Loosing a parent or my sibling is one of my biggest fear, so the Lo loosing her mother and brother in an accident and how she tried dealing with it and the consequences squeezed my heart every time it was brought up. On top of this, she learned things about/from her father who everyone would have felt betrayed. And if fate wasn't cruel enough, she had to find out that the boy from last years summer, she fell in love with, was her step-cousin who wants nothing to do with her.
So yes, this YA story is a heartbreaking one. And even though my eyes watered from time to time, I had a great time reading it. I hardly could put it down. I started in the morning on my way to work and I finished it after arriving home from work.

I loved Lo and how she tried to push herself through all obstacles life threw at her. How she learned to keep herself up and opened up to new family and friends. In spite of everything she went through and outgrew herself, she was still a 17 year old girl with the heart and mind at the right places.
I loved her new friends and cousins, despite of Macey and Maverick because their demeanor was simply not tolerable and I still need to figure out what their problem is.
And the only thing, I couldn't give 5 stars is the fact that I didn't feel the chemistry between Maverick and Lo. It's undeniable that there is something between them, I just didn't feel/see the sparks as I would have liked.

Wicked Beginnings leaves us with an open ending. It's not a real kind of cliffhanger, but there are so many questions unanswered and I see so much potential for the future story of Lo's life, that' I really hope a second book will arrive soon!

Because Lo's healing just begun ...

"And Maverick was the storm threatening to wreck me"

"Because sometimes, no matter how wrong you knew something to be, it was impossible to ignore how right it felt."

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/4/2019)! 🎁

[Jessica Gaspar · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Cherry Pie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Di new adult ne esistono veramente tanti e probabilmente ne ho letti buona parte. Ne ho trovati di bellissimi, di banali, di sciocchissimi, alcuni non li ho nemmeno finiti, altri sono parte di serie infinite che però mi hanno sempre trasmesso moltissimo. La differenza, come sempre, la fanno la scrittura e i personaggi. E, ragazzi, ormai sono alla terza serie che leggo di Lyanne Cotton e le sue parole prendono sempre vita, escono dal Kindle e mi si attorcigliano al cuore.

Gli sguardi e le storie dei suoi personaggi mi si materializzano davanti e riesco a vederli, a “sentirli”. Sono ragazzi reali, che potrei aver incontrato in qualche momento della vita, che hanno sentimenti veri, che si comportano in modo coerente con la loro età, in bilico ma sempre in equilibrio tra le intemperanze della fine dell’adolescenza e la volontà, la capacità decisionale di giovani adulti.

“Eravamo entrambi feriti. Entrambi arrabbiati. Entrambi in lotta con i nostri demoni.
Forse era per questo che ero attratta da Maverick: le sue parti danneggiate richiamavano le mie…”

Okay, l’incipit della storia è un già sentito centinaia di volte: la giovanissima Eloise e suo padre si trasferiscono dalla campagna inglese in America, a Wicked Bay (nei dintorni di Los Angeles), che è come dire dalla Terra alla Luna. Qui la ragazza avrà non poche difficoltà ad adattarsi al nuovo ambiente, ai nuovi compagni, molti dei quali sono snob, alla casa principesca dove vivono lo zio paterno, sua moglie e i loro quattro figli.

In particolare i cugini si dividono in due opposte fazioni: i due più giovani si rivelano da subito buoni amici per Eloise, mentre i due più grandi, figli di primo letto della zia Rebecca, sono ostili come rinoceronti inca**ati.



Ma Eloise non è la timida inglesina svampita, il giocattolino nuovo con cui tutti vorrebbero trastullarsi. Ha coraggio, buon cuore, un cervello sveglio e non si perde mai d’animo. Giorno per giorno si rivelerà sempre più preziosa e leale con chi lo merita ma anche sincera e reattiva con chi le muove ingiusti attacchi.

“… la vita ti tratta così. Ti strappa il cuore e lo lascia sanguinare sul pavimento, poi aspetta che tu raccolga i pezzi per ricomporli. Andavo avanti, ma stavo solo cercando di salvare le apparenze.”

In realtà tanto Eloise quanto Maverick ( uno dei due cugini ostili) hanno molto in comune nel loro passato, nel cuore e nel carattere. E ognuno di questi aspetti anziché allontanarli li avvicineranno, inesorabilmente e anche contro la loro volontà. Come il destino/burattinaio vuole e comanda.

Ho volutamente solo accennato a Maverick, il protagonista maschile di questo romance, perché non voglio togliervi il piacere di conoscerlo e vederlo cambiare sotto i vostri occhi… Lui è un geode, una di quelle pietre grezze in superficie che al loro interno rivelano cristalli preziosi e lucenti…

Una storia banale solo in apparenza, con due protagonisti giovani solo per età, ma grandi come giganti nella vita e nelle scelte.

Lyanne, mi hai conquistata ancora una volta. E chi ti molla più? Ad ogni tuo libro sarò lì, in pole position, a leggerti.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpy8o...

Navillus.
https://www.thedirtyclubofbooks.it/li...

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dada - per RFS
.
Bentornate fenici!

Oggi vi parlo de L’inizio della mia fine, primo volume della Wicked Bay Series, la nuovissima duologia di LA. Cotton, edita nel nostro Paese dalla Hope Edizioni.

Premetto che ho deciso di leggere questo romanzo per concedere all’autrice una possibilità di riscatto, dopo la cocente delusione provata con gli ultimi due volumi della sua precedente serie. Mi costa molto ammettere che purtroppo la Cotton non si è rivelata all’altezza del compito affidato.

Ma procediamo per gradi. L’autrice ci porta nell’assolata California e ci presenta i suoi due nuovi personaggi, Eloise “Lois” Stone e Maverick Prince.

Lois è una diciottenne inglese, la cui spensieratezza viene distrutta dalla tragica morte della madre e del fratello maggiore. La spirale di autodistruzione in cui la giovane cade, spingerà suo padre a far ritorno a Wicked Bay, approfittando dell’aiuto dello zio Gentry e della sua famiglia allargata, i Prince-Stone. È tra di loro che Lois riconosce gli occhi dello sconosciuto con cui ha trascorso solo un anno prima una memorabile serata. Ma quegli occhi un tempo caldi e gentili, adesso la osservano con sprezzo e freddezza.

Lois ben presto scoprirà che far parte dei Prince-Stone non è poi così semplice. Riuscirà la nostra protagonista a ricostruirsi una vita a Wicked Bay o sarà sul serio “l’inizio della sua fine”? Non vi resta che leggere il libro per scoprirlo, nella speranza che questa storia riesca a colpirvi più di quanto abbia fatto con me.

La trama così descritta, infatti, lasciava ben sperare sul contenuto del romanzo ma, col senno di poi, vi dico che ci sono troppe cose che non mi hanno convinta. Partiamo dai personaggi. Avevo davvero voglia di leggere un bel libro con un protagonista rude e problematico e, anche se non inserirei Maverick tra i miei dieci personaggi maschili preferiti, non posso dire che mi abbia deluso. A non convincermi è stata invece Lois, figura nei confronti della quale ho avuto molte difficoltà a provare empatia. Non ho apprezzato, in particolare, l’impronta data a questo personaggio, che ho trovato eccessivamente matura e piena di esperienza rispetto alla sua età anagrafica. Contrasto, questo, che si rivela in pieno in altre parti del libro, quando la protagonista reagisce invece in modo sicuramente più adeguato ai suoi diciotto anni (mi riferisco in particolare a quando Lois scopre le reali motivazioni che hanno spinto suo padre a trasferirsi in California).

A non convincermi sono state poi alcune scelte narrative. Ho decisamente sofferto la mancanza di un flashback iniziale, in cui ci venisse raccontata la famosa serata trascorsa da Lois e Maverick e quindi il legame che lei tanto decanta quando incontra nuovamente il ragazzo. Ma la brevissima descrizione che ne fa l’autrice all’interno del libro si rivela del tutto insufficiente, con la conseguenza che mi è mancata la curiosità di scoprire i dettagli del loro rapporto, di tifare per il loro legame e sperare nel lieto fine. A dirla tutta, l’intera narrazione non dico mi abbia annoiata ma mi ha lasciata del tutto indifferente (che forse è anche peggio!).

Nonostante le mie personalissime considerazioni, tuttavia, non mi sento di bocciare in toto un romanzo che potrebbe comunque incontrare i gusti di molte lettrici quindi lascio a ognuna di voi la scelta di avventurarvi o meno nel mondo dell’assolata Wicked Bay.

Alla prossima!

Maverick

[_book_topia_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will not apologise for my love of a brooding bad boy. No I will not. And for all of you reading this eye rolling and thinking “God not another fictional bad boy that melts your panties” Don’t kid yourself into thinking you’d never fall for one because, simply put, you will. Especially if it’s a L.A.Cotton brooding bad boy.

Maverick:-
bad boy
noun//INFORMAL
1.
a man who does not conform to approved standards of behaviour, especially in a particular sphere of activity.
2.
US
something extremely impressive or effective.

No other description necessary. No really he’s that great.

Eloise and her father move to the States after an accident left her fighting for her life and her mother and brother dead. Moving in with her fathers estranged family is nothing like what she expected. There’s Gentry and Rebecca who are hardly home. Kyle the constant joker who tries to hero the family together and the cracks filled. Summer the youngest who had three over bearing siblings and can’t talk to any of them. Marcy who is cold as ice and Maverick. The boy who is so broken and I STILL DON’T KNOW WHY!!!

That’s where L.A gets you, she feels you in them spits you out. And now I’m a mess because after that angst ridden ride I need more, I need to know why JB has his issues with Maverick, I need to know why Macey is the biatch she is, I need to know Summer and Nick will be ok, I need to know Kyle will be happy. GOD DAMMIT COTTON I NEED TO KNOW.

Suffice to say I’ve bought book 2 and will see you all on the other side.

Side Note; Is it wrong to really want Maverick to beat Devon’s ass and Caitlin to get her comeuppance?? No I agree it isn’t
You better do me right Cotton ... I’m kind of begging 🥺

[s.shadereads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book leaves you with so many unanswered questions. Maverick was such a mystery and I need to know all of his secrets. Book two can not come fast enough!

After a terrible accident Eloise "Lo" Stone and her father move across the country to start a new life in the States, moving in with family until they get on their own feet. What Lo did not expect was running into the dark haired boy who changed her life the summer before. And she certainly did not expect him to be living with the family she now called her own. She comes to find that Maverick Prince is her brooding bad boy step cousin. Throw in family issues, a lot of unanswered questions from the meet up the summer before, a lot of high school drama, and a forbidden attraction to a certain bad boy, and Lo's life becomes a lot more complicated than it already is.

As hard as it was to put this book down I had a major issues with the story. I really did not understand the relationship Lo and Maverick had. Now I am all for the broody bad boy and I understand that they had one moment in time that changed their lives but in all reality Maverick was a complete a-hole and ignored her for most of the book. I just did not feel or see how they could connect when their was so little interaction. The friendships build were great between the other character though. Kyle, Lo's real cousin, was a favorite of mine and you actually got to see their relationship build throughout the story.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Bel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant new YA/NA series. I love the writing style of LA Cotton, her stories never disappoint and this was no exception. Eloise "Lo" Stone is forced to move half way across the world to live with her father's brother and his family after her family suffers a tragic set of circunstances and go in search of a fresh start.

The Stone-Prince clan is regarded as local royalty in the small town of Wicked Bay and her cousins are nothing short of being the most popular kids in school. Kyle and Summer Stone take an immediate liking to their cousin Lo, however their two step-siblings Macey and Maverick Prince are a different story. There are many secrets and lies being told and so much teen angst you could feel it radiating off the pages.

I absolutely loved this first instalment, it sets up this new series brilliantly leaving you with so many questions.. what is Maverick's deal? What secrets are being kept from Lo? She knows there is alot more going on than meets the eye. I loved all the secondary characters and their intricate relationships they weaved with one another. Can't wait to see where this series goes from here. I was fortunate enough to recieve an ARC and this is my honest review.