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The Knights of Echoes Cove #1
Tormented Royal
Octavia Royal, The Nation's Princess.
More like, Octavia Royal, my life is a big hot mess.
My father’s death has me back in my hometown, and nothing is as I remember.
Echoes Cove Prep is a place where dreams go to die.
Where everyone wants to be a mean girl, no matter what they sacrifice and the three boys who were once my saviors, run the place. Only now they’re my worst nightmare.
There’s something sinister writhing beneath the surface of Echoes Cove. Tangled up in the web of deadly secrets, a wicked game of survival, these people are about to learn, the venom that runs through this town, runs through my veins too…
And I’m not going anywhere.
This series is a new adult, dark contemporary romance with off the charts angst, enemies to lovers themes, some scenes of bullying, along with four hot guys and one girl. The book contains sexual scenes, mature language and some violence. Please read the content warnings included in the book, because this book is dark. A full list of trigger warnings can be found at the front of the book.
More like, Octavia Royal, my life is a big hot mess.
My father’s death has me back in my hometown, and nothing is as I remember.
Echoes Cove Prep is a place where dreams go to die.
Where everyone wants to be a mean girl, no matter what they sacrifice and the three boys who were once my saviors, run the place. Only now they’re my worst nightmare.
There’s something sinister writhing beneath the surface of Echoes Cove. Tangled up in the web of deadly secrets, a wicked game of survival, these people are about to learn, the venom that runs through this town, runs through my veins too…
And I’m not going anywhere.
This series is a new adult, dark contemporary romance with off the charts angst, enemies to lovers themes, some scenes of bullying, along with four hot guys and one girl. The book contains sexual scenes, mature language and some violence. Please read the content warnings included in the book, because this book is dark. A full list of trigger warnings can be found at the front of the book.
476 pages, ebook
First published September 10, 2021
890 people are currently reading
2630 people want to read
About the author
Lily Wildhart
23 books733 followersLily is a writer, dreamer and crime documentary addict.
She loves to write dark, reverse harem romance and characters who will shatter your heart. Characters who enjoy stomping on the pieces and then laugh before putting you back together again. And she definitely doesn't enjoy readers tears. Nope. Not even a little.
If you want to keep up to date with all things Lily, including where her next book is out, please join her mailing list. You can sign up on her website. www.lilywildhart.com
She loves to write dark, reverse harem romance and characters who will shatter your heart. Characters who enjoy stomping on the pieces and then laugh before putting you back together again. And she definitely doesn't enjoy readers tears. Nope. Not even a little.
If you want to keep up to date with all things Lily, including where her next book is out, please join her mailing list. You can sign up on her website. www.lilywildhart.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 328 reviews
September 4, 2021
Wow, this was quite the read and a fantastic start to a very promising series! Darker than I thought it would be and I was totally ok with that. It had my attention from the very start. Intense ride until the very end! It's crazy to think this is a debut book. Like HOLY cow!
Octavia has to move back home after her rockstar father dies. She had no desire to ever return. She would have been perfectly fine living on tour buses and traveling across the country. Unfortunately, life as she knows it is going to drastically change.
She's not the only one who isn't happy about her return to Echoes Cove . 3 guys in particular plan to give her trouble and make her sorry she ever returned - Lincoln, Maverick and Finley. They pretty much rule the school and Lincoln is their king. The 3 friends, along with Lincoln's brother Easton were her best friends until she had to move when her Dad hit it big.
The guys try their best to get her to leave. She refuses them at every step.... or at least she tries to stand her ground. Things get worse and escalate beyond redemption. Some encounters tested the limits and were for sure in that gray area and could make you cringe. It was still so so good!
There were so many twists and turns. A couple little things I saw coming, but the big stuff caught me off guard. So much goodness packed into this first book. I can't wait to see how the author will let this play out. I'm not sure *I* forgive the guys for what they put her through.
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Octavia has to move back home after her rockstar father dies. She had no desire to ever return. She would have been perfectly fine living on tour buses and traveling across the country. Unfortunately, life as she knows it is going to drastically change.
She's not the only one who isn't happy about her return to Echoes Cove . 3 guys in particular plan to give her trouble and make her sorry she ever returned - Lincoln, Maverick and Finley. They pretty much rule the school and Lincoln is their king. The 3 friends, along with Lincoln's brother Easton were her best friends until she had to move when her Dad hit it big.
The guys try their best to get her to leave. She refuses them at every step.... or at least she tries to stand her ground. Things get worse and escalate beyond redemption. Some encounters tested the limits and were for sure in that gray area and could make you cringe. It was still so so good!
There were so many twists and turns. A couple little things I saw coming, but the big stuff caught me off guard. So much goodness packed into this first book. I can't wait to see how the author will let this play out. I'm not sure *I* forgive the guys for what they put her through.
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
February 4, 2022
The book started off solid but then it just quickly fell apart for me. For starters, I got way too many “Kings of Quarantine” vibes at first which put me off because I hate novels that copy the little things - but I’m glad I kept reading because then otherwise I wouldn’t have realized how much I came to dislike the book :)
We’re supposed to believe that Octavia is this worldly girl who’s known as “the nation’s princess” because of who her father was but the girl gets attacked time and time again, gets threatened, her loved ones get attacked and YET. YETTTT. She opts out of getting a security guard stationed at her home or a bodyguard. Like if your father was THAT famous then shouldnt you know how deranged people can be?? No instead, little miss Octavia decides to “dress up” in order to show people that she’s unstoppable. What’re you gonna do ma’am? “YAS SLAY” them to death?
Also please don’t get me started on that whole “big dick energy” thing. authors learn a new phrase and then misuse it terribly. This book had so much potential but it genuinely just felt flat to me. Words that I also started to hate eventually “sunshine”, “freaking”, “broken”.
Last thing, the H(s) haven’t seen the h in x amount of years.. the h herself reiterated that people can change so much in 5 years - that no one really stays the same. So you expect me to believe that the H(s) were still madly in love with her.. despite the fact that the last time they saw and interacted with her was when she was like 12? bye.
We’re supposed to believe that Octavia is this worldly girl who’s known as “the nation’s princess” because of who her father was but the girl gets attacked time and time again, gets threatened, her loved ones get attacked and YET. YETTTT. She opts out of getting a security guard stationed at her home or a bodyguard. Like if your father was THAT famous then shouldnt you know how deranged people can be?? No instead, little miss Octavia decides to “dress up” in order to show people that she’s unstoppable. What’re you gonna do ma’am? “YAS SLAY” them to death?
Also please don’t get me started on that whole “big dick energy” thing. authors learn a new phrase and then misuse it terribly. This book had so much potential but it genuinely just felt flat to me. Words that I also started to hate eventually “sunshine”, “freaking”, “broken”.
Last thing, the H(s) haven’t seen the h in x amount of years.. the h herself reiterated that people can change so much in 5 years - that no one really stays the same. So you expect me to believe that the H(s) were still madly in love with her.. despite the fact that the last time they saw and interacted with her was when she was like 12? bye.
December 29, 2021
I came across this while browsing one day and thought I'd give it a go. I went through the majority of it quite quickly but took a moment to complete the last 10%. First off, this was pretty dark and heavy with the bullying, so if you're sensitive to that, definitely stay away from this.
The darkness didn't bother me very much but what made me give this a relatively low rating was how random some of the situations and interactions between the characters were. It seemed very stilted with how Octavia carried on despite all that she goes through. Her relationship with all the guys save for Easton was very odd too.
We get some insight as far as why the guys are treating Octavia as they are, but frankly, it's a dumb reason/poor strategy. That alone made me want to just finish this up and leave it at that.
The darkness didn't bother me very much but what made me give this a relatively low rating was how random some of the situations and interactions between the characters were. It seemed very stilted with how Octavia carried on despite all that she goes through. Her relationship with all the guys save for Easton was very odd too.
We get some insight as far as why the guys are treating Octavia as they are, but frankly, it's a dumb reason/poor strategy. That alone made me want to just finish this up and leave it at that.
September 14, 2021
Holy shit what a start to a series!!!
Not going to lie when I say I'm slightly obsessed with this book after finishing it last night.
Lily has nailed dark contemporary on the head for me with this one. The story is so intricate and well written that none of the details get lost as you go on.
Octavia Royal has had to return to Echoes Cove but nothing is the same... her friends are not the people she remembers them to be and everyone wants her gone, no matter the cost.
Someone clearly has an agenda in the background of this book and everything seems to be driven around it, there is so much mystery and suspense that I'm full of theories and questions but I also can't wait to see it all play out.
I love the characters, octavia has an air of strength about her that so far seems to be holding steady.
The boys aren't showing their cards easily and I live that there is an air of mystery surrounding them all and their motives!
A cracking start and I can't wait to read book 2!
Not going to lie when I say I'm slightly obsessed with this book after finishing it last night.
Lily has nailed dark contemporary on the head for me with this one. The story is so intricate and well written that none of the details get lost as you go on.
Octavia Royal has had to return to Echoes Cove but nothing is the same... her friends are not the people she remembers them to be and everyone wants her gone, no matter the cost.
Someone clearly has an agenda in the background of this book and everything seems to be driven around it, there is so much mystery and suspense that I'm full of theories and questions but I also can't wait to see it all play out.
I love the characters, octavia has an air of strength about her that so far seems to be holding steady.
The boys aren't showing their cards easily and I live that there is an air of mystery surrounding them all and their motives!
A cracking start and I can't wait to read book 2!
October 30, 2021
DNF at 60%
I tried, I really did but there was just too much “no” with this story. There’s very little interaction with the harem in this book and every time there is, I want to yell at the main character to put on her “boss B” panties she keeps saying she has and confront the guys about all the drama going on. There is very little character or plot development and the chapters just got repetitive and dragged out. I can’t stand when drama happens and the main character doesn’t ever question it and keeps letting the “bullying” happen over and over and never does anything about it. No confrontations, no drama, absolutely nothing but “think” she knows who’s behind it and just lets it go. If a female character keeps saying she’s a “boss B,” I’m gonna need her to act like it. I can’t stand when characters say they are bada** and then their actions contradict it. Not sure where all the 5 stars came from with this one…
I tried, I really did but there was just too much “no” with this story. There’s very little interaction with the harem in this book and every time there is, I want to yell at the main character to put on her “boss B” panties she keeps saying she has and confront the guys about all the drama going on. There is very little character or plot development and the chapters just got repetitive and dragged out. I can’t stand when drama happens and the main character doesn’t ever question it and keeps letting the “bullying” happen over and over and never does anything about it. No confrontations, no drama, absolutely nothing but “think” she knows who’s behind it and just lets it go. If a female character keeps saying she’s a “boss B,” I’m gonna need her to act like it. I can’t stand when characters say they are bada** and then their actions contradict it. Not sure where all the 5 stars came from with this one…
October 21, 2021
A long road to nowhere
So many clues and internal monologues about knowing when people are lying to her and she just either *shrugs* or “pushes it to the back of her mind”?? Like girl, ask?? It’s utterly frustrating.
I was so hopeful at the start of this book but from around half way I stopped being interested and needed to pause every other chapter because it was annoying me so much.
She talks a big game and then just does nothing all the time? Letting people get away with everything and then just rolls her eyes instead of defending herself. Sigh.
I understand leaving some questions unanswered for the next book, and love a good cliffhanger, but to finish so randomly with absolutely zero progress made on her behalf since she arrives? No thank you.
So many clues and internal monologues about knowing when people are lying to her and she just either *shrugs* or “pushes it to the back of her mind”?? Like girl, ask?? It’s utterly frustrating.
I was so hopeful at the start of this book but from around half way I stopped being interested and needed to pause every other chapter because it was annoying me so much.
She talks a big game and then just does nothing all the time? Letting people get away with everything and then just rolls her eyes instead of defending herself. Sigh.
I understand leaving some questions unanswered for the next book, and love a good cliffhanger, but to finish so randomly with absolutely zero progress made on her behalf since she arrives? No thank you.
August 25, 2021
This book was darker than I expected and I loved every page of it. I can’t believe this is Lily’s first book. It hooked me from the start and I couldn’t put it down. I was up until 4am reading and had to force myself to get some sleep. It may seem like a standard bully romance but there is a lot hidden underneath. We are given little clues and bits to what is really happening behind the scenes but not enough to put the puzzle together.
Octavia Royal is back in her hometown after the death of her dad, a well known and loved musician. In order to meet the stipulations of his will she must move back to Echo Coves to finish her schooling. Her return home isn’t a welcomed one. Her family only wants her for her money and her old childhood friends are not the same boys she knew. Between dealing with the loss of her dad, adjusting to a normal life in one place with a schedule and being constantly bullied at school, Octavia is struggling hard. She does have some light in her life. Smithy, the man who helped raise her and her new best friend, Indi do their best to protect her and make her life a little easier.
Her old friends, now tormentors, Lincoln, Maverick, and Finley rule the school and make it their mission to rule Octavia out of town. They do some pretty harsh stuff and I’m curious to see how they will come back from it. I’m hoping we get more of their POV in the next book. I loved the little bits we got and need more.
I really enjoyed this book. Octavia is a great character. She is strong but also human and has moments when she breaks. But she gets right back up and doesn’t let anything or anyone stop her. I’m eager to see how she handles everything once the secrets start to come out. I hope she makes the guys grovel for all the stuff they did. We were left on the edge of seats with that ending so I’m just going to sit here impatiently waiting until book 2 comes out.
Octavia Royal is back in her hometown after the death of her dad, a well known and loved musician. In order to meet the stipulations of his will she must move back to Echo Coves to finish her schooling. Her return home isn’t a welcomed one. Her family only wants her for her money and her old childhood friends are not the same boys she knew. Between dealing with the loss of her dad, adjusting to a normal life in one place with a schedule and being constantly bullied at school, Octavia is struggling hard. She does have some light in her life. Smithy, the man who helped raise her and her new best friend, Indi do their best to protect her and make her life a little easier.
Her old friends, now tormentors, Lincoln, Maverick, and Finley rule the school and make it their mission to rule Octavia out of town. They do some pretty harsh stuff and I’m curious to see how they will come back from it. I’m hoping we get more of their POV in the next book. I loved the little bits we got and need more.
I really enjoyed this book. Octavia is a great character. She is strong but also human and has moments when she breaks. But she gets right back up and doesn’t let anything or anyone stop her. I’m eager to see how she handles everything once the secrets start to come out. I hope she makes the guys grovel for all the stuff they did. We were left on the edge of seats with that ending so I’m just going to sit here impatiently waiting until book 2 comes out.
April 29, 2024
This is bully reverse harem romance done right, I'm selective over the bully romance books I enjoy, for me there has to be some sort of valid reasoning for me to get behind the story and find redemption in the individuals involved. Even know we don't know the exact whys here it's obvious that something is lurking below the obvious and this one worked for me in every single way.
It's the first thing I've read by this author and at the moment I'm attempting to read some of my physical TBR as it's multiplying by the day and I can't justify adding to it without tackling the backlog. I picked this series up at the British book bash a couple of years prior, someone in line with me highly recommended it. Whoever that individual was thank you so much I loved this. It's a series, so four books in total of which this is the first, it's a reverse harem bully romance with suspense and the majority of this is from Octavia's POV with a few pieces from the men involved sprinkled in.
When Octavia Royal's father commits suicide under somewhat suspicious conditions under the terms of his will she has to return to Echoes Cove until she finishes high school. On the road for the past few years with her musician father, it's been five years since she's been back home. She left behind four childhood friends Lincoln, Finley, Maverick and East, they were once her whole world. Now back she finds all except East seem to hate her and she has no idea why. They make her home and school life a living hell and push her to breaking point all to get her to leave town, but Octavia or V as the boys call her has no intentions of going anyway.
So the bullying with this one was at times hard-core but this still managed to strike a balance that you could tell there was something more. Also, it helped that Octavia was such a strong individual and even when she was breaking she bounced back. This also had elements of dub-con so be aware this isn't a warm and cosy romance, It's a dark and twisted one, so addictive and I bloody loved it.
The chemistry here was also off the charts and the couple of intimate scenes, though brief, were bloody scorching and were done so well.
For the moment East is the only truly likeable male though I can see the light peeking through in places with the others, cracks are growing and there's still enough sprinkled in here to show that ultimately they are trying to protect Octavia despite their cruel actions and words, in fact there words were bloody vicious. Add into the mix the suspenseful ambience and an unknown stalker and I was sold. This was compulsive reading and very well written and I definitely recommend reading it if you like a series that practically reads itself. I'm checking out this author's backlist now.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
September 18, 2021
This book was SO good! I couldn’t put it down. The story always kept you wanting to know more. It is definitely darker. Octavia was such a strong main character. And I’m obsessed with Indi. Looking forward to the next book now 😍
September 25, 2021
What a ride!
I may have had a couple of mini strokes during my time reading this story. But that last chapter? HOLY HELL WOMAN!
Great read, addicting characters, and an intrigue that will sink its claws into you.
*taps fingers on the the desk* Now, I need book two, STAT!
I may have had a couple of mini strokes during my time reading this story. But that last chapter? HOLY HELL WOMAN!
Great read, addicting characters, and an intrigue that will sink its claws into you.
*taps fingers on the the desk* Now, I need book two, STAT!
October 27, 2021
Mystery and intrigue is cool and all but when you have a 560 page book that literally shares 0% of what’s going on and just randomly ends, it’s frustrating enough to call it quits on the series. None of anything was even remotely answered. Why the dudes felt like they needed to rape, traumatize and defame her to “keep her safe”, who’s sending flowers, what the horse seal means/why their faces go white when they see it, why her dad made her stay in that town, who’s stalking her, why East had to be a teacher, what Ryker had to do with anything??? This book literally gave me absolutely nothing and I refuse to be strung along any further.
It was interesting and well written, but I find the withholding of any information to be fatal.
There was no climax. It was like the climax maybe started to happen and then—
It was interesting and well written, but I find the withholding of any information to be fatal.
There was no climax. It was like the climax maybe started to happen and then—
January 24, 2022
Read the trigger warnings
I read the trigger warnings, and I’ve read lots of dark bully romance series where the main character is sexually assaulted (by evil side characters), but NEVER by the guy(s) who’s supposed to be her romantic interest. Yes, 3 out of the 4 romantic interests basically rape her within the first half of the book. Sorry, but nothing can change them in my eyes now. A rapist is a rapist and they can burn in hell.
I read the trigger warnings, and I’ve read lots of dark bully romance series where the main character is sexually assaulted (by evil side characters), but NEVER by the guy(s) who’s supposed to be her romantic interest. Yes, 3 out of the 4 romantic interests basically rape her within the first half of the book. Sorry, but nothing can change them in my eyes now. A rapist is a rapist and they can burn in hell.
August 31, 2021
5/5 stars
Dark Reverse harem bully high school romance
Spice- Slow burn
Main Characters- Octavia, Lincoln, Maverick, Finley, and Easton
I was lucky to receive an ARC of this book and read it early before release.❤️
After Octavia’s fathers death, she returns to her hometown following her fathers instructions in his will.
The boys (Lincoln, Maverick and Finley) she once grew up with and were super close to now hate her and she has no idea why. It was nice to see a few chapters from the guys POV to see what was going through their minds throughout the book.
She meets a new classmate Indi and their friendship is so amazing. Every girl needs a best friend like that.💕
Octavia gets knocked down again and again but she has the strength to get back up and keep fighting for what she wants. There were some emotional moments in the book when she was dealing with the grief and the bullying happening to her that left me feeling 🥺🥺.
I hope she makes the guys work for her trust back in the next book. I’m also looking forward to seeing how the relationships grow in the future books as well.
I got sucked into the storyline and wanted to know more, the suspense/mystery was great in this first book and I can’t wait to read book 2!!
This book does have some dark themes in it so check for triggers before reading if you have any.
Dark Reverse harem bully high school romance
Spice- Slow burn
Main Characters- Octavia, Lincoln, Maverick, Finley, and Easton
I was lucky to receive an ARC of this book and read it early before release.❤️
After Octavia’s fathers death, she returns to her hometown following her fathers instructions in his will.
The boys (Lincoln, Maverick and Finley) she once grew up with and were super close to now hate her and she has no idea why. It was nice to see a few chapters from the guys POV to see what was going through their minds throughout the book.
She meets a new classmate Indi and their friendship is so amazing. Every girl needs a best friend like that.💕
Octavia gets knocked down again and again but she has the strength to get back up and keep fighting for what she wants. There were some emotional moments in the book when she was dealing with the grief and the bullying happening to her that left me feeling 🥺🥺.
I hope she makes the guys work for her trust back in the next book. I’m also looking forward to seeing how the relationships grow in the future books as well.
I got sucked into the storyline and wanted to know more, the suspense/mystery was great in this first book and I can’t wait to read book 2!!
This book does have some dark themes in it so check for triggers before reading if you have any.
August 23, 2021
Well, $hit, that was completely emotional crazy cluster fu€£. The bully aspect in this book is huge and poor Octavia can’t catch a damn break!! I couldn’t stop the tears from falling, yet I still kept going and loved it! Why did I like it!? There were many times when I wanted to reach in and shake the men and say STOP THAT!!
Octavia has to move back to her home town after tragedy hit her family and left her alone. Inheritance and guardianship issues push her to do what she doesn’t necessarily want but doesn’t have the choice. This lead to the bullying, her former best friends have a big secret, and insist on pushing her away. However, I’m still not too sure which incidents where the boys bullying or someone else! The mystery just kept me going!
I was so hooked and I couldn’t put it down! I needed answers, and still need answers!!!! What is the truth behind their $hit reasons? What could possibly cause Lincoln, Maverick, Finley and East to push away Octavia and put her life at such a risk? I will say, it’s going to take ALOT for me to get over their actions and get on board with them being her men she is with.
⚠️ MAJOR trigger warnings with this book! Several incidents of sexual assault as well as assaults in general. ⚠️
Octavia has to move back to her home town after tragedy hit her family and left her alone. Inheritance and guardianship issues push her to do what she doesn’t necessarily want but doesn’t have the choice. This lead to the bullying, her former best friends have a big secret, and insist on pushing her away. However, I’m still not too sure which incidents where the boys bullying or someone else! The mystery just kept me going!
I was so hooked and I couldn’t put it down! I needed answers, and still need answers!!!! What is the truth behind their $hit reasons? What could possibly cause Lincoln, Maverick, Finley and East to push away Octavia and put her life at such a risk? I will say, it’s going to take ALOT for me to get over their actions and get on board with them being her men she is with.
⚠️ MAJOR trigger warnings with this book! Several incidents of sexual assault as well as assaults in general. ⚠️
August 26, 2021
This is my first read by this author and it will definitely not be my last! This is definitely a dark, angst, bully high school romance. It will have you biting your nails, clutching your kindle (or book), and whispering “what the f*ck?”.
I absolutely loved Wildhart’s development of Octavia. She’s a girl that has her world upended when her dad dies and has to move back to her home town. She doesn’t want to be there any more than any one wants her there. But despite that she develops an incredible friendship with an unlikely ally. The moments that make it for me though are when V is vulnerable and mourning the loss of her father in the everyday moments in which she misses him. V’s grief and pain is palpable and gives the reader a glimpse into what she’s trying to escape from. On top of her grief she has to deal with bullying from the princes of the high school. Boys she was once close to have turned their backs on her. But, of course, everything is not as it seems. This book has some triggers, it is very much a darker romance. Even though the characters are in high school I would recommend it for mature readers only. The book ends on a cliff hanger and now I can’t wait for the next in the series to see how everything unfolds!
I absolutely loved Wildhart’s development of Octavia. She’s a girl that has her world upended when her dad dies and has to move back to her home town. She doesn’t want to be there any more than any one wants her there. But despite that she develops an incredible friendship with an unlikely ally. The moments that make it for me though are when V is vulnerable and mourning the loss of her father in the everyday moments in which she misses him. V’s grief and pain is palpable and gives the reader a glimpse into what she’s trying to escape from. On top of her grief she has to deal with bullying from the princes of the high school. Boys she was once close to have turned their backs on her. But, of course, everything is not as it seems. This book has some triggers, it is very much a darker romance. Even though the characters are in high school I would recommend it for mature readers only. The book ends on a cliff hanger and now I can’t wait for the next in the series to see how everything unfolds!
August 23, 2021
Stephannie's 5 Star Review:
Octavia Royal's father's death was ruled a suicide and she must return to Echoes Cove for her final year of high school to keep her inheritance. She has been away for 5 years and now everything is different... her old guy friends are not the same people that she remembers. Plus everyone wants her to leave Echoes Cove. But the question is why?
There is something we as the readers don't know or fully understand what is going on here. It is a mystery that hasn't been revealed yet. There are twists and turns and I don't think we even have a clue what is really going on here. I can't wait to read what happens next in book 2.
I loved this first book in the series and I am hooked. I love Octavia or V and her new BFF Indi. The guys are Lincoln, Maverick, and Finley. What are their true motives for wanting her to leave?. I hate these guys for all they put V through at first but I think nothing is what it seems. East is Lincoln's older brother and he is the gym teacher who doesn't push her away or torment her at all. I love him and he is so off-limits that I want V to smash that line. He is swoon-worthy. Great read, check this one out today!
Octavia Royal's father's death was ruled a suicide and she must return to Echoes Cove for her final year of high school to keep her inheritance. She has been away for 5 years and now everything is different... her old guy friends are not the same people that she remembers. Plus everyone wants her to leave Echoes Cove. But the question is why?
There is something we as the readers don't know or fully understand what is going on here. It is a mystery that hasn't been revealed yet. There are twists and turns and I don't think we even have a clue what is really going on here. I can't wait to read what happens next in book 2.
I loved this first book in the series and I am hooked. I love Octavia or V and her new BFF Indi. The guys are Lincoln, Maverick, and Finley. What are their true motives for wanting her to leave?. I hate these guys for all they put V through at first but I think nothing is what it seems. East is Lincoln's older brother and he is the gym teacher who doesn't push her away or torment her at all. I love him and he is so off-limits that I want V to smash that line. He is swoon-worthy. Great read, check this one out today!
September 3, 2021
Thank you to Peachy Keen Author Services and the author, Lily Wildhart, for providing a copy of Tormented Royal (The Knights of Echoes Cove book 1). I have reviewed honestly.
Tormented Royal features, but is not limited to, the following themes:
○ Dark romance
○ Bully romance
○ New adult
○ Reverse Harem
○ High school
○ Dub-con scenes
○ Triggers: extreme bullying, anonymous threats, attempted rape
My overall rating for Tormented Royal is…
4.5 Stars!
Wow. This book was like a thousand piece puzzle that only came with 999 pieces. The answer is right there, I know it is, but I can't for the life of me figure it out! This book kept me rapt and guessing from page one. Octovia was the perfect MC, with her strength, passion and ability to FEEL. I really loved the friendship that grew between her and Indi, it was pure and carefree, an honest representation of the bond between teenaged girls. I also loved the boys, despite their cruel tendencies, and hope to see more of them in the coming series. I can't wait to see what answers the author has for us in the next instalment and hopefully see some more spicy scenes.
Tormented Royal features, but is not limited to, the following themes:
○ Dark romance
○ Bully romance
○ New adult
○ Reverse Harem
○ High school
○ Dub-con scenes
○ Triggers: extreme bullying, anonymous threats, attempted rape
My overall rating for Tormented Royal is…
4.5 Stars!
Wow. This book was like a thousand piece puzzle that only came with 999 pieces. The answer is right there, I know it is, but I can't for the life of me figure it out! This book kept me rapt and guessing from page one. Octovia was the perfect MC, with her strength, passion and ability to FEEL. I really loved the friendship that grew between her and Indi, it was pure and carefree, an honest representation of the bond between teenaged girls. I also loved the boys, despite their cruel tendencies, and hope to see more of them in the coming series. I can't wait to see what answers the author has for us in the next instalment and hopefully see some more spicy scenes.
September 14, 2021
Another absolute favourite of mine this year, 2021 is giving out some absolutely brilliant books! Not gonna lie I LOVE a high school bully RH it’s hands down something that gets me automatically interested but that being said there’s so many out there, this one doesn’t disappoint though! It’s a real slow burn. Full on mystery with dark themes running through it. This is most definitely a book that although thiiiiick is definitely not gonna take long to read as you just won’t wanna put this baby down. You really don’t know what’s going down with mysterious gifts and friends she left behind who despise her for no reason other than her moving. Octavia is a pillar of strength considering her life has basically been torn apart her father has died and she’s had to move back to her old home town where she’s not exactly welcomed back with open arms. She has a sunshine and rainbows loyal to a fault BFF Indie though who has her back. Then we have the guys… Linc, Mav and Fin the alphaholes, kings of the school her tormentors and prior best friends… then East, Linc’s older brother who is super protective and the only person who still seems vaguely normal prior to her leaving… but why?!
August 28, 2021
High school, bully, rh is my jam. I love these tropes. I knew as soon as I read the blurb that I would LOVE this book. I am blown away by this debut. I loved everything about it!
Octavia has returned to Echoes Cove after her father's passing, but no one is the same. Her friends that she was one close with despise her and have become her tormenters. There's also some strange things happening and I'm not quite sure who is doing it.
There are lots of secrets in this book. People are holding information close to their chest and if they would talk, it might make it easier 🤣🤣 I've got a few theories about what's going on, but not entirely sure. I need more information!
I loved the way this ended. It seems like maybe they will band together? Or maybe they will keep trying to run her out of town? I'm teetering in between these two because it can go both ways.
This was a fantastic debut! I love all the tropes in this book and there's another one of my favorites that seems to be the center of everything. Not going to say too much because, spoilers. I can't wait for book two!!
Octavia has returned to Echoes Cove after her father's passing, but no one is the same. Her friends that she was one close with despise her and have become her tormenters. There's also some strange things happening and I'm not quite sure who is doing it.
There are lots of secrets in this book. People are holding information close to their chest and if they would talk, it might make it easier 🤣🤣 I've got a few theories about what's going on, but not entirely sure. I need more information!
I loved the way this ended. It seems like maybe they will band together? Or maybe they will keep trying to run her out of town? I'm teetering in between these two because it can go both ways.
This was a fantastic debut! I love all the tropes in this book and there's another one of my favorites that seems to be the center of everything. Not going to say too much because, spoilers. I can't wait for book two!!
September 3, 2021
I cannot begin to express how much I loved this book and the characters. It was so well written that I felt the emotions V was feeling as she was feeling them, when she cried I cried. I love that while Octavia is a kind and caring person, she will not sit down and take crap from others and stand up for those she loves. The storyline for this series is setting out to be really epic and I cannot wait to see what all of the mystery and secrets lead to. I will totally be reading anything that Lily Wildhart releases in the future.
January 16, 2022
This was an interesting book. It has that RH vibe, but so far other than the confession of them all loving her, it's only been one interaction with one of the boys, and he basically rapes her. Which I find odd that nobody says anything about it throughout the entire book. Taking somebody by force from behind is still rape. But she for some deranged reason doesn't seem to see it that way. But whatever. It's a good story. Can't wait to see what happens next. And when I say it's a good story I don't mean that being raped as good, they just tell the story well. Does that make sense?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2022
2.90/5 ⭐️ 1.5/5🔥
STEAM: 2/5🌶
I get that this is a High School Bully RH but BRUH, why are there so many 5 stars on this?! 😅🥲
Octavia is MADD annoying and this particular book is more like RH vibes bc the spice hasn’t even gotten farther than third base with only ONE of the love interest.. IM HAVING FAITH THOUGH bc this is a interesting series that I can’t help but continue. All I’m saying now is Octavia better have the best character growth 💀
🖤High School
💙Bully RH
🖤Second Chance
💙Suspenseful + Mysterious
Full Review to come when I’m finished with the series
TW/CW: bullying (BRUTAL), mentions of abuse and suicide, violence, dubious con
STEAM: 2/5🌶
I get that this is a High School Bully RH but BRUH, why are there so many 5 stars on this?! 😅🥲
Octavia is MADD annoying and this particular book is more like RH vibes bc the spice hasn’t even gotten farther than third base with only ONE of the love interest.. IM HAVING FAITH THOUGH bc this is a interesting series that I can’t help but continue. All I’m saying now is Octavia better have the best character growth 💀
🖤High School
💙Bully RH
🖤Second Chance
💙Suspenseful + Mysterious
Full Review to come when I’m finished with the series
TW/CW: bullying (BRUTAL), mentions of abuse and suicide, violence, dubious con
September 11, 2021
This was a amazing debut! This is why I love reading first time authors because nine times out of ten you find a gem and I sure did with this one ! Octavia has it rough she is so tormented but she is so strong and fierce. The guys I just want to throat punch them I can’t wait to see how they redeem themselves I hope she makes them grovel ! I loved this RH bully romance it has mystery and suspense and it’s sooo dark the writing is awesome it’s captivating and intense full of twists and turns I can’t believe this is her first book! And that ending ugh I need the next book now please!
August 16, 2022
So far, so good
This is a very mysterious read. I need to know what is happening! Poor V and the stuff she must endure. And for what? I don’t even know who is trustworthy and who isn’t, and For once I’m happy to say I’m clueless. Usually I kind of figure out the plot to a book early on.. what is really going on here? Who knows… but I need to know why this is all happening I can’t stand it lol on to the next one and hopefully towards more answers and less questions.
This is a very mysterious read. I need to know what is happening! Poor V and the stuff she must endure. And for what? I don’t even know who is trustworthy and who isn’t, and For once I’m happy to say I’m clueless. Usually I kind of figure out the plot to a book early on.. what is really going on here? Who knows… but I need to know why this is all happening I can’t stand it lol on to the next one and hopefully towards more answers and less questions.
September 12, 2021
This was so good and I'm glad that I got chance to read this book. Octavia had to come back to Echoes Cove and not everyone were happy about it. But she didn't have any other choice because her dad died and everything changed. Her ex-best friends wants her gone and they tried to do everything that she would leave but she can't. I liked her friendship with Indi and she was such a good friend for Octavia. I'm not sure what to think about the guys but I began to like them at the end. Can't wait to read next book.
An ARC was provided in exhange for an honest review.
An ARC was provided in exhange for an honest review.
February 20, 2022
2.96
Like I want to rate this higher, but nothing makes sense? Nothing has been divulged about why anything is happening and there is A LOT happening. I needed some more plot progression that character development.
Like I want to rate this higher, but nothing makes sense? Nothing has been divulged about why anything is happening and there is A LOT happening. I needed some more plot progression that character development.
February 12, 2022
DNF
The bullying in the book made my skin crawl. I couldn’t even finish it. The name calling and the harassment, how people enjoyed this story is beyond me…
The bullying in the book made my skin crawl. I couldn’t even finish it. The name calling and the harassment, how people enjoyed this story is beyond me…
September 10, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶🌶/5 (medium burn, but the spicy scenes that do happen are 🔥🔥)
Tormented Royal is Lily Wildhart’s debut novel. Don’t let it being her first novel fool you into thinking it’s subpar - it’s definitely not! Her writing flows well like a seasoned author, and her storytelling is great, well on her way to becoming masterful.
Octavia “V” Royal is forced to go back home to Echoes Cove after her father’s death. She must attend her senior year at Echoes Coves Prep in order to receive her inheritance. Between her cousin Blair and her band of mean girls, and her ex-friends Lincoln, Maverick, and Finley, poor V has a rough time of wanting to stay in school. But our girl has a tough-as-nails exterior and refuses to let them grind her down. Plus she’s got a few good people on her side, like her guardian Smithy, her ride-or-die bestie Indi, and another old friend - the handsome, slightly older, newly appointed gym teacher Easton (who I am personally rooting for being a part of the harem, because I may have a thing for teachers).
On the surface it seems like it’s your standard RH bully romance, but there’s an underlying mystery that piques your interest and leaves you wanting more. Why do the boys want her gone again? It’s clear that it’s more than just “we’re not friends anymore” - but that they are trying to protect her from something. Who keeps sending the mysterious yellow tulip deliveries? And who is attacking her and her loved ones? Because I refuse to believe it’s all the boys’ doing!
There are only a couple of spicy scenes (which I would expect from a first book in a series), but boy are they 🥵🥵🥵 Lily definitely knows how to turn up the heat. Looking forward to more of that spice just as much as I’m looking forward to solving the mysteries, not gonna lie. 😂
I’m excited to see where book 2 takes us, and to see Lily Wildhart grow as a writer!
🌶🌶/5 (medium burn, but the spicy scenes that do happen are 🔥🔥)
Tormented Royal is Lily Wildhart’s debut novel. Don’t let it being her first novel fool you into thinking it’s subpar - it’s definitely not! Her writing flows well like a seasoned author, and her storytelling is great, well on her way to becoming masterful.
Octavia “V” Royal is forced to go back home to Echoes Cove after her father’s death. She must attend her senior year at Echoes Coves Prep in order to receive her inheritance. Between her cousin Blair and her band of mean girls, and her ex-friends Lincoln, Maverick, and Finley, poor V has a rough time of wanting to stay in school. But our girl has a tough-as-nails exterior and refuses to let them grind her down. Plus she’s got a few good people on her side, like her guardian Smithy, her ride-or-die bestie Indi, and another old friend - the handsome, slightly older, newly appointed gym teacher Easton (who I am personally rooting for being a part of the harem, because I may have a thing for teachers).
On the surface it seems like it’s your standard RH bully romance, but there’s an underlying mystery that piques your interest and leaves you wanting more. Why do the boys want her gone again? It’s clear that it’s more than just “we’re not friends anymore” - but that they are trying to protect her from something. Who keeps sending the mysterious yellow tulip deliveries? And who is attacking her and her loved ones? Because I refuse to believe it’s all the boys’ doing!
There are only a couple of spicy scenes (which I would expect from a first book in a series), but boy are they 🥵🥵🥵 Lily definitely knows how to turn up the heat. Looking forward to more of that spice just as much as I’m looking forward to solving the mysteries, not gonna lie. 😂
I’m excited to see where book 2 takes us, and to see Lily Wildhart grow as a writer!
September 10, 2021
So I'm going to try and keep this short and simple so I can keep it as Spoiler free as I can. I'm going to be honest here and say I devoured this book right away as soon as I got it and its been a few weeks since than.
There is more going on in Echo Coves than meets the Eye.
This book kept me on the edge of my couch/bed the entire time I was reading it. There were so many twists and turns, I almost couldn't keep up with them. Every time I thought I knew what was going on something else happened and through me a complete loop and made me realize I really didn't have a clue. There's some unseen forces in Echo Coves that really don't want Octavia back there or maybe they do.... Hmmm who really knows at this point.
Lets get to Octavia.... She finds herself back in her hometown after the passing of her father (whom evidently was a rock star) and the Only reason she's back there is because a stipulation in her fathers will. I have to say I did feel for the girl on some of the stuff that happened to her. But on the other hand she was definitely kick arse and didn't put up with any BS either.
Ahhhhh the boys.... Lincoln, Maverick, and Finn.... I'm going to be honest here I didn't think they were entirely that bad, they mostly passed off the bullying to their followers. Though there is that one scene.... Their just mostly about telling Octavia that she doesn't belong there anymore.... I also believe that it is beyond obvious that they are trying to protect Octavia from whatever those other Forces are in Echo Coves... I also like everyone else really liked East....
I thought this was an awesome debut by a new author and honestly I really, really, really need the second book like pronto.
I'm giving this book 4 Stars out of 5 and can't wait to see what happens next!!!!
**I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion**
There is more going on in Echo Coves than meets the Eye.
This book kept me on the edge of my couch/bed the entire time I was reading it. There were so many twists and turns, I almost couldn't keep up with them. Every time I thought I knew what was going on something else happened and through me a complete loop and made me realize I really didn't have a clue. There's some unseen forces in Echo Coves that really don't want Octavia back there or maybe they do.... Hmmm who really knows at this point.
Lets get to Octavia.... She finds herself back in her hometown after the passing of her father (whom evidently was a rock star) and the Only reason she's back there is because a stipulation in her fathers will. I have to say I did feel for the girl on some of the stuff that happened to her. But on the other hand she was definitely kick arse and didn't put up with any BS either.
Ahhhhh the boys.... Lincoln, Maverick, and Finn.... I'm going to be honest here I didn't think they were entirely that bad, they mostly passed off the bullying to their followers. Though there is that one scene.... Their just mostly about telling Octavia that she doesn't belong there anymore.... I also believe that it is beyond obvious that they are trying to protect Octavia from whatever those other Forces are in Echo Coves... I also like everyone else really liked East....
I thought this was an awesome debut by a new author and honestly I really, really, really need the second book like pronto.
I'm giving this book 4 Stars out of 5 and can't wait to see what happens next!!!!
**I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion**
January 27, 2022
A Super Intriguing, Dark Romantic NA Thriller!💔😭😳📜🌷💥
A 4.5 Star Read.🌟
(Read using Kindle Unlimited)
Tormented Royal (The Knights of Echoes Cove #1)
Octavia 'V' Royal is the daughter of rockstar Stone Royal. After he's found dead his Will stipulates that she has to return to their old home town of Echo Cove & finish her education at their Prep School, once she's graduated with with 4.0 GPA and is 18 years old, she can have control of her entire inheritance. If not it goes into trust until she's 25!😳 She's grieving deeply & is shocked he'd made these strange stipulations.
Her 4 bestfriends were East, Lincoln, Maverick & Finley, growing up. Although East was 4 years older them. When her Mum left Lincoln used to sneak through her bedroom window & hold her while she'd cry herself to sleep. These boys were everything to her and it broke her heart leaving them when she was 12. Her Dad bit the big time and took her with him on the road, she loved that life with him too.😍 Her return is met with vicious hostility, name calling, property damage & much more. The worst part is it's Linc, Mav & Fin at the heart of it. They keep telling her she's not wanted & to leave or they'll make her. She can't though, she's stuck there for the year!💔
There is clearly much more going on below the surface in this town. Something is being held over the guys heads but it's all very unclear except for the fact that her parents were scared & It's caught up with V now but she's clueless!😳 Her bestie, Indigo, is great but were there a few shakey vibes right at the end?😕 I hope not.🙏 I really hope answers flow fast in book #2, t was so frustrating!🙈 I loved the pace, style etc though.🌟
Debbie, 1970, UK
A 4.5 Star Read.🌟
(Read using Kindle Unlimited)
Tormented Royal (The Knights of Echoes Cove #1)
Octavia 'V' Royal is the daughter of rockstar Stone Royal. After he's found dead his Will stipulates that she has to return to their old home town of Echo Cove & finish her education at their Prep School, once she's graduated with with 4.0 GPA and is 18 years old, she can have control of her entire inheritance. If not it goes into trust until she's 25!😳 She's grieving deeply & is shocked he'd made these strange stipulations.
Her 4 bestfriends were East, Lincoln, Maverick & Finley, growing up. Although East was 4 years older them. When her Mum left Lincoln used to sneak through her bedroom window & hold her while she'd cry herself to sleep. These boys were everything to her and it broke her heart leaving them when she was 12. Her Dad bit the big time and took her with him on the road, she loved that life with him too.😍 Her return is met with vicious hostility, name calling, property damage & much more. The worst part is it's Linc, Mav & Fin at the heart of it. They keep telling her she's not wanted & to leave or they'll make her. She can't though, she's stuck there for the year!💔
There is clearly much more going on below the surface in this town. Something is being held over the guys heads but it's all very unclear except for the fact that her parents were scared & It's caught up with V now but she's clueless!😳 Her bestie, Indigo, is great but were there a few shakey vibes right at the end?😕 I hope not.🙏 I really hope answers flow fast in book #2, t was so frustrating!🙈 I loved the pace, style etc though.🌟
Debbie, 1970, UK
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