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Thornwood Prep #1
Crown of Thorns
Only a fool with a death wish would steal from the Townsends.
And my older brother? He’s a fool. But instead of making me an orphan with the snap of his filthy rich fingers, Royce Townsend gave my brother a choice: three months. Three months to pay back what was owed and all would be forgiven.
You know that saying, “if it sounds too good to be true...”
Yeah, this is one of those situations.
Because the Townsends never do anything out of the goodness of their hearts.
Enter Phoenix Townsend. Beautiful golden boy. Filthy rich womanizer.
S-O-C-I-O-P-A-T-H.
He's already the king of our new school, but I heard his name well before Ravenwood and Thornhaven merged. Still, I never trusted the rumors.
That was my mistake.
Phoenix really is a terrible, royal beast who wrecks lives and ruins girls.
And now, thanks to my brother, I belong to that beast for the next three months.
Crown of Thorns is a full-length, 90,000-word new adult/mature high school academy romance with enemies-to-lovers and bullying themes. It is not recommended for readers under 17, as it contains dubious situations and triggers that some listeners may find offensive. It is not a stand-alone and ends on a cliff-hanger. While Thornwood Prep is a new series, it is recommended to read the Angelview Academy series first, as Crown of Thorns contains major spoilers and characters from Saint, Malice, and Eden.
And my older brother? He’s a fool. But instead of making me an orphan with the snap of his filthy rich fingers, Royce Townsend gave my brother a choice: three months. Three months to pay back what was owed and all would be forgiven.
You know that saying, “if it sounds too good to be true...”
Yeah, this is one of those situations.
Because the Townsends never do anything out of the goodness of their hearts.
Enter Phoenix Townsend. Beautiful golden boy. Filthy rich womanizer.
S-O-C-I-O-P-A-T-H.
He's already the king of our new school, but I heard his name well before Ravenwood and Thornhaven merged. Still, I never trusted the rumors.
That was my mistake.
Phoenix really is a terrible, royal beast who wrecks lives and ruins girls.
And now, thanks to my brother, I belong to that beast for the next three months.
Crown of Thorns is a full-length, 90,000-word new adult/mature high school academy romance with enemies-to-lovers and bullying themes. It is not recommended for readers under 17, as it contains dubious situations and triggers that some listeners may find offensive. It is not a stand-alone and ends on a cliff-hanger. While Thornwood Prep is a new series, it is recommended to read the Angelview Academy series first, as Crown of Thorns contains major spoilers and characters from Saint, Malice, and Eden.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 26, 2021
566 people are currently reading
2081 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Snow
8 books941 followersE.M. Snow is a writer of New Adult and Young Adult Romance. She's a little obsessed with reality TV, sour gummy worms, and angsty bad boys, and she's still trying to figure out what the hell she wants to be when she grows up. She lives with her husband and kids who are all pretty cool, except when they leave their dirty laundry around the house.
Hey, just keeping it real...
Keep up with E.M. on the following platforms:
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Hey, just keeping it real...
Keep up with E.M. on the following platforms:
Newsletter ➜ https://bit.ly/2xrmQuS
Facebook ➜ https://bit.ly/33WAemN
Facebook Group ➜ https://bit.ly/39vNVdw
Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/emsnowromance/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
July 25, 2021
2.10.21.: If you follow me on Facebook and IG, you might have noticed that I FINALLY found out what the hold up is (Amazon rejected my title because of my keywords, which were very generic. I posted a screenshot of the email they sent me). New keywords have been resubmitted and now I'm back to waiting. Thanks for being so patient.
2.16.21: I’m still waiting. It’s been almost a week since I updated my keywords per Amazon’s suppression email. Really praying today or tomorrow will be the day! :(
2.23.21:
Still waiting #573
I’m contacting Amazon again this morning, but I might not update here immediately. I want to make sure I’m not going to look like a 🤡 with premature news again. In the meantime, I’m going to spend my day playing catchup on emails, mail, and uploading the paperback file for Crown of Thorns. I was saving it until the ebook went live, but ... at this point, I'll take what I can get. Thanks for being patient!
3.27.21.
Thanks all for your patience waiting for Crown of Thorns. I’ve spent a ton of time going back and forth with Amazon to get this live and have changed everything from the keywords on KDP to some of the content within the book (this is the most recent request that’s kept me busy the last couple days). I am hopeful that we will be live in the coming days but until that happens, I’m temporarily delaying the release of book 2 because I’d hate for it to go live when there’s no book 1. Since today is the deadline to change the date, I figure it's better to be safe than sorry.
Thanks again.
2.16.21: I’m still waiting. It’s been almost a week since I updated my keywords per Amazon’s suppression email. Really praying today or tomorrow will be the day! :(
2.23.21:
Still waiting #573
I’m contacting Amazon again this morning, but I might not update here immediately. I want to make sure I’m not going to look like a 🤡 with premature news again. In the meantime, I’m going to spend my day playing catchup on emails, mail, and uploading the paperback file for Crown of Thorns. I was saving it until the ebook went live, but ... at this point, I'll take what I can get. Thanks for being patient!
3.27.21.
Thanks all for your patience waiting for Crown of Thorns. I’ve spent a ton of time going back and forth with Amazon to get this live and have changed everything from the keywords on KDP to some of the content within the book (this is the most recent request that’s kept me busy the last couple days). I am hopeful that we will be live in the coming days but until that happens, I’m temporarily delaying the release of book 2 because I’d hate for it to go live when there’s no book 1. Since today is the deadline to change the date, I figure it's better to be safe than sorry.
Thanks again.
July 31, 2021
Phoenix Townsend the H is suppose to be .....S-O-C-I-O-P-A-T-H and 'Phoenix really is a terrible, royal beast who wrecks lives and ruins girls'. Well, 60% into the book and here's an example of the 'sociopath H' terrible deed..... he blackmails Josslyn Luna h into moving in with him and Gideon (his brother) as payback. ]oselyn's brother Jasper stole from the Townsends 😱😱
As for the h ....Josslyn Luna, supposedly a 'virgin' who had a prior 'make out' session with Alaric (cousin of H) and is literally over the H like a rash at the first given chance! It's the H who pulls away every time!
Here is h's inner monologue after the disastrous make-out session -
"I'm an idiot. Not only for ignoring Alaric's warning, but for letting myself be vulnerable with Phoenix again." Say no more ....... 🤦♀️🤦♀️
DNF!! Promising start but I really struggled to get half way through this book! After that I was just turning pages zzzz 😩 before giving up! I felt no connection with the characters or the plot.
As for the h ....Josslyn Luna, supposedly a 'virgin' who had a prior 'make out' session with Alaric (cousin of H) and is literally over the H like a rash at the first given chance! It's the H who pulls away every time!
Here is h's inner monologue after the disastrous make-out session -
"I'm an idiot. Not only for ignoring Alaric's warning, but for letting myself be vulnerable with Phoenix again." Say no more ....... 🤦♀️🤦♀️
DNF!! Promising start but I really struggled to get half way through this book! After that I was just turning pages zzzz 😩 before giving up! I felt no connection with the characters or the plot.
November 8, 2021
Crown of Thorns was an okay bully/enemies to lovers romance.
In this, you will meet Phoenix and Josslyn. At times, I liked their whole push pull kind of romance but the bullying part was all kinds of predictable. Once you saw a little bit of the girl hate.. you know what's about to be unleashed.
As for the drama? Eh, I rolled my eyes a bunch and this book definitely gave me a bunch of people to dislike. I just kind of wish things weren't that predictable. I still, somehow, ended up reading this within one sitting but that's because I'm sucker for books.
In the end, I think I will dive into the sequel.. but right now I'm not putting it at the top of my to do list when it comes out.
In this, you will meet Phoenix and Josslyn. At times, I liked their whole push pull kind of romance but the bullying part was all kinds of predictable. Once you saw a little bit of the girl hate.. you know what's about to be unleashed.
As for the drama? Eh, I rolled my eyes a bunch and this book definitely gave me a bunch of people to dislike. I just kind of wish things weren't that predictable. I still, somehow, ended up reading this within one sitting but that's because I'm sucker for books.
In the end, I think I will dive into the sequel.. but right now I'm not putting it at the top of my to do list when it comes out.
August 2, 2021
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
Star Rating : 5/5 Stars
POV : Dual
Cliffhanger : Yes
Hero : Phoenix
Heroine : Jos
Pace of the story : Moderate
Angst Rating : 6/10
Heat Rating : 7/10
Triggers Involved : Past Trauma , Bullying , Manipulation , Betrayal
Plot Summary :
Josslyn never knew that her brother would do this to her. He has crossed the limit and now it was her to suffer through the hands of the family he had been stealing stuff from. And mainly the one person of that family who wanted her destroyed more than anyone else. Phoenix. The king of the school. The one everyone fears. And the one boy whose enemy you don't want to become. Only Jos has no choice because he already has his sights set on her.
Overall Opinion :
OMG. This author and her damn heroes give me chills!!! They are the best! I thought Saint was the best but omg you guys really need to meet my man Saint! He is downright crazy and I just love him so much!
The back and forth between Phoenix and Josslyn was the best part of this book. All the twists and that steam were also amazing. The ending has been all sorts of flustered and I am going crazy to know what happens next! Saint was my favorite series so I am just so happy to find out more about these characters and how this plays out because the author has done an amazing job of mixing up the plot lines. we get to see her older characters and I can't wait for more of that!
Highly recommended to all the dark high school bully romance loving people!
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December 10, 2021
Unexpected interweaving plot
Due to her brother Jasper's (Ghost) debt to Phoenix's family, Joss agrees to live (and serve) at home for three months.
Set in an elite academy, Thornwood prep features the apparent rivals to Angelview academy from the first series, with some twists. While there was definite bullying to be had, the story contained the jealous-possessive, bad boy characteristic of Angelview / Thornwood series I love. And Phoenix demonstrated caveman-like, claiming qualities throughout! I also liked the sweet, given to confidence heroine although Joss could have stood up for herself more.
A medium burn, it seemed this book was setting the foundation for the series, mostly about the main characters' interactions at school, at home, and their respective family mysteries. The story captured me more with its intrigue that happened at the end rather than events in the beginning despite how much I liked the bullying. And despite having incredible tension and apparent chemistry, this story was not steamy and contained no sex until the end, a bit surprising given the Angelview series. The best element to the story was the interconnectedness to the first series.
I did not predict that cliffhanger. Overall, good but no rival to the first series. A bit of a tease, I would have enjoyed a more progressive pace and more intrigue and steam earlier on.
Due to her brother Jasper's (Ghost) debt to Phoenix's family, Joss agrees to live (and serve) at home for three months.
Set in an elite academy, Thornwood prep features the apparent rivals to Angelview academy from the first series, with some twists. While there was definite bullying to be had, the story contained the jealous-possessive, bad boy characteristic of Angelview / Thornwood series I love. And Phoenix demonstrated caveman-like, claiming qualities throughout! I also liked the sweet, given to confidence heroine although Joss could have stood up for herself more.
A medium burn, it seemed this book was setting the foundation for the series, mostly about the main characters' interactions at school, at home, and their respective family mysteries. The story captured me more with its intrigue that happened at the end rather than events in the beginning despite how much I liked the bullying. And despite having incredible tension and apparent chemistry, this story was not steamy and contained no sex until the end, a bit surprising given the Angelview series. The best element to the story was the interconnectedness to the first series.
I did not predict that cliffhanger. Overall, good but no rival to the first series. A bit of a tease, I would have enjoyed a more progressive pace and more intrigue and steam earlier on.
July 27, 2021
Really enjoyed the start of this series!
One of the things I really like about E M Snows books is that you get into the thick of the story pretty quickly, you’re not kept waiting with a bunch of pointless fluff that can make some people give up reading before the good stuff happens. Secondly I love the mystery elements, it keeps you hooked, you want to know what’s really going on, why are they doing this to this and also you can feel the link to the previous Saint series throughout. You feel like there’s more to what’s going on. The only bug bare I have is that the female leading is taking a while to grow a backbone and reading scene after scene of her being repeatedly bullied but still not really fighting back much is really frustrating, so hopefully she gets stronger in the second book, if she can stand up to Phoenix then she should be able to stand up to the others too. Other than that an enjoyable read and I look forward to the rest of the series
One of the things I really like about E M Snows books is that you get into the thick of the story pretty quickly, you’re not kept waiting with a bunch of pointless fluff that can make some people give up reading before the good stuff happens. Secondly I love the mystery elements, it keeps you hooked, you want to know what’s really going on, why are they doing this to this and also you can feel the link to the previous Saint series throughout. You feel like there’s more to what’s going on. The only bug bare I have is that the female leading is taking a while to grow a backbone and reading scene after scene of her being repeatedly bullied but still not really fighting back much is really frustrating, so hopefully she gets stronger in the second book, if she can stand up to Phoenix then she should be able to stand up to the others too. Other than that an enjoyable read and I look forward to the rest of the series
August 22, 2021
WOW! I was so impatient with waiting for this book to be released BUT the wait was worth it! Im a huge fan of E.M Snow and this book did not disappoint. In not ashamed to say I have now added Phoenix Townsend to my personal RH list...I can't wait for COR!!!!!
July 26, 2021
Crown of Thorns is a Page Turner!!!
Have you ever finished a book that had a HUGE cliffhanger and you just sat there afterwards thinking to yourself, holy smokes, what did I just read. That is how I feel. This book blew me away. That cliffhanger, like what, how, why? No seriously, so good! It has so many twists and so many mouth dropping moments!
E.M. Snow’s writing blows me away with each book. I was shocked in the first series, at how sucked into the pages I got. And I so did that with this book as well. It consumed me, I felt like I couldn’t read the story fast enough to figure out what is going on. I haven’t been able to put this book down. Matter of fact, I read it twice to make sure I didn’t miss anything because there is so much to unfold. I highly recommend you read E.M. first series, “Angelview Academy” mainly because it is awesome and also because it intertwines some with this series.
Crown of Thorns was certainly a page turner. The book is from Josslyn’s point of view, however, you get to know Phoenix Townsend and all his alphaness very well right from the beginning. Though, throughout the entire story you are trying to figure out his motive with Josslyn. Every time I thought I had something figured out, I was so wrong. I love a great book like this, throws you for a loop. This book literally I’ve been patiently waiting for as I needed more of E.M.’s amazing writing. She writes incredible Bully Romance and I mean it, it was incredible. Phoenix is without a doubt a jerk and I loved every second of it. But no worries though Josslyn gives him a run for his money and pushes all his buttons. The back and forth between the two was so entertaining. This is a must devour, I need book two as soon as possible book! Can’t wait to see where the story goes next.
Have you ever finished a book that had a HUGE cliffhanger and you just sat there afterwards thinking to yourself, holy smokes, what did I just read. That is how I feel. This book blew me away. That cliffhanger, like what, how, why? No seriously, so good! It has so many twists and so many mouth dropping moments!
E.M. Snow’s writing blows me away with each book. I was shocked in the first series, at how sucked into the pages I got. And I so did that with this book as well. It consumed me, I felt like I couldn’t read the story fast enough to figure out what is going on. I haven’t been able to put this book down. Matter of fact, I read it twice to make sure I didn’t miss anything because there is so much to unfold. I highly recommend you read E.M. first series, “Angelview Academy” mainly because it is awesome and also because it intertwines some with this series.
Crown of Thorns was certainly a page turner. The book is from Josslyn’s point of view, however, you get to know Phoenix Townsend and all his alphaness very well right from the beginning. Though, throughout the entire story you are trying to figure out his motive with Josslyn. Every time I thought I had something figured out, I was so wrong. I love a great book like this, throws you for a loop. This book literally I’ve been patiently waiting for as I needed more of E.M.’s amazing writing. She writes incredible Bully Romance and I mean it, it was incredible. Phoenix is without a doubt a jerk and I loved every second of it. But no worries though Josslyn gives him a run for his money and pushes all his buttons. The back and forth between the two was so entertaining. This is a must devour, I need book two as soon as possible book! Can’t wait to see where the story goes next.
August 27, 2021
Mary Sue alert
This book has potential. It's not the worst bully romance I've read, because I did finish it (barely). I lost interest about 47% into reading it. My main reason for disliking this book is the main character. Josslyn is bullied relentlessly but she literally NEVER stands up for herself.
After so many scenes of her being bullied and just taking it, I was done. Josslyn's character is weak to the point of it being pathetic and unbelievable. Her character has no depth and doesn't grow at all. She's also incredibly naive. Her character is boring. The one interesting thing about her (she can sing) is only mentioned briefly here and there, but never pursued. There's nothing remotely appealing about it. I kept waiting for the moment when her character would say, "enough" and take action, but it never came.
The main male character Phoenix is interesting, but also has no depth. He's supposedly the "King," but he has no power. Phoenix has to repeatedly use the same threats, but nothing ever happens to show that his threats have power.
The storyline is also somehow convoluted yet predictable. There's also serious continuity issues, which is surprising in such a short book.
This book has potential. It's not the worst bully romance I've read, because I did finish it (barely). I lost interest about 47% into reading it. My main reason for disliking this book is the main character. Josslyn is bullied relentlessly but she literally NEVER stands up for herself.
After so many scenes of her being bullied and just taking it, I was done. Josslyn's character is weak to the point of it being pathetic and unbelievable. Her character has no depth and doesn't grow at all. She's also incredibly naive. Her character is boring. The one interesting thing about her (she can sing) is only mentioned briefly here and there, but never pursued. There's nothing remotely appealing about it. I kept waiting for the moment when her character would say, "enough" and take action, but it never came.
The main male character Phoenix is interesting, but also has no depth. He's supposedly the "King," but he has no power. Phoenix has to repeatedly use the same threats, but nothing ever happens to show that his threats have power.
The storyline is also somehow convoluted yet predictable. There's also serious continuity issues, which is surprising in such a short book.
July 27, 2021
One of the best bully romances!
5 stars!
“People like Phoenix- people that dark and venomous- they only ever try to drag others into their darkness with them.
YOU GUYS! EM Snow is back with another AMAZING release. I can not tell you how badly I needed this story, and how much it delivered! CoT is a spinoff to her first trilogy, Angelview Academy, and while it can be read separately, it does have some potential spoilers for the other series and you see characters come in.
If you’re looking for a bully romance that shows no bounds, this is the one. Phoenix is a dick. And after this whole thing, I still can't grasp quite a read on him. I can’t tell if his intentions started to become pure or not. I love him though… he’s so alluring and dark and sexy. Now our FMC, Josslyn. She has not had the best life, she knows the emotions of dealing with love and loss and abandonment and betrayal. When circumstances bring her to have to stay with Phoenix, her life does not get any easier, and Phoenix quickly goes from bad to worse, staking his claim.
This book is quick in the world building but is one slow burn. It made for some serious sexual tension between the two and I was all here for it. There are so many secrets in this book and I can’t wait to hopefully discover what they are in book two. And oh, if you couldn’t guess it by now, this book ends on a MAJOR cliffhanger that had me gasping! Honestly, I was like that even before it ended, because some of my favorite characters made an appearance and it was the greatest thing ever. EM Snow was one of my first darker authors I’ve ever read, so seeing these characters, and experiencing a book like the Angelview series, had me feeling all kinds of things.
Despite even some of the side characters being sketchy, I loved them so much. Joss’ friend deserves some major karma and I’m praying it happens. If yall like bully, stubborn characters, hot chemistry, and some dramaaaa, then I think you’d like this. The bully may be a lot for some, so take that in mind, and I also suggest checking out her first series, but either way, I think y’all are gonna like this story and the ride it takes you on. Secrets don’t stay buried for long and revenge always has to be served.
5 stars!
“People like Phoenix- people that dark and venomous- they only ever try to drag others into their darkness with them.
YOU GUYS! EM Snow is back with another AMAZING release. I can not tell you how badly I needed this story, and how much it delivered! CoT is a spinoff to her first trilogy, Angelview Academy, and while it can be read separately, it does have some potential spoilers for the other series and you see characters come in.
If you’re looking for a bully romance that shows no bounds, this is the one. Phoenix is a dick. And after this whole thing, I still can't grasp quite a read on him. I can’t tell if his intentions started to become pure or not. I love him though… he’s so alluring and dark and sexy. Now our FMC, Josslyn. She has not had the best life, she knows the emotions of dealing with love and loss and abandonment and betrayal. When circumstances bring her to have to stay with Phoenix, her life does not get any easier, and Phoenix quickly goes from bad to worse, staking his claim.
This book is quick in the world building but is one slow burn. It made for some serious sexual tension between the two and I was all here for it. There are so many secrets in this book and I can’t wait to hopefully discover what they are in book two. And oh, if you couldn’t guess it by now, this book ends on a MAJOR cliffhanger that had me gasping! Honestly, I was like that even before it ended, because some of my favorite characters made an appearance and it was the greatest thing ever. EM Snow was one of my first darker authors I’ve ever read, so seeing these characters, and experiencing a book like the Angelview series, had me feeling all kinds of things.
Despite even some of the side characters being sketchy, I loved them so much. Joss’ friend deserves some major karma and I’m praying it happens. If yall like bully, stubborn characters, hot chemistry, and some dramaaaa, then I think you’d like this. The bully may be a lot for some, so take that in mind, and I also suggest checking out her first series, but either way, I think y’all are gonna like this story and the ride it takes you on. Secrets don’t stay buried for long and revenge always has to be served.
July 26, 2021
Good lord, this book!! I need a minute after finishing this…
Josslyn Luna is starting her senior year in a new school, sort of... Ravenwood and Thornhaven merge and become the coed Thornwood, but Joss isn't worried about getting distracted by boys. She can't stand the girls that fall all over themselves and throw themselves at boys. She just wants to get through her senior year and be there for her seriously ailing grandmother.
But, fate has other plans for Joss. When her brother, Jasper steals from one of the area's most prominent families, the Townsend patriarch strikes a deal with Jasper. He has three months to repay what he has stolen... and Joss is held as collateral. Phoenix Townsend is making it his mission to sink his claws into Joss. He will make her pay for what her brother did, even if she had nothing to do with it.
Crown of Thorns is the first book in what I know will be an AMAZING series from E.M. Snow. She has created Phoenix to be the villain you love to hate. I loved seeing the connection to her previous Angelview Academy series, as these are rival schools and that always creates the most wonderful tension. I am DYING to read the next book, Crown of Roses, set to release in September!
Josslyn Luna is starting her senior year in a new school, sort of... Ravenwood and Thornhaven merge and become the coed Thornwood, but Joss isn't worried about getting distracted by boys. She can't stand the girls that fall all over themselves and throw themselves at boys. She just wants to get through her senior year and be there for her seriously ailing grandmother.
But, fate has other plans for Joss. When her brother, Jasper steals from one of the area's most prominent families, the Townsend patriarch strikes a deal with Jasper. He has three months to repay what he has stolen... and Joss is held as collateral. Phoenix Townsend is making it his mission to sink his claws into Joss. He will make her pay for what her brother did, even if she had nothing to do with it.
Crown of Thorns is the first book in what I know will be an AMAZING series from E.M. Snow. She has created Phoenix to be the villain you love to hate. I loved seeing the connection to her previous Angelview Academy series, as these are rival schools and that always creates the most wonderful tension. I am DYING to read the next book, Crown of Roses, set to release in September!
August 20, 2021
An ok read
I picked this up because of it being a bully academy book with an a*$hole guy which happens to be my weakness. Unfortunately I was left slightly underwhelmed, Phoenix was a major douche with no redeemable qualities and Joss well even a doormat has more backbone than her. She frustrated me, she had no problem going toe to toe with Phoenix but couldn't stand up to the mean girls, her ex bestie being one of them. I'll read book 2 since I'm hoping Joss grows that backbone and Phoenix pulls the stick outta his butt and redeems himself. I did however like Gideon and Alaric
I picked this up because of it being a bully academy book with an a*$hole guy which happens to be my weakness. Unfortunately I was left slightly underwhelmed, Phoenix was a major douche with no redeemable qualities and Joss well even a doormat has more backbone than her. She frustrated me, she had no problem going toe to toe with Phoenix but couldn't stand up to the mean girls, her ex bestie being one of them. I'll read book 2 since I'm hoping Joss grows that backbone and Phoenix pulls the stick outta his butt and redeems himself. I did however like Gideon and Alaric
December 16, 2021
P.S.: This review is written after the second book but is for the both Crown of Thorns and Crown of Roses 🌹
Oh my God! How the heck am I supposed to wait for the next book? Another brutal cliffhanger! Actually this is not even called a brutal one, this should be classified as a horrendous cliffy. And a stab to my heart! Snow knows how to deliver hit after hit with the twists and half truths but this twist, I couldn’t/wouldn’t have been able to imagine. It’s like the time when I watched 6th Sense by Bruce Willis. I am in a stupor and don’t know how long I have to wait to get a resolution. When is the next book coming out? Kudos E.M. Snow! You have done it again. Your plots and the characters are deliciously and brilliantly complicated and read-worthy (don’t even know if it’s actually a word).
Oh my God! How the heck am I supposed to wait for the next book? Another brutal cliffhanger! Actually this is not even called a brutal one, this should be classified as a horrendous cliffy. And a stab to my heart! Snow knows how to deliver hit after hit with the twists and half truths but this twist, I couldn’t/wouldn’t have been able to imagine. It’s like the time when I watched 6th Sense by Bruce Willis. I am in a stupor and don’t know how long I have to wait to get a resolution. When is the next book coming out? Kudos E.M. Snow! You have done it again. Your plots and the characters are deliciously and brilliantly complicated and read-worthy (don’t even know if it’s actually a word).
December 2, 2021
My god that twist was everything
I hated Josslyn allowing herself to be bullied
I hated Phoenix
Loved Saint and Mallory returning in this series.
Loved that Ghost is a big part of this story and Mallory is his little sister.
But once again I really wished we had multiple POV not just Josslyn but also Phoenix. I'm not sure why the author doesn't consider multiple POV.
I hated Josslyn allowing herself to be bullied
I hated Phoenix
Loved Saint and Mallory returning in this series.
Loved that Ghost is a big part of this story and Mallory is his little sister.
But once again I really wished we had multiple POV not just Josslyn but also Phoenix. I'm not sure why the author doesn't consider multiple POV.
July 29, 2021
I have a terrible memory!!! I was enjoying this story as a standalone until towards the end when I finally made the connection between Ghost, "Carley" and the Angelview Academy. I remembered the small bits and pieces through the story about Saint and Mallory but I completely missed this huge connection. So now I'll happily try and set aside some time to reread the Angelview series.
Wow, the cliffhanger. Interesting connections all around and that's why I need to reread the important parts of Angelview. The rest of this has spoilers because I'm trying to give myself a few key point notes so that I remember for the next story.
Josslyn - loved her. She was so relatable and down to earth. I didn't even mind her passive, mousy personality. I could totally see myself being friends with her. It actually made the story more interesting and the bullying more intense. For the most part she was amazingly stoic until she became clingy. It was truly cringeworthy how she went from 0-stage 5 clinger just because Phoenix showed her some attention. There was nothing in the events that happened between them would have even prompted or made normal any level of her questioning of Phoenix about their "relationship". It was clear he was a total playboy and that he played by no rules. It was baffling that Josslyn understood his character traits so well in all areas of his life except when it involved their physical relationship. It was like all of a sudden she became a completely pathetically lovestruck idiot. That was my only complaint about her.
Phoenix - hot, possessive, damaged, alphahole, in other words, a perfect antihero in my book. I loved everything about him. I loved that his POV isn't revealed so that his actions are all a mystery. ...which makes the will they- won't they much more exciting.
The Romance - there was a bit of push-pull, which I loved. I was not too happy with the pacing of the chemistry. I was very impatient with the slowburn because even by 50%, there was no indication of any real attraction. But once Phoenix and Josslyn connected, it really progressed quickly...too quickly. Their "relationship" faded to black and I was really disappointed because there wasn't enough on their connection and it should have been fleshed out more. But perhaps the mystery is a good thing because it makes it easier to accept that they're now on opposite ends and hopefully it will be just as hot with a push-pull when they re-connect in the next book.
The mystery - Phoenix's parents are "missing". Were they made to "disappear" by Ghost's gang?
Ghost has stolen an important list from them and is now in trouble but with who? The Townsends and their crew or his own gang? Josslyn's life is collateral while Ghost works on returning what he has stolen, or is he truly working on it? Ghost never sent the text to Josslyn approving her "stay" with the Townsends... that was orchestrated by Phoenix and Alaric. Does Phoenix want to "keep" Josslyn because she's collateral or because he secretly wants to protect her from his enemies who could use her to get to Ghost? Mallory has contact with Ghost. Josslyn turns out to be Saint's little sister. How? Does that mean Ghost is also related to Saint? Is he also related to Josslyn? Or is he a stepbrother, foster brother etc.? Reina has suddenly disappeared.
Reina and Alaric- I can't recall properly now, but was Reina Saint's nice ex-girlfriend from Angelview? Alaric potentially has a big story to tell and I really hope he gets his own story. Same with Reina.
Overall a great story. It ended too soon and just when things were heating up. But that's why it's a cliffhanger. Can't wait for book 2. Hopefully sooner than later because I'm pretty sure it's already written and ready to go with all the delays from book 1.
Writing- I enjoyed E.M. Snow's writing style. It's a level up from the generic style of the hs bully genre I usually read.
Wow, the cliffhanger. Interesting connections all around and that's why I need to reread the important parts of Angelview. The rest of this has spoilers because I'm trying to give myself a few key point notes so that I remember for the next story.
Josslyn - loved her. She was so relatable and down to earth. I didn't even mind her passive, mousy personality. I could totally see myself being friends with her. It actually made the story more interesting and the bullying more intense. For the most part she was amazingly stoic until she became clingy. It was truly cringeworthy how she went from 0-stage 5 clinger just because Phoenix showed her some attention. There was nothing in the events that happened between them would have even prompted or made normal any level of her questioning of Phoenix about their "relationship". It was clear he was a total playboy and that he played by no rules. It was baffling that Josslyn understood his character traits so well in all areas of his life except when it involved their physical relationship. It was like all of a sudden she became a completely pathetically lovestruck idiot. That was my only complaint about her.
Phoenix - hot, possessive, damaged, alphahole, in other words, a perfect antihero in my book. I loved everything about him. I loved that his POV isn't revealed so that his actions are all a mystery. ...which makes the will they- won't they much more exciting.
The Romance - there was a bit of push-pull, which I loved. I was not too happy with the pacing of the chemistry. I was very impatient with the slowburn because even by 50%, there was no indication of any real attraction. But once Phoenix and Josslyn connected, it really progressed quickly...too quickly. Their "relationship" faded to black and I was really disappointed because there wasn't enough on their connection and it should have been fleshed out more. But perhaps the mystery is a good thing because it makes it easier to accept that they're now on opposite ends and hopefully it will be just as hot with a push-pull when they re-connect in the next book.
The mystery - Phoenix's parents are "missing". Were they made to "disappear" by Ghost's gang?
Ghost has stolen an important list from them and is now in trouble but with who? The Townsends and their crew or his own gang? Josslyn's life is collateral while Ghost works on returning what he has stolen, or is he truly working on it? Ghost never sent the text to Josslyn approving her "stay" with the Townsends... that was orchestrated by Phoenix and Alaric. Does Phoenix want to "keep" Josslyn because she's collateral or because he secretly wants to protect her from his enemies who could use her to get to Ghost? Mallory has contact with Ghost. Josslyn turns out to be Saint's little sister. How? Does that mean Ghost is also related to Saint? Is he also related to Josslyn? Or is he a stepbrother, foster brother etc.? Reina has suddenly disappeared.
Reina and Alaric- I can't recall properly now, but was Reina Saint's nice ex-girlfriend from Angelview? Alaric potentially has a big story to tell and I really hope he gets his own story. Same with Reina.
Overall a great story. It ended too soon and just when things were heating up. But that's why it's a cliffhanger. Can't wait for book 2. Hopefully sooner than later because I'm pretty sure it's already written and ready to go with all the delays from book 1.
Writing- I enjoyed E.M. Snow's writing style. It's a level up from the generic style of the hs bully genre I usually read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2021
The last chapter made the entire book!!! 👀💯
Josslyn. Poor girl at a rich school. Stays in the shadows. Until she catches the attention of Phoenix Townsend. Phoenix. Resident King of Thornhaven. A complete alpha-hole. And Josslyn has become HIS.
One of the things I love about this book is the intertwining of the Angelview series. I have to admit, Josslyn’s demeanor/nature wasn’t my favorite. I found her weak and cowering. She should’ve punched her “BFF” in the nose several times!! She would show some spark but never saw enough fight from her. I’m hoping that changes. And Phoenix was a complete asshole! Considering we only saw one POV it’s hard to tell what’s really going through his mind but still.
Alaric and Reina, great side characters. Even Gideon! Can’t wait to see what happens in book 2. The ending!!!
Josslyn. Poor girl at a rich school. Stays in the shadows. Until she catches the attention of Phoenix Townsend. Phoenix. Resident King of Thornhaven. A complete alpha-hole. And Josslyn has become HIS.
One of the things I love about this book is the intertwining of the Angelview series. I have to admit, Josslyn’s demeanor/nature wasn’t my favorite. I found her weak and cowering. She should’ve punched her “BFF” in the nose several times!! She would show some spark but never saw enough fight from her. I’m hoping that changes. And Phoenix was a complete asshole! Considering we only saw one POV it’s hard to tell what’s really going through his mind but still.
Alaric and Reina, great side characters. Even Gideon! Can’t wait to see what happens in book 2. The ending!!!
October 8, 2021
I should have waited to read this one when book two came out. This left off on a cliffhanger and I’m so upset that I don’t have the next one.
I flew through this in one day and found it hard to put down. There was something so easy going about the writing that I just kept reading and reading. Now this wasn’t perfect by any means, but it kept my attention. This is a bully romance, so expect that along with some over the top hate. Like seriously, the girl hate here was atrocious. It was too much and way over the top. If you are sensitive to bullying then I would probably skip them. There were so many times that they told her to either . So if that's a trigger for you, then be careful.
The romance was a bit all over the place, but it was still good. It really gave me that energy I love in a bully romance. Where the love interest is terrible and you know it, but it’s always so good when they finally give in. That’s what we had here. Even though Phoenix had some issues (serious issues), I still wanted him and Josslyn to be together. I was scared that the author was going to try and make some type of love triangle happen and I’m happy that it didn’t happen and hope that it stays that way!
Like I said, it’s not the best book ever. However, it’s entertaining and if you enjoy bully romances then you might enjoy this one. Just know it ends on a cliffhanger and you’ll wish you had the next book ready.
I flew through this in one day and found it hard to put down. There was something so easy going about the writing that I just kept reading and reading. Now this wasn’t perfect by any means, but it kept my attention. This is a bully romance, so expect that along with some over the top hate. Like seriously, the girl hate here was atrocious. It was too much and way over the top. If you are sensitive to bullying then I would probably skip them. There were so many times that they told her to either . So if that's a trigger for you, then be careful.
The romance was a bit all over the place, but it was still good. It really gave me that energy I love in a bully romance. Where the love interest is terrible and you know it, but it’s always so good when they finally give in. That’s what we had here. Even though Phoenix had some issues (serious issues), I still wanted him and Josslyn to be together. I was scared that the author was going to try and make some type of love triangle happen and I’m happy that it didn’t happen and hope that it stays that way!
Like I said, it’s not the best book ever. However, it’s entertaining and if you enjoy bully romances then you might enjoy this one. Just know it ends on a cliffhanger and you’ll wish you had the next book ready.
January 6, 2022
Oh. My. God!
This was so good! I have to admit, if written right, this complete ridiculous clique books are absolutely epic.
I mean this is so clique, I even cannot..
Like how?
-Well, there is a best friend turns complete bitch.
-There is a bunch of mean girls.
-There is a whole school bullying h.
-There is virgin h.
-There is doormat, goody two shoes h.
-There is absolute prick of an asshole H.
-There is possessive sociopathic H.
-There is mystery.
My issues with it were maybe too doormat h (especially towards H, running after him like a lost puppy) and no connection in an emotional level between H & h. I honestly felt half way through H's cousin and h would be great together. He was really good. As it was a very slow burn, I hope we will see some relationship development between H & h in next book.
This was so good! I have to admit, if written right, this complete ridiculous clique books are absolutely epic.
I mean this is so clique, I even cannot..
Like how?
-Well, there is a best friend turns complete bitch.
-There is a bunch of mean girls.
-There is a whole school bullying h.
-There is virgin h.
-There is doormat, goody two shoes h.
-There is absolute prick of an asshole H.
-There is possessive sociopathic H.
-There is mystery.
My issues with it were maybe too doormat h (especially towards H, running after him like a lost puppy) and no connection in an emotional level between H & h. I honestly felt half way through H's cousin and h would be great together. He was really good. As it was a very slow burn, I hope we will see some relationship development between H & h in next book.
August 3, 2021
I want to start by saying I really enjoyed this book, it did take me a long time to really get into it though. About halfway through I realized that it was because there was crossover from a series I did not read, so I felt like I was missing information. But once I got over that bump and just focused at the story at hand and not any of the side stuff, I really liked it. I loved Joss and I really felt for her, especially after the one friend she thought she had turned on her in a big way. She couldn't depend on anyone or trust anyone. Pheonix is hard to read, I am still not sure how to feel about him, actually I am not sure how I feel about any of the Townsends, especially after the ending! Now I need to quickly read the Angelview Academy series before the next book comes out!
September 8, 2021
Being new to Ms.Snow's work I've been wanting to pick up her books for quite some time now. As soon as I found out about this one I had to read it first. I got into the Thornwood Prep world quickly. I really enjoyed this first book!
I wasn't sure what all to expect going into this story and that pulled me into it even more. I liked the fact that I felt many different things with these characters while reading.
With Crown of Thorns, Ms.Snow has created such a good read! I am so looking forward to the next one and going back to read her previous books as well!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*
I wasn't sure what all to expect going into this story and that pulled me into it even more. I liked the fact that I felt many different things with these characters while reading.
With Crown of Thorns, Ms.Snow has created such a good read! I am so looking forward to the next one and going back to read her previous books as well!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*
August 1, 2021
Cowns of thorns, a brand new NA enemies to lovers by e.m. snow
E.M. Snow has been my rare find author whose Angelview Series has been one of my top bully/enemies to lover read in this year.
Crown of thorns introduces us to Phoenix and jossylyn, and from the instant Phoenix is just so so much and more.
The push and pull and the chemistry between them is so so hot.
I loved reading the plot twists that keep coming and that end had me speechless because I didn't see that coming.
I suggest you all to start with angel view series as this book features mention and some of the characters from this series!
E.M. Snow has been my rare find author whose Angelview Series has been one of my top bully/enemies to lover read in this year.
Crown of thorns introduces us to Phoenix and jossylyn, and from the instant Phoenix is just so so much and more.
The push and pull and the chemistry between them is so so hot.
I loved reading the plot twists that keep coming and that end had me speechless because I didn't see that coming.
I suggest you all to start with angel view series as this book features mention and some of the characters from this series!
July 28, 2021
Loved loved loved it !!
I devoured this book in 1day , once I picked it up I couldn't put it down it totally consumed me, I just needed to know what was going to happen next, I was not disappointed twists and turns you don't expect ,in-depth characters you can't help but love, Phoenix Townsend is just wow cold, cruel , totally self obsessed but oh so hot (swoon) I can not wait for the next book !!
I devoured this book in 1day , once I picked it up I couldn't put it down it totally consumed me, I just needed to know what was going to happen next, I was not disappointed twists and turns you don't expect ,in-depth characters you can't help but love, Phoenix Townsend is just wow cold, cruel , totally self obsessed but oh so hot (swoon) I can not wait for the next book !!
July 29, 2021
“This must be what death smells like - winter mint and caramel, both scents rolling of a beautiful, terrible beast.”
;D Phoenix and his charming ways of conquering female hearts ;D Yossy! Her ways of handling this psycho and staying true to her self :))
It was an amazing read! Can’t believe we waited for extra 6 month..! It’s a blast! Worth every day! Devoured it immediately and with pleasure :)) Can’t wait for the 2nd part! September can’t come soon enough! 🖤
;D Phoenix and his charming ways of conquering female hearts ;D Yossy! Her ways of handling this psycho and staying true to her self :))
It was an amazing read! Can’t believe we waited for extra 6 month..! It’s a blast! Worth every day! Devoured it immediately and with pleasure :)) Can’t wait for the 2nd part! September can’t come soon enough! 🖤
Read
August 3, 2021The premise was good but the execution of the plot didn’t work for me.
Phoenix -the anti hero -kept repeating how he was uncaring and threatening to do things but nothing ever happened. If you are going to be an alphahole you have to show it not just talk it. This was also super slow burn.
New Adult. Enemies. Cliffhanger
Phoenix -the anti hero -kept repeating how he was uncaring and threatening to do things but nothing ever happened. If you are going to be an alphahole you have to show it not just talk it. This was also super slow burn.
New Adult. Enemies. Cliffhanger
September 8, 2021
The mystery continues...this is set in the same world as Angelleview Academy but at Thornwood Academy. Frequent Angelle view references but you can read this as a separate series. I loved the characters. There's bullying but not the irredeemable kind. High heat and lots of intrigue. Can't wait for the saga to continue.
August 5, 2021
Okay so i can proudly say I loved this book so much and the characters were so amazing!
Phoenix is holding a couple secrets we can see from the way he acts around jos
The ending was a whole new cliffhanger
I love the tension and I can't wait to read the next book
Phoenix is holding a couple secrets we can see from the way he acts around jos
The ending was a whole new cliffhanger
I love the tension and I can't wait to read the next book
February 22, 2022
what the hell did I just read? The first part is interesting and I couldn't stop reading. But then the author begins to introduce the mystery and instead of mystery she makes a salad of data and clues that later have nothing to do with the story.
April 26, 2022
I really enjoyed this book! I liked Phoenix’s character, along with Jocelyn, but do wish I read the Angelview Books first since there are some spoilers. This story kept my interest from start to finish, ends in a cliffhanger, and I am looking forward to seeing what happens!
February 11, 2022
WTF IS HAPPENING!!
December 1, 2023
Secrets, Family Intrigue, Dark, Submissive High School Relationships.
As High school bully romances go, this was a slow burn…
Kinda.
Josslyn Luna is the typical poor girl attending the upper crust, snooty school on scholarship.
Mother is dead, so she and her brother, Jasper, have been raised by her Grandmother Nina.
Unfortunately, Nina is now in care.
Jasper, is up to no good, involved in some nefarious deeds with some dodgy types, and flitters in, and out of Joss, life on a whim.
So, basically she is on her own most of the time, attending school, flying under the radar, keeping to herself, out of the way of the mean girl cheerleaders, and the three guys that walk around school like Gods.
Phoenix Townsend, his younger brother Gideon, and their cousin Alaric.
However, things aren’t THAT easy as Joss and Alaric, have past history.
A tiny, weeny, little bit of flirting, some time ago, at the record store she worked at and, he took shelter at during a storm.
It was brief, but Joss hasn’t forgotten.
But NOW, Joss finds herself in a bigger predicament.
She finds herself being coerced to live in the Townsend house by one, Phoenix Townsend, (the bully of the Bully romance) because, her dodgy brother broke into their home and stole something.
Jasper has three months to return what he took, leaving his sister as collateral until what he took is returned
( or so she’s told )
With no choice, Joss finds herself juggling, school, mean girls,.
AND!
The increasingly bullying behaviour of Phoenix.
Plus!
Her unresolved issues with Alaric, all
While living under their roof
( forced proximity)
Well, at least she has her new friendship with Alarics twin sister Reina to keep her reasonably sane.
If only the young, man whore training, Gideons would stop throwing parties and inviting all, her enemies.
All while trying to uncover where her brother is, what his connection is to all of this, not to mention just where the heck the Townsend parents are???
Three months…
Three months in which Joss’s absolute hatred for Phoenix eventually has her breaking down, relenting, turning to lusting after the boy that…
Well.
Treats her like crap.
Lust she begins to have no control over.
Wow!
This story took a while to uncoil, but once it DID.
My goodness…
Joss wasted no time going from inexperienced virgin, to Expertly providing BJ’s and spreading her legs for Phoenix in desperation to finally…
GET OFF!!!
Of course with all good Bully Romance Tropes, once the deed is done, then things all, turn pear shaped.
This story had all, and I mean ALL the usual Bully romance settings, and play,by plays.
The element that set it apart from the get go, was Josslyn herself.
She was a female lead who appears to have a clear head on her shoulders despite the pitfalls life was throwing her way.
She appeared, smart, very aware of herself and her self worth…
UNTIL.
Sexual attraction and lust started to creep in and cloud her thought process..
Once she cross that threshold, this story became just another BR with all the same character traits.
Even Phoenix’s dirty talk during sex, was practically the same dirty talk that’s EVER spoken by EVERY arrogant, alpha male lead.
‘So wet.”
“So tight”
“I’ll have you screaming my name.”
“Who do you belong to.”
‘I own you.”
“You are mine” ….Blah, Blah, Blah,
Things were headed down a VERY familiar path.
The saving grace?
The continuation of/ and the tie in with, the Angelle storyline towards the end and how this impacts on Josslyn’s past and present life.
AND!
The cliffhanger ( yep ) ending
As High school bully romances go, this was a slow burn…
Kinda.
Josslyn Luna is the typical poor girl attending the upper crust, snooty school on scholarship.
Mother is dead, so she and her brother, Jasper, have been raised by her Grandmother Nina.
Unfortunately, Nina is now in care.
Jasper, is up to no good, involved in some nefarious deeds with some dodgy types, and flitters in, and out of Joss, life on a whim.
So, basically she is on her own most of the time, attending school, flying under the radar, keeping to herself, out of the way of the mean girl cheerleaders, and the three guys that walk around school like Gods.
Phoenix Townsend, his younger brother Gideon, and their cousin Alaric.
However, things aren’t THAT easy as Joss and Alaric, have past history.
A tiny, weeny, little bit of flirting, some time ago, at the record store she worked at and, he took shelter at during a storm.
It was brief, but Joss hasn’t forgotten.
But NOW, Joss finds herself in a bigger predicament.
She finds herself being coerced to live in the Townsend house by one, Phoenix Townsend, (the bully of the Bully romance) because, her dodgy brother broke into their home and stole something.
Jasper has three months to return what he took, leaving his sister as collateral until what he took is returned
( or so she’s told )
With no choice, Joss finds herself juggling, school, mean girls,.
AND!
The increasingly bullying behaviour of Phoenix.
Plus!
Her unresolved issues with Alaric, all
While living under their roof
( forced proximity)
Well, at least she has her new friendship with Alarics twin sister Reina to keep her reasonably sane.
If only the young, man whore training, Gideons would stop throwing parties and inviting all, her enemies.
All while trying to uncover where her brother is, what his connection is to all of this, not to mention just where the heck the Townsend parents are???
Three months…
Three months in which Joss’s absolute hatred for Phoenix eventually has her breaking down, relenting, turning to lusting after the boy that…
Well.
Treats her like crap.
Lust she begins to have no control over.
Wow!
This story took a while to uncoil, but once it DID.
My goodness…
Joss wasted no time going from inexperienced virgin, to Expertly providing BJ’s and spreading her legs for Phoenix in desperation to finally…
GET OFF!!!
Of course with all good Bully Romance Tropes, once the deed is done, then things all, turn pear shaped.
This story had all, and I mean ALL the usual Bully romance settings, and play,by plays.
The element that set it apart from the get go, was Josslyn herself.
She was a female lead who appears to have a clear head on her shoulders despite the pitfalls life was throwing her way.
She appeared, smart, very aware of herself and her self worth…
UNTIL.
Sexual attraction and lust started to creep in and cloud her thought process..
Once she cross that threshold, this story became just another BR with all the same character traits.
Even Phoenix’s dirty talk during sex, was practically the same dirty talk that’s EVER spoken by EVERY arrogant, alpha male lead.
‘So wet.”
“So tight”
“I’ll have you screaming my name.”
“Who do you belong to.”
‘I own you.”
“You are mine” ….Blah, Blah, Blah,
Things were headed down a VERY familiar path.
The saving grace?
The continuation of/ and the tie in with, the Angelle storyline towards the end and how this impacts on Josslyn’s past and present life.
AND!
The cliffhanger ( yep ) ending
Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews