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Rosehaven Academy #0.5
Ravaged Rose
Matty Montclair
Quarterback of the football team.
We were friends until he abandoned me.
He left my heart ravaged once.
And I think he might do it again.
Ryleigh Kendrick
Uber-nerdy artsy girl next door.
We used to be friends, but I moved on.
Now she’s seen things she shouldn’t have.
And it’s up to me to ensure her silence.
Ravaged Rose is a prequel to the Rosehaven Academy series. A few characters from the series make cameo appearances, however this book is simply a standalone in the Rosehaven world meant to introduce my readers to my writing style. It's also available as an exclusive download for my newsletter subscribers.
Quarterback of the football team.
We were friends until he abandoned me.
He left my heart ravaged once.
And I think he might do it again.
Ryleigh Kendrick
Uber-nerdy artsy girl next door.
We used to be friends, but I moved on.
Now she’s seen things she shouldn’t have.
And it’s up to me to ensure her silence.
Ravaged Rose is a prequel to the Rosehaven Academy series. A few characters from the series make cameo appearances, however this book is simply a standalone in the Rosehaven world meant to introduce my readers to my writing style. It's also available as an exclusive download for my newsletter subscribers.
134 pages, Paperback
Published July 26, 2021
4 people are currently reading
296 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 31, 2021
You have to read this. No heck you will want to devour it. It is absolutely amazing. I couldn’t put it down. Ryleigh and Matty have so much history. They were friends then they weren’t. Time passes then all of a sudden something happens and they find themselves constantly together. And this is where the story gets soooo good! I loved Ryleigh and Matty so much. Together and as individuals. Their journey apart and together is incredible.
This is a must read. It has you on the edge of your seat not wanting to put it down. Leila James is one of my absolute favorites. Everything she writes is pure gold! Her characters are relatable. Her stories are entertaining and brilliant. This is a must awesome swoon-worthy read!
This is a must read. It has you on the edge of your seat not wanting to put it down. Leila James is one of my absolute favorites. Everything she writes is pure gold! Her characters are relatable. Her stories are entertaining and brilliant. This is a must awesome swoon-worthy read!
March 20, 2022
Ravaged Rose is a prequel to the Rosehaven Academy series by Leila James. It is a Newsletter exclusive so sign-up here: https://bit.ly/3tlY1Li. I wish I had time to read the rest of the series. Hopefully one day I will.
Two former best friends. One is a nerdy artist. The other a popular football player. Years ago Matty walked away from Ryleigh when he starting gaining attention for his looks and popularity. Ryleigh was over it. She didn’t need a friend who wasn’t loyal and she definitely didn’t need one who was threatening her. He hoped their past would keep her quiet. What he didn’t except for her to be feistier than ever.
Ryleigh wasn’t scared of him. He might have been ignoring her for years but she never stopped seeing him. She was not just going to cower in the corner. Will he finally open his eyes and see the girl she is now?
You could feel their connection. It’s intense at times and swoony at times. Hot and cold. I am so happy I was able to squeeze in their story with my crazy schedule. I read Beautiful Nightmare the other day, and they are in that series as well so I was happy to see their beginning!
Quotes:
“Fuck off, Montclair. We aren’t friends, so don’t pretend we are.”
The blond guy who’d spoken to me first snorts in derision. “Oh yeah, looks like you have a real good handle on her, Matty.”
The closer he gets, the more it seems there’s not enough air in the room.
It’s like he’s struck a match inside me, and I’m being consumed by the fire.
Two former best friends. One is a nerdy artist. The other a popular football player. Years ago Matty walked away from Ryleigh when he starting gaining attention for his looks and popularity. Ryleigh was over it. She didn’t need a friend who wasn’t loyal and she definitely didn’t need one who was threatening her. He hoped their past would keep her quiet. What he didn’t except for her to be feistier than ever.
Ryleigh wasn’t scared of him. He might have been ignoring her for years but she never stopped seeing him. She was not just going to cower in the corner. Will he finally open his eyes and see the girl she is now?
You could feel their connection. It’s intense at times and swoony at times. Hot and cold. I am so happy I was able to squeeze in their story with my crazy schedule. I read Beautiful Nightmare the other day, and they are in that series as well so I was happy to see their beginning!
Quotes:
“Fuck off, Montclair. We aren’t friends, so don’t pretend we are.”
The blond guy who’d spoken to me first snorts in derision. “Oh yeah, looks like you have a real good handle on her, Matty.”
The closer he gets, the more it seems there’s not enough air in the room.
It’s like he’s struck a match inside me, and I’m being consumed by the fire.
March 31, 2022
Ravaged Rose by Leila James is a short story leading up to the Rose Haven Academy series.
This is about 2 high school teenagers, Matty and Ryleigh, who were best friends growing up but drifted apart when Matty joined the football team.
Ryleigh is a senior, artistic, shy, and underestimated. She keeps to herself and is bullied by her younger sister.
Matty is the popular, gorgeous football quarterback who is loyal to his team mates and lives next door to Ryleigh.
Matty has forgotten all about Ryleigh until she caught him beating up a guy with his team mates. With their football careers in jeopardy if Ryleigh talks, it was his duty to keep Ryleigh quiet. In doing so, he discovers a girl he used to know in a different light and realizes his mistake in letting her go.
Can he convince Ryleigh to keep their secret? Can he convince Ryleigh to give him a second chance without having to tell her the truth? Is he just playing Ryleigh to get what he wants? Can she let go of her insecurities and indulge in her wildest fantasies?
I love high school romances and this one hit the spot for me. Though as most short stories for me, I would have liked to have it longer because I love getting up in all the juicy and torturous details. Having said that, it was entertaining, steamy, and dreamy with all kinds of yumminess. These are the stories we dream about having growing up and fantasizing about. It's a great starter for the series and I am most definitely looking forward to reading on.
This is about 2 high school teenagers, Matty and Ryleigh, who were best friends growing up but drifted apart when Matty joined the football team.
Ryleigh is a senior, artistic, shy, and underestimated. She keeps to herself and is bullied by her younger sister.
Matty is the popular, gorgeous football quarterback who is loyal to his team mates and lives next door to Ryleigh.
Matty has forgotten all about Ryleigh until she caught him beating up a guy with his team mates. With their football careers in jeopardy if Ryleigh talks, it was his duty to keep Ryleigh quiet. In doing so, he discovers a girl he used to know in a different light and realizes his mistake in letting her go.
Can he convince Ryleigh to keep their secret? Can he convince Ryleigh to give him a second chance without having to tell her the truth? Is he just playing Ryleigh to get what he wants? Can she let go of her insecurities and indulge in her wildest fantasies?
I love high school romances and this one hit the spot for me. Though as most short stories for me, I would have liked to have it longer because I love getting up in all the juicy and torturous details. Having said that, it was entertaining, steamy, and dreamy with all kinds of yumminess. These are the stories we dream about having growing up and fantasizing about. It's a great starter for the series and I am most definitely looking forward to reading on.
August 1, 2021
If you're new to the Rosehaven world or it's your current reading obsession, this little novella will leave you thoroughly and completely RAVAGED....
Matty Montclair and Ryleigh Kendrick...friends once upon a time until they weren't. Now he's the popular, hot quarterback for RA and she's the artsy, awkward, misfit girl. He's constantly in the spotlight where's she dwells in the shadows. Their paths cross again when Ryleigh sees something she shouldn't and now it's up to Matty to ensure her silence. Ryleigh is not the same young girl he once knew. She's beautiful, smart, creative, and everything about her draws him in....
What will happen when Matty discovers that the friend he once dropped without a second glance, is the one person he craves the most and can't be without...
This prequel into the Rosehaven world was AMAZING
It may be a little lighter than the typical RA full length novel but, Leila still manages to deliver a compelling story with a whole lot of drama and heat! Matty and Ryleigh are a couple who are simply electric together and light up each and every page. I absolutely loved them!
Angst, drama, steam...this completely ADDICTIVE series has it ALL! So, I HIGHLY SUGGEST adding this novella to your TBR and doing it NOW! You'll thank me later 😘❤
*I was given an ARC copy of this book by the author for an honest review *
Matty Montclair and Ryleigh Kendrick...friends once upon a time until they weren't. Now he's the popular, hot quarterback for RA and she's the artsy, awkward, misfit girl. He's constantly in the spotlight where's she dwells in the shadows. Their paths cross again when Ryleigh sees something she shouldn't and now it's up to Matty to ensure her silence. Ryleigh is not the same young girl he once knew. She's beautiful, smart, creative, and everything about her draws him in....
What will happen when Matty discovers that the friend he once dropped without a second glance, is the one person he craves the most and can't be without...
This prequel into the Rosehaven world was AMAZING
It may be a little lighter than the typical RA full length novel but, Leila still manages to deliver a compelling story with a whole lot of drama and heat! Matty and Ryleigh are a couple who are simply electric together and light up each and every page. I absolutely loved them!
Angst, drama, steam...this completely ADDICTIVE series has it ALL! So, I HIGHLY SUGGEST adding this novella to your TBR and doing it NOW! You'll thank me later 😘❤
*I was given an ARC copy of this book by the author for an honest review *
June 29, 2023
This is my first book by Leila James and O. M. G I’m hooked!! I devoured this novella, literally trading sleep to finish it because I just love Matty and Ryleigh.
Matty & Ryleigh were childhood besties until one day they weren’t. Fast forward to senior year of high school and Ryleigh witnesses something involving Matty and his friends. They tell her to keep her mouth shut and to ensure that she does Matty finds himself with Ryleigh often.
The friend he once left behind, is now the one person he can’t stop thinking about, spending time with. The problem? She no longer trusts him. What will happen when he confesses his feeling for her? Can she move passed the hurt he caused her all those years ago? Will the art loving nerdy girl next door get her best friend, the popular football jock, back in her life? Can things go back to the way they were? Grab your copy today and find out!!
Ravaged Rose is all the things!! Swoon-worthy, romantic, angsty, light drama & bullying, steamy, and entertaining. It will have you on the edge of your seat and leave you want more…so much more!! Matty & Ry hold a special place in my heart. I finished the book 2 days ago and still can’t let them go. Don’t miss out on this amazing story. You will absolutely love it!!
Happy Reading!!
Matty & Ryleigh were childhood besties until one day they weren’t. Fast forward to senior year of high school and Ryleigh witnesses something involving Matty and his friends. They tell her to keep her mouth shut and to ensure that she does Matty finds himself with Ryleigh often.
The friend he once left behind, is now the one person he can’t stop thinking about, spending time with. The problem? She no longer trusts him. What will happen when he confesses his feeling for her? Can she move passed the hurt he caused her all those years ago? Will the art loving nerdy girl next door get her best friend, the popular football jock, back in her life? Can things go back to the way they were? Grab your copy today and find out!!
Ravaged Rose is all the things!! Swoon-worthy, romantic, angsty, light drama & bullying, steamy, and entertaining. It will have you on the edge of your seat and leave you want more…so much more!! Matty & Ry hold a special place in my heart. I finished the book 2 days ago and still can’t let them go. Don’t miss out on this amazing story. You will absolutely love it!!
Happy Reading!!
January 25, 2022
Matty Montclair is the star quarterback at Rosehaven Academy, and he also used to be Ryleigh Kendrick’s best friend. He dumped her once he made the football team in middle school, and now they don’t talk to each other anymore.
Ryleigh is the kind and artsy girl next door, and when she sees something she shouldn’t have, they’re thrust back into each other’s lives. Matty needs to make sure Ryleigh doesn’t talk, but he’s distracted by the girl he once knew as well.
Holy heck, this book was deliciously steamy and wonderfully written!!!! It’s my first by Leila James, but I know I’m going to be coming back for more!!! Bully romance is totally one of my fave tropes, and this one did not disappoint!
Matty hasn’t looked Ryleigh’s way once since he became popular, but once they run into each other again, he can’t stop thinking about her. As for Ryleigh, she’s always had a crush on Matty, but she’s still hurt by the way he abruptly ended their friendship. When these two reconnect, even though the original intentions weren’t pure, no one can deny their connection. I completely recommend!
Ryleigh is the kind and artsy girl next door, and when she sees something she shouldn’t have, they’re thrust back into each other’s lives. Matty needs to make sure Ryleigh doesn’t talk, but he’s distracted by the girl he once knew as well.
Holy heck, this book was deliciously steamy and wonderfully written!!!! It’s my first by Leila James, but I know I’m going to be coming back for more!!! Bully romance is totally one of my fave tropes, and this one did not disappoint!
Matty hasn’t looked Ryleigh’s way once since he became popular, but once they run into each other again, he can’t stop thinking about her. As for Ryleigh, she’s always had a crush on Matty, but she’s still hurt by the way he abruptly ended their friendship. When these two reconnect, even though the original intentions weren’t pure, no one can deny their connection. I completely recommend!
October 31, 2024
This was an ok start to the Rosehaven Academy series. I’ve already read the first 8 books, but it was good to read this quick one to see where/how it all began. At first I felt sorry for Ryleigh because it seemed like she was in the shadow of her younger sister (Farrah who later becomes one of the mean girls on campus), but then we quickly see that the quiet, glasses wearing, artsy girl has a little fire in her! I still felt for her with how Matty treated her in the past and I wasn’t a big fan of his because of that. It sucked they were friends until middle school and he became popular and forgot about her, just like that. Never noticed the nerdy girl, even though she was his neighbor, until something happens that put her on his radar and now he sees her. I know this was a quick read, but she still forgave him too quickly at first. She should’ve held out a little longer before having sêx with him.
February 20, 2022
Ravaged rose
By Leila James
Former friends and still neighbours, Ryleigh and Matty don`t have anything in commom, to the fact attending the same school. Roseheaven Academy.
Ryleigh, an art-loving selfproclaimed nerd without friends only wants to be who she really is, herself. Matty, an football athlete who's thoughts are deeper than he lets anyone see. Partys, girls and his teammates, that is what life is.
Their worlds collide again by accident and all seems like trouble is coming both their ways. At first.
When secrets are discovered and things have to hide, Ry and Matty found their way back to each other. As friends? As Lovers? And mostly, for real?
Absoloutely wonderful start of the Roseheaven Academy and some.
Highy recommended.
By Leila James
Former friends and still neighbours, Ryleigh and Matty don`t have anything in commom, to the fact attending the same school. Roseheaven Academy.
Ryleigh, an art-loving selfproclaimed nerd without friends only wants to be who she really is, herself. Matty, an football athlete who's thoughts are deeper than he lets anyone see. Partys, girls and his teammates, that is what life is.
Their worlds collide again by accident and all seems like trouble is coming both their ways. At first.
When secrets are discovered and things have to hide, Ry and Matty found their way back to each other. As friends? As Lovers? And mostly, for real?
Absoloutely wonderful start of the Roseheaven Academy and some.
Highy recommended.
March 29, 2022
This was such a sweet friends to lovers novella. The spice in this book was top notch! I completely got wrapped up in Matty and Ry. I forgot there was more to the story outside of when they were together. Their love really showed through. I even read “beautiful nightmare” before I read this and you get a little bit of Matty and Ry in that book. The author did such a great job carry over there love to that book. It was great seeing where it began for them.
I loved that we got a duel POV from this novella. I couldn’t get enough of Matty! From his indecision about how he feels about Ry to him realizing that he shouldn’t have left her behind. And Ry is so nice and just wants to do what she loves no matter what anyone says or thinks. I’d love to get more of a story in Austin.
I loved that we got a duel POV from this novella. I couldn’t get enough of Matty! From his indecision about how he feels about Ry to him realizing that he shouldn’t have left her behind. And Ry is so nice and just wants to do what she loves no matter what anyone says or thinks. I’d love to get more of a story in Austin.
July 31, 2021
This is a prequel and is Matty and Ryleigh’s story. These two used to be best friends as well as next door neighbours, and Matty is now the popular star quarterback football player. When Ryleigh is a witness to something she shouldn’t have, Matty volunteers to make sure she keeps quiet about what she saw. These two both step out of their comfort zone and rekindle their friendship. This is a beautifully written tale which is a quick read, and is sweet, entertaining, emotional, and is a steamy and riveting page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend for all.
April 6, 2022
This is a super short book about Matty and Ryleigh, high school students who after falling out of their friendship when they were younger are flung back together after Ryleigh witnesses and incident.
This is an awesome read to get a feel for the Rosehaven Series that starts after this book.
There is a bit of Bully in it but that turns into a super steamy relationship between the 2 and wow was it hot 🥵🥵 I think I’ve fallen head over heels in love with Matty 🖤
Loved this book and couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series now after meeting a few different people I think I will be seeing again 😍
This is an awesome read to get a feel for the Rosehaven Series that starts after this book.
There is a bit of Bully in it but that turns into a super steamy relationship between the 2 and wow was it hot 🥵🥵 I think I’ve fallen head over heels in love with Matty 🖤
Loved this book and couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series now after meeting a few different people I think I will be seeing again 😍
July 27, 2021
Ryleigh and Matty, oh these two! I love each of them for very different reasons, but getting to watch them step outside their comfort zone, rekindle their friendship, and allow themselves to fall for one another is such a joy! I love all of Leila's characters, but these two hold a special place in my heart! The nerd and the jock, neighbors, childhood best friends... it's a story after my own heart and I absolutely love it! Short, sweet, and steamy! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
August 23, 2021
This book was amazing. Matty and Ryleigh were amazing together and there chemistry was intense. They were once friends but drifted apart and things changed between them when Ryleigh witnessed something she shouldn't have seen one night. The steamy and sexy time scenes between these two was HOT and intense. I'm not looking forward to this series ending but I can't wait for the next book in this series to come out.
March 31, 2022
Although styled as a dark romance, I didn’t feel that the story was all that dark. The plot was more modern high schooler with a twist. I didn’t see the plot twist coming but it wasn’t shocking either. This was just a nice read on a rainy afternoon with good characters, a strong plot, and a fair amount of spice.
Hint: read before Beautiful Nightmare. You do not have to, but It makes more sense.
Hint: read before Beautiful Nightmare. You do not have to, but It makes more sense.
August 26, 2021
This is a stand alone story in the Rose Haven Academy series. I loved the story of Matty and Ryleigh. They were old friends who have grown apart over the years. Can I just say that Leila always brings the sizzle and she didn’t disappoint with this one! If you haven’t checked this series out stop what your doing right now and get on it!!!!
September 10, 2021
This is such a great way to start out the Rosehaven series. What an awesome prequel. Absolutely loved Raleigh and Matty together. One friends to not friends to lover's. Hated the way Ryleugh was treated at first but as you keep reading you realize Matty was doing it for good reason. Highly recommend reading this
September 13, 2021
Ryleigh and Matty used to be friends, but then they just weren’t. He went one way in HS and she went another.
But now, a situation has brought them together – sort of. If him threatening her to be quiet about what she’s seen is together.
But once they start interacting again, the sparks start flying and when the truth of what she saw comes out, it changes everything.
But now, a situation has brought them together – sort of. If him threatening her to be quiet about what she’s seen is together.
But once they start interacting again, the sparks start flying and when the truth of what she saw comes out, it changes everything.
March 29, 2022
What a way to start a series, and this short story was written AFTER the author wrote 8 full-length novels. Wow, a lot of girls can relate to Ryleigh, and many probably have a similar history with friends who “turned popular” and forgot them; I know I did. This story is spicy and teen-angsty and oh-so-good. Now I HAVE to read the rest of the series and soon!
July 30, 2021
I LOVE IT!!! Can you say swoooon. I just want to swim in Matty's eyes. 🏊♀️🥰🥰
This book is super cute I love how the dark doesn't shadow the story. And it sounds like Matty should be going some articulation lessons...lmao no map needed for that big boy.
February 15, 2022
MATTY YOU PERFECT SPECIMEN
Perfect introduction into the Rosehaven Academy series, this couple was so cute and I was rooting for them from the first few pages. I wish there was more of their story but I’m sure they will feature in the following books
PS that outdoor seggs sex was 🔥🥵🔥🥵
Perfect introduction into the Rosehaven Academy series, this couple was so cute and I was rooting for them from the first few pages. I wish there was more of their story but I’m sure they will feature in the following books
PS that outdoor seggs sex was 🔥🥵🔥🥵
March 31, 2022
A great little short story with lots of spice! I loved meeting Ryleigh and Matty and definitely can't wait to go back and read the rest of the Rosehaven books. I loved the underlying story of honesty and strength of your voice.
September 26, 2022
What a sweet high school love story between Ryleigh and Marty! A great best friends to enemies to boyfriend and girlfriend story. There is a lot of twists in this story that keeps you on your toes! Between the drugs, the threats, so much more!
Loved it!
Loved it!
July 30, 2021
This was such a great prequel and Matty and Ryleigh are pure fire! This was such a great read and I enjoyed seeing some favorites from before we met them!
March 28, 2022
I love getting a history of how young couples get together. Especially when they drift away and fall in love
April 1, 2022
Super sweet love story about two seniors in high school who come back together after a childhood friendship turns sour. Steamy and romantic, with a twist of scandal. Great read!
April 1, 2022
OMG, Matty and Ry are one of my favorite couples I just adore them. I could not put this book down, it was a great read!!!
March 29, 2023
A great intro to the Rosehaven Academy series.
Matty and Ry have great chemistry, and the story/drama just enough to make this novella a book you inhale in one go.
Matty and Ry have great chemistry, and the story/drama just enough to make this novella a book you inhale in one go.
January 21, 2024
While reading Shadow River elite I realized I didn't read this one and wanted to know these characters better. I love Ryleigh so much and Matty too. Austin was a great friend to her.
March 24, 2024
4.25 stars
February 6, 2022
This was a good book, but it was such a quick read that not a whole lot could happen in it before it was over. I still really liked it though. It's also always good to hear from other Rosehaven Academy characters from other books in this series, which I absolutely loved.
I would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves a quick read.
I received an ARC from the author, and this voluntary review is my honest opinion of Ravaged Rose.
I would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves a quick read.
I received an ARC from the author, and this voluntary review is my honest opinion of Ravaged Rose.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews