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Sick Boys #1
Pretty Little Savage
Rule No. 1: Don’t piss off the Sick Boys
They’re cruel. Reckless. Impossibly fucked up.
The Sick Boys feed on the order they create. They rule Eastpoint University just as their families have for decades. But their power doesn’t stop there. The three of them are heirs to some of the largest fortunes in the world, and behind that kind of wealth lies an underworld of corruption.
On the surface, they’re perfect princes and he is their King. But underneath it all, they’re filled with blood, lies, and secrets. With all of their connections, they have the power to crush anyone who gets in their way. But just because they’re as warped as I am doesn’t mean I’m going to give them a free pass.
Because I, Avalon Manning, bow to no one, and I live to break the fucking rules.
***This is a Dark MF New Adult Enemies to Lovers Romance.***
They’re cruel. Reckless. Impossibly fucked up.
The Sick Boys feed on the order they create. They rule Eastpoint University just as their families have for decades. But their power doesn’t stop there. The three of them are heirs to some of the largest fortunes in the world, and behind that kind of wealth lies an underworld of corruption.
On the surface, they’re perfect princes and he is their King. But underneath it all, they’re filled with blood, lies, and secrets. With all of their connections, they have the power to crush anyone who gets in their way. But just because they’re as warped as I am doesn’t mean I’m going to give them a free pass.
Because I, Avalon Manning, bow to no one, and I live to break the fucking rules.
***This is a Dark MF New Adult Enemies to Lovers Romance.***
410 pages, Paperback
First published October 2, 2020
4534 people are currently reading
19038 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Smoke
71 books2,804 followersLucy Smoke, also known as Lucinda Dark for her fantasy works, has a master’s degree in English and is a self-proclaimed creative chihuahua. She enjoys feeding her wanderlust, cover addiction, as well as her face, and truly hopes people will stop giving her bath bombs as gifts. Bath’s get cold too fast and it’s just not as wonderful as the commercials make it out to be when the tub isn’t a jacuzzi.
When she’s not on a never-ending quest to find the perfect milkshake, she lives and works in the southern United States with her beloved fur-baby, Hiro, and her family and friends.
When she’s not on a never-ending quest to find the perfect milkshake, she lives and works in the southern United States with her beloved fur-baby, Hiro, and her family and friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,875 reviews
September 27, 2020
'PRETTY LITTLE SAVAGE:' is the first full length New Adut, Romance book in the series 'Sick Boys,' by new to me author Lucy Smoke. Spoken in 'Dual Perspectives.'
*Whispers* please be good, please be good!!
I blame it on my cover hoe eyes, one look at the cover ohhhhh there's a sign up!! 😂
*Phew* I am so glad to announce that this lived up to the hotty on the cover!!
An elite group of three boys, Dean, Abel and Brax rule their kingdom with an iron fist, footballers, ruthless to a T. Until Avalon Manning the girl from the wrong side of the tracks with a crack whore mother, is now attending the prestigious Eastpoint University, to finish her high school degree with all expenses paid in full, bows down to no one, especially the three boys who rule the school she challenges these boys at every turn, fighting them tooth and nail and not following their school rules puts her under their radar.
Dean Carter and Avalon butt heads from the get go, the too and fro banter and barbs getting under each others skin.
“Dean is no good for me, but my one consolation is the fact that I’m no good for him either. If he tried to take me down completely he’ll find himself a king without a throne” - Avalon
The Sick Boys as they have been aptly named follow the orders of their fathers instilled to prove themselves as the future leaders of the Eastpoint heirs.
This book had me sitting on the edge of my seat, devouring every thing this author threw at me, dark, gritty, suspenseful, unputdownable, unique.
* Teasers used are off the authors facebook page *
April 16, 2021
I picked this up because of Tik Tok and honestly would have enjoyed it if it weren't for Ava's character. Ava was so "not like other girls" and, while I understand why she was the way she was, I really didn't like her or the decisions she made. She would punch people all the time and acted like nothing mattered to her when she really wanted to be liked by people. She literally tried lighting a girl's car on fire because she called her a name. It was all a bit much more me. Ava would claim she didn't want anything to do with the sick boys, but then she'd go everywhere they wanted her to. And all it seemed they did was go to parties. She was supposed to be at this dual high school/college program and rarely ever talked bout school, classes, or homework. Also, the beginning of this had a dark romance vibe with Dean, Abel, and Braxton and I so wanted more of that. They had this big secret and they were all killers because of their pasts and we only got a glimpse of that side of them at the very end. This book had the potential to be a great dark romance, but I wanted so much more from it. The romance felt so stagnant and like no really development actually happened. She would constantly tell him he couldn't control her and he'd get jealous. And back and forth and back and forth. While I wanted to love this, I just couldn't in the end.
March 17, 2025
the author doesn’t list her book trope here as a bully romance, but cmon its pretty much bully and its enjoyable. dean (hero) bullies avalon (heroine) into submission whenever he can bc he’s a control freak & homegirl wanna be defiant. but it just makes her more annoying tbh. i was totally letdown with sex scene, so that needs to be work on more.
yes there's other woman drama-- tainted pussy aka Kate (dean's ex)
trigger: rape (not by the hero)
yes there's other woman drama-- tainted pussy aka Kate (dean's ex)
trigger: rape (not by the hero)
September 30, 2020
I found the heroine quite strong for this genre which was a really nice change. I’m fact I think I can safely say she seemed more alpha then the male lead! I am really pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this book simply for the reason the heroine was strong even if she was slightly not sane in my opinion. I was really wary thinking this might be RH but was so glad it wasn’t as I am not a fan of those. Strong characters with a really good plot.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 11, 2020
This book is something!!!
Poor girl, but she was the most amazing woman around the world.
Just WOW.
Poor girl, but she was the most amazing woman around the world.
Just WOW.
February 25, 2021
This cover...Wow! That sold me right away. The read itself wasn't far behind.
This is not a bully book, but does have an enemies to lovers vibe for sure. It had push and pull, it had twists and turns. It had it all!
Avalon and Dean had undeniable chemistry. Off the charts. All the Sick Boys had Avalon set in their sights, but Dean claimed her from the start. She was a fighter through and through. She had to be with a mother like hers.
Dean was dark and broody. It was hard to read him. He was one smooth talker and went all alpha on her.
Still not sure what it is The Sick Boys are into with the fathers. Corruption and power, but to what extent? What part does Avalon play into their father's plans?
Looking forward to book 2 after that cliffhanger ending. I want it now lol.
This is not a bully book, but does have an enemies to lovers vibe for sure. It had push and pull, it had twists and turns. It had it all!
Avalon and Dean had undeniable chemistry. Off the charts. All the Sick Boys had Avalon set in their sights, but Dean claimed her from the start. She was a fighter through and through. She had to be with a mother like hers.
Dean was dark and broody. It was hard to read him. He was one smooth talker and went all alpha on her.
Still not sure what it is The Sick Boys are into with the fathers. Corruption and power, but to what extent? What part does Avalon play into their father's plans?
Looking forward to book 2 after that cliffhanger ending. I want it now lol.
December 1, 2020
2.5 ⭐️
#notimpressed
...and the fact that it ended on a damn cliffhanger does not help. and its worse that the next book comes out in 2021.
#notimpressed
...and the fact that it ended on a damn cliffhanger does not help. and its worse that the next book comes out in 2021.
April 22, 2023
I wouldn’t suggest anyone to read this if this was the last book on earth
April 8, 2025
I listened to this because the entire series is free on audible. So I obviously went through with low expectations and surprisingly I like it !
It’s the same college bad boys that’s everyone is afraid of, either want to be them ir be with them. But the girl is different in this one. She is a timing bomb. She is violent, smart, doesn’t back down and doesn’t care about the guys. As a matter of fact she does the opposite and antagonizes them. Of course that doesn’t do well for them. Behind all this is a mystery of why the powerful people there want her and who she is. She is a very poor girl from the trailer park and she has no idea there is a whole bag of secrets surrounding her simple existence. The only thing I didn’t like too much was the exaggeration of HOW bad and what a badass she is. You know, there is a way to write the most bad ass girl without making it look forced. But besides that I am listening to the second one immediately
“You are usually Miss Princess up at the top. But this time you got real low, and guess what? Down here in the dirt, I am the QUEEN, bitch!”
It’s the same college bad boys that’s everyone is afraid of, either want to be them ir be with them. But the girl is different in this one. She is a timing bomb. She is violent, smart, doesn’t back down and doesn’t care about the guys. As a matter of fact she does the opposite and antagonizes them. Of course that doesn’t do well for them. Behind all this is a mystery of why the powerful people there want her and who she is. She is a very poor girl from the trailer park and she has no idea there is a whole bag of secrets surrounding her simple existence. The only thing I didn’t like too much was the exaggeration of HOW bad and what a badass she is. You know, there is a way to write the most bad ass girl without making it look forced. But besides that I am listening to the second one immediately
“You are usually Miss Princess up at the top. But this time you got real low, and guess what? Down here in the dirt, I am the QUEEN, bitch!”
Read
October 3, 2020The cover and the blurb caught my interest immediately!!
The plot was intriguing, the heroine was feisty and badass, the hero arrogant and typical arshole!
But the content of the 10 chapters I read could have been expressed in 4, max 5 ones. It was too lengthy and wordy for me, dnf @ 20%.
The plot was intriguing, the heroine was feisty and badass, the hero arrogant and typical arshole!
But the content of the 10 chapters I read could have been expressed in 4, max 5 ones. It was too lengthy and wordy for me, dnf @ 20%.
January 18, 2021
I'm struggling SO hard with this book. I'm giving up, I'm DNF-ing at chapter 27/61. I just can't get a grip for the characters. They seem to be this huge mess of agression with no real reasoning for there anger. I understand that they all have hard lives. I THINK the boys are in some form of gang or mafia type business with their dads as for the girl, our female lead, Avalon, she is the hardest to get behind. She comes off crazy and mentally unstable. I personally don't understand how she's ends up this way because although her background is aweful and scary meaning she does have reason to fight for her life. That doesn't explain her "better than everyone, damn the consequences" attitude.
I especially don't understand her attitude towards the school, she is at the end of the line when it comes to her education and yet she doesn't seem to care if they drop her. Which if she's dropped she will have no choice but to end up in a similar situation like her mother. And she doesn't want that. I just don't understand her behavior.
Overall this book was really hard to connect with and I couldn't seem to immerse myself into the books world.
I especially don't understand her attitude towards the school, she is at the end of the line when it comes to her education and yet she doesn't seem to care if they drop her. Which if she's dropped she will have no choice but to end up in a similar situation like her mother. And she doesn't want that. I just don't understand her behavior.
Overall this book was really hard to connect with and I couldn't seem to immerse myself into the books world.
May 13, 2021
Like fire and fucking more goddamn fire, she’s a pistol ready to go off, and I find that I want to know what happens if I pull the trigger.
2.5 Stars
Pretty Little Savage is the first installment in the Sick Boys series, featuring the dark enemies to lovers college/high school romance of Avalon Manning & Dean Carter. She comes from the “gutter”, getting a chance of a lifetime to attend an exclusive school & study with some of the world’s wealthiest kids....she’s warned about the Sick Boys, three guys that run the campus and have more power than any boys their age should have. It should be easy, just stay off their radar and follow the rules, but Avalon Manning wasn’t made to follow rules and the wickedness behind their perfect masks makes it harder to stay out of their orbit. And when she gets the attention of alpha of their pack, she soon realizes that his attention comes with a heavy price.....one she could end up paying with her life.
“You’re usually Miss Princess up at the top, but this time, you got real low and guess what—down here in the dirt? I’m the Queen Bitch.”
I wasn’t familiar with Lucy until this book, I’ve honestly seen this book a lot but I hate starting a series before all the books are out.....I’m not patient when it comes to cliffhangers. I finally saw that the last of Dean & Avalon’s 3 book story was releasing so I dived right on in. This is one of those that could’ve been an all time fave of mine, there were things I loved and wanted more of. The biggest being the Sick Boys themselves. But once again this is one of those times where the heroine completely ruined it all for me. Why is it that writers can create a badass antihero without overdoing it yet when it comes to a headstrong tough boss bitch of a heroine they end up turning her into something so ridiculous and cringey?
[image error]
It makes me sad bc I so want to love this, instead it’s a series I’m sadly abandoning now before I invest anymore time in it.
“I’ll teach you to try and control me, Dean Carter,” I whisper against his mouth. “And I don’t think you’re going to enjoy this lesson.”
My Thoughts:
Normally I would go into the good, the bad, and the ugly but not this time.....because there wasn’t a lot of good and I need as much space for the bad as I can get. The one great thing about this series (thus far)? The Sick Boys, I found myself fascinated with them.....all 3 held my interest equally and I’m sad I won’t be finding out more about them. I will never know what great stories they could’ve told. Instead, Avalon Manning single-handling ruined that all.
[image error]
I mean she could’ve been toned down several notches and still been too over the top with her “I’m the baddest toughest bitch that has ever walked the earth” persona. Some examples of this embarrassing display:
I’m the girl that you warn your children about. Monsters don’t go bump in the motherfucking night, Avalon Manning does.
.....which would’ve been a pretty kickass quote had I not already had to hear her self-boasting already over and over again.
"Please wait!" she says. "You wanna keep that hand?" I warn her. She grimaces but remains locked on me. "I promise, I'm not here to do anything mean." As if she could, I think.
[image error]
.....because literally anyone who attempted to converse with her was met with this same kind of hostility followed by a reminder that no one could be as tough or as badass as she thinks she is herself.
"What's your name?" he asks. "Nunya," I say. "Nunya?" He frowns as he repeats. "Yeah, as in nunya damn business."
....what are we 12? This is an 18 yo girl from the streets, I haven’t heard the whole “nunya” shit since I left middle school over 20 years ago.
In fact you know who she reminds me of? Nomi Malone from Showgirls, and I bought Avalon’s act as much as I did Nomi’s.....
.....which means Avalon would’ve gotten her ass beat if she went to a HS like mine on her first day. I love me a truly strong-willed take no shit heroine, I hate when the author doesn’t know when enough is enough and creates a character this obnoxious.
If that wasn’t enough on its own (and trust me it was for me), there are events/scenes and situations that make no sense at all. Like I’m still trying to figure out how you go about making a BLT with deli meat from the fridge (bacon isn’t a freaking deli meat any way you look at it). Or how someone can be drugged to the point they are having trouble with basic movements of their body yet can talk in full comprehensive sentences without the same struggles. Or we can go to the ending in itself, which I won’t spoil but I will say would require a level of planning and so many independent pieces to fall into place exactly as needed without any control of said “pieces”....
.....it’s absurd, which takes almost all the excitement or build up out of it, instead leaving me with a major case of the “eye rolls”.
The Verdict:
Pretty Little Savage had the potential to be something special, one with a trio of hotties that I would’ve loved to see their stories through the end. Instead the first heroine out the gate made it impossible to finish out......and I HATE that because I will never know if Abel’s heroine could’ve been the type of girl Avalon Manning should’ve been. I’m clearly in the minority here, but I could barely put up with her in a single book......having to read two more books filled with Avalon’s overinflated ego felt more like it’s own special brand of torture, I don’t personally like to subject myself to torture if I can help it.
First the past. Then the present. Only then can I finally face the fucking future.
2.5 Stars
Pretty Little Savage is the first installment in the Sick Boys series, featuring the dark enemies to lovers college/high school romance of Avalon Manning & Dean Carter. She comes from the “gutter”, getting a chance of a lifetime to attend an exclusive school & study with some of the world’s wealthiest kids....she’s warned about the Sick Boys, three guys that run the campus and have more power than any boys their age should have. It should be easy, just stay off their radar and follow the rules, but Avalon Manning wasn’t made to follow rules and the wickedness behind their perfect masks makes it harder to stay out of their orbit. And when she gets the attention of alpha of their pack, she soon realizes that his attention comes with a heavy price.....one she could end up paying with her life.
“You’re usually Miss Princess up at the top, but this time, you got real low and guess what—down here in the dirt? I’m the Queen Bitch.”
I wasn’t familiar with Lucy until this book, I’ve honestly seen this book a lot but I hate starting a series before all the books are out.....I’m not patient when it comes to cliffhangers. I finally saw that the last of Dean & Avalon’s 3 book story was releasing so I dived right on in. This is one of those that could’ve been an all time fave of mine, there were things I loved and wanted more of. The biggest being the Sick Boys themselves. But once again this is one of those times where the heroine completely ruined it all for me. Why is it that writers can create a badass antihero without overdoing it yet when it comes to a headstrong tough boss bitch of a heroine they end up turning her into something so ridiculous and cringey?
[image error]
It makes me sad bc I so want to love this, instead it’s a series I’m sadly abandoning now before I invest anymore time in it.
“I’ll teach you to try and control me, Dean Carter,” I whisper against his mouth. “And I don’t think you’re going to enjoy this lesson.”
My Thoughts:
Normally I would go into the good, the bad, and the ugly but not this time.....because there wasn’t a lot of good and I need as much space for the bad as I can get. The one great thing about this series (thus far)? The Sick Boys, I found myself fascinated with them.....all 3 held my interest equally and I’m sad I won’t be finding out more about them. I will never know what great stories they could’ve told. Instead, Avalon Manning single-handling ruined that all.
[image error]
I mean she could’ve been toned down several notches and still been too over the top with her “I’m the baddest toughest bitch that has ever walked the earth” persona. Some examples of this embarrassing display:
I’m the girl that you warn your children about. Monsters don’t go bump in the motherfucking night, Avalon Manning does.
.....which would’ve been a pretty kickass quote had I not already had to hear her self-boasting already over and over again.
"Please wait!" she says. "You wanna keep that hand?" I warn her. She grimaces but remains locked on me. "I promise, I'm not here to do anything mean." As if she could, I think.
[image error]
.....because literally anyone who attempted to converse with her was met with this same kind of hostility followed by a reminder that no one could be as tough or as badass as she thinks she is herself.
"What's your name?" he asks. "Nunya," I say. "Nunya?" He frowns as he repeats. "Yeah, as in nunya damn business."
....what are we 12? This is an 18 yo girl from the streets, I haven’t heard the whole “nunya” shit since I left middle school over 20 years ago.
In fact you know who she reminds me of? Nomi Malone from Showgirls, and I bought Avalon’s act as much as I did Nomi’s.....
.....which means Avalon would’ve gotten her ass beat if she went to a HS like mine on her first day. I love me a truly strong-willed take no shit heroine, I hate when the author doesn’t know when enough is enough and creates a character this obnoxious.
If that wasn’t enough on its own (and trust me it was for me), there are events/scenes and situations that make no sense at all. Like I’m still trying to figure out how you go about making a BLT with deli meat from the fridge (bacon isn’t a freaking deli meat any way you look at it). Or how someone can be drugged to the point they are having trouble with basic movements of their body yet can talk in full comprehensive sentences without the same struggles. Or we can go to the ending in itself, which I won’t spoil but I will say would require a level of planning and so many independent pieces to fall into place exactly as needed without any control of said “pieces”....
.....it’s absurd, which takes almost all the excitement or build up out of it, instead leaving me with a major case of the “eye rolls”.
The Verdict:
Pretty Little Savage had the potential to be something special, one with a trio of hotties that I would’ve loved to see their stories through the end. Instead the first heroine out the gate made it impossible to finish out......and I HATE that because I will never know if Abel’s heroine could’ve been the type of girl Avalon Manning should’ve been. I’m clearly in the minority here, but I could barely put up with her in a single book......having to read two more books filled with Avalon’s overinflated ego felt more like it’s own special brand of torture, I don’t personally like to subject myself to torture if I can help it.
First the past. Then the present. Only then can I finally face the fucking future.
September 29, 2020
Where do I even begin to describe how much I loved this book. Basically the only thing that I wanted more, was for it to be RH, because damn... these boys are perfect for this! But I digress... despite of my soft spot for Dean, Abel and Braxton, even that part doesn't make me love it any less than I did.
The FMC, Avalon Manning, is one tough girl if I ever saw one. She spend her life in a less than ideal situation and is used to fight back and keep her guard up at all times. She's not one to be messed with and her tough as nails attitude is what draws the attention of the Eastpoint Heirs aka 'the Sick Boys'. They are used people bend to their will and are prepared to do what it takes to make Avalon do the same. But... Ava's not an easy nut to crack. To make matters even more interesting, the Sick Boys aren't the only ones who have taken an interest in Avalon. Why? What makes her so interesting?
This books takes us on a wild ride written from both Avalon's and Dean's POV, giving us more information as we go deeper in the book, providing flashbacks to give us an idea of Avalon's past.
This book was unputdownable and I can not wait to get my hands on the next book!
Here are some general things some people might want to know before going in (minor spoiler alert for the next paragraph)
The FMC, Avalon Manning, is one tough girl if I ever saw one. She spend her life in a less than ideal situation and is used to fight back and keep her guard up at all times. She's not one to be messed with and her tough as nails attitude is what draws the attention of the Eastpoint Heirs aka 'the Sick Boys'. They are used people bend to their will and are prepared to do what it takes to make Avalon do the same. But... Ava's not an easy nut to crack. To make matters even more interesting, the Sick Boys aren't the only ones who have taken an interest in Avalon. Why? What makes her so interesting?
This books takes us on a wild ride written from both Avalon's and Dean's POV, giving us more information as we go deeper in the book, providing flashbacks to give us an idea of Avalon's past.
This book was unputdownable and I can not wait to get my hands on the next book!
Here are some general things some people might want to know before going in (minor spoiler alert for the next paragraph)
January 16, 2021
dnf 57%
This was so problematic...
The guy had no personality in the slightest and it felt like he was shooting testosteron, because he hade no chill at all. He had a total of three thoughts: "No one else is allowed to touch her but me, even though she doesn't like me", "Her gigant tits" and "Her gigant ass". And his last personality trait, yes you guessed right, daddy issues.
The girl was imo annoying, but I at least see how someone might like her because she's sazzy and a no bullshit kind of girl.
Total wordcount for fuck (or variation): 793 (That's almost twice per page!!)
Her: I'm never going to fuck you
Him: Who said I was going to give you a choice?
Her: Did you just threten to rape me?
Can we not threaten to rape people?
Her thoughts: "... do I like the man when he's covered in blod and threatening to fuck me against my will?"
Can we not encurage people to rape us?
His thoughts: "She thought I was threatening to rape her? Ha. It wouldn't be rape. That’s one thing I wouldn’t do. She might say no, but her body would say yes. I'd make her beg for me even if she hated me."
IT DOSEN'T MATTER IT'S STILL NOT CONSENT!!!
His thoughts: "For some reason, there's a core piece inside of me that doesn't want to see her hurt. At least, not by anyone but me."
This just made me give up on the whole book
This was so problematic...
The guy had no personality in the slightest and it felt like he was shooting testosteron, because he hade no chill at all. He had a total of three thoughts: "No one else is allowed to touch her but me, even though she doesn't like me", "Her gigant tits" and "Her gigant ass". And his last personality trait, yes you guessed right, daddy issues.
The girl was imo annoying, but I at least see how someone might like her because she's sazzy and a no bullshit kind of girl.
Total wordcount for fuck (or variation): 793 (That's almost twice per page!!)
Her: I'm never going to fuck you
Him: Who said I was going to give you a choice?
Her: Did you just threten to rape me?
Can we not threaten to rape people?
Her thoughts: "... do I like the man when he's covered in blod and threatening to fuck me against my will?"
Can we not encurage people to rape us?
His thoughts: "She thought I was threatening to rape her? Ha. It wouldn't be rape. That’s one thing I wouldn’t do. She might say no, but her body would say yes. I'd make her beg for me even if she hated me."
IT DOSEN'T MATTER IT'S STILL NOT CONSENT!!!
His thoughts: "For some reason, there's a core piece inside of me that doesn't want to see her hurt. At least, not by anyone but me."
This just made me give up on the whole book
September 8, 2021
Mon avis en Français
My English review
I came across this novel while doing a search on goodreads. I wasn’t expecting much, I didn’t know the author or the book, but I have to say that I’m glad I got into the story, because I really loved it! Like a lot!
Avalon has not had an easy life. Her mother is a drug addict and stripper and to pay for her drugs, she has repeatedly tried to sell her daughter’s body. Easy money. But our heroine managed to avoid it and never let it happen. It has forged her character, she is indomitable, fights and above all, she does not follow the rules. So when she is kicked out of her school and offered a scholarship to an elite institution, she has no choice. But this place is ruled by the Sick Boys, three boys who come from the richest families and who rule everything. Well, they’ve ruled until now, because Avalon doesn’t care who they are. She won’t bend, no matter what the threats are. But they can’t let someone rebel, and if they can’t get her fired, there’s only one solution: to watch her.
This was a great book. I was swept away from beginning to end and I am more than eager to dive into the sequel. Avalon is a determined young woman with a strong character, she is impressive. She is not like the others, she is strong, she had no choice. The boys are very intriguing, and I enjoyed learning more about them. There are still many secrets and I am very curious to find out.
I wonder how our heroine will cope with what happened at the end of the novel. It won’t be easy, but it promises!
My English review
I came across this novel while doing a search on goodreads. I wasn’t expecting much, I didn’t know the author or the book, but I have to say that I’m glad I got into the story, because I really loved it! Like a lot!
Avalon has not had an easy life. Her mother is a drug addict and stripper and to pay for her drugs, she has repeatedly tried to sell her daughter’s body. Easy money. But our heroine managed to avoid it and never let it happen. It has forged her character, she is indomitable, fights and above all, she does not follow the rules. So when she is kicked out of her school and offered a scholarship to an elite institution, she has no choice. But this place is ruled by the Sick Boys, three boys who come from the richest families and who rule everything. Well, they’ve ruled until now, because Avalon doesn’t care who they are. She won’t bend, no matter what the threats are. But they can’t let someone rebel, and if they can’t get her fired, there’s only one solution: to watch her.
This was a great book. I was swept away from beginning to end and I am more than eager to dive into the sequel. Avalon is a determined young woman with a strong character, she is impressive. She is not like the others, she is strong, she had no choice. The boys are very intriguing, and I enjoyed learning more about them. There are still many secrets and I am very curious to find out.
I wonder how our heroine will cope with what happened at the end of the novel. It won’t be easy, but it promises!
May 22, 2021
I'm all for strong heroines, but this one was more alpha than the alpha male, too reckless, too bitter. I don't think I 'll continue with the series since I didn't like the heroine. But I'll be interested in her roomate's story.
October 6, 2020
A fierce heroine that trusts no one and fights not only with words but also with her fists.
Ava is a new transfer to an elite wealthy private school where she meets Dean, Abel, Brax and others that could be friends or foes.
No one knows her purpose of being at this new school and involved with the “sicko” boys.
I did find some things reminiscent to another book in this same genre and would have liked more depth.
Drama, angst, violence and secrets are plentiful in this read.
That cliffhanger was intense and I look forward to more of this twisty plot.
ARC
NA. Dual POV. Enemies. Not RH. Triggers- Assault
Ava is a new transfer to an elite wealthy private school where she meets Dean, Abel, Brax and others that could be friends or foes.
No one knows her purpose of being at this new school and involved with the “sicko” boys.
I did find some things reminiscent to another book in this same genre and would have liked more depth.
Drama, angst, violence and secrets are plentiful in this read.
That cliffhanger was intense and I look forward to more of this twisty plot.
ARC
NA. Dual POV. Enemies. Not RH. Triggers- Assault
October 7, 2020
I have mixed emotions about this one. I thought I would love it from the blurb, unfortunately, I just couldn't connect with the characters.
Lucy had a ruff time growing up which left her being very strong and self-reliant but constantly acting out. The Sick Boys may have had money growing up but that doesn't mean that their lives have been full of roses. When Lucy's brains get her into Eastpoint University the Sick Boys are just as determined to show Lucy her lace as she is to act out in defiance. Fierce characters in this dark young adult romance.
Lucy had a ruff time growing up which left her being very strong and self-reliant but constantly acting out. The Sick Boys may have had money growing up but that doesn't mean that their lives have been full of roses. When Lucy's brains get her into Eastpoint University the Sick Boys are just as determined to show Lucy her lace as she is to act out in defiance. Fierce characters in this dark young adult romance.
April 21, 2021
“I’ve known the gruesome requirement and the expectations of me as the future leader of the Eastpoint heirs since I was a child. I will not fail and I will not falter.”
“I want to know why the others call him—them—the Sick Boys. I want to know just how fucked up they—he—can be. And more importantly, will messing with them give me the kind of high that I want?”
Yo. I won a paperback of this book and tonight I’d skim through to see what it’s about.. I ended up reading this in one swoop.
I couldn’t stop.
I absolutely love how badass the female main character is. She’s real. She’s batshit insane. She’s likeable. And she’s hot.
Avalon has lived a shit life with a good for nothing mother that tries to sell her own daughter for money and drugs. This book definitely has dark moments of dubcon/noncon.
Avalon gets a free ride to a really nice school and ends up in the sights of a few boys known as the Sick Boys. Dean... oh Dean.. he’s the badass hot guy that will become everyone favorite book boyfriend.
I wouldn’t say this is a bully romance. It’s more possessiveness than bullying.
Avalon doesn’t follow anyone’s rules. Certainly doesn’t bow down to the Sick Boys and that is why Avalon becomes the main chase for Dean in particular.
“They want to play at being Kings, then I want to see how they react when a savage enters their midst. They have no clue what’s about to happen now.”
There’s sex and murder and mystery, and action, and it’s a series that won’t bore you. I’m new to this author and she just gained a new fan.
“I’ll teach you to try and control me, Dean Carter,” I whisper against his mouth. “And I don’t think you’re going to enjoy this lesson.”
This is book one of a series. You’ll have to wait for an HEA.
“I want to know why the others call him—them—the Sick Boys. I want to know just how fucked up they—he—can be. And more importantly, will messing with them give me the kind of high that I want?”
Yo. I won a paperback of this book and tonight I’d skim through to see what it’s about.. I ended up reading this in one swoop.
I couldn’t stop.
I absolutely love how badass the female main character is. She’s real. She’s batshit insane. She’s likeable. And she’s hot.
Avalon has lived a shit life with a good for nothing mother that tries to sell her own daughter for money and drugs. This book definitely has dark moments of dubcon/noncon.
Avalon gets a free ride to a really nice school and ends up in the sights of a few boys known as the Sick Boys. Dean... oh Dean.. he’s the badass hot guy that will become everyone favorite book boyfriend.
I wouldn’t say this is a bully romance. It’s more possessiveness than bullying.
Avalon doesn’t follow anyone’s rules. Certainly doesn’t bow down to the Sick Boys and that is why Avalon becomes the main chase for Dean in particular.
“They want to play at being Kings, then I want to see how they react when a savage enters their midst. They have no clue what’s about to happen now.”
There’s sex and murder and mystery, and action, and it’s a series that won’t bore you. I’m new to this author and she just gained a new fan.
“I’ll teach you to try and control me, Dean Carter,” I whisper against his mouth. “And I don’t think you’re going to enjoy this lesson.”
This is book one of a series. You’ll have to wait for an HEA.
July 2, 2025
Mafia!
Avalon is tough, and love that she’s a literal fighter and has an underground fight that she balls in! But she’s had such a rough life. The only thing I did not like was one of the ending twists, Dean gave into the suspicion a little too easily I think, but still a good read and going to keep it going!
Avalon is tough, and love that she’s a literal fighter and has an underground fight that she balls in! But she’s had such a rough life. The only thing I did not like was one of the ending twists, Dean gave into the suspicion a little too easily I think, but still a good read and going to keep it going!
January 16, 2022
One Tree Hill does the Sopranos Jr. edition with a side of Harley Quinn and Pretty in Pink.
Pump Up The Volume… All talk … no bite.
Much ado fru-fru with a black ribbon at the end.
This plot could throw itself to the ground and still miss landing on anything.
Here’s the thing. I don’t like donuts and coffee. I love both but never together because one just fucks up the flavor of the other. This book is a stale donut dunked in day-old coffee. Either make the book a young adult or make it dark, but making it both shows every disjointed seam in the book.
The reader is TOLD over and over how badass, cruel, dirty, dangerous, blah blah blah these three dudes are, but we are SHOWN nothing but typical rich kids doing typical rich kid-level mean shit. Sick? Until the final 10%, these are assholes used to people kissing their ass, but sick? No. Sick would be the first time she kicked, hit, insulted one of them… yeah, a sick mofo would’ve fucked her up. They just laugh it off and follow her around like puppies.
The FMC takes over half of the book to understand. She creates turmoil just so that she can control her own reaction to it. Yet, you spend the first half of the book just assuming she’s got a death wish. It takes TOO long to understand her. Even so, all the OTT self-pep of how badass she is just gets old and annoying. Again, show me - don’t tell me
Storyline is pathetic. You start with a mystery of why she’s pissed and ready for revenge. As it goes on, there’s a mystery of why she’s at this school. Why do the fathers want her there? Yet, instead of focusing on those aspects, the reader goes on a wild goose chase of rich kid parties and shit.
One sex scene. Ironically, that’s probably the part that’s best written.
The final 10% does get dark. The FMC is raped on-page. The MMC is too late to stop the start of it, but he ensures she’s safe enough to survive and get revenge.
The last part ends the first mystery… and it’s completely lackluster in what it all amounted to. Why she’s at the college and why the fathers want her there remains a mystery. Plus, add that the reader is clueless as to why she was set up to be raped and murdered.
This book is too much effort. It’s not delivering enough of anything to push me to book two.
Overall…
I’ve certainly read worse, but this doesn’t deliver the goods. Too immature for over 90%. If I want to read about college parties … I’d go to the YA section.
Pump Up The Volume… All talk … no bite.
Much ado fru-fru with a black ribbon at the end.
This plot could throw itself to the ground and still miss landing on anything.
Here’s the thing. I don’t like donuts and coffee. I love both but never together because one just fucks up the flavor of the other. This book is a stale donut dunked in day-old coffee. Either make the book a young adult or make it dark, but making it both shows every disjointed seam in the book.
The reader is TOLD over and over how badass, cruel, dirty, dangerous, blah blah blah these three dudes are, but we are SHOWN nothing but typical rich kids doing typical rich kid-level mean shit. Sick? Until the final 10%, these are assholes used to people kissing their ass, but sick? No. Sick would be the first time she kicked, hit, insulted one of them… yeah, a sick mofo would’ve fucked her up. They just laugh it off and follow her around like puppies.
The FMC takes over half of the book to understand. She creates turmoil just so that she can control her own reaction to it. Yet, you spend the first half of the book just assuming she’s got a death wish. It takes TOO long to understand her. Even so, all the OTT self-pep of how badass she is just gets old and annoying. Again, show me - don’t tell me
Storyline is pathetic. You start with a mystery of why she’s pissed and ready for revenge. As it goes on, there’s a mystery of why she’s at this school. Why do the fathers want her there? Yet, instead of focusing on those aspects, the reader goes on a wild goose chase of rich kid parties and shit.
One sex scene. Ironically, that’s probably the part that’s best written.
The final 10% does get dark. The FMC is raped on-page. The MMC is too late to stop the start of it, but he ensures she’s safe enough to survive and get revenge.
The last part ends the first mystery… and it’s completely lackluster in what it all amounted to. Why she’s at the college and why the fathers want her there remains a mystery. Plus, add that the reader is clueless as to why she was set up to be raped and murdered.
This book is too much effort. It’s not delivering enough of anything to push me to book two.
Overall…
I’ve certainly read worse, but this doesn’t deliver the goods. Too immature for over 90%. If I want to read about college parties … I’d go to the YA section.
November 4, 2022
Oh this one was good.
Honestly, I didn't expect to like it as much as I did.
Avalon is that don't-fuck-with-me kind of girl, some people might say she gives off i'm-not-like-the-other-girls vibes, but that’s because SHE ISN'T. I know it, she knows it, we ALL know it.
I mean who the hell has the balls to beat a girl up in front of the whole school for starting rumors? 😂 i'm sure there are other girls like her, but you don't see that happening everyday and god I loved her attitude so much.
The boys. Oh man ... they're ✨ trouble ✨
*much like Avalon but hey*
I loved them all, they're so different from one another, but you'd say they're like brothers. Always having each other's backs. Caring for one another.
I liked Braxon, the easy-smiling one, always there more to enjoy the show than take part in whatever was going on.
Abel was the jerk who gave me "fuck-off" vibes but loved him all the same.
Dean tho ... the controling, calculating but also impulsive boy, who'd put you in your place if you're getting out of line.
I lost count of how many times I caught myself laughing out loud. Loved the bantering, Avalon's sassy attitudine and my favorite was a certain scene around 50% of the book that I was NOT expecting.
I highly recommend it to the dark romance readers out there! But please check the TW first.
Tw: bullying, blood, physical abuse, child abuse, rape, drug use
Honestly, I didn't expect to like it as much as I did.
Avalon is that don't-fuck-with-me kind of girl, some people might say she gives off i'm-not-like-the-other-girls vibes, but that’s because SHE ISN'T. I know it, she knows it, we ALL know it.
I mean who the hell has the balls to beat a girl up in front of the whole school for starting rumors? 😂 i'm sure there are other girls like her, but you don't see that happening everyday and god I loved her attitude so much.
The boys. Oh man ... they're ✨ trouble ✨
*much like Avalon but hey*
I loved them all, they're so different from one another, but you'd say they're like brothers. Always having each other's backs. Caring for one another.
I liked Braxon, the easy-smiling one, always there more to enjoy the show than take part in whatever was going on.
Abel was the jerk who gave me "fuck-off" vibes but loved him all the same.
Dean tho ... the controling, calculating but also impulsive boy, who'd put you in your place if you're getting out of line.
I lost count of how many times I caught myself laughing out loud. Loved the bantering, Avalon's sassy attitudine and my favorite was a certain scene around 50% of the book that I was NOT expecting.
I highly recommend it to the dark romance readers out there! But please check the TW first.
Tw: bullying, blood, physical abuse, child abuse, rape, drug use
October 21, 2025
Sonunda!!! Sonunda gavator olmayan bir erkek 😎😎😎 tek istediğim buydu ama kitabın daha ilk bölümünden bir sürpriz daha beni bekliyordu ❤️🔥❤️🔥
Bir darkromance aradığım takıntı, kıskançlık, delilik ve tehlikenin arzusu… Hepsi vardı. Ama sadece erkek karakter değil kadın karakter de manyaktı. Hatta bu kitapta daha çok onun travmalarını ve bu noktaya gelmeden önce yaşadıklarını okuyoruz.
Avalon karavan parkında yaşayan ve hayat kadını annesinin kaderinden uzak durmaya çabalayan bir genç kız. Tabi bu çok zorlu bir yol ve tesadüfen başka bir kızdan dövüşmeyi öğrenerek kendini korumaya çalışıyor. Okulundaki insanlar onun da annesine benzediğini söyledikçe sicili baya kabarıyor ve beş okul değiştiriyor. Ama aynı zamanda feci derecede akıllı ve bir gün ona ismini duymadığı bir üniversiteden burs teklifi geliyor. 18yaşında, lisesinin son dönemini üniversitede özel bir sınıfta tamamlayacak. Eğer isterse tam burslu olarak üniversiteye de gidebilecek.
Avalon bu teklifden baya bi rahatsız çünkü karşılıksız hiçbir şey olmadığının farkında ama başka seçeneği yok kabul ediyor.
Gittiğini üniversite burslular ve zenginler olarak elbette ayrılıyor ama onun için sorun yok zaten zengin insan sevmiyor. Ama onun umursamamazlık başka bir seviye tabiki 😎 okulun kurallarını belirleyen üç erkeği tırnağının ucuna bile takmadığı için önce hedef haline sonrada arzu edilen konumuna getiriyor ❤️🔥 ve inanın bana BİR KEZ bile erkeklere boyun eğmiyor. O KADAR UMURSAMAZ Kİ 😎
Tabi bu durum lider olan Dean ı çıldırtıyor. Kitap boyunca kızın boğazını sıkmak mı yoksa öpmek mi istediğine karar veremiyor 😂 AMA KESİNLİKLE KISKANIYOR. Sonunda gavat olmadığını anladığımda ne kadar mutlu oldum anlatamam 🙄 reverse falan değil kitap. Hatta tek bir smut sahnesi vardı. Resmen slowburndüüüü 🥹
Yan karakterler Brax ve Abel de çok tatlıydı. ‘Biz kötü çocuklarız’ lafının altını doldurabilecekler mi merak ediyorum 🙄 ama kesinlikle eğlenceli olduklarını kabul ediyorum. Özellikle kızın intikamını aldıkları sahnede üçüne de aşık oldum.
Son olarak Avalon neden özellikle seçildi merak etmekten çıldırıcam. Yani bilinmeyen babası yüzünden mi yoksa sadece çocuklara bi sınav mı? 🙄. Bide kitabın sonundaki o sahne… yazar biraz daha üstü kapalı anlatsaydı keşke acayip rahatsız oldum.
Bir darkromance aradığım takıntı, kıskançlık, delilik ve tehlikenin arzusu… Hepsi vardı. Ama sadece erkek karakter değil kadın karakter de manyaktı. Hatta bu kitapta daha çok onun travmalarını ve bu noktaya gelmeden önce yaşadıklarını okuyoruz.
Avalon karavan parkında yaşayan ve hayat kadını annesinin kaderinden uzak durmaya çabalayan bir genç kız. Tabi bu çok zorlu bir yol ve tesadüfen başka bir kızdan dövüşmeyi öğrenerek kendini korumaya çalışıyor. Okulundaki insanlar onun da annesine benzediğini söyledikçe sicili baya kabarıyor ve beş okul değiştiriyor. Ama aynı zamanda feci derecede akıllı ve bir gün ona ismini duymadığı bir üniversiteden burs teklifi geliyor. 18yaşında, lisesinin son dönemini üniversitede özel bir sınıfta tamamlayacak. Eğer isterse tam burslu olarak üniversiteye de gidebilecek.
Avalon bu teklifden baya bi rahatsız çünkü karşılıksız hiçbir şey olmadığının farkında ama başka seçeneği yok kabul ediyor.
Gittiğini üniversite burslular ve zenginler olarak elbette ayrılıyor ama onun için sorun yok zaten zengin insan sevmiyor. Ama onun umursamamazlık başka bir seviye tabiki 😎 okulun kurallarını belirleyen üç erkeği tırnağının ucuna bile takmadığı için önce hedef haline sonrada arzu edilen konumuna getiriyor ❤️🔥 ve inanın bana BİR KEZ bile erkeklere boyun eğmiyor. O KADAR UMURSAMAZ Kİ 😎
Tabi bu durum lider olan Dean ı çıldırtıyor. Kitap boyunca kızın boğazını sıkmak mı yoksa öpmek mi istediğine karar veremiyor 😂 AMA KESİNLİKLE KISKANIYOR. Sonunda gavat olmadığını anladığımda ne kadar mutlu oldum anlatamam 🙄 reverse falan değil kitap. Hatta tek bir smut sahnesi vardı. Resmen slowburndüüüü 🥹
Yan karakterler Brax ve Abel de çok tatlıydı. ‘Biz kötü çocuklarız’ lafının altını doldurabilecekler mi merak ediyorum 🙄 ama kesinlikle eğlenceli olduklarını kabul ediyorum. Özellikle kızın intikamını aldıkları sahnede üçüne de aşık oldum.
Son olarak Avalon neden özellikle seçildi merak etmekten çıldırıcam. Yani bilinmeyen babası yüzünden mi yoksa sadece çocuklara bi sınav mı? 🙄. Bide kitabın sonundaki o sahne… yazar biraz daha üstü kapalı anlatsaydı keşke acayip rahatsız oldum.
November 3, 2020
4/5 Loved It
Pretty Little Savage (Sick Boys #1) by Lucy Smoke. Dark New Adult, College, Enemies To Lovers Romance.
Great opening and could not put it down. Dean and the other two Sick Boys, Abel and Brax has their hands full with Avalon. Especially Dean who no one tells him no, until Avalon came along. Loved the slow burn, push and pull and the angst level was high. Their banter was fun and she had some great comebacks. Avalon craves chaos, trust no one and can get a bit crazy. She can definitely hold her own. I need answers about The Sick Boys fathers.
Pretty Little Savage (Sick Boys #1) by Lucy Smoke. Dark New Adult, College, Enemies To Lovers Romance.
Great opening and could not put it down. Dean and the other two Sick Boys, Abel and Brax has their hands full with Avalon. Especially Dean who no one tells him no, until Avalon came along. Loved the slow burn, push and pull and the angst level was high. Their banter was fun and she had some great comebacks. Avalon craves chaos, trust no one and can get a bit crazy. She can definitely hold her own. I need answers about The Sick Boys fathers.
April 23, 2025
I rather liked Avalon as a FMC. She was strong, feisty, independent, smart(ish) and funny.
This was really good and I am excited there are more books in this series.
This is a bully romance with some mafia feels and I was here for it!
This was really good and I am excited there are more books in this series.
This is a bully romance with some mafia feels and I was here for it!
January 28, 2021
3,5stars
The story reminded me a lot of the Dark Legacy Series by Jaymin Eve with some minor difference.
The h in this book is one kickass, take no bullshit girl but something she is too bitchy...
It's not Rh that are becoming hard to find.
The story reminded me a lot of the Dark Legacy Series by Jaymin Eve with some minor difference.
The h in this book is one kickass, take no bullshit girl but something she is too bitchy...
It's not Rh that are becoming hard to find.
June 1, 2021
4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
To be honest I started this series because everyone was raving about how Lucy Smoke FMC is one badass girl in these books and there aren’t many authors these days that have a strong h that has a Fuck You attitude and since I love a h with a backbone I knew this would be a series I needed to read. Lucy Smoke is a new to me Author so I wasn’t sure about her reading style and I have to say I’m not disappointed...
Pretty Little Savage will keep you turning the papers, that’s for sure. This book has it all....Hot steamy chemistry, suspense, violence, major push and pull and my favor…some serious Dirty talking!
Avalon aka Ava is definitely a “ I don’t take any shit kinda girl” she can hold her own and doesn’t need the Sick Boys to help her out, especially one in particular named Dean!
I can’t really pin point on how I feel about Dean. Yes he’s alpha, yes he’s controlling, yes he’s talks psychotic, but I don’t get that psychotic vibe from him like Mrs. Lucy trying to come across with in this book….there’s just something missing with his character…. 🤷🏻♀️ maybe the next book will be different...Plus I think he’s a little on the wimpy side when it comes to Avalon. I wanted him to follow through with his threats rather than give in to her, but that’s just me.. lol
Overall I enjoyed this book and I will continue listening/reading the series .
Audiobook Review: I have Listened to J.F. Harding in the past and I’m starting to really enjoy his narrating. Elizabeth Russell I’ve only listen to one other time And I find her voice very enjoyable to listen to. Therefore I give them both 4 stars.
To be honest I started this series because everyone was raving about how Lucy Smoke FMC is one badass girl in these books and there aren’t many authors these days that have a strong h that has a Fuck You attitude and since I love a h with a backbone I knew this would be a series I needed to read. Lucy Smoke is a new to me Author so I wasn’t sure about her reading style and I have to say I’m not disappointed...
Pretty Little Savage will keep you turning the papers, that’s for sure. This book has it all....Hot steamy chemistry, suspense, violence, major push and pull and my favor…some serious Dirty talking!
Avalon aka Ava is definitely a “ I don’t take any shit kinda girl” she can hold her own and doesn’t need the Sick Boys to help her out, especially one in particular named Dean!
I can’t really pin point on how I feel about Dean. Yes he’s alpha, yes he’s controlling, yes he’s talks psychotic, but I don’t get that psychotic vibe from him like Mrs. Lucy trying to come across with in this book….there’s just something missing with his character…. 🤷🏻♀️ maybe the next book will be different...Plus I think he’s a little on the wimpy side when it comes to Avalon. I wanted him to follow through with his threats rather than give in to her, but that’s just me.. lol
Overall I enjoyed this book and I will continue listening/reading the series .
Audiobook Review: I have Listened to J.F. Harding in the past and I’m starting to really enjoy his narrating. Elizabeth Russell I’ve only listen to one other time And I find her voice very enjoyable to listen to. Therefore I give them both 4 stars.
September 22, 2020
It’s been days since I finished Pretty Little Savage and I STILL have no words. This book just blew me away! The characters, the world building, everything was simply incredible! Ten out of ten would recommend and I should mention that Pretty Little Savage has taken number first place in my favorite books of 2020!
August 29, 2021
4.5 "Little Girl" Stars
Sooo... this one was unexpectedly good to read! I LOVED the fact that Avalon was such a strong character and quite b@d@$$. The book had nice flow and for a moment I thought that there will be no steam but things picked up towards the end. The cliffhanger was brutal! I can't wait to read the next one in the series!
Sooo... this one was unexpectedly good to read! I LOVED the fact that Avalon was such a strong character and quite b@d@$$. The book had nice flow and for a moment I thought that there will be no steam but things picked up towards the end. The cliffhanger was brutal! I can't wait to read the next one in the series!
January 11, 2024
Very enjoyable for the first book in the series.. really pulled me in and made me jump right into the second book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,875 reviews