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Academy of Misfits #3
Family
You can choose your friends, but you can’t choose your family...
But that’s crap.
I can choose my family.
I choose Eastern. I choose Ford. I choose Sonny. I choose Camden.
Four boys.
Four boys with broken, jagged edges.
Four fierce boys who have chosen me.
And now together we face my flesh and blood.
My brother, the biggest bully at Oceanside. My father, the most notorious criminal in the country. Both intent on hurting the people I love.
But they’ve underestimated me.
I’m Asia. I’m a fighter.
I carry the storm within me.
And with my boys by my side, we’ll face them head on.
Because we are the delinquents, we are the rejects, but most of all we are family, and family sticks together.
Always.
** Family is the final book of this new gritty, contemporary reverse harem academy trilogy for 17+ readers and deals with adult themes and some subjects you may find upsetting. Contains foul language and sexual scenes**
But that’s crap.
I can choose my family.
I choose Eastern. I choose Ford. I choose Sonny. I choose Camden.
Four boys.
Four boys with broken, jagged edges.
Four fierce boys who have chosen me.
And now together we face my flesh and blood.
My brother, the biggest bully at Oceanside. My father, the most notorious criminal in the country. Both intent on hurting the people I love.
But they’ve underestimated me.
I’m Asia. I’m a fighter.
I carry the storm within me.
And with my boys by my side, we’ll face them head on.
Because we are the delinquents, we are the rejects, but most of all we are family, and family sticks together.
Always.
** Family is the final book of this new gritty, contemporary reverse harem academy trilogy for 17+ readers and deals with adult themes and some subjects you may find upsetting. Contains foul language and sexual scenes**
342 pages, Paperback
First published January 13, 2020
352 people are currently reading
707 people want to read
About the author
Bea Paige
66 books1,571 followersA writer of gritty, dangerous love. A hopeless romantic. A lover of dark heroes. A drinker of red wine and a scoffer of Haribo sweets.
Librarian Note: Also writes under the name Kelly Stock.
Librarian Note: Also writes under the name Kelly Stock.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
August 30, 2021
Then later, I found more family in the most unlikely of places and now I understand what the word truly means. Family is about the people you choose to open your heart to, the people you can count on to have your back, to be by your side when shit gets tough. Family are the people who support you when you can’t hold yourself upright. Family are the actions of people who will do anything to prove you mean as much to them as they mean to you. Family are the ones who laugh with you, who fight for you, who fucking cry with you. Family are the people who break down your barriers, who embrace your scars and aren’t disgusted by them. Family are the ones who anchor you whilst the storm fucking rages, whilst the world around you crumbles to dust. They’re the ones who stitch together your battered and broken heart, making it beat again. They’re the ones who make you strong.
This is the only redeeming factor for the book 3 - Family .
My rant may or may not contain spoilers :
After the cliffhanger in the book 2, I thought things are about to get exciting. But alas, it didn't happen. There was no proper character development or analysis for Monk, King, or even Veronika. The apparent villains of the story-Monk and King-they were all tell and no show. Their reasoning, their ticks-everything about them was tell, and no show. They as villains were so dull and weak!
Then, the relationship between Camden and his mom... He literally cried his eyes out and did every bad thing for her, but when Asia asked him to talk about his mom - he had got nothing to say! He appeared bitter. Also, apart from his graffiti and to hold a grudge against Ford-his twin sister was completely forgotten!
After some time, I began to dislike Asia. She is desperate to kill-she proclaims and screams that on numerous occasions. Yet - she really can't and didn't! It was Eastern who did. And then that angle wasn't mentioned again. Asia being so bitter about her life, whilst others had worse pasts - I didn't really emphasized to her pain. It honestly felt... superficial.
Pink - who was kidnapped for the entire book- the aftermath of her kidnapping was again left unspoken.
There were so many aspects brought into the series, but then left unresolved. And, the epilogue - it was too convenient. In the three years later epilogue -Pink, Kate, Mr. Carmichael, Mr. Burnside, Tracy and Branden weren't even mentioned, though each one of them had played too important roles in every decision of the characters.
The first two books in the series were comparatively better plotted. The thing that kept me going was - despite everything - the writing was good. That's the reason I completed the book. Overall, a disappointment!
This is the only redeeming factor for the book 3 - Family .
My rant may or may not contain spoilers :
After the cliffhanger in the book 2, I thought things are about to get exciting. But alas, it didn't happen. There was no proper character development or analysis for Monk, King, or even Veronika. The apparent villains of the story-Monk and King-they were all tell and no show. Their reasoning, their ticks-everything about them was tell, and no show. They as villains were so dull and weak!
Then, the relationship between Camden and his mom... He literally cried his eyes out and did every bad thing for her, but when Asia asked him to talk about his mom - he had got nothing to say! He appeared bitter. Also, apart from his graffiti and to hold a grudge against Ford-his twin sister was completely forgotten!
After some time, I began to dislike Asia. She is desperate to kill-she proclaims and screams that on numerous occasions. Yet - she really can't and didn't! It was Eastern who did. And then that angle wasn't mentioned again. Asia being so bitter about her life, whilst others had worse pasts - I didn't really emphasized to her pain. It honestly felt... superficial.
Pink - who was kidnapped for the entire book- the aftermath of her kidnapping was again left unspoken.
There were so many aspects brought into the series, but then left unresolved. And, the epilogue - it was too convenient. In the three years later epilogue -Pink, Kate, Mr. Carmichael, Mr. Burnside, Tracy and Branden weren't even mentioned, though each one of them had played too important roles in every decision of the characters.
The first two books in the series were comparatively better plotted. The thing that kept me going was - despite everything - the writing was good. That's the reason I completed the book. Overall, a disappointment!
February 4, 2020
Oookay, so I FLOVED and ADORED the first two books in this trilogy. I even managed to get over my dislike for Asia in book 2. But boy howdy, am I disappointed with this third and final book.
Asia is the only one who doesn't really go through any character growth. She throws more tantrums than Blair and Selena in Gossip Girl. She doesn't consider how her actions/reactions will affect those around her. She assumes she always knows best, and that everyone else is wrong. Even her boys, unless they instantly side with her.
The reason this book still gets 3 stars is because the author's writing is amazing. I might not like her FMC, but that's not to say the writing wasn't brilliant. It still made me think and feel - even if it wasn't positive things on my mind!
Asia is the only one who doesn't really go through any character growth. She throws more tantrums than Blair and Selena in Gossip Girl. She doesn't consider how her actions/reactions will affect those around her. She assumes she always knows best, and that everyone else is wrong. Even her boys, unless they instantly side with her.
The reason this book still gets 3 stars is because the author's writing is amazing. I might not like her FMC, but that's not to say the writing wasn't brilliant. It still made me think and feel - even if it wasn't positive things on my mind!
March 26, 2020
Yeah, you kind of lost me here. I didn't find this book exciting and interesting, I really don't think it deserves 2 stars, but in the memory of the two books before it I will give them.
Asia irritated the shit out of me. I understand that from the very beginning she was that raging girl a short tempered girl. But I felt like with her time with Ford and Cam that she should have a progress, that she already changed and now we suddenly return back to square one. I didn't get it, really. So, I found it hard to understand her throughout the whole book. It made me skip through the pages, to finish it as fast as possible.
The gang topic was completely underdeveloped, there was no world building and everything seemed flat. Monk is boring enemy. The King is shallow and just not intimidating. I knew from the Prologue of the second book that he was Asia's dad, even before that, when someone first mentioned of someone above Camden. No surprise here whatsoever. And you would think we will get some development on his character, some depth. No. He is a copy of every faceless villain out there. I just didn't feel it. Same with Camden's mom. It's like it is convenient for the author to kill her to leave him in the hands of Asia. Huh. Not cute.
It was a disappointment, truly. But the first two books were great.
Asia irritated the shit out of me. I understand that from the very beginning she was that raging girl a short tempered girl. But I felt like with her time with Ford and Cam that she should have a progress, that she already changed and now we suddenly return back to square one. I didn't get it, really. So, I found it hard to understand her throughout the whole book. It made me skip through the pages, to finish it as fast as possible.
The gang topic was completely underdeveloped, there was no world building and everything seemed flat. Monk is boring enemy. The King is shallow and just not intimidating. I knew from the Prologue of the second book that he was Asia's dad, even before that, when someone first mentioned of someone above Camden. No surprise here whatsoever. And you would think we will get some development on his character, some depth. No. He is a copy of every faceless villain out there. I just didn't feel it. Same with Camden's mom. It's like it is convenient for the author to kill her to leave him in the hands of Asia. Huh. Not cute.
It was a disappointment, truly. But the first two books were great.
January 26, 2020
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
Paige has really outdone herself this time with this explosive finale to this fantastic trilogy. Asia and her men have to deal with the aftermath of Pink being kidnapped and finding out that Asia herself is the King's daughter. This makes things so much more complicated as they try to figure everything out in time to save those they care about. Unfortunately they are not in time for everyone but in the end we get a remarkably satisfying ending that has a few twists that will surprise you. I especially loved the epilogue I must say. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
Paige has really outdone herself this time with this explosive finale to this fantastic trilogy. Asia and her men have to deal with the aftermath of Pink being kidnapped and finding out that Asia herself is the King's daughter. This makes things so much more complicated as they try to figure everything out in time to save those they care about. Unfortunately they are not in time for everyone but in the end we get a remarkably satisfying ending that has a few twists that will surprise you. I especially loved the epilogue I must say. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
September 28, 2020
Honestly disappointed ***SPOILERS
I hate to do this, but this book bored me and was completely predictable.
The disaster started with the prologue. The author basically gave away the entire book with Asia and her guys standing around ready to get revenge for the King hurting a member of their family. That leaves 3 people: Cam's mom, Pink or Kate. Because let's face it, no author is going to write that a 3 or 5 year old boy was murdered.
Asia was so ANNOYING in this book, I honestly hated her 94% of the time. Do you know how hard it is to read a book when you loathe the main character?!
This book was seriously repetitive and nothing really happened for majority of the book. The "ending" was an absolute joke!! What happened with Mr Carmichael, it was three years later, why no update? Why do we not get any closure for Pink or Kate, I thought they were part of Asia's "family"? What about Ruby? What about the rest of Camden's "gems": Opal, Emerald, Diamond? The ending, like the rest of this book was lacking. This whole installment was no bueno for me.
I was not a fan, so I can't recommend it, however it may be perfect for the next reader.
I hate to do this, but this book bored me and was completely predictable.
The disaster started with the prologue. The author basically gave away the entire book with Asia and her guys standing around ready to get revenge for the King hurting a member of their family. That leaves 3 people: Cam's mom, Pink or Kate. Because let's face it, no author is going to write that a 3 or 5 year old boy was murdered.
Asia was so ANNOYING in this book, I honestly hated her 94% of the time. Do you know how hard it is to read a book when you loathe the main character?!
This book was seriously repetitive and nothing really happened for majority of the book. The "ending" was an absolute joke!! What happened with Mr Carmichael, it was three years later, why no update? Why do we not get any closure for Pink or Kate, I thought they were part of Asia's "family"? What about Ruby? What about the rest of Camden's "gems": Opal, Emerald, Diamond? The ending, like the rest of this book was lacking. This whole installment was no bueno for me.
I was not a fan, so I can't recommend it, however it may be perfect for the next reader.
May 11, 2021
[1.5/5] Booooringggg
January 17, 2020
Asia. She was born in a storm. She has fought from the first breath she ever took. But now she understands what is truly worth fighting for. Love. Family. The life she wants. Eastern, Ford, Sonny, and Camden, her guys. Kate and Pink, her friends. Her young brothers. Every person she loves is at risk because of the King. It's time for his reign to end. Asia has been called a reject, a delinquent. She's been overlooked, underestimated. No more.
Blood. It stands for so many things. It colors the family you choose, the lengths you will go to ensuring that they are safe, and the humanity left when the fight is over. Mixed with sweat and tears it stains Asia's world. True until the end this book was gritty, ugly. Each character was completely exposed. Their secrets bared. At times you may not appreciate their decisions or even like them but there's a certain beauty in this raw honesty. This goes for the adults too. This is a dark read, the tension is palpable. The reader is kept on edge. So the stolen moments when the characters' emotions flare when they connect, it comes across as even more.
Graffiti represents these characters perfectly. Grafitti is original expression, powerful, vibrant. Asia the pint-sized force of nature, Eastern, her best friend. Sonny, her thief, Camden, her fellow artist, and Ford, her fighter. Each of these characters would have been judged by the outside world and would have been seen as something less. The tattoos, the scars, the criminal records show one picture. But not the total picture. They can't see the fierceness of their strength, their loyalty, their love. They have their flaws and times of weakness but together they are whole. Together they can take on the world, bring down a kingdom, rule their own future. This story's conclusion is only the beginning. It's perfect. And I have little doubt that Asia and her boys will pop up in the future along with the brothers Freed and a former ballerina. It's a small world after all. And underneath the initial ugliness, it's lovely.
Blood. It stands for so many things. It colors the family you choose, the lengths you will go to ensuring that they are safe, and the humanity left when the fight is over. Mixed with sweat and tears it stains Asia's world. True until the end this book was gritty, ugly. Each character was completely exposed. Their secrets bared. At times you may not appreciate their decisions or even like them but there's a certain beauty in this raw honesty. This goes for the adults too. This is a dark read, the tension is palpable. The reader is kept on edge. So the stolen moments when the characters' emotions flare when they connect, it comes across as even more.
Graffiti represents these characters perfectly. Grafitti is original expression, powerful, vibrant. Asia the pint-sized force of nature, Eastern, her best friend. Sonny, her thief, Camden, her fellow artist, and Ford, her fighter. Each of these characters would have been judged by the outside world and would have been seen as something less. The tattoos, the scars, the criminal records show one picture. But not the total picture. They can't see the fierceness of their strength, their loyalty, their love. They have their flaws and times of weakness but together they are whole. Together they can take on the world, bring down a kingdom, rule their own future. This story's conclusion is only the beginning. It's perfect. And I have little doubt that Asia and her boys will pop up in the future along with the brothers Freed and a former ballerina. It's a small world after all. And underneath the initial ugliness, it's lovely.
January 19, 2020
What a crazy ride!
I only started reading this series very recently and I was immediately immersed in the story.
First of all, I am kind of partial to a best friends to lovers trope. The dynamic and love between Asia and Eastern were what drew me in from the start. The deep connection they share is one of a kind and I love seeing this kind of relationship develop into more. They shared most of their lives and know each other inside out. This dynamic carries on through the entire series. Asia doesn't trust people easily, but when she loves, she loves deeply and is willing to do anything for the ones she loves. Her fierce protectiveness gradually extends to Sonny, Ford and Camden as she gets to know them better.
The author really sets her series apart from others (for me at least) by using an atypical setup. All these characters are raw, gritty, poor, snarky, violent, broken even. They grew up in this 'hard knock life' and have the battle scars (both emotional and physical) to prove it. Are they superlikeable characters? Well, they are mostly not the fluffy, sweet kind, but they are real, flawed, hardened and that's exactly why I like them.
In this final book, Asia goes toe to toe with the King, of whom she recently found out he is her father. This book has a darker feel to it when compared to the previous books in the series. Things are getting serious and it's clear that things are escalating far beyond some kids facing off. Lives are at stake and while the main characters do have experience fighting, facing the head of a criminal organisation is something different altogether. The tension in this book is palpable and it builds up gradually. There are so many twists and turns, but overall the feeling of family dominates.
I also love how this series incorporates other books by this author. It really piques my interest to those books I still have to read.
This is turning out to be a huge review, let me cut it short right here. If you want the cliffnotes? This series is great, with outstanding development of both plot and characters. Family wraps up this arc nicely, but there are some easter eggs in this series that make me curious about what else this author has in stock for us.
I only started reading this series very recently and I was immediately immersed in the story.
First of all, I am kind of partial to a best friends to lovers trope. The dynamic and love between Asia and Eastern were what drew me in from the start. The deep connection they share is one of a kind and I love seeing this kind of relationship develop into more. They shared most of their lives and know each other inside out. This dynamic carries on through the entire series. Asia doesn't trust people easily, but when she loves, she loves deeply and is willing to do anything for the ones she loves. Her fierce protectiveness gradually extends to Sonny, Ford and Camden as she gets to know them better.
The author really sets her series apart from others (for me at least) by using an atypical setup. All these characters are raw, gritty, poor, snarky, violent, broken even. They grew up in this 'hard knock life' and have the battle scars (both emotional and physical) to prove it. Are they superlikeable characters? Well, they are mostly not the fluffy, sweet kind, but they are real, flawed, hardened and that's exactly why I like them.
In this final book, Asia goes toe to toe with the King, of whom she recently found out he is her father. This book has a darker feel to it when compared to the previous books in the series. Things are getting serious and it's clear that things are escalating far beyond some kids facing off. Lives are at stake and while the main characters do have experience fighting, facing the head of a criminal organisation is something different altogether. The tension in this book is palpable and it builds up gradually. There are so many twists and turns, but overall the feeling of family dominates.
I also love how this series incorporates other books by this author. It really piques my interest to those books I still have to read.
This is turning out to be a huge review, let me cut it short right here. If you want the cliffnotes? This series is great, with outstanding development of both plot and characters. Family wraps up this arc nicely, but there are some easter eggs in this series that make me curious about what else this author has in stock for us.
January 22, 2020
So Family is the final book in the Academy of Misfits series. I am torn on this because I have enjoyed the escapades of Asia and her guys, Eastern, Ford, Sonny and Camden. So in book one, we get to meet Asia and her guys. The story is set up, and the plot loosely figured out. In Reject, a lot happens. Asia gets her guys back and toward the end some heavy truths have been revealed. In the last book Family, a lot happens again. But one thing stands out, Asia's love for her family and her protectiveness over her guys.
When Asia loves, she loves with all she has. She will fight hard for you, and when she fights, she fights with everything she has. Her I loved how she went up against the King. I rooted for her every step of the way.
I could feel that Family was just a smidge darker than Reject. I guess the tone, pace and feel of the book would have to be. There is a lot of tension, but apricated the gradual rise, instead of just bam in your face.
Bea really created a series that just reaches out and pulls you in. The plot and characters progressed at a steady flow that felt like a natural progression instead of rushed and sloppy. Family really wraps up Asia and her guys story perfectly. I would highly recommend this series.
When Asia loves, she loves with all she has. She will fight hard for you, and when she fights, she fights with everything she has. Her I loved how she went up against the King. I rooted for her every step of the way.
I could feel that Family was just a smidge darker than Reject. I guess the tone, pace and feel of the book would have to be. There is a lot of tension, but apricated the gradual rise, instead of just bam in your face.
Bea really created a series that just reaches out and pulls you in. The plot and characters progressed at a steady flow that felt like a natural progression instead of rushed and sloppy. Family really wraps up Asia and her guys story perfectly. I would highly recommend this series.
January 20, 2020
Totally badass way to end a series amazing
Well what can I say other than WOW Wow wow. This book like the rest of the series was amazing. Not only do we see the love grow between Asia and her four sexy men, but we also see new information come to light and see the end of a king era.
With a rocky twisty rollercoaster ride this book will blow your mind and leave you shocked and happy with the outcome and the ending of this book. Bea Paige you are a wickedly amazing writer please don't stop.
Well what can I say other than WOW Wow wow. This book like the rest of the series was amazing. Not only do we see the love grow between Asia and her four sexy men, but we also see new information come to light and see the end of a king era.
With a rocky twisty rollercoaster ride this book will blow your mind and leave you shocked and happy with the outcome and the ending of this book. Bea Paige you are a wickedly amazing writer please don't stop.
June 22, 2020
This is a great high school RH series I really loved these characters and the setting, however I think I’m just so burnt out on these types of books that I didn’t enjoy it as much as I wanted to.
Also, Camden is bae
Also, Camden is bae
January 14, 2023
This is the third and final installment of the Academy of Misfits trilogy by Bea Paige. I love Bea her writing style a lot, its easy to read, the chapters don't drag on forever, but this third book lost me a little with its pacing.
While I still very much enjoyed this book, there was a lot of build up with everything happening all at once in the end. Normally I can deal with this, but because of the shorter chapters, it all just became a little jumbled.
This is the book where the Reverse Harem aspect of the book is solidified, which was great! But between the story and the relationship, I feel a lot more could have been build. I'm still a sucker for Ford! He's great.
I disliked that there was no mention of various important characters during the Epilog, but it's not something I'm falling over, either.
This series was really fun to read, though, but this third book is the weakest of the three. Still, this series got me out of a reading slump and I would highly recommend it!
While I still very much enjoyed this book, there was a lot of build up with everything happening all at once in the end. Normally I can deal with this, but because of the shorter chapters, it all just became a little jumbled.
This is the book where the Reverse Harem aspect of the book is solidified, which was great! But between the story and the relationship, I feel a lot more could have been build. I'm still a sucker for Ford! He's great.
I disliked that there was no mention of various important characters during the Epilog, but it's not something I'm falling over, either.
This series was really fun to read, though, but this third book is the weakest of the three. Still, this series got me out of a reading slump and I would highly recommend it!
September 11, 2022
this book is full of love i swear 😭🫰🏻 i love asia and the boys <33 AND MR CHARMICHAEL AND HIS HUSBAND ❤️❤️
January 10, 2024
This was the conclusion to the series and it was an enjoyable read. The pace felt a lot slower than previous books in the series but about two-thirds in it took off like a rocket and then it was absolutely manic right until the final pages. The spice was also higher in this one and the chemistry between Asia and her boys was on point. This third book was filled with emotion and a sense of chosen family which I appreciated so much
It managed to wrap everything up to my satisfaction and also intrigue me with glimpses into other connected characters set in this world so I will definitely be checking those out as well. An excellent series all round that I've liked a lot.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
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January 26, 2020
Such a fantastic ending, Family was a perfect finale!
I devoured this book, riding the roller coaster of emotions the story delivers! Pain, love, betrayal, redemption and so much more, woven into this amazing story! So bittersweet to know it’s the end. I’m gonna miss Asia and her guys!!
I devoured this book, riding the roller coaster of emotions the story delivers! Pain, love, betrayal, redemption and so much more, woven into this amazing story! So bittersweet to know it’s the end. I’m gonna miss Asia and her guys!!
April 19, 2021
A decent RH. No group scenes. Lots of her getting in fights.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2020
Bea Paige pulls out all the stops for this thrilling, heart-wrenching finale
Bea has done it again. Just when you think there surely there can't be any more surprises, they keep on coming. After the ending of Reject, I had no idea how Asia and her boys were going to survive, let alone get their much-deserved happy ending. What faced them was terrible and seemed insurmountable, even for such tough, determined, street-smart kids, and then the agony keeps on coming. This book is about the family you choose and the blood family you absolutely disown. Asia's 'real' family are making themselves known, showing themselves for the evil, vindictive, manipulative beasts that they are, whilst her chosen family is proving loyal, true and loving, willing to do anything for her.
This book is quite a tough read in some places, as a dark and gritty contemporary novel should be. There were parts that were so sad, it had me welling up, but the love between Asia and her boys shone through and balanced out the darkness. Their bond is strengthened, and the love between Asia and each of her four boys is a shining light in the darkness that envelops them. The adults who are supposed to be helping Asia and her boys are not exactly covering themselves in glory, and so they end up taking matters into their own hands. My heart was in my mouth for the last part of the book, worrying about what would happen and hoping for no more shocks.
Bea does not pull any punches (a fitting idiom for this series) in her books. Nothing comes easily to her characters. Their lives are hard, complicated, brutal even, which makes their happy ending hard-won and that much sweeter. I lived every moment with Asia and her boys, felt every emotion as if it were my own, laughed and cried with them. loved them as if they were real friends, and now I'm wrung out (in a good way).
I cannot recommend Bea's work highly enough. She weaves dark tales with poise and ease, she creates characters that leap off the page and burrow into your heart, and she doesn't let you think about anything else other than her book until you've finished it.
A bad book frustrates and irritates, a good book holds your interest and entertains you, a great book holds your heart and seeps into your soul. This is a great book, no two questions about it.
Bea has done it again. Just when you think there surely there can't be any more surprises, they keep on coming. After the ending of Reject, I had no idea how Asia and her boys were going to survive, let alone get their much-deserved happy ending. What faced them was terrible and seemed insurmountable, even for such tough, determined, street-smart kids, and then the agony keeps on coming. This book is about the family you choose and the blood family you absolutely disown. Asia's 'real' family are making themselves known, showing themselves for the evil, vindictive, manipulative beasts that they are, whilst her chosen family is proving loyal, true and loving, willing to do anything for her.
This book is quite a tough read in some places, as a dark and gritty contemporary novel should be. There were parts that were so sad, it had me welling up, but the love between Asia and her boys shone through and balanced out the darkness. Their bond is strengthened, and the love between Asia and each of her four boys is a shining light in the darkness that envelops them. The adults who are supposed to be helping Asia and her boys are not exactly covering themselves in glory, and so they end up taking matters into their own hands. My heart was in my mouth for the last part of the book, worrying about what would happen and hoping for no more shocks.
Bea does not pull any punches (a fitting idiom for this series) in her books. Nothing comes easily to her characters. Their lives are hard, complicated, brutal even, which makes their happy ending hard-won and that much sweeter. I lived every moment with Asia and her boys, felt every emotion as if it were my own, laughed and cried with them. loved them as if they were real friends, and now I'm wrung out (in a good way).
I cannot recommend Bea's work highly enough. She weaves dark tales with poise and ease, she creates characters that leap off the page and burrow into your heart, and she doesn't let you think about anything else other than her book until you've finished it.
A bad book frustrates and irritates, a good book holds your interest and entertains you, a great book holds your heart and seeps into your soul. This is a great book, no two questions about it.
September 9, 2021
Reality is female. It has to be, because it’s a right bitch.
I really enjoyed this series! Book three is when we really get to see what the word family means for these guys. Asia and her guys all had crappy childhoods, and in this final book we get to see how they all come together to create their own family of misfits. We get to see what being a family looks like to them. Asia found out at the end of the last book that the King is her father and Monk is her brother. We get to watch the war within her as she contemplates what that means for her and her plans. In Family we watch as Asia, Sonny, Camden, Eastern, and Ford set out to rescue their friend, find answers to their growing pile of questions, and take on the King.
Ultimately we watch as they all try to figure out who to trust and help them. Who is lying vs who just really wants to help. I do really wish this series had multiple POV's because I would have loved to see into the guys minds, but it all came together just fine without. I was hoping to see more character growth from Asia in this last book, she didn't change much. She was just as stubborn and untrusting as she was in the beginning. The only exception being her trust within the harem.
In the end all of the questions that had piled up since book one were answered. Everything was wrapped up nicely. Asia and her guys created their own family. I liked the epilogue, it gave us a peak into what life will be like for them in the foreseeable future, leaving us feeling that everything was wrapped up. Well, until the time that Monk returns. I had a lot of fun on this rollercoaster of a series. They went from being the delinquent kids with no one to trust but themselves, the rejects no one wanted, to building a life and family for themselves that no one believed possible. What a ride! I loved it. I can't wait to see what Bea Paige does next!
I really enjoyed this series! Book three is when we really get to see what the word family means for these guys. Asia and her guys all had crappy childhoods, and in this final book we get to see how they all come together to create their own family of misfits. We get to see what being a family looks like to them. Asia found out at the end of the last book that the King is her father and Monk is her brother. We get to watch the war within her as she contemplates what that means for her and her plans. In Family we watch as Asia, Sonny, Camden, Eastern, and Ford set out to rescue their friend, find answers to their growing pile of questions, and take on the King.
Ultimately we watch as they all try to figure out who to trust and help them. Who is lying vs who just really wants to help. I do really wish this series had multiple POV's because I would have loved to see into the guys minds, but it all came together just fine without. I was hoping to see more character growth from Asia in this last book, she didn't change much. She was just as stubborn and untrusting as she was in the beginning. The only exception being her trust within the harem.
In the end all of the questions that had piled up since book one were answered. Everything was wrapped up nicely. Asia and her guys created their own family. I liked the epilogue, it gave us a peak into what life will be like for them in the foreseeable future, leaving us feeling that everything was wrapped up. Well, until the time that Monk returns. I had a lot of fun on this rollercoaster of a series. They went from being the delinquent kids with no one to trust but themselves, the rejects no one wanted, to building a life and family for themselves that no one believed possible. What a ride! I loved it. I can't wait to see what Bea Paige does next!
January 15, 2020
She's shocked, mortified and heartbroken as her dreams are shattered.
Her friend lost to them, stolen by the enemy they share.
Now it's a race against time to rescue the girl, his mother and retain their souls.
Can it be done, or are they chasing the impossible?
I wanted to read this so badly, but then at the same time I didn't, and purely for the fact that I never wanted my time at Oceanside Academy to come to an end.
This is the third book in the trilogy that focuses on Asia and both her time at Oceanside and the boys in her life.
Full of action, and violence with a healthy dose of romance and loving. This is the perfect way to conclude a series!
The stolen moments giving them all a space in time to forget the present melted my lil heart. Each boy has well and truly captured my heart they are amazing!
Asia is hands down my favourite female character in a long time! She is the glue that keeps them altogether, and her fighting skills are secondary to none. She truly is unique!
Bea Paige has written to write a series that is everything you could ever want.
I was hooked from the very start and now I'm both emotional and devastated at the same time.
Five stars. One for Ford, one for Sonny, one for Eastern, one for Camden and the last for my girl crush Asia. I miss them all so much already.
Her friend lost to them, stolen by the enemy they share.
Now it's a race against time to rescue the girl, his mother and retain their souls.
Can it be done, or are they chasing the impossible?
I wanted to read this so badly, but then at the same time I didn't, and purely for the fact that I never wanted my time at Oceanside Academy to come to an end.
This is the third book in the trilogy that focuses on Asia and both her time at Oceanside and the boys in her life.
Full of action, and violence with a healthy dose of romance and loving. This is the perfect way to conclude a series!
The stolen moments giving them all a space in time to forget the present melted my lil heart. Each boy has well and truly captured my heart they are amazing!
Asia is hands down my favourite female character in a long time! She is the glue that keeps them altogether, and her fighting skills are secondary to none. She truly is unique!
Bea Paige has written to write a series that is everything you could ever want.
I was hooked from the very start and now I'm both emotional and devastated at the same time.
Five stars. One for Ford, one for Sonny, one for Eastern, one for Camden and the last for my girl crush Asia. I miss them all so much already.
February 3, 2020
Sniffles 🤧 it’s over!
This has got to be one of my favourites of Bea Paige! I’ve had such a book hangover that I couldn’t write a review straight away!! Yes I shed a few tears along the way and no I’m not going to say it’s bittersweet to say goodbye to Asia and the guys because I wish their story could just continue as if there was no end to their story even though I know there could be no better ending.
Asia has been one of my favourite characters and I feel there are so many books floating around right now over doing the disadvantaged teen angst but I have loved Bea’s series from the first instance. These kids had no-one in their corner, they were all up shit creek without paddles but somehow they still had enough hope in each of them to open themselves up to care for someone other than themselves. You couldn’t help but love them and they didn’t make excuses for where they ended up they did what they had to do to survive, it just made it that bit more realistic.
The plot twists were fantastic! There were a couple of times where my stomach dropped with anxiety and I had to step away from the book but of course the ending came to quickly for me, such a page turner!!
This has got to be one of my favourites of Bea Paige! I’ve had such a book hangover that I couldn’t write a review straight away!! Yes I shed a few tears along the way and no I’m not going to say it’s bittersweet to say goodbye to Asia and the guys because I wish their story could just continue as if there was no end to their story even though I know there could be no better ending.
Asia has been one of my favourite characters and I feel there are so many books floating around right now over doing the disadvantaged teen angst but I have loved Bea’s series from the first instance. These kids had no-one in their corner, they were all up shit creek without paddles but somehow they still had enough hope in each of them to open themselves up to care for someone other than themselves. You couldn’t help but love them and they didn’t make excuses for where they ended up they did what they had to do to survive, it just made it that bit more realistic.
The plot twists were fantastic! There were a couple of times where my stomach dropped with anxiety and I had to step away from the book but of course the ending came to quickly for me, such a page turner!!
January 25, 2020
Satisfying conclusion for an epic series
This series. I freaking love it. Slightly damaged FMCs with questionable morals are my jam, and then when you throw in some bad boys, just swoon.
The first two books in this series were bloody fantastic, but I’ll admit I was apprehensive about this final book in the series. Often that the conclusion to series, even ones I love, leave me feeling let down, and I do didn’t want to see that happen with these characters I adore so much.
I shouldn’t have worried. I should’ve known Bea Paige wouldn’t disappoint. She pulled out all the stops with Family, giving readers surprises, pulse-pounding action, heartache, and of course, a good dose of delicious steam. We see our favorite delinquents get their much deserved HEA, or well, at least, HFN. I definitely DIDN’T (lies) squeal at the ending that left it open for the possibility of seeing more from these characters down the line at some point. Plus, we meet a few characters that are getting their own story that I am SO here for (age gap romance 🤤). If you haven’t read this story yet, do it. I can’t recommend it enough.
This series. I freaking love it. Slightly damaged FMCs with questionable morals are my jam, and then when you throw in some bad boys, just swoon.
The first two books in this series were bloody fantastic, but I’ll admit I was apprehensive about this final book in the series. Often that the conclusion to series, even ones I love, leave me feeling let down, and I do didn’t want to see that happen with these characters I adore so much.
I shouldn’t have worried. I should’ve known Bea Paige wouldn’t disappoint. She pulled out all the stops with Family, giving readers surprises, pulse-pounding action, heartache, and of course, a good dose of delicious steam. We see our favorite delinquents get their much deserved HEA, or well, at least, HFN. I definitely DIDN’T (lies) squeal at the ending that left it open for the possibility of seeing more from these characters down the line at some point. Plus, we meet a few characters that are getting their own story that I am SO here for (age gap romance 🤤). If you haven’t read this story yet, do it. I can’t recommend it enough.
January 13, 2020
Family is more than blood. Family is more than who you are related to. Family is what you make with people who you choose to be a part of it. They can be blood related, or they can be people who you are closest to. For Asia, she has chosen her family in Camden, Ford, Sonny, and Eastern. Though she has found out who her biological family is, Asia has rejected that family and instead has created her own. That is the overall theme of this book. There are steamy scenes that will melt kindles, there are twists and turns that you do not see coming, and there are amazing interactions with characters who leap off the pages at you wanting you to see them. Of the three books in this series, this is probably my favorite. I love how far these characters have come and how united they now are for their family that they have created. Bea Paige has done a tremendous job with this series and though I am sad to see it end, I have a feeling we will see these characters again sometime in the future.
January 27, 2021
Family doesn't have to be blood
Asia is a strong female character. I love her strength and her powers of observation. She has an artist's mind that sees inside people and makes connections. It was nice to read. I also love that she doesn't need anyone to fight her battles, especially any man trying to "white knight" for her. She has support and love and that fuels her storm of emotions.
I love this series. It's full of teenage hormones, but also of comraderie. These kids are in reform school without familial support. Seemingly lost in the system, they find each other and create a family unit. Yes, a reverse harem develops, but it's not overwhelmingly sexual. This book and series is more about love and friendship and developing a beautiful relationship between people. They fight and love and work to take on the adults who've made difficulties in their lives.
I'd recommend this book and series to anyone who's felt left out or neglected in some way. Maybe we'll all get lucky and find our people: our family.
Asia is a strong female character. I love her strength and her powers of observation. She has an artist's mind that sees inside people and makes connections. It was nice to read. I also love that she doesn't need anyone to fight her battles, especially any man trying to "white knight" for her. She has support and love and that fuels her storm of emotions.
I love this series. It's full of teenage hormones, but also of comraderie. These kids are in reform school without familial support. Seemingly lost in the system, they find each other and create a family unit. Yes, a reverse harem develops, but it's not overwhelmingly sexual. This book and series is more about love and friendship and developing a beautiful relationship between people. They fight and love and work to take on the adults who've made difficulties in their lives.
I'd recommend this book and series to anyone who's felt left out or neglected in some way. Maybe we'll all get lucky and find our people: our family.
January 21, 2020
What an ending to this amazing trilogy Bea Paige has done an amazing job with this book. Asia goes up against the king in this book with the help of her boys we all know by now why this is so important for her to put a stop to the King and his actions. It couldn't have been played out any better we can feel the family affect the Asia and her guys have created between them in this book and it's amazing the way that it is written. This book is full of twists and turns and danger because let's face it they are still kids going up against a criminal mob man and no matter what they've been through it's still difficult to do but they come together as a family and do what they have to. I don't want to give away too much because you really have to read the story for yourself but I promise you will enjoy it. The action and steam between Asia and her guys is out of this world let me tell you. I'm sad to see this end but happy to see what's in store for us in the future. If you haven't started this Trilogy yet you are truly missing out this is one of my favorites of this author's work.
January 20, 2020
Bravo! What a conclusion, I’d give this book more stars if I could. My heart has been torn apart, left to bleed and then carefully pieced together again. In a word “trust.” These kids have been left disappointed one to many times from broken promises and being told everything will be okay when it isn’t. A really well written series, such endearing and colourful characters.
We pick up with the devastation caused from Pink’s abduction, the revelation of Asia’s father and brother. The danger that Pink and Camden’s mother are in. The adults assure them that they’re safe for the time being and that there is still time to save them. Patience is running thin and tempers are frayed, it’s only a matter of time before everyone combusts. One thing is a certainty family is who we choose, those who are there for us without question. There are so many secrets to be revealed, twists and turns you won’t see coming.
We pick up with the devastation caused from Pink’s abduction, the revelation of Asia’s father and brother. The danger that Pink and Camden’s mother are in. The adults assure them that they’re safe for the time being and that there is still time to save them. Patience is running thin and tempers are frayed, it’s only a matter of time before everyone combusts. One thing is a certainty family is who we choose, those who are there for us without question. There are so many secrets to be revealed, twists and turns you won’t see coming.
January 25, 2020
A phenomenal ending to a phenomenal series!
Bea Paige.....there are no words.
She wrapped those words like a vice around my heart.
Truly, this book and series was everything. I have had such a hard time with last books lately just not giving me what I felt the series deserved. Bea however, did not disappoint!
These characters. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. They were so REAL. They were flawed. They were everything I’ve been needing out of a series for so long. Asia and her men (they may be high school age, but believe me. They are MEN.) drew me in immediately. This book took all of their pasts and life experiences and shoved it right to the forefront and challenged them to see what their lives have become and who is truly meant to be in it.
Lastly, this ending was just so amazing and tugged right on my heart strings. I devoured every page. If you are questioning whether to read this or whether it’s worth it, I PROMISE. It so is! Just take the leap and hit download.
Bea Paige.....there are no words.
She wrapped those words like a vice around my heart.
Truly, this book and series was everything. I have had such a hard time with last books lately just not giving me what I felt the series deserved. Bea however, did not disappoint!
These characters. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. They were so REAL. They were flawed. They were everything I’ve been needing out of a series for so long. Asia and her men (they may be high school age, but believe me. They are MEN.) drew me in immediately. This book took all of their pasts and life experiences and shoved it right to the forefront and challenged them to see what their lives have become and who is truly meant to be in it.
Lastly, this ending was just so amazing and tugged right on my heart strings. I devoured every page. If you are questioning whether to read this or whether it’s worth it, I PROMISE. It so is! Just take the leap and hit download.
April 6, 2020
Everything happens in the final book of the series...
Ok, so Asia is still super whiny and extremely annoying, this is something I thought I'd have a reprieve from in the final book, but nope, still a childish brat with a chip on her shoulder. Anyways, books 1 and 2 were pretty uneventful, and then in the final book there are all these crazy reveals. It was action packed, and at least there was finally some sex! Granted it was super PG13 and had zero steam!...what I can never wrap my head around is how many authors write a "Reverse Harem" dark romance yet the first sex scene happens in the final book, and not to mention how mellow it is. Asia has sex with each of her guys once in this book, once!🤦♀️ The sex scenes were not descriptive, hot, or exciting which was really disappointing considering how sexy all 4 guys are. Needless to say if you want passion, steam, or something to get you worked up, this is not the series, or author for you.
Ok, so Asia is still super whiny and extremely annoying, this is something I thought I'd have a reprieve from in the final book, but nope, still a childish brat with a chip on her shoulder. Anyways, books 1 and 2 were pretty uneventful, and then in the final book there are all these crazy reveals. It was action packed, and at least there was finally some sex! Granted it was super PG13 and had zero steam!...what I can never wrap my head around is how many authors write a "Reverse Harem" dark romance yet the first sex scene happens in the final book, and not to mention how mellow it is. Asia has sex with each of her guys once in this book, once!🤦♀️ The sex scenes were not descriptive, hot, or exciting which was really disappointing considering how sexy all 4 guys are. Needless to say if you want passion, steam, or something to get you worked up, this is not the series, or author for you.
May 19, 2020
Going into the final book I wasn't sure how the story would unfold. I loved reading about Asia's connection with each of her guys. I loved that they didn't just automatically jump into bed together, that there was an actual bond developed between them first. Again if you are from the USA you have to allow some leeway for the difference in word spelling and general dialect differences. While I admit I did still struggle trying to adjust to those differences, it was worth getting past those and falling in love with this amazingly unique group of characters. A beautiful story with the underlying message of not letting your past define your future; instead finding strength from those events to help you create the life you want. To overcome and persevere despite the obstacles you face in your lifetime. A message about defining your own life, despite the misguided assumptions of others.
October 15, 2020
I read Freestyle and Lyrical by this author and then had to go back and read her backlist. I know I have done this series backwards but it hasn't hindered my enjoyment in any shape or form.
This is another reverse harem series from Bea Paige and this one is about a reform school for juvenile delinquents. No dance in this series but we have graffiti artists and some fantastic fight scenes, including the girls. Full of action and a girl with balls of steel. These are kids that have struggled all their lives, born into awful circumstances and where crime is either the only way to survive or a cry for help.
From the start of the first book and the end of the last I was rapt, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough as Asia and her men navigate a life with love for once. When life always gives you lemons, sometimes lemonade is still something to be wary of.
This was a great read from start to finish. Loved it.
This is another reverse harem series from Bea Paige and this one is about a reform school for juvenile delinquents. No dance in this series but we have graffiti artists and some fantastic fight scenes, including the girls. Full of action and a girl with balls of steel. These are kids that have struggled all their lives, born into awful circumstances and where crime is either the only way to survive or a cry for help.
From the start of the first book and the end of the last I was rapt, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough as Asia and her men navigate a life with love for once. When life always gives you lemons, sometimes lemonade is still something to be wary of.
This was a great read from start to finish. Loved it.
October 18, 2020
5 stars for Family by Bea Paige. This is the third and final book in the Academy of Misfits series. “Family is about the people you choose to open your heart to, the people you can count on to have your back, to be by your side when shit gets tough.” This ending was a roller coaster of epic proportions. This group has chosen their family, and now they will fight for each other. I am now a huge fan of Bea Paige. I loved the writing style, the emotional journey, just everything about it. Asia, Camden, Ford, Eastern, and Sonny learn a lot about each other and their past. Asia learns so much about herself and who her father really is. I will say that somethings that happened I did not see coming. Like things to do with Monk and Pink. Asia is still a complete bada**and I love her character. The ending was fantastic and filled with suspense. I LOVED IT !!!!
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