Vicious Lessons

by N. Dennis

She had consumed me in a way I had never expected, but now she was gone. The world was now going to witness what I would do to just get her back.

Everything has changed. Her brother had survived the shooting. The man she thought she loved had betrayed her trust. And to top it off, she now has a target on her back from the brother of the man Tommy shot.
With old friends and new enemies, Isabella's time at Ravenwood Academy is anything but easy.

But can Tommy be the one to help her through it all?


This is a dark romance. Please check content warnings if you feel you need to.

Genres: Dark Romance

450 pages, Paperback

Published December 29, 2022

Reviews

[Daisy Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not okay.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book for free for an honest review.

I have been waiting on this book and it did not disappoint. I really love the passion and chemistry between Tommy and Isabella but then I love all their friends. They are a family and look out for each other. There is never a dull moment in this book and the idea that all these kids are in a school for criminals is something I've never read before in a book, but it definitely works. Absolutely loved it!!!

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Bergan Curless · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man i have no clue how to put in words how much I loved this book! I loved reading how Isabella really blossoms into a bad a**. The book picks up exactly where the first one ended. The plot was awesome and of course the spice was amazing I do suggest reading trigger warnings before you dive into Ravenwood Academy but man is it worth it. Nicole leaves you wanting more she leaves me wanting to just live in her fantasy world. I can't wait for book three. And like Nicole says on the first page "It's going to be fine.Trust me." And I want to follow her off that cliff!

[Daniel Partridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this book as an arc to give an honest review and all I'll say is wow!
This was so good! And dare I say better than book 1! But the ending....please release book 3 immediately!

[The Book Hangover · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Ravenwood Academy series and boy does it pack a punch! You defiantly need to have read the first book to know what’s going on and it picks up straight from the cliffhanger we were dangling on in Cruel Education. This book is filled with plenty of action, angst and delicious spice and I am loving the characters, especially Tommy. It is dark and yet has moments of comedy but I must warn you that the cliffhanger is brutal! Please check your TW before reading.

[Trac · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first book, but this one just went downhill. This supposedly badass FMC who knows all these skills suddenly became a deaf and mute bc she was supposedly betrothed to someone bc a father she didn’t know promised her? When did that matter? She didn’t even know him!!! All of a sudden she was this weak ass, stupid idiot who let a pompous jerk push her around and abuse her? All she did on this book was smoke weed and act like a dumb. I was just hoping that Tommy just got sick of her being a narcissistic, brainless brat and moved on. I got so bored of it going back and forth and her monotonous dialogue , so I just stopped reading. Not sure why the story took this drastic turn, but ruined the story .

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review*

I received an ARC of book one in the Ravenwood Academy Series, Cruel Education, and absolutely LOVED this story so I know I needed to ARC for Vicious Lessons and let me tell you, I was NOT disappointed.

Vicious Lessons picks up immediately after the end of Cruel Education which was on a cliff hanger. We get to see more of Tommy and Isabella's rocky relationship unfold and I was LIVING for it.

We also see another side of Isabella that I think a lot of us were not anticipating and were not too thrilled with at first but it's a "trust the process" situation.

We see more of the roses in this book, we have some fun moments between Tommy and Isabella with all of her friends and the cousins now paired up with each other (the party scene I loved how they were all just taken away).

I just loved this book I think I enjoyed this book just as much as book one but in a different way. Book one was about meeting these characters and seeing how this world is laid out for people like the Kray's and Isabella whereas book two is about how Isabella is trying to rewrite the narrative in their world and get what she wants. Unfortunately happiness doesn't last as we learned by that cliff hanger again...


I will always recommend the Ravenwood Academy series and I will ALWAYS read these books for Nicole as long as she wants me to review them for her because I just adore this world that she has created. When you read this series it feels like you're living a hollywood movie in your mind from the pages and I think that is truly magical.

[✨✨ Claire✨✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn. Damn. Damn damn..... DAMN!!

You know there's times that book one is awesome then you read the second and its a complete let down?

~THIS ISN'T ONE OF THOSE TIMES!!~

This book picks up exactly where book one left. Bella faces more issues having been reunited with the brother she thought was dead. Being bound to a contract to marry a stranger is top of the list.

Tommys head is all over the place. Not a great place for the next mob boss to be!

I love the way the Krays are a solid unit. In that world trust and loyalty is a rare commodity.

Bella is still the firecracker... She just forgets sometimes. Once she remembers tho, she seriously comes back with a bang!

Her and Tommy have such a fantastic bond. In every way. They just gel. It sounds mushy but they're the type of people who would make you believe in soul mates or true passionate love.

But it doesn't come easy. Just when they think they knock over one barrier, something stops them in their tracks.

The cliffhanger was worse than in book one..... I'm left shocked. I need book 3....its a desperate need to know what happens!!!

Please Ms Dennis!!! I hope book 3 is coming soon cos I really need to know!!!

Another fantastic read, thank you!!

[Confessions of a Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

My goodness.....after the way we were left hanging at the end of Cruel Education I didn't know what to expect out of this but I did know what I hoped would happen.

When we last saw Tommy and Isabella she was walking away from him with someone from her past. Tommy is distraught and determined to get her back. Isabella is being told lies about Tommy making her question his feelings for her. She is determined to stay away from him when she gets back to the academy but Tommy has different plans.

The first half of this book is a fantastic back and forth between Tommy and Isabella. The attraction/love is so strong between them but she just struggles with listening to what her heart is telling her and then she finally takes a chance and listens to it. The question is.....is she too late?

I honestly have to leave my review with that because I don't want to give anything away. All of the characters from Cruel Education are here and just as loveable as ever. I was just as sucked into this story as I was the first one and just like the first one this one had my jaw on the floor with the ending. It took a turn I absolutely did not see coming. Now....I am so ready for book three!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy S*#T I am completely blown away by the second book in this series! I didn’t think I could love Tommy anymore then I did but I do and I didn’t think I could be conflicted between two of the men but I am and the ending oh my gosh talk about grabbing your chest and not being able to wrap your head around what happened! This book was everything I needed! I need the 3rd book like now!!

[SiSi ❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC, I enjoyed this one so much! Book one was good but this one is much better and I just know the next one will be even better. This one wasn't slow, it got right to the point. I liked her progress since the first book, how she handled herself in this one. It had such a good story and the further in you get, you really just don't want to stop reading. The spice in this one was great, there's a specific part in there that is just 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
The author definitely knows how to write a great book and I can't wait for the next one!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

*sighs & cries on the inside* this book just like the first has me by the throat in a vice grip. I absolutely loved it! I loved the banter, the twists and turns, the spice, that mystery, and just everything about it. Especially Tommy and Callum. But all I gotta say is no…no..NOOO I do not accept that ending…definitely need a redo 😭😢🥺 this cliffhanger definitely wasn’t nice…so much harder

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶️

This book wrecked me. I loved it and I’ve already told the author…. If I had an actual copy of the book, I’d throw that thing against the wall! I’m still fuming thinking about that ending.

Nicole get me that next book asap!!!

[Reading is not enough · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review: I had the honor to receive this as an ARC and let me start by staying its AMAZING! Being thrown back into Isabella and Tommy story felt like I never left. The book pick right up from where the 1st book ended so you don’t miss a thing. And don’t get me started on the level of spice it was perfection. If your into Mafia romance , touch her and you die vibes and a psycho FC this is definitely a must read

Tik Tok @christynoah101
Amazon: readingisnotenough

[Heather (Heathjeanreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has had me engrossed from the 1st one and the 2nd just amplified it tenfold! Isabella is dealing with ALOT and she handles it (and Tommy 😏) like a boss. This girl is tough af and keeps coming back at you. Its awesome to see how shes continuing to grow as the queen she is. Oh and Tommy, where to start with Tommy.. “But if you come after my car again, it will be your sweet ***** that I destroy in return.”🥵🥵🥵

she is his world and he will bury anyone who gets in his way...literally. “You may be his little princess Isabella. But you will always be my queen. And I am willing to burn his kingdom to the ground to get back what belongs to me.”

I NEED to know what happens next! If you can only read one mafia romance or academy romance make it this one!

[Doc Kay · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm DNFing at 40%. It's not terrible but I'm sick of the "I'm the best at everything and also the hottest" MCs, I was starting to really dislike them and eye rolling a lot. Most of us didn't like the popular kids at school, just sayin. To be fair I doubt I'm the target demographic for this series.

Everybody adores and wants to bone the FMC, who has misplaced her feminism somewhere and is living the cockstruck dream. She went from rebel to soggy simp between books 1and 2. The MMC needs to constantly remind everyone he's the big bad in town, which he reinforces with much glaring, brooding and some growling. He never smiles because that would not be cool, he only smirks. And, of course, he is so very well endowed that the FMC is both trepidatious and delighted. Came off as very YA, characters a bit too 1D and I still have no idea why Tommy developed into the toddler temper tantrum throwing doofus he is (or why all the other characters allow him to behave like a brat all the time).

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished cruel eduction and the next day moved on to vicious lessons. I usually find it difficult to go to a sequel because I lose interest fast and move on to a new book. This book has something fierce in it though because I moved on to it and haven’t been able to focus on anything. This picks up right where the first left off. It’s dual POV between Tommy & Isabella this time and it is wild. It’s violent, and shocking, and super spicy. Everyone has secrets and ulterior motives and Isabella and tommy are trying to stay together but there’s obstacles getting in their way and trying to pull them apart but thank goodness they’re stronger together. My eyes bugged out so many times! I couldn’t believe the spice or the violence, Isabella is angry and unhinged in this book. It moved so fast and I could believe it was already over

[Hilary Barber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning. This is book 2 of an unfinished trilogy. This book was published in Dec 2022. It's Jan 2025 and the author is teasing release of book 3 on tik tok with no date officially announced. It does end on a crazy cliffhanger of two potentially big ish characters unalived.

I really love these characters. There's a few events that I felt could have been refined. And it definitely needs a good edit. But over all the story had me sucked in and that is a 5 star read all day.

I really hope the author can release book 3 before I forget what the entire book is about. So this is for future me: Tommy claims Bella. Crazy things go down. There's a 🐀 in the academy...working with Scott, rival gang? TBD.

[Becky Hensley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the Ravenwood Acadamy Series and if you haven't read book 1 you need to do so now!!! These books must be read in order! This book picks up right where book 1 left off. Nicole brings us right back into the wildfire that is Tommy and Bella. OMG this book is freaking amazing and leaves you wanting more answers than before! I can't wait for book 3!!! I am not going to give any spoilers, but you will be left broken! You are going to have to read it to get all the juicy details and spiciness that is Tommy and Bella and oh the scene with them and Callum! HOT DAMN!! But that ending, I need Book 3 ASAP!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vicious Lessons is such a good read. This book pick's up right where Cruel Education leaves off and it is absolutely amazing!!! ❤️ If you haven’t started this series you should it'sa 5⭐️ read for sure. Tommy and Bella have a lot of challenges and trials in their relationship and how their families effect their lives. The many up's and down's in this book keep you on your toe's. Matteo and Antonio have some very life altering decisions that Isabella has to decide if she is going to go along with or make her own path and choices. I can not wait to see what happens in book 3 after that cliff hanger at the end!! ❤️❤️

[Zai Zai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blooming Nora! I need book 3 like now,now!
I read both books in 12 hours, yes you read that right. I couldn't not read it, it's that good.
There's angst, violence, comedy banter and everything else you could ask for. This is my new favourite author, I'm an avid bookworm and read 1 to 2 books a day. If you think book 1 was a cracker, you're in for a surprise because this is the bomb!
You'll laugh and cry, you'll be rooting for the characters especially the cliffhanger. The cliffhanger left me upset though I can't lie. I'm still hoping for a miracle here though. Can't wait for the next book.

[Kiani Cosper · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best, most addicting mafia book I've ever read. I absolutely love the spice and the story line is even better. Tommy is absolute soulmate goals, and the supporting characters are just as relevant in the book, and I love that. I completely devoured this book, and when I finished, I opened it back up and reread it again because I loved it so much. Nicole has done it again and has left me feigning for more. I cannot wait for the last installment of this series and can't wait to see what this author continues to write, because her style is everything I've ever wanted in a book. it has the perfect amount of spice and wit; you cannot put it down!

[Tracy Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not okay… The 2nd installment picks up right where the cliffhanger left us in book 1. Ms. Isabella seems to fight with herself this book and learning to grown into the badass Queen that she is. Throughout the book we learn more about Isabella’s family ties along with seeing a vulnerable side of her and how she struggles to over-comes her vulnerabilities. This book will leave you wanting more and questioning everything and will leave you broken for a short time…but it is so worth it!

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Ravenwood Academy series. I will say that you must read book one before starting the second book. It picks up where the cliffhanger leaves us in book one. I enjoyed reading this series and was so invested with each page turning. This story had me going through so many emotions between the action and spice. Please check the trigger warnings before reading. I highly recommend this book series and this author. Amazing book! I can not wait to read the next book.

[Corrine Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has me in a choke hold. Once again absolutely blown away by Nicole’s writing. She continue to keeps me coming back for more even though these cliff hangers are killer, but i am trusting the process. I think i enjoyed this book even more then book 1 which i did not think was possible. I enjoyed The chemistry, witty banter, of course the spice. Isabella seemed to grow more into herself in this book. I will be waiting over here in a corner in agony for book 3.

[Crazy4bookscruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took me a minute to read the book because wow the range of emotions it illicited from me was extensive!
This was captivating the moment you open it… just beautiful work. I am still shocked with how it ended so this is hard to write but I was so impressed with the writing and the story and plot. The characters are still the ones you love from book 1 but it just gets better the spiciness has amped and aren’t they fun.
I will be crying my way through the time til book 3 comes out!!

[Lorelei Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been looking forward to this book since the moment I finished book 1 and omg it did not disappoint.

Tommy & Isabella are #couplegoals... Tommy is alpha, aggressive and controlling; Isabella is sassy and fires back at Tommy in the best way... I love their interactions so much.

The story here is so great and I can't wait for book 3. Beware, the author like to torture with quite the cliffhangers and this book lives up to that.

Loved it so much and need book 3, like... now!

[Sara Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing story that unfortunately (for the addicted reader) ends on another cliffhanger! This story pulls your emotions every which way. The way that Tommy fights tooth and nail to get Isabella back is heart warming! The ending is totally gut wrenching though!

Long story short I loved this book just as I did the first one! You won’t be disappointed in continuing this series if you haven’t already!

[JuJu · Rating 4 out of 5]

⚔️Vicious Lessons⚔️

I won't go over the blurb as you can read in the description. 🧐🤔
ℝ𝕒𝕧𝕖𝕟𝕨𝕠𝕠𝕕 𝔸𝕔𝕒𝕕𝕖𝕞𝕪 𝕊𝕖𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕤
1. Cruel Education
2. Vicious Lessons

- Mafia
- Academy
- Slow burn
- MF
- Amazing Spice
- Toxic dark romance
- Angst
Great read had all you need in it recommend the read.📖
Thank you, Nicole Dennis💐
Story 📚📚📚📚
Characters ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶🌶🌶🌶
#CruelEducation #RavenwoodAcademySeries #NicoleDennis #IsabellaAndTommy #MF #Mafia #Academy #Spice #Angst #Adult #Triggers #GreatStart #TW

[Natasha books.are.myescape · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ 4🌶️
This book gave me all the feels. I love a good mafia romance and this book checked off all the boxes. Tommy is the definition of touch and her 💀 The possessiveness he had over Isabella was 🤌🏼 And Isabella was such a bad a$$ FMC. I was on the edge of my seat reading this. It left me wanting more. Highly recommend reading it. It’s book 2 in the Ravenwood Academy series.