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The Darkwood Academy #3
From the Flames
Dear Kings, All three of you have a hold on my heart. I imagined our future, years from now, and the four of us living our best lives. It would be filled with nothing but love and happiness. Maybe we would marry, have kids, or even travel the world. Whatever it was, we would be doing it together. But that can never happen. My life is spiraling out of control. My sleep is haunted by nightmares, and any thoughts I had of the future are merely wishes that won’t come true. My life has an expiration date. The only thing I can do now is try to survive tomorrow. Daxon, Mason, and Colton, you all are my heart pieces. I’m just sorry I will never get a chance to live out my dreams with you. Love, Phoenix
This is a dark bully romance, and there are dark themes throughout the book. This book contains strong subject matter that may not be suitable for all readers, including scenes that may depict, mention, or discuss triggering elements such abduction, abusive relationship, anxiety, assault, attempted murder, blood, bullying, death, depression, emotional abuse, fire, kidnapping, murder, physical abuse, r-pe, self-harm, sexual abuse, sexual assault, slut shaming, stalking, starvation, suicide, violence. Recommended 18+
This is a dark bully romance, and there are dark themes throughout the book. This book contains strong subject matter that may not be suitable for all readers, including scenes that may depict, mention, or discuss triggering elements such abduction, abusive relationship, anxiety, assault, attempted murder, blood, bullying, death, depression, emotional abuse, fire, kidnapping, murder, physical abuse, r-pe, self-harm, sexual abuse, sexual assault, slut shaming, stalking, starvation, suicide, violence. Recommended 18+
387 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
September 20, 2025
⚠️CHECK TW’S BEFORE READING⚠️
Omg I loved this series so much! Like I actually have no words to express how much this series affected me. In total the whole trilogy took me 2 days to finish. Yes, two days that’s how good these books are.
Everything about it was chefs kiss. The characters, relationships, and plot were all phenomenal! I usually have a favorite guy when it comes to reverse harem but I honestly loved all of the guys so much. They were truly in love with Phoenix, like I’m talking full on lay my life down for you. They were there after the horrific abuse she suffered, lending her strength and love.
And don’t even get me started on their snuggle sessions!
Loved every second of it, 100% recommend!
Omg I loved this series so much! Like I actually have no words to express how much this series affected me. In total the whole trilogy took me 2 days to finish. Yes, two days that’s how good these books are.
Everything about it was chefs kiss. The characters, relationships, and plot were all phenomenal! I usually have a favorite guy when it comes to reverse harem but I honestly loved all of the guys so much. They were truly in love with Phoenix, like I’m talking full on lay my life down for you. They were there after the horrific abuse she suffered, lending her strength and love.
And don’t even get me started on their snuggle sessions!
Loved every second of it, 100% recommend!
June 8, 2023
Woooooow okay! This is by far the best book of the series! I couldn't pick a favorite guy if you asked me too. I LOVE THEM ALL. My jaw was on the floor half the time reading this...🤯🤯 Highly highly recommend reading but please check your trigger warnings as this is a dark romance. But boy is it worth it, the emotional roller coast this series took me one! It was unique and a stand out read. I cannot wait to see what is next from this author.
May 5, 2023
Best book of the series!!!! Hands down in the top 3 favorite reads of the year! I literally nwas consumed by Phoenix, Dax,Colton,and Mason.... From day one I was a Dax girl but damn Colton came out of nowhere and knocked Dax down! 5 stars is barely touching the surface with this! 100/100 would recommend! The spice and twist and turns will have you obsessed! Chefs kiss !!!
June 8, 2025
now this was the 5 star book of the trilogy, perfect!! hard fought HEA!
the character development of mmcs was excellent.
the character development of mmcs was excellent.
November 28, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
I rounded up to 4 on this because I really liked the rest of the series. And, I did enjoy this book. The problem was there were just too many scenes of Phoenix making stupid decisions which put her directly in harms way. They were written in a plain as day way which was lazy writing imo 😐. With the torment she had been through NO WAY would she have been putting herself in those situations so soon.
What I did enjoy was that these teenage characters clearly didn’t know what they were doing a lot of the time and they knew it. They were not written at an intelligence level higher than what they with be.
I liked Phoenix’s spirit despite all the hits that kept coming. And her breakdowns were well written. The boys were also written with genuine emotional reactions to what Phoenix was going through and I loved that. Imagine … an author that lets boys cry 🥹.
Anyhow I would highly recommend this series. Loved the epilogue.
I rounded up to 4 on this because I really liked the rest of the series. And, I did enjoy this book. The problem was there were just too many scenes of Phoenix making stupid decisions which put her directly in harms way. They were written in a plain as day way which was lazy writing imo 😐. With the torment she had been through NO WAY would she have been putting herself in those situations so soon.
What I did enjoy was that these teenage characters clearly didn’t know what they were doing a lot of the time and they knew it. They were not written at an intelligence level higher than what they with be.
I liked Phoenix’s spirit despite all the hits that kept coming. And her breakdowns were well written. The boys were also written with genuine emotional reactions to what Phoenix was going through and I loved that. Imagine … an author that lets boys cry 🥹.
Anyhow I would highly recommend this series. Loved the epilogue.
July 10, 2023
No…unfortunately no. The characters were so predictable as was the plot. The dialogue was cringy. The smut was good, and I’m all for a mindless smut book but this one did not have me invested. And I just wanted all of the boys to get away - they were responsible for horrible things that happened to her and then smothered her to make up for it. I skimmed a lot because I just couldn’t.
If you’re looking for a mindless read with trauma and a lot of foursomes then this is for you. (I get it I do) But if you’re looking for a great plot with your smut - this ain’t it. Y’all have got to stop hyping series that aren’t meeting the hype. 🤨
Out of the three books, book 2 was the strongest plot wise.
If you’re looking for a mindless read with trauma and a lot of foursomes then this is for you. (I get it I do) But if you’re looking for a great plot with your smut - this ain’t it. Y’all have got to stop hyping series that aren’t meeting the hype. 🤨
Out of the three books, book 2 was the strongest plot wise.
May 24, 2023
Whew!!! Ok just like my last warnings if you haven’t already read From the Ashes (book1) and From the Darkness (book2) STOP!! Go back and read those two first as this is the last of the trilogy!! This book like the last picks up from where the previous had ended, really loved the closure on this series goes into detail about tons of stuff that were lacking in the second book. Answers are given so relax lol. This book still is a rocky ride through Phoenix’s life but does have a beautiful bow at the end!! Again great work by Lynn Rhys as I once told her; “Such an awesome ending you did great with this trilogy as hard as it is to end their story it lives on through the pages of a book. You should be very proud of this masterpiece. Now go out there and make more!!” Thanks again Lynn and keep it up!!
June 7, 2023
A Hard Fought HEA
WOW!!! This trilogy has put me through the ringer. This was one of those stories where things got worse before they got better. Our FMC Phoenix has gone through so much in her young life that no grown woman would have survived. She was strong, fierce, vulnerable and even when she was ready to give up completely, she was able to dig deep and find a little more grit to keep fighting.
This book hit on some real issues. After everything Phoenix has endured: Abandonment, Bullying, Humiliation, Heartache, Assault, Abduction, R*pe, Death threats, failed Suicide attempts and overall PTSD she STILL continued to fight. Fight for her life, fight for freedom as well as fight for LOVE.
Dax, Mason and Colton has come a long way from book 1. These guys were absolutely TERRIBLE to Phoenix but slowly we watched them go from Tormentor to Protector. Watching the guys fight to help Phoenix and keep her safe was endearing and stressful, simply because they played a small part in the h*ll her life has become.
Phoenix went from victim to VICTOR!!! As time went on she became stronger and stronger. Not knowing who to trust she relied on herself until she needed the strength of Dax, Mason and Colton.
Phoenix, Dax, Mason, Colton trusted no one because everyone turned out to be enemies. With the help of a surprising ally the guys had assurance that Phoenix always had someone watching her back
Seeing Phoenix's enemies become her footstool was chef's kiss!!! It was a long road troaden but to see her bullies fall like dominos and get what they had coming to them was EPIC!!!
I am so happy to see Phoenix finally, FINALLY get her HEA. I'm so happy the guys helped her to take down their evil father's as well as the Mafia and fight for their HEA with Phoenix.
This was an Amazing trilogy. Full of Angst, Spice, Heartache, Pain and above all else Love!!!!
WOW!!! This trilogy has put me through the ringer. This was one of those stories where things got worse before they got better. Our FMC Phoenix has gone through so much in her young life that no grown woman would have survived. She was strong, fierce, vulnerable and even when she was ready to give up completely, she was able to dig deep and find a little more grit to keep fighting.
This book hit on some real issues. After everything Phoenix has endured: Abandonment, Bullying, Humiliation, Heartache, Assault, Abduction, R*pe, Death threats, failed Suicide attempts and overall PTSD she STILL continued to fight. Fight for her life, fight for freedom as well as fight for LOVE.
Dax, Mason and Colton has come a long way from book 1. These guys were absolutely TERRIBLE to Phoenix but slowly we watched them go from Tormentor to Protector. Watching the guys fight to help Phoenix and keep her safe was endearing and stressful, simply because they played a small part in the h*ll her life has become.
Phoenix went from victim to VICTOR!!! As time went on she became stronger and stronger. Not knowing who to trust she relied on herself until she needed the strength of Dax, Mason and Colton.
Phoenix, Dax, Mason, Colton trusted no one because everyone turned out to be enemies. With the help of a surprising ally the guys had assurance that Phoenix always had someone watching her back
Seeing Phoenix's enemies become her footstool was chef's kiss!!! It was a long road troaden but to see her bullies fall like dominos and get what they had coming to them was EPIC!!!
I am so happy to see Phoenix finally, FINALLY get her HEA. I'm so happy the guys helped her to take down their evil father's as well as the Mafia and fight for their HEA with Phoenix.
This was an Amazing trilogy. Full of Angst, Spice, Heartache, Pain and above all else Love!!!!
June 5, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
“No. No buts. You are a fucking fighter. You clawed your way out of that hell that Justin kept you in.”
“I burned the place down.”
Dax shrugs. “Doesn’t matter. You still fought. You didn’t stop fighting until you made sure he was fucking burning in hell. You fought. You won. You’re my fierce-as-fuck spitfire.”
Phoenix and the boys get their HEA in this final book in The Darkwood Academy trilogy. It was a hard-fought win for the four, with Phoenix’s already precarious emotional state shattered from the torture at her stalker’s hands, but the boys are there every moment of her recovery, even when she runs, to prove their love.
I have been emotionally invested in Phoenix’s journey, her pain, and her loss. I cheered when she freed herself from Justin Luciano at the end of the last book. I ached as she faltered, trying to come to terms with what happened to her, wanting to protect the boys by keeping the truth from them, and letting the ghosts win. Lynn always does such a great job making the pain real, and I relished feeling everything along with her characters.
The boys’ behavior was almost a complete 180⁰ from before. They embraced the hurt/comfort lifestyle, almost to the point that I find them too sensitive. I almost missed their bloodthirst from the earlier books. Luckily they recovered their grit in the end.
Every book has ratcheted up the spice, with this final book reaching molten levels. After treating Phoenix with kid gloves for longer than she would like, the group scenes come out in force. Phoenix used sex as a Band-Aid to heal her soul. I never imagined I would say this, but I would have preferred fewer scenes with all the guys involved. Instead, I would have liked to see more MF pairings with greater emotional connection.
I loved this trilogy and have already recommended it many, many times to readers looking for a dark bully romance that will rip your heart out. It is one I plan on owning in multiple formats.
Highly recommended.
Genre: Dark Bully Academy Romance
Tropes/Features: intense bullying (emotional and physical), enemies to lovers, mafia, secret society, damaged FMC, OTT possessive MMCs, hurt/comfort, touch her and die, stalker
Narrator: Multi 1st Person POV
Relationship Type: Why Choose – MFMM, fast burn, high steam, group scenes galore
Book Type/Ending: Book Three in The Darkwood Academy Series. HEA (must read previous two books)
TW/CW: Listed in Author’s Note, please view before reading book
“No. No buts. You are a fucking fighter. You clawed your way out of that hell that Justin kept you in.”
“I burned the place down.”
Dax shrugs. “Doesn’t matter. You still fought. You didn’t stop fighting until you made sure he was fucking burning in hell. You fought. You won. You’re my fierce-as-fuck spitfire.”
Phoenix and the boys get their HEA in this final book in The Darkwood Academy trilogy. It was a hard-fought win for the four, with Phoenix’s already precarious emotional state shattered from the torture at her stalker’s hands, but the boys are there every moment of her recovery, even when she runs, to prove their love.
I have been emotionally invested in Phoenix’s journey, her pain, and her loss. I cheered when she freed herself from Justin Luciano at the end of the last book. I ached as she faltered, trying to come to terms with what happened to her, wanting to protect the boys by keeping the truth from them, and letting the ghosts win. Lynn always does such a great job making the pain real, and I relished feeling everything along with her characters.
The boys’ behavior was almost a complete 180⁰ from before. They embraced the hurt/comfort lifestyle, almost to the point that I find them too sensitive. I almost missed their bloodthirst from the earlier books. Luckily they recovered their grit in the end.
Every book has ratcheted up the spice, with this final book reaching molten levels. After treating Phoenix with kid gloves for longer than she would like, the group scenes come out in force. Phoenix used sex as a Band-Aid to heal her soul. I never imagined I would say this, but I would have preferred fewer scenes with all the guys involved. Instead, I would have liked to see more MF pairings with greater emotional connection.
I loved this trilogy and have already recommended it many, many times to readers looking for a dark bully romance that will rip your heart out. It is one I plan on owning in multiple formats.
Highly recommended.
Genre: Dark Bully Academy Romance
Tropes/Features: intense bullying (emotional and physical), enemies to lovers, mafia, secret society, damaged FMC, OTT possessive MMCs, hurt/comfort, touch her and die, stalker
Narrator: Multi 1st Person POV
Relationship Type: Why Choose – MFMM, fast burn, high steam, group scenes galore
Book Type/Ending: Book Three in The Darkwood Academy Series. HEA (must read previous two books)
TW/CW: Listed in Author’s Note, please view before reading book
May 30, 2023
from the flames by lynn rhys
3/5⭐
1/5 🌶️
Tropes
- traumatised fmc
- why choose
- willingly to die for her
- protective mmc’s
📖 My Thoughts
I can honestly say that I have enjoyed reading this series. The mental health aspect of this series was/is my favourite plot points of this series. The darker side to some mental health illnesses are brought to the forefront in this series and the reader is forced to learn some very dark but honest truth about it. However, book three did fall a bit flat on that aspect. It got a bit repetitive when it came to the aftermath of phoenix’s trauma. That’s not to say that it was bad rep, in the beginning it is very strong and well written but at about halfway through there comes a repetitive aspect of it. I do wish that there were other aspects of ptsd used to reflect the mental health disorder.
However when it comes to overall story/plot, I enjoyed the ride. Mostly the love interests.
I loved how caring and protective the mmc love interests were. They were so patient and aware of the things they’d have to face when it came to the aftermath of the events their love went though. Although this was a work of fiction, I can’t help but love and admire the nature of these men and how lucky phoenix was to have that. lynn rhys essentially says “although your mental health may be dark and a battle, you still deserve support and love”.
You get to see phoenix at her darkest and her fighting for the light at the end of the tunnel. I enjoyed getting to see her HEA. And that plot twist? I did not see that coming!
⚠️ Triggers
trauma, ptsd, gun violence, violence, arson/fire, alcoholism, physical/emotional/sexual assault, self-harm (there are likely more than listed so please read the authors note at the beginning of this novel)
🏳️🌈 Representation
N/A
🌶️ Spice
I give this particular installment a 1 on the spice scale. This novel is very character driven and plot focused. Going that direction was an important and good decision in order to give these characters a proper story.
📝 Special Notes
I decided to rate this story as a 3/5 because although it was a good story and the characters were done well, I found this particular story to not be as good as the second book and the end of the first book. Something about those two books were just so good to the point were I reread them several times.
I would recommend this story however. It’s amazing and I wish I could read it for the first time again.
I was given an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Link to Book
this book releases on june 6, 2023
this book will be available on ku.
From the Flames (The Darkwood Academy Series Book 3) https://a.co/d/5oRz23T
3/5⭐
1/5 🌶️
Tropes
- traumatised fmc
- why choose
- willingly to die for her
- protective mmc’s
📖 My Thoughts
I can honestly say that I have enjoyed reading this series. The mental health aspect of this series was/is my favourite plot points of this series. The darker side to some mental health illnesses are brought to the forefront in this series and the reader is forced to learn some very dark but honest truth about it. However, book three did fall a bit flat on that aspect. It got a bit repetitive when it came to the aftermath of phoenix’s trauma. That’s not to say that it was bad rep, in the beginning it is very strong and well written but at about halfway through there comes a repetitive aspect of it. I do wish that there were other aspects of ptsd used to reflect the mental health disorder.
However when it comes to overall story/plot, I enjoyed the ride. Mostly the love interests.
I loved how caring and protective the mmc love interests were. They were so patient and aware of the things they’d have to face when it came to the aftermath of the events their love went though. Although this was a work of fiction, I can’t help but love and admire the nature of these men and how lucky phoenix was to have that. lynn rhys essentially says “although your mental health may be dark and a battle, you still deserve support and love”.
You get to see phoenix at her darkest and her fighting for the light at the end of the tunnel. I enjoyed getting to see her HEA. And that plot twist? I did not see that coming!
⚠️ Triggers
trauma, ptsd, gun violence, violence, arson/fire, alcoholism, physical/emotional/sexual assault, self-harm (there are likely more than listed so please read the authors note at the beginning of this novel)
🏳️🌈 Representation
N/A
🌶️ Spice
I give this particular installment a 1 on the spice scale. This novel is very character driven and plot focused. Going that direction was an important and good decision in order to give these characters a proper story.
📝 Special Notes
I decided to rate this story as a 3/5 because although it was a good story and the characters were done well, I found this particular story to not be as good as the second book and the end of the first book. Something about those two books were just so good to the point were I reread them several times.
I would recommend this story however. It’s amazing and I wish I could read it for the first time again.
I was given an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Link to Book
this book releases on june 6, 2023
this book will be available on ku.
From the Flames (The Darkwood Academy Series Book 3) https://a.co/d/5oRz23T
June 4, 2023
The last book in the Darkwood Academy series about Phoenix, Dax, Mase and Colt.
They finally get their HEA, but nothing comes easy to them, they have to overcome a lot to finally be free and happy.
The end of the second book wrecked me, so I was really curious how this book would begin. So, from page was I was on the edge of my seat, and Miss Rhys put so much in this book, that I was kept on the edge the entire time. Sometimes I was thinking ‘why, why does this have to happen?’ but that makes the story even better. There is a lot of suspense in this book, and that makes is it even darker.
And the twist near the end, nope did not see that one coming.
But I’m sad to see them go, I was already devastated at the end of book one and two (both with major cliffhangers), but now that they all found their HEA, it’s even harder to let them go. I would really want to know what happens next for them.
They finally get their HEA, but nothing comes easy to them, they have to overcome a lot to finally be free and happy.
The end of the second book wrecked me, so I was really curious how this book would begin. So, from page was I was on the edge of my seat, and Miss Rhys put so much in this book, that I was kept on the edge the entire time. Sometimes I was thinking ‘why, why does this have to happen?’ but that makes the story even better. There is a lot of suspense in this book, and that makes is it even darker.
And the twist near the end, nope did not see that one coming.
But I’m sad to see them go, I was already devastated at the end of book one and two (both with major cliffhangers), but now that they all found their HEA, it’s even harder to let them go. I would really want to know what happens next for them.
June 5, 2023
Fantastic Conclusion!!
This book picked up right where book 2 left off. So, from the start it grabs your attention and it keeps you on the edge of your seat.
This was also quite the roller-coaster, with all the twists and turns. Rest assured, we do get answers and things are explained.
We also got suspense, steam, lots of emotions and so much more!!
Phoenix truly does rise from the flames. She goes through some horrible things, but she survives and becomes so much stronger.
Mason, Daxon and Colton step it up in this book. They prove they really care and are all in.
With the help of her men, Phoenix is able to overcome and conquer her demons.
I think the author did a fantastic job of tying everything up and giving them the HEA they deserve!
This book picked up right where book 2 left off. So, from the start it grabs your attention and it keeps you on the edge of your seat.
This was also quite the roller-coaster, with all the twists and turns. Rest assured, we do get answers and things are explained.
We also got suspense, steam, lots of emotions and so much more!!
Phoenix truly does rise from the flames. She goes through some horrible things, but she survives and becomes so much stronger.
Mason, Daxon and Colton step it up in this book. They prove they really care and are all in.
With the help of her men, Phoenix is able to overcome and conquer her demons.
I think the author did a fantastic job of tying everything up and giving them the HEA they deserve!
June 7, 2023
Aahhhh oh my gosh this was such a great series!! This is the third book in this trilogy!! & it starts right where it left off in book two!! So if you haven’t read the first two books you need to!!
Oh my gosh did this book have me on an emotional roller coaster!! Aahhhh I just couldn’t get enough!! With everything Phoenix has been through oh my gosh!! She is soooo dang strong!! I love her character & her men!! Aahhh sooooo good!! 🥰
This Series is a must read!!! But make sure you read the trigger warnings!!!♥️🖤
Oh my gosh did this book have me on an emotional roller coaster!! Aahhhh I just couldn’t get enough!! With everything Phoenix has been through oh my gosh!! She is soooo dang strong!! I love her character & her men!! Aahhh sooooo good!! 🥰
This Series is a must read!!! But make sure you read the trigger warnings!!!♥️🖤
March 2, 2024
A Phoenix Arises
Awesome.
Phoenix has once again survived, and her Kings are right alongside her. More truths, More dangerous situations. More love. More hate. They are joined by Drew and Brooke as everyone who isn't trying to hurt Phoenix tries to protect her.
Somehow, despite stretching my belief to the limit Rhys pulls off this awesome trilogy. I was obsessed with the story, and Phoenix's survival, and things took me by surprise, despite my being positive I knew what was happening.
Scary, and sexy, this is well worth reading.
Awesome.
Phoenix has once again survived, and her Kings are right alongside her. More truths, More dangerous situations. More love. More hate. They are joined by Drew and Brooke as everyone who isn't trying to hurt Phoenix tries to protect her.
Somehow, despite stretching my belief to the limit Rhys pulls off this awesome trilogy. I was obsessed with the story, and Phoenix's survival, and things took me by surprise, despite my being positive I knew what was happening.
Scary, and sexy, this is well worth reading.
May 30, 2023
This is book three of the Darkwood Academy Series and also the conclusion of the story.
The plot picks up right where the second book leaves off. Honestly, I love this series but I had quite a bit of trouble getting into the book at first which is why my rating is a 4,5 but I rounded it up to 5, because the ending more than makes up for it!
There's a lot of action and twists and turns, but also a lot of trauma and ptds and violence, so please be aware of triggers.
Phoenix made me a bit mad in this book because she continued to go places on her own whilst knowing it wasn't safe. I get why, but come on :D And I think the guys could grovel a bit more every once in a while and not go full alpha a$$ all the time.
I seriously loved the addition of Drew, someone like him was very much needed :)
All over this is a really good series and I would recommend it to anyone who likes smutty, very dark, reverse harem.
Thank you Lynn for having me on your team! I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
The plot picks up right where the second book leaves off. Honestly, I love this series but I had quite a bit of trouble getting into the book at first which is why my rating is a 4,5 but I rounded it up to 5, because the ending more than makes up for it!
There's a lot of action and twists and turns, but also a lot of trauma and ptds and violence, so please be aware of triggers.
Phoenix made me a bit mad in this book because she continued to go places on her own whilst knowing it wasn't safe. I get why, but come on :D And I think the guys could grovel a bit more every once in a while and not go full alpha a$$ all the time.
I seriously loved the addition of Drew, someone like him was very much needed :)
All over this is a really good series and I would recommend it to anyone who likes smutty, very dark, reverse harem.
Thank you Lynn for having me on your team! I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
June 2, 2023
TRIGGER WARNING! I received an advanced arc copy for my honest review.
Wow what a way to end this series, and talk about an emotional rollercoaster the book starts out with a very intense triggering scene but if definitely builds the book. The fmc Phoenix has survived a tragic life experience but she didn't come out unscathed, will her guys be able to help her move on with her life and protect her like they promised or will Phoenix Self destruct. This was an incredible story and this was an epic ending in my eyes. I would definitely recommend this series 100% as long as you are ok with reading about rape and abuse and it comes up throughout the book. Happy reading!
Wow what a way to end this series, and talk about an emotional rollercoaster the book starts out with a very intense triggering scene but if definitely builds the book. The fmc Phoenix has survived a tragic life experience but she didn't come out unscathed, will her guys be able to help her move on with her life and protect her like they promised or will Phoenix Self destruct. This was an incredible story and this was an epic ending in my eyes. I would definitely recommend this series 100% as long as you are ok with reading about rape and abuse and it comes up throughout the book. Happy reading!
December 26, 2024
3/5 🌟
4/5 🌶️
I feel like this book was more sex scenes than story and I started to not feel bad for phoenix due to the fact that SHE KEPT PUTTING HERSELF IN BAD SITUATIONS. Like jeez girl. Learn how to fight or something instead of playing damsel in distress and the times that she did find a punch or two she was always stopped. Once the author remembered she had a story to finish it was good though. It took about 300 pages to get to that point though
4/5 🌶️
I feel like this book was more sex scenes than story and I started to not feel bad for phoenix due to the fact that SHE KEPT PUTTING HERSELF IN BAD SITUATIONS. Like jeez girl. Learn how to fight or something instead of playing damsel in distress and the times that she did find a punch or two she was always stopped. Once the author remembered she had a story to finish it was good though. It took about 300 pages to get to that point though
April 6, 2024
I really hate this book, it's really predictable, the FMC acts like a spoiled child and I had to skip a lot of chapters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2023
4.5
I can't believe this is the last book in the series 💔 In a way I'm happy bc that means my girl Phoenix got her happy ending but at the same time I'm not ready to say goodbye to her and her men.
If you read the first two books you already know the hell Phoenix goes through. It doesn't get better in this one. She's still going through A LOT while dealing with everything that happened WHILE finally learning all the secrets that were kept from her.
I felt like Lynn Rhys did a good job with writing the perfect ending for them while also being able to tie up loose ends. This book was definitely a ride 😭 there was a couple of stuff that happened that had me shocked to my core, like never in a million years did I assume certain things were gonna happen.
We also go introduced to Drew who became one of my favorite characters. Love this man dearly and he's really everything that Phoenix needed in a friend.
After everything that happened to Phoenix in the last book she was very traumatized at the beginning of this one. As strong and resilient as she is I felt like her character didn't really deal with everything. One minute she was terrified and could barely talk and all of a sudden she's the old Phoenix again and standing up for herself. I just would have liked to see her journey as she dealt with everything.
Ngl I need a bonus chapter set 10 years in the future or something 😭 I want to read more about Phoenix and her men just being happy and living a normal carefree life.
I can't believe this is the last book in the series 💔 In a way I'm happy bc that means my girl Phoenix got her happy ending but at the same time I'm not ready to say goodbye to her and her men.
If you read the first two books you already know the hell Phoenix goes through. It doesn't get better in this one. She's still going through A LOT while dealing with everything that happened WHILE finally learning all the secrets that were kept from her.
I felt like Lynn Rhys did a good job with writing the perfect ending for them while also being able to tie up loose ends. This book was definitely a ride 😭 there was a couple of stuff that happened that had me shocked to my core, like never in a million years did I assume certain things were gonna happen.
We also go introduced to Drew who became one of my favorite characters. Love this man dearly and he's really everything that Phoenix needed in a friend.
After everything that happened to Phoenix in the last book she was very traumatized at the beginning of this one. As strong and resilient as she is I felt like her character didn't really deal with everything. One minute she was terrified and could barely talk and all of a sudden she's the old Phoenix again and standing up for herself. I just would have liked to see her journey as she dealt with everything.
Ngl I need a bonus chapter set 10 years in the future or something 😭 I want to read more about Phoenix and her men just being happy and living a normal carefree life.
May 22, 2023
This book was dark and brutal, Phoenix is put through the wringer but with Daxon, Mason, and Colton by her side she continues to rise from the fire as the Queen she is.
The complex storyline keeps you on the edge of your chair, the mafia, the unknown enemies, the flashbacks, the danger. The mystery and suspense is phenomenally written, I honestly could not put this book down. I found myself second guessing all the characters to make sure they weren’t the bad guys.
The detail and emotion written into the story had me in tears in parts. Then those steamy scenes - 🥵 hot AF! (Oh and numerous, this book has lots of steam)
Loved the guys and their love for Nix and her love for them, even Mason’s future wrinkled balls.
Phoenix herself is such a multilayered character, while she has a softer side I loved how she stepped up for herself and called their bluff. Her inner monologue was perfection.
This book had me completely captivated, I’m obsessed with this author’s style of writing. I’m sad this series has come to the end, even such a beautifully perfect ending that it does.
The complex storyline keeps you on the edge of your chair, the mafia, the unknown enemies, the flashbacks, the danger. The mystery and suspense is phenomenally written, I honestly could not put this book down. I found myself second guessing all the characters to make sure they weren’t the bad guys.
The detail and emotion written into the story had me in tears in parts. Then those steamy scenes - 🥵 hot AF! (Oh and numerous, this book has lots of steam)
Loved the guys and their love for Nix and her love for them, even Mason’s future wrinkled balls.
Phoenix herself is such a multilayered character, while she has a softer side I loved how she stepped up for herself and called their bluff. Her inner monologue was perfection.
This book had me completely captivated, I’m obsessed with this author’s style of writing. I’m sad this series has come to the end, even such a beautifully perfect ending that it does.
May 22, 2023
I absolutely am in love with Phoenix and her Kings. The strength she has to move forward is amazing. She has to mentally and emotionally overcome so much and she realizes she needs help. That alone is the best as so many people hide from needing therapy. The spice is perfect and I am so happy and upset this is the end of the series.
Lynn Rhys has written a powerful story of overcoming mental health issues, family drama, and being strong enough to follow your path. The mental health issues are well researched and appropriately used and acted on in the story.
This series has not just amazing spice and connection but a story that keeps you are the edge of your seat over the course of all three books.
Lynn Rhys has written a powerful story of overcoming mental health issues, family drama, and being strong enough to follow your path. The mental health issues are well researched and appropriately used and acted on in the story.
This series has not just amazing spice and connection but a story that keeps you are the edge of your seat over the course of all three books.
August 22, 2023
burn baby burn
… the memory of this series right out of my brain.
This wasn’t for me. I liked some of the zingers, but I overall wasn’t a fan of the characters, the plot, or the writing. Like I had to skim read the series, only bc my psycho brain doesn’t let me not finish a series once I start, and that was still painful. The story was kept going off the rails, we kept getting introduced to characters as they came out of the woodwork, the Villians were literal caricatures, the main FMC had no part in taking back her power or turning the tables. She just gets dumped on, attacked, and tortured for 3 books, cries a lot mostly about being alone and no one saving her or protecting her, and maybe makes 2 measly attempts at hitting back.
I’m not into the love story - these guys fall madly in love with this girl after tormenting her for no reason (I guess because she tolerates the abuse? She doesn’t “break” … but also doesn’t do much of anything else either) and she’s just too attracted to them that she loves them despite everything they put her through without any sort of grovel period. Nope. I get that this is a bully romance and doing it well is def not always easy but this was a total miss for me. The relationships were inauthentic also in part bc they were severely underdeveloped, everyone just went from 0 to 100. I really don’t even understand where phoenix and colts relationship even came from.
To make matters worse … Ohio state?!?!? I can’t.L
I will say that i appreciate that the plot was at least explained at the end, some books don’t even do that and leave you to guess at all the loose threads. The plot had a lot of potential, it just was not executed well.
I did think the FMC was funny and I really wanted to like this.
… the memory of this series right out of my brain.
This wasn’t for me. I liked some of the zingers, but I overall wasn’t a fan of the characters, the plot, or the writing. Like I had to skim read the series, only bc my psycho brain doesn’t let me not finish a series once I start, and that was still painful. The story was kept going off the rails, we kept getting introduced to characters as they came out of the woodwork, the Villians were literal caricatures, the main FMC had no part in taking back her power or turning the tables. She just gets dumped on, attacked, and tortured for 3 books, cries a lot mostly about being alone and no one saving her or protecting her, and maybe makes 2 measly attempts at hitting back.
I’m not into the love story - these guys fall madly in love with this girl after tormenting her for no reason (I guess because she tolerates the abuse? She doesn’t “break” … but also doesn’t do much of anything else either) and she’s just too attracted to them that she loves them despite everything they put her through without any sort of grovel period. Nope. I get that this is a bully romance and doing it well is def not always easy but this was a total miss for me. The relationships were inauthentic also in part bc they were severely underdeveloped, everyone just went from 0 to 100. I really don’t even understand where phoenix and colts relationship even came from.
To make matters worse … Ohio state?!?!? I can’t.L
I will say that i appreciate that the plot was at least explained at the end, some books don’t even do that and leave you to guess at all the loose threads. The plot had a lot of potential, it just was not executed well.
I did think the FMC was funny and I really wanted to like this.
May 8, 2023
After a long time, I got to read a book in one sitting and I definitely utilized it to Devour this admirable conclusion to Phoenix’s story. The story started where it left off in book two and those few pages were like sitting on the edge to just get the update.
The emotions were spiraling all the way, some good and some sad but worth it By the end of it. I loved the first book a lot and this one came close to that level of emotions. Each book in the trilogy has different focus points that bring out a different feeling and I love how well Lynn makes that happen.
The book is easy to read and surprised me with the climax, I was expecting something like that but not in literal terms which I applaud. Lynn had a way of making my insides flutter with her spiciness in stories and Dax, Colt, and Mason made every bit pleasurable to read.
The Kings have come a long way in the series and I really appreciate how they are treating Phoenix, their character growth is wow but the strength of the FMC is just beautiful. She literally rises from the ashes just like her namesake.
Just a suggestion that do read the books in order and read the triggers warning first.
It’s a 4.5⭐️ for me.
The emotions were spiraling all the way, some good and some sad but worth it By the end of it. I loved the first book a lot and this one came close to that level of emotions. Each book in the trilogy has different focus points that bring out a different feeling and I love how well Lynn makes that happen.
The book is easy to read and surprised me with the climax, I was expecting something like that but not in literal terms which I applaud. Lynn had a way of making my insides flutter with her spiciness in stories and Dax, Colt, and Mason made every bit pleasurable to read.
The Kings have come a long way in the series and I really appreciate how they are treating Phoenix, their character growth is wow but the strength of the FMC is just beautiful. She literally rises from the ashes just like her namesake.
Just a suggestion that do read the books in order and read the triggers warning first.
It’s a 4.5⭐️ for me.
June 15, 2023
Wow! Where do is start?! I finished this yesterday but needed a minute to process what I just read! This was an epic conclusion to a truly exciting, raw, gritty dark romance. There are trigger warning a plenty so proceed with caution.
Poor Phoenix has been put through the wringer, I felt her anger, sorrow pain in this book. What I loved is that through it all she kept her sass and her fight. Her relationship with Dax, Mason and colt progresses and I love how they rally to get her back on her feet.
There is so much that happens that it’s difficult to say anything without spoiling anything. All day is strap your seatbelt on and get ready to enjoy this crazy ride. Loved it!!
Poor Phoenix has been put through the wringer, I felt her anger, sorrow pain in this book. What I loved is that through it all she kept her sass and her fight. Her relationship with Dax, Mason and colt progresses and I love how they rally to get her back on her feet.
There is so much that happens that it’s difficult to say anything without spoiling anything. All day is strap your seatbelt on and get ready to enjoy this crazy ride. Loved it!!
August 15, 2023
Ugh, I wish I felt differently about this book.
In the end, I kinda felt like Daxon, Mason and Colton didn't deserve Phoenix. All they did was lie to her, right from the get go. Even at the end with the microSD and tracker, they were lying by omission. Surely letting her know she has back up from the FBI could've made her feel safer?
She should've ended up with Drew. He supported her more in the short time she knew him than the other three did throughout the series.
In the end, I kinda felt like Daxon, Mason and Colton didn't deserve Phoenix. All they did was lie to her, right from the get go. Even at the end with the microSD and tracker, they were lying by omission. Surely letting her know she has back up from the FBI could've made her feel safer?
She should've ended up with Drew. He supported her more in the short time she knew him than the other three did throughout the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2023
RH MMM/Bully/Academy
SYNOPSIS (of 3 Book Series): FC’s (Phoenix) father and mother have died and the FC is left in the care of her aunt who hates her and her mother and sends her to Darkwook Academy. The MCs are told by their father’s that they need to get rid of the FC so start a campaign of bullying her to get her to leave. The MCs discover there is more to what they are being asked than they first thought and soon fall for the FC and seek to protect her. She is being threatened and her life is in danger but does not understand why. There’s a HEA.
Let me start by saying that I genuinely respect and admire anyone who can sit down and write a story let alone one that is as long and complex as this. Having said if I am going to leave a review it has to be honest and reflect my opinion. This author clearly has the ability to write books but I would suggest that writing something that seems to have been pulled from multiple other bully romances, lacks any originality and takes the path of crudity, swearing and following overdone tropes is not the way to go.
In brief, I found this story to be dreadful. It is repetitive: how many times do we have to be told that the boys don’t know why Dax’s father wants them to get rid of the FC or that they just do what they are told and don’t want to follow in their fathers’ footsteps? It is in dire need of a good edit. There are words missing or incorrect; comparatives incorrectly used (prettier not more pretty; harder not more hard …); and disjoints in the story.
I found the writing to be juvenile and crude - how many times do we have to read about how hard the MCs get just looking at the FC or how they want to f*ck her pu$$y? Do we really need the obligatory “rubbing one out” in the shower scene? Does the author think that using foul terms and having the characters swearing all the time makes them sexy or tough? This is yet another story where the FC is abused and horribly bullied and yet can’t help getting aroused by the abuse. It’s so unoriginal and sad that authors feel this is a good message to send to young readers or a viable story mechanism - abuse does not equal sexy. In my view it’s just lazy writing. What happened to female empowerment? When are authors going to stop writing this type of plot? 😖There’s a scene where the FC is restrained and assaulted by all 3 MCs and of course she is panting and begging them to f*ck her and they are the ones that stop. It doesn’t matter that they have literally made her life hell and denigrated her at every opportunity. Then despite how she is treated by the MCs and how badly she was treated at the last party she attended she then goes to another party and allows herself to be taken to a room with the 3 MCs and begs them for sex. She tells her therapist that she finds them incredibly attractive despite everything they have done and continue to do to her 🫣; Dax breaks into her bedroom and she does nothing except allow him in and to treat her like dirt; Mason texts her and she responds to him instead of ignoring him after the way he has behaved.
I found the FC to be unlikeable. She is a foul loud mouth individual who brings much of the behaviour towards her on herself. The author seems to think that the FC constantly mouthing off and being nasty and crude is strong and tough. It’s not. What she says to others half the time is worse than what is said to her. The level of the bullying by both the MCs and the rest of the school is just OTT and becomes repetitive. The fact that none of the teachers do anything and constantly tell her she is doing all this stuff to herself quickly becomes ridiculous. The bullying is all very unoriginal with the obligatory throwing of food, tipping of drinks, tripping over, assaulting in the shower and messing with her clothing. There’s also the obligatory bitchy girls who get out of hand and the male wannabe who tries to sexually assault the FC. Whilst the bullying from the MCs stops towards the end of Book 1 unfortunately the bullying behaviour continues through the next 2 books from the Queen Bees and other students. It’s beyond believable and suspension of disbelief.
The sex scenes are plentiful, boring and left me cold. The about turn by the MCs to suddenly caring for the FC and the fact that the FC just caved without making them apologise or acknowledge how unacceptable their behaviour was towards her was pathetic and seemed to make their treatment of her acceptable which is wasn’t. The MCs never seemed to apologise or grovel and the FC never seemed to really acknowledge how bad and unacceptable their behaviour was. Again, where is the girl power?
One thing I loathe in stories like this and which was the last straw for me is where an author takes a serious and sensitive subject such as assault and rape and uses it simply to try and create drama and angst for the FC. It is insulting to those who suffer such situations. This author creates a situation where the FC is assaulted and raped and then, 5 minutes after she is rescued is asking the MCs for a 4 way. That’s is just wrong and again, what message is this sending to female readers? Whilst the author makes a nod to the fact that the FC has nightmares and sees a therapist there is no real acknowledgement of the true PTSD that she would suffer and its affect on her. She seems to return to “normal” within days.
I felt that the story lacked any real development or world and relationship building and just kept jumping from one pseudo dramatic situation to another without any real direction. The ultimate plot had so many holes it was depressing. One final comment is that having every male that the MC comes across being verbally abusive towards her (including the fathers of the MCs) and talking about wanting to f*ck her etc. is just grim. Again, this does not build drama for me it’s just a cheap attempt to create some kind of angst and show how bad the villains are.
I’m sorry to say that everything about this series made me cringe and I found it to be a terrible series. I was massively skimming to see if there was anything redeeming and unfortunately found nothing.
SYNOPSIS (of 3 Book Series): FC’s (Phoenix) father and mother have died and the FC is left in the care of her aunt who hates her and her mother and sends her to Darkwook Academy. The MCs are told by their father’s that they need to get rid of the FC so start a campaign of bullying her to get her to leave. The MCs discover there is more to what they are being asked than they first thought and soon fall for the FC and seek to protect her. She is being threatened and her life is in danger but does not understand why. There’s a HEA.
Let me start by saying that I genuinely respect and admire anyone who can sit down and write a story let alone one that is as long and complex as this. Having said if I am going to leave a review it has to be honest and reflect my opinion. This author clearly has the ability to write books but I would suggest that writing something that seems to have been pulled from multiple other bully romances, lacks any originality and takes the path of crudity, swearing and following overdone tropes is not the way to go.
In brief, I found this story to be dreadful. It is repetitive: how many times do we have to be told that the boys don’t know why Dax’s father wants them to get rid of the FC or that they just do what they are told and don’t want to follow in their fathers’ footsteps? It is in dire need of a good edit. There are words missing or incorrect; comparatives incorrectly used (prettier not more pretty; harder not more hard …); and disjoints in the story.
I found the writing to be juvenile and crude - how many times do we have to read about how hard the MCs get just looking at the FC or how they want to f*ck her pu$$y? Do we really need the obligatory “rubbing one out” in the shower scene? Does the author think that using foul terms and having the characters swearing all the time makes them sexy or tough? This is yet another story where the FC is abused and horribly bullied and yet can’t help getting aroused by the abuse. It’s so unoriginal and sad that authors feel this is a good message to send to young readers or a viable story mechanism - abuse does not equal sexy. In my view it’s just lazy writing. What happened to female empowerment? When are authors going to stop writing this type of plot? 😖There’s a scene where the FC is restrained and assaulted by all 3 MCs and of course she is panting and begging them to f*ck her and they are the ones that stop. It doesn’t matter that they have literally made her life hell and denigrated her at every opportunity. Then despite how she is treated by the MCs and how badly she was treated at the last party she attended she then goes to another party and allows herself to be taken to a room with the 3 MCs and begs them for sex. She tells her therapist that she finds them incredibly attractive despite everything they have done and continue to do to her 🫣; Dax breaks into her bedroom and she does nothing except allow him in and to treat her like dirt; Mason texts her and she responds to him instead of ignoring him after the way he has behaved.
I found the FC to be unlikeable. She is a foul loud mouth individual who brings much of the behaviour towards her on herself. The author seems to think that the FC constantly mouthing off and being nasty and crude is strong and tough. It’s not. What she says to others half the time is worse than what is said to her. The level of the bullying by both the MCs and the rest of the school is just OTT and becomes repetitive. The fact that none of the teachers do anything and constantly tell her she is doing all this stuff to herself quickly becomes ridiculous. The bullying is all very unoriginal with the obligatory throwing of food, tipping of drinks, tripping over, assaulting in the shower and messing with her clothing. There’s also the obligatory bitchy girls who get out of hand and the male wannabe who tries to sexually assault the FC. Whilst the bullying from the MCs stops towards the end of Book 1 unfortunately the bullying behaviour continues through the next 2 books from the Queen Bees and other students. It’s beyond believable and suspension of disbelief.
The sex scenes are plentiful, boring and left me cold. The about turn by the MCs to suddenly caring for the FC and the fact that the FC just caved without making them apologise or acknowledge how unacceptable their behaviour was towards her was pathetic and seemed to make their treatment of her acceptable which is wasn’t. The MCs never seemed to apologise or grovel and the FC never seemed to really acknowledge how bad and unacceptable their behaviour was. Again, where is the girl power?
One thing I loathe in stories like this and which was the last straw for me is where an author takes a serious and sensitive subject such as assault and rape and uses it simply to try and create drama and angst for the FC. It is insulting to those who suffer such situations. This author creates a situation where the FC is assaulted and raped and then, 5 minutes after she is rescued is asking the MCs for a 4 way. That’s is just wrong and again, what message is this sending to female readers? Whilst the author makes a nod to the fact that the FC has nightmares and sees a therapist there is no real acknowledgement of the true PTSD that she would suffer and its affect on her. She seems to return to “normal” within days.
I felt that the story lacked any real development or world and relationship building and just kept jumping from one pseudo dramatic situation to another without any real direction. The ultimate plot had so many holes it was depressing. One final comment is that having every male that the MC comes across being verbally abusive towards her (including the fathers of the MCs) and talking about wanting to f*ck her etc. is just grim. Again, this does not build drama for me it’s just a cheap attempt to create some kind of angst and show how bad the villains are.
I’m sorry to say that everything about this series made me cringe and I found it to be a terrible series. I was massively skimming to see if there was anything redeeming and unfortunately found nothing.
February 8, 2026
Darkwood Academy book 3
From the Flames by Lynn Rhys
This is the emotional breaking point of the series. From the Flames is not about healing or resolution it is about survival. Phoenix is exhausted in a bone deep way and this book lives inside her hopelessness fear and belief that her future is already over. What makes this installment special is how honest it is about trauma burnout. There is no rush to forgiveness no sudden strength arc just a girl standing in the ashes trying to make it through one more day.
🖤 Dark bully academy
🔥 Why choose romance
💔 Emotional devastation
🩸 Trauma and survival
🖤 Slow trust fragile bonds
Read this if you like stories that sit in the pain instead of glossing over it dark romances that do not offer comfort too quickly and characters who feel painfully real in their lowest moments.
#darkromance
#whychooseromance
#darkacademybullies
#booktokreads
#romancereads
From the Flames by Lynn Rhys
This is the emotional breaking point of the series. From the Flames is not about healing or resolution it is about survival. Phoenix is exhausted in a bone deep way and this book lives inside her hopelessness fear and belief that her future is already over. What makes this installment special is how honest it is about trauma burnout. There is no rush to forgiveness no sudden strength arc just a girl standing in the ashes trying to make it through one more day.
🖤 Dark bully academy
🔥 Why choose romance
💔 Emotional devastation
🩸 Trauma and survival
🖤 Slow trust fragile bonds
Read this if you like stories that sit in the pain instead of glossing over it dark romances that do not offer comfort too quickly and characters who feel painfully real in their lowest moments.
#darkromance
#whychooseromance
#darkacademybullies
#booktokreads
#romancereads
December 25, 2023
I made it to 63% with not skimming too much. I skimmed the rest of the way. But I'm going to put the headache of a plot in this spoiler review.
Don't read below unless you want the spoiler for the whole series.
Fmc is Phoenix.
Mmcs are Daxon (Dax), Mason (mase), Colton (Colt). They are called the Kings.
Dax- football quarterback, dark hair, green eyes, kind of the leader. His dad is, can't remember his first name because he's called Emerson (last name) a lot. Dad is psycho and runs a business.
Mase- blonde, football jock, the jokester. Dad is the Mayor of the town. He's corrupted in politics and can manipulate law enforcement.
Colt- nerd, brown hair, computer software. Dad is the hacker for the other parents. He's a software engineer and does all of their security stuff.
Lucianos- Justin and can't remember the other brother's name. Justin is insane and his brother is the head. Justin has an alter ego of "Doc" because he had pretended to be Phoenix's shrink.
The Queens- Bianca, Tiffany, and Jacklyn. Cheerleaders and basic bitches.
Chad Oliver- creep who drugs girls and works alongside the Queens.
Brooke- sister to Phoenix but she doesn't come into play really until the third book.
Liz- Phoenix's ex roommate who was a friend but ditched.
Trevor Hayes- Phoenix's "father", he was not her bio Dad. He worked for Emerson family.
Ronald Trivits- "Uncle" but actual bio Dad to Phoenix. He also worked for Emerson fam as a software developer.
Aunt whatever her name- married to Ron but was a bitch face.
Dax's mom- she died with Trevor in a car "accident"
Phoenix's mom- died by suicide but was a forced suicide.
Drew- comes in the last book. A random friend all of a sudden.
The headmaster and teachers are all corrupted.
Okay, finally the plot:
Story starts with Phoenix coming back to her apartment she lives in with her mom. Mom leaves a note telling her the on the bed box holds information that might prove her father's death was not a suicide. Phoenix finds her in the bathtub.
P is then shipped to live with her aunt (sister to mom) and the aunt doesn't care about her at all. Enrolls her as a scholarship student at Darkwood. The Kings are told to get her to leave the school by their fathers and the bullying starts. Repetitive "whore", "slut", blah blah blah...through over 300 pages in each book. The Kings start to question their parents. They decide to protect P instead because they find out Dax's mom was in the car with Trevor and they died. P's aunt gives her a therapist to talk to, Doc, after witnessing her mom. She's relentlessly bullied everyday and told she's making things up. She nearly drowns in a pool because Queens push her in and she can't swim. She doesn't open the box until she's at the school and hides it in her dorm with Liz. The box ends up holding information about who her father was and other things we never really find out. Kings are blackmailed into being engaged with the Queens because they find out their family works with the Lucianos. So P had fallen in love with them but hears them say they can't be with her. She then tries to kill herself which they end up finding out at the last minute. Oh, and she'd been to a party and Chad had drugged her with help from Bianca.
P is taken to the hospital and then has to go back to school and her therapist continues to talk to her and tells her he cares about what happens to her. At homecoming, the Queens put on a sideshow because they had gotten ahold of the box. Oh, she also wears a locket from her mom. P is constantly being bullied and the guys are being taken to deal with mafia business. P is afraid because a stalker has started leaving her gifts of black roses and origami notes. P gets kidnapped by her therapist which is actually the brother of the mob boss. He was obsessed with her. She finds out Ron was her dad and that the mom had an affair but Trevor loved her. Her aunt hated her because her husband loved her mom. The aunt gets secretly pregnant and puts the baby up for adoption but you don't know this until the last book. The baby is Brooke who actually is in some sort of relationship with Emerson. P gets rescued after being kidnapped for 3 weeks and she kills Justin and finds the box at the place she's kidnapped. Dax tries to rescue her from the burning house but they end up saved by firemen. The house burns down and the box too. P is needed by the mob because Ron was going to turn them in so he could have a life with her and her mom. But the aunt and Brooke had him offed. He left his company to P. She keeps putting herself in situations where she's almost killed but basically blames the guys for not being around when she's actually sneaking off. Bags around her head a few times, pushed in a pool again, stalker stuff even though he's dead which Brooke did and she didn't know, then she meets Drew and he's nice to her once. The Kings keep telling her she has to stay with someone and she is an idiot who says she can take care of herself then nearly dies every time. They say the F word A LOT. Multiple times a page through the whole series. A new headmaster is put in and he's actually an undercover FBI agent. P gets kidnapped with Drew because they were driving together. Her ex roommate Liz is killed because she was working with and against the Lucianos. Brooke exposes herself as her sister. Fbi comes to her rescue because the guys put a GPS in her locket. The locket had a SD card with info to take all of the families down. She kills Emerson and FBI kills Luciano. All of the families are arrested including the Queen's. P graduates college after 4 years and moves the business to Las Vegas since Mason and Dax got NFL deals. Colt works with her at her business. They get engaged at the end of the book.
So much more happens but it was ridiculous and redundant.
Don't read below unless you want the spoiler for the whole series.
Fmc is Phoenix.
Mmcs are Daxon (Dax), Mason (mase), Colton (Colt). They are called the Kings.
Dax- football quarterback, dark hair, green eyes, kind of the leader. His dad is, can't remember his first name because he's called Emerson (last name) a lot. Dad is psycho and runs a business.
Mase- blonde, football jock, the jokester. Dad is the Mayor of the town. He's corrupted in politics and can manipulate law enforcement.
Colt- nerd, brown hair, computer software. Dad is the hacker for the other parents. He's a software engineer and does all of their security stuff.
Lucianos- Justin and can't remember the other brother's name. Justin is insane and his brother is the head. Justin has an alter ego of "Doc" because he had pretended to be Phoenix's shrink.
The Queens- Bianca, Tiffany, and Jacklyn. Cheerleaders and basic bitches.
Chad Oliver- creep who drugs girls and works alongside the Queens.
Brooke- sister to Phoenix but she doesn't come into play really until the third book.
Liz- Phoenix's ex roommate who was a friend but ditched.
Trevor Hayes- Phoenix's "father", he was not her bio Dad. He worked for Emerson family.
Ronald Trivits- "Uncle" but actual bio Dad to Phoenix. He also worked for Emerson fam as a software developer.
Aunt whatever her name- married to Ron but was a bitch face.
Dax's mom- she died with Trevor in a car "accident"
Phoenix's mom- died by suicide but was a forced suicide.
Drew- comes in the last book. A random friend all of a sudden.
The headmaster and teachers are all corrupted.
Okay, finally the plot:
Story starts with Phoenix coming back to her apartment she lives in with her mom. Mom leaves a note telling her the on the bed box holds information that might prove her father's death was not a suicide. Phoenix finds her in the bathtub.
P is then shipped to live with her aunt (sister to mom) and the aunt doesn't care about her at all. Enrolls her as a scholarship student at Darkwood. The Kings are told to get her to leave the school by their fathers and the bullying starts. Repetitive "whore", "slut", blah blah blah...through over 300 pages in each book. The Kings start to question their parents. They decide to protect P instead because they find out Dax's mom was in the car with Trevor and they died. P's aunt gives her a therapist to talk to, Doc, after witnessing her mom. She's relentlessly bullied everyday and told she's making things up. She nearly drowns in a pool because Queens push her in and she can't swim. She doesn't open the box until she's at the school and hides it in her dorm with Liz. The box ends up holding information about who her father was and other things we never really find out. Kings are blackmailed into being engaged with the Queens because they find out their family works with the Lucianos. So P had fallen in love with them but hears them say they can't be with her. She then tries to kill herself which they end up finding out at the last minute. Oh, and she'd been to a party and Chad had drugged her with help from Bianca.
P is taken to the hospital and then has to go back to school and her therapist continues to talk to her and tells her he cares about what happens to her. At homecoming, the Queens put on a sideshow because they had gotten ahold of the box. Oh, she also wears a locket from her mom. P is constantly being bullied and the guys are being taken to deal with mafia business. P is afraid because a stalker has started leaving her gifts of black roses and origami notes. P gets kidnapped by her therapist which is actually the brother of the mob boss. He was obsessed with her. She finds out Ron was her dad and that the mom had an affair but Trevor loved her. Her aunt hated her because her husband loved her mom. The aunt gets secretly pregnant and puts the baby up for adoption but you don't know this until the last book. The baby is Brooke who actually is in some sort of relationship with Emerson. P gets rescued after being kidnapped for 3 weeks and she kills Justin and finds the box at the place she's kidnapped. Dax tries to rescue her from the burning house but they end up saved by firemen. The house burns down and the box too. P is needed by the mob because Ron was going to turn them in so he could have a life with her and her mom. But the aunt and Brooke had him offed. He left his company to P. She keeps putting herself in situations where she's almost killed but basically blames the guys for not being around when she's actually sneaking off. Bags around her head a few times, pushed in a pool again, stalker stuff even though he's dead which Brooke did and she didn't know, then she meets Drew and he's nice to her once. The Kings keep telling her she has to stay with someone and she is an idiot who says she can take care of herself then nearly dies every time. They say the F word A LOT. Multiple times a page through the whole series. A new headmaster is put in and he's actually an undercover FBI agent. P gets kidnapped with Drew because they were driving together. Her ex roommate Liz is killed because she was working with and against the Lucianos. Brooke exposes herself as her sister. Fbi comes to her rescue because the guys put a GPS in her locket. The locket had a SD card with info to take all of the families down. She kills Emerson and FBI kills Luciano. All of the families are arrested including the Queen's. P graduates college after 4 years and moves the business to Las Vegas since Mason and Dax got NFL deals. Colt works with her at her business. They get engaged at the end of the book.
So much more happens but it was ridiculous and redundant.
May 23, 2023
Phoenix gets back with her kings Dax, Mason, and Colt, but she is not the same. She’s lost herself and is having nightmares. She starts to slowly get herself back. Phoenix goes back to school and the bullying continues and the enemies keep lining up, but she has a new roommate Brooke and met Drew who is becoming a friend. Can Phoenix, Dax, Mason, and Colt figure out how to get out of this deadly situation? Great characters and storyline Highly recommended Amazing Book. Absolutely love Phoenix, Dax, Mason, and Colt their relationship is everything. Great supporting characters and truly evil villains. So many twists and turns. The final book with perfect ending. Check your trigger warnings
June 9, 2023
i’m sorry i loved the first two but this was actually so bad, i read the other two a while ago so maybe that contributed to my aversion to this book but like it was also legitimately bad and i feel bad but like the plot repeated like three times: something traumatic happens, she freaks out, she asks to feel something different, spicy scene, repeat i swear this happened like at least 3 times. also why the FREAK did she go back to this school? also if i took a shot every time these boys said nothing was going to happen to her and then something did happen to her IDK I’M SORRY but this was bad
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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