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Casbury Prep #2

Fall of a King

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How far would you go to punish those that broke you into fragmented pieces in the past?

Vengeance and rage fill my blood. They carry me forward like malevolent lovers into the abyss of destruction. I came here to destroy the kings of Casbury, but have I destroyed myself in the process?

Theo, Carter, Mateo, and Finn. My enemies, my tormentors, and the jagged pieces of my heart that rip me apart from the inside.

Can I let the ghosts of the past die before they destroy all of us?

Fall of a King is book two of the Casbury Prep series and ends on a cliffhanger. It’s a dark bully, enemies-to-lovers romance with four demanding guys that don’t like to lose, chasing and trying to break one girl bent on revenge. This book features some hot sharing; and lots of begging, hot spice, scheming, and ruined panties. Maybe even yours!
If you take issue with dark contemporary romance, hot and heavy spice, this book is not for you. Please read the author’s foreword or visit the author's website for TW. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

*Authors Disclaimer: A.L Maruga cannot be held responsible for your own desire for revenge, night terrors, spicy sexy fantasies involving four hot-as-sin men, destroyed panties, and overall lusting of hot, possessive, demanding alpha a-holes. Please read accordingly.*

442 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 7, 2023

221 people are currently reading
669 people want to read

About the author

A.L. Maruga

14 books399 followers

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5 stars
290 (50%)
4 stars
172 (29%)
3 stars
87 (15%)
2 stars
21 (3%)
1 star
9 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
Profile Image for Debleena.
315 reviews139 followers
February 8, 2023
Why did the author destroy such a wonderful book
I really really really loved Mia in the first book, but this book was an utter disappointment.
I actually loathe books where sex is seen as a means to let bygones be bygones.

Do I feel sorry for the kings, absolutely,do I feel angry on their behalf,hell yeah, no one deserves such a bad and poor hand dealt in their life, but I also absolutely loathe and hate these bullies, these broken unhinged psychos who think that just because your life is in shambles it's okay to annihilate someone else's life too(or in Finn's case to try to fit in you must allow wrong things to keep happening..... That guy really is the epitome of traitor and cowardice )
I really expected Mia to use them for sex but also torment them , destroy their self esteem and pride like they did but nope offcourse it's too much to ask and all I get in return is a girl who allows the tormentors back into her heart just because she is boinking with them !!!!!!

After what these stupid guys did towards the end, I really don't really see Mia treating them the same way .... like an animal or trash like the did. I really don't care about their reasons, if they would have been real men they would have found another way to protect her rather than once again destroying the girl. At this point I really hope that Mia gets fucking lobotomized before taking revenge from the kings, because otherwise I can already predict that she is once again going to be charmed by their huge magic cock and would forgive these stinky turds .

Major letdown from book 1. The author did really destroy the plotline of this book. I really don't know how this got such a high rating but I guess to each their own.
Profile Image for Cassie Fairbanks.
Author 6 books91 followers
February 21, 2023
Steam: 5/5. Strong Language: 5/5. Cliff.
Triggers: breath play, primal, blood, physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, rape, captivity, torture, murder, bullying, depression, suicidal thoughts, violence, human trafficking, dub-con.

Once again, Mia Stratford proves to me why she's the mf Queen. She will do absolutely anything to keep her kingdom safe, even if it means sacrificing the most important player on the board. This vicious Queen has my heart. I have never been so obsessed with a MFC before, but I kneel at my Queen's feet.

Do I still want to kill the kings? Yes, yes I do. But do I still love their stupid beautiful faces? Also yes.

Fall of a King ended on a cliff that I was expecting, but that twist threw me! I am at the edge of my seat, ready, and impatiently waiting for Corrupted Kingdom!
Profile Image for Shedevilreads Bookstagram.
2,147 reviews107 followers
February 5, 2023
Fall of a King by A.L. Maruga is a dark enemies-to-lovers why choose romance. This is the second book in the Casbury Prep series.

This is A.L. Maruga's debut series and she keeps knocking it out of the park. I was hooked from the very beginning and couldn't wait to see how it was going to play out. I really enjoyed getting Mia, Theo, Carter, Finn, and Mateo's points of view throughout the book. It really brought the story to life.

The book ended on an amazing cliffhanger that left me begging for more. I can't wait for the next book Corrupted Kingdom to be released in May 2023.

I would highly recommend this series if you like dark romances, bully romances, enemies-to-lovers romances, or why choose romances.
Profile Image for Brittany bookish_britt.
163 reviews6 followers
February 17, 2023
Girl!! You continue to amaze me with your writing!
I was barely at 30% in, and I already knew I was not ready for this book.
It's depraved, it's devastating, and it's far from over!
I cannot wait to read book 3!!! I need it NOW!!
And Theo is still my favorite (Carter too) even after chapter 16 👀🔥🖤!!
Profile Image for Jessica Sexton.
773 reviews15 followers
April 4, 2025
5/5⭐️
3/5🌶️

How to express the emotional roller coaster this book put me through? I’m not exactly sure but let’s try. It is amazing, just when things start to look up they get bad again. I totally want to turn into Reagan on more than one occasion and help her kick the kings butts. As much as I feel bad for June I want to kick her out on her little butt and well that cliffhanger has me wondering if this isn’t a twisted sister book. I may need a support group to get me to May!

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Profile Image for Erica.
113 reviews16 followers
April 18, 2023
I can’t cliffy…help… 😩😂

Listen, I don’t cliffy. I am not cut out for cliffhangers. Basically, AL Marugaa is the only author I willingly cliffhanger for, but my poor heart isn’t cut out for the stress of the cliffhanger madness.

That being said, this is a wonderful addition to the Casbury Prep universe. All the darkness and twists and turns, but also the underlying connection between the queen and her kings. Can’t wait for book 3, I will cross all my crossables that it does not end up being a cliffhanger whilst we wait for book 4. ♥️♥️
Profile Image for coffeeinlibraries.
431 reviews41 followers
January 23, 2023
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
MFC: I’m still on the fence with her 😂
MMC(s): I wanted to strangle them most of the time.
Plot: 3/5
Book cover: 3/5
Would I buy a physical copy?: let’s see how the last book goes!

I say this in the nicest, calmest tone I can manage… I don’t think I’ve ever been so pissed off while reading a book before! 😂

But not in a “this is a terrible book” way. In a “what the fuck else is going to happen?! When can we take a chill pill???” and “everyone just stay in the goddamn house!” kind of way.

My heart BROKE. FRACTURED. CRUMBLED TO DUST. Multiple goddamn times. For Theo, Carter, MATEO and Mia!! 😭 Then poor Finn, he had to be surrounded by everyone and try to play peacemaker (he did a terrible job btw lmao) while keeping his shit together and harboring the secret he discovered. It was just… I was very tense while reading this lmao.

Then, the grand ol’ plan of Theo’s?! MY FISTS WERE CLENCHED THE WHOLE TIME. MY ALREADY SHREDDED HEART, TORE INTO MICRO BITS. How.friggin’.dare.he. Self destructive bastard, he’s lucky I love him. Same for the other idjits who went along with it. 🙄 I can’t wait to see the groveling and stab wounds they’ll be getting.

On HAPPIER notes, the chasing scene with Theo and Mia?? *my best Oliver Twist voice* “please, ma’am, may I have some more?” I ate that shit upppp 😮‍💨😮‍💨

Now, if we could oh idk… all get on the same goddamn page about OUR FEELINGS in the next book, maybe stay out of our enemies hands? That would be great. 👌🏻 *glares at Mia and the guys*

This was good. So damn good. The range of emotions it got from me? Wowwww. Looking forward to the conclusion!!

*Check the TW! This baby is d a r k.
*ARC reader.
Profile Image for Tracy ann  Robinson.
1,154 reviews26 followers
January 28, 2023
If you thought book, one was. Good wait till you read this. The Author puts her heart in to each book oh, my it's so Good. Mia will not abandon. Any of her kings she will do anything to get the plane turned round to rescue. Theo and now Mateo is in danger. But to get the help she needs to get them back. She has to make a deal. as she can't not get the manpower. she needs of her grandmother will be too late. I don't want to give the story away. but how this author has issued some Schenes in this book has done it. very sensitivity. the author has a knack of pulling you in the room as if you there with every character. the steamy bits very hot you will defiantly cry. bits you will laugh. Mia is one sassy kick ass lady. And another cliffhanger i so can't wait to get my hands on 3rd book I so recommend. This series
Profile Image for Molly  Scicluna.
573 reviews25 followers
February 6, 2023
The chokehold that the Casbury Kings have on me is real. This was one of my highly anticipated reads of 2023, after reading Reign of the Queen I was hooked. I think its important to acknowledge the triggers for this series...it's not for the faint of heart. If you have a dark romance loving heart this is the book for you.

A.L. uses a pen as her weapon. She cuts you open with her words and somehow leaves you begging for more. The emotional turmoil that this story follows is something else entirely, hold onto your heart because it's about to be ripped out...put back together...only to be ripped out again...then put back together and ripped out.

Noteworthy: this ends on a cliffhanger...so set some realistic expectations for answers.
Profile Image for BookishBarbie (Annette).
292 reviews10 followers
February 7, 2023
When you think things are taking a turn for the better, you are thrown into a dark hole one again. There is so much emotion going on and trauma they are having to deal with and face, but Mia handles it well and of course she has her sister and Raegan by her side. Now this new face, June, I was not so happy about, but Mateo knows what he wants and isn't afraid to tell her to back off. They eventually find out about the secret as to why she returned to Casbury, but that does not make the Kings love her any less. Book 2 is a rollercoaster of events and emotions, but you will not be disappointed. But that cliffhanger, *chefs kiss!!*
Profile Image for L.A. Ferro.
Author 13 books701 followers
February 3, 2023
Book two does not let you down, but if you thought she couldn't get darker, you'd be wrong. As always, please check trigger warnings before you dive into this masterpiece. This book puts you through so many emotions, just like the first. So many things happen that you don't expect, especially toward the end. I'm not sure what I pictured, but all four kings doing her dirty (and not how you think) surprised me. I was mad. Two books, and that's how it was going to be.... and that cliffhanger when they finally figured their shit out.
I'm being vague, but I hate to give spoilers in reviews. This book is worth your time if you love dark/bully romance, suspense, and why choose! You will be satisfied.
Profile Image for Katelin S.
465 reviews20 followers
January 23, 2023
The amount of emotions this book puts you through! It made me sob, want to throw my phone, and want to throat punch, but also hug, so many of the characters. Holy! The plot continuation, the emotional damage, the spice, the twists, and the overall story is amazing. Just as good as book 1, Reign of the Queen. Mia continues to kick butt and be the baddest B* and her bestie is definitely has her best interests at heart. She’s also a bad B*! My heart shattered for the guys, even though the snippets of their past actions towards Mia make me want to throttle them. I loved every heart-wrenching, emotionally damaging word of it! There needs to be some major grovelling in their future, even more so than before! Book 3 can’t come soon enough.
Profile Image for Veronica.
530 reviews13 followers
February 7, 2023
This is the second book in the series and A.L completely knocked it out of the park. This is her debut series, but I was completely engrossed since the first book. Her writing style is amazing. The details and the way we get every main characters POV. Definitely check the trigger warnings as there is difficult things that happen. I am so obsessed with this series and can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for BookinBritt.
320 reviews7 followers
February 12, 2023
You think the first book put our queen and her kings through it?
No, they walked through pure fire in "Fall of a King," and we all got to bear witness to the tale.
Anger, jealousy, sadness, love, your own desire for revenge - you're going to feel every one of these emotions and more as you read.
Mia continues to grow and be a strong force to be reckoned with but just as she is, so are her kings. I've still got goosebumps even now just thinking back to everything that I read.
A.L. you put my little heart through it and I love you all the more for it.
Profile Image for Brandi Exline.
123 reviews4 followers
January 31, 2023
WOW!!! This book was a ride!! Be sure to check the trigger warnings. This book is as dark as it is twisted. Parts of this book made me so mad, and horrified, and wanting to hurt everyone, and then the next the book is so spicy and so good. A.L. Margua has become a top favorite author for me. Her writing is incredible. It gets my heart rate going, and I'm biting my nails throughout the whole book. Mia is a badass FMC. She radiates bad bitch vibes throughout this book. Theo is my absolute favorite character. He goes through hell and back in this book. I want to burn everyone that hurts him. Carter is another favorite. You can't help but love Carter. The cliffhanger ending is one I did not see coming. This book is a must read for any dark romance reader.
Profile Image for Erinn.
564 reviews8 followers
January 23, 2023
Why choose
Book 2
Dark Themes - check your triggers this one is a lot

Mia, Mateo, Theo, Carter and Finn go through alot in this one. The book starts off with a big wtf and end with a big wtf!! It’s simply amazing I don’t know how else to describe it!! This book had me mad, sad and saying wtf and the cliffhanger once again was crazy!! I can not wait until book 3 releases!!
Profile Image for Allie  Koval.
469 reviews8 followers
January 23, 2023
Holy Moly! It broke my heart, made me angry, and had me sweating! I was not ready for it. I couldn't put it down. I'm ready for book 3!
Profile Image for April.
133 reviews
January 31, 2023
Fall of a King will definitely be in my top reads of 2023! The way the author captures these characters feelings and personalities! She brings them to life brilliantly! So many twist and turns. Very suspenseful & spicy!
Profile Image for Nichole  Ringler.
167 reviews
February 13, 2023
I gave this book 5 stars and a 3 on the spicy scale. I thought the angst and the feelings of trauma from all characters were written very well. I couldn’t put the book down as I was reading. I was hoping that it would be the last book but it ended on a cliff hanger which I didn’t see coming.
Profile Image for Gabriela.
541 reviews15 followers
January 29, 2023
Dark and twisted ?! Yes!!! what can I say tho, I’m hooked!! The emotions this book put me through 😮‍💨 Its amazing and I’m so ready for the next book!!

Please tho check triggers warning before you start it….
Profile Image for Catch Me Reading 📖.
173 reviews6 followers
February 6, 2023
This book was incredible!!! I am so invested in this story and love all of the characters!! I can not wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Kat Carson.
36 reviews1 follower
February 12, 2023
A stellar continuation from Reign of The Queen. Fall of A King is an incredible heart wrenching, anxiety risen, spicy smutty wild ride that will have you crying, screaming, 🐱🦋, and maybe even throwing up a little.
AL’s writing pulls you wholy back into this world, making you love these characters with all your heart, but also wanting to sm@ck them at other times.

This books is an absolute must read.
Seriously…go read it..now…
Profile Image for _chroniclesofabookworm_.
194 reviews75 followers
February 11, 2023
💥Overall Opinion:
OH...MY...GOD! This was so worth the wait! I've been looking forward to this since book one and the author did NOT disappoint. From the garage scene to the cliffhanger, I was on the edge of my seat picking my jaw up off the floor.

⛔️Brief Story Summary:
Mia went to Casbury to destroy the kings, but she quickly wonders if she has destroyed herself in the process. Theo, Carter, Mateo, and Finn are her enemies, and tormentors, but can she let the ghosts of the past die before they destroy all of them?

⚡️POV: five (4 male MCs and 1 FMC)

💋Tropes:
Enemies to Lovers
Revenge
Bully
Why Choose
Forced Proximity
Redemption
Shared Pasts

💣Main Character Rating:
Mia - 5⭐️ - I loved seeing the softer side of her character in this book. She was still the cutthroat bad@$$, but I enjoyed seeing a different part to her personality.
Finn - 4.5⭐️ - still the cinnamon roll but with a darker edge to his personality. Hated what he did towards the end and wanted to smack him around for being so dumb.
Carter - 5⭐️ - he had the most character development in my opinion. Without the drugs, I found him to be more reasonable and less reactive. Definitely became one of my favorites.
Theo - 5⭐️ - this poor guy. His bravery and strength cost him so much. He's still my favorite and I couldn't help but get angry for him! Such an emotional ride where he was concerned.
Mateo - 4.5⭐️ - another character that was put through the ringer. I hate what he had to go through and the trauma that he carried afterward. What he did to Mia though? Straight to jail! He has some serious groveling to do.

🌶Spice level:
2.5/5 🌶 - such great spice in this! There's one scene that lives rent free in my head.

🚫Closure:
Give me more! Love this series and can't wait to see what's next. It had plot, spice, suspense, great character development, and it was all executed beautifully. A.L. Maruga has done it again!

**CHECK THE TWs! This book is VERY dark and has dark themes not suitable for everyone!**
Profile Image for Kristine.
126 reviews
February 5, 2024
good series. craaaaazy parents.

This is probably one of the darkest books/ series I have ever read. Definitely check TW beforehand. The amount of stuff these characters suffer through is crazy.

I already began reading the third book, and James Jarvis became James Hamilton? I’m not sure if that was a mistake or what… at first I was confused and had to look back in this book to see if it was supposed to be the same person, and it definitely is. I’m not sure why everyone didn’t automatically assume it was him at the end, either.

I can’t decide if I like Mia or not. She is strong to a fault (and wayyy stubborn) and it’s pretty annoying how wishy-washy she is. She literally says she really cares for the kings and they’re hers, then the very next sentence she talks about her need for revenge on them again. All the time. I get they did her wrong when she was younger and I just wish they’d tell her why. They are so bad at communicating (but that is a common theme through alllll dark romance books I feel).

Also, what happened with Raven? I feel like they were setting up something between he and Raegan but then he just disappeared at Thanksgiving and nothing was mentioned again. I’m already going to assume Issy and Diego will get a spinoff (them together was obvious from the first meeting) but Raven just dropped off the face of the earth. He went from still being in love with Mia to disappearing when things started going down with her at the end of the book. Guess he didn’t care too much 😅

Overall, I am enjoying this series.
Profile Image for Mia Fury.
Author 38 books219 followers
February 9, 2023
After book 1, I was chomping at the bit for the next instalment, and I wasn't disappointed. I don't mind waiting for a book when it's so damn worth it. First off, I want to start by saying I licked Diego first, and he's mine. Okay, now back to the review.

Mia (great name obvs) started this book like the fighter she is, and fought for her guys like only she could. She went to great lengths, and extreme danger, to rescue Theo and Carter, and I love her for it.

Let's talk about Theo for a minute, because that boy... he broke my heart. His courage and his development in this book were amazing. I was so scared for him, but he surprised me time and time again! The rest of the boys again, great character development throughout the book, especially with the challenges they had to face together.

The addition of Diego's character really elevated this book to another level, because he brings a new danger, and a new perspective that I really enjoyed. Likewise the other two additions to the cast have really rounded out the family. I'm trying so hard not to drop any spoilers here, because I want people to experience the joy for themselves, page by page, like I did.

Basically, read this book, because it's brilliant and it'll take you on a rollercoaster you won't forget. Bring tissues and chocolate.
Profile Image for Katy.
699 reviews6 followers
May 6, 2025
Still hate Mia

Yeahhhhh still hating Mia!! I mean, girl is so self-centred!! 2 of her guys were tortured one gang raped and she's still whinging about how they bullied her as little kids and she's not sure of she should still get her revenge. Bitch he was GANG RAPED and you're crying that he was mean to you when you were TEN?? Smh. And she's also tstl twice - TWICE!! - she puts herself and others in danger by running away from home like the spoilt princess she is despite everyone trying to keep her safe. She's so hot and cold with the guys still and by the time she's decided she does love them they then concoct their own ridiculous plan to push her away and off she goes crying like a little bitch because they were mean to her. 3 of them were tortured 2 of them raped one was held for 2 months. But it's all about her and how she feels. Even being so jealous of June - who yeah I hate her too she's a stage 5 clinger and it was a bitch move she pulled with Mateo - but even still she was seething with jealously immediately when they were barely even alive and barely even cognizant of being rescued and bitch it sitting sulking out the window cuz Mateo wasn't immediately falling at her feet. I mean ima read the last one now cuz 🤷 but even the cliffhanger was pretty predictable.
Profile Image for Krys.
56 reviews
April 16, 2023
Casbury Prep is quickly becoming one of my favorite places to come back to! Mia and the men in her life are fire!

This being said, remember to check triggers first. This book is dark and I would even say darker than the first. There’s a heap of a lot happening and the tension paired with the heat is off the charts.

Mia once again is proving she is the Queen of her domain and won’t take anything without a fight. Sure, at times her strength gets her in trouble, while at other times it makes her super impulsive. But that’s what we love about her. She reacts for those she cares about.

Now for Theo, Mateo, Carter and Finn…. there is a lot going on. And the best way I can describe them in this book is: I still can’t pick a favorite. These men are dealing with so much and each one is bringing something else to the table that I’m simply rotating through their pov’s devouring them all! And I know I already mentioned it but the steam A.L. Maruga creates is amazing!!!!

With all this said, there is another character in this book. Without giving away any chance of a spoiler, I’ll keep it short and say he grabbed my full attention! Cannot wait to learn more about him and to dive back into this world.

I’m ready for the next book!
Profile Image for Tonika.
260 reviews4 followers
November 25, 2025
take heed of the warning the author placed at the beginning of the book.

Be warned There were a few parts that I had to skim through cause they were a bit much to fully intake the depth of the depravity the adults in this book have. However, with that being said, I desperately need to know what happens next, I cannot seem to help turning to the next page, hoping they make it through the next obstacle.

We pick up right back in the plane, and emotions are running high for everyone holy he1ls.

And the adults are definitely not adults at all, more like toddlers on an angry tyrannical bulldozer and taking everyone out no matter what.

There were moments (many) that I wanted to sh@ke Mia and ask her WTH she is thinking. Everyone is trying to keep her safe and she is completely self destructing at an incredible rate and listens to absolutely no one.

Key points in no particular order:
- see key points from book 1’s review all apply
- contracted arranged marriage
- kids - napping
- 🍇
- depravity 5/5
- descriptive smex scenes 5/5
- romance 1/5
- alpha-wholes
- queen-whole
-
Profile Image for Alyssa Hoffman.
128 reviews4 followers
February 21, 2023
Rollercoaster

I'm walking a fine line between like and dislike. I struggle with Mia and her relationships with each King. Her actions do not match her thoughts...she is a major B in my opinion. Strength of character, and conviction...ya, I just disagree. Personality is not her winning feature.
There are so many extras in this series, and it adds a ton of drama. The addition of June has me messed up. Sympathy and jealousy are warring.
The spice is chefs kiss for the most part, and the plot is mostly okay. The rollercoaster between chapters is intense. There are scenes containing major, MAJOR acts of abuse, assault, and torture. Those were tough to get through.

After 60% I found myself skimming chunks at a time. Either the vivid torture, issues with Mia's thought to dialogue, or just needing to know what is going on RIGHT NOW are the main reasons for that.

Left on another huge cliffy, and yet again, I'm intrigued enough to want to read the next book when it's released.
Profile Image for Melissa (honeybee.reads).
1,394 reviews42 followers
May 23, 2023
What a wonderfully dark, action packed, spicy sequel to Reign Of A Queen. I absolutely adored it. I was hooked from the beginning, it was so full of action. There was honestly always something going on which made me flip through the pages so quickly.

I fell more in love with Mia, she's such a badass heroine. She doesn't let herself be taken advantage of, she sets her foot down and she kills it! The 4 kings kept me on the edge of my seat, I truly loved and hated them for everything they did to Mia, and especially at the end. I loved the multiple POV's throughout the book and getting everyone's side was great.

Do I hate the kings and love to see them get their asses kicked, yes yes I do ! But do I love them and find them hot as hell, yes yes I do !

The ending left me wanting more, major cliffhanger. I cannot wait to read Corrupted Kingdom the last installment.

If you're looking for a dark, bully, reverse harem, enemies to lovers, spicy, action packed series, definitely pick this one up! Please check trigger warnings first.
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