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Corium University #1
King of Corium
She came here for protection, but that’s the last thing she's going to find.
Welcome to Corium University, where the most dangerous criminals in the world send their offspring. Assassins, mafia leaders, arms dealers and art thieves.
You name it, this college houses them.
Here nothing can touch them.
Upon arriving I knew Aspen would be here, she was the daughter of our enemy, a snake in the grass like her father. I had no intention of sparring with her. That is until she opened her pretty little mouth. One sentence and she became my next target, and a woman that I would do anything to see on her knees at my feet.
If she thought the university was the only nightmare she would have to face, she was wrong.
I was the king, and this was my kingdom.
**King of Corium is a dark romance novel, that contains dark themes, including dub-con, non-con. It is not a standalone novel.**
Welcome to Corium University, where the most dangerous criminals in the world send their offspring. Assassins, mafia leaders, arms dealers and art thieves.
You name it, this college houses them.
Here nothing can touch them.
Upon arriving I knew Aspen would be here, she was the daughter of our enemy, a snake in the grass like her father. I had no intention of sparring with her. That is until she opened her pretty little mouth. One sentence and she became my next target, and a woman that I would do anything to see on her knees at my feet.
If she thought the university was the only nightmare she would have to face, she was wrong.
I was the king, and this was my kingdom.
**King of Corium is a dark romance novel, that contains dark themes, including dub-con, non-con. It is not a standalone novel.**
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2021
About the author
C. Hallman
122 books2,498 followersC. Hallman is a USA Today Bestselling Author who wrote her debut novel in 2018 and has since published over 100 books in various romance subgenres. Her works have been on numerous bestseller lists and have been translated into 8 languages around the world.
When she doesn't write her next novel, she publishes spicy novellas under the pen name Darcy Rose.
She is also the owner of Bleeding Heart Press as well as the resident graphic designer for the Dark Heart Romance subscription book box.
FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA>>>>
https://www.facebook.com/Cassandrahal...
https://www.instagram.com/challman_wr...
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/cassa...
When she doesn't write her next novel, she publishes spicy novellas under the pen name Darcy Rose.
She is also the owner of Bleeding Heart Press as well as the resident graphic designer for the Dark Heart Romance subscription book box.
FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA>>>>
https://www.facebook.com/Cassandrahal...
https://www.instagram.com/challman_wr...
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/cassa...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,446 reviews
December 31, 2021
TW for the second book: Aspen is raped by om.
Since the events that took place in the 2rd installment ruined the story for me, I'm petty enough to lower my rating for this book to one single shining star. 💋
Thank you authors for not taking the time to give your readers a small warning in the blurb;) Here comes my appreciation: off my charity list xx.
Special thanks to reviewers who clarified that info.
Original review
3.4 stars (makes sense that I rated it 4 stars, right? 🌚)
So, forced public blow jobs have become a thing in dark romance, huh? How many years did I spend sleeping... Those new trends in romance have my head spinning (out of control).
Should I pretend that I'm not a whore for the "I have the exclusive rights to torture and torment you, rat" trope? 🙇🏼♀️ I dare say it's too late for me to act like a scandalized lady and clutch my pearls. Suffer at the hands of an entitled asshole who protects you from less brazen entitled assholes? Peak romance, change my mind.
WHY THE FOUR STAR RATING?
- Well, I was less bored than I usually am while reading the dreaded enemies-to-lovers, bully, dark academy, young adult, mafia romance (the combination of these words makes me laugh like a maniac who just accomplished a maniac related business 🤡).
- My average rating reached the bottom of the North Atlantic ocean and now resides alongside The Titanic, which makes me feel kindasad desperate. FAKE IT TILL YOU MAKE IT, LET'S GO. 🎉😭🎉😭
- I appreciated that the authors didn't toss the word 'bullying' around in vain. It was pretty severe and pretty not pretty at all.
- The heroine wasn't a brat under the disguise of a fake ass badass who was able to kick everyone's ass (SORRY I'M AN ASS FOR SAYING 'ASS' LIKE 100 ASS TIMES) despite all the odds being against her (that is, the fact that all the academy's mafia offspring students, as well as the teachers, declared war on her). Apparently, that would have appeased the majority of readers, but I personally prefer my romance to be plausible in its implausibility. Yet Aspen was strong and resilient enough not to crumble entirely under the pressure of being lonely, hated on while enjoying zero support from anyone.
- I loved to see the heroine suffer. And before you attach the label of a sadistic sick creep (that I probably am) to me: I appreciated the authors' attempt to convey the effects of bullying on Aspen's physical and emotional health because it's totally unrealistic when heroines overcome any emotional and physical trauma within a span of 3 seconds (which makes the bullying aspect absolutely void of any sense in the first place and takes away from the edginess of this particular trope).
-Sweet, OUT OF PLACE in their tenderness moments between the protagonists.
- The hero fell hard and fast for our girl...which didn't stop him from doing horrible things to her because why would it? Love and suffering should go hand in hand (in my humble opinion, he was more of a protector than a tormentor).🙏🏻
- I Do Love Cliffhangers that pique my interest and bully me into reading the next installments. You know, I'm something of ascientist masochist. 🌚
- I almost didn't skim this book which is quite an achievement for me in the light of my recent less than fortunate reading experiences.
THE BAD
- Quinton (the hero) should have been more unhinged. 🌚 Although he was caring and extremely protective of her (IN MY EYES, and my eyes are a very unreliable source), I wish he proved himself a more ruthless guy dishing out punishment for the heroine's other tormentors. He could use his imagination and ingenuity to kill off this Matteo guy whom he didn't let fuck Aspen's face. But instead, he just forced her to blow him right in front of this loser and his friends. 🤡
THIS BIG FAT RAT MATTEO ALSO GAVE ASPEN A BLACK EYE later in the story, so the question is WHY WEREN'T WE BLESSED WITH A SCENE OF QUINTON CARVING MATEO'S EYES OUT?
I TOLD YOU, THE WHOLE DRAMA COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED had he killed the loser after putting on a show for his miserable ass. 😐
- Sex scenes should have been written spicier. I felt nothing but occasional disgust while reading them. Goddess almighty, if one day authors finally come to the realization that the description of tight pussies and big cocks in sex scenes can be greatly improved by showing the emotional impact sex has on main characters... BELIEVE US, WE ALL KNOW THE MECHANICS OF SEX. The internet hasn't been canceled yet sjshsjsjsh. Give me the connection, the beauty, the emotions, the intensity that come along with nuances like prolonged eye contact, featherlike touches, etc. (forget I ever said something that cheesy in a review for dark romance 🌚🤚🏻) I'm sick and tired of sex scenes that look like a porn movie script. 💀
- The angst in this book has been toned down, like in almost 99% of contemporary bully stories I read. The heroine had small mental breakdowns (thank god, because who in her shoes wouldn't?) but the authors didn't maximize their impact on the readers by writing those in a more edgy, intense manner.
- Clichés (some of them didn't work in the story's favor).
- Average writing.
- Nothing too memorable.
Sadly, I decided to 4-star this shit, but I feel generous right now and I'LL OWN AND EMBRACE MY GENEROSITY TODAY BYE🤚🏻
TW (included in the blurb): rape, sexual assault (by the hero): the heroine gives him sex in exchange for safety. A good bargain, I can hear younot thinking. As I said, romance is not dad (I misspelled but I'll keep it that way BYE AGAIN) 🌚
Since the events that took place in the 2rd installment ruined the story for me, I'm petty enough to lower my rating for this book to one single shining star. 💋
Thank you authors for not taking the time to give your readers a small warning in the blurb;) Here comes my appreciation: off my charity list xx.
Special thanks to reviewers who clarified that info.
Original review
3.4 stars (makes sense that I rated it 4 stars, right? 🌚)
So, forced public blow jobs have become a thing in dark romance, huh? How many years did I spend sleeping... Those new trends in romance have my head spinning (out of control).
Stunned into silence, I stay quiet as he wraps the blanket around me and holds me to his chest tightly, cradling me like a small child.
Should I pretend that I'm not a whore for the "I have the exclusive rights to torture and torment you, rat" trope? 🙇🏼♀️ I dare say it's too late for me to act like a scandalized lady and clutch my pearls. Suffer at the hands of an entitled asshole who protects you from less brazen entitled assholes? Peak romance, change my mind.
WHY THE FOUR STAR RATING?
- Well, I was less bored than I usually am while reading the dreaded enemies-to-lovers, bully, dark academy, young adult, mafia romance (the combination of these words makes me laugh like a maniac who just accomplished a maniac related business 🤡).
- My average rating reached the bottom of the North Atlantic ocean and now resides alongside The Titanic, which makes me feel kinda
- I appreciated that the authors didn't toss the word 'bullying' around in vain. It was pretty severe and pretty not pretty at all.
- The heroine wasn't a brat under the disguise of a fake ass badass who was able to kick everyone's ass (SORRY I'M AN ASS FOR SAYING 'ASS' LIKE 100 ASS TIMES) despite all the odds being against her (that is, the fact that all the academy's mafia offspring students, as well as the teachers, declared war on her). Apparently, that would have appeased the majority of readers, but I personally prefer my romance to be plausible in its implausibility. Yet Aspen was strong and resilient enough not to crumble entirely under the pressure of being lonely, hated on while enjoying zero support from anyone.
- I loved to see the heroine suffer. And before you attach the label of a sadistic sick creep (that I probably am) to me: I appreciated the authors' attempt to convey the effects of bullying on Aspen's physical and emotional health because it's totally unrealistic when heroines overcome any emotional and physical trauma within a span of 3 seconds (which makes the bullying aspect absolutely void of any sense in the first place and takes away from the edginess of this particular trope).
-Sweet, OUT OF PLACE in their tenderness moments between the protagonists.
- The hero fell hard and fast for our girl...which didn't stop him from doing horrible things to her because why would it? Love and suffering should go hand in hand (in my humble opinion, he was more of a protector than a tormentor).🙏🏻
- I Do Love Cliffhangers that pique my interest and bully me into reading the next installments. You know, I'm something of a
- I almost didn't skim this book which is quite an achievement for me in the light of my recent less than fortunate reading experiences.
THE BAD
- Quinton (the hero) should have been more unhinged. 🌚 Although he was caring and extremely protective of her (IN MY EYES, and my eyes are a very unreliable source), I wish he proved himself a more ruthless guy dishing out punishment for the heroine's other tormentors. He could use his imagination and ingenuity to kill off this Matteo guy whom he didn't let fuck Aspen's face. But instead, he just forced her to blow him right in front of this loser and his friends. 🤡
THIS BIG FAT RAT MATTEO ALSO GAVE ASPEN A BLACK EYE later in the story, so the question is WHY WEREN'T WE BLESSED WITH A SCENE OF QUINTON CARVING MATEO'S EYES OUT?
I TOLD YOU, THE WHOLE DRAMA COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED had he killed the loser after putting on a show for his miserable ass. 😐
- Sex scenes should have been written spicier. I felt nothing but occasional disgust while reading them. Goddess almighty, if one day authors finally come to the realization that the description of tight pussies and big cocks in sex scenes can be greatly improved by showing the emotional impact sex has on main characters... BELIEVE US, WE ALL KNOW THE MECHANICS OF SEX. The internet hasn't been canceled yet sjshsjsjsh. Give me the connection, the beauty, the emotions, the intensity that come along with nuances like prolonged eye contact, featherlike touches, etc. (forget I ever said something that cheesy in a review for dark romance 🌚🤚🏻) I'm sick and tired of sex scenes that look like a porn movie script. 💀
- The angst in this book has been toned down, like in almost 99% of contemporary bully stories I read. The heroine had small mental breakdowns (thank god, because who in her shoes wouldn't?) but the authors didn't maximize their impact on the readers by writing those in a more edgy, intense manner.
- Clichés (some of them didn't work in the story's favor).
- Average writing.
- Nothing too memorable.
Sadly, I decided to 4-star this shit, but I feel generous right now and I'LL OWN AND EMBRACE MY GENEROSITY TODAY BYE🤚🏻
TW (included in the blurb): rape, sexual assault (by the hero): the heroine gives him sex in exchange for safety. A good bargain, I can hear you
December 25, 2023
(tw: sexual assault, bullying, rape)
Marked as dark enemies to lovers bully romance; I know this book isn't going to be all sunshine and rainbows. And so am I not spoilsport enough to point out how immoral it is to bully because sometimes, you just want to read trashy romance books (in the hope it'd be a good one). This book, on the other hand, is a complete monstrosity and problematic, I'm not sure how people read this and thought that it's good?
King of Corium follows the story of Aspen, who is sent to Corium University. A school that will teach them how to be better criminals. A school made for all the children of the bad guys, but Aspen was there because her mother believe it's the only place where she'll be safe after her father's traitorous act. Meanwhile, Quinton is the son of a renowned mob boss and a university big shot. There to escape the life he was into and hide from the rest of the world.
Honestly, I found the whole Corium University premise quite ridiculous but anything for the humour, plus the book had a good start before it spirals into something abysmal. So here's to many things why:
1. Quinton and his excessive need to "have control" and the author's endless writing to point it out
And guess who's the target of his bloke issue? Aspen is right.
Like, what is the problem with him and this androcentric issue he has? The list doesn't even end there because that's just how the narrative goes on till the end. Like I get it, he needs some control or whatever. No need to point that out every single chapter. I find it laughable how people pointed out this complex character of him as something that they enjoyed reading as it nettled the hell out of me and yes, I know this is a bully romance book. He is SUPPOSED to be the villain. Sure, till you get to my next point.
2. Let's write this non-consensual act/sexual assault victim to potential dark bully lovers romance so I could hide behind this pigeonhole
To those who are saying their dynamic is just right when it comes to enemies to lovers and bully genre. Do you have trouble comprehending? There's a major distinction between a straight-up non-consensual story and one where the woman is unsure of her feelings. And how is this book supposed to be the latter if Aspen has openly shown her dreadness, her pleading yet instead of stopping your friend from a sexual crime, you joined them?
He assaulted her when he saw that she is not consent to it. When she told them not to touch her. And what did he say?
All these conversations happened in one scene and you're okay with it? "This is supposed to be his character arc!!!" Right. So when Quinton's friend, Ren confronted him about his actions after he saw the video of him forcing Aspen to give him and his friends blowjobs, he takes offence because: bro code! You're supposed to be supporting me. And mind you, he said...
Writing a rapist character is a thing, but making him feel no remorse is another level of sadistic. Please spare me the "reading is supposed to be neutral" narrative because trust me, I get it. Sexual assault is often tackled in books but mostly to educate, remind, or instill empathy towards readers, but profiting off this traumatizing experience of real people and romanticizing it is not something I could tolerate. It's worrying how high this book is rated yet most people failed to point out this major red flag and proceed to say that they enjoyed the romance. We weren't supposed to glorify the rape trope, aren't we?
Again, sexual assault in this book has became a recurrent thing. It's simply a mess. It is bottom line enabling the rape culture and I am so uncomfortable the whole time reading it. Aspen is assaulted many times, got Quinton in her room without permission, forced to please him or forced her to have sex despite her saying she's a virgin and not ready for it. Give me a break.
3. Poorly written characters. Everyone is the worst.
I gave my fair share on why Quinton is the most horrible and I don't care if he is presumed to be dark or traumatised. He's still disgusting. Despite the little redemption written for him towards the end, it still does not justify how he acted and believed, especially when you know his reason which does not equate with his actions. Imagine in real life, do you actually excuse a rapist just because he had a traumatised past? His character build up fell short (more like nonexistent) which then failed in making readers feel compassionate towards him. In this case, it seems like it's just me and 30 other rational readers of this book.
Aspen's story broke me. The way she is bullied by everyone is too much; starve to almost death, verbally, physically and sexually assault. Yet, her character's build-up is also disconcerting, especially when her feelings do not match with her words. Aspen was written in a way that she is deemed as someone strong. Even with all the bullies, she rarely cried or indulge in self-pity. However, that's dissolved when she's with Quinton which is so contrary to her personation. One second, she refused and relent to strip for Quinton, only to oblige without a fight. Her character is so inconsistent, I am so confused with what the authors are trying to potray her as.
The other side characters? None are likeable. Having a shitty mother (who's excusing Quinton's behaviour), a bunch of rapist friends and bullies. That is Corium University to you and it's atrocious.
The other downfall of the book is having all the cringe and lame-ass comebacks. The book ended with a cliffhanger but the miscommunication trope is a disgrace. The writing is immature for most parts and simply to say, there is nothing to like about this book. I don't care if this is a fiction, trying to depict the reality or how backwards the society supposed to be in this supposed "mafia world." The consequences of having this published is already so apparent where you can see people are normalizing rape in romance for how much this narrative has been pushed and brainwashed us to think it was okay. WHEN IT IS NOT.
And you know what's the most disappointing part? This was written by women! If you read this and enjoying it. I'm asking you again, what is your problem?
[0.00000000001/5]
Marked as dark enemies to lovers bully romance; I know this book isn't going to be all sunshine and rainbows. And so am I not spoilsport enough to point out how immoral it is to bully because sometimes, you just want to read trashy romance books (in the hope it'd be a good one). This book, on the other hand, is a complete monstrosity and problematic, I'm not sure how people read this and thought that it's good?
King of Corium follows the story of Aspen, who is sent to Corium University. A school that will teach them how to be better criminals. A school made for all the children of the bad guys, but Aspen was there because her mother believe it's the only place where she'll be safe after her father's traitorous act. Meanwhile, Quinton is the son of a renowned mob boss and a university big shot. There to escape the life he was into and hide from the rest of the world.
Honestly, I found the whole Corium University premise quite ridiculous but anything for the humour, plus the book had a good start before it spirals into something abysmal. So here's to many things why:
1. Quinton and his excessive need to "have control" and the author's endless writing to point it out
And guess who's the target of his bloke issue? Aspen is right.
"All that matters in this instance is control"
"There is something about having this kind of control over her"
"I need something to anchor me, something I can control. No, not something, someone. The enemy. Aspen"
"I need to have her under my control again..."
"Now, I have her full attention, and here, I'm in control"
"I want to control her, I want her to submit to me..."
"She is mine to torment, mine alone to control..."
"I can control her body, but not her mind, and that pisses me off more than I can say"
Like, what is the problem with him and this androcentric issue he has? The list doesn't even end there because that's just how the narrative goes on till the end. Like I get it, he needs some control or whatever. No need to point that out every single chapter. I find it laughable how people pointed out this complex character of him as something that they enjoyed reading as it nettled the hell out of me and yes, I know this is a bully romance book. He is SUPPOSED to be the villain. Sure, till you get to my next point.
2. Let's write this non-consensual act/sexual assault victim to potential dark bully lovers romance so I could hide behind this pigeonhole
To those who are saying their dynamic is just right when it comes to enemies to lovers and bully genre. Do you have trouble comprehending? There's a major distinction between a straight-up non-consensual story and one where the woman is unsure of her feelings. And how is this book supposed to be the latter if Aspen has openly shown her dreadness, her pleading yet instead of stopping your friend from a sexual crime, you joined them?
"We're finally putting her mouth to good use. Wanna join?"
"Only if I get her first"
He assaulted her when he saw that she is not consent to it. When she told them not to touch her. And what did he say?
"Through her lashes, she gives me one more pleading look, begging me not to do this without words, but it's too late. I'm too far gone to stop now"
"Be a good girl and open your mouth." Her eyes are still defiant but she knows this is a battle she can't win"
"Her helplessness and the power it gave me in return. Fuck. It's like a drug."
All these conversations happened in one scene and you're okay with it? "This is supposed to be his character arc!!!" Right. So when Quinton's friend, Ren confronted him about his actions after he saw the video of him forcing Aspen to give him and his friends blowjobs, he takes offence because: bro code! You're supposed to be supporting me. And mind you, he said...
"I can't take back what I did, not that I would if I could"
Writing a rapist character is a thing, but making him feel no remorse is another level of sadistic. Please spare me the "reading is supposed to be neutral" narrative because trust me, I get it. Sexual assault is often tackled in books but mostly to educate, remind, or instill empathy towards readers, but profiting off this traumatizing experience of real people and romanticizing it is not something I could tolerate. It's worrying how high this book is rated yet most people failed to point out this major red flag and proceed to say that they enjoyed the romance. We weren't supposed to glorify the rape trope, aren't we?
"What do you mean no?"
"You're drunk and I'm... not ready"
"Did you not hear what I just said?"
Again, sexual assault in this book has became a recurrent thing. It's simply a mess. It is bottom line enabling the rape culture and I am so uncomfortable the whole time reading it. Aspen is assaulted many times, got Quinton in her room without permission, forced to please him or forced her to have sex despite her saying she's a virgin and not ready for it. Give me a break.
3. Poorly written characters. Everyone is the worst.
I gave my fair share on why Quinton is the most horrible and I don't care if he is presumed to be dark or traumatised. He's still disgusting. Despite the little redemption written for him towards the end, it still does not justify how he acted and believed, especially when you know his reason which does not equate with his actions. Imagine in real life, do you actually excuse a rapist just because he had a traumatised past? His character build up fell short (more like nonexistent) which then failed in making readers feel compassionate towards him. In this case, it seems like it's just me and 30 other rational readers of this book.
Aspen's story broke me. The way she is bullied by everyone is too much; starve to almost death, verbally, physically and sexually assault. Yet, her character's build-up is also disconcerting, especially when her feelings do not match with her words. Aspen was written in a way that she is deemed as someone strong. Even with all the bullies, she rarely cried or indulge in self-pity. However, that's dissolved when she's with Quinton which is so contrary to her personation. One second, she refused and relent to strip for Quinton, only to oblige without a fight. Her character is so inconsistent, I am so confused with what the authors are trying to potray her as.
The other side characters? None are likeable. Having a shitty mother (who's excusing Quinton's behaviour), a bunch of rapist friends and bullies. That is Corium University to you and it's atrocious.
The other downfall of the book is having all the cringe and lame-ass comebacks. The book ended with a cliffhanger but the miscommunication trope is a disgrace. The writing is immature for most parts and simply to say, there is nothing to like about this book. I don't care if this is a fiction, trying to depict the reality or how backwards the society supposed to be in this supposed "mafia world." The consequences of having this published is already so apparent where you can see people are normalizing rape in romance for how much this narrative has been pushed and brainwashed us to think it was okay. WHEN IT IS NOT.
And you know what's the most disappointing part? This was written by women! If you read this and enjoying it. I'm asking you again, what is your problem?
[0.00000000001/5]
December 11, 2021
Nice Bully!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💛🖤🤍
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📒
World building: 🌎🌍🌏🌎🌏
Character development: 😳🤬😏🤓😎
The heroine: Aspen Mather - mafia princess whose Father ratted to the Feds. Except the mob boss he ratted against had an inside man and turned things around and Aspen’s father went to jail. She now has to go to Corium University, a very exclusive private school for the children of mafia families when everyone there will be out to get her because of what her father did.
The Hero(es): Quinton Rossi - The son of the biggest, fiercest mafia boss and next in line to take over. He is going to Corium University to get away from his family after some big drama happened at home, all of it was put into motion by Aspen’s father. Quinton has a serious dark side and feels like he will lose control at times.
The Story: Corium University houses the children of wealthy arms dealers, mafia families and more. It is in a castle in a remote part of the Alaskan wilderness and is where they become the people they were meant to be. There is only one rule, and it is no murder. Aspens mother thinks it is the safest place for her since there are those who would like her dead to get back at her father. At the school she might be with the families her father betrayed but they can’t kill her.
However, it isn’t only the other students Aspen has to worry about, though that is plenty. The headmaster and teachers are as bad, if not worse. She gets the worst room in the castle, and a bed that isn’t even a bed, she is pushed, shoved, and she gets leftovers while all the other kids have great food. Quinton is angry and wants to take out all his frustrations on Aspen.
Quinton is at school with his best friend Ren, but is quite a loner. He is the most feared guy at Corium and that has as much to do with who his father is than himself, but he is definitely a dark character and has no compunction about doing things that aren’t right. He feels his life has spun out of control over the last year and he wants control over all else. When Q discovers he can have total control over Aspen, he does’t hesitate to take it. I actually liked Quinton a lot more than I expected.
But of course with all mafia stories there are a ton of secrets and lies and J.L. Beck and C. Hallman are well versed in weaving many terrific storylines in to one awesome rollercoaster ride. The Cliffhanger is everything a cliffhanger should be and I can’t wait for the next book to find out more about Quinton and Aspen’s pasts as well as the resolution to the exciting cliffhanger.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💛🖤🤍
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📒
World building: 🌎🌍🌏🌎🌏
Character development: 😳🤬😏🤓😎
The heroine: Aspen Mather - mafia princess whose Father ratted to the Feds. Except the mob boss he ratted against had an inside man and turned things around and Aspen’s father went to jail. She now has to go to Corium University, a very exclusive private school for the children of mafia families when everyone there will be out to get her because of what her father did.
The Hero(es): Quinton Rossi - The son of the biggest, fiercest mafia boss and next in line to take over. He is going to Corium University to get away from his family after some big drama happened at home, all of it was put into motion by Aspen’s father. Quinton has a serious dark side and feels like he will lose control at times.
The Story: Corium University houses the children of wealthy arms dealers, mafia families and more. It is in a castle in a remote part of the Alaskan wilderness and is where they become the people they were meant to be. There is only one rule, and it is no murder. Aspens mother thinks it is the safest place for her since there are those who would like her dead to get back at her father. At the school she might be with the families her father betrayed but they can’t kill her.
However, it isn’t only the other students Aspen has to worry about, though that is plenty. The headmaster and teachers are as bad, if not worse. She gets the worst room in the castle, and a bed that isn’t even a bed, she is pushed, shoved, and she gets leftovers while all the other kids have great food. Quinton is angry and wants to take out all his frustrations on Aspen.
Quinton is at school with his best friend Ren, but is quite a loner. He is the most feared guy at Corium and that has as much to do with who his father is than himself, but he is definitely a dark character and has no compunction about doing things that aren’t right. He feels his life has spun out of control over the last year and he wants control over all else. When Q discovers he can have total control over Aspen, he does’t hesitate to take it. I actually liked Quinton a lot more than I expected.
But of course with all mafia stories there are a ton of secrets and lies and J.L. Beck and C. Hallman are well versed in weaving many terrific storylines in to one awesome rollercoaster ride. The Cliffhanger is everything a cliffhanger should be and I can’t wait for the next book to find out more about Quinton and Aspen’s pasts as well as the resolution to the exciting cliffhanger.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
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January 21, 2022
Being associated with a RAT put a target on Aspen's back..
This book won’t be for everyone, a few scenes will definitely push a few people’s boundaries.
This isn’t the worst bully romance book I’ve read, or even the darkest (some are mentioning that this is dark) but I still loved it for what it was. Pure fiction.
The suspense
That taboo feeling of him connecting with one he should’ve left well enough alone.
The angst had me in my happy place
One thing which was hard to stomach was the fact that it wasn't just the students making Aspen's life unbearable, the teachers were no better, the cafeteria staff took things to a whole new level though!!
Our hero walked a fine line between right and wrong, a wolf in sheep’s clothing, he wasn’t a knight in shining armour, and he never never hid the fact.
Oh and do not get me started on that cliffy!! 🤬!! What kind of bull shit was that!! 🤬 That was brutal!! Now that waiting not so patiently for the next book occurs!
This book won’t be for everyone, a few scenes will definitely push a few people’s boundaries.
This isn’t the worst bully romance book I’ve read, or even the darkest (some are mentioning that this is dark) but I still loved it for what it was. Pure fiction.
The suspense
That taboo feeling of him connecting with one he should’ve left well enough alone.
The angst had me in my happy place
One thing which was hard to stomach was the fact that it wasn't just the students making Aspen's life unbearable, the teachers were no better, the cafeteria staff took things to a whole new level though!!
Our hero walked a fine line between right and wrong, a wolf in sheep’s clothing, he wasn’t a knight in shining armour, and he never never hid the fact.
Oh and do not get me started on that cliffy!! 🤬!! What kind of bull shit was that!! 🤬 That was brutal!! Now that waiting not so patiently for the next book occurs!
December 7, 2021
4.5 stars. im surprised, flabbergasted, astonished!! lmaoo because i didn't expect to love this book as much as i did. do i want to say that it's flawless and objectively good?? no, but it didn't lessen my enjoyment.
i am very pleased that the authors were bold and honest enough to include triggers (such as dub-con and non-con). and even more so because they went through with it. no sugarcoating, lots of bullying😛
overall, enjoyable, with likeable main characters and a damned cliffhanger😅
i am very pleased that the authors were bold and honest enough to include triggers (such as dub-con and non-con). and even more so because they went through with it. no sugarcoating, lots of bullying😛
overall, enjoyable, with likeable main characters and a damned cliffhanger😅
October 28, 2021
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Style: Dark Bully Romance (High School)
Story: 4/5
Enjoyment: 4/5
Dark Level: 2/5
Sexual Level: GOOD
Triggers: Yes
Violence: No
Male: Intense
Series: Book 1 of 3 (Cliffy)
Pages: loc. 3798
Audio: N/A
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
STORY
First, I’ll start by saying I love The Rossi Crime Family, which is a dark mafia series. I enjoyed Xander’s story, which is book 2, Keep Me. In Book 1 of said series, Xander came across dark and intense. So in his story with Ella, that made him so sexy and appealing. Now, seeing his child who was a baby in said series is all grown up, makes me a little excited. These books do not need to be read prior to King of Corium, however, if you are curious, somethings makes better sense while reading.
Fast forward to the next generation and Xander’s firstborn and son, Quinton. Welcome to Corium University. The children of criminals of the underworld attend this school. Just to note, this first book in the trilogy isn’t really mafia based but has some mafia contents. It more deals with the typical school drama of 18 year olds. Quinton, could be intense, but for me personally, he borders the line of nice-ish and bully. He did give a bit of bullying vibes, but this felt more enemies to lovers at times as well with the main characters. Aspen is a trooper. She has it rough in that school and the things she goes through will definitely be a trigger for some.
SEXUAL CHEMISTRY:
The sex scenes for this one went from ok to good. It’s those scenes that gets better with each encounter, and I can only speak from my personal taste. Of course, if you know this duo’s work, with their dark books, it goes there sometimes and there are non con and dub con scenes that can and or will offend some readers.
SECONDARY CHARACTERS:
Ren - love Ren. This is Q’s best friend.
Scarlet - Q’s sister her scenes actually puts a smile on my face with her enthusiasm to things.
Matteo - *eye roll*
Xander/Ella - enjoy seeing them again years later.
There are more characters and though this is a trilogy, I am interested to see where this story goes but I hope we get to see more of Ren.
OVERALL:
The story so far has sparked interest and would definitely want to see where it goes. Not always a fan of trilogies and hope my curiosity stays peaked.
✰✰TRIGGERS: non con, dub con, bully and mistreatment.
****I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read. I based my book reviews on my preferences and what I like, and while these preferences may not be the same for others, I hope this review was still helpful.
Style: Dark Bully Romance (High School)
Story: 4/5
Enjoyment: 4/5
Dark Level: 2/5
Sexual Level: GOOD
Triggers: Yes
Violence: No
Male: Intense
Series: Book 1 of 3 (Cliffy)
Pages: loc. 3798
Audio: N/A
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
STORY
First, I’ll start by saying I love The Rossi Crime Family, which is a dark mafia series. I enjoyed Xander’s story, which is book 2, Keep Me. In Book 1 of said series, Xander came across dark and intense. So in his story with Ella, that made him so sexy and appealing. Now, seeing his child who was a baby in said series is all grown up, makes me a little excited. These books do not need to be read prior to King of Corium, however, if you are curious, somethings makes better sense while reading.
Fast forward to the next generation and Xander’s firstborn and son, Quinton. Welcome to Corium University. The children of criminals of the underworld attend this school. Just to note, this first book in the trilogy isn’t really mafia based but has some mafia contents. It more deals with the typical school drama of 18 year olds. Quinton, could be intense, but for me personally, he borders the line of nice-ish and bully. He did give a bit of bullying vibes, but this felt more enemies to lovers at times as well with the main characters. Aspen is a trooper. She has it rough in that school and the things she goes through will definitely be a trigger for some.
SEXUAL CHEMISTRY:
The sex scenes for this one went from ok to good. It’s those scenes that gets better with each encounter, and I can only speak from my personal taste. Of course, if you know this duo’s work, with their dark books, it goes there sometimes and there are non con and dub con scenes that can and or will offend some readers.
SECONDARY CHARACTERS:
Ren - love Ren. This is Q’s best friend.
Scarlet - Q’s sister her scenes actually puts a smile on my face with her enthusiasm to things.
Matteo - *eye roll*
Xander/Ella - enjoy seeing them again years later.
There are more characters and though this is a trilogy, I am interested to see where this story goes but I hope we get to see more of Ren.
OVERALL:
The story so far has sparked interest and would definitely want to see where it goes. Not always a fan of trilogies and hope my curiosity stays peaked.
✰✰TRIGGERS: non con, dub con, bully and mistreatment.
****I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read. I based my book reviews on my preferences and what I like, and while these preferences may not be the same for others, I hope this review was still helpful.
November 14, 2021
I hated this book.
And here are the reasons why, first of all:
At the first he was like "I don't blame her for what her family did" fair enough but THEN 2 seconds later he was like "I am going to ruin her life for what she did" so you do Balme her after all huh?
There were SO may disgusting lines, so fucking many, and the audacity of the main character, I want to beat the hell out of him.
One of the first chapters, when they were fighting in the class, he was so disgusting towards her, It was one the worst scenes but the thing got way worse. I get that its a bully romance but what the heck, this was full on sexual assault.
Also my whole body was on fire from the rage that I felt when she was constantly apologizing and BEGGING for him to stop. She felt like it was somehow her fault for something that she DIDNT DO.
She was shown as a weak poor little girl that can't stand up for her self and he was a hard powerful man that BEAT her up.
Disgusting.
I get this is not everyone but I honestly don't know who can get enjoyment out of the book, I literally get so angry just from remembering this.
If I could gave this book 0 start I absolutely would.
And here are the reasons why, first of all:
At the first he was like "I don't blame her for what her family did" fair enough but THEN 2 seconds later he was like "I am going to ruin her life for what she did" so you do Balme her after all huh?
There were SO may disgusting lines, so fucking many, and the audacity of the main character, I want to beat the hell out of him.
One of the first chapters, when they were fighting in the class, he was so disgusting towards her, It was one the worst scenes but the thing got way worse. I get that its a bully romance but what the heck, this was full on sexual assault.
Also my whole body was on fire from the rage that I felt when she was constantly apologizing and BEGGING for him to stop. She felt like it was somehow her fault for something that she DIDNT DO.
She was shown as a weak poor little girl that can't stand up for her self and he was a hard powerful man that BEAT her up.
Disgusting.
I get this is not everyone but I honestly don't know who can get enjoyment out of the book, I literally get so angry just from remembering this.
If I could gave this book 0 start I absolutely would.
May 18, 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 2.5/5
I have to confess I really liked this book, most of all our heroine.
This book is a Dark Enemies To Lovers Bully Romance, so there are a few (a lot) of darkness themes in this book. So before I start this review I would like to caution sensitive people of the following, proceed with caution (at your own discretion):
Beware of Triggers Warnings there are a few.
○ Attempted sexual assaults
○ Dub-con (multiple times)
○ Violence
○ Dark bullying
○ Sexual assault/ Harassment
Now after all that, the book is interesting, the PLOT revolves around Quinton and Aspen, who just enrolled into a Criminals offsprings university, Corium University. It's a fast paced plot where the interactions between both mc's occurred pretty quickly and also rapidly evolves into a sexual relationship.
There's a bit of an emotional, psychological edge to the plot in how both of the mc' deals with their different family problems and death. Although, its a criminal university, there's not much action, no mafia/ cartels, no drugs or assesins, however there are some mention to some of their parents business who revolves around those crimes or world.
The "ROMANCE" , there's NO ROMANCE in this book at least for now, there seems to be in the middle of developing some feelings NOT LOVE, some affection (kind of) maybe, some liking of the friendship type.... This is a DARK BULLY ROMANCE so there are very dark themes, dark moments of the sexual type and of course there's A LOT of BULLYING from everyone towards Aspen.
The tropes in this book are:
♡ Enemies To Lovers
♡ Bully
No O/M or O/W drama, also the H is too possessive to share his "toys", although he constantly threatened her of sharing her with his friends, he actually NEVER went through his threats. In conclusion, it's a safe book in respect to the mc's only ever been with each other throughout the entire book.
The CHARACTERS , this may be the most complicated about all the book, most of them were not even redeemable, they were hateful, pure fucking ASSHOLES and some rapist here and there too. The only character which I truly loved was Aspen and Brittany.
☆ ASPEN this girl stole my heart from the very first second, she's been through hell and worse, although everyone thinks she's a coward she just chooses her battles wisely. Her family is a disaster after the mistakes committed by her father and everyone blames her to by association, her mother is on the run and she's sent to this hell hole of university where everyone hates her and to sum it up, his father worst enemy offspring goes to this same university.
☆ QUINTON he's an amazing conceited asshole, an egotistical boy and a bitch boy. The best iconic scene that best represents him is the first fight he has with Ren, his best friend quite the golden boy he is. He sneaks into the h's bedroom while she sleeps and got her drunk to make her spill information of her friend Britt.
☆ BRITTANY the hacker aka school librarian, is quite the mystery, she's hiding from her asshole (yes, another one!) exboyfriend, Phoenix, she's the only one friend Aspen has in the whole school, who seems to really care about her and her well-being.
The other supporting characters in this book vary from good like Luna (Ren little sister) and Scarlet (Quinton little sister), to awful like Anjia the Russian girl, Matteo the rapist, Nash, Lucas Rossi the Dean of the University, Xander (Quinton father) who's probably the worst of them all.
So the story it's pretty good, the angst, the darkness, the psychological edge, so even though a few things I didn't liked it had more to do with the personality (assholeness) of said characters than the book itself.
I highly recommend this book if you like me enjoy dark enemies to lovers bully romance!! Hope you like it as much as I did!! 🖤
Happy reading everyone!! ❤❤
QUOTES:
“What you did with Aspen. The forced blow job. Matteo took a video of it and saved it on his phone.”
“Look, you know I don’t give a fuck what you do, and I hardly ever make comments about shit. I mean, our parents are fucking criminals, but don’t you think…?” Ren drags his feet, and my frustration toward him mounts.
“Never, which is why I’m telling you I think you took it too far.”
“I saw the video, and then Luna called me a little bit after, and it made me think… if someone ever did that to her. I’d be filled with murderous rage. There would be nothing to stop me from slaughtering those fuckers.”
“What if something like that happened to Scarlet? If someone did that to her? How would you feel?”
My sister’s angelic face fills my mind. The thought of anyone hurting her or touching her in a way that would make her feel degraded or less than ignites a fire in my veins. Still, all the anger from that statement gets directed at Ren.
“What the hell is wrong with you?” I growl. “Scarlet and Aspen aren’t even on the same playing field, and that’s my fucking sister. Don’t ever talk about something like that happening to her again.”
Q just doesn’t want to share his new toy...
P.S. Here to a sensitive person @Alexa.vtae, I warned you not to read this!! I hope you take my advice seriously... 💀😈
I have to confess I really liked this book, most of all our heroine.
This book is a Dark Enemies To Lovers Bully Romance, so there are a few (a lot) of darkness themes in this book. So before I start this review I would like to caution sensitive people of the following, proceed with caution (at your own discretion):
Beware of Triggers Warnings there are a few.
○ Attempted sexual assaults
○ Dub-con (multiple times)
○ Violence
○ Dark bullying
○ Sexual assault/ Harassment
Now after all that, the book is interesting, the PLOT revolves around Quinton and Aspen, who just enrolled into a Criminals offsprings university, Corium University. It's a fast paced plot where the interactions between both mc's occurred pretty quickly and also rapidly evolves into a sexual relationship.
There's a bit of an emotional, psychological edge to the plot in how both of the mc' deals with their different family problems and death. Although, its a criminal university, there's not much action, no mafia/ cartels, no drugs or assesins, however there are some mention to some of their parents business who revolves around those crimes or world.
The "ROMANCE" , there's NO ROMANCE in this book at least for now, there seems to be in the middle of developing some feelings NOT LOVE, some affection (kind of) maybe, some liking of the friendship type.... This is a DARK BULLY ROMANCE so there are very dark themes, dark moments of the sexual type and of course there's A LOT of BULLYING from everyone towards Aspen.
The tropes in this book are:
♡ Enemies To Lovers
♡ Bully
No O/M or O/W drama, also the H is too possessive to share his "toys", although he constantly threatened her of sharing her with his friends, he actually NEVER went through his threats. In conclusion, it's a safe book in respect to the mc's only ever been with each other throughout the entire book.
The CHARACTERS , this may be the most complicated about all the book, most of them were not even redeemable, they were hateful, pure fucking ASSHOLES and some rapist here and there too. The only character which I truly loved was Aspen and Brittany.
☆ ASPEN this girl stole my heart from the very first second, she's been through hell and worse, although everyone thinks she's a coward she just chooses her battles wisely. Her family is a disaster after the mistakes committed by her father and everyone blames her to by association, her mother is on the run and she's sent to this hell hole of university where everyone hates her and to sum it up, his father worst enemy offspring goes to this same university.
☆ QUINTON he's an amazing conceited asshole, an egotistical boy and a bitch boy. The best iconic scene that best represents him is the first fight he has with Ren, his best friend quite the golden boy he is. He sneaks into the h's bedroom while she sleeps and got her drunk to make her spill information of her friend Britt.
☆ BRITTANY the hacker aka school librarian, is quite the mystery, she's hiding from her asshole (yes, another one!) exboyfriend, Phoenix, she's the only one friend Aspen has in the whole school, who seems to really care about her and her well-being.
The other supporting characters in this book vary from good like Luna (Ren little sister) and Scarlet (Quinton little sister), to awful like Anjia the Russian girl, Matteo the rapist, Nash, Lucas Rossi the Dean of the University, Xander (Quinton father) who's probably the worst of them all.
So the story it's pretty good, the angst, the darkness, the psychological edge, so even though a few things I didn't liked it had more to do with the personality (assholeness) of said characters than the book itself.
I highly recommend this book if you like me enjoy dark enemies to lovers bully romance!! Hope you like it as much as I did!! 🖤
Happy reading everyone!! ❤❤
QUOTES:
“What you did with Aspen. The forced blow job. Matteo took a video of it and saved it on his phone.”
“Look, you know I don’t give a fuck what you do, and I hardly ever make comments about shit. I mean, our parents are fucking criminals, but don’t you think…?” Ren drags his feet, and my frustration toward him mounts.
“Never, which is why I’m telling you I think you took it too far.”
“I saw the video, and then Luna called me a little bit after, and it made me think… if someone ever did that to her. I’d be filled with murderous rage. There would be nothing to stop me from slaughtering those fuckers.”
“What if something like that happened to Scarlet? If someone did that to her? How would you feel?”
My sister’s angelic face fills my mind. The thought of anyone hurting her or touching her in a way that would make her feel degraded or less than ignites a fire in my veins. Still, all the anger from that statement gets directed at Ren.
“What the hell is wrong with you?” I growl. “Scarlet and Aspen aren’t even on the same playing field, and that’s my fucking sister. Don’t ever talk about something like that happening to her again.”
Q just doesn’t want to share his new toy...
P.S. Here to a sensitive person @Alexa.vtae, I warned you not to read this!! I hope you take my advice seriously... 💀😈
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2021
1⭐️ This definitely cannot be categorized as a romance novel bc even though there was spice, there was non consensual acts w/o any remorse. I wouldn’t even put this in the bully romance category… “bully” doesn’t cover this. I knew going in of the warnings but this is just not hot. There’s a difference btw straight up non con (like this) and blurry lines of non-con where the woman is confused about her feelings but stuff happens. This was straight up non con with having his buddies hold her arms and he forces her to give him a bl*w job. We understand that Q is dark, intense, traumatized etc. But the length that the characters go through to traumatize Aspen (bc she’s the daughter of a snitch), like starvation… it’s just too much to really be enjoyable.
The only really good character in the book is Aspen and she’s beaten down time and time again and humiliated. There’s a tiny bit of redemption for Q towards the end of the book… but this is not a steamy romance book. It’s more a thriller with sex thrown in. The book also did end on a large cliff hanger.
Worth the read?: NO
Reread?: NO
The only really good character in the book is Aspen and she’s beaten down time and time again and humiliated. There’s a tiny bit of redemption for Q towards the end of the book… but this is not a steamy romance book. It’s more a thriller with sex thrown in. The book also did end on a large cliff hanger.
Worth the read?: NO
Reread?: NO
November 28, 2021
The writing was so bad. The characters were unbelievable and flat. I just felt so disappointed.
January 18, 2024
3,5/5⭐️
Pojebane, więc nawet mi się podobało.
Główny bohater jest TAK OKROPNY! Nie w sensie napisania go, tylko jego zachowania. Toksyczny, wykorzystał ją, szantażował, skrzywdził. Jezu co tam się odjebało w ogóle.
Z nią idzie sympatyzować, bo strasznie mi jej szkoda było. Z nie jej winy całe jej życie się posypało, a ludzie są dla niej tak okrutni. Taki trochę syndrom zauroczenia swoim oprawcą, bo z jednej strony on ją krzywdzi, a z drugiej chroni przed innymi.
Jestem naprawdę ciekawa co wydarzy się w drugim tomie, bo ta końcówka wiele pytań zostawia a zero odpowiedzi.
W ogóle motyw tej szkoły dla dzieci przestępców bardzo mi się podoba. Fajny klimat dla dark romansu.
Pojebane, więc nawet mi się podobało.
Główny bohater jest TAK OKROPNY! Nie w sensie napisania go, tylko jego zachowania. Toksyczny, wykorzystał ją, szantażował, skrzywdził. Jezu co tam się odjebało w ogóle.
Z nią idzie sympatyzować, bo strasznie mi jej szkoda było. Z nie jej winy całe jej życie się posypało, a ludzie są dla niej tak okrutni. Taki trochę syndrom zauroczenia swoim oprawcą, bo z jednej strony on ją krzywdzi, a z drugiej chroni przed innymi.
Jestem naprawdę ciekawa co wydarzy się w drugim tomie, bo ta końcówka wiele pytań zostawia a zero odpowiedzi.
W ogóle motyw tej szkoły dla dzieci przestępców bardzo mi się podoba. Fajny klimat dla dark romansu.
March 27, 2022
Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Note 2: This is a trilogy. King of Corium is the first. Drop Dead Queen is the next. Broken Kingdom is the third and final book in the trilogy.
Trigger warnings: non-con, dub-con, sexual assault, attempted rape, abuse, violence, assault, murder
So many trigger warnings I had already paid attention to. And yes I knew this would be a difficult story for me.
Regardless I continued pushing on because I still did feel intrigued by the writing style. However the characters, possible romance, even the side MCs are s****y so yeah no chance in hell of them being liked by me.
This is probably a book that I would never like to read again because it goes beyond what I read even in the bully romance genre.
I just wish there were more likeable moments too and idk more intelligent decisions made by characters.
But I guess that didn’t happen.
So regardless of my hate for the king of Corium - I still look forward to the next book and hope for no more cliffhangers - my brain can only take so much.
Until the next read,
-TMR
Note 2: This is a trilogy. King of Corium is the first. Drop Dead Queen is the next. Broken Kingdom is the third and final book in the trilogy.
Trigger warnings: non-con, dub-con, sexual assault, attempted rape, abuse, violence, assault, murder
So many trigger warnings I had already paid attention to. And yes I knew this would be a difficult story for me.
Regardless I continued pushing on because I still did feel intrigued by the writing style. However the characters, possible romance, even the side MCs are s****y so yeah no chance in hell of them being liked by me.
This is probably a book that I would never like to read again because it goes beyond what I read even in the bully romance genre.
I just wish there were more likeable moments too and idk more intelligent decisions made by characters.
But I guess that didn’t happen.
So regardless of my hate for the king of Corium - I still look forward to the next book and hope for no more cliffhangers - my brain can only take so much.
Until the next read,
-TMR
February 24, 2022
*La reseña tiene algunos spoilers no mayores*
No puedo creer lo horrible que fue leer este libro. Es que no lo puedo creer. Leyendo la sinopsis pensé que iba a ser un libro oscuro de romance de bullys, creí que iba a ser un libro morboso que me iba a hacer dudar de mí y que me iba a gustar culposamente, pero nunca me esperé que este libro iba a ser tan repulsivo.
El libro no contiene advertencias, pero aprovecho de decir que este libro tiene abusos de todo tipo (psicológico, físico, sexual).
Es que ni siquiera sé cómo partir esta reseña.
De partida encontré muy ??? que estuviera esta universidad que entrenara a hijos de criminales para ser mejores criminales. Por qué existiría algo así ? y además ni siquiera ofrecen distintas carreras, ni siquiera es una universidad. Me da la impresión de que las autoras querían que esto fuera un colegio pero por razones obvias decidieron hacerlo universidad para que mínimo los protagonistas sean mayores de edad.
Pero si me gustó la idea de la trama: el hijo del criminal supremo, y la hija de un criminal que rateó a todos y por eso toda la universidad la odia. Si hubiese estado bien desarrollado, podría haber sido un romance bully bueno, pero TODO estaba mal. No puedo rescatar absolutamente nada del libro.
Mi mayor problema fue el protagonista hombre: Quinton. Nunca en mi vida había odiado tanto a un personaje ficticio, a nadie en la vida real. Es un tipo abusivo, enfermo, que necesita estar en control de todo y de todos, y controla a la gente sólo por el poder que tiene su papá, porque sin él Quinton no tendría ningún tipo de respeto porque el tipo no tiene más personalidad que ser hijo de un tipo importante y ser un depravado. Es un bully y le encanta hacer sufrir a la gente, y peor aún le excita de manera sexual. El hecho de que imaginar como se aprovecha y abusa de Aspen (la protagonista) le gustara me dio asco, y más aún cuando dice en varias ocasiones que le gustaría que ella estuviera inconsciente para poder ocuparla como quisiera.
EN QUE MUNDO ESTO SERÍA ATRACTIVO??? Es que Quinton no tiene ninguna cualidad que a uno le guste si quiera de una manera culposa este personaje. Es repulsivo, un abusador de todo tipo, agresivo, y además insoportablemente mala onda. Ni siquiera un animal tiene tan poco control sobre sí mismo. Es casi antinatural el odio que me provoca este personaje.
Mi segundo y GRAN problema con este libro son todas las escenas de sexo. NINGUNA es con consentimiento. Me duele y me da rabia hablar de este tema, me revuelve la guata de tener que mencionarlo, pero fue algo que no pude pasar.
Y mi problema con esto no es la temática del libro, ni soy sensible ni nada. Entiendo que este libro sea considerado y etiquetado como "Dark", no esperaba que fuera algo tierno ni nada por el estilo. Y no tengo problema con los libros oscuros, me gusta cuando los libros desarrollan temáticas tabú, pero cuando las desarrollan bien.
Quinton básicamente chantajeaba a Aspen con conseguirle cosas básicas para la vida a cambio de sexo (esto es porque todo el mundo en la universidad la odiaba y no le daban comida, no le arreglaban la cañería del baño, etc.). La chica estaba en la encerrona de que si no aceptaba podría morir de desnutrición (que de hecho esto casi pasa en el libro), así que acepta. Por lo tanto ninguna de estas escenas fue porque ella quisiera realmente. El tipo era super demandante, entraba cuando quería a la pieza de la niña (porque tenía una copia de su llave) exigiendo lo que era "suyo", hacía lo que quería y se iba.
Además me pasa que las escenas de sexo ni siquiera son buenas. Ni siquiera se podría justificar este libro como un libro erótico muy fetichoso, que a una le gusta y que se lee con morbo, porque las escenas no son buenas. No entiendo entonces el punto del libro porque ni siquiera logra eso.
Y lo que fue lo peor para mí es que existe una violación en grupo por parte de Quinton y sus amigos. Esta escena es realmente asquerosa y aquí casi paro de leer. El tipo va con su rollo de maniático del control y solo por eso no deja que sus amigos le hagan algo más, pero aún así abusa de ella con los otros ahí deteniéndola de escapar y además está siendo grabada.
En todo momento el tipo dice que no se arrepiente de esto, y es más, que lo volvería hacer. Y cuando uno de sus amigos le dice que se ha pasado y le dice que si se lo hicieran a su hermana estaría mal, Quinton tiene la desfachatez de enojarse con su amigo y decirle que está loco y que no debería comparar una cosa con la otra.
Es que de verdad no entiendo como a alguien le podría gustar este personaje tan asqueroso. Es que ni siquiera tiene algún cambio de personalidad ni nada, sigue siendo igual de animal durante todo el libro, siendo un posesivo, abusivo y violento frente a Aspen.
Aspen me dio muchísima pena. Me daba angustia leer como todos le hacían la vida imposible, y como tenía a este grupo de hombres detrás suyos para hacerle de lo peor. También me da pena que sabía que Quinton era un cerdo, y que se diera cuenta de que el tipo aunque hiciera un mínimo acto de decencia humana seguía siendo una horrible persona, y aún así intentaba razonar con él cuando se volvía más violento de lo normal. Siento que el tipo la tenía tan manipulada y estaba en un ambiente tan nocivo para ella que solo le quedaba confiar en él. Qué rabia.
Y sobre el final del libro... No me podría importar menos el cliffhanger que me metieron. En mi mente habrán muerto todos y sufriendo mientras que Aspen logró escapar y vivir en paz y con terapia por todos los horrores que vivió. No acepto otro final y me da lo mismo el libro siguiente.
El problema con este libro es que fue etiquetado como romance pero en realidad es de horror. Esto NO es romántico, la relación que había entre estos dos nunca fue romántica ni hubo cariño, sólo manipulación, violencia y odio.
Estoy segura de que deben haber buenos libros de romance con bullying (que es un tema turbio pero se podría trabajar bien supongo), pero este NO es uno de ellos. Está de más decir que no lo recomiendo para nada y que lo odié. Para gustos colores, pero no entiendo como a alguien le podría gustar un libro así, y menos aún encontrar sexy.
No puedo creer lo horrible que fue leer este libro. Es que no lo puedo creer. Leyendo la sinopsis pensé que iba a ser un libro oscuro de romance de bullys, creí que iba a ser un libro morboso que me iba a hacer dudar de mí y que me iba a gustar culposamente, pero nunca me esperé que este libro iba a ser tan repulsivo.
El libro no contiene advertencias, pero aprovecho de decir que este libro tiene abusos de todo tipo (psicológico, físico, sexual).
Es que ni siquiera sé cómo partir esta reseña.
De partida encontré muy ??? que estuviera esta universidad que entrenara a hijos de criminales para ser mejores criminales. Por qué existiría algo así ? y además ni siquiera ofrecen distintas carreras, ni siquiera es una universidad. Me da la impresión de que las autoras querían que esto fuera un colegio pero por razones obvias decidieron hacerlo universidad para que mínimo los protagonistas sean mayores de edad.
Pero si me gustó la idea de la trama: el hijo del criminal supremo, y la hija de un criminal que rateó a todos y por eso toda la universidad la odia. Si hubiese estado bien desarrollado, podría haber sido un romance bully bueno, pero TODO estaba mal. No puedo rescatar absolutamente nada del libro.
Mi mayor problema fue el protagonista hombre: Quinton. Nunca en mi vida había odiado tanto a un personaje ficticio, a nadie en la vida real. Es un tipo abusivo, enfermo, que necesita estar en control de todo y de todos, y controla a la gente sólo por el poder que tiene su papá, porque sin él Quinton no tendría ningún tipo de respeto porque el tipo no tiene más personalidad que ser hijo de un tipo importante y ser un depravado. Es un bully y le encanta hacer sufrir a la gente, y peor aún le excita de manera sexual. El hecho de que imaginar como se aprovecha y abusa de Aspen (la protagonista) le gustara me dio asco, y más aún cuando dice en varias ocasiones que le gustaría que ella estuviera inconsciente para poder ocuparla como quisiera.
EN QUE MUNDO ESTO SERÍA ATRACTIVO??? Es que Quinton no tiene ninguna cualidad que a uno le guste si quiera de una manera culposa este personaje. Es repulsivo, un abusador de todo tipo, agresivo, y además insoportablemente mala onda. Ni siquiera un animal tiene tan poco control sobre sí mismo. Es casi antinatural el odio que me provoca este personaje.
Mi segundo y GRAN problema con este libro son todas las escenas de sexo. NINGUNA es con consentimiento. Me duele y me da rabia hablar de este tema, me revuelve la guata de tener que mencionarlo, pero fue algo que no pude pasar.
Y mi problema con esto no es la temática del libro, ni soy sensible ni nada. Entiendo que este libro sea considerado y etiquetado como "Dark", no esperaba que fuera algo tierno ni nada por el estilo. Y no tengo problema con los libros oscuros, me gusta cuando los libros desarrollan temáticas tabú, pero cuando las desarrollan bien.
Quinton básicamente chantajeaba a Aspen con conseguirle cosas básicas para la vida a cambio de sexo (esto es porque todo el mundo en la universidad la odiaba y no le daban comida, no le arreglaban la cañería del baño, etc.). La chica estaba en la encerrona de que si no aceptaba podría morir de desnutrición (que de hecho esto casi pasa en el libro), así que acepta. Por lo tanto ninguna de estas escenas fue porque ella quisiera realmente. El tipo era super demandante, entraba cuando quería a la pieza de la niña (porque tenía una copia de su llave) exigiendo lo que era "suyo", hacía lo que quería y se iba.
Además me pasa que las escenas de sexo ni siquiera son buenas. Ni siquiera se podría justificar este libro como un libro erótico muy fetichoso, que a una le gusta y que se lee con morbo, porque las escenas no son buenas. No entiendo entonces el punto del libro porque ni siquiera logra eso.
Y lo que fue lo peor para mí es que existe una violación en grupo por parte de Quinton y sus amigos. Esta escena es realmente asquerosa y aquí casi paro de leer. El tipo va con su rollo de maniático del control y solo por eso no deja que sus amigos le hagan algo más, pero aún así abusa de ella con los otros ahí deteniéndola de escapar y además está siendo grabada.
En todo momento el tipo dice que no se arrepiente de esto, y es más, que lo volvería hacer. Y cuando uno de sus amigos le dice que se ha pasado y le dice que si se lo hicieran a su hermana estaría mal, Quinton tiene la desfachatez de enojarse con su amigo y decirle que está loco y que no debería comparar una cosa con la otra.
Es que de verdad no entiendo como a alguien le podría gustar este personaje tan asqueroso. Es que ni siquiera tiene algún cambio de personalidad ni nada, sigue siendo igual de animal durante todo el libro, siendo un posesivo, abusivo y violento frente a Aspen.
Aspen me dio muchísima pena. Me daba angustia leer como todos le hacían la vida imposible, y como tenía a este grupo de hombres detrás suyos para hacerle de lo peor. También me da pena que sabía que Quinton era un cerdo, y que se diera cuenta de que el tipo aunque hiciera un mínimo acto de decencia humana seguía siendo una horrible persona, y aún así intentaba razonar con él cuando se volvía más violento de lo normal. Siento que el tipo la tenía tan manipulada y estaba en un ambiente tan nocivo para ella que solo le quedaba confiar en él. Qué rabia.
Y sobre el final del libro... No me podría importar menos el cliffhanger que me metieron. En mi mente habrán muerto todos y sufriendo mientras que Aspen logró escapar y vivir en paz y con terapia por todos los horrores que vivió. No acepto otro final y me da lo mismo el libro siguiente.
El problema con este libro es que fue etiquetado como romance pero en realidad es de horror. Esto NO es romántico, la relación que había entre estos dos nunca fue romántica ni hubo cariño, sólo manipulación, violencia y odio.
Estoy segura de que deben haber buenos libros de romance con bullying (que es un tema turbio pero se podría trabajar bien supongo), pero este NO es uno de ellos. Está de más decir que no lo recomiendo para nada y que lo odié. Para gustos colores, pero no entiendo como a alguien le podría gustar un libro así, y menos aún encontrar sexy.
October 19, 2021
I have loved everything I've read by this duo of amazing authors, but this one... OMG it's on a whole new planet of goodness. Easily a 5+ star read for me.
Only the kids of the most corrupt and vile parents attend Corium. You come to learn new skills and to sharper others. Some come to hide and some come to thrive. There is only 1 rule - everything else is fair game. Everyone is fair game. Especially the quiet blonde girl who always diverts her eyes and wishes that the floor or walls would just suck her in. Never wanting to be on anyone's radar - expect she crossed paths with the one she feared encountering the most and it wasn't pretty.
Aspen, oh my word. I just loved her! She was so strong and was put through so much. My heart broke for her. For all that she had to endure - at the hands of Quinton, the son of her father's enemy. Everyone wants Aspen dead. Her mother sent her to Corium to be safe and away from their clutches. Instead she sent Aspen right into the hands of her worst nightmare. Quinton vows to break her. To make her life a living hell - one cruel word and vicious touch at a time.
Quinton is beyond brutal to Aspen. Some times I think he maybe does have a caring bone in his body and other times I wanted to push him off a cliff for being a fool. I still am not sure what I want to do with him. Kick him in the balls or climb him like a tree. Both, neither, who really knows.
I need book 2, oh my word do I need it!! This two decided to hurt us in the feels, but I wouldn't change a thing about that!!
If you're looking for a dark, college age read filled with mystery, intriguing characters and a plot that will draw you in from the start... then this is it!
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Only the kids of the most corrupt and vile parents attend Corium. You come to learn new skills and to sharper others. Some come to hide and some come to thrive. There is only 1 rule - everything else is fair game. Everyone is fair game. Especially the quiet blonde girl who always diverts her eyes and wishes that the floor or walls would just suck her in. Never wanting to be on anyone's radar - expect she crossed paths with the one she feared encountering the most and it wasn't pretty.
Aspen, oh my word. I just loved her! She was so strong and was put through so much. My heart broke for her. For all that she had to endure - at the hands of Quinton, the son of her father's enemy. Everyone wants Aspen dead. Her mother sent her to Corium to be safe and away from their clutches. Instead she sent Aspen right into the hands of her worst nightmare. Quinton vows to break her. To make her life a living hell - one cruel word and vicious touch at a time.
Quinton is beyond brutal to Aspen. Some times I think he maybe does have a caring bone in his body and other times I wanted to push him off a cliff for being a fool. I still am not sure what I want to do with him. Kick him in the balls or climb him like a tree. Both, neither, who really knows.
I need book 2, oh my word do I need it!! This two decided to hurt us in the feels, but I wouldn't change a thing about that!!
If you're looking for a dark, college age read filled with mystery, intriguing characters and a plot that will draw you in from the start... then this is it!
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
November 28, 2021
umm no... just noup. If you’re not 18 don’t read this book.
November 9, 2021
dnf 36%
the noncon was just too much
H literally forces h to give him a bj while other guys are literally holding her down…
enemies to lovers? more like sexual assault victim to lovers 😐
the noncon was just too much
H literally forces h to give him a bj while other guys are literally holding her down…
enemies to lovers? more like sexual assault victim to lovers 😐
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2021
4.25 stars
Aspen, daughter of a jailed made man and “rat” to the mafia, encounters Quinton, the son of the biggest crime boss in the country, at a college specifically for children of the crime world. Problem is Quinton has a score to settle with this persona non-grata heroine. In a mix of bullying (or at least allowing it to happen) and quid pro quo (I'll get you blankets if you do what I want for one day), Aspen lives an unsettling academic experience, withheld meals, harassment, and all around unpleasantness. And then there are secrets of a deceased sister.
Aspen was likable, cordial and pleasant; Quinton, powerful, forceful, and drawn to Aspen. Their enemies-to-lovers and sometimes toxic relationship was simply a mask for the attraction they could not deny. I loved the moments of Quinton's jealous-possessiveness; she was his! Their chemistry was electric as demonstrated in the spice level of this book, not necessary high but definitely heated.
Story events were enjoyable, if rather predictable. Also, not a dark read, but some dark elements and more of the latter would have made this book, for me, a grittier, more enriching read aligning with the subject matter. Dark actions I would have expected to occur simply did not, making a light grey dark, even ivory from my standpoint. Quinton was really more Aspen's protector with benefits than her bully.
Great pace, engaging story with a hint of mystery, set in Alaska at a unique college. Be careful whom you trust. And that cliffhanger. I need book 2.
Aspen, daughter of a jailed made man and “rat” to the mafia, encounters Quinton, the son of the biggest crime boss in the country, at a college specifically for children of the crime world. Problem is Quinton has a score to settle with this persona non-grata heroine. In a mix of bullying (or at least allowing it to happen) and quid pro quo (I'll get you blankets if you do what I want for one day), Aspen lives an unsettling academic experience, withheld meals, harassment, and all around unpleasantness. And then there are secrets of a deceased sister.
Aspen was likable, cordial and pleasant; Quinton, powerful, forceful, and drawn to Aspen. Their enemies-to-lovers and sometimes toxic relationship was simply a mask for the attraction they could not deny. I loved the moments of Quinton's jealous-possessiveness; she was his! Their chemistry was electric as demonstrated in the spice level of this book, not necessary high but definitely heated.
Story events were enjoyable, if rather predictable. Also, not a dark read, but some dark elements and more of the latter would have made this book, for me, a grittier, more enriching read aligning with the subject matter. Dark actions I would have expected to occur simply did not, making a light grey dark, even ivory from my standpoint. Quinton was really more Aspen's protector with benefits than her bully.
Great pace, engaging story with a hint of mystery, set in Alaska at a unique college. Be careful whom you trust. And that cliffhanger. I need book 2.
November 21, 2021
(TW: RAPE, SEXUAL ASSULT, BULLYING)
If it was possible, I would give this lower than a one. This book is disgusting and literally atrocious!! I can’t believe people find this hot and a good read. I’m failing to understand how people on tiktok enjoyed this, and these five stars…did we even read the same book.
One of the worst reads of the whole year. I know it’s a dark bully romance, but this was worse than anything I have ever read in my life.
This is the book that contains everything you don’t want to read about. The author(s) failed to add trigger warnings at the start of the book, and that alone is a red flag in itself. There was no warning about any cliffhangers!
The male MC was a complete asshole and an example of why men are so disgusting and vile. He’s the kind of person who doesn’t deserve anyones love. The plot is the worst. Mafia and high school pls, that’s just stupid. The two main characters should never even get together or have some form of a relationship. It was built on hatred and bullying. So so disgusting, I have no words.
And the non-con, I’m appalled. The fact they held her down whilst giving head, wtaf!! And it’s utterly disgusting how r*pe is normalised in this book and the idea of it is thrown around many times. Guys sexually assaulted the main girl and the main guy comes and I would suppose he would do something and stop this but no, he joins in and is worse. They were full aware that she wasn’t consenting to anything. The author is romanticising a r*pist. The amount of people saying “omg the sexual tension, this is so hot, the spice”. You people are excusing a bad disgusting person who is committing so many unforgivable acts.
I feel so disturbed right now. The authors are female and are writing about this. This doesn’t sit well with me at all and the people supporting this book and calling it a masterpiece need help. How can you say this boy in this book needs an redemption. How are his actions okay? Wtaf it’s literally so disgusting and I have no words right now. I’m shocked to see all the reviews in favour of this book, and it’s a series oh lord. The author(s) need to stop writing this. It’s so insensitive. I hate this book with a passion. Do not read at all.
If it was possible, I would give this lower than a one. This book is disgusting and literally atrocious!! I can’t believe people find this hot and a good read. I’m failing to understand how people on tiktok enjoyed this, and these five stars…did we even read the same book.
One of the worst reads of the whole year. I know it’s a dark bully romance, but this was worse than anything I have ever read in my life.
This is the book that contains everything you don’t want to read about. The author(s) failed to add trigger warnings at the start of the book, and that alone is a red flag in itself. There was no warning about any cliffhangers!
The male MC was a complete asshole and an example of why men are so disgusting and vile. He’s the kind of person who doesn’t deserve anyones love. The plot is the worst. Mafia and high school pls, that’s just stupid. The two main characters should never even get together or have some form of a relationship. It was built on hatred and bullying. So so disgusting, I have no words.
And the non-con, I’m appalled. The fact they held her down whilst giving head, wtaf!! And it’s utterly disgusting how r*pe is normalised in this book and the idea of it is thrown around many times. Guys sexually assaulted the main girl and the main guy comes and I would suppose he would do something and stop this but no, he joins in and is worse. They were full aware that she wasn’t consenting to anything. The author is romanticising a r*pist. The amount of people saying “omg the sexual tension, this is so hot, the spice”. You people are excusing a bad disgusting person who is committing so many unforgivable acts.
I feel so disturbed right now. The authors are female and are writing about this. This doesn’t sit well with me at all and the people supporting this book and calling it a masterpiece need help. How can you say this boy in this book needs an redemption. How are his actions okay? Wtaf it’s literally so disgusting and I have no words right now. I’m shocked to see all the reviews in favour of this book, and it’s a series oh lord. The author(s) need to stop writing this. It’s so insensitive. I hate this book with a passion. Do not read at all.
February 12, 2022
4.5⭐️
+ thank you to the author for sending me a copy of this book!
+ PLEASE check tw’s !! this is a dark, bully, enemies to lovers romance
+cliffhanger warning
The world created was so intriguing, I mean, a school where the offsprings of criminals are sent?? wow. And it did not disappoint.
Both Aspen & Q being enemies was also entertaining, as I love enemies to lovers. I really liked Aspen’s character, even with everything that’s been dealt to her, she still finds a way to power through. Q on the other hand, I will admit you need to work on yourself a bit.
The plot itself was equally as interesting, as criminals they’re all hiding secrets and spreading lies. I’m intrigued as to where Quinton’s search for his mother will lead. and that ending?? you have to be joking.
Once again, please check tw’s!!
+ thank you to the author for sending me a copy of this book!
+ PLEASE check tw’s !! this is a dark, bully, enemies to lovers romance
+cliffhanger warning
The world created was so intriguing, I mean, a school where the offsprings of criminals are sent?? wow. And it did not disappoint.
Both Aspen & Q being enemies was also entertaining, as I love enemies to lovers. I really liked Aspen’s character, even with everything that’s been dealt to her, she still finds a way to power through. Q on the other hand, I will admit you need to work on yourself a bit.
The plot itself was equally as interesting, as criminals they’re all hiding secrets and spreading lies. I’m intrigued as to where Quinton’s search for his mother will lead. and that ending?? you have to be joking.
Once again, please check tw’s!!
February 13, 2024
c’est rare mais j’avoue ne pas savoir quoi écrire tant cette histoire m’a mise mal à l’aise pourtant j’ai envie de continuer la saga suis-je normale? en vrai, j’trouve ça dommage car l’univers en lui même est trop bien trouvé. mais c’était a bit too much pour moi je crois…
on clairement on est sur de la dark très (trop) dark là.
la trope bully : pas ouf, les agissements : horribles, Quinton : détestable, la traduction FR : affreuse (les points d’exclamation à chaque fois que Quinton ouvre la bouche c’est pour me tuer)
mais à cause du plot de fin j’suis tentée de lire la suite. en revanche je recommande pas cette lecture à n’importe qui, clairement les TW sont plus qu’importants.
— "aussi tordu que ce soit, elle est ma pièce manquante. le calme dans ma tempête, la vertu dans ma méchanceté."
on clairement on est sur de la dark très (trop) dark là.
la trope bully : pas ouf, les agissements : horribles, Quinton : détestable, la traduction FR : affreuse (les points d’exclamation à chaque fois que Quinton ouvre la bouche c’est pour me tuer)
mais à cause du plot de fin j’suis tentée de lire la suite. en revanche je recommande pas cette lecture à n’importe qui, clairement les TW sont plus qu’importants.
— "aussi tordu que ce soit, elle est ma pièce manquante. le calme dans ma tempête, la vertu dans ma méchanceté."
October 29, 2021
4 stars
Now this was so good . It keep me entertained the whole time . That cliffhanger at the end killed me .
Know I really liked what happened at the end because ( H ) he deserved that for putting ( h ) on much .
There was no ow drama . There was no mention of his past sx life . The h was a virgin . There was 1 girl who flirted with him but he had no interest .
Spoiler
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-
-
This is for me to come back because the second book comes out next year in January
She gets in a helicopter crash and there is a possibility she might die .
Now this was so good . It keep me entertained the whole time . That cliffhanger at the end killed me .
Know I really liked what happened at the end because ( H ) he deserved that for putting ( h ) on much .
There was no ow drama . There was no mention of his past sx life . The h was a virgin . There was 1 girl who flirted with him but he had no interest .
Spoiler
-
-
-
This is for me to come back because the second book comes out next year in January
She gets in a helicopter crash and there is a possibility she might die .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2022
completely gutted by that cliffhanger
What happens when the enemy becomes the one person your body and soul can’t seem to live without? This is the dilemma that Quinton Rossi, son of Xander Rossi from Keep Me (The Rossi Crime Family bk 2), is faced with daily. Hidden away in an elite private university in the Alaskan wilderness, Corium is where the criminal underground sends their children to be trained.
Quinton wanted to punish Aspen Mather as she is the daughter of a snitch. Her father’s failed attempt at informing on the Rossi family, to the FBI, got him sent to prison. And now Aspen has became enemy number one at Corium. Administration hates her. Teachers bully her. Students attack her. And at no time is she afforded the opportunity to shine as a person. She’s only ever seen as the daughter of a rat.
“You act like you don’t want me, but we both know you do. You want me even when you hate me, and that’s okay because I feel the same way about you.” ~ Quinton
Quinton may be her personal tormentor at Corium but seeing inside his head and feeling his personal turmoil left me falling for him. Maybe it’s because theres an even worse character, one who embodies pure evil, fighting for Aspen’s attention. Matteo, son of Dick Valentine, is willing to do anything to get what he wants. Nothing is off limits to him.
Either way I found myself wanting Aspen to submit to Quinton so he could take care of her and cherish her in all the ways she deserved. After all he is the one person who made her surroundings at Corium livable. Bringing her food, fixing her room, saving her life. Yup, the man who wanted her gone has instead done the opposite 🖤
“Every day, I learn she is a temptation I cannot afford to want, yet I’m not strong enough to deny either of us what we crave.” ~ Quinton
Watching these two grow from a place of hate to desiring the others company, touch, and attention was actually pretty beautiful. Is Quinton damaged? Absolutely. Is he still savable? Only time will tell but I truly think Aspen is the deciding factor. I look forward to seeing what Drop Dead Queen (bk 2) will bring.
“For whatever reason, Aspen is a healing balm to my rage. She is the control when I’m spiraling” ~ Quinton
🖤 NA college aged bully romance
🖤 mafia families - children rivals
🖤 NC/DC moments
🔥 scorchingly hot sex scenes
🔥 bargaining on both sides
⚠️ read the warnings, they’re for your benefit⚠️
𝓋𝓍𝒽𝑒𝓍𝓃 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹𝓈
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What happens when the enemy becomes the one person your body and soul can’t seem to live without? This is the dilemma that Quinton Rossi, son of Xander Rossi from Keep Me (The Rossi Crime Family bk 2), is faced with daily. Hidden away in an elite private university in the Alaskan wilderness, Corium is where the criminal underground sends their children to be trained.
Quinton wanted to punish Aspen Mather as she is the daughter of a snitch. Her father’s failed attempt at informing on the Rossi family, to the FBI, got him sent to prison. And now Aspen has became enemy number one at Corium. Administration hates her. Teachers bully her. Students attack her. And at no time is she afforded the opportunity to shine as a person. She’s only ever seen as the daughter of a rat.
“You act like you don’t want me, but we both know you do. You want me even when you hate me, and that’s okay because I feel the same way about you.” ~ Quinton
Quinton may be her personal tormentor at Corium but seeing inside his head and feeling his personal turmoil left me falling for him. Maybe it’s because theres an even worse character, one who embodies pure evil, fighting for Aspen’s attention. Matteo, son of Dick Valentine, is willing to do anything to get what he wants. Nothing is off limits to him.
Either way I found myself wanting Aspen to submit to Quinton so he could take care of her and cherish her in all the ways she deserved. After all he is the one person who made her surroundings at Corium livable. Bringing her food, fixing her room, saving her life. Yup, the man who wanted her gone has instead done the opposite 🖤
“Every day, I learn she is a temptation I cannot afford to want, yet I’m not strong enough to deny either of us what we crave.” ~ Quinton
Watching these two grow from a place of hate to desiring the others company, touch, and attention was actually pretty beautiful. Is Quinton damaged? Absolutely. Is he still savable? Only time will tell but I truly think Aspen is the deciding factor. I look forward to seeing what Drop Dead Queen (bk 2) will bring.
“For whatever reason, Aspen is a healing balm to my rage. She is the control when I’m spiraling” ~ Quinton
🖤 NA college aged bully romance
🖤 mafia families - children rivals
🖤 NC/DC moments
🔥 scorchingly hot sex scenes
🔥 bargaining on both sides
⚠️ read the warnings, they’re for your benefit⚠️
𝓋𝓍𝒽𝑒𝓍𝓃 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹𝓈
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October 19, 2021
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
Star Rating : 4.5/5 Stars
POV : Dual
Cliffhanger : yes
Hero : Quinton
Heroine : Aspen
Pace of the story : Moderate
Angst Rating : 5/10
Heat Rating : 7/10
Triggers Involved : Non Con , Bullying , Dub Con , Past Trauma
Review :
Aspen is an amazing heroine. One thing she doesn't have is a stable family. People say that a child should not be paying for their parents' sins but that is not the case with the new school she goes to. Her family's sins make her one of the biggest enemies in the school. That is until the dark king of the school sees her. She thinks he might be her saving grace, but what she doesn't know is that he is the worst of them all. He has a special grudge against her and there is no way he is going to stop until she is well and broken under his feet.
I absolutely loved this book! I am crazy about Dark high school bully romance and had been craving something that could fulfill my mind and this book had it all. It has a lot of triggers such as Non con, dubcon, bullying and Trauma. The ending was a cliffhanger and threw me off a bit. I am so addicted to this series that I can't rest until I get my hands on the next installment! It's absolutely addictive !
Definitely recommending this one to all the dark romance loving people. This one is a high school bully romance with a lot of triggers and dark bullying so please keep that in mind before picking this book up.
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July 25, 2022
I really don’t like this book. I like bully to lover romance but this was just horrible. Where do I begin?
First off, the main love interest (Quinton) was horrible. He assaulted the main character and he doesn't regret doing it. He has a need from control from his sister dying, but even with this "excuse" he shouldn't have done what he did to the MC.
Second, Quinton sexually assaults her on page 114, with his friends watching. He literally shoves his dick down her throat while she is basically begging him to stop. His friend also takes a video of what they're doing and sends it to the school. In the second book he says, "The last time she slept in my arms like this was the night when I forced her to suck me off. Before, the memory would have my dick hard. Now I'm riddled with guilt. It's not because of what I did to Aspen; it's because Matteo was watching" I'm going to dissect this quote.
1. he forces her to give him a blow job
2. he doesn't regret sexually assaulting her, he only does because someone else saw.
This is supposed to be the character we like and support. No, just no.
Third, Aspen (MC) makes a deal with Quinton to give her basic necessities such as NOT EATING ROTTEN FOOD. The deal is that Quinton will give her food, laundry, and protection for sexual favors. She has to have sex with him and fulfill all of his kinks. This part of the story is the part that I truly hate. He is a literal sociopath that has absolutely gone way too far. Practically raping her for the essentials everyone else gets? I've read some very fucked up shit but this was just way too far.
Fourth, after the first book ends, he (I think because the main character is way too fucked up) loves her but in the second book he stays the same. There is no character development whatsoever. He still is an absolutely awful character, he still doesn't treat her with respect, he still doesn't give her common courtesies. When they get to Corium he still trades favors for sex.
After this essay of a review, don't read this book, don't buy it unless you really like all the triggers and horrible characters.
First off, the main love interest (Quinton) was horrible. He assaulted the main character and he doesn't regret doing it. He has a need from control from his sister dying, but even with this "excuse" he shouldn't have done what he did to the MC.
Second, Quinton sexually assaults her on page 114, with his friends watching. He literally shoves his dick down her throat while she is basically begging him to stop. His friend also takes a video of what they're doing and sends it to the school. In the second book he says, "The last time she slept in my arms like this was the night when I forced her to suck me off. Before, the memory would have my dick hard. Now I'm riddled with guilt. It's not because of what I did to Aspen; it's because Matteo was watching" I'm going to dissect this quote.
1. he forces her to give him a blow job
2. he doesn't regret sexually assaulting her, he only does because someone else saw.
This is supposed to be the character we like and support. No, just no.
Third, Aspen (MC) makes a deal with Quinton to give her basic necessities such as NOT EATING ROTTEN FOOD. The deal is that Quinton will give her food, laundry, and protection for sexual favors. She has to have sex with him and fulfill all of his kinks. This part of the story is the part that I truly hate. He is a literal sociopath that has absolutely gone way too far. Practically raping her for the essentials everyone else gets? I've read some very fucked up shit but this was just way too far.
Fourth, after the first book ends, he (I think because the main character is way too fucked up) loves her but in the second book he stays the same. There is no character development whatsoever. He still is an absolutely awful character, he still doesn't treat her with respect, he still doesn't give her common courtesies. When they get to Corium he still trades favors for sex.
After this essay of a review, don't read this book, don't buy it unless you really like all the triggers and horrible characters.
Shelved as 'dnf-try-again-later'
March 4, 2022DNF 20%😂
I hate slow burn. They meet, they have no attraction. 🙄.
Dislike h who aren’t beautiful, but of course we’re told how gorg the H is every other paragraph. 🙄
I hate slow burn. They meet, they have no attraction. 🙄.
Dislike h who aren’t beautiful, but of course we’re told how gorg the H is every other paragraph. 🙄
December 19, 2021
Honestly, I really tried liking this book. I was so excited to read it because the first pages were so promising.
But I just can't get around the fact that NONE of the sex was consensual? Like he literally raped her? Several times? And then he got mad when his 'friends' tried to do the same?
I love spice. But it has to be consensual. Romanticizing rape or sexual assault just isn't acceptable. Even for a bully romance I expected much more of that aspect.
And I don't wanna forget mentioning that I honestly felt so sorry for Aspen throughout the whole book. Her situation got more and more miserable with every page. It was hard for me to understand her and Quinton's relationship when she was literally starving to death and he still played with her. Like that was just so wrong in so many ways.
But I just can't get around the fact that NONE of the sex was consensual? Like he literally raped her? Several times? And then he got mad when his 'friends' tried to do the same?
I love spice. But it has to be consensual. Romanticizing rape or sexual assault just isn't acceptable. Even for a bully romance I expected much more of that aspect.
And I don't wanna forget mentioning that I honestly felt so sorry for Aspen throughout the whole book. Her situation got more and more miserable with every page. It was hard for me to understand her and Quinton's relationship when she was literally starving to death and he still played with her. Like that was just so wrong in so many ways.
Read
November 29, 20220.5/5 ⭐️
la gente que le da 5 estrellas a este libro de mierda 🤌🏻🤌🏻
la gente que le da 5 estrellas a este libro de mierda 🤌🏻🤌🏻
Read
September 12, 2022🧍🧍🧍
This ppl would not give the girl a break Jesus Christ
This ppl would not give the girl a break Jesus Christ
March 27, 2022
4⭐️
The themes of this book are definitively reflective of its genre, so please take into account the trigger warnings before attempting to read the books.
I finished TKOC in a a few hours, I could just not put it down; being in constant fear for Aspen propelled me through the pages.
This is perhaps attributed to the fact I don’t read dark romance for any semblance for romanticism of abusive tendencies in relationships, prevalent in the genre, but because I like the fear and stress it invokes in me - that I have struggled to replicate this in the horror genre of books like I experience in films.
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMLuBTgah/
The themes of this book are definitively reflective of its genre, so please take into account the trigger warnings before attempting to read the books.
I finished TKOC in a a few hours, I could just not put it down; being in constant fear for Aspen propelled me through the pages.
This is perhaps attributed to the fact I don’t read dark romance for any semblance for romanticism of abusive tendencies in relationships, prevalent in the genre, but because I like the fear and stress it invokes in me - that I have struggled to replicate this in the horror genre of books like I experience in films.
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMLuBTgah/
March 2, 2022
WHAT THE ACTUAL FUVK IM TAKING THE SECOND BOOK RN WTF WTF
3.5/5
3.5/5
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