Welcome to their kingdom...
I never thought I'd step foot in Royal Manor again.
But four years later, here I am...back to finish my senior year at Royal Hearts Academy.
And forced to face Jace Covington.
My first friend. First crush. First kiss.
The one I left behind.
Only—he isn't the same boy I gave my heart to.
This new Jace is as cruel as he is gorgeous.
And he's determined to make my life a living hell.
Along with the rest of his glorified family and crew of tyrants.
They expect me to worship the ground they walk on like everyone else, but I'd rather eat dirt.
If Jace Covington wants me gone...he'll have to try harder.
Because I've never been the kind of girl to play by the rules.
REVIEW: 3.5 < 4 STARS
"But the heart doesn't choose who we love by their worth. Because love isn't a choice."
Where do I go from here? I mean, being my first Ashley Jade book, I know I have a world of possibilities out there because I've seen her catalog, but like....I need more of these kids!! First and foremost, I can't believe it took me this long to read her. And now the wait for the next few books in this series is going to be rough. Not only did she tell me a story that I thought about while I wasn't reading, but she set up the series with characters that I can't wait to follow. I can't even begin to imagine how their stories are going to go! This story was the power of teenage love mixed with the brutal side of bullying and miscommunication, so it made for a fantastic ride for me!!
I loved Dylan's strength and determination in this book. I loved that she wasn't afraid to go after what she wanted, but, also, that her fears and pain were spelled out and highlighted accordingly. Jace was giving me whiplash with his constant back and forth, along with his covert comments and arrogance in regards to his attraction to her. So for her to make it through his shade, that made my eyes wide because I would have folded like a wet noodle. His cold demeanor was pissing me off and he lived up to the 'asshole' part verrrrry well. Yet, I loved it! The uphill battle made for a treacherous ride, but once they were there....they seemed to soar and it was all worth it.
Because....holy hell, these two were combustible!!! Like, scorching hot sexiness and broodiness was coming from Jace. He set the bar for steamy seduction quite well. Was it a little intense for teenagers? I don't particularly think so because I remember that need and intensity, and getting caught up in the flirting and the allure of your soulmate is intoxicating and disabling, all in one. Basically, they were both powerless in their attraction of each other, and it was a serious cat and mouse game while reading this one.
Where do I go from here? I mean, being my first Ashley Jade book, I know I have a world of possibilities out there because I've seen her catalog, but like....I need more of these kids!! First and foremost, I can't believe it took me this long to read her. And now the wait for the next few books in this series is going to be rough. Not only did she tell me a story that I thought about while I wasn't reading, but she set up the series with characters that I can't wait to follow. I can't even begin to imagine how their stories are going to go! This story was the power of teenage love mixed with the brutal side of bullying and miscommunication, so it made for a fantastic ride for me!!
I loved Dylan's strength and determination in this book. I loved that she wasn't afraid to go after what she wanted, but, also, that her fears and pain were spelled out and highlighted accordingly. Jace was giving me whiplash with his constant back and forth, along with his covert comments and arrogance in regards to his attraction to her. So for her to make it through his shade, that made my eyes wide because I would have folded like a wet noodle. His cold demeanor was pissing me off and he lived up to the 'asshole' part verrrrry well. Yet, I loved it! The uphill battle made for a treacherous ride, but once they were there....they seemed to soar and it was all worth it.
Because....holy hell, these two were combustible!!! Like, scorching hot sexiness and broodiness was coming from Jace. He set the bar for steamy seduction quite well. Was it a little intense for teenagers? I don't particularly think so because I remember that need and intensity, and getting caught up in the flirting and the allure of your soulmate is intoxicating and disabling, all in one. Basically, they were both powerless in their attraction of each other, and it was a serious cat and mouse game while reading this one.
The reason for my rating was because while I loved the book and didn't want to put it down, there were a few things that didn't jive with me. Some parts felt a little gratuitous and unnecessary in the drama aspect. It didn't really take away from or detract from the story as a whole, but I didn't feel like it added substance, nor did it warrant the aggravation it provided. Totally a personal opinion, because I was loving it without the added side drama/storylines. What I did love was the chain of events that set everything in motion. That felt well thought out and Jade interspersed it throughout the story by dropping little clues here and there with precision. Small lies painted a very different truth, for sure. I do admit to struggling with some of the actions that transpired - mainly because it didn't fit with the outline of the characters she was giving me in the beginning. It felt 'off' and that added to the unnecessary drama aspect of it, for me. However, having said all that - I enjoyed the spin she gave this story and I didn't want to stop reading. I was completely invested and was anxious to see it play out.
I honestly think the biggest letdown I felt was the epilogue, and only because that didn't read like the Dylan I came to know and love throughout the story, so I struggled with that part. But if that's really all I can complain about, I can't really complain. I am unequivocally excited to try out more by Ashley Jade, not only in this series, but in her other books too - and I'm excited because I have quite a few to choose from. Seeing what she did with the YA/Bully genre, I am looking forward to some hot reading with some of her other stories as well. Do YOU have any suggestions for me??
"I'm tired of living without the other half of my soul."
~BEE
I honestly think the biggest letdown I felt was the epilogue, and only because that didn't read like the Dylan I came to know and love throughout the story, so I struggled with that part. But if that's really all I can complain about, I can't really complain. I am unequivocally excited to try out more by Ashley Jade, not only in this series, but in her other books too - and I'm excited because I have quite a few to choose from. Seeing what she did with the YA/Bully genre, I am looking forward to some hot reading with some of her other stories as well. Do YOU have any suggestions for me??
"I'm tired of living without the other half of my soul."
~BEE
~EXCERPT~
“Is that why you wore this sexy little shirt tonight?” His warm breath tickles the side of my neck. “Hoping to get my attention.”
“No.”
That earns me a husky chuckle. “Too bad.” He presses his lips against my throat. “Because it’s working. You have all my attention.” He walks his fingers down my torso.
“Question is…what are you going to do with it?”
~MEET ASHLEY JADE~
Ashley Jade loves to tackle different genres and tropes within romance. Her first loves are New Adult Romance and Romantic Suspense, but she also writes everything in between including: contemporary romance, erotica, and dark romance. Her characters are flawed and complex, and chances are you will hate them before you fall head over heels in love with them.
She’s a die-hard lover of oxford commas, em dashes, music, coffee, and anything thought provoking…except for math.
Books make her heart beat faster and writing makes her soul come alive. She’s always read books growing up and scribbled stories in her journal, and after having a strange dream one night; she decided to just go for it and publish her first series.
It was the best decision she ever made.
If she’s not paying off student loan debt, working, or writing a novel—you can usually find her listening to music, hanging out with her readers online, and pondering the meaning of life.
Check out her amazon page and Facebook page for future novels. She recently became hip and joined Twitter, so you can find her there, too. She loves connecting with her readers—they make her world go round’.
~CONNECT WITH ASHLEY~
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Thanks for sharing your review!
ReplyDeleteLove your review Bee! Hhhmmm another new to me author I'm looking forward to try after reading your review.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review sounds awesome
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