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Sweetest Revenge #3
Cruel Reign
The more I find out about the Boys of Ascendance Bay, the more questions I have…
They have more secrets than I first thought, and getting to the truth is harder than digging my sister's grave. I have to persevere if I want answers, but keeping reality separate from the lies is getting more difficult by the day.
My feelings for them are only getting more confusing, and my twin is only getting more frustrated with me. Nothing is going according to plan and at any moment, everything could fall apart.
Not only is pledging Pi Ep getting harder, but now I’m being recruited to join a secret society as well—all of which ties to my parents and could lead me closer to answers about my sister’s death, if I can make it past initiation...
If you love the twists and turns of Caroline Peckham and the steam of Tate James, then you'll love Cruel Reign!
They have more secrets than I first thought, and getting to the truth is harder than digging my sister's grave. I have to persevere if I want answers, but keeping reality separate from the lies is getting more difficult by the day.
My feelings for them are only getting more confusing, and my twin is only getting more frustrated with me. Nothing is going according to plan and at any moment, everything could fall apart.
Not only is pledging Pi Ep getting harder, but now I’m being recruited to join a secret society as well—all of which ties to my parents and could lead me closer to answers about my sister’s death, if I can make it past initiation...
If you love the twists and turns of Caroline Peckham and the steam of Tate James, then you'll love Cruel Reign!
269 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2022
About the author
Helen Scott
97 books1,192 followersUSA Today bestselling author Helen Scott spends her time alternating between fantasy and reality. She likes to think she’d be sorted into Hufflepuff and would have been a Physical Kid from Brakebills. Her days are fueled by tea and cuddles from her four-legged kids and amazing husband in their home in the Chicago suburbs.
When not reading or writing, Helen can be found baking, enjoying a walk in the woods, crafting, or playing video games. She’s a lover of sushi and K-Dramas and is convinced there is magic in the world if you know where to look.
Whether paranormal or contemporary, Helen loves writing sassy, kick-butt heroines and drool-worthy love interests. She's the author of the House of Wolves and Magic series, the Cerberus series, and the Of Demons and Dragons series.
Subscribe to Helen’s newsletter for a free book to get started on the adventure today! https://geni.us/HelenScottNewsletter
When not reading or writing, Helen can be found baking, enjoying a walk in the woods, crafting, or playing video games. She’s a lover of sushi and K-Dramas and is convinced there is magic in the world if you know where to look.
Whether paranormal or contemporary, Helen loves writing sassy, kick-butt heroines and drool-worthy love interests. She's the author of the House of Wolves and Magic series, the Cerberus series, and the Of Demons and Dragons series.
Subscribe to Helen’s newsletter for a free book to get started on the adventure today! https://geni.us/HelenScottNewsletter
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
October 9, 2022
So, they are all getting together in the next book, right? I mean. . . it's going to happen, right? RIGHT? Also, it's totally Paige in the car? RIGHT?
March 29, 2022
Rating: 2.5
I like Lyric and I think that's the only reason why I'm still reading this book, because I want to see her get her happy ending.
But the book was basically a bunch of scenes thrown together without any transition between them.
We still don't know anything about the boys.
We barely know anything about Lyssa's death.
There's still absolutely no explanations about why Melody had to fake her death and she keeps blaming Lyric for it when she was the one who wanted to do it.
Lyric's flashback with Sampson wasn't that interesting because it wasn't her being triggered or anything like that, it was just her remembering something while she didn't had anything to do.
Jude's reason for not liking Lyric is still unknown three books into the story, and the thing with the Collective task for Jude to break Lyric, it went nowhere.
We have more than one week between the attack and Lyric waking up and it wasn't revealed what Keats did to his father, if he even tallked with him at all.
Also I don't know if this book wasn't reviewed, but it had a lot of grammatical errors and some sentences that had too many words or didn't had some words. I don't remember seeing them that much on the other two books.
It is a good book, but nothing happened in the last two books and I felt like they could had been only one.
I like Lyric and I think that's the only reason why I'm still reading this book, because I want to see her get her happy ending.
But the book was basically a bunch of scenes thrown together without any transition between them.
We still don't know anything about the boys.
We barely know anything about Lyssa's death.
There's still absolutely no explanations about why Melody had to fake her death and she keeps blaming Lyric for it when she was the one who wanted to do it.
Lyric's flashback with Sampson wasn't that interesting because it wasn't her being triggered or anything like that, it was just her remembering something while she didn't had anything to do.
Jude's reason for not liking Lyric is still unknown three books into the story, and the thing with the Collective task for Jude to break Lyric, it went nowhere.
We have more than one week between the attack and Lyric waking up and it wasn't revealed what Keats did to his father, if he even tallked with him at all.
Also I don't know if this book wasn't reviewed, but it had a lot of grammatical errors and some sentences that had too many words or didn't had some words. I don't remember seeing them that much on the other two books.
It is a good book, but nothing happened in the last two books and I felt like they could had been only one.
March 25, 2022
What. The. Fuck!?!?!?!?
So many secrets are revealed surrounding Alyssa and her death, and yet I still have so many questions about what is going on. Plus poor Lyric can't catch a break... As if the crap with her dad/Sampson weren't enough, she's got Collective tasks, mean girl sorority drama (which there was thankfully less of), and this crazy stalker and kidnapping business... It's a lot.
I think the only bright spot in Cruel Reign is seeing her relationships with the guys finally come together, and I'm sort of liking their dynamic (if only Jude could get his ish together, baby steps in that direction cause baby boy has a lot of baggage).
Cruel Reign was phenomenal though, can't wait for the next one!
So many secrets are revealed surrounding Alyssa and her death, and yet I still have so many questions about what is going on. Plus poor Lyric can't catch a break... As if the crap with her dad/Sampson weren't enough, she's got Collective tasks, mean girl sorority drama (which there was thankfully less of), and this crazy stalker and kidnapping business... It's a lot.
I think the only bright spot in Cruel Reign is seeing her relationships with the guys finally come together, and I'm sort of liking their dynamic (if only Jude could get his ish together, baby steps in that direction cause baby boy has a lot of baggage).
Cruel Reign was phenomenal though, can't wait for the next one!
May 15, 2022
FINALLY some answers. Not a lot though...
I really like the story, but the more I read the more I hate the pace of it. It feels like it should have been 2 books, not 3. There's a lot of repetitions of scenes and dialogues and not really any new info in between.
I feel like I am finally starting to understand some things though (even Lyssa's murderer but I'm more or less sure that's just what the author wants us to think.) so I'm less frustrated by the pace than in the 2 previous books.
I love Lyric, but she often appears obvious to links that shouldn't be that difficult to make.
Also, her father and assistant (?) are supposed to be 2 of the worst criminals of them all, but they don't know what she does on campus? It seems a little too impossible and unbelievable. It already was before but it's worse in this book for reasons you'll understand when you read.
Am I the only one creeped out by this sorority? I'm not American so I'm more or less foreign with the concept but the hazing seems a bit too much...
I really like the story, but the more I read the more I hate the pace of it. It feels like it should have been 2 books, not 3. There's a lot of repetitions of scenes and dialogues and not really any new info in between.
I feel like I am finally starting to understand some things though (even Lyssa's murderer but I'm more or less sure that's just what the author wants us to think.) so I'm less frustrated by the pace than in the 2 previous books.
I love Lyric, but she often appears obvious to links that shouldn't be that difficult to make.
Also, her father and assistant (?) are supposed to be 2 of the worst criminals of them all, but they don't know what she does on campus? It seems a little too impossible and unbelievable. It already was before but it's worse in this book for reasons you'll understand when you read.
Am I the only one creeped out by this sorority? I'm not American so I'm more or less foreign with the concept but the hazing seems a bit too much...
April 11, 2022
TW: drug use, conversations about rape (past), kidnapping
Actual - 2.75
This series is getting exhausting. It’s the same stuff over and over again. There was some progression on plot points, but all of my pain points from the previous books are still there.
I honestly can’t tell if they authors know where they want to go with the story and are just dragging it out to get there, or if they have no idea and are just winging it. Either way, for me, the progression is just not satisfying enough. Lots of tell and not show, and the ending to this one was the same idea as the ending to the second one. The repetition is unnecessary.
Idk this series / writing style might just not be for me.
Actual - 2.75
This series is getting exhausting. It’s the same stuff over and over again. There was some progression on plot points, but all of my pain points from the previous books are still there.
I honestly can’t tell if they authors know where they want to go with the story and are just dragging it out to get there, or if they have no idea and are just winging it. Either way, for me, the progression is just not satisfying enough. Lots of tell and not show, and the ending to this one was the same idea as the ending to the second one. The repetition is unnecessary.
Idk this series / writing style might just not be for me.
April 26, 2023
Once I made it to the half way mark I really kind of sped read my way through til the end. In fact I contemplated putting the series to the side for a bit because of how much it annoyed me. But damn if that ending doesn’t have me right on the edge again () Much of the book features the ever present rich kids and their rich kid problems. They are in exclusive clubs and can get away with anything. They’re the heirs to great fortunes with parents who are part of a secret and very dangerous club. What really bothered me the most was how little I have to back up Lyric being a badass in this book. She’s taken by surprise often. She gets attacked and loses. She is always one step behind multiple people and with so much emphasis on her training since she was 12 I lacked to see it here. Worse was how low she lets people treat her and get away with it. The whole sorority mess is so demeaning and it makes no sense she would willingly be in so many a situation like this given her past. And I’m sorry there’s a time and place for all that but these hazing rituals were too much and went too far. While I’m not one to rain on anyones parade (in this case orgy) the fact that the sorority girls are so often liquered up and in this case drugged really hits me the wrong way. Then there’s how stupid she has to be the one to install listening devices in the guys rooms yet have conversations in there without ever actually checking if there were others or camera’s. But she even forgets she’s not the only one able to listen in and her carelessness in things like this is disappointing. Jude finally knows everything but he’s still a grade A dick with no emotion. Plus the whole eye contact scene with him while he was screening his gf during said orgy was just wrong, again time and place. I dunno but here’s to hoping now that her secrets are out Lyric can and will stop pretending to be someone she’s not and bring out the big guns to fight.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2023
YOOOOOO WTF I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS!!!!
This is frickin nuts
nah nah nah nah Melody has completely lost the plot. Like seriously wtf is this girl up to? The way she speaks to Lyric pisses me tf off as well.
Lyric is quite literally the definition of a strong badass fmc. She’s sat at No.1 with my girl Lana Myers.
Jude is finally redeeming himself *high pitch squeals*
Thayer, Keats and Atlas are the loves of my life.
The group scenes and them all wanting to share Lyric>>>> yesssssss 😩🔥
Keats dad has some serious questions to answer… my god is he a sick piece of shit.
Lyric’s dad and Sampson both deserve to rot in hell.
Paige and the rest of the PiEp bitches give me proper icky vibes… like one or more of them has to be helping this nut job stalker.
My brain is on overdrive and I NEED answers ASAP!!!!
This is frickin nuts
nah nah nah nah Melody has completely lost the plot. Like seriously wtf is this girl up to? The way she speaks to Lyric pisses me tf off as well.
Lyric is quite literally the definition of a strong badass fmc. She’s sat at No.1 with my girl Lana Myers.
Jude is finally redeeming himself *high pitch squeals*
Thayer, Keats and Atlas are the loves of my life.
The group scenes and them all wanting to share Lyric>>>> yesssssss 😩🔥
Keats dad has some serious questions to answer… my god is he a sick piece of shit.
Lyric’s dad and Sampson both deserve to rot in hell.
Paige and the rest of the PiEp bitches give me proper icky vibes… like one or more of them has to be helping this nut job stalker.
My brain is on overdrive and I NEED answers ASAP!!!!
May 18, 2023
4/5⭐️
3/5🌶️
So far this is my favorite in the series!!
There is so many secrets & questions regarding Alyssa and her death and I NEED TO FIND ANSWERS! I am hoping we dig more into it in the next book.
I knew Jude would grow on me! Most of the toxic men in the friend group grows on me eventually! I don’t blame Lyric for wanting all 4 of them, I would too! The spice in this one was all I needed and more. Can’t wait to jump into book 4, especially after that ending!
3/5🌶️
So far this is my favorite in the series!!
There is so many secrets & questions regarding Alyssa and her death and I NEED TO FIND ANSWERS! I am hoping we dig more into it in the next book.
I knew Jude would grow on me! Most of the toxic men in the friend group grows on me eventually! I don’t blame Lyric for wanting all 4 of them, I would too! The spice in this one was all I needed and more. Can’t wait to jump into book 4, especially after that ending!
July 17, 2022
The cliffhanger? I am dying
May 25, 2024
Fue súper predecible y no pasó mucho hasta los últimos capítulos. La escritura y los personajes aquí fueron, en el mejor de los casos, mediocres.
April 3, 2022
More questions, more twists and turns to make you scream and a storyline that grabs you hook, line and sinker. It’s one hell of a ride that has more ups and downs then any rollercoaster I’ve been on! It’s dark, its intense, there’s more secrets and intrigue and I just couldn’t put it down. I love Lyric, she’s such a great character, strong, smart and sassy and her relationships with the Boys of Ascendance Bay is growing more and more. It’s one of those series that you think you know what’s going on and then you get to the end of the book and you realise that you don’t!! Bring on the next book!
April 19, 2022
Aahhhh 😭😭 why do you do this to me that ending!!?? I need more!!😭😭
Oh my gosh I just couldn’t get enough of this book!! We found out so much & not enough at the same time.. the more we find out the more questions I have & need them answered!!
I freak’n love lyric so much!! She’s been through so much & still going through so much this girl can’t catch a freak’n break .. & then there’s Atlas, Keats, Thayer, & Jude.. who you can’t help but to love..🥵🥵🥵
I’m so into this series & can’t wait till book 4 comes out!!💜🖤
“This book was given to me in exchange for my honest review."
Oh my gosh I just couldn’t get enough of this book!! We found out so much & not enough at the same time.. the more we find out the more questions I have & need them answered!!
I freak’n love lyric so much!! She’s been through so much & still going through so much this girl can’t catch a freak’n break .. & then there’s Atlas, Keats, Thayer, & Jude.. who you can’t help but to love..🥵🥵🥵
I’m so into this series & can’t wait till book 4 comes out!!💜🖤
“This book was given to me in exchange for my honest review."
April 20, 2022
Lyric is back in Cruel Reign book three of the Sweetest Revenge series. There's a lot going on in this book and with every twist and turn I was pulled into the story wondering what would happen next. From the intense storyline to the captivating characters this series just gets better and better. After that ending I can' wait to read the next book. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
September 20, 2022
Amazing!
Ugh I need to know what is going on! I can't predict what is going to happen next which is a very pleasant surprise. I want to know what happens next but at the same time I never want it to end! The more questions that are answered the more I seem to have. Book 4 here I come!
Ugh I need to know what is going on! I can't predict what is going to happen next which is a very pleasant surprise. I want to know what happens next but at the same time I never want it to end! The more questions that are answered the more I seem to have. Book 4 here I come!
March 10, 2023
NOOOOOO. that cliffhanger. 😫 i 100% predicted who the stalker is (or at least I think I have). Cannot wait for Keats to lose it when he sees she’s not at the hospital. Also, CANNOT wait to see how this story wraps up with the Collective, the Regents, the Pi Eps, AND her father and Sampson. So many loose ends. 🫠
March 26, 2022
This book was just as good as the first. More secrets come out and a whole lot of new plot twits. I could not put this book down and never knew what would happen next. I can't wait for the next book. I need to know what happens next.
June 3, 2022
This is an addictive dark reverse harem romance with lots of twists and turns...so enjoyable. Steamy scenes, crazy encounters and lots of mystery/suspense. You never know who to trust and where a new revelation is going to pop up. Family can be your worst nightmare.
September 12, 2022
binge worthy
**** this series has me on the edge of my seat and downloading the next book in preparation for more! Lyric is becoming a favourite female lead for me and I cannot wait to see all of the guys come together!
**** this series has me on the edge of my seat and downloading the next book in preparation for more! Lyric is becoming a favourite female lead for me and I cannot wait to see all of the guys come together!
April 26, 2023
4.5/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶️
THIS IS MY FAV IN THE SERIES SO FAR!
3/5 🌶️
THIS IS MY FAV IN THE SERIES SO FAR!
April 13, 2024
“No solo para reclamar a Lyric, sino también para protegerla. Algo tan hermoso, tan único, tan raro debe ser protegido.”
EL FINAL? NO DEJAN TRANQUILA A MI NENA 😭
EL FINAL? NO DEJAN TRANQUILA A MI NENA 😭
April 6, 2022
If you thought you'd get answers in this book ....Wrong, think again. These ladies are definitely keeping us on our toes, with more of Lyric's past uncovered, and the boys catching feelings there are still even more questions then answers in this book. And dare I say it we are left with a pretty major cliffhanger - I have my suspicions but time will tell if I am correct.
If you love dark romance with a complex and suspenseful plot this is the series for you!
If you love dark romance with a complex and suspenseful plot this is the series for you!
May 13, 2022
Was there a time jump?
I feel like I missed a chapter, everything was going fine and then suddenly the guys knew that Lyric was an enforcer and could fight. I’d seen the part where the don’t know and then suddenly they just know. Never mind. I feel like there wasn’t much heart in this book. I don’t know why Lyric’s trying to give up so much to look for Melody or why the guys are pretty useless. As I’m writing this I’m already knocking off another star because actually, except for the last 6/7 chapters, the book was fast paced but nothing really happened that was particularly great.
I feel like I missed a chapter, everything was going fine and then suddenly the guys knew that Lyric was an enforcer and could fight. I’d seen the part where the don’t know and then suddenly they just know. Never mind. I feel like there wasn’t much heart in this book. I don’t know why Lyric’s trying to give up so much to look for Melody or why the guys are pretty useless. As I’m writing this I’m already knocking off another star because actually, except for the last 6/7 chapters, the book was fast paced but nothing really happened that was particularly great.
April 25, 2023
Damn here i am rereading this book again cause its just so damn good.
I just am flying through this series like no ones business. Its so satisfying getting Thayer on board. Welcome to the team sir. Ive been waiting.
Book 3 is where the character development somewhat peaked
Atlas love him as per usual
Keats is just Stellar
Thayer FUCKING FINALLY
JUDE sigh were getting there
Spice 4/5
Sigh I wanna be their lamb ngl IYKYK. 👀
I just am flying through this series like no ones business. Its so satisfying getting Thayer on board. Welcome to the team sir. Ive been waiting.
Book 3 is where the character development somewhat peaked
Atlas love him as per usual
Keats is just Stellar
Thayer FUCKING FINALLY
JUDE sigh were getting there
Spice 4/5
Sigh I wanna be their lamb ngl IYKYK. 👀
November 2, 2023
2.5*
My ratings for the books within this series haven’t exactly been out of the park but there is an addictive quality to these novels that have made me feel like I need to keep going. Partly, I think this has a great deal to do with the length of these novels, which have all been fairly short. Nevertheless, there is something that keeps pulling me to continue this story. Unfortunately, that may stop after this book.
As the third book within the series, you’d think by now, we’d have gained insight and understanding about key plot points (like Alyssa’s death, learning more about the Regents/the Collective, Lyric’s plan to kill her father and Samson, learning more about the boys as individuals, etc.). And yet, the details continue to be significantly lacking – and I just don’t have a lot of hope that everything can be crammed into book #4 (unless there are even more to the series??).
The writing style continues to feel like a mishmash of scenes thrown together haphazardly (and then we get to hear the same sentiments multiple times because it can’t stop being repetitive). There is little flow to the novel and it almost felt like even the authors were growing a bit bored or impatient with their story, as they seemed to skip and flounder their way to the end.
As I mentioned in my prior review, these authors can’t seem to focus on multiple plotlines at once. It was so crazy to me to see how intensely twisted the hazing of the sorority could be, but then have that initiation completely disappear from the novel when something else was going on (like with the Regents or the stalker). Each plotline was utterly forgotten each time the focus shifted.
While I know Lyric doesn’t miss seeing her dad or his right-hand man, they too, seem to fade from a lot of the storyline. They’re thought about consistently, but Lyric’s dad is supposed to be an incredibly powerful crime boss and that’s not really talked about or addressed and we don’t learn anything more about him/his business either. The Regents want Lyric because she’s the most promising “heir” to her father’s dynasty, but we know nothing about the dynasty he’s created. This was one of those underdeveloped areas that became a bit more glaring as the story continued without any answers or information.
Nothing in this novel was necessarily bad and if you’ve enjoyed the prior two books, you’ll probably feel very close to the same about this one. I think my patience with the story though, has run out. I still want to know how this tale resolves and I want to see Lyric with all 4 boys, get the answers she needs, and even kill the people who’ve hurt her (mainly Alyssa’s murderer, her dad, and Samson). I’m just not convinced that reading any additional books would be worth my time and my frustrations with the poorly written and developed storyline keep mounting.
The kidnapping of Mel (and later of Lyric) was a bit unbelievable as well. I’m just so confused about why this stalker hasn’t been taken seriously and then, when Mel gets kidnapped, the boys (with all of their riches, power, and resources) can’t find her – or even figure out who the stalker was in the first place. This only adds drama where it didn’t need to exist.
We also learn what the third task is from the Collective – which was to burn down a building (one assigned to her). Yet again, this task (in combination with the 2 from the previous novel) all seemed silly and not at all what the scary and dangerous organization would demand for entry. It was nonsensical.
However, I enjoyed watching Atlas, Keats, and Lyric’s relationship evolve. The three of them had a little bit of fun in this novel and I appreciated the spice.
I also liked the small progression we saw regarding Jude. It’s not anywhere close to resolved and we have no idea why he still hates her, but it took a step or two in the right direction and I can see the potential, that glimmer of hope at the end of the tunnel, that will help Lyric ensnare him as well. However, in opposition to their step forward, Thayer and Lyric seemed to stagnate. He may use a magic touch at one point, but they certainly don’t sleep together and there are no group activities with Thayer.
The novels are short and the authors haven’t used their time wisely. It feels like the story is getting dragged out for very little purpose and we’ve taken a bit of a meandering trail to get to the end of this book. As much as I’d like a cliff notes version of what happens (or maybe just to be able to read the smutty scenes), sadly I think I’ll call it quits with the series here.
My ratings for the books within this series haven’t exactly been out of the park but there is an addictive quality to these novels that have made me feel like I need to keep going. Partly, I think this has a great deal to do with the length of these novels, which have all been fairly short. Nevertheless, there is something that keeps pulling me to continue this story. Unfortunately, that may stop after this book.
As the third book within the series, you’d think by now, we’d have gained insight and understanding about key plot points (like Alyssa’s death, learning more about the Regents/the Collective, Lyric’s plan to kill her father and Samson, learning more about the boys as individuals, etc.). And yet, the details continue to be significantly lacking – and I just don’t have a lot of hope that everything can be crammed into book #4 (unless there are even more to the series??).
The writing style continues to feel like a mishmash of scenes thrown together haphazardly (and then we get to hear the same sentiments multiple times because it can’t stop being repetitive). There is little flow to the novel and it almost felt like even the authors were growing a bit bored or impatient with their story, as they seemed to skip and flounder their way to the end.
As I mentioned in my prior review, these authors can’t seem to focus on multiple plotlines at once. It was so crazy to me to see how intensely twisted the hazing of the sorority could be, but then have that initiation completely disappear from the novel when something else was going on (like with the Regents or the stalker). Each plotline was utterly forgotten each time the focus shifted.
While I know Lyric doesn’t miss seeing her dad or his right-hand man, they too, seem to fade from a lot of the storyline. They’re thought about consistently, but Lyric’s dad is supposed to be an incredibly powerful crime boss and that’s not really talked about or addressed and we don’t learn anything more about him/his business either. The Regents want Lyric because she’s the most promising “heir” to her father’s dynasty, but we know nothing about the dynasty he’s created. This was one of those underdeveloped areas that became a bit more glaring as the story continued without any answers or information.
Nothing in this novel was necessarily bad and if you’ve enjoyed the prior two books, you’ll probably feel very close to the same about this one. I think my patience with the story though, has run out. I still want to know how this tale resolves and I want to see Lyric with all 4 boys, get the answers she needs, and even kill the people who’ve hurt her (mainly Alyssa’s murderer, her dad, and Samson). I’m just not convinced that reading any additional books would be worth my time and my frustrations with the poorly written and developed storyline keep mounting.
The kidnapping of Mel (and later of Lyric) was a bit unbelievable as well. I’m just so confused about why this stalker hasn’t been taken seriously and then, when Mel gets kidnapped, the boys (with all of their riches, power, and resources) can’t find her – or even figure out who the stalker was in the first place. This only adds drama where it didn’t need to exist.
We also learn what the third task is from the Collective – which was to burn down a building (one assigned to her). Yet again, this task (in combination with the 2 from the previous novel) all seemed silly and not at all what the scary and dangerous organization would demand for entry. It was nonsensical.
However, I enjoyed watching Atlas, Keats, and Lyric’s relationship evolve. The three of them had a little bit of fun in this novel and I appreciated the spice.
I also liked the small progression we saw regarding Jude. It’s not anywhere close to resolved and we have no idea why he still hates her, but it took a step or two in the right direction and I can see the potential, that glimmer of hope at the end of the tunnel, that will help Lyric ensnare him as well. However, in opposition to their step forward, Thayer and Lyric seemed to stagnate. He may use a magic touch at one point, but they certainly don’t sleep together and there are no group activities with Thayer.
The novels are short and the authors haven’t used their time wisely. It feels like the story is getting dragged out for very little purpose and we’ve taken a bit of a meandering trail to get to the end of this book. As much as I’d like a cliff notes version of what happens (or maybe just to be able to read the smutty scenes), sadly I think I’ll call it quits with the series here.
April 25, 2022
This is book three of the Sweetest Revenge series and continues the story of twin sisters Lyric and Melody who are seeing the answers to who was responsible for their sister Lyssa’s death. She was looking into the Boys of Ascendance Bay who all attend the college she has found a place in and are being groomed to take over their own family’s businesses. Her sister Melody faked her own death to be better able to investigate what happened and to get out from under her father’s control. Lyric wasn’t quite so lucky! After her mother’s murder right in front of her, her father passed her over to his right hand man, Sampson, to raise as he saw fit. This included making her an assassin, breaking her again and again, physically and mentally. She carries the scars from this upbringing and few know exactly what her childhood was actually like! She was to bug their rooms and find out which was responsible. Instead she is pledging for her mother’s sorority, Pi Ep and also dragged into the secret organisation the Regents and being made to do lots of illegal and demeaning things.
She has started a sexual relationship with Keats and Atlas, as well as welcoming attention by Thayer as well. Jude is still on the outside of the foursome, having once been Lyssa’s boyfriend until he found out a terrible secret that broke them apart. Shortly after, she was dead. Lyric’s push to find out more about her death and to find out more about the secret society of the Regents brings her into more danger. Jude is meant to either get her under control, or the Regents may well kill her, but her sister is annoyed that she isn’t doing enough and now she is playing with the four young men and drawing them into the fray. Everything she is being forced to do as part of her initiation into both groups she is hoping to have kept away from her father’s ears otherwise she will no doubt be badly punished by Sampson. Her actions, forced into by Melody, have helped her to uncover something that happened prior to her sister’s death and has left her caught by two of the fathers of the Ascendance Bay boys and one of them sends men to take care of her!
An unknown secret source has posted video of Lyric and asked why the boys are so into her and asking everyone to stop her influence on them. Who this person is that seems to know so many secrets of what happens around the college and encourages students to post everything that happens, is unknown and what they have against Lyric is closely linked to the four young men. Possibly someone that wants one of them for themselves and will do whatever they want to get them. Melody turns up on campus and ends up in a position she never expected, while trying to meet Lyric. She has revealed herself and unravelled the secret of her own death, to one too many people. What her father will do when not if he finds out is uncertain, but it won’t be good! Lyric is only just recovering from her own injuries and isn’t anywhere near fighting fit. She was due to go home, but is caught out by the same person hiding behind a mask and leaving us all waiting to find out what will happen next! An all action cliffhanger of an ending and I can’t wait to find out how everything ends. Lyric has had a hard life up until now and has actually found some tender moments with Keats and Atlas, unlike anything she ever thought she deserved. I hope they can continue. There are a number of very difficult issues brought up in this book, so fair warning! I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
She has started a sexual relationship with Keats and Atlas, as well as welcoming attention by Thayer as well. Jude is still on the outside of the foursome, having once been Lyssa’s boyfriend until he found out a terrible secret that broke them apart. Shortly after, she was dead. Lyric’s push to find out more about her death and to find out more about the secret society of the Regents brings her into more danger. Jude is meant to either get her under control, or the Regents may well kill her, but her sister is annoyed that she isn’t doing enough and now she is playing with the four young men and drawing them into the fray. Everything she is being forced to do as part of her initiation into both groups she is hoping to have kept away from her father’s ears otherwise she will no doubt be badly punished by Sampson. Her actions, forced into by Melody, have helped her to uncover something that happened prior to her sister’s death and has left her caught by two of the fathers of the Ascendance Bay boys and one of them sends men to take care of her!
An unknown secret source has posted video of Lyric and asked why the boys are so into her and asking everyone to stop her influence on them. Who this person is that seems to know so many secrets of what happens around the college and encourages students to post everything that happens, is unknown and what they have against Lyric is closely linked to the four young men. Possibly someone that wants one of them for themselves and will do whatever they want to get them. Melody turns up on campus and ends up in a position she never expected, while trying to meet Lyric. She has revealed herself and unravelled the secret of her own death, to one too many people. What her father will do when not if he finds out is uncertain, but it won’t be good! Lyric is only just recovering from her own injuries and isn’t anywhere near fighting fit. She was due to go home, but is caught out by the same person hiding behind a mask and leaving us all waiting to find out what will happen next! An all action cliffhanger of an ending and I can’t wait to find out how everything ends. Lyric has had a hard life up until now and has actually found some tender moments with Keats and Atlas, unlike anything she ever thought she deserved. I hope they can continue. There are a number of very difficult issues brought up in this book, so fair warning! I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
April 4, 2022
The first book in this series was absolutely amazing. The second book was still good, but it didn't give me the same kind of adrenaline rush as the first book did. I was therefore quite curious if that was simply a one time thing or if contemporary mafia series are simply not my thing beyond the first book. Luckily I got an arc for this third book and could read for myself what it was gonna be. I was therefore quite nervous when starting this book.
I was quite happy that in this book the main mystery gets a little more attention again. There are quite a few reveals changing the entire game and I'm quite curious how all the pieces of the puzzle will eventually click. I also enjoy the parents getting a more prominent role in the story. Mostly because they're bringing the true danger, since it's quite clear that the guys are quite innocent and nice when push comes to shove.
I'm also quite curious how the relationship between Melody and Lyric will develop in the next book. They are keeping an awful lot of secrets from each other. Of course, we only read Lyric's side of the story and therefore we're mostly on her side, but Melody must be playing a game too and I can't wait to discover what kind of game and what role her sister is actually, and most likely unknowingly, playing in said game.
I do love though how the authors are slowly building the harem and slowly having the guys warm up to our heroine a little more. Don't get me wrong, I love books where the guys are all over the girl from the very start, but in this case it feels very realistic that some guys need a little more time to see Lyric for the girl she is, without her family, without the ghost of her sister, without all the secrets. And I especially really love Jude and his character growth!
This third book is still not as thrilling as the first one, especially because the pledging gets a little old now, but there is still more than enough to keep me interested in reading more!
I was quite happy that in this book the main mystery gets a little more attention again. There are quite a few reveals changing the entire game and I'm quite curious how all the pieces of the puzzle will eventually click. I also enjoy the parents getting a more prominent role in the story. Mostly because they're bringing the true danger, since it's quite clear that the guys are quite innocent and nice when push comes to shove.
I'm also quite curious how the relationship between Melody and Lyric will develop in the next book. They are keeping an awful lot of secrets from each other. Of course, we only read Lyric's side of the story and therefore we're mostly on her side, but Melody must be playing a game too and I can't wait to discover what kind of game and what role her sister is actually, and most likely unknowingly, playing in said game.
I do love though how the authors are slowly building the harem and slowly having the guys warm up to our heroine a little more. Don't get me wrong, I love books where the guys are all over the girl from the very start, but in this case it feels very realistic that some guys need a little more time to see Lyric for the girl she is, without her family, without the ghost of her sister, without all the secrets. And I especially really love Jude and his character growth!
This third book is still not as thrilling as the first one, especially because the pledging gets a little old now, but there is still more than enough to keep me interested in reading more!
October 7, 2022
hmmm
Ok, the story line is great and interesting and all the things. I’ll keep reading, but I have to get my frustration out and maybe it’ll prepare someone too.
Spoilers…….the endings of some of these chapters are leaving me wanting to throw my phone!! It’s like you get to an interesting part and could go on and describe a cool scene….and it’s just over. You have no idea what happens. Like the scavenger hunt…can’t remember if it’s this book or book 2 that it’s in. Like that could have been so fun to describe! But you get a couple examples and it’s just over! You don’t even learn if she got any points back! A lot of chapters leaving you wanting and it’s super frustrating. It’s like you get the build up and then never get the experience or answers. There have been meant chapters I have rolled my eyes because you don’t get to know what happens. It’s like one min she’s laying naked on a table while people eat food off of her and you turn the page and boom next chapter with no idea how she got off the table…or what happened after it. Ugh so frustrating. These authors wrote a great book but really leaves a person to question everything because you don’t get the closure at the end of the chapters.
Ok, the story line is great and interesting and all the things. I’ll keep reading, but I have to get my frustration out and maybe it’ll prepare someone too.
Spoilers…….the endings of some of these chapters are leaving me wanting to throw my phone!! It’s like you get to an interesting part and could go on and describe a cool scene….and it’s just over. You have no idea what happens. Like the scavenger hunt…can’t remember if it’s this book or book 2 that it’s in. Like that could have been so fun to describe! But you get a couple examples and it’s just over! You don’t even learn if she got any points back! A lot of chapters leaving you wanting and it’s super frustrating. It’s like you get the build up and then never get the experience or answers. There have been meant chapters I have rolled my eyes because you don’t get to know what happens. It’s like one min she’s laying naked on a table while people eat food off of her and you turn the page and boom next chapter with no idea how she got off the table…or what happened after it. Ugh so frustrating. These authors wrote a great book but really leaves a person to question everything because you don’t get the closure at the end of the chapters.
March 25, 2022
Fantastic follow up 🖤
Read in a day I couldn’t put it down!
There’s a lot occurring here one secret society to contend with, one overarching criminal organisation, a TikTok stalker, all on top of unraveling Lyssas murder!
This book moves forward a lot with Lyssas murder as Lyric undertakes more of Melody’s tasks but also starts to take over some of the information….she sadly begins to find things out no-one would ever want to for their sister, not only that but it puts her on a psychopaths radar 😬😬
Lyric is forced to tell the Ascendance Boys the truth about why she is at the college and surprisingly it brings them closer together! Keats and Atlas have always had Lyrics back and now Thayer is coming on board 🥰
With the revelations as to what her father and Sampson have been doing to her along with her devotion to Lyssa Jude begins to question his attitude towards her! And thank god because I have a feeling it’s going to take all four of the men to save Lyric from what happened right at the end there 😩
Read in a day I couldn’t put it down!
There’s a lot occurring here one secret society to contend with, one overarching criminal organisation, a TikTok stalker, all on top of unraveling Lyssas murder!
This book moves forward a lot with Lyssas murder as Lyric undertakes more of Melody’s tasks but also starts to take over some of the information….she sadly begins to find things out no-one would ever want to for their sister, not only that but it puts her on a psychopaths radar 😬😬
Lyric is forced to tell the Ascendance Boys the truth about why she is at the college and surprisingly it brings them closer together! Keats and Atlas have always had Lyrics back and now Thayer is coming on board 🥰
With the revelations as to what her father and Sampson have been doing to her along with her devotion to Lyssa Jude begins to question his attitude towards her! And thank god because I have a feeling it’s going to take all four of the men to save Lyric from what happened right at the end there 😩
March 28, 2022
One step forward and two steps back. With every new piece of information we learn, more secrets or a new twist is thrown into the mix.
Cruel Reign is the third book in the dark enemies to lovers college/mafia romance series Sweetest Revenge and it wasn’t what I expected.
The story picks up right after Lyric is attacked while following Keates, Atlas, Jude, and Thayer to the Regents’ house. Lyric is still trying to find her sister's murderer, but now the suspects have changed. The Pi Eps are still trying to break her, but now so are the Regents. She doesn't trust her sister and the stalker has put a bounty on her, and that's not all.
I thought we learned a lot about Lyric’s life before Welhurst University in the last book, but I was SO wrong. The level of the tragic and unspeakable things that happened to Lyric... And add to that the new information and things that happen during this book and... You have to read it!!! Oh, and the sex... hot!!! This book definitely ends with a cliffhanger. I can't wait for the next book!
Cruel Reign is the third book in the dark enemies to lovers college/mafia romance series Sweetest Revenge and it wasn’t what I expected.
The story picks up right after Lyric is attacked while following Keates, Atlas, Jude, and Thayer to the Regents’ house. Lyric is still trying to find her sister's murderer, but now the suspects have changed. The Pi Eps are still trying to break her, but now so are the Regents. She doesn't trust her sister and the stalker has put a bounty on her, and that's not all.
I thought we learned a lot about Lyric’s life before Welhurst University in the last book, but I was SO wrong. The level of the tragic and unspeakable things that happened to Lyric... And add to that the new information and things that happen during this book and... You have to read it!!! Oh, and the sex... hot!!! This book definitely ends with a cliffhanger. I can't wait for the next book!
April 2, 2022
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "CRUEL REIGN"
WOW!!!! Your hooked from start to finish so much happens in this story it full of mystery, suspense, intrigue, angst, danger, stalker, steam, so many p, it's & twists such an addicting read.
Lyric is still trying to find her sister Lyssa's murderer so many unanswered questions her Melody she isn't sure she trust & the stalker had put a bounty in her head.
Lyric needs to tell Keats, Atlas, Thayer the truth about why she's at the College even Jude's wondering about his feelings towards her she follows the boys to Regent House & gets attacked new suspects are Pi Ep & Regents are trying to break her but the boys have her back.
The things her father & Samson have out her through when will she catch a break the stakes are high danger around every corner who's out to get her so etching bad is coming.
I definitely recommend to get this on the edge of your seat story so well written you can't put down then the shocking cliffhanger OMF!!! need the next book ASAP to see what going happen.
WOW!!!! Your hooked from start to finish so much happens in this story it full of mystery, suspense, intrigue, angst, danger, stalker, steam, so many p, it's & twists such an addicting read.
Lyric is still trying to find her sister Lyssa's murderer so many unanswered questions her Melody she isn't sure she trust & the stalker had put a bounty in her head.
Lyric needs to tell Keats, Atlas, Thayer the truth about why she's at the College even Jude's wondering about his feelings towards her she follows the boys to Regent House & gets attacked new suspects are Pi Ep & Regents are trying to break her but the boys have her back.
The things her father & Samson have out her through when will she catch a break the stakes are high danger around every corner who's out to get her so etching bad is coming.
I definitely recommend to get this on the edge of your seat story so well written you can't put down then the shocking cliffhanger OMF!!! need the next book ASAP to see what going happen.
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