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I thought the truth would be black and white. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

The Boys of Ascendance Bay have wormed their way under my skin, or rather some of them have. The others I’m still not so sure about.

With each task for the Regents getting deadlier and the Pi Ep parties growing more depraved, the guys have become my safe haven. All of that is threatened when their stalker decides that they have too much interest in me.

Now I’m stuck in my enemy’s care with my twin, and I have to find a way out or we’ll kill each other. I refuse to rot down here.

I won't be broken again.

Keats, Atlas, Thayer, and maybe even Jude, will stop at nothing to find me, no matter how much blood they have to spill. If I want a life with them, then I have to fight for it harder than I’ve ever fought for anything else.

Before all this is over I know I’ll end up with blood on my hands. The only question is whose?

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 29, 2022

About the author

Helen Scott

97 books1,192 followers
USA 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

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5 stars
1,067 (53%)
4 stars
634 (31%)
3 stars
252 (12%)
2 stars
34 (1%)
1 star
21 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
Profile Image for Debleena.
268 reviews108 followers
July 29, 2022
No no noooooo, that can't be the end!!!!!

I am shattered, my mind blown, my body turned to ashes. This whole book was one rollercoaster after another.

This series just keeps getting better and better.
A badass strong fmc, where the author completely brings justice to her character, where the fmc is actually strong and cunning and is not lead by her vagina ✅✅✅
Lyric really was a no shit taking girl, she was not a pushover and I absolutely admired on how she took Jude's assholery in strides and never bowed to his motive or torments. That and Jude's insecurities and vulnerabilities, made me wish for these two to become a couple, which finally happens🥳🥳. Though I don't know what Lyric's going to do with Jude's well kept secret.
I absolutely loved how she handled Paige, the girl had it coming, she was literally a mouse infront of our Queen right from the beginning.

I loved Atlas and Keats from the first book itself, and I love Thayer but there really wasn't much happening between Lyric and Thayer even after they both confessed that they like each other. I would really really love to see more one on one between these two too.
And is it only me or is there really something brewing between Dante and Lyric?? Like what was with all the subtle tension lining everytime these two spoke on phone 😵😵

Lyric really is a diamond 💎💎 though I wanted to write this part in the review of the last book in the series, I couldn't control my hands and heart while saying that Lyric is really one of my top 5 most favourite fmc(my ranking of the top 5 fmcs are a secret, even I don't know about because all the fmcs in this category are strong and badass and I really didn't know whom to rank 1 and whom to rank 5😋🤭)

One of the best series, where the books keep getting better and better,this whole series is a f*cking masterpiece!!!! I really thought that this would be the last book in the series but it isn't and the cliffhanger of this one is possibly one of the worst up till now💔😭. I really can't wait for the next book.
Where is the time machine when you need one 😡😡
Profile Image for Dani (Daniiireads).
1,477 reviews245 followers
July 26, 2022
Broken Heir was a fucking ride!

After the way Cruel Reign ended with I wasn’t sure where this book was headed and if our girl was gonna make it through.

Lyric seriously cannot win for losing it seems—, threats from Sampson and her father, and all that Collective bullshit?!

We finally get the big reveal on who our stalker is, and while I was surprised about who it was, the reasoning behind going after Lyric was kinda meh in my opinion and I was honestly glad to see that plot wrap up. Her initiation into the Collective was also a little underwhelming but 🤷🏻‍♀️ I knew Lyric had it in the bag.

The ending of Broken Heir is what has me the most hyped though. I went in thinking this was the last book in the series, but I’m not mad that we get more of Lyric and the boys! If anything I’m depressed af because of how fast I read this and now it’s going to be a couple months before I know how this series ends 😩

Retribution is coming though and I cannot wait!!!
April 26, 2023
Honestly I'm shocked there is only one book left with so much left up in the air and so many plot lines with gaping wounds. I still don't think Lyric was much of a badass here but I'm glad circumstances changed where she can now be her true self and let out her darker side. She takes out the stalker threat which I'm not happy to admit I was wrong about but now a whole new slew of problems opened up with her roommate. This book of course ends on another cliffhanger but it does seem in the end two threats are or will be eliminated and that makes life easier. How Lyric and the guys are going to escape all this mess with their lives remains to be seen. There's so much responsibility and a world beyond them that they won't be able to change or tear done so I'm really curious how the authors wrap this up. At least at this point all her secrets are out and she has a semi concrete relationship with the four of them, the rest of her life just happens to be up in flames!!!
Profile Image for ☆Mel☆.
366 reviews159 followers
April 14, 2024
3,5 ⭐

“Ella está tan rota y oscura como yo.
No me di cuenta de lo mucho que necesitaba a alguien así en mi vida hasta que la conocí.”

“Lyric es un diamante que ha sido sometido a tanta presión que no ha tenido más remedio que convertirse en algo hermoso.”

Este libro fue el más fuerte de la saga, leer lo que pasó Lyric durante el secuestro me destrozó. Ella ha pasado demasiado y en este punto lo único que quiero es que tenga su final feliz con los chicos. Al fin tiene la oportunidad de vengarse de su padre y Sampson y necesito leer eso en el siguiente libro.
Profile Image for ~ jj..
86 reviews11 followers
August 30, 2022
4.5 ⭐️

This is my review on book 3 & 4 (more like my unfiltered thoughts and ramblings of a mad woman…)

I think the drama in this series is unparalleled, and the heat omgggg 😰 I want to read more of Lyric and Jude, they have only just managed to find themselves on even ground after nearly 3 books of pure unbridled hatred and practically spitting venom at each other the entire time, but hey we all knew something delicious would come from their hate and we got a glimpse into how HOT all that is… from the Lamb and shepherd party at Pi Eps, being her mentor for the Regents, to him actually fulfilling that hunting roll in the forest *aggressively fanning myself, because hot damn* plus he doesn’t know that she knows that he is the lead singer of Apex Enemy (a lot to unpack there) ahhh yes just so many things we need more of, my brain capacity right now is nearly maxed out.

it never seems to be a dull moment for Lyric Sterling, college classes, pop quizzes, being kidnapped, pledging a sorority, and nearly being killed… on multiple occasions. My curiosity has been piqued though, I want to know more about the head of the family Dante, because he seems to know Lyric on a more personal level where as she doesn’t even know what he looks like…. And OF COURSE since it ended on a cliffhanger, I’ll have to wait, won’t I??

Fantastic.

Profile Image for amber.
99 reviews
February 25, 2023
After jude found out about her dealing w years of abuse and rape he’s like. I wanna break her hehe ;)

Like bruh. what.
Profile Image for Haily Therres.
306 reviews82 followers
May 22, 2023
4/5⭐️
3/5🌶️

Broken Heir was a rollercoaster! OMG I was on my toes the whole time and was so hard to put down. After how Cruel Reign ended, I wasn’t sure where this book was headed and if Lyric was going to make it. Man, she cannot catch a break. I really hope this last book she finally gets her happy ending.

We finally got some answers in this one. Still waiting on the BIG ONE. This book is all about Jude in my opinion. We finally get more of him and why he is the way he is. Plus, he has a mouth on him.

Onto the last book of the series and I’m depressed because I don’t want this series to end. I want more. I am excited that we will finally get all the answers we need.
Profile Image for Chelsi Dawn.
400 reviews5 followers
July 28, 2022
Wow. Just wow. I cannot wait for the next book. I literally devoured this one in like two hours. It had me hooked! Lets be real.... this whole series has had me hooked from the very beginning. Lyric just keeps going through so much. It seems like there is no end in sight. Twists and turns at every corner. That ending was so mean but absolute perfection. I just really hope what I think happened really happens. Also I have so many questions that need answers!! Especially about a specific someone lol. I will just be here patiently waiting for the next book lol.
Profile Image for Naurarwen.
918 reviews7 followers
August 7, 2022
I absolutely adore Lyric and I think she gets better and better with each book. She's not a pushover and is quite happy to take things into her own hands without the help of any of the men around her. The previous book Cruel Reign ended with a cliffhanger that was sure to send us on a rollercoaster ride for this book, and it did just that. Poor Lyric can't seem to get a break.

When I started reading this book I figured it was going to be the end of the series, but it definitely doesn't end here and I can't wait to get my hands on book five so I can see what is going to happen with Lyric, her sister Melody and the guys. All the secrets are coming out and it's sure to be messy when everything is finally revealed. The book leaves you second-guessing things on every page.
707 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2022
Awesome book!

Helen Scott and Zoey Shelby give us this awesome book in the Sweetest Revenge series! The story of Lyric and her men continues in this well written story with complex characters and plot twists that keep you turning pages throughout. With a massive cliffhanger at the end, this book is sure to become a favourite! While I loved reading this book, I do recommend that you read the trigger warnings as a lot happens while on the journey. Don't miss out on this series!!
Profile Image for Sara.
73 reviews
July 31, 2022
I enjoyed this book but it almost felt rushed and short on plot compared to the others. Also, lots and lots of typos, even one point had a note to insert some information about colors on a towel...I imagine that was a note for the authors to go back and edit that? Hopefully they go back and fix the errors as it does take you out of it a bit while you're reading. All in all it was a fine read but the least captivating of the series. Still eagerly awaiting the next!
Profile Image for Ashleigh.
582 reviews8 followers
September 13, 2022
I’m flying through these

This is a page turner. Be prepared to miss sleep and be late due to the ‘one more chapter’ rule every reader seems to have. This would be a five star review but some of the errors could have been fixed with a proof reader. Yet I’m still jumping straight into the next book 🤷🏻‍♀️
Profile Image for Angela Denny.
831 reviews5 followers
July 27, 2022
Ooh I loved this book. Lyric is finally starting to get her revenge. Her and the boys relationships are changing. Trust is hard won between them when more secrets and lies come to the surface. Loved all the steam and the violence in this book.
Profile Image for Lisbeth .
4,227 reviews
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.
Profile Image for Kaylah.
412 reviews30 followers
July 12, 2023
Well, This went downhill and cheesy real fast!!
Profile Image for Renee.
718 reviews18 followers
July 28, 2022
I feel like my heart was beating out of my chest for the majority of this book! After Cruel Reign, and with Lyric's kidnapping, we knew that Broken Heir would take us for a ride. And take us for a ride it did.

Lyric's kidnapping brings the guys together a bit, which I was happy to see, but sad that it took her being kidnapping by someone unknown (to the guys). We discover who the stalker is, and how they tie into the guys and Lyric, all I'll say is that the stalker is NUTS. But Lyric does her own form of retribution while she's being tortured, because she taunts the stalker/kidnapper.

She's also got more to deal with her father and Sampson.... I can't wait for those two to get what's coming to them. And the Collective, that's just a different thing to deal with all together. I swear there's so much going on with this book. You can tell that we're getting close to the ending because we start seeing the who/what/when/where questions being answered. We still don't have a lot being answered but we just know that it's coming and the anticipation itself is running really deep.

Her final initiation into the Collective was a bit meh, which made me wonder if that could come back to bite her? Not like an "outing", but more like the loss of the person? I'm intrigued, the Collective doesn't do anything willy nilly.

I love seeing the relationships with the guys really start to bloom, even Jude. Oh twistest, primal Jude, I'm glad that he finally is on the path to fixing the crap he pulled. Even with being Lyric's mentor, he made it work for the two of them, without making it seem like he cares.

I'm definitely interested to see how the remaining secrets come about, and how Lyrics deals with the threats coming from all angles. Especially with the last one that brings us to the cliffhanger. I know that in book 5, we're all in for it, it's not going to be an easy ride, especially with everything that has gone down and will continue to go down.

Amazing job ladies, truly I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for the final book!
Profile Image for Annette.
3,328 reviews156 followers
July 28, 2022
If you've been following me for a while already and if you've been reading my reviews, you know that I rarely read books without a little bit of magic. The real world is cruel enough and I kinda like the thought of at least the beauty of all things magical making a world a better place. However, when I got offered arcs for this series by the authors I got incredibly curious. The mystery part of the plot sounded intriguing and I do like characters with an edge.

Although the second and third book were a little less to my liking than the first, I really loved this fourth book again! And I guess that's mostly because it feels like a lot of progress is being made. Maybe not so much when it comes to the mystery itself, but more when it comes to all the different relationships and the growth of the characters themselves. It feels like a lot of smaller storylines have been resolved in this book and now we can focus fully on the last loose ties.

What I love most in this book is how our leading lady is slowly learning how to trust others. She's not doing it right away and she's taking babysteps, but a lot of information is thrown on the table and slowly she dares to believe that the guys DO love her as much as they claim. And the guys reward her with honesty on their side in return. Therefore it's like this entire book is dedicated to getting all five main characters on the same page.

I also liked how our heroine is showing a little more vulnerability in this book. Don't get me wrong, I love how strong she is, how she can fight and take care of herself, how she learned all those lessons the hard way and is now turning her traumas and bad memories into strengths and power. I love it more though when we see that she is not JUST the strong and fierce warrior. She's also a girl who has been deeply hurt by the people who should have loved her most.

I can't wait for the last book in this series and I can't wait for the spin-off starring Melody either!
31 reviews2 followers
August 16, 2022
I could not wait for this book to come out! And it was worth the wait. I love Lyric and the boys of Ascendence Bay.

Firstly, I love that Jude got the freak on board. His scene (spoiler alert** stop reading now) was amazing and super hot. It was perfect and everything I would expect from him, given his personality. The only one I can't figure out if they've been explicitly intimate is Thayer - I'm hoping we didn't skip his scene besides the bubble foam party.

Atlea and Kean continue to be my favorites, I tend to always like the guys who are on board first. The only character I feel is lacking development in the harem is Thayer. I need more from him and more from the guys' families. Some things I'm not really understanding as far as what their roles are in the Collective and such.

In this book the stalker is outed and it's exactly who I thought so that I was nice for me as a reader that I got to solve a piece of the puzzle. Im still working on the Collective main members, and what Melody's problem is. I can't really figure it out, if it's jealousy or just general bitchiness.

As for Alyssa's killer - it's assumed it's Kean's dad which ugh, gross so Im looking forward to his being taken care of, along with Sampson if so. That ending. Yes freaking yes! Air punch! Rocky Balboa moment! Lyric, you're a bada** bi***!

Im so looking forward to but sad for the final book. Im not quite ready for them to be done with this story, but hopefully an extended epilogue. One where they're the ruling members of the Collective bc that group needs a conscious of sorts and while the Boys and Lyric aren't necessarily good - I feel like they're better than the corruption currently taking place.

I'm also super intrigued by Dante. He seems important but I'm not quite sure where he fits in. Im excited to see where it is.

Overall, 5 stars!!!
Profile Image for TheBookBrat🖤.
677 reviews96 followers
July 26, 2022
Go get ‘em girl!!
Yessss feel like Lyric is now starting to get her revenge in this penultimate book! 😈
Don’t get me wrong she goes through some hellish scenes in this book (TW for torture….although by her own admission it’s not very good - love her blasé attitude to what she’s been through 😅) at the hands of the stalker! However this finally brings the boys into line with each other and their focus on helping Lyric 😃 although they do have to call in help from one of the leading family members Dante and he seems to have an interest in what Lyric does 🤔
Thankfully Lyric is her own hero and does get her and Melody out but it opens her up to a whole new threat…Sampson and her father! The heirs are determined to help her but Lyric knows that it’s essentially inevitable 😣 unless she can destroy them….
She’s also starting to uncover more about Alyssa and who the threat to her truly was and it may be closer than she thought 😩
It’s great to see Lyric start to bring her walls down and realise she is worthy! She makes a super friend in Evie, although her fears that she is a danger to those around her come to fruition 😣😣
Lyric also cements her relationships with the boys and finally Jude…and wow do her and the heirs connect 🥵🤤🥵!!
However SOME of them are keeping their own secrets that’s could destroy everything…..
There’s soooo many ups and downs in this one and cannot wait to see how it resolves next!
Profile Image for M Mendes Bookstagram.
708 reviews47 followers
August 18, 2022
Wow…I am seriously in love with the entire Sweetest Revenge series! Broken Heir is the 4th book from the Sweetest Revenge series and I love it. Broken Heir has all of my favorite elements (twists, turns, things going sideways, drama, a vest, secrets, revelations, all the feels, and is so very hot)!! I could not put it down. Lyric and the Boys of Ascendance Bay are characters that are the kind that readers will enjoy getting to know. They are dark enough with glimpses of a softer side that they keep hidden from the world and only let them out around each other. I love Lyric and how strong and resilient she is. Her past as well as the guys’ are dark and show how broken they are but how much they can change for each other and be healed (not sure if the correct word I am looking for but will go with it) with each other’s love. All of the above makes it a 5 star book that I highly recommend. I also recommend reading the Sweetest Revenge series and Helen Scott and Zoey Shelby as authors. Helen Scott has been on my favorite authors list and Broken Heir is a prime example of why. Zoey Shelby is a fairly new author and she is one that I will be keeping an eye on. I can’t wait for the final book in the series, Ruined Dynasty.
If you love dark romances with lots of heat you will love Broken Heir but I recommend reading the whole series starting with Bloody Princess!! Happy Reading.
Profile Image for Meg Elle.
451 reviews6 followers
July 31, 2022
Broken Heir

6/5 Extra⭐ Read I continue to love this series. Romance with a plot. As always a great balance. This book sees less of a sorority focus (for a reason) and more on the repercussions of what happened during the cliffhanger last book. More with the regents and the family at play. More from the relationships that are already established and loving it. And then establishing the slower burn enemies to lovers that is Jude. Which I love with our age that the relationships can have different paces. And I think it really pays off with Jude. If this book sees them coming together as a group. It resolves some mysteries and opens up more. We get to know more about Evie. I'm hoping she gets a book and I'm excited for Melody to get a book because what an interesting character. The book flew by I do wish they were a little longer. We still have twists and turns and a really great ending leading into the next book. Really excited to see where the last one goes and excited to see a short wait with the pre-order for September excited but don't want it to end. I really enjoyed this series.
Profile Image for LssBookLounge.
1,223 reviews30 followers
March 21, 2023
And that’s how it’s done!

Well slap my ass and call me Sally! This book has it all! Some ends tied up, some desserts served… a lot of steam 🥵🥵🥵

It wouldn’t have been a good story without behind the scenes machinations, deals being made, tasks being completed, secrets revealed, and of course the obligatory mild cliffhanger.

I’m not certain why the authors have made the choice not to tell us much of anything about Atlas, Keats, Jude, and Thayer. Maybe because the focus the focus of the series is on Lyric? Irregardless of the why, I would still like to know more about the guys. It’s a lot harder to be invested in them when they are becoming half characters at best.

It was oh so satisfying to have Lyric and Jude finally get on the same page. That forest scene? 🔥 �� 🔥 Love to see a bit of primal so this was a lovely treat. I’m anxiously awaiting Thayer making good on his promise too.

We’re in the home stretch of this series now anf I pray that the authors don’t drop the ball on the conclusion. I needs questions answered and I needs ALL the retribution. 4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Stacie LaFlamme.
54 reviews
July 29, 2022
I don't even know where to begin with this book, I loved it so much & some times that makes it hard to put into words what I want to say it.
I went in thinking this was the conclussion to the story , bit presumptious of me honestly. But when I say that I'm glad that it wasnt is a understatement. With amount of secrets that need to be answered I'm Glad they weren't crammed into one book. We do get some of the answers we have been seeking since the begining just enough to ease our curiosity. The revelation of the stalker BLEW my mind, it definetly was not who I was expecting. . All of our Boys & Lyric are damaged in some way or another my favorite part is seeing a completely different side of Jude. he is quickly becoming my favorite boy of ascendence bay. GIVE ME MORE OR I WILL RIOT.
Helen & Shelby are both amazing authors and cowrite really well. You can't even tell where one begins and the other ends. They flow together in a way that i believe is hard to achieve doing co-writes.
I will absolutely be going to read all their backlists. Im excited for that.
Profile Image for Briann.
147 reviews8 followers
July 29, 2022
Soooooo Good!!!

Broken Heir is the fourth book in the Sweetest Revenge series and my absolute favourite so far! This book is not as dark as the others in the series, but it's still not light and fluffy.

The story picks up at the hospital, where Atlas discovers Lyric is missing. And the guys will do anything to find her. Meanwhile, Lyric finds her sister and discovers that her kidnapper, stalker, and the Boys of Ascendance Bay TikToker are all the same person. Lyric is still looking for her sister’s killer and tells the guys everything. This book solidifies Lyric’s relationships with her guys. And she learns more about her roommate, Evie. There’s another kidnapping, blackmail, and more bloodshed.

Secrets are revealed. Truths are told. Favours are asked. Decisions are made. Hot sex is had.

I wish I could say more, but that would spoil the book. But I can say it ends with a cliffhanger that I’ve been hoping and waiting for for a long time! I can’t wait for the next book!!! You definitely need to read this series!!!
2,299 reviews18 followers
August 2, 2022
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "BROKEN HEIR" I was thrilled to get this next book in this amazing series full of suspense, intrigue, revenge, secrets, lies, angst, steam, twists that have you turning the pages such an addicting rollercoaster ride.
Lyric is one bad*SS character she takes nothing from no one, I love her with Keats, Atlas, Thayer & even Jude who can be a real *SS sometimes his insecurities, & vulnerabilities make you feel for him & hope they become more to each other.
Lyric is finally getting her revenge, her relationship with the guys are changing, trust is hard when secrets & lies get revealed the steam between them sizzles can't get enough of these guys thoroughly enjoy their journey.
I definitely recommend to get this series you won't be disappointed so much happens in this book then the cliffhanger that has you wanting the next book ASAP " RUINED DYNASTY" to see how everything turns out for Lyric & her guys. AWESOME AWESOME READ!!!!!
539 reviews7 followers
August 15, 2022
I was a little worried Lyric was starting to go soft as she gets herself kidnapped. It turns out she does well under pressure and figures out her kidnapper, gets her sister back and plots revenge in the most efficient ways. Not to forget to mention she bags the most difficult boy of the group. Now that she has all of her guys its. time to move back on to the main plot of who had Lyssa killed as well as take on her own father and Sampson. The plot twists don't stop and unfortunately yet another person gets kidnapped, and Melody is turning out to be a C U Next Tuesday to Lyric and Jude. I'm hopeful that Lyric can squash the triangle drama between her sister, and Jude at the same time taking out the bad guys. It does end with a cliffhanger but hopefully will pick up the action in the beginning of the next installment of the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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