Holy Moly! I need to recuperate after reading Cruel Prince by Ashley Jade. This book ripped me to pieces then put me back together and then cut me again. I was literally in tears at the end of the book and may have been cursing Ashley Jade for making me ugly cry, but then I praised her for writing such a fantastic book. It’s no secret that High School Bully Romances are my new favorite genre right now. I know some readers are skeptical of this genre, but I’m addicted to it right now.
Here is a book where the main characters knew each other before, but the male protagonist, Jace, is determined to make the female protagonist, Dylan’s, life difficult. He wants her to leave Royal House Academy, and he will do anything to hurt her, even start rumors of her around school about her and her step-cousin. He wants revenge for what she did years ago. Jace is the biggest jerk I’ve ever read in a book, but I loved getting his POV. Ashley Jade made me hate him, but then made me fall in love with him after finding out what happened to him and why his brother Liam is no longer alive. Oh, let me tell you I fell for Liam in this book because Ashley had chapters from the past with him in it and I adored his character. He’s a fantastic soul that should’ve still be there his Senior Year of High School. I hate the part of what happened to him.
Now there’s Dylan in the story who Jace is determined to break. They used to be best friends until she moved away unexpectedly. Now she’s living with her Aunt and Uncle since her Dad is in jail for embezzlement. She is determined to make it through RHA, but she has no idea why her former best friend, Jace hates her and why he’s dating her nemesis. She wants to know why all of the Covington family hate her, but she won’t find out until the very end.
That’s enough of me explaining the book because I don’t want to ruin this book for anyone who has been anxiously waiting for this book. I loved every bit of this book because it put me through the wringer. I have not cried so far in a while reading a book, but this one did it. I loved this story, even though I should’ve hated it. If the next books are just like this one, I may need to make sure I have tissue boxes on hand. Ashley Jade has become an author I’ll need to keep up with since her writing style and characters are addicting and unforgettable. I can’t wait until Jace’s siblings’ stories after reading his story.
This book has become a favorite for this year. Forewarning this book is for a mature audience because it has some challenging scenes to read with the bullying and another item. There’s also the HOT steaminess between the main characters in this book and secondary characters. Yes…this book is very HOT, but it’s a tearjerker. I highly recommend having a tissue box before reading this book. Also, plan on reading it until you finish it.
Story Rating: 5 stars
Steaminess Rating: 5 stars
Standalone or part of series: Part of series, but each follows a new couple.
Do I recommend this book? Yes, definitely. Be prepared this book is a tearjerker.
Will I read other books from the author? Yes.
Tropes/Elements: High School Bully Romance; Friends-to-Lovers to Enemies-to-Lovers
Hero: Jerk; Damaged; Possessive; Family-Oriented
Heroine: Outspoken; Strong; Damaged