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A Knight's Revenge #1
Storm the Gates
In Saint Gabriel City, there are the Four Families, and there are those who are owned by them.
The Spencers, the Hargraves, the Ferreros, and the Knights rule the City together with their exorbitant wealth and iron fists that no one dare challenge.
Each Family has an Heir, and they are raised together to one day assume control of their respective empires, trained to crush anyone who stands in their way under the heel of their unmeasurable power.
At least, there were Four Families, and there were four Heirs—until three of the Families banded together to murder the Knights in cold blood one fateful summer night.
Their daughter was only eleven years old.
And the other Heirs—three sons—were only twelve as they watched their best friend die on the floor of a soulless beige conference room next to her parents.
Seven years later, the remaining Heirs have taken their place at the ultra-exclusive Holywell Academy where the City’s elite strive to earn a coveted place in the Families’ kingdom by rubbing elbows with the exalted sons.
Only what Bennett Spencer, Noah Hargraves, and Zach Ferrero don’t know—what the Families have failed to realize after all these years—is that Jolie Knight didn’t die that night.
That little girl has been hiding just across the river, right under their noses.
That little girl is all grown up, and now she’s the Academy’s newest scholarship student.
That little girl is me, and I’m going to burn this City to the motherfucking ground.
The Spencers, the Hargraves, the Ferreros, and the Knights rule the City together with their exorbitant wealth and iron fists that no one dare challenge.
Each Family has an Heir, and they are raised together to one day assume control of their respective empires, trained to crush anyone who stands in their way under the heel of their unmeasurable power.
At least, there were Four Families, and there were four Heirs—until three of the Families banded together to murder the Knights in cold blood one fateful summer night.
Their daughter was only eleven years old.
And the other Heirs—three sons—were only twelve as they watched their best friend die on the floor of a soulless beige conference room next to her parents.
Seven years later, the remaining Heirs have taken their place at the ultra-exclusive Holywell Academy where the City’s elite strive to earn a coveted place in the Families’ kingdom by rubbing elbows with the exalted sons.
Only what Bennett Spencer, Noah Hargraves, and Zach Ferrero don’t know—what the Families have failed to realize after all these years—is that Jolie Knight didn’t die that night.
That little girl has been hiding just across the river, right under their noses.
That little girl is all grown up, and now she’s the Academy’s newest scholarship student.
That little girl is me, and I’m going to burn this City to the motherfucking ground.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 434 reviews
February 15, 2023
Review for the whole trilogy. This a college / academy RH that’s dark-ish, but not really (there’s murder and mayhem, but the main relationship isn’t dark). It’s a “power fantasy” type of read. Anyone who likes Hannaford Prep: The Complete Series or Pacific Prep: The Complete Series would like it, but it’s better than those.
What do I mean by “power fantasy?” Well, it’s one of those stories where the heroine is kickass, takes 0 shit from anybody, and basically rules her corner of the world. Usually that’s annoying, and that kind of heroine is too perfect, which is boring. But this author is good at writing that type of heroine in a way that makes me like her, and somehow is NOT annoying!
This is set in a fictional city where everything revolves around 4 mafia-ish families (but there’s no mafia terminology). Jolie was in one of the families, and best friends with the sons of the other 3. When she was 11, the other families murdered hers. Everyone thought she died, too. Now, she’s 19 or 20 and she’s out for revenge (which involves attending the city’s fancy college under a fake name, because sure, why not!). So, it's a very typical RH plot: “badass heroine goes to a fancy academy where the heroes rule the school, she pretends to be weaker than she is, everyone underestimates her.” There’s some bullying, but not from the heroes, and she handles it easily.
Most of us have seen versions of this plot before…but the way these ingredients are thrown together in this story is just FUN. And, it sidesteps a lot of stuff that’s gotten old in similar stories. For example, most other “RH academy” stories linger on the heroine suffering. This one doesn’t. In most other “RH academy” books, the heroine is alone in the world, and the heroes are mean to her for a while. But here, Jolie has a support system (adopted family), and her guys are devoted to her. There’s enough push-pull to keep things interesting with her guys, but there’s not really an “enemies to lovers” dynamic, like there is in 99% of other reads in the genre. I don’t mind that stuff – isolated heroines, or “enemies to lovers” trope – but it’s nice to see something different!
Is the story OTT ridiculous? Oh yeah. Jolie is a 19/20 year old girl who has an army of commandos at her disposal, and she’s good at everything, from school to scaling skyscrapers. I get it if someone else thinks this sounds cringe. But you know what? This trilogy is fun as hell. I liked Jolie – where, in a different author’s hands, I’d be rolling my eyes. It would be tedious to read heroines like this all the time. But I like them every so often, especially in the hands of a capable author like this.
I think this author’s secret sauce is that she knows a heroine doesn’t need to be “relatable” in her circumstances, if the way that her MIND works is relatable. Her other books are like this too. She doesn’t write heroines who are insecure, clumsy, or pretty but don’t know it (stuff that many authors do, to make heroines similar to how they think we readers are). Her heroines are confident, talented, and know their worth. But their internal monologues make them MUCH less annoying than other too-perfect heroines of this ilk.
Not every part of this trilogy is great. There are too many mean girls and one-dimensional villains. But I’ll keep it at 4 stars because I enjoyed it overall, and could see myself re-reading it. And, Frankie Fingers gets a lot of “fun side character” points, to balance out the somewhat lame villains.
So, yeah, this is over the top. And yeah, it’s similar to countless others…but it’s the most fun one I’ve read in a while. And if you’re getting tired of “RH academy” stories having too many doormat heroines, then this is the perfect one to read.
What do I mean by “power fantasy?” Well, it’s one of those stories where the heroine is kickass, takes 0 shit from anybody, and basically rules her corner of the world. Usually that’s annoying, and that kind of heroine is too perfect, which is boring. But this author is good at writing that type of heroine in a way that makes me like her, and somehow is NOT annoying!
This is set in a fictional city where everything revolves around 4 mafia-ish families (but there’s no mafia terminology). Jolie was in one of the families, and best friends with the sons of the other 3. When she was 11, the other families murdered hers. Everyone thought she died, too. Now, she’s 19 or 20 and she’s out for revenge (which involves attending the city’s fancy college under a fake name, because sure, why not!). So, it's a very typical RH plot: “badass heroine goes to a fancy academy where the heroes rule the school, she pretends to be weaker than she is, everyone underestimates her.” There’s some bullying, but not from the heroes, and she handles it easily.
Most of us have seen versions of this plot before…but the way these ingredients are thrown together in this story is just FUN. And, it sidesteps a lot of stuff that’s gotten old in similar stories. For example, most other “RH academy” stories linger on the heroine suffering. This one doesn’t. In most other “RH academy” books, the heroine is alone in the world, and the heroes are mean to her for a while. But here, Jolie has a support system (adopted family), and her guys are devoted to her. There’s enough push-pull to keep things interesting with her guys, but there’s not really an “enemies to lovers” dynamic, like there is in 99% of other reads in the genre. I don’t mind that stuff – isolated heroines, or “enemies to lovers” trope – but it’s nice to see something different!
Is the story OTT ridiculous? Oh yeah. Jolie is a 19/20 year old girl who has an army of commandos at her disposal, and she’s good at everything, from school to scaling skyscrapers. I get it if someone else thinks this sounds cringe. But you know what? This trilogy is fun as hell. I liked Jolie – where, in a different author’s hands, I’d be rolling my eyes. It would be tedious to read heroines like this all the time. But I like them every so often, especially in the hands of a capable author like this.
I think this author’s secret sauce is that she knows a heroine doesn’t need to be “relatable” in her circumstances, if the way that her MIND works is relatable. Her other books are like this too. She doesn’t write heroines who are insecure, clumsy, or pretty but don’t know it (stuff that many authors do, to make heroines similar to how they think we readers are). Her heroines are confident, talented, and know their worth. But their internal monologues make them MUCH less annoying than other too-perfect heroines of this ilk.
Not every part of this trilogy is great. There are too many mean girls and one-dimensional villains. But I’ll keep it at 4 stars because I enjoyed it overall, and could see myself re-reading it. And, Frankie Fingers gets a lot of “fun side character” points, to balance out the somewhat lame villains.
So, yeah, this is over the top. And yeah, it’s similar to countless others…but it’s the most fun one I’ve read in a while. And if you’re getting tired of “RH academy” stories having too many doormat heroines, then this is the perfect one to read.
May 24, 2023
This book was so so good. Haven't enjoyed an RH like that in a long time. The FMC was great!!! Can't wait to read the next book. Highly recommend you all read this series!
September 30, 2022
NOW LIVE!
Amazon US * Amazon UK
There's not many authors I'd read cliffhangers from before the entire series was out but I quickly became a fan of Elizabeth Dear when I read her Blackstone Academy series and I trusted her to make the wait worth it. And for the most part I was right, but also that ending has me dying to get my hands on the next book and I know these characters will be on my mind every day until I can get more.
This series is different from the previous books I've read from Ms. Dear, most notably they aren't paranormal. But more than that, this story had a grittier vibe to it and I loved it. At no point did I know what was going to happen next and Jojo constantly surprised me which was so fun. Jojo's character is one of my favorite heroines and I loved her strength that never faltered. So many times I feel like heroines in romances are told to be so tough but then we don't get to actually see it and that wasn't the case here.
Jojo proved over and over to be one badass heroine. That's not saying she didn't have her weaknesses but those moments that her vulnerable side showed actually only helped to prove she was tough as nails and fought her demons. Even when those demons came in the form of her three childhood best friends whose families destroyed her.
Jojo was the main focus of this story but the little parts we got from each Heir was intriguing enough that I'm excited to get to learn more about them. This first book didn't involve much romance between any of the main characters but there were a lot of hints of what's to come and I thought that was weaved perfectly between all of the suspense of Jojo infiltrating the Academy.
Overall, this was a brilliant start to this series and I definitely recommend reading it. The wait for the next book just may kill me though.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
There's not many authors I'd read cliffhangers from before the entire series was out but I quickly became a fan of Elizabeth Dear when I read her Blackstone Academy series and I trusted her to make the wait worth it. And for the most part I was right, but also that ending has me dying to get my hands on the next book and I know these characters will be on my mind every day until I can get more.
This series is different from the previous books I've read from Ms. Dear, most notably they aren't paranormal. But more than that, this story had a grittier vibe to it and I loved it. At no point did I know what was going to happen next and Jojo constantly surprised me which was so fun. Jojo's character is one of my favorite heroines and I loved her strength that never faltered. So many times I feel like heroines in romances are told to be so tough but then we don't get to actually see it and that wasn't the case here.
Jojo proved over and over to be one badass heroine. That's not saying she didn't have her weaknesses but those moments that her vulnerable side showed actually only helped to prove she was tough as nails and fought her demons. Even when those demons came in the form of her three childhood best friends whose families destroyed her.
Jojo was the main focus of this story but the little parts we got from each Heir was intriguing enough that I'm excited to get to learn more about them. This first book didn't involve much romance between any of the main characters but there were a lot of hints of what's to come and I thought that was weaved perfectly between all of the suspense of Jojo infiltrating the Academy.
Overall, this was a brilliant start to this series and I definitely recommend reading it. The wait for the next book just may kill me though.
Currently reading
January 16, 2024Look at me working my way through all my Stuff Your Kindle books like a champ!
August 31, 2023
A super badass girl looking for revenge.
Her three ex best friends.
An elite school.
This one has all the classics of an entertaining reverse harem and it’s done in a way that works.
But it also offers a few new things.
A sapphic new best friend.
Her adoptive queer brother.
The queer crazy cousin of the three guys.
I listened to the audiobook in a day. 10/10
Her three ex best friends.
An elite school.
This one has all the classics of an entertaining reverse harem and it’s done in a way that works.
But it also offers a few new things.
A sapphic new best friend.
Her adoptive queer brother.
The queer crazy cousin of the three guys.
I listened to the audiobook in a day. 10/10
February 6, 2024
This is my second book by this author and I liked this equally as much. I especially love how this author writes such strong take no shit FMC's. Jo has a backbone of pure steel alongside an iron willed determination add in her sass and capability and I definitely think I had a bit of a girl crush on her.
Its an academy, bully, reverse harem, suspence with dark themes so a lot going on. Our girl Jolie Knight after witnessing the murder of her parents and her attempted one by the other ruling families, claws herself up from the ashes of her near brush with death and hides herself in plain sight. Presumed dead by all who once knew her she bides her time living with a family who have claimed her as one of their own whilst also vowing revenge on the very monsters she holds responsible and she is determined to avange her parents to do whatever it takes to anialate all of her enemies.
Securing a scholarship to the prestigious Holywell academy Jolie is now Joanna miller from the southside and there is nothing remaining to connect her to that scared eleven year old little girl she once was. Planning to keep her head down and attempt to fly under the radar, something that doesn't exactly go quite to plan, all whilst she collects the dirt on the other families gathering proof of there crimes.
Her former best friends three boys who were also witneses to these past atrocities rule the school Noah, Bennet and Zach the heirs to the city and there not pleased that the new girl that has also unintentionally caught all of there attention is upsetting the balance and causing them issues.
This one is a slow burn and though the spice is low the tension and chemistry is off the charts it sizzled on the page. There is also a bullying theme here, but Jo handles it all like a champ, she is no ones victim and the bullying is more the other students, the boys themselves mostly just being passive assholes and not stepping in. It's obvious they have there reasons and they also have no idea she's the childhood best friend that they never forgot and mourn for.
This is all from Jo's POV and this was an addictive page turner, it was also well written and this authors writing just clicks for me. Then theres that dramatic finish, it was fantastic and now I can't wait to see what's coming next for Jolie and her men.
Its an academy, bully, reverse harem, suspence with dark themes so a lot going on. Our girl Jolie Knight after witnessing the murder of her parents and her attempted one by the other ruling families, claws herself up from the ashes of her near brush with death and hides herself in plain sight. Presumed dead by all who once knew her she bides her time living with a family who have claimed her as one of their own whilst also vowing revenge on the very monsters she holds responsible and she is determined to avange her parents to do whatever it takes to anialate all of her enemies.
Securing a scholarship to the prestigious Holywell academy Jolie is now Joanna miller from the southside and there is nothing remaining to connect her to that scared eleven year old little girl she once was. Planning to keep her head down and attempt to fly under the radar, something that doesn't exactly go quite to plan, all whilst she collects the dirt on the other families gathering proof of there crimes.
Her former best friends three boys who were also witneses to these past atrocities rule the school Noah, Bennet and Zach the heirs to the city and there not pleased that the new girl that has also unintentionally caught all of there attention is upsetting the balance and causing them issues.
This one is a slow burn and though the spice is low the tension and chemistry is off the charts it sizzled on the page. There is also a bullying theme here, but Jo handles it all like a champ, she is no ones victim and the bullying is more the other students, the boys themselves mostly just being passive assholes and not stepping in. It's obvious they have there reasons and they also have no idea she's the childhood best friend that they never forgot and mourn for.
This is all from Jo's POV and this was an addictive page turner, it was also well written and this authors writing just clicks for me. Then theres that dramatic finish, it was fantastic and now I can't wait to see what's coming next for Jolie and her men.
September 27, 2022
What a ride! I practically devoured this book, but I had to slow down to digest what I was reading.
There were once Four Families, each Familia with a Heir. And then the three of them decided to murder Knight Familia.
Jojo was only eleven years old when she witnessed the murder of her parents. With her best friends; Bennett, Noah, and Zach, all Heirs to the Familia, watching. She was supposed to go down with her parents, but has managed to survive.
Years later it's time for Jojo to take what's rightfully hers. She is now a badass, trained to eliminate. Her first special assignment is attending Academy, where Bennett, Noah and Zach rule.
Priviledge kids don't want her there. She has to be alert non stop and fight when no one's looking. While the golden trio isn't joining the bullying, they're also not doing anything to stop it. Little do they know that Jojo's pretty capable of taking care of herself. She's driven on angst, pain and hurt.
And she's dead set on her goal.
Storm the Gates was intoxicating, and I was hooked from the very beginning. It felt like a slow burn, there's no actual romance in this book. Which felt even better to me.
I loved the writing style, perfect pace of the story and sarcastic comebacks. That Beavis input was legendary.
So, dear reader… be prepared for a wild ride with this one!
There were once Four Families, each Familia with a Heir. And then the three of them decided to murder Knight Familia.
Jojo was only eleven years old when she witnessed the murder of her parents. With her best friends; Bennett, Noah, and Zach, all Heirs to the Familia, watching. She was supposed to go down with her parents, but has managed to survive.
Years later it's time for Jojo to take what's rightfully hers. She is now a badass, trained to eliminate. Her first special assignment is attending Academy, where Bennett, Noah and Zach rule.
Priviledge kids don't want her there. She has to be alert non stop and fight when no one's looking. While the golden trio isn't joining the bullying, they're also not doing anything to stop it. Little do they know that Jojo's pretty capable of taking care of herself. She's driven on angst, pain and hurt.
And she's dead set on her goal.
Storm the Gates was intoxicating, and I was hooked from the very beginning. It felt like a slow burn, there's no actual romance in this book. Which felt even better to me.
I loved the writing style, perfect pace of the story and sarcastic comebacks. That Beavis input was legendary.
So, dear reader… be prepared for a wild ride with this one!
March 10, 2023
I've been needing a book this amazing for awhile and I'm so glad I moved this up on my list because damn it was GOOOOD. The end is absolutely explosive and it's honestly trying just trying to get out some thoughts so I can dive into the next book. The blurb does a swell job of encompassing the scope of the book though if I'm being honest the real thing is 100x's better. While there is some bullying our heroine is working behind the scenes taking them all down and it really built up my blood lust throughout the book. Jolie also does not take all the shit thrown at her which I appreciated even if she did get taken off guard occasionally. I am literally dying over how this ended and it has the villain and retaliatory pettiness inside of me ramping up and ready to explode. Honestly this was a wonderful first book in the trilogy and I can't wait to see where it goes. Considering this is a contemporary harem romance there is so much drama and situations going on you won't even realize any supernatural beings are missing :P
October 2, 2022
I devoured this book! It had my hooked form the very beginning! I couldn’t put it down! This book brings you on a wild ride that’s for sure! I loved it and held on until the end! That cliffy!?! Damn! I can’t wait for book 2!
Jolie is on badass FMC! I think she is is on my top 5 now! I love her! She’s so strong and I know that she’s still dealing with the trauma of her past but she doesn’t let it get her down. ( for long) Even when faced with her childhood best friends! She’s so headstrong!
Bennett, Noah, & Zach rule the school now as heirs of the Four Families. Jolie was one of the heiress until her parents were murdered and her family taken out. She’s back now and revenge is sweet!
This is a must read and I can not wait for the rest of the series!
Jolie is on badass FMC! I think she is is on my top 5 now! I love her! She’s so strong and I know that she’s still dealing with the trauma of her past but she doesn’t let it get her down. ( for long) Even when faced with her childhood best friends! She’s so headstrong!
Bennett, Noah, & Zach rule the school now as heirs of the Four Families. Jolie was one of the heiress until her parents were murdered and her family taken out. She’s back now and revenge is sweet!
This is a must read and I can not wait for the rest of the series!
January 6, 2024
Since I discovered this series, because someone suggested a buddy read, I have read it several times (and not all dates are marked down).
I really love this series. The FMC is a strong woman, who lived through some trauma. She lost everything when she was 10 but she was lucky because someone brought her to the Miller family who took her in, loved her and raised her right.
Year later she goes back to the city where her parents were killed and wants to revenge them. She is in school with the heirs, her former friends. But they think she is dead and since she is wearing disguise, a different hair color, different eye color and she is now older, they don't recognise her until she reveals who she is, at the end of book 1.
If you liked J. Bree's Hannaford Prep this is for you.
I really love this series. The FMC is a strong woman, who lived through some trauma. She lost everything when she was 10 but she was lucky because someone brought her to the Miller family who took her in, loved her and raised her right.
Year later she goes back to the city where her parents were killed and wants to revenge them. She is in school with the heirs, her former friends. But they think she is dead and since she is wearing disguise, a different hair color, different eye color and she is now older, they don't recognise her until she reveals who she is, at the end of book 1.
If you liked J. Bree's Hannaford Prep this is for you.
February 16, 2023
the writing is not for me at all so I skimmed a bunch but it was entertaining
February 2, 2024
5 WOW Stars
This story of revenge was absolutely mesmerizing. Was all of it plausible ... nope!! But who cares 😏. Jolie is a smart, sassy, take no prisoners heroine. Such a fun read 😈
This story of revenge was absolutely mesmerizing. Was all of it plausible ... nope!! But who cares 😏. Jolie is a smart, sassy, take no prisoners heroine. Such a fun read 😈
February 2, 2023
3.5 stars
I did enjoy this book, and I have the suspicion that it is a me thing, but the th genre seems saturated with strong girls back for revenge stories. It was good, but I just feel it is a little bit of overexposure. I am looking forward to the next book, however.
I did enjoy this book, and I have the suspicion that it is a me thing, but the th genre seems saturated with strong girls back for revenge stories. It was good, but I just feel it is a little bit of overexposure. I am looking forward to the next book, however.
June 29, 2023
This book is a great start to the series - it follows Jolie as she enrols at Holywell Academy undercover to take down the city's three top families who murdered her parents. Anyone that liked J Bree’s Hannaford Prep series will enjoy this one too.
❓Why choose
🏫College/academy
🥷Skilled fmc
💣Bully-ish
🔫Gangs
🌶️Some spice
⛔️Potential content warnings
Jolie is extremely capable - she’s literally good at everything from school work, to computer programming, cage fighting and scaling buildings - but she manages to stay likeable. She's been through a lot, and I'm invested in her getting revenge. Her three love interests - Zach, Bennett and Noah - are intriguing. I really liked Max and her adoptive family too.
Unfortunately, outside the central players, everyone else feels a bit one-dimensional. There are a lot of bully girls and villains that feel like stock characters spewing cliche line after cliche line. It was also a bit slow getting started but I’d say by the time I hit the 25 per cent mark, I was hooked into the plot.
Overall, I enjoyed this book - it’s quick easy read, has the tropes I want and a great cliffhanger ending. I'm jumping straight into book two :)
❓Why choose
🏫College/academy
🥷Skilled fmc
💣Bully-ish
🔫Gangs
🌶️Some spice
⛔️Potential content warnings
Jolie is extremely capable - she’s literally good at everything from school work, to computer programming, cage fighting and scaling buildings - but she manages to stay likeable. She's been through a lot, and I'm invested in her getting revenge. Her three love interests - Zach, Bennett and Noah - are intriguing. I really liked Max and her adoptive family too.
Unfortunately, outside the central players, everyone else feels a bit one-dimensional. There are a lot of bully girls and villains that feel like stock characters spewing cliche line after cliche line. It was also a bit slow getting started but I’d say by the time I hit the 25 per cent mark, I was hooked into the plot.
Overall, I enjoyed this book - it’s quick easy read, has the tropes I want and a great cliffhanger ending. I'm jumping straight into book two :)
April 25, 2023
5/5⭐️ 1/5🌶️
This is all you’re getting for now because the book was so good that I just can’t keep my mind off of needing to know what happens next.
Going to start Seize the Castle now byeeeeee
UPDATE:
5/5⭐️ 3/5🌶️
SERIES REVIEW: OHMAHGOSH What a fun, action packed ride! I could not put these books down. I got sucked in IMMEDIATELY and barely slept for a week (I’m a slow reader). But for the whole week, I breathed A Knight’s Revenge! Elizabeth knows how to make you fall in love with even the most fleeting side characters!
This series is FULL of banter, jokes, sexual tension, and blossoming relationships. What was once lost to these characters, was found and rebuilt into an in breakable fortress of love and devotion.
Jolie, my girl is unhinged!!! She’s all….touch him and die, hell, look at him and die. How many books do you read with a possessive FMC!? I ate that shit up 👏
The tension between the MCs was delicious. Y’all know I’m a tension hoe. There isn’t a ton of spice, but the scenes that are there are 👨🏻🍳💋 OMG a I was MELTING under the amount of PRAISE in this book 🫠🫠🫠
But spice and relationships aside, the plot was extraordinary. I loved every second of this fast paced, action packed, brutal series. I highly highly recommend!
Favorite Quotes:
I knew I would burn the whole world down to keep these boys with me. -KtK
She’s magnificent,” Noah whispered. “She’s dangerous,” Bennett countered. She was both of those things, but most importantly— “She’s ours.” -StC
But I hadn’t anticipated the draw that still pulled me toward those unfeeling bastards, the familiarity and the little hints of the boys I knew still there, and it was messing with my head. -StG
This is all you’re getting for now because the book was so good that I just can’t keep my mind off of needing to know what happens next.
Going to start Seize the Castle now byeeeeee
UPDATE:
5/5⭐️ 3/5🌶️
SERIES REVIEW: OHMAHGOSH What a fun, action packed ride! I could not put these books down. I got sucked in IMMEDIATELY and barely slept for a week (I’m a slow reader). But for the whole week, I breathed A Knight’s Revenge! Elizabeth knows how to make you fall in love with even the most fleeting side characters!
This series is FULL of banter, jokes, sexual tension, and blossoming relationships. What was once lost to these characters, was found and rebuilt into an in breakable fortress of love and devotion.
Jolie, my girl is unhinged!!! She’s all….touch him and die, hell, look at him and die. How many books do you read with a possessive FMC!? I ate that shit up 👏
The tension between the MCs was delicious. Y’all know I’m a tension hoe. There isn’t a ton of spice, but the scenes that are there are 👨🏻🍳💋 OMG a I was MELTING under the amount of PRAISE in this book 🫠🫠🫠
But spice and relationships aside, the plot was extraordinary. I loved every second of this fast paced, action packed, brutal series. I highly highly recommend!
Favorite Quotes:
I knew I would burn the whole world down to keep these boys with me. -KtK
She’s magnificent,” Noah whispered. “She’s dangerous,” Bennett countered. She was both of those things, but most importantly— “She’s ours.” -StC
But I hadn’t anticipated the draw that still pulled me toward those unfeeling bastards, the familiarity and the little hints of the boys I knew still there, and it was messing with my head. -StG
July 20, 2023
An unexpectedly captivating story with a gripping plot that got me hanging on the edge of my seat.
Actual rating: 4.5🌟
⇢ What to expect:
∘ New Adult
∘ Contemporary Romance
∘ College setting
∘ Unique worldbuilding
∘ City ruled by four Families
∘ Mafia vibes
∘ Reverse-Harem: 3 love interests
∘ Dark, broody & possessive MMCs
∘ Badass FMC
∘ Morally Grey Characters
∘ Revenge plot
∘ A drop of spice
⇢ Tropes:
∘ Childhood bestfriends
∘ Hidden Identity
∘ Slowburn
∘ "Touch her and die"
⇢ Trigger Warnings: bullying, murder on page, violence, sexual assault
Actual rating: 4.5🌟
⇢ What to expect:
∘ New Adult
∘ Contemporary Romance
∘ College setting
∘ Unique worldbuilding
∘ City ruled by four Families
∘ Mafia vibes
∘ Reverse-Harem: 3 love interests
∘ Dark, broody & possessive MMCs
∘ Badass FMC
∘ Morally Grey Characters
∘ Revenge plot
∘ A drop of spice
⇢ Tropes:
∘ Childhood bestfriends
∘ Hidden Identity
∘ Slowburn
∘ "Touch her and die"
⇢ Trigger Warnings: bullying, murder on page, violence, sexual assault
October 24, 2023
Very quick paced and exciting to read. I love the fmc. She is a badass.
September 24, 2022
This is a brand new series by Elizabeth Dear and it is a why choose contemporary romance and I was so excited to get my hands on it. I finished it in one sitting I loved every second. Jolie is what I love FMC to be. I have a total girl crush. That ending was epic. I can’t wait to read book 2.
July 23, 2023
Great start to a trilogy! Great backstory.
December 19, 2023
DID I FINISH THIS BOOK IN ONE SITTING? YES I DID.
IT IS AFTER 3AM AND IM STARTING BOOK TWO? YES I AM. If i could give this book 6 stars, I WOULD. Jolie is such a badass FMC!!! The prologue IMMEDIATELY draws you in with the plot. The middle is so solid and just slowly but heavily builds as you keep reading… AND THAT ENDING?!? The ending of this book with her speech gave me CHILLS! Everything about this book is just so so good. I can’t wait to keep reading and see the what happens next in terms of the plot.. but also with Noah, Zach and Bennett.🤭 Just so so so GOOD.
IT IS AFTER 3AM AND IM STARTING BOOK TWO? YES I AM. If i could give this book 6 stars, I WOULD. Jolie is such a badass FMC!!! The prologue IMMEDIATELY draws you in with the plot. The middle is so solid and just slowly but heavily builds as you keep reading… AND THAT ENDING?!? The ending of this book with her speech gave me CHILLS! Everything about this book is just so so good. I can’t wait to keep reading and see the what happens next in terms of the plot.. but also with Noah, Zach and Bennett.🤭 Just so so so GOOD.
September 30, 2022
"This place couldn't break something that had already been broken beyond repair."
Overall Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5
Spice Rating: 2/10
Characters: 10/10
Atmosphere: 9/10
Writing: 9.5/10
Plot: 8.5/10
Intrigue: 9/10
Logic: 8/10
Enjoyment: 9.5/10
Hero: Bennett, Noah, Zach
Heroine: Jolie
Cliff-hanger: Yes
Triggers: Violence, Murder, Bullying
Pages: 256
Style: Dark, Contemporary, Hidden Identity, Twisted, Suspense, Reverse Harem, Academy, Slow Burn, Revenge.
Well, this series came in like a wrecking ball... I am totally ADDICTED! And I seriously never want to leave this world that Elizabeth has created!
This was my first read by Elizabeth Dear and I was thoroughly impressed. This is the start of a trilogy so I will say it really is to set up the world and story - there is pretty much no spice, however, the angst is certainly real!!!
I am in love with Jolie, what a true warrior. She has been through some rough stuff but she is so fierce, loyal, and has absolutely zero care for what others think, and I am 100% there for it. I found the dynamic between her and the boys really interesting and found the way the story developed was a breath of fresh air to other RH I have read lately.
The pace of this was perfect, the detail Elizabeth put into setting up this world and the complex layers to the characters were amazing, and although I HATE cliffhangers I am more than okay with this one... what a badass!! I absolutely can't wait for Seize the Castle to release, I am counting down the days to get more action from these four. Amazing start to the series Elizabeth.
"This was a f*cking war, after all, and I came to win."
*all edits are mine - pictures are not
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May 23, 2023
This isn't normally my cup of tea - it is a mafia-esque (they don't describe themselves that way, but it is totally what they are) YA/NA bully-ish college reverse harem. But a couple friends had great reviews of this, and I was feeling like something different, so here I am.
It's pretty good. I really do like the FMC, even if she's a bit Mary Sue-ish (I've said it in other reviews, but I don't mind a touch of Mary Sue to my FMCs). The only thing that really bothered me - continuously - is her being so drawn to these guys while they were total douchebags. Yes, I know they were pre-teen best friends, but look, in the interim, these guys have become their parents. So much of their behavior pissed me off, and I have to say that at the end These guys are self-absorbed spoiled shitheads. They are friends with people who chained her to a radiator and "auctioned" her to be raped. With people who cracked her head open. Who threw her in the middle of an icy river to die. And they blame her for all the abuse inflicted on her ... and DO NOTHING. It makes it even worse that the shitty classmates are doing this all in the Heirs name - trying to impress them by abusing people beneath them in the hierarchy - and these assholes do nothing about it.
So my key problem with the book is that I don't want her with them. She's awesome and they are shit, and she could do way, way better. And I don't like how she constantly reacts to them like a cat in heat when they've done nothing to merit that.
So ... meh. I'll give it 3 stars, and I'm reading book 2.
It's pretty good. I really do like the FMC, even if she's a bit Mary Sue-ish (I've said it in other reviews, but I don't mind a touch of Mary Sue to my FMCs). The only thing that really bothered me - continuously - is her being so drawn to these guys while they were total douchebags. Yes, I know they were pre-teen best friends, but look, in the interim, these guys have become their parents. So much of their behavior pissed me off, and I have to say that at the end These guys are self-absorbed spoiled shitheads. They are friends with people who chained her to a radiator and "auctioned" her to be raped. With people who cracked her head open. Who threw her in the middle of an icy river to die. And they blame her for all the abuse inflicted on her ... and DO NOTHING. It makes it even worse that the shitty classmates are doing this all in the Heirs name - trying to impress them by abusing people beneath them in the hierarchy - and these assholes do nothing about it.
So my key problem with the book is that I don't want her with them. She's awesome and they are shit, and she could do way, way better. And I don't like how she constantly reacts to them like a cat in heat when they've done nothing to merit that.
So ... meh. I'll give it 3 stars, and I'm reading book 2.
February 21, 2023
Pretty typical college/mafia revenge trope RH but it was fun nonetheless and mostly single pov! Yay! Although according to the author note that’s going to change in book two. Boooo.
There isn’t anything new or extra exciting about this one. There are def comparisons to Dynasty by Sheridan Anne, Hannaford Prep by J Bree, among many others. 😅 This author is obviously a fan of the genre she writes in. It just was what it was. A very easy, low angst, plot heavy story. The bullying isn’t coming from the men although, they don’t do anything to stop it either. This would be a good one for those who want something HS bully adjacent but don’t want the full trope.
I wish that I felt the angst more. The h has a very fuck it all attitude because she’s already lived through an extremely traumatic and traumatizing event, her parents being murdered by their best friends. So everything, bitchy OW and handsy douchebags, that’s currently happening while at this college is child’s play in comparison. She just wasn’t as beaten down and broken like most hs in this trope are. She also has a really solid support system. So isn’t as alone as many other hs are in these types of stories and I think that took away from the angst.
Surprisingly I liked the side characters a lot. Her “cousin” and “aunt and uncle” were great and so was her friend she made at school. My fav parts of this read were the j/p scenes between the Hs and her cousin.
I’m more interested in the plot aspects and how this Shadow organization is going to come in and screw things up for the families than I am in the romance though which is a bummer. The NA rich, cocky, jaded and broken Hs with the strong but sweet, persevering, loyal h is one of my favorite combos so I was really excited but this book one was really focused on the plot more than the romance. We really only get one solid scene of her with each guy and despite the sexual nature of one of those scenes I haven’t really felt their chemistry or connection yet. I think part of the reason why is because it took me a while to figure out who everyone was. The h calls the dudes by their first name but also their last name and then we have the parents names as well. The way it was all introduced was too fast and not developed enough so it was all sorts of confusing. I also thought it was weird that she isn’t questioning why she suddenly gets all hot for these dudes that were her best friends. There’s no acknowledgment that she had feelings for them before everything imploded so I was kind of surprised that she wasn’t wrestling with these new feelings. She’s super accepting of like everything which didn’t feel genuine so it cheapen the intimacy. It will be interesting to see, now that the guys know who she is, how that aspect is handled in book two.
I will say that I think the authors writing has come a long way since Mave Fortune. So kudos to her for improving her craft.
There isn’t anything new or extra exciting about this one. There are def comparisons to Dynasty by Sheridan Anne, Hannaford Prep by J Bree, among many others. 😅 This author is obviously a fan of the genre she writes in. It just was what it was. A very easy, low angst, plot heavy story. The bullying isn’t coming from the men although, they don’t do anything to stop it either. This would be a good one for those who want something HS bully adjacent but don’t want the full trope.
I wish that I felt the angst more. The h has a very fuck it all attitude because she’s already lived through an extremely traumatic and traumatizing event, her parents being murdered by their best friends. So everything, bitchy OW and handsy douchebags, that’s currently happening while at this college is child’s play in comparison. She just wasn’t as beaten down and broken like most hs in this trope are. She also has a really solid support system. So isn’t as alone as many other hs are in these types of stories and I think that took away from the angst.
Surprisingly I liked the side characters a lot. Her “cousin” and “aunt and uncle” were great and so was her friend she made at school. My fav parts of this read were the j/p scenes between the Hs and her cousin.
I’m more interested in the plot aspects and how this Shadow organization is going to come in and screw things up for the families than I am in the romance though which is a bummer. The NA rich, cocky, jaded and broken Hs with the strong but sweet, persevering, loyal h is one of my favorite combos so I was really excited but this book one was really focused on the plot more than the romance. We really only get one solid scene of her with each guy and despite the sexual nature of one of those scenes I haven’t really felt their chemistry or connection yet. I think part of the reason why is because it took me a while to figure out who everyone was. The h calls the dudes by their first name but also their last name and then we have the parents names as well. The way it was all introduced was too fast and not developed enough so it was all sorts of confusing. I also thought it was weird that she isn’t questioning why she suddenly gets all hot for these dudes that were her best friends. There’s no acknowledgment that she had feelings for them before everything imploded so I was kind of surprised that she wasn’t wrestling with these new feelings. She’s super accepting of like everything which didn’t feel genuine so it cheapen the intimacy. It will be interesting to see, now that the guys know who she is, how that aspect is handled in book two.
I will say that I think the authors writing has come a long way since Mave Fortune. So kudos to her for improving her craft.
October 2, 2022
WOW THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING!! the characters, the storyline, the plotting everything about it was freaking awesome. I could not stop reading thats how hooked I was. This does end in a cliffhanger sadly.
Mini summary: 4 big families that control the city. They killed Jolies family and thought they killed her and now she's back for revenge.
This is a why choose book meaning that she has 3 love interest and she's gonna end up with all 3 of them at the end. In this one there was no romance only on little scene towards the end. But honestly there was no need for it because you get so focused on the plot and cheering on Jolie that there's no need for romance at least not yet.
Jolie is such a strong character I love her. She had a goal in mind and did not let anyone stand in her way. I did like how even though she was getting bullied (cause she was a "scholarship" student ) none of the 3 guys partake in anything.
This is my first book by this author and its definitely not gonna be my last. Just reading the blurb I had high hopes for it and it did not disappoint.
Mini summary: 4 big families that control the city. They killed Jolies family and thought they killed her and now she's back for revenge.
This is a why choose book meaning that she has 3 love interest and she's gonna end up with all 3 of them at the end. In this one there was no romance only on little scene towards the end. But honestly there was no need for it because you get so focused on the plot and cheering on Jolie that there's no need for romance at least not yet.
Jolie is such a strong character I love her. She had a goal in mind and did not let anyone stand in her way. I did like how even though she was getting bullied (cause she was a "scholarship" student ) none of the 3 guys partake in anything.
This is my first book by this author and its definitely not gonna be my last. Just reading the blurb I had high hopes for it and it did not disappoint.
February 24, 2023
3.2/5 rated down, i guess? the last chapter was kind of epic actually, i didn't expect the show to go down like that. applause.
now, things that i don't particularly like, young heroine (18 yo) who are very trained? i might be thinking to much but... yeah these bothers me. authors don't be afraid to upper the heroine to early twenties! she's in a college anyway.
next, unnecessary things, author stop using that word as an insult, especially if you aren't one yourself.
okay, i think that's all. considering my last attempt and experience to read rh yesterday (the bonds that tie) yesterday was bleh, this is... okay i guess. an improvement for me for sure. but again, trivials things (that i could overlook if it's not being mentioned so much) like how she's only 18 and lived humbly with her non rich uncle and aunt slash adopted parents, was able to achieve so much agility and prowess, and—i haven't mentioned this but—too many pop culture references, and the flashback date pretty shocked me because it's back in so basically the only young character nearest in age with me is frankie (intrigued by him btw) which is like a year older than me. anyway yeah. too many little things annoyed me. but also this was fun. so. i might be continuing this series, but as for now i'd look for other rh (with 20s yos characters preferably).
now, things that i don't particularly like, young heroine (18 yo) who are very trained? i might be thinking to much but... yeah these bothers me. authors don't be afraid to upper the heroine to early twenties! she's in a college anyway.
next, unnecessary things, author stop using that word as an insult, especially if you aren't one yourself.
okay, i think that's all. considering my last attempt and experience to read rh yesterday (the bonds that tie) yesterday was bleh, this is... okay i guess. an improvement for me for sure. but again, trivials things (that i could overlook if it's not being mentioned so much) like how she's only 18 and lived humbly with her non rich uncle and aunt slash adopted parents, was able to achieve so much agility and prowess, and—i haven't mentioned this but—too many pop culture references, and the flashback date pretty shocked me because it's back in so basically the only young character nearest in age with me is frankie (intrigued by him btw) which is like a year older than me. anyway yeah. too many little things annoyed me. but also this was fun. so. i might be continuing this series, but as for now i'd look for other rh (with 20s yos characters preferably).
October 2, 2022
This is a new to me author and I am so glad I decided to give her book a go ! Now I tend to stay away from the slow burn romances or I just never finish them because I get bored but that was not the case with this one I couldn’t look away there was just so much going on I really wished we would’ve got some steam but it didn’t take away from the story at all I devoured this book in almost one sitting! There is so much going on in this story it’s full of action surprising twists and a EPIC ending that left my jaw on the floor the writing is amazing it flows well it’s gritty it’s emotional I’m totally loving the main female character JoJo she is a total bad ass I really can’t wait for the next book in the meantime I think I will check out something from this authors backlist.
September 28, 2022
Whoa!! This was just steamy and soooo good! It’s got it all- action, twists, secrets and betrayal!This book will hook you from the beginning and leave your jaw dropping by the end! Joanna is one tough chic! She’s instantly finds herself the target at her new school (not by the guys), but she doesn’t take anyone’s crap. I love her. She knows what she wants and needs to do for revenge and she does it. I honestly can’t wait for book 2, and to see what these guys are going to do!
February 13, 2023
AAAAH this book 😮 It felt like a big introduction, but oh hell, what an introduction that was. Jojo is a badass and so authentically herself. She doesn't let anyone mess with her. And that cliffhanger?! It was perfect. It got me so excited for the next book!
April 3, 2023
no but when i tell you i'm obsessed!!!!!!
August 16, 2023
Perfect
Elizabeth Dear is a new favourite author for me, and this book did not disappoint. JoJo is everything you want in a heroine - fierce, fragile and ready to f* things up. Absolutely recommend.
Elizabeth Dear is a new favourite author for me, and this book did not disappoint. JoJo is everything you want in a heroine - fierce, fragile and ready to f* things up. Absolutely recommend.
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