Rich boys sin best. Gossip always goes around at Falcon Elite Prep. Everyone knows Nate Wilson, the most popular football quarterback and every girl’s crush. But there’s more behind those drop-dead gorgeous eyes and that killer smile … He’s a notorious heartbreaker … And he’s got his eyes set on me. The twisted games he plays are cruel and dangerous. He teases and tempts me … just to ruin me. … and dangerous.
He teases and tempts me … just to ruin me.
Because I know the one thing he doesn’t want anyone to know.
A big, dirty secret …
And there’s nothing bad boys won’t do to keep a secret buried.
Cruel Boy is an exciting and thrilling new Dark Bully Romance standalone novel by New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author Clarissa Wild
WARNING: This book includes scenes that may be disturbing to some readers.more
OMFG! Cruel Boy is my first Clarissa Wild book but I promise you it will not be my last! I completely feel the need to stalk her after this book!
I’m not sure what I was expecting when I started this book but it wasn’t to be wowed to the point I need to go hunt down everything there is to know about her. I love bully romance and Cruel Boy will be one of my top reads in the trope. The twist and turns in this book were amazing.
What can I say about Nate? How about I want him, he is just the kind of asshole I love! He is the definition of a bully in every way. You can’t help but hate that you love him so much. I also just loved Sam as the h.
Nate and Sam were the absolute perfect read! Wild had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I could not put Cruel Boy down. Everything about this book was just amazingly perfect! The writing, the plot, everything!
I cannot say enough how everyone NEEDS to read this book! Cruel Boy will be one of my top reads of the year!!
A Dark High School Story Where Pictures Don’t Tell The Whole Story About A Tragic Night And A Cruel Boy.
Focused Primarily On High School Bullying, But Gets Inside The Head Of The Bully, Too – Pulls Together For A Meaningful End!
Samantha Cook might be rich like all the other kids at Falcon Elite Prep School, but that means nothing when it comes to fitting in. She loves painting and photography, both of which allow her to escape into her creative mind. She would be lost without Monica, her one and only friend. Monica manages secure invites to parties and talks Sam into attending with her. Sam usually agrees to attend for the sake of keeping an eye out for Monica, but typically melts into the walls and becomes invisible rather than making any effort to mingle herself.
Last year had been a horrible year for Sam. Her dad left, and now her mom’s boy toy is unfortunately still staying at the house. Her mother hated what Sam had done with her hair, turning it white blonde, but that only makes Sam more happy with it. While the start of senior year promises to be no different than the others, at least it gets Sam out of the house.
There are still all the same cliques. The most handsome guy at school is still there with the jocks. The quarterback. A total jerk. Did her remember her from that horrible party over the summer?
There are the same mean girls. One in particular has it out for her, and the bullying begins before Sam even sets foot into the school. Although Sam doesn’t engage much socially, she is thankfully perfectly capable of mouthing back.
Nate Wilson has a lot going for him. He is the star quarterback at Falcon Elite. He is popular. His girlfriend is the richest princess at school. And he is on track for a football scholarship. Even though financially he can afford to go anywhere to college, the scholarship would have pleased his mother. It was her dream for him to pursue a football career. It just wasn’t his. But she died last year, and he and his father barely speak, so football it is.
Nate’s friends tell him he has been off since that last party over the summer. The one nobody really wants to talk about. He is distracted, and even his girlfriend can’t keep his interest. But when he spies that girl with the white blonde hair on the first day of senior year, she certainly has his attention. And something else, which he intends to get. She immediately become a his obsession.
Sam and Nate are tied together by the tragic end-of-summer party at a beach house that they both attended. Sam had been taking pictures that night while her friend Monica was with a boy, and Nate wants those pictures. They are his key to freedom. His dark and menacing looks are meant to terrify her, but she doesn’t back down. Yet beneath the one thing that links these two together and puts them at odds is a deep and undeniable connection. But the mixture of feelings only serves to confuse them since they are essentially at odds with one another. It is impossible to take a step forward without then taking two steps back because intentions are always in doubt.
For the majority of this book, Sam is the victim of bullying – by Nate as well as by one particular mean girl. Warning: it can get uncomfortable. I have personally never witnessed anything like it, but I suspect it is more common these days.
Sam and Nate’s story may be focused on bullying, but it allows a fascinating insight into the mind of the bully. Nate wishes he had known Sam before because he feels drawn to her, but nonetheless he does what he feels is necessary to secure the pictures, even if misguided. She makes him feel vulnerable, and he doesn’t know if her can trust her. She sees beyond his bullying. Nate’s behavior is arguably unforgivable, but Sam’s natural intuition and her connection with him give her the strength and courage to want to help him. When Sam and Nate do finally connect, it is even more meaningful because they managed to overcome what essentially made them enemies. They earn a HFN.
This book is nicely written with only an occasional error. The plot is complex. The story is cleverly crafted with layers of revelations that eventually piece together the entire story. The characters are well-developed. There is one point that isn’t abundantly clear about Sam, though, and which is the premise for the whole story. Why did she refuse repeatedly to share a copy of the pictures with Nate or offer them to an authority figure? There seemed insufficient reason given for her to be so stubborn about that point. On an odd note, the volume of lip licking becomes tiresome. The POV alternates between between Sam and Nate. I rate this book four stars.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The more I read this the more I got sucked into it. I wasn’t too sure to start with, but it grew on me until I actually shushed someone who was trying to talk to me while the big reveal happened (not sharing it so no spoilers!). I guessed one part of what was going on but not the rest so it was a huge moment for me and I loved it. I really felt for the characters, I was coaching them in my head and willing them on. The emotions were a bit of a rollercoaster following them through the book, but I’m so glad that I did.
Dark, delicious, and full of so many twists my feelings whiplashed everywhere Cruel Boy was one captivating read. Nate Wilson was the embodiment of a Cruel Boy but there was so much more hidden behind the mask he felt he had to wear. I went from wanting to reach my hand through my Kindle and punch him to loving this broody antihero. I adored Sam and her tenacious and fierce spirit. No matter how much was thrown her way she refused to back down. I enjoyed the slowburn even as they danced around each and left me squealing when the fuse between them lit. Cruel Boy was such an amazing read that before I realized it had even happened I was hooked and fully invested with this suspenseful, twisted and intriguing pageturner.
This cruel boy is not what he seems! 4 stars
I enjoyed this romantic suspense/bully romance book! Samantha knows a secret about Nate, the popular jock at school, because they were at a house party one night before school started. He manipulates/bullies her to find out exactly what she knows. I kept reading because the urge was great to find out what really happened that night! The tension between Nate and Sam was palpable, and I couldn’t wait for it to break! I loved that she see saw beneath the surface of Nate’s popular jock to his true depth and that is the boy she fell in love with, and he fell in love with the only girl who ever truly saw him. My heart went out to Nate several times while reading, and I adored that Sam was a feisty fighter. All in all, I enjoyed this book as the story unraveled and broken Nate and feisty Samantha came together.
I received a copy of this ebook from Enticing Journey Book Promotions for my honest review.
I was super excited when I found out that Ms. Wild’s next book, Cruel Boy, was going to be a High School Bully Romance because ever since reading Sam Mariano’s Untouchable in January and becoming obsessed with it, those types of romances have been my jam — ergo my excitement was high and I was not disappointed with the result! I really enjoyed this book, it kept my attention the whole way through and I was eager to get to the bottom of everything and find out all the answers. It made me mad at times, broke my heart at others, got my heart racing and made me laugh and grin. I had a great time with this book, it made me react in a lot different ways and I loved that. I just loved Cruel Boy in general — it was an excellent read!
Wow! Just Wow! Talk about Bully Turned Boyfriend Material! Nate Wilson was everything to everyone.
The star QB
Hottest most popular guy in school
Broody attitude for days
Muscles and Abs that make girls weak in the knees
But what Nate Wilson also had was a deep dark secret! The one person who could expose that secret was Samantha “Sam” Cook. Now…She’s on his radar. She has something that he wants and he will stop at nothing to get it. He’s not above using his good looks and charms as a way to manipulate her. Is it all for show or will he genuinely start to have real feelings for Sam before it’s all over?
Sam knows she saw something she shouldn’t have that night, but she isn’t certain of exactly what happened. Nate has made it his mission to torment, bully and destroy her to get what he wants. What happens when even with the horrific treatment by Nate, Sam still finds herself falling down a rabbit hole of mixed emotions and starts getting caught up in all things Nate Wilson? Will Sam fall into the lure of Nate or will she hold strong during all the bullying and “He’s a sinner, a cruel boy, someone no one should ever want, yet everyone craves, including me.”
Nate is most definitely a good anti-hero! He’s hot, but he’s ruthless, cruel and unapologetic in his continued tormenting of Sam. He knows she has what he wants and holds his future in her hands. Because one call with the information she has could send his entire house of cards crumbling before him, but would she really do that?
Sam is actually a really tough cookie. For all she is being put through, she is dishing out as much as she’s taking! Her home life has not been exactly hunky-dory and then add in the way she’s bullied at school you’d think this girl would be a broken mess, but she’s not. She’s really awesome and forgiving and non-judge mental towards Nate.
This was a slow-burn but with mega chemistry! They did this fantastic dance around each other for the longest time. Then BOOM! That’s the absolute best! I would definitely recommend this for anyone who loves Bully/NA romance with a suspense twist!
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced complimentary copy of this book!
My cr8zysockbookblock blog wrap up for this book!
– This was a really good Bully romance. It was pretty fast moving, had just enough going on that it kept you interested but no overwhelmed! I really like the main characters. .
– Super HAWT Y’all! The push and pull slow burn of this book was EVERYTHING!
Cliffhanger Warning- No Cliffhanger. Ended on a Happy Note. However, epilogue wasn’t really far into the future. So more of a Happy For Now ending!
Nate is a popular football quarterback, who enjoys life to the fullest. Sam is a strong and feisty girl who is no walkover, and certainly knows how to stick up for herself. This is a well written flawless story which is dark, twisted, emotional, raw and gritty, and filled with secrets, suspense, mystery, complex characters, which all lead to mind-blowing must read page turner, and I highly recommend for all.
“He’s a sinner, a cruel boy, someone no one should ever want, yet everyone craves, including me.”
GOOD. GAWD!!! This intensely gripping bully romance is a dark and twisted read that will hold you absolutely spellbound. Clarissa’s writing is so descriptive that I felt I was actually there with these characters, feeling everything they felt during each moment of this story. This all-consuming and addicting tale had me on the edge of my seat, hooked from beginning to end.
In Cruel Boy we meet Nate and Sam, two people who can’t stand each other. Nate is a straight up asshole to Sam, all to get something he wants from her. He puts her through hell, but let me tell you, Sam gives as good as she gets. She does not put up with his bullshit. She fights him at every turn. But despite all of the push and pull in this love/hate relationship, it’s obvious that they are the perfect pair. You can’t help but to get sucked into the endearing complexity of these characters and their tumultuous story. Even though there were times that Nate frustrated me to no end, I could not help but to fall in love with this beautiful, broken man. But will these two finally get what they want or will it all fall apart?
Clarissa gave her readers an incredible story in Cruel Boy. I loved everything about this seemingly perfect couple’s sexy, slow-burn, heart-tugging journey to happily ever after. And there are plenty of surprising moments that will keep you so enthralled that I can almost guarantee that you will polish this one off in just one sitting as I did. This was bully romance at its finest. Trust me when I say, you DO NOT want to pass this one up!
I thorough enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the way it was written and the storyline. I don’t read this type of book often for no reason really other than I enjoy romance and sex in my books but I really liked this book. I have read your work before and I’m never disappointed. I enjoyed the suspense and uncovering the secrets hidden.
This is a new author for me.
The blurb piqued my interest but in the end I was left kind of disappointed.
I liked the suspense. I think that part was well written. There are enough clues dropped so you can figure it out by yourself, but the secrets and suspense was still the best part of this book for me.
On the other hand, main characters Nate and Sam and their hate-love relationship was kind of confusing. It was written a bit messy and disjointed and I didn’t really feel their connection. Character development was also inconsistent and all over the place. I also felt like ending had too much unnecessary drama and then everything wrapped up too quickly and easily.
Overall, this book was just okay for me but I’ll try something else from this author to see if it will be more to my liking.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4.5 stars
Nate and Sam’s story was an emotional angsty romance. Nate struggles with bad decisions he has made and wants to forget but he can’t because he knows there is one person,Sam, that knows his deepest secret that can destroy him. Sam, not knowing the full truth, keeps what she has seen to herself. She has always noticed him….she wasn’t really a blimp in his radar…until she was, but for not the right reason. Within the bullying he puts her through she still sees a good person.
Cruel Boy was an awesome angsty read that has pkk look plenty of back and forth action between the H and h and the author wrote their emotions in a way that could be felt with words!
OMG! This was an awesome read and it is one you NEED to READ—you won’t regret it! This book surprised me because it was not what I thought it was going to be—instead, it is twisted and suspenseful with the right amount of danger. It is a tangled mess of lies and secrets and whodunit. The story has a revenge plot, outlined to make you question everything. Just when you think you have it all figured out, it takes a new turn making you realize just how wrong you were. It literally has you second guessing motives and characters—deep and troubled main and secondary characters until the very end. I was flipping the pages in wonder. Bad Boy. Cruel Boy. This is Nate Wilson who is rich, arrogant, handsome and sexy as sin as well as the most popular football quarterback who is a womanizer that plays cruel games with the girls at Falcon Elite Prep school—he usually gets what he wants. Samantha (Sam) Cook is one who can take care of herself—she is not a damsel, but she is temperamental, talented, and she has one BFF, Monica, at school. When Sam attends a party with Monica, she unexpectedly runs into Nate at the party—then her problems start with Nate. Nate and Sam have a unique—I love to hate you relationship. They push and pull through the entire book making you question everything. Their chemistry is palpable. They will fascinate you and frustrate you at the same time. I was sucked in from the beginning—the angst, the drama, the love/hate relationships, the violence—all made my heart speed up. I wasn’t expecting the turn this story took; it has quite an unexpected revelation that may leave you flabbergasted but it is jaw-dropping good! Clarissa Wild you did it!! You delivered an addictive, intriguing, suspenseful bully romance story that totally blew me away!
If you are looking for an easy read, a sweet romance and all the hearts and roses and rainbows then keep on going. Clarissa once again delivered a twisted romance that will have so many twists and turns you won’t know which way is up and you will love the journey from beginning to end.
This book will have you completely hooked and not wanting to put it down. If you love a wonderful dark romance than this is the book for you!
I honestly wasn’t sure how I would feel reading a bully romance, but I have always enjoyed this author’s books in the past so I gave it a shot. These characters are deep and the story grabbed me and didn’t let go. Sam knows Nate’s secret and the lengths Nate goes to to get her photos are not pleasant. Both of them are scarred emotionally and can’t fight their chemistry. Will the secret destroy their lives? Who else knows the truth? Once I started this book, I couldn’t put it down – I highly recommend it!
Incredible story!! I was really excited to read this one when I first heard about it, I had a feeling it was going to be a great one, it was even better than I had anticipated. A very intense bully romance that had me on the edge of my seat the whole time.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review.
Gossip always goes around at Falcon Elite Prep. Everyone knows Nate Wilson, the most popular football quarterback and every girl’s crush. But there’s more behind those drop-dead gorgeous eyes and that killer smile….He’s a notorious heartbreaker..And he’s got his eyes set on me. The twisted games he plays are cruel and dangerous. He teases and tempts me…just to ruin me…Because I know the one thing he doesn’t want anyone to know. A big, dirty secret…And there’s nothing bad boys won’t do to keep a secret buried.
This book is gonna hook you from the first pages. I can tell you that Sam has gone to a party and instead of partying she is in the ocean taking pictures with an underwater camera but also gets some pictures of something she was never meant to see and this makes her a witness to a possible crime. However not everything is like it seems and Nate wants those pictures. And this turn the most popular guy in school into a mean evil scary bully. Star football player with the most popular girl at school as his girlfriend. He has it all until he doesn’t and he is determined to keep a secret to not have his life ruined. This book kept my attention and it was amazing. It kept me guessing and it was not something that I figured out. I really really liked this book and if your a huge fan of bullying romances your gonna love this one.
One click of her camera to change everything.
Pictures that says so much more than spoken words.
He saw her amidst the choppy waves and knew he needed to claim what was rightfully his no matter what.
She knew he would come for her, and what she had. It was only a matter of time.
I dont think I’ve gripped the seat so hard, or sat so close to the edge. Thrilling from start to finish!
My little black heart sang with joy as he targeted her. With each step closer to her the excitement built.
Nate the golden boy, or he was until that night. Now hes grappling with guilt and desperation.
Sam the innocent. I loved how she retaliated, and didnt just lie down. Shes cunning, strong and sassy!
These two were quite evenly matched and that’s what made this even more appealing to me.
The twists and turns shocked me to my core, and the moments of passion and cat fights took my breath away!
Clarissa is fast becoming one of my favourite authors to read.
This is the story of Nate & Sam. They are amazing characters. He’s hiding a secret. She’s trying to put the pieces together. He was so full of life before something happened at a party at the end of junior year in high school. He became a different person. She is his match in every way. Yes, he becomes a bully, but for a specific reason. The story line is great. The twists and turns are amazing. This book holds your attention just waiting for all to be revealed. All ends well at the end. Such a good plot. Kudos to Clarissa Wild for a well written and such a different story. I highly recommend this book.
This is a well written romance; the story was great and powerful. Amazing read!!