AN AMAZON TOP 25 BESTSELLERIn the power struggle between two elite groups, one feisty girl will bring them to their knees… me when I turn eighteen.
But, behind closed doors, I plot my escape.
Trent, Charlie, and my twin, Drew, rule the hallways of Rydeville High with arrogance and an iron fist. I execute my role perfectly, hating every second, but they never let me forget my place in this world.
Everyone obeys the rules. They have for generations. Because our families have always been in control.
Until Cam, Sawyer, and Jackson show up. Throwing their new money around. Challenging the status quo. Setting hearts racing with their gorgeous faces, hot bodies, and bad boy attitudes.
Battle lines are drawn. Sides are taken. And I’m trapped in the middle, because I made a mistake one fateful night when I gave my V-card to a stranger in a blatant F you to my fiancé.
I thought it was the one thing I owned. A precious memory to carry me through each dark day.
I couldn’t have been more wrong.
Because the stranger was Camden Marshall, leader of the new elite and my perpetual tormenter. He hates me with a passion unrivaled, and he won’t be the only one. Fire will rain down if the truth is revealed, threatening alliances, and the power struggle will turn vicious.
My life will hang in the balance.
But I’ll be ready, and I’m not going down without a fight.
Due to mature content and themes this book is recommended to readers aged eighteen and over. This is a full-length novel, 106k words, and it’s book one in a planned trilogy. Cannot be read as a standalone and ends with a cliffhanger.
CAUTION Some of the reviews on this page contain massive spoilers which ruin the story and others are misleading with incorrect statements, so read them at your own peril.
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Well, this is tough to rate because the writing was good and there are interesting parts, but I just didn’t enjoy most of it. This story deals with a lot of disgusting characters; they are weak and vile. I had hopes that the love connection would save the story for me because Davis usually has excellent connections between the love interests; wonderful depth of emotions and I can usually feel that they would do absolutely anything for each other. Unfortunately, Camden (Cam) did too many things I find deplorable in a hero, so I was disappointed there. He barely even says he’s sorry. He does things that make the connection between Cam and Abby seem superficial. There is some sweetness between the two and I can see that the potential is there to be something really great, but I just wanted more from Cam. Plus, the heroine was led by her hormones too much, so she falls under the magic of Cam’s hotness all the time despite how horribly he treats her. Why do all the girls in books like this have to lose all intellect when a hot guy is around? There were tons of girls degrading themselves in this book and the guys were perverted manwhores. I wanted to like the heroine and was trying to sympathize with her because she’s dealing with a lot, but I feel like she thrives too much on the “power” and she likes being the protected princess. I’m also not loving the twist at the end. There was also a weird story jump towards the end that didn’t flow very well; I kept thinking I missed something and went back to double check. It was a little thing and I get what was happening, but it could use a little finesse. I feel like I may like the next book more since we’ve gotten past a lot of the b.s. already, but I’m sure the characters will just be tortured more, so we’ll see. I actually like some bully romances, but I just had such a hard time liking the characters in this one. I need to be able to root for them.
Overall, the story has entertaining moments and I like the premise, but I didn’t appreciate Cam’s actions. I see the story going a lot of interesting ways in the future, and I’d like to see the characters grow and the depth of their connection grow. That’s always my favorite part of Davis’ books, so I’m really hoping to see more of that in future books.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book*
I. Am. In. Love. With. This. Book!!! Holy Cow what a ride. Can not wait for book 2. The bully romance is totally my jam right now. This book hit it right out of the park. It has WTH, angst and the most bad a$$ girl ever. Grab it today.
This book was just fantastic! I’m not usually one to read books based on high school students but I have loved other books by the author so I thought why not. I was not disappointed one bit! There are so many twists and turns. I truly loved the h. There were times I really wanted to strangle the H. You don’t know who to trust and I really was on the edge of my seat this whole book. All I can say about this ending is “wow, is it August yet?”
Let me begin by saying that I love how Siobhan Davis writes. I have enjoyed a number of her stories already. I was asked by Ms. Davis to review an ARC of this book. I excepted with excitement. She crafts her stories so well and they are always a quick read; in the sense that you really want to see what happens next, not that they are short. I did read the “cautionary statements” about this book and decided to go in with an open mind. I will reiterate, this is a book about bullying on multiple levels and in numerous ways. It is a raw, gritty, abusive, in-your-face telling, with explicit sex and language. So if you are turned off by any of that; do not read.
I was immediately drawn into the story about Abigail and her privileged but controlled life and sympathized with her predicament. Her mother was killed in a car accident and she lives with her father (I use this term loosely) and twin brother. The poor girl has been let down by a number of people in her life. The story opens where she is despondent over the loss of her aunt, her mother’s sister, and last connection to her mother. She is contemplating suicide by drowning and is drawn out of the ocean waves, and ultimate death, by a stranger. Abigail is 17 and already engaged to be married in an arranged marriage. She detests her fiance. She is biding her time and looking for a way to break free.
There are the “old elite” and non-elite at her school and everyone knows the rules. Whether they abide by them or not is another thing. Changes are coming and Abigail is going to find herself in the middle of them.
I enjoyed this book, even with the bullying in it. That says a lot about the craftsmanship of the story teller.
************************spoiler alert********************************
I was hugely disappointed at the cliffhanger ending. I had already figured out all the things about Cam; so that was satisfying to have that confirmed for me, other than that, not so much.
I would have given this book 4 stars if not for this.
I have jumped on the bully romance train! So when I saw that Siobhan Davis was doing this one I instantly started counting the days til it released.
This book shows you how sometimes even though people may look like they have money, beautiful cars & homes, go to the best schools & have beautiful faces that they are miserable and/or rotten to the core. The main character, Abby, has everything she could want pretty much….. But she has no control over her life. She just needs to play the game long enough to get herself as far away from him as possible. She never could have known that “The New Elite” were coming to town. Or how much her life was about to change because of a choice she made months ago. I don’t want to get too detailed because I don’t want to give any spoilers.
I really did enjoy this book and would definitely recommend this to anyone that enjoys bully romances. The one thing that killed me was that ending! If you don’t like cliffhangers, watch out!!! Because this one is a doozy!
*I was given an arc copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I have to admit I wasn’t in love with this one at the start like I usually am with Siobhan’s books, but in the end she swayed me. This one was good! Intriguing…keeps you guessing and just kind of pissed off for the main character too! Can’t wait for the 2nd book!! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I dont even know where to start. It took me awhile to get into the story, and I will say there is a lot of triggering things in the book. The whole bully aspect was hard to get through, the elite aspect was what kept me going. I really did enjoy the story, but it wasnt until half way through that I really got into it. Super excited to see where this goes!
OH MY HOLY HELL! WHAT DID I JUST READ SIOBHAN DAVIS?! It’s hard for me to wrap my mind around what I just experienced, so I’m not sure how well this review will written, because while I have the general gist of the story, trying to explain it without spoilers will be near impossible. I will start out with Rydeville High Elite is the term for those kids whose families set themselves above all others, and they are contracted in marriage before they are out of school whether they like it or not. And this is Abby’s story, of how she wants to buck the system as she’s contracted to the most shady of a**hats, but she has king of the douchebags for a father. It looks grim for her, so the books starts out with her looking like she gets a little slice of happiness and/or revenge. It’s not, it just opens her up for something that may or may not be more sinister. Oh the twists are so many, that my f-bombs couldn’t even drop fast enough to cover them all to be honest. And honestly, I pretty much despised everyone who came near her by the end of the story, with the exception of a select few, as the secondaries all seemed like they were evil as well. Now I can’t say they were, who the hell knows at this point, all I’m saying is I’m so suspicious it’s not even funny anymore. And then to be hurled off the cliff like that?! OH THE HORROR! NOW I’M JUST SWINGING IN THE WIND WHILE HANGING BY A FINGERNAIL UNTIL AUGUST! I’m dying inside at this point because this tale of bullying to end all bullying has me jacked up & I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NOW! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
I cannot wait for book two! This series – isn’t like what I’m used to reading, but I am hooked. There is a lot going on in this town and with the founding fathers. The kids are dragged into their mess and so much is discovered. Book two will hopefully have more answers! I received this ARC for an honest review.
Wow another great read from Siobhan Davis.
This book started off with a troubled Abby meeting a hot stranger and they had a night to remember. This stranger saved Abby in more than one way.
Back to her life, Abby felt like she’s constantly being controlled by others, especially her Dad and her so-called fiancé. She needed to find a way to escape. Suddenly, one day however, 3 hot guys descended onto her High School and things took an interesting turn.
There were lots of bullying by these new guys and some were pretty cringey to read for me personally. Apart from that, the storyline is great, with lots of twists and turns, and of course loads of hot and steamy scenes.
As typically with a book by Siobhan, this book ended on a cliffhanger (well not just one, but several I might say) and I just know things will get so much more interesting in the next book.
4.5/5 stars. You know why I love Siobhan Davis? Because I was literally hooked after the prologue. I feel like I have to give a trigger warning – there is a lot of violence in this book. Domestic violence that may make some readers uncomfortable.
I personally love a good @$&/*# up storyline. Don’t let the “high school” title fool you. The sexual nature and mature content is definitely for an older audience. It’s hard to imagine these characters as 17/18 year olds in their senior year of high school.
The book is told from Abby’s perspective. She is the daughter of one of the original elite families and the story details how her world is impacted by controlling men and family secrets. When the new elites come to town she gets wrapped into a game for power and ultimately the lies surrounding life as she knows it start to unravel.
I feel like Cruel Intentions has joined the rankings of other Davis’ books I’ve loved. She writes stories that you can’t put down, but also ones that cut down to your soul and leave you contemplating the story and characters for days after finishing the book.
Plus she writes a damn good sex scene!
Highly recommend for those of you interested in alpha males, snarky powerful women, violence and the world of wealthy hierarchy. This is book 1 of a 3 part series with book 2 coming out in August – I don’t wanna wait!!
I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review (no compensation)!
This book is just…wow! I honestly wasn’t sure what to think at first. Bully, lies, blackmail and romance all tied together and very twisted. It’s the Old Elite against the New Elite and it’s a battle of epic proportions.
Abby is part of the old elite and the founding families. Cam is new elite and out for revenge. They hate each other but their chemistry is super hot. Abby is trying to escape the clutches of her father and her arranged marriage. She wants out and will do whatever is necessary even if it means teaming up with the enemy.
As things come to blows, we get one heck of a cliffhanger. I need more!!!
I had to take a minute to reflect on this book before I sat down and wrote the review. With everything that happened in the book, I needed to make sure my head was on straight enough to review Cruel Intentions. Now that it is, I was blown away by this book. I wasn’t expecting to devour it within a couple of hours. The book is that good!!
The plotline of Cruel Intentions was fantastic. Abigail is part of the “elite” squad that runs the school with an iron fist. While people think she has everything, she doesn’t. Abby wants to escape her life, which has become unbearable. Which is why she gave away her virginity to a stranger who helped her in a time of need. She is shocked when the stranger turns out to be none other than Camden Marshall, and he hates her. Cam thinks he can use Abby to get secrets on her father. What Cam doesn’t know is that Abby would do anything to escape her father and bring him down. But, Cam is hiding secrets. What happens when those secrets are revealed? Can Abby survive the backlash?
I loved Abby. If I didn’t know that she was 17, I would have thought she was older. She was loyal to her friends (except Trent). She knew what buttons to push on Cam to get a reaction out of him. She was tough and ruthless. What she did to Rochelle and the other kids cemented that. She handled Cam’s meanness (for lack of a better word) with grace and attitude. I do think that she should have confronted all 3 of the boys (Cam, Sawyer, and Jackson) sooner.
I thought Cam was a colossal jerk until the middle of the book. He was so mean to Abby. The things he did to her made me cringe. Seriously, making her kneel like that and then egging Rochelle on? Uggh. He was also secretive. There is secretive, and then there is secretive. He kept things so under wraps, it wasn’t funny. I don’t know if I believe what he said at the end of the book. If he knew what was being set up. He seemed genuinely shocked about what was revealed.
The secondary characters made the books. Charlie, Drew, Sawyer, Jackson, and Xavier added to the plot. They fleshed out the plotline and added some much needed comic relief at times. Charlie and Sawyer were the hardest to read. Charlie remained an enigma until the end of the book, as did Sawyer. I also had my suspicions about Xavier too. I can’t wait to see what these characters will do in book 2!!
I couldn’t stand Abby’s father or Trent’s father. They both left a bad taste in my mouth. The things that Trent’s father did to her at the beginning of the book. Holy crap!! I did feel bad for Trent, though. I don’t think that he was inherently a bad person. Abby’s memories of him from when he was younger showed that. I do believe that he was molded into what he was in the book. I know, feeling bad for a bad guy, right. But when someone is over the top (sexually, behaviorally, etc.), they are trying to compensate or hide something. So, we’ll see what happens to him in book 2.
I did like the main plotline of Cruel Intentions. I thought that Cam and Abby’s relationship (or lack of one) was perfectly showcased. As was his hatred of her. I did wish that the reason why Cam hated Abby came out soon in the book.
I am going to include a trigger warning in my review. Abby goes through a lot of abuse at the hands of Cam and his friends. She is kidnapped and blackmailed into doing what they wanted. Cam humiliates her every chance he gets. He verbally abuses her and there was one instance of physical abuse. The one scene that got me was when Cam and Jackson groped her after being kidnapped by them. This all happens at the beginning of the book, and it was tough to read. But, after they all talk (which should have happened earlier), everything stops. So, I suggest not to read this book if any of what I wrote triggers you.
From the middle of the book on was wild. There were times that I had to stop reading and say, “Is this happening?” It was also lightning fast. I had to reread passages because I missed stuff. Not because I had to. Because the book was so dang fast.
The end of Cruel Intentions was cruel, and it ended on a cliffhanger. I do not like cliffhangers. But, this one did its job, and I need to read book 2!!! I need to find out what happens to Abby.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
This was a really twisted reading. Need to say that I had my doubts at first because I’m not used to this kind of reads but after a few caps I was totally involved and committed to this new world.
These elite guys are not messing around material. They take things really serious.
Cruel Intentions is about a select group of families that controls the city and maybe the world, but the scenery is Rydeville High School where the children of the families control and rule. Nothing happens without their approval. Nobody moves a thumb if they don’t want. Everything is theirs.
But things change when the male elite need to go for training at Parkhust and is just Abby that commands. Some thinks that she can’t have the reins and challenge her. But the people of school are not the problem. The problem begins when three hot guys arrive from New York and want to control Rydeville. But more than control is their seeking for revenge.
Some shady things happened between the formers and avenge that is the only goal here.
Abuse, humiliation, extortion and whatever weapon is use to achieve it. Nothing matters. Nobody. No one.
I was sooo immerse in the reading that was difficult to put down the book, not wanting to ending it but wanting at the same because it was imperative to know what was going on.
Nobody was who said. They all were some kind of messed up. And love obviously was there, but it was real? Need now Twisted Betrayal. Now!
I read this in 5hrs. I’m a huge fan of Siobhan’s and love her work but this… this I wasn’t going to read. I saw the initial marketing and expected it to be too young for me… cruel intentions (love the movie) crosses with grease… While I try to retain my youth it’s in the rear vision mirror now but I am very appreciative of receiving my copy to voluntary read.
This isn’t a book for kids, there’s passion, angst, spoilt but weirdly likeable young adults. The characters definitely have a air of sophistication about them but still relatable with very human aspects. Siobhan is particularly good at ‘showing’ you her people.
Siobhan is an author who has made me cry on more than one occasion… “inseparable” especially I cried ugly face… Only ever you I love so I support her work and aspire to be her but wow I enjoyed this book. It started well, we meet Abby and a mystery man who saves her body and spirit. Later paths cross again laced with lying, deceit, hatred and love. The characters are strong, each with something to say about their own journey. I did get frustrated 30% through as I felt there was a lull in the action but I entrusted Siobhan yet again with her formula and wasn’t disappointed. The characters develop, differently to me so I was intrigued by these young adults.,
I don’t know how I am going to wait till August to find out how it goes… bring it on. : I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
Another amazing read by Siobhan Davis! This books starts with a bang in the prologue, rollercoasters, with twists and turns and even spins you upside down a couple of times. Guaranteed ride, that by the end leaves you wanting for nothing…apart from #2!
This book is a Bully Romance, not my usual genre, but I am now a potential convert! This story does not pull many punches! Brutal in places, but a guaranteed page turner. Abby and Cams relationship is off the scale. Love/Hate, betrayal, cruelty, redemption, smoking hot chemistry! Secrets, hidden pasts and a whole lot more. This is a story of the ‘Elite’ and the ‘New Elite’. Strong characters, not to be missed
I’ve read a lot of books written by Siobhan Davis; she has written another excellent book. She is one of my favorite authors.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free Advanced Reader Copy of this book and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
This 4.5 stars read is best to go in blindly to get the full affect of everything that is going on. So it will have to be a vague of a review from me.
Holy smokes!?!? This roller coaster of a ride is filled with constant twists and turns that will have your head spinning. Admittedly there were many times where I was afraid to read more but curious on what would happen next. Many breathers were and must be taken on my end. Just when you may think you know what would happen we are then thrown into another loop that will have you thinking. WTF?!?!
The feels on this book is strong on all angles. The issues of who to trust is a constant theme in this story and once you get the connection of the characters you will soon understand why. It was a nonstop ride that is constantly going and in turn will have you needing the next book ASAP!
Ok so I’ve never read a bully romance before, but I’m totally hooked now. The school is run by the old elite, and new elite are working their way to the top for revenge. I’ve never read a book with this kind of dynamic where the school is run by these types of kids and everyone follows their rules, including the teachers. Can was truly cruel towards Abby, even after the connection they shared. Abby was strong and strod up for herself and her friend. She did things she should never have had to do. She can trust no one, even her own twin brother. It seems everyone wants to control her and use her for their own agenda. I truly hope that Cam ends up being the one person she can depend on in the next book. That ending was nail biting and a killer wait for the next book. I can’t wait to see what happens next and who betrayed her the most.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book.
QUOTE: My visceral reaction to him has been almost instantaneous.
Even when he was being a nasty pick to me, I still wouldn’t have passed up an opportunity to jump his bones.
Holy Shit! What did I just read?!?!?! Cruel Intentions was FREAKING AWESOME!!!! I’m still mindblown over how incredible this one was! I have read a lot by this Siobhan and this one was my favorite so far. I was so hooked on the story I couldn’t put it down.
Siobhan Davis is without question a favorite author of mine—especially in the last year, if my blogging history tells you anything and—she still wows me with each new release. I wasn’t a huge fan of YA romance at the high school level for a long time, but this year, I’ve gotten some straight up amazing romances that apply to this troupe and I’ve had to open my mind again to the power of the indie author!!! This year I have been incredibly lucky to find so many that I never thought would suck me in so much… considering how long ago I graduated. (Yet to keep up the rouge of plausible deniability, I am not going to tell you just how long ago that was—LOL.) But this one hit the mark for me. I loved the slightly darker tone from the previous books I’ve read by Siobhan and I FLOVED the storyline. I found the plot had me on pins and needles, devouring this as quickly as I could because I couldn’t hand the possibility of putting down my kindle. Also against it for me originally was the fact that it’s written in the heroine’s perspective and isn’t a dual POV. BUT WOW, that is actually one of the things I loved the most about this particular book because it opened me up to some curveballs that I never saw coming. It’s my understanding that Cruel Intentions is book one of a trilogy and I hate cliffhangers, but if they are done right, then I love them. Cruel Intentions? Yah, this is one that will have you chucking your kindles to this spectacular enemies-to-lovers romance. If this book is an indicator of the next two books, you can rest assured that these books will do nothing less then leave you as mindblown as I was. Definitely a five-star read—at the very least—but I would also tell you that this trilogy is likely to be my most favorite read ever by Siobhan Davis. Additionally, with the complex plot and a darker troupe, it’s sure to a favorite amongst a new crowd of readers for her as I don’t think Siobhan’s written this style of book in the past—although I could be mistaken as I found her later in the game. If you are looking for depth, outstanding characters and a layered plot that will grab ahold of you and entertain you start to finish, you’ve found the next book to one-click!!!