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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In my past review, I complained about the lack of passion and drama that usually characterize Siobhan Davis’ books. Well, in this book we’re back in style, since this book has lots of drama, passion, and plot twists. There’s suspense and darkness and some sinister plot going on, all related to domination.
In this town, there are four founding families and they comprise what they call the inner circle of old money. They are like royalty and their word is a command. This authority transfers to the exclusive Rydeville High School, whereby the sons and daughters of the inner circle families dominate on the school, establish the rules, have clear boundaries over where the inner circle and the common people may sit, and keep close control. The school principals and teachers are all subject to this reign, since it’s these same families that keep the school running with their donations.
Needless to say, power and greed are what motivates the head of the families, and cross marriages between the families is common in order to ensure the assets or improve on their empires. Abigail is being forced by her father to marry Trent, a young man who is as handsome as he is vile. He frequently mistreats her and sees her as a possession. Her twin brother Drew is also engaged to be married, for the same purposes, but in his case he’s crazy in love with his fiancée. All her life, Abby has been used, controlled, dominated by a careless and selfish father who only sees her as a bargaining asset.
One day, when Abby felt overpowered by all the burdens, she walked into the sea, planning to keep on walking until the cold made her drown. She was stopped by a stranger, who rescued and took her to his cabin. There they made love and it reaffirmed Abby’s will to live and to overcome her circumstances. She is a very intelligent girl, and she was planning her escape from her reclusive and abusive world.
Months later, when she’s biding her time until she can run away, three new students arrive to their high school. They belong to the “new money” elite, which is one step lower from their “old money” elite, and they were to be subjugated to their rules and dismissed. The problem is they have a sinister hidden agenda and they came to cause problems and disrupt the infamous high elite. The biggest issue here is that the leader of the group is none other than the stranger who had rescued Abby months ago. That time, he was tender and loving; now he’s hurtful, vengeful and hateful. He bullies Abby, insults her, rejects her at every turn. Abby’s heart is torn in two but she has bigger issues to manage, mainly her abusive fiancée, her abusive father, the bodyguards who constantly guard and control her.
There’s total mayhem: fighting, throttling, controlling schemes, spying schemes, bullying and blackmail. Someone is always trying to effect revenge on another, so there’s lots of rife, hating, and discord. At one time, the plot felt melodramatic but it was incredibly entertaining and riveting. Some parts felt like an exaggeration, but since I’m not acquainted with people in ultra high levels of society, it might all be true. Maybe they do have a strict sense of hierarchy and strict societal rules (shudder).
Since Abby is scheming for her freedom at the same time she’s fighting for survival in this nest of vipers, there’s a pervading sense of suspense, plus the heartache of having such strong chemistry and fond memories of a guy who is now an enemy. The plot evolves at a fast clip, a lot of stuff happens, enemies become friends and friends become enemies, and through it all, they all have one same purpose.
The book ends in a cliffie at a very dramatic point, so we’re now all desperately waiting for the sequel.
This is truly dark and twisted. The behavior of these characters and the crazy things that happen throughout the story will have you clutching your pearls and constantly saying, “Oh my.”
It’s my first time reading a novel by Siobhan Davis and I was intrigued from start to finish. She’s an excellent writer; my interest never wavered. And while I don’t often read these types of books, I’m inclined to pick up more of hers.
Actual thoughts? I connected to and sympathized with Abby the moment the story opened. This young girl had to endure so much horror. Her existence in her elite family is only to fulfill the desire of powerful men, and I honestly find her resilience admirable. I don’t think I could have persevered the way she had, living in that household and dealing with those monsters. But throughout all the suffering, Abby held on to her dreams of escaping to a better life. Like the blurb says, she’s a fighter, and Abby fought her way through, until her heart gets the best of her and she finds herself unable to resist her feelings toward Camden.
Camden added even more complications to Abby’s life, and he aggravated me so much. But I was able to forgive him a little because worst things happened and I did find delight and relief in a few more vulnerable moments between the two characters.
However, I’m not particularly a fan of the ending of book one. Sadly, of all the things Cam did, it’s hard for him to redeem himself after the last act. Not sure if I can root for him and Abby after that. Either way, I’m looking forward to continuing the story and see what happens next. I know I may not get what I want, but at least it will be entertaining.
Siobhan Davis has done it again! She’s taken a popular genre and created a story that leaves you wanting more. I honestly don’t think Siobhan Davis will ever write a book that I don’t enjoy or won’t remain with me for days after. Cruel Intentions was so much more than I expected and I’m really excited to see what she has in store for Abby and the gang in book 2, which is due out this summer.
I loved seeing Abby standing up for herself and proving that she’d been underestimated by men like her father. She never gave up and could see the end result by taking her time to gather the security she needed to ensure her freedom. She’s strong and independent like I’ve come to expect from this author’s lead female characters, but my heart bled for Abby several times whilst reading Cruel Intentions and my stomach dropped at the end when it looks like the trust she gave was misplaced. I hope that everything eventually comes together and she gets the HEA she deserves.
As with any book by this author, the reader is given characters they’ll either love or hate. We’re also spoilt for choice with swoon worthy guys and I was unable to pick my favourite. Some characters like Drew and Charlie have left me with mixed feelings because whilst I liked the way they stood by Abby towards the end, they also let her down and didn’t help when she needed them the most. I think I’m going to reserve judgement until the end of the series and hope they don’t let Abby down when it comes to the crunch.
If you like dark bully romances then this is one book you need to read! Even if you don’t, then I’d recommend you still give it a go. The story is full of twists and turns, which will have you turning the pages as quickly as possible to see what happens next. Siobhan Davis knows exactly how to pull you in and take you on a roller-coaster journey. Cruel Intentions is a definite recommended read!
*I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book
OMG, what did I just read? A totally awesome read that’s what! I’ve never even heard of this author and boy and I glad I took a chance and dove in. Cruel Intentions is absolutely fantastic.
I’m actually in shock, I don’t know what I was expecting but this book is everything. The story is mind blowing, the characters you will love and hate them and the writing is flawless. It has secrets, lies and delicious hot bodies. We do end with a cliffhanger and what a wonderful one it is. I totally can’t wait until August to see what happens next. I loved this!
OMG, what did I just read? A totally awesome read that’s what! I’ve never even heard of this author and boy and I glad I took a chance and dove in. Cruel Intentions is absolutely fantastic.
I’m actually in shock, I don’t know what I was expecting but this book is everything. The story is mind blowing, the characters you will love and hate them and the writing is flawless. It has secrets, lies and delicious hot bodies. We do end with a cliffhanger and what a wonderful one it is. I totally can’t wait until August to see what happens next. I loved this!
*Review by Michelle
Cruel awesomeness
“Cruel Intentions” is the first book in Siobhan Davis’ ‘Rydeville High Elite’. I am still trying to recover from all the twists and turns of this journey. It was that awesome!
So, get ready to meet Abby Manning. Trapped in a golden cage, convicted to an arranged marriage when she turns eighteen with a guy she despises – seriously, Trend is despicable -, while still trying to keep appearances because that is what is expected of her and while she is trying to find a way to escape. Charlie, Trend and her twin Drew, along with her, are the Elite heirs that rule the school and is expected to rule the town soon, with an iron fist. One night of desperation leads to a heated encounter that will change her life forever – even is she doesn’t know it at the time. Enter the new Elite – Camden, Jackson and Sawyer . A war is brewing and no one will come out of it unharmed. Abby finds herself in the center of it, as she becomes the main pawn in a very sophisticated chess game of revenge and secrets, rooted years and years back. Everyone seems to have a hidden agenda. Who can she trust?
Let me tell you, the range of emotions this book evoked is overwhelming; angst and anger, desperation and heartache mixed with swoon worthy moments, seduction and awe. I felt for Abby. Emotionally I was with her every step of the way. The book ends with an epic cliffhanger after a revelation I never saw coming (I am not a fan of cliffhangers in books, but I can forgive Ms Davis for this one because of the greatness of this book). August can’t come soon enough, as I am desperately waiting to find out what happens next.
All in all, it was a great read. More than great, actually. Ms Davis has a way to create complicated stories that have you sitting at the edge of your seat. Well done and five solid stars from me.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
3 days have passed from the moment I finished the book…. and I feel lost because I need next one, but it is expected only in August…
I am so grateful for the opportunity to be one of the first readers!
So… about the book…
I would like to say that this is one of the best high school bully romances I have ever read. The angst, the triggers, the reasons and the main heroine – they are close to perfection.
Most of the time I adored Abby and felt her strenght. I hated Trent and his father so much that I wanted to kill them with my bare hands. Cam… hmmm… I cannot say that I like him at the moment… although, I do not know the whole picture, so I just have to wait and see how everything unravels.
The book itself is full of twists and truth-revealing… just as I love my books to be!
If you are like me – love good YA/High school/NA/bully romance, then this is book for you!!! Definitely recommend! Ahh… and the cliffhanger queen did it again – the cliffhanger got me one of the best book hangovers I have had in last months. This is the story written by Siobhan Davis that made me fall in love with her even more (and she already was one of my favourite contemporary writers before).
So.. do it – read it and wait for more!
*I voluntary reviewed an ARC provided by the author’s team. My expressed opinion is my own.
This book was full of suspense and questions, I was on the edge of my seat while reading this book. I loved how Abigail kept going no matter how hard and how bad things got, being stuck in situations all because of who she was never made her weak…. it made her stronger.
I did hate how she let Camden treat her so bad, but I also loved Camden!!! Camden was this bad boy who thought he knew what he was dong, he never expected to fall for someone who he thought he hated.
I cannot explain how ready I am for book two, I NEED TO KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT!!! This is a MUST read!!
Cruel Intentions is a very suspenseful story from the very first word to the very last. Some parts of this story may be hard to read and get through but is also very gripping that will have you turning that page until the end.
Siobhan has captured a very dark, powerful, emotional read in this new Rydeville High Series. Cannot wait for the next instalment.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
This book was fucked up.Really fucked up.I can’t even explain it.
I think that this is by far one of the worst and at the same time on of the best book that I’ve read.
I have,kind of like love-hate relationship with it.It’s crazy.
In a lot of ways this book reminded me of Gossip Girl and Abby reminded of Blair-anyone else feels like that?
Abby is part of Old Elite-that means that her family comes from old money,which in turn means that they are full of some really weird,crazy,stupid traditions.One of those traditions is marriage.No girl in Abby’s family had ever escaped arranged marriage and live to tell the tail.This is very big problem for Abby because the guy she is supposed to merry is(for the lack of better word)a real psychopath.And I’m not over reacting,Trent is crazy and I hated him.But Abby is forced to marry him because their fathers have made a deal.Her father is,if possible,even bigger psycho than Trent.
Now,the problem starts when three guys who belong to New Elite come to town.New Elite and Old Elite do not mix together.Ever.
It’s obvious that Cam,Jackson and Sawyer are there to cause trouble and Drew(Abby’s twin brother),Trent and Charlie won’t let that happen.But the Old Elite guys are forced to go to some camp(part of tradition) so the task of handling the new guys falls on Abby.As it turns out Abby has met Cam before,and done something stupid with him and in turn give him a weapon to use against her.
When it comes to Abby,I loved that girl.We met her when she is really low in her life,but in the next moment she is one very strong-minded girl.She was humiliated in every page and in every page she took that humiliation with her head raised high.Abby has a goal and she is not about to let someone stop her from achieving it.She is stubborn and manipulative and It was fun to watch her say “fuck you”to her father and break every rule possible.So yeah,she is one very strong character.
Cam is the character with who’m I have problem with.I’m not sure whether I like hi or hate him.Up until 75% of the book I hated him,but then he showed some humanity and I started to like him.But I can’t forget the first 26 or so chapters.He has a lot of secrets and reasons to hate Abby,but he missed judge her and caused her a lot of pain.I need to see more of him to be able to say how I really feel about him.
This book has manipulation and abuse on every single page.
I honestly didn’t know that bullying had it’s own section in YA/NA romance.If you are fan of those things,bullying I mean, then please go buy this book(It would be like very early Christmas gift made just for you).I personally hated those parts in here.Abby is constantly bullied by almost everybody in this book. Especially by Cam.That alone is the reason why I can’t see this two coming together in the end.He humiliated her,kidnapped her,threatened her and so much more.Her father and her fiancee did some really despicable shit to her too.It made me want to kill them both and just stop reading this book.But I decided to stick until the end.
Honestly,if you are not fun of abuse,just skip this novel.You won’t like it.
The only reason why I read this is because the plot was freaking awesome.Even when I was disgusted I wanted to know what will happen next.I was simply addicted.And right now,I’m just burning to read the next book.However I wished that the character were a bit older than 17 or 18 years old.
Overall,I liked this book because it made me feel so many things while I was reading it.If you can stand bulling in romance book go buy this book right now.
ARC provided by author.
Okay first of all I’m not HUGE on high school because of the drama or a bully but this book. O M G!! I’m so glad I took the chance. I am also not a fan of cliffhangers when they haven’t been release yet so fair warning this is a cliffhanger but it was such good writing. I am so glad I was able to be apart of this ARC. I NEED book two! I have so many things I need answered!!
I’m a fan of Siobhan Davis’ work and this book was no exception. The story is dark and twisted. There is no “fluff” or happy ending. It’s well told and the characters of Abby and Cam develop throughout the complicated story that becomes their lives. The abusive fiance Trent and Abby’s father are easy to hate. The book ends on a cliff hanger so we’ll have to wait to see what happens next. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book.
Let me tell you this book has it all and you will love every twist and turn. Abby and Cam meet at one of Abbys lowest moments and Cam rescues her! fast forward a few months and Cam turns up at abby’s high school with the intention of getting under her skin and getting the proof he needs on her father, but feelings get in the way. I cannot wait for book two to find out what happens. You will honestly not be disappointed. Another 5 star book by the amazing siobhan Davis.
What an amazing tale this is, seriously, Siobhan just churns out captivating stories after stories and boy this one is so intense in that I was glad I got to read it in one day as I just don’t know if I could have handled the stress on waiting another day to catch up.
Cruel intentions do not fully encompass what Abigail had to go through at the hand of her Dad as that man is the evil incarnated as the despicable acts he commits are too unbearable.
Now that cliff hanger I seriously was not expecting and can’t wait for the next instalment.
*** MILD SPOILER ALERT***
I am in an amazing streak right now reading great bully romances so far and this bad boy right here is fast becoming my fave!
Oh my goodness! This book… I can’t even! There were a lot of twists and turns, betrayals, lies and deceits than your average soaps on TV! I am sooo digging this brand new series of Ms. Davis. I mean, all of those reasons I’ve mentioned are a great recipe for an interesting page turner story added with some a—hole characters that you will love to hate/ hate to love, nail biting suspense and murder plots, great story writing, I was on the edge of my seat all the time! Not to mention, my head and brain was in a whirl suspecting everyone. I mean it. Everyone have their own agenda while appearing to be working together. This story got me worked up and in a permanent tizzy.
Cruel Intentions could not be more aptly named than it was because like I’ve said earlier, EVERYONE has their own agenda to one up anyone. It is TWISTED. Everyone IS twisted and no one is innocent, even those you think is not capable of it.
The characters of this story are privileged, used to getting their own way, followed an archaic set of rules to which our feisty heroine, Abigail is trying to get out of. Most of these characters you can’t help but love, some you will hate, while the others will leave you asking for more. I know this will not be RH, but I was wondering (okay, wishing) it was. Why you ask? Well, Abigail seems to have a connection too with the other guys. Just her reactions to Jackson and Sawyer are undeniable, and I can feel that there is something with Charlie too (or maybe it was just me, GAH! I don’t know anymore!) I love Abigail and Camden’s chemistry, it was insane! It is a consuming need with its own brand of love-hate and I can’t breathe from the sexual tension. I know Xavier is what he is, but man, is he freaking sexy and sweet! I was kind of rooting for him and Abby to get together. It’s crazy I know, but I kind of fell for his snarky and yet sensitive soul plus his dorky ways and mad skills. Camden is an intense, possessive caveman but I still adore him. Jackson is an irreverent, incorrigible, flirty guy I will ever meet but hides a hurt so deep that I find myself wanting to love and comfort him. I admit, I’m a sucker for this kind of guy, ugh! Sawyer and Charlie are both an enigma that I would love to unravel. I really hope that I would get to know a bit more of them in the next book.
Let me be clear if it isn’t yet. Yes, I absolutely loved the heck out of this book. I cannot get enough of it. I was sorely tempted to hurl my e-reader when I reached the end because that was one EPIC cliffhanger! I am clamoring and not above begging to read the next one cause that ending is just, GAH! I love, love, love this!
Ms. Davis is a new to me author and when I was presented with reading an early copy of this book the description had me jumping at the chance. I was not disappointed. I loved that from the first page I was unable to put my kindle down.
The characters absolutely take you on a crazy ride. You will definitely have buttons pushed but that is what I think I loved the most about this story. This is absolutely a must read. And I will definitely be checking out Ms. Davis’ other books.
so while this is not my normal type of read, i gave it ago. This book was well written and the story flowed nicely.
it was a good read but it still wasn’t something for me, bullies are a big flag for me, and i know now i was right to stay away from the bully romance that is going around.
This book was hot! I especially like Abby.. a character that you want to see succeed and one that’s easy to route for. Siobhan never fails to deliver!
4.5 Ummmmm. What did I just read and where the heck am I? stars!!!!
This book took me for a freaking ride and left my head completely spinning! So much suspense, drama and deceit. Who can you really trust when everything revolves around power and money? I don’t think anyone knows!
What started out as a fantastic enemies to lovers / bully style romance read, ended as so much more than I expected from this author! Trust was shattered. Bonds were broken. Lies were revealed. And yet, there are still so many questions that remain unanswered, leaving me reeling for the next book in the series.
I didn’t know whether I wanted to fall head over heels for this book or seethe in anger or both all at the same time. The story line was amazing, with so many twists and turns. The characters were vindictive and cruel but loyal to a fault. Each one brought something unique to the story, especially the two leads Camden and Abby. The entire read I kept thinking to myself, “this can’t get any more f*ck#d up!” and then was proven wrong five seconds later. Portions of this story were hard to read and not for the faint of heart. But I feel like those moments brought some raw and honest emotion to the book. You empathized with various characters, felt for them, hurt for them wanted revenge and retribution for them.
I cannot wait to see what comes next for the Rydeville High Elite! I’m sure it’s going to be chaotic and deceitful and steamy! Well done Siobhan!
Unexpectedly blown away! I don’t normally read a lot of bully or young adult romance but this book just captured my undivided attention! It was dark and disturbing at times but the characters and story development had me captivated, it was like a lure that hooked me and I just couldn’t put my Kindle down.
There were so many secrets, forced allegiances, deception and distrust. There is romance with sizzle and steam and the cliffhanger has left me completely enthralled!
Abby and Cam/Kai have so much chemistry, push an pull, their attraction is palpable!
This is my first Siobhan Davis book and I can’t wait for the second installment Twisted Betrayal. I voluntarily reviewed in advance complementary copy of this book.