Every school has at least one bully. So, of course, Arcanum Academy has four.And worse? They’ve set their sights on me.The conceited asshats think their god-like bodies, expensive cars and filthy attitudes make them the most desirable beings to ever have had the privilege to walk the halls of the Academy. I have no idea why I’m the lucky target of their bullying, but they haven’t let me out of … haven’t let me out of their sight since my first day at the Academy… And there’s nothing I can do to escape them.
Not only do they have looks that could kill, but they also have a secret…
…A secret that is equally as lethal.
Not that I care. I’ve spent my life dreaming about the magic that’s been lost to our world since the war, and I’m not going to let some infuriating bullies get in the way of my studies.
That is, until I discover the dirty little secret they’re hiding has to do with me.
Now, I’ve made it my top priority to reveal their secrets. And despite the fact they think they’re above reproach, there’s something they don’t know.
I have a secret of my own.
Arcanum Academy is a Why Choose Bully Romance set in an academy in Scotland, featuring dangerous secrets, hidden magic, and men in kilts that are far too sexy for their own good. Please note, this series contains foul language and some sexual content and is intended for a mature audience.
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I’ve never read anything by Bella Holiday before, NM Howell (writing here as Nicole Marie) is one of my absolute favorite authors, do it’s no surprise that I couldn’t resist their joint effort in Knights of Arcanum Academy. I’m glad that resistance was futile (sorry, Trekker here) in this case, as this was a really fun book. The publisher’s blurb was perfectly descriptive here: a bully romance set in an academy in Scotland (check that box), featuring dangerous secrets (yes indeedy), hidden magic (you had me at “secrets”; this is overkill … but sooo good), and men in kilts that are far too sexy for their own good (oh come now, that’s just not fair!), all packaged into a really well down story with an excellent plot that well written and features a really strong cast. A yummy treat indeed and highly recommended.
This genre turned out to not be for me
I honestly thought I’d love this, seeing as it’s written by two amazing writers whose stories I’ve LOVED in the past. But I can’t give it more than 3 stars. It turns out that the Bully Romance part just wasn’t my thing.
I must say, it was well written. Even though it starts really sad, and it was impossible to read without a big lump in your throat, it pulled me right in. But then the negativity that those 4 bullies carried around with them and also a few others, started dragging me down. That hatred was too much for me. The fact that Sarah could crush on 4 such rotten persons only because they’re hot, made me like her less as well. I did like Jason and Cyn. But me not really bonding with the main character is a big deal for me, I like to feel that bond. That’s just my personal preference. This isn’t through any fault of the authors, it’s me misjudging this genre.
So it was mostly those four rotten guys and Sarah’s reaction to them that kept me from really liking this book. I had thought I could handle that, turns out I couldn’t. I sincerely believe that if you DO like this genre, bully romance, then you will LOVE this book. I know I’m often the exception in these sorts of things. So do try it if the blurb speaks to you. Because technically it was really good, just not my thing.
This is just great. A well written academy read that is full of magic and magical creatures, action, mystery and intrigue, secrets and sexy men in kilts! Great storyline, great characters and I Can’t wait to read more!
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book at no cost from the author in exchange for an honest review
Wow, that is what I call a hot steamy fantasy story, even though it doesn’t start out this way. Also the strong language used in the story didn’t bother me at all, it sometimes made a smile upon me face of how it was used. I love the weaving of the normal human reality with the fantasy elements, even the mention of Harry Potter that made me laughing.
The story starts with Sarah loosing her mother to cancer and doesn’t know how she will face her life without her. Her father died when she was six, and there is no other relative that can look after her. Luckily there is Emily, her best friend, who she can count on to stay with.
But then her teacher, Miss Baxter, let her into a little secret, a magical at that. She can attend a school where they will teach you about magic, about the history of magic and what really happened. Did humans really kill all magical kind?
After a difficult start, she finally finds herself in the Arcanum Academy and nothing is what it seems. Especially four handsome guys, Lachlan. Alexander. Sebastian. Gabriel, that are there to make her life miserable. The four bullies are pounding on her in every direction and if that is not enough, her senses of energies make an onslaught on her. But she will not back down or stand down. It is a refreshing change that it is not a girl(s) bullies in this story. But Sarah gets help from Jason and her roommate Cyn to keep her days a bit bearable.
But then she sees things that she shouldn’t have seen, and as one night they sneak out of the dorm to attend a fourth grade student beach party. She is so drunk that she kisses Gabriel, but she got more then she could handle. Is she dreaming or is this all real. Who is she?
I definitely want to read more and hope other steamy adventures will come to fruition.
What an incredible book! It’s a slow burn, that has you reading into the night! I was completely entralled with the storyline, with mystery, intrigue and magic!
The characters were especially fun! I absolutely love Sarah. She’s smart yet completely outstanding and the balance of her tormenters, mystical and brooding and the other characters are so much fun! I can’t wait for the next installment!
I can’t remember reading a story that started out with someone dying. This story is exciting. I have not been able to put it down. The discovery of Sarah’s ability to feel energy coming from others and strange glow to her skin when stressed. Then finding out that there was a Fae that did some of the things she could left her in a fog. I could relate with that. This story is unexpected and scary at the same time. Very exciting story. Can’t wait to find out more. I received a complimentary review copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving a honest review.
I will give this 3 1/2 stars. There were things I liked about this book and others I did not. Loved that it was based in Scotland. The book is better then other Academy books out there. The book has a different take on magic then most as it was part of history but then after WWII it was wiped out. The bullies in this book are really bullies and are not likable. I am guessing this will change more over the coming books. I would have really liked points of view from all five of the main characters and not just Sarah’s point of view. I feel a lot was missing when you don’t get the guys side of things too. I am hoping in future books we get everyone’s point of view. I will keep reading this series as it has kept my interest through out the whole book. I am interested to see where the next book leads.
*I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.*
Sarah has always been fascinated with magic and magical creatures, she has studied everything she could her her hands on about the subject. A personal tragedy will qualify Sarah for a scholarship at the Knights of Arcanum Academy, a school where students study magic, and magical creatures that are now extinct. When she is accepted to the academy she travels from her home in the US all the way to Scotland where the school is located. She will soon find out that just like any school, there are bullies in Scotland, too. She becomes the target of the four absolutely gorgeous senior students.
Sexy, unusual, and wonderfully well written characters, that have possibly dangerous secrets. Exciting plot with some action, magic, and surprising twists, I think this is a must read. Fantastic!
I am voluntarily leaving an honest and non-incentivized review of this ARC.