Welcome to their kingdom…I never thought I’d step foot in Royal Manor again. But four years later, here I am…back to finish my senior year at Royal Hearts Academy.And forced to face Jace Covington. My first friend. First crush. First kiss. The one I left behind.Only—he isn’t the same boy I gave my heart to.This new Jace is as cruel as he is gorgeous.And he’s determined to make my life a … Jace is as cruel as he is gorgeous.
And he’s determined to make my life a living hell.
Along with the rest of his glorified family and crew of tyrants.
They expect me to worship the ground they walk on like everyone else, but I’d rather eat dirt.
If Jace Covington wants me gone…he’ll have to try harder.
Because I’ve never been the kind of girl to play by the rules.
WARNING: Royal Hearts Academy is a New Adult/High School series of standalones filled with drama, a touch of angst, and boys who are bad to the bone.
This series is recommended for mature readers due to graphic language and sexual content.
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I discovered Ashley Jade back in December when I read The Devil after hunting on Amazon for something to read. I was blown away by that book. I’ve been a fan since then, and have read her back list of books. I feel like this book is something new from her. It isn’t anything like the rest of her books, but then again, it has her amazing talent all over it. She has this flawless way of telling a story, weaving her words to make you engrossed by her book from beginning to end.
“I guess my broken pieces missed yours as much as I missed you.”
This is so much more than a YA book about a group of kids from the same academy. There are layers upon layers, and you don’t even see some of them coming till they hit you.
The witty dialogue, the love-hate match between Dylan and Jace, the turbulent story, and the flat-out amazing writing. It’s everything I Iove and nothing I hate. I couldn’t put this down yesterday, and I’m not even sorry for being tired today. IT.WAS.WORTH.IT.
Cole scowls. “Walk much?”
“Yes, I walk with my Lord and Savior daily,” the girl deadpans as she fixes her glasses.
My brother opens his mouth then clamps it shut, looking visibly uncomfortable. The girl gives him a saccharine smile.
“But he’s on a break right now. Therefore, eat shit and get crabs, Covington.” “Jesus. She’s annoying,” Cole grits after she stalks off.
“Careful,” Oak mocks. “Her Lord and Savior might hear you.” Cole flips him the bird before he ducks inside a classroom.
Ok, that right there is some of the funniest shit I’ve read in a while. Perfect example of how on point the humor was sprinkled in this book.
“I swear half the world’s problems would be solved if people would just learn to communicate—”
From your lips to his ears…Amen sista *fist bumps*
“Unless you’re feeding or fucking me, I don’t owe you shit.”
EXACTLY.
I can’t recommend this book enough. Do not miss it. Do Not Pass GO. You won’t be sorry, and you won’t be able to put it down.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie’s Book Reports.
I never thought I’d step foot in Royal Manor again. But four years later, here I am….back to finish my senior year at Royal Hearts Academy. And forced to face Jace Covington. My best friend. First crush. First kiss. The one I left behind. Only he isn’t the same boy I gave my heart to. This new Jace is as cruel as he is gorgeous. And he’s determined to make my life a living hell. Along with the rest of his glorified family and crew of tyrants. They expect me to worship the ground they walk on like everyone else, but I’d rather eat dirt. If Jace Covington wants me gone…he’ll have to try harder. Because I’ve never been the kind of girl to play by the rules.
Welcome to Cruel Prince and the first book in the Royal Hearts Academy Series. This series is a group of standalone books. There are no cliffhangers and waiting on another book to come out to continue the story in this series.
I was so excited to get this book in my hands. If you are expecting a young adult book then you are in for a surprise. The characters might be younger but they sure don’t tell a young adult story and they sure do have some mature themes going on in this book. This is the story of Jace well I guess really it is Jace and Dylan’s story. They use to be best friends four years ago. However once something tragic happens everything changes in huge ways and things are never the same. Dylan is taken away by her family and she doesn’t set a foot back into town for four years when she has to live with her Aunt and Uncle. They insist that she goes to Royal Hearts Academy and she is really looking forward to seeing her best friend Jace again. However she is not prepared for all the hate she sees staring a back at her the first time she sees him. The only choice she has is to find out what has happened to the boy she once and still loves. You are going to love this book. I am not even sure that I took a breath while reading it. I loved to hate Jace but he does have these totally redeeming qualities about him and I simply adored Dylan. This is a book that you do not want to miss. It is a complete story as I said before but I still can not wait for the next book in this series. Ashely Jade really knows how to suck you into a story. Oh and I forgot to mention, I am not one to highlight while I am reading but I can tell you that my copy looks like I had a highlighter party on the pages. DO NOT miss this one. You guys are going to love it as much as I did.
A new series from Ashley and what a way to start. Each story is going to be interconnected standalones so no dreaded cliffhangers if that’s not your thing.
If like me you love an angsty story you need this book. Dylan and Jace will give you whiplash with all their back and forth. I’m a bit of a masochistic because I love a vengeful angry male lead and Jace is that and more. I loved how Ashley wrote Dylan to be strong and resilient. Yes she’s hurt but she’ll go down fighting before she let’s them win.
The other characters were just as well developed and I can’t wait until they get their own books. So if you want to scream I frustration or throw your kindle away in anger this is the book for you.
Reviewed by United Indie Book Blog
*long, gushing post ahead*
It was a few years ago that I stumbled across Ashley Jade. I was so new to the whole romance and book world. I didn’t even know this community existed. It was Kindle Unlimited that suggested her Blame it on the Pain book to me because I was becoming obsessed with mafia romances. I ate up that book, then the Shame series. I had never been so deeply affected by characters like Ricky and Loulou. Literally the hugest book hangover. It was so amazing.
I’ve read practically every book this woman has written. I’ve been part of her journey, stalking her and reading all the new words as they’ve come. Each book has gotten better and better. That’s no joke. This woman has mastered her craft, becoming one of my most favorite story tellers. And I mean that as a fan, as a reader, as a blogger.
Cruel Prince is really everything a reader hopes for in a book. Especially in this trope.. a new one for her! You fall in love with each and every character. Your heart aches, breaks and soars. You feel EVERY emotion. I can’t tell you how many times people thought I was crazy cuz I’d laugh out loud, gasp, and yes CRY ALL THE TEARS! It’s angsty, emotional, and catches you completely off guard. It’s unlike any other AJ book – any other book – period! Jace and Dylan are LIFE. This book is EVERYTHING. Be prepared for a huuuuge book hangover. Be prepared to become obsessed with the Royal Hearts Academy gang. Because you’re going to want to know all their stories. (Which are coming, don’t worry!) And even though I’m telling you to prepare yourself? You’re still not ready. Ashley Jade has completely outdone herself in a way only she can. I’m so honored and proud to be on her team. To experience this story.. to obsess on the words. If I could give it more than 5 I would.. she absolutely deserves it. Congratulations on a stunning book, lady! I can’t wait for the world to have this!
Cruel Prince is book one in a YA/NA crossover series. The angst and chemistry in this book are off the charts. You will be pulled in a thousand directions emotionally. You will be on the edge of your chair every minute you are Reading! What will happen next? What will be revealed? This story revolves around Dylan and Jace. They were best friends in elementary school. Dylan left and is now back at Royal Hearts Academy. What will happen when they meet again? What emotions will be revealed?Love? Hate? Check it out and see. This book will pull you in and keep you there till the last word has been read! Loved it! Can not wait for more in this series. I am voluntarily leaving my review after reading an advance copy of the book from the author. I also bought it!!!
I have been in waiting for this story for months now and Jesus it was so worth the wait. When I saw the cover on my Kindle I had to breath because at that point I was so damn excited to see it, I was afraid to read it.
Ashley brings two families together in friendship and revenge, all surrounded by a prestigious high school. Jace and his family are a complex set of characters, but at the heart of them love unconditionally. They have just been dealt a lousy hand of cards.
Dylan and Oakley are a family; it just might take them a bit to realize it. This book has everything you could ever want in it. Anger, love, laughter, sex, and beautiful meaning that you will take away from it. Nobody is untouched in this book by any of these feelings. If you are looking for a fascinating story that will make you feel and take you away for a while, this is your story.
Ya’ll this book! Dead! This was my first read from Ashley Jade but it most definitely will not be my last! I stayed up way too late, ignored my family & devoured this book. My angsty loving..bully romance reading heart is so happy right now. Cruel Prince checked all the boxes for me! SO GOOD!
Jace; hard to love, alpha, bully….. Dylan; one-of-a kind, fierce, sassy…Together these two were The constant back and forth..the will they? won’t they?..had me putting my kindle down to walk away for minute a few times (so I didn’t launch it across the room) because Jace & Dylan were STUBBORN! The slow burn was real with these two! This was a story jam packed full of some really emotional heartbreaking topics, secrets, some really sweet sweet bits & a cast of AHMAZING secondary characters; I really couldn’t get enough of this book & I cannot wait to see where we go next at Royal Hearts Academy.
***ARC Provided in Exchange for an Honest Review/ Megan Scandalous Book Blog***
The author says…this is not your regular Ashley Jade story. This is New Adult. It’s unusual for Ashley Jade. And maybe it is…I mean, yes it IS different for her…but then again…it is TOTALLY her. Cruel Prince is an extremely well written, thought out story that breaks your heart over and over and over again. Mean Girls meets 10 Things I Hate About you meets Cruel Intentions is how I’d describe this story. Jace is the man you have to hate but can’t help falling for…he is the perfect jerk (I have a different word to describe him but pretty sure my review would get bounced). And Jace isn’t the only one who is cruel. There is alot to to this story and as much as I want to get into it in my review…other readers really need to enjoy the story for everything it is. There is some darkness, there is some angst, there is some sexy time, there are some secrets…there’s a whole hell of alot of pain…and there is…BRING ME BOOK 2 right now LOL. Another amazing story by Ashley Jade and probably one of my top bullying books ever.
4.5 Stars
A complex dance of the heart and soul. A fine line between love and hate, Ashley Jade brings the raw reality of pain and shame.
Royal Hearts Academy, a school for the rich and privileged. Where image is everything and a hair out of place is a one way ticket to ridicule and judgement. When Dylan returns to RHA she feels first hand how devastating this could be. When she left Royal Manor she left behind her best friend. Jace was her everything. They shared an incredible bond, but now he has become the ruler of the kingdom and has focused his wrath and disdain towards Dylan.
A multilayered plot that reveals dark secrets, indiscretions and truths. This jaw dropping standalone will have you burning through the pages.
I loved reading every word and enjoyed each minute I entered the Royal Hearts Academy.
Omg the characters are all freaking awesome.
Yes even the bullies and the mean girls.
Because they are truly evil incarnate.
I absolutely loved Dylan.
She’s my girl!
Strong,determined with a backbone of steel.
Yet kind and compassionate.
Dylan is a what you see is what you get kind of person.
Jace on the other hand is more complicated.
He’s strong and determined but in a different kind of way than Dylan.
He’s loyal and loves wholeheartedly to very very select few.
Jace is ruthless when it comes to his enemies and those he perceives as a threat to his loved ones.
Years ago Dylan and Jace were each other’s person.
Now they are cutting into each other like sworn enemies.
The combative and sexual tension between them is so palpable like an unforgiving think fog.
Everything between them is so volatile and explosive!
I also loved Oakley and Sawyer.
Sawyer is such an incredible friend.
And Oakley gave me lol moments.
Ms. Jade delivers a stunning story of love and anguish.
It’s was heart pounding emotional journey the author took me on.
With such vigor I could feel the energy coming off the pages.
I’m so looking forward and excited to read more from RHA!
This is my second Ashley Jade ARC. I’ve read the Devil’s Playground duet before and let’s just say that it was definitely interesting.
I signed up for this book when I read the blurb on Instagram. I was intrigued. I love mature YA, enemies to lovers, friends to lovers and new adult romance…
I enjoyed the book… I loved it. It was gripping from beginning to end. It held my attention as the pages went by. The characters were sometimes frustrating but wonderful—perfectly imperfect… the pacing was alright. Everything worked like a well-oiled machine.
It’s not a light and easy read because it touches on sensitive topics such as bullying, suicide, mental illness, premarital sex and a taboo romantic affair. It’s angsty but there were also parts that were funny.
I’m looking forward to whats next. To be honest I’m actually quite curious about Oakley and Crystal though… what was the catalyst for it and if she came clean in the end? Will Cole and Sawyer have a book? Bianca and Stone? I can’t wait to read more!
To the fans of The Fallen Crest series by Tijan, The Royal series by Erin Watt and All Saints High series by LJ Shen, this is the perfect book for you!
When Ashley Jade starts putting words on paper, sit back and prepare to enjoy yourself. I was introduced to Ashley Jade’s writing 5 months ago and Cruel Prince makes the fifth book I’ve read by her since. After discovering her, you cannot imagine the excitement I had when I realized we were getting a whole new series from her. She weaves stories so seamlessly and makes your heart root so hard for the antihero. I don’t know how she does it but so does, EVERY. TIME. This book is the start of a new series but each book can be read all on its own!
Cruel Prince is book one in a YA/NA crossover series where the guys are assholes and you’ll wish you were besties with the female main characters. OH! And the angst and chemistry in this book are off the charts. It had me feeling some type of way!!
This story revolves around Dylan and Jace. They became best friends in elementary over shared grief/trauma. Dylan has been gone and is now back at Royal Hearts Academy for her senior year and Jace is less than enthused. And by less than enthused, I mean he freaking hates it and intends on letting Dylan know it. He sets out to make her life hell. Jace sets on to make Dylan miserable and he has some help. The side characters in this story play such central roles for the story and I loved each and everyone of them. This book is so angst filled and my heart was here for all of it. The heartbreak, the friendships, the hardships and over all just shitty things that these characters dealt with. I found myself wiping away tears and pumping my fist in the air on more than a few occasions. So many times, authors do this thing where they SAY the heroine in such a badass and how she doesn’t take shit and then she’ll inevitably bitch out. Not Dylan. No sir. Dylan is so genuine and real and tenacious while also being vulnerable. Jace is an asshole but he’s also the most selfless person when it comes to his siblings. I ADORED the sibling bonds. There is also an OMG moment that you will never see coming. I’d bet everyone that reads this book could never guess. And I love that in a book! When it’s something logical but impossible to guess. Utter perfection.
Ashley just knows how to spin a story. And you would not believe the depth to this story. There are so many layers to the characters and what each of them is dealing with. I was blown away by the things in this book and how the author address them. So freaking amazing!! I cannot sing this author’s praises high enough or often enough. I have been on pins and needles just waiting for this book and now I wait some more. But I am so pumped to see where these characters take us next. Because it is a sure thing that it will be a fan freaking tactic time, no doubt! Next up, Cole and I can hardly stand waiting to be in his head. If you didn’t know if you wanted to read this book, let me tell you: YOU WANT TO READ THIS BOOK. Hell, I just finished this book and I already want to read this book AGAIN. So run, don’t walk to your Kindles and get in on this goodness!
I knew this book was gonna be amazing, but dayum. I thought I was so ready for Cruel Prince, but nothing could have prepared me for the ride I just took. It was spectacular. I’m so blown away, Jade obliterated the mold. And, with every book she writes, she gets better and better. This is my new favorite from her.
Eveything about this book is gold. The world she created pulled me right into the pages, and wouldnt let go. Her characters, I love them, I hate some of them. Each and everyone was crafted so perfectly. Jade, outdid herself with bringing these characters to life. There is not one, that didn’t draw me in, left me wanting more from them.
Jace and Dylan, though.
OMG Jace and Dylan.
Dylan and Jace!
They are just perfect.
I really wish I could give Cruel Prince more than 5 stars. Its definatly a 10 star read if you ask me. Congratulats A. Jade, this book, and the entire series are your next bestsellers.
Just WOW!!!! Cruel Prince truly blew me away! One of my most anticipated books of 2019 and Ashley Jade sure came through!! The angst will tear you apart, the emotions you experience are everything. I honestly was crying one minute and laughing the next. This story had me writhing from all the angst and passion from start to finish! Jace is one alpha-bully that you definitely need to meet!!
High school bully romances have been taken to a new level with Cruel Prince by Ashley Jade. This is the first in the Royal Hearts Academy series and it started the series off with a bang! There is so much drama and sexual tension and heartbreak that I didn’t think I was going to survive. Ashley Jade is an amazing author and is wonderful at writing very angsty books. 5-stars for Cruel Prince and hold on to your pom-poms because the next book in the series is Ruthless Knight and I’m sure it will knock your socks off!
Dylan Taylor just needs to spend her senior year at Royal Hearts Academy then graduate and somehow get a scholarship for college. Just one year back at the old school and with her old best friend that seems to no longer want to know her. Jace Covington can’t forgive Dylan for what she did to his little brother, and he was happy to never see her again after she moved, but now she’s back and the stuff is about to hit the fan. Jace is making it his private mission to run Dylan back out of town, but if she won’t go nicely he is willing to show her that he’s the Cruel Prince of RHA and he will stop at nothing to get his revenge.
This is the first I’ve read from this author, so I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. Let’s just say that I had a hard time with this book….putting it down, I mean. Once I started it, Dylan and Jace’s story was captivating. From the beginning, it was believable, both loners that found common ground and built the foundation to a friendship that neither questioned.
These characters are believable. From Jace and Dylan to Oakley, Cole, Bianca and Sawyer, even Britney, Casey and Hayley. There’s the comic one liners and verbal jabs between the boys that make you laugh, the snarky biting comments that make you want to slap the mean girls, the outright lies that make stomp on the manipulators and the angsty facepalm moments that make you want to scream for them to get it figured out already.
I loved watching the relationships grow and develop, not only in the beginning, but the second time around as well, maybe even more. and when it all came together (finally) and all the pieces fell into place, I couldn’t help but smile.
Not the asshole I was expecting.
Ashley Jade has once again outdone herself. Cruel Prince made me laugh out loud and cry so hard my heart hurt.
I went into this expecting Jace to be the biggest asshole I’ve ever read, but instead found him to be angry and misinformed but also utterly broken with the weight of the world on his shoulders. This may have been the first time I’ve ever connected more with the male protagonist over the female. I could feel his pain coming off the pages I read.
Dylan is everything I’ve come to expect from this author and everything I love in a heroine. She is independent and fierce yet still maintains her vulnerability. I was rooting for her from the very beginning.
Cole, Bianca, Oakley, and Sawyer!!!! Some of the best side characters I’ve ever come across. Oakley is oddly sexy in a “ew, but …. maybe??” Sort of way. Bianca is a firecracker that I can’t wait to see go off. Sawyer is just so ‘good’ that I want to see more more more in maybe …another …book??? Hmmm And Cole! Probably the biggest asshole of the bunch…. DIBS!
Overall Rating: ++
How do you know if a book is a 5 star read? I think that’s always the question when you sit down to review a book. For me, it comes down to two things: does the book make me feel? Does it elicit any level of emotion from me? And secondly, is there some degree of believability to the story or the characters? For me, tied to that believability is the authenticity of emotion. Are the feelings I’m feeling (anger, sadness, frustration, happiness, joy, etc) true feelings? Even more, where do those feelings spring from? Has the writer hit to my most basic emotions? What bruises from my past does the writer press on with his/her characters and/or story? All of these questions drive my reviews even when the subject matter of a book isn’t anything I’ve experienced or far from the experiences in my past.
Ashley Jade’s Cruel Prince shouldn’t really capture my attention. I’m a woman in her 40s with a young adult son who is far past the “new adult” experience. Should I really want to read about the romance of teens who are burgeoning into adulthood? This has been a personal question since I’ve noticed a bit of a surge in the New Adult romance genre. But here’s the thing. Ashley Jade’s Cruel Prince is so well written that you can’t help but need to read it. For me, it’s one of the best of this genre this year. And why? Because she crafts characters and storylines that hit to the core of the truth of feelings. Even in the darkest moments of this book, I believe the motivations of her characters driving their actions, that I don’t look at the story from the perspective of a 40-something woman or the mom of a young adult. I can find some piece of myself in the a-hole emotionally complex hero and the subversive powerful heroine. From my perspective, being able to craft this relationship between the reader and the story’s characters is the genius of this book.
At its core, Cruel Prince is a character study in the reciprocity of pain. There are various levels of emotional pain perpetrated on the characters of this story. There are no redeeming adults in this story; the main characters, the teens of this story, are the most mature people in this book. As such, the adults in their emotional neglect and selfishness have created these kids who must learn to handle life and trauma on their own. From Jace’s inner guilt and heavy feelings of personal responsibility for his siblings to Dylan’s feelings of being unloved to Oakley’s father’s censure and step-mother’s selfishness, the pain inflicted by physical, mental, and emotional trauma embody these characters, make them who they are. It’s this embodiment of pain that draws you as a reader to them, no matter your age or background. Reading their experiences and empathizing with their feelings, even their actions (yes, even when Jace is horrible to Dylan or other characters I understand his motivations; I empathize with him and his pain), are what kept me reading this book overnight instead of sleeping. I needed to know that they would be “okay” in the end, so the characters of Cruel Prince are what engaged me in the story: Jace’s perpetual malice to cover his pain and guilt, Dylan’s internal strength to endure the people who mete out pain on her, Oakley’s humor and drug use to cover his pain from not really being seen, Sawyer’s insecurity about herself even as she lives in her truth, and Cole and Bianca’s guilt and lack of parental direction. This is Ashley Jade’s strength; it’s what makes her writing deep and engaging because she magnifies the human experience in her characters. It’s also why people are rabid for her books.
Because I believe in her characters, I have a horrible habit of wanting to “chat” with her through comments on Facebook. I oftentimes forget that they are her babies, and I make selfish comments that might be construed as not believing in Ashley as their creator. This is furthest from the truth. I believe in Ashley Jade’s vision, as, I’ve noted above, she makes her characters believable for me. For my selfish comments, I am sorry, but I think it shows my belief in her writing genius. At least, that’s what I’ve hoped she might see.
Along with the development of character, the storyline is a mighty driving force of Cruel Prince. There is definitely typical bully behavior in this romance. There are mistakes, misrepresentations, and falsehoods that keep the reader suspended in the story. The biggest piece of the story isn’t revealed until almost 80ish% in the story, so if you are looking for a quick, easy resolution in Cruel Prince, it isn’t found here. It’s that tension, though, that engages you, keeps you focused on the page. Additionally, this story is mostly focused on Jace and Dylan’s story. However, pieces of other future stories are doled out as little crumbs. Jade provides just enough to pique your curiosity. I think this is important to the story because the angst over the brokenness of Jace and Dylan’s friendship/relationship can feel overwhelming at times. However, with the interjection of other characters and their potential storylines, you receive an interlude that gives you respite for a short time before gutting your heart again with Dylan and Jace’s story. It’s this cycle that drives you forward in the story, thirsting for a happy ending. It’s why I didn’t put this book down until 5 a.m.
If you are like me and need to feel “all the feels” of a story, then Cruel Prince should be at the top of your list. It’s a complex weaving of pain, brokenness, redemption, humor, and love. It doesn’t matter if you’re a teen, a 20-something, or even an old lady like me because Ashley Jade’s ability to construct the human experience in her characters and their story grips you in Cruel Prince. I may be far, far from teenhood, but the pain of a person’s betrayal and the need to be loved wholly and exclusively are emotions that transcend any age, any time. Ashley Jade’s Cruel Prince delivers on this message, making it one of the best new adult books of this year.