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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Emotion. So many emotions after reading Cruel Prince.
Ashley Jade did it again and I think this one is the best yet!! Cruel Prince is a flawless read that left me breathless and wanting more. I stayed up WAY WAY too late last night devouring this book. But, I just couldn’t put it down. It consumed me. The story, the characters, their diverse personalities. I loved it all.
The characters were by far the best part of this whole book! I loved them all for very different reasons.
Jace had to grow up too quick and is now a vengeful, hateful, man with nothing but revenge on his to-do list. After living through very hurtful and hard times in his life, it has turned him hard. He’s mean, he’s a predator waiting to strike, and Dylan is the one he is hunting.
Dylan has seen loss and abandonment but she doesn’t let any of that put her down. She’s a force to be reckoned with. Dylan is brought back to Royal Academy and it’s about four years too late. She’s hated, despised, and bullied.
Oakley, Cole, Sawyer, Bianca.. I love them all and I can not wait to see what they bring us.
Cruel Prince is a raw and powerful read. I felt so much while reading this story.. hate, love, sadness, happiness, passion. Ashley really makes you connect with the story. Its unique and flawless. I can’t wait to see what she brings us next!!
Holy hell..
My favorite part about Ashley Jades writing is how easily it sucks you in.
I have to admit when I signed up to blog tour for this series I was kind of nervous. High school books are hard to do right, especially when you know sex and cussing will be involved, however AJ nailed it.
Cruel Prince felt authentic, and despite the kids are rich private school kids, I felt like I could have been reliving my high school days.
Dylan is my girl! If you don’t get a lady boner from her, well you’re wrong. That is one badass girl! She is put through a hell I couldn’t survive, and comes out of it so brilliantly. She’s strong, fierce, and determined. Sawyer is a sideline character who befriends Dylan, and if she doesn’t get her own book I’m going to riot! I freaking loved her, and her dynamic with Dylan.
I could probably talk for hours about this book, it’s that good. But I won’t, because no one wants to read a book about another book, you feel me? But I will say, I highly recommend this book for a quick, addicting read that takes you on a journey through Royal Heights Academy.
Holy Moly! I need to recuperate after reading Cruel Prince by Ashley Jade. This book ripped me to pieces then put me back together and then cut me again. I was literally in tears at the end of the book and may have been cursing Ashley Jade for making me ugly cry, but then I praised her for writing such a fantastic book. It’s no secret that High School Bully Romances are my new favorite genre right now. I know some readers are skeptical of this genre, but I’m addicted to it right now.
Here is a book where the main characters knew each other before, but the male protagonist, Jace, is determined to make the female protagonist, Dylan’s, life difficult. He wants her to leave Royal House Academy, and he will do anything to hurt her, even start rumors of her around school about her and her step-cousin. He wants revenge for what she did years ago. Jace is the biggest jerk I’ve ever read in a book, but I loved getting his POV. Ashley Jade made me hate him, but then made me fall in love with him after fighting out what happened to him and why his brother Liam is no longer alive. Oh, let me tell you I fell for Liam in this book because Ashley had chapters from the past with him in it and I adored his character. He’s a fantastic soul that should’ve still be there his Senior Year of High School. I hate the part of what happened to him.
Now there’s Dylan in the story who Jace is determined to break. They used to be best friends until she moved away unexpectedly. Now she’s living with her Aunt and Uncle since her Dad is in jail for embezzlement. She is determined to make it through RHA, but she has no idea why her former best friend, Jace hates her and why he’s dating her nemesis. She wants to know why all of the Covington family hate her, but she won’t find out until the very end.
That’s enough of me explaining the book because I don’t want to ruin this book for anyone who has been anxiously waiting for this book. I loved every bit of this book because it put me through the wringer. I have not cried so far in a while reading a book, but this one did it. I loved this story, even though I should’ve hated it. If the next books are just like this one, I may need to make sure I have tissue boxes on hand. Ashley Jade has become an author I’ll need to keep up with since her writing style and characters are addicting and unforgettable. I can’t wait until Jace’s siblings’ stories after reading his story.
This book has become a favorite for this year. Forewarning this book is for a mature audience because it has some challenging scenes to read with the bullying and another item. There’s also the HOT steaminess between the main characters in this book and secondary characters. Yes…this book is very HOT, but it’s a tearjerker. I highly recommend having a tissue box before reading this book. Also, plan on reading it until you finish it.
Story Rating: 5 stars
Steaminess Rating: 5 stars
Standalone or part of series: Part of series, but each follows a new couple.
Do I recommend this book? Yes, definitely. Be prepared this book is a tearjerker.
Will I read other books from the author? Yes.
Tropes/Elements: High School Bully Romance; Friends-to-Lovers to Enemies-to-Lovers
Hero: Jerk; Damaged; Possessive; Family-Oriented
Heroine: Outspoken; Strong; Damaged
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the Blog Tour Host in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This book was phenomenal and my favorite Ashley Jade book so far!
Amazing writing and character development! It’s angsty and emotional! It’s a high school bully romance that tells of the past and present. A story of first loves and the tragic moments they go through to get their second chance. Also, some shocking moments I wasn’t expecting.
The story Jace and Dylan was heartbreaking but their love for each other was everything even after everything they went through. Jace was an arrogant jerk but he was also loyal and protective. Dylan was fierce and strong willed.
I loved the supporting characters as well. Oakley was hilarious but also made me sad. Sawyer was an awesome friend. Cole and Bianca were very protective and funny.
Cruel Prince is book 1 in the Royal Hearts Academy series. It is a standalone so everything in the story is resolved.
I definitely recommend this book. You won’t be disappointed!!
Can’t wait for book 2 which is Cole’s book.
Royal Hearts Academy is a new series of standalones from this talented author. Starting off with Cruel Prince, there was no holding back on giving us the bad boy Jace. My goodness that boy could sure dish it out!
Dylan has been through the wringer with her life. Now returning to town, she will be attending RHA for her senior year. Thinking she would never return, she is in for a surprise to see how much her best friend has changed.
This book is full of angst, full of bullying, full of revenge, full of drama. But most of all its filled with two people who met all those years ago who are trying to survive in their life with the feelings they have for each other.
Whoa! I love a good bully romance and this story didn’t let me down one single bit. Jace and his family have suffered a tragedy and understandably they never want to go through anything like that again. They want revenge against people and to make them suffer. Dylan moves back with no knowledge of what truly happened to her former best friend’s family but is caught up in the payback. My emotions were pulled tight for all involved and I just knew something twisted had occurred for Jace to turn against Dylan. Crazy, messed up crapola reigns with the screwed up stuff Jace orchestrates and even more unexpected turns where I’m like…what!?!?! Dylan is one strong chick to survive everything thrown her way and I loved Sawyer and how she seemed to see straight into a person’s heart. Some of these characters rocked my world and this book is bully angst in its finest form. Highly recommended.
THIS BOOK… This book has that friends to enemies and enemies to lovers feel. This book didn’t just cover one trope. It covered so many like childhood friends trope. Dylan and Jace were an amazing couple. I say this because of the crazy one liners, the amazing chemistry, and the friendship that was there when nothing else was.
I would suggest going into Cruel Prince blind. As a reader, you should expect the unexpected. This won’t be your ordinary YA/NA romance. This book will make you laugh, cry, and have you raging. Wrap your kindle in bubble wrap and be prepared to feel. Be prepared to be dropped into the world of Royal Hearts Academy.
5 Stars For My Newest Addiction
A high school bully romance that was about first loves, revenge and second chances. I read it in one sitting because putting this down was not an option! This story, the characters, the OMG moments kept me hooked!
Dylan is back after she was forced to leave her home and best friend without warning four years ago. The most important thing changed and that was her best friend, Jace. He was always broody and kept his feelings hidden…now he’s angry and determined to make her life hell.
Dylan just wants to finish high school and get her best friend back. He was the first boy she ever loved and she never forgot him. She’s at a loss because she has no idea why he hates her and Jace isn’t about to make anything easy for her.
So many secrets amongst them. So much hurt. Dylan is strong and feisty. She’s not about cowering. Jace can torment her all he wants, but she doesn’t back down. Jace is complex. He can’t forget what happened, so he’s going to make her pay for what she did.
Jace and Dylan share a heat and intensity that cannot be stopped. Fighting it only makes it stronger. You can’t fight fate, no matter how hard you try.
Dylan, Jace, Oakley, Saywer, Cole and Bianca will have you wanting to know more. It was easy to get sucked into Royal Hearts Academy. Everyone has secrets. They are all struggling with their pasts. Friendship and love bonds them. They all have their own story’s to tell. I WANT MORE of this series!
Ashley Jade has absolutely blown me away with this book! I wasn’t totally sure what to expect going in to it and it was so much more than I could have hoped for. Jace and Dylan were EVERYTHING! Their love for each other just couldn’t be denied. Through all the tragedy, confusion, lies, and anger, their love was a constant point that kept drawing them back to each other. My heart ached while reading this and I found myself totally consumed and holding my breath as I tried to read fast enough to get the answers I needed. The story was fast paced and the writing was crisp and clear. I loved all of the side characters. The stories surrounding the main love interest fascinated me. I can not wait for more books from this world!
Where do I even begin with how brilliant this book is! It deserves so much more than 5 stars. I’ve been anxiously awaiting this story, and it is so worth the wait! This story of love, friendship, lust, heartache, sadness and happiness will hold you captivated from the very first sentence. The story of Jace and Dylan will imbed itself into your very heart and soul. This book spans a few years and so much is packed into it, your mind will be blown. The way this author describes the characters, you can literally envision each one in your mind. Not to mention that you can feel their emotions so clearly it will make your heart thump and your hands will shake with the anticipation of what will happen next! I’ve read several books by this author, but this one is by far my favorite. It is an utter masterpiece that everyone needs to read. I’m still very emotional but loved each and every word, and so will you.
Ashley Jade has written her best book yet! And she has some AHMAZING books out there!!!
This book had me emotional! Lol and tearing up…cursing at a character, loving and applauding another…and kept me guessing just to blow my mind!
Cruel Prince is addicting! Get your fluids and snacks..you’re not gonna want to put this book down! The Royal Hearts Academy characters and Ashley Jade’s writing will suck you in and won’t let go!
Cruel Prince is a standalone…and i am anxiously awaiting the rest of the series!
A. Jade hit it outta the park with Cruel Prince!
I had no interest in the newest trend in reading: Bully Romance. I thought that meant they were stories trying to justify abuse in relationships. As a survivor of domestic abuse I sneered at the thought. Abusive relationships aren’t romantic. Nobody can truly love someone who bullies them. Readers aren’t going to cheer for that kind of story.
Then along comes Ms. Jade and she says she has a new book coming out…a bully romance. Poop. I have been amazed by every one of her books. I’ve fallen so deeply in love every time…but…sigh. Fine. I can’t resist putting my faith in her words.
I get it now! I so totally get bully romance! My first real introduction to this trope and this author didn’t set the bar high for others. She kicked that bar straight into orbit!
This story doesn’t grab you by the heart. No. It immediately stabs in and holds tight like a harpoon even when your heart shatters…repeatedly.
I’m not usually one for giving warnings but I will this time.
Warning: Book hangover imminent.
Ashley has done it again.
This author pours her heart and soul into her books and it really shows through her words. Her writing gets better and better with each book.
This book is a standalone and the other in the series will be about different characters.
Jace and Dylan story was so good but emotional in places too.
I don’t want to go into details of the story as you need to read and live their journey along with them. This book is so well written if you haven’t read Ash before you are in for a real treat if you have then you know you are in for one heck of a ride. Highly recommend this book.
This book was fantastic read such an emotional ride that will give you all the feels.
DREAMY’S REVIEW
“The Mariana Trench isn’t deep enough for what I feel for you.”
UNPUTDOWNABLE. PHENOMENAL. CAPTIVATING. EMOTIONAL. HEARTBREAKING. INTENSE. BEAUTIFUL.
DEEP. HOT AF.
The minute this baby dropped into my Kindle, all bets were off. I refused to eat. I refused to sleep. I ignored my family. I put my phone on Do Not Disturb.
I inhaled and exhaled Cruel Prince until it’s last word.
I’ve been highly anticipating this book and you bet your ass I wasn’t going to let anything stop me from devouring and appreciating every single, beautiful word of Ashley Jade’s new world of characters! The Royal Hearts Academy Series is everything you could want and more, also this is just the beginning!
Cruel Prince by Ashley Jade is all of that and THIS WARNING to the T: 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.
YES.
YES.
YES.
FUCK YES.
Let me just say, as a previous reader and lover of Ashley Jade’s books, this one right here in particular, BLEW ME THE FUCK AWAY! Her writing is phenomenal as always, and in my opinion, Cruel Prince is one of her best works that I’ve read to date!
“We were best friends, but our demons were kindred spirits.”
When I tell you that I highlighted the fuck out of this book, you best believe it because DAMN, I fell in love with Jade’s storytelling and was so mesmerized by Dylan and Jace!
The emotions that Jade puts you through is no joke, it’s an experience all on its own and one you MUST experience!! I cannot tell you how much I laughed, shedded a few tears, felt my heart go through the wringer, and fell in love with how much these two felt for each other so deeply, even when they couldn’t stand each other.
“Kiss me like you’re mine. I dare you.”
Jace and Dylan go way back as childhood best friends, turned enemies, and let me tell you that Jace is really out to destroy Dylan when she reappears into his life like a wrecking ball!
“I guess my broken pieces missed yours as much as I missed you.”
There’s that untold, underlining tension and love between these two that is undeniable, off the charts, and even when they spew hurtful words towards one another… there’s still something beautifully broken between Dylan and Jace.
Their journey was never easy, there was always something there possibly standing in their way, but it’s theirs. It’s so fucking perfect.
The raw and real emotions that these two go through as they try to navigate tolerating each other really makes you sit there and realize a few things:
Not all family is blood. It’s the loyalty that they show without a blink of an eye. It’s being there for that person when they are in their darkest moments. It’s continuing to love that person despite the mistakes that were made and getting over it.
“We were best friends before we were enemies, therefore my love for him will always be stronger than my animosity.”
Drop everything you are doing and get this book! It’s a MUST READ! I cannot recommenced this book enough, if I could give it ten stars, I would in a heartbeat! I cannot give this book enough praise! Pick it up, devour it, and thank me later!
Ashley Jade, as always, I bow down to your work!
Five (million) dreamy stars:
Ashley Jade’s BEST STAND-ALONE EVER!!!!!
Hands down, 2019’s Best Stand-Alone Book!!! Five brilliant stars, from the most brilliant author!!!!!
Wow, what a ride! Cruel Prince took me on a roller coaster ride of feels with plenty of angsty goodness that my little heart desires. I smiled and I laughed. I cried and I cursed. And I swooned all throughout. Ashley Jade delivers a powerful and emotional story that has left me obsessed and begging for more. The Royal Hearts Academy series starts off with a bang and never lets up from beginning to end.
“No one in the whole wide world has the power to make me feel both love and hate simultaneously the way Jace Covington does. He’s the yin to my yang. The down to my up. The crazy to my normal.”
Dylan and Jace were the best of friends up until four years ago when tragedy struck and their worlds were forever changed. Her family immediately moved away but when a bombshell is dropped, she is forced to return to her hometown. With her life in such chaos, she knows the only thing that can possibly make things better is by seeing her old best friend again. But when the two finally come face to face, he is filled with such hate leaving her confused and wondering what she did wrong. And despite all that he throws at her, she still loves him and is desperate to win back the boy who has always had her heart.
“I lost you once…and I’ll burn the whole fucking world to the ground before I ever make that mistake again.”
My love for this story knows no bounds. It is EVERYTHING; the delicious cover, the fiery sexual tension and the spitfire banter – this book has it all! Cruel Prince is nothing short of wonderful with the fantastic writing that this author is known for. It is an exciting roller coaster ride from the beginning culminating in a deeply emotional ending. The author crafted a fantastically well written story that had my heart aching and racing, and my emotions constantly churning. I positively inhaled this story, and in the end was left yearning for more.
Holy. Fucking. Hell. I first found Ashley when Complicated Parts book 1 was getting ready to be released. To say i have been hooked is an understatement. I finished this book in one day.
FYI: THIS BOOK IS A STANDALONE!! ITS BOOK 1 IN THE ROYAL HEARTS ACADEMY SERIES!!
This book has all the feels in it. Its a YA book but she made me feel how they feel. Yes technically their teenagers but they had to grow up faster than normal due some tragedies. I love Jace and his assholeness. He shoulders the burden and his entire family on his shoulders.
Dylan shouldnt be left out. Shes tough and she fights back with wit and sarcasm. She gives as good as she gets. I absolutely love how she doesnt take the guys’ shit.
Oakley, Cole and Sawyer are awesome friends/family to Jace and Dylan.
I highly recommend this book
When I received this book, I thought I would just read a couple chapters then finish reading later. I didn’t stop until it was finished. The story pulls you in from the first page. I actually had an English teacher once say to never use the word WOW unless you honestly are With Out Words to explain the situation. That is the best way to describe this book. WOW. Ashley Jade has started this school year off with a page turner that will takes us all back to our high school days. The emotions every teenager faces, deals with and goes through as they grow up. It’s real life in an elite private school that includes parties, bullying, manipulation, betrayal, money, and of course love. The boys are cocky and the girls are either bitc… or outcasts.
Read to find out if Jace and Dylan can overcome events from the past for a second chance at love or if Jace finally breaks Dylan. The events to follow will have you keep turning the pages to find out more. I am so looking forward to seeing where these group of friends/family/individuals go from here.
Note: Due to certain situations I recommend this book for readers 18+
Tic-Tic-Tic-Tic BOOM!!!
That sums up my feelings perfectly over this book.
Welcome to the Royal Hearts Academy it’s a Kingdom ruled by the elite, popularity is key. It’s Heaven if you have it, Hell if you haven’t.
Cruel Prince marks the start of a fantastic New Adult series from A. Jade. It had everything I love in a High School Bully Romance it’s full of drama, angsty, intense, gripping, frustrating and bloody addictive. With a few surprises that make it exceptional.
Jase and Dylan will get under your skin, you’ll want to rip your hair out at times. They infuriated me and had my hackles rising. Their relationship is a complex one full of secrets and a boatload of hurt, but there’s also a deep rooted friendship that came before everything else.
Loved Dylan and Jace’s journey so much it was very emotional and packed a powerful punch.
It was smoking hot too, Jase is definitely one sexy ass badboy.
I admired Dylan for her strength she was a little scrapper that didn’t bow down to the bullies. I adored her for that.
Cole cracked me up in this book he’s witty and a huge flirt I fuxking love this guy already.
Sawyer is one of my favourites too, there’s more to her than meets the eye, I hope so anyway.
I’m already desperate for book 2, I can’t wait.
Ok let me start by saying this book blew me away. I don’t know how Ashley did it but she managed to take a YA story and make it relatable to this 40 something woman. The way she took the words and manipulated them into actual feelings and emotions is utterly brilliant. Jase is the definition of cruel and you want to hate him and love him all at the same time. Dylan is not to be left out though and gives it right back with sassy sarcasm and wit. I laughed at, cried with and loved every character in this book. Well except for two but you will have to read it to find out who. Don’t wait just go out and one-click this book. You will not be sorry with this amazing standalone.