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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”Kiss me like you’re mine. I dare you.”
Absolutely brilliant. What else can I say. My first bok by this author and I’m for sure not stopping here. I read a lot of bully romances, but sometimes they lose its appeal (not enough of angst, undeveloped characters, no tension, etc.). This one stands among the winners.
What a great way to start a series
I think the author did a phenomenal job
with this book. It made the book more
realistic when she didn’t shy away from
certain topics that people of all ages tend
to deal with. I was totally biting my nails
while reading all the way through. I was so
anxious to see where everyone would end up
at the end of the book. Sleep deprivation was
sooo worth it though
Can’t wait for book 2 in the series.
I swear this book has more drama than a teenager has crazy hormones! Full of passion, angst, bullying, competition and bittersweet yearning, this book captivated me in all its maelstrom of feelings.
Dylan and Jace were best buds since fifth grade. They had a lot of anger in their hearts, they were both misfits and lonely, hurting because their moms died when they were too young. They had a fierce loyalty that started to go wrong when Dylan fell in love with Jace and he rejected her advances. He was hurtful and didn’t give an explanation for his actions. Then suddenly, Dylan was thrust from the Royal Hearts Academy into another city five hours away because her father landed a higher paying job. Fast forward, four years later, she returns to Royal Hearts Academy and finds herself a pariah and everyone hating her, most of all, Jace.
In this book, we deal with a lot of issues and plot lines. Dylan’s father is in jail for embezzling; she has a bad relation with her father because he favored her gold-digging stepmother over her. Dylan’s aunt took her in for her senior high school year, so now she has to contend with a step-cousin who is a pothead, hostile, loyal to Jace who is his best friend. And on top of things, Jace is now hanging out with Britney, who used to be Dylan’s mega-enemy in junior high. In the midst of all this hostility, the only light is her new friend Sawyer, a religious but profane nerdy girl who gives Dylan the acceptance and support she needs.
There are other characters important to the dynamic of this story: Cole, Jace’s younger brother, Bianca, Jace’s baby sister, Tommy, a long-time admirer of Dylan who gives all of us bad vibes, a cast of mean girls and drunkies who attend the wild school parties. An important character in this story is Liam, Cole’s twin, dead while Dylan was living away. He’s front and center of the narrative and the reason for most of the hostility and bullying found in this book.
Dylan gives as good as she gets but can’t help the hurt that Jace causes her. Eventually she wins her cousin Oakley over and Jace has moments of closeness but repents and goes back to rejection. We see a very conflicted Jace who fluctuates between jealousness, protectiveness, yearning and desire to hurt. He lost his mother too young, tried to take care of his younger siblings in the face of a neglectful father and is so full of rage that he has problems containing it until he explodes. There are several incidents of violence that feel like a volcano erupting lava.
The book is narrated in dual POV’s and different time frames. The flashbacks progress in time and eventually brings us to the revelation of all the hostility. I found that the violent incidents were a little too harsh but otherwise the book was riveting. I loved reading it and am looking forward to the Cole’s story!
“His edges are sharp like broken glass …deterring someone from getting too close. And while most people would walk away out of fear of being cut… I want to merge my broken pieces with his.”
Let’s go back in time. A few years back when I won a giveaway to read a book called Blame it on the Pain. I inhaled it and devoured it, Blame it on the Pain introduced me to an author I knew I will forever. Ashley Jade cast a spell on me. I became her ultimate fan. Fast forward to August 2019, Ashley Jade has once again mesmerized with a bully romance that made me weak. Wow, Cruel Prince absolutely decimated me. Cruel Prince held my heart in the palm of its hands. Soul Punishing words with an unforgettable story. Tantalizing characters with decadent personalities that awakened my heart. Written by Ashley Jade with a pen name, A. Jade, Cruel Prince is a unique story that will melt your heart and plays havoc with your emotions.
Cruel Prince is the incredible first standalone book in the Royal Hearts Academy with an addictive and enthralling storyline, shaking up my heart, The story blew my mind away. The story set fire to my soul. The story gave me all the heart inducing swoons and crippling chills. I fell in love with every single word and every single scene. Cruel Prince will give you goosebumps. Heart Tingling. Soul Moving. Heart Titillating. Heart Soaring. Cruel Prince is an extraordinary romance with such a rippling story. Cruel Prince is just a bull romance. No, it’s a brilliant story with friends to lovers and enemies to lovers trope taking you on a thrilling ride of tragedy, betrayal, lies, secrets, pain and love. A story cascading with teenage angst, passion. sex, drugs, alcohol and bullying. A. Jade’s storytelling is no joke. She catches your heart with her words and captures you. Cruel Prince definitely captured me. Both heart and soul.
The Royal Heart Academy truly gave me characters that made my heart happy. Seriously, I was introduced to characters that gave me whiplash. Cruel Prince introduces you to Jace and Dylan, who gave me sweet swooning moments, heart aching moments and all the emotions that gripped my heart. Jace and Dylan just electrified the pages with their beautiful chemistry. Jace and tortured antihero with so many flaws and Dylan, a headstrong and smartass heroine brought Cruel Prince a level of magnificence. I FLOVED THEM WITH ALL MY HEART!!!!!!
Cruel Prince truly made me excited for the rest of The Royal Heats Academy series. I can’t wait for me. I am already addicted!!!!!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
This book was amazing. The angst mixed in with the passion was such a good balance! I can’t wait for the next installment and see what baby brother has got in store for me!!
Great characters and storyline
Storyline: 4 stars
Characters: 4 stars
Heat Factor: 5 stars
Overall Rating: 4.25 stars
“There’s something dangerously enigmatic about Jace Covington”- Dylan Taylor
Cruel Prince is the first book in a new series by Ashley Jade. Having read other books by this author, I knew right away that I had to read this book after she revealed the blurb and I learned that it was a Mature YA/New Adult Bully Romance. The cover alone sold me on the book to be honest.
This book was filled with a little bit of everything that goes into making a great bully romance: angst, misunderstandings, secrets, and a hot alpha arsehole.
Jace and Dylan grew up the best of friends. Bonded through the loss of a parent, they became inseparable. When the feelings of friends began to shift to more things soon changed, leading to events that neither expects.
Ashley did a fabulous job with character development. Each character was strong but flawed making them relatable to the reader. Each possessed their own quirks and personalities which is craft that not all authors possess.
The plot was good and did keep the reader intrigued. I think bully romance is hard to write in general, especially with it being so popular right now so things tend to overlap at times but what Ashley did with her story was different and caught the attention of the reader.
This story is worth the read. There is so much more going on in this story than just your typical high school bully romance. I loved that I didn’t expect some of the things that happened. I loved that I loved the secondary characters just as much as the main characters. I just loved this book and am excited for the next books in the series.
4.25 stars
Yes!! This book is everything!! Ashely Jade absolutely nailed this book! I was hooked from the very first page! I may have lost sleep to finish Cruel Prince but it was totally worth it! I couldn’t put it down.
This book, the characters, the writing – there is no words to describe how I feel about it! Bravo Ashley Jade!! Cruel Prince had my emotions all over the place and angst, OH. MY. GOSH! If you’re a lover of angst then this is a definite, one click MUST! Talk about a book hangover!
Jace and Dylan are fire! And talk about steamy, holy moly – Cruel Prince most definitely has that and more!
You NEED this book in your life!
Darling, I’d like to attend Royal Hearts Academy. Not to study, but to stare at the handsome jerk, Jace Covington.
He stole my black heart that only seems to fall in love with bad boys.
Put the bad boy in the storyline A. Jade created and you get an amazing book.
One that is entertaining, well written and filled with sexy men. Frenemies to lovers is what you’ll sign up for if you take a chance on this book.
A. Jade has me in the palm of her hand with this story. And honestly, I can’t wait for the next one in the series.
Dylan and Jace, childhood best friends who might love each other more then just friends,
but that ended by some heartbreaking events which drove hate in the heart of Jace. And when I say heartbreaking, I mean it truly destroys your heart. It’s sad, painful and so realistic that it hurt so much to read it.
What ended the friendship for Dylan was that she moved away suddenly. But four years later, her life doesn’t look so great anymore, but the only sparkle in her life then is that she’ll have her best friend Jace with her when she moves back to her hometown. But soon she’ll realize that her best changed as well during that period. Now he despises her. And Dylan has no idea why. She’ll find out why, not only to have her best friend back but also because her heart still beats for him.
‘There’s something dangerously enigmatic about Jace Covington.’
What made this story so worthwhile is that the event that made Jace bitter is built up really well. The author gives snippets of what happened and slowly but surely you get a picture. A picture that is dark and painful. And Jace shoves the blame for what happened that day on Dylan. It is extremely realistic and I think in this period also something very sensitive which only made it better for me.
The characters in this book were flawed, but still easy to love. Even when Jace is an …asshole from beginning to almost the end. Both know grief and how it can shape a person, how hard it can be to live without someone and that really gets a spotlight in this book. Which is a great aspect because it made the characters even more in-depth. The side-characters A. Jade created absolutely stole my heart and they made me long for their story even more. They made it even more entertaining. You’ll love them too, I swear.
“He’s the yin to my yang. The down to my up. The crazy to my normal. The damaged pieces to all my broken parts.”
And then there was the chemistry between the two main characters. Much of it was filled with a sparkle of hate which made it all so hot. It’s fantastic to read how Jace hates Dylan so much, but sometimes the love and the connection wins from the negative feelings towards her. His love for her runs deep but it is coated by a layer of despise. But sometimes it just burst out and those moments were my favorite. Not only were they heated, spicy, but they also showed the reader what their relationship would be like.
This book truly is an enemies-to-lovers. A. Jade gave me a new series to fall in love with. To obsess over. She gave me a wonderful storyline filled with teenage drama, painful memories and pure love. Flawed characters never shined so brightly as in Cruel Prince. And common, Jace is an absolute bad boy, that is enough to take a shot at this book.
Girls, welcome to the kingdom of the cruelest Prince you’ve ever met!
“I’m destroying the kingdom.
And just like a game of chess.
You have to take down the queen before conquering the king.
Or in this case, the prince.”
God, I love reading good books- about bad boys!!! Not just bad, one that makes my stomach shrink, my heart ache, my hands shake and my panties… well, you know what I mean (this is a public group, for heaven’s sake!) JACE Fucking COVINGTON!!!
“How could someone so gorgeous be so cruel?”
Dylan and Jace met when they were 11-years-old. Dylan, who lost her mother, found comfort with the broken, lonely boy who carried all the pain of his younger siblings on his shoulders, after the lost of their mother.
Their tragedies connected them, and they become best friends, but when Dylan’s feelings for him became deeper than friendship, Jace rejected her- although it was obvious he felt the same, he doesn’t explain why…
When Jace finally surrendered to his emotions, Dylan’s father unexpectedly transferred them to another city for a better job opportunity. He didn’t give her time to digest the news or say goodbye to the most important person in her life…
But the day she left, something terrible happened to Jace and his family. Something that would change everything.
Four years later, Dylan returns to attend her senior year at ‘Royal Hart Academy High’. Despite the pain from returning to the place that reminds her of her mother, one thing helps… seeing Jace Covington again.
And although Jace never responded to her calls or messages over the years, she certainly didn’t expect such a cruel welcoming… Jace is cold and mean, trying to break her spirits and to get her out of his town, this time for good.
“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.
The damaged pieces to all my broken parts.”
Dylan doesn’t understand what she did to justify his behavior, but she doesn’t give up easily. She’s strong but caring, bad-ass but sweet… and her heart still belongs to one boy. a boy who used to be everything to her – and now he’s her bully.
Secrets, lies, betrayals and pain… Why does Jace hate Dylan so much? What did she do to him? Will he ever forgive her? Will she forgive him and herself…?
“Kiss me like you’re mine. I dare you.”
Well, let me start with … WOW!
I’ve read quite a few books by this author, but this just became one of my favorites!
The characters are perfect (even the secondary!) The plot is a roller-coaster of emotions full of heartache, passion, anger and one HUGE love! Ashley always manage to bring drama, humor, suspense and surprising twists to her stories.
“I used to believe everything was black and white… right and wrong. But now I’m starting to think people might not be the sum of their greatest achievements… or their worst mistakes.”
It’s a story of acceptance, forgiveness and family … A family who will always be there for you- even in your darkest moments, even if they aren’t related by blood.
Dylan and Jace’s journey is not easy or sweet – but it certainly topped all my expectations! If I could, I would give it a lot more than 5 stars!
So if you like YA, this book is A MUST. Trust me !!!
“Cruel Prince” is book one of the ‘Royal Hearts Academy’ series, each one is about a different character and can be read as a standalone.
***I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book.***
Jace & Dylan
Wow!!! I’m always hesitant to read NA. It’s usually a hit or miss for me. I have to say, Damn Cruel Prince was not what I expected. I floved every bit of it.
The characters were well written and the story line is was so unexpected for me.
Dylan has suffer heartache at a young age losing her mom and not having the love she’s craving from her dad. She meets Jace and his siblings and it’s an immediate tight friendship that is built between Dylan and Jace until one fatal night changes her whole world.
Jace has taken on the role of big brother seriously in his household especially after the death of his mom. His friendship with Dylan is growing throughout the years and notices changes in his feelings but there’s other dynamics going on that keeps Jace from fully expressing himself and having to hold back.
This book is full of suspenseful moments that keep you intrigued throughout the whole book. It’s difficult to write this review without spoilers.. Just know, this is an absolutely amazing read!
Thank you Ashley Jade for writing a kick ass character as Dylan Taylor!
This book has everything I am looking for in a bully romance story angst and drama. Dyland and Jace story was amazing, I think this ride needs to be taken with a seatbelt on and fully strapped. There are times when Dyland doubts herself, it is a real emotion and anyone can have at any moment regardless of trying to be strong, Jace is a total douche bag and he tries to hurt Dylan in all the worst possible ways for her, the psychology behind everything he does might take you to believe different things, but sometimes guy are exactly like that in real life, I think the author had a great story and characters so near the reality that even though it is a romance fictional novel, it gives us a glimpse on what happens sometimes in real life and that right there is why I love the book. The emotions are all there even if you don’t agree on what or why they do or how they do it, the characters are amazing and I am so looking forward to reading the next one.
My bff Sandy called me and said I “had” to read this book. Now knowing how I felt about H.S. Bully Books, I figured this had to be good for her to insist I read it. Admittedly, I have read 2 Authors that have written this type of book and enjoyed them, but I vowed to stay off the bandwagon. Well call me surprised that I have found a third that I really liked.
Cruel Prince has a lot going for it that didn’t trigger my usual dislike of younger H’s & h’s. First off the storyline was terrific, I felt just as mad and bad about what went on that I immediately empathized with all major characters. Secondly Jace, has his heart firmly entrenched with his family, never can fault that and he does things that you want to smack him upside the head for, but he is 17/18 and does act like as such with the weight of his family squarely on his shoulders. Third is Dylan.
THANK YOU Ashley Jade for NOT creating one of my pet peeves, a whiny, woe is me heroine. Nope Dylan is amazingly wise beyond her years and handles herself in a manner that while still 17/18 years old, makes “normal” teenage mistakes and none written for angst or drama where there wasn’t a need. And lastly, the supporting characters; Cole, Sawyer (my absolute girl crush) and Oakley. If you are on the bully bandwagon, give this one a shot and if you are like me – hop on for a spin, you won’t be disappointed.
I couldn’t put this book down once I started it. Jace Covington is an ass. When his longtime best friend returns back home he vows to seek his revenge. Yet, Dylan is left completely in the dark as to why he’s holding a grudge towards her. These two are off the charts hot together. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
This author sure knows how to write a story that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go until you’re gasping on the floor wondering what just happened. I hated Jace. I loved Jace. I wanted to destroy him just as much as he wanted to obliterate Dylan. Then I wanted to clutch him to my bosom and comfort him through his grief and pain. Dylan is smart, beautiful, and strong. This story was everything that I expected it to be and more. I can’t wait to read Cole and Bianca’s stories. And can I just say that I heart Oakley so hard!
Holy mother of God! What have I read? Just WHAT HAVE I READ?! I am coursing one of THE most powerful book hangovers EVER! I just couldn’t put it down! I knew this book was going to be epic, rough, passionate and painfully hard to read but nothing could have prepared me for the onslaught of emotional turmoil each intersection and every word between Dylan and Jace caused in me. By the end of this I was a blubbering, sobing hot mess and I loved every second of it. Ashley Jade is by far one of the best authors out there when you are talking about Angsty stories. She destroys you and puts you back up with every sentence pouring out of her in this and in every other book he has written. And God if that is not the best feeling while reading a book.
Holy Amazeballs…. i swear Ashley Jade never lets me down… When i thought I’ve read it all… she turns around and throws you for a loop. i truly thought i knew what i was getting myself into with Cruel Prince but i really had NO IDEA… This book is one perfectly messed up read and i am soooo looking forward the next one in the series!! Kudos as always on yet another amazing story!! ***If you haven’t read this yet what are you waiting for?!?!***
5 Bully Stars
This book has everything you’re looking for in a bully romance. Heartbreaking back story with an Alpha bully and a love that was always meant to be, yes please! I absolutely love Ashley’s writing style she has the ability to draw you into a story from the start and hold you captive throughout. I could not put this down once I started and you won’t either. She does not disappoint with this addictive bully romance.
“His edges are sharp like broken glass… deterring someone from getting to close. And while most would walk away out of fear of being cut… I want to merge my broken pieces with his.”
Jace is Everything!! Sexy brooding bad ass with a short fuse and a possessive side that can’t be matched. From the very first page you are made aware why Jace is the way he is. And it broke my heart and completely endeared me to him. He was broken and lost trying to mend what can’t possibly be mended. He builds walls around him so that he won’t be hurt anymore and the one person he thought never would does.
He is mean and vindictive but even so you can’t help but see through the mask he’s trying to wear. The way he treats Dylan is likely to give you whiplash as it did with me. For this and a myriad of other reasons you want to hate him, but you just can’t your heart won’t let you.
“One second Jace looks at me like I’m the answer to some prayer. But the next? It’s like I’m the Devil dragging him on a road to hell.”
I love a strong female character that doesn’t take any shit. And Dylan is that in spades. She stands up for herself from the start and doesn’t back down. I love the fire in her Soul and the way she doesn’t settle for the way Jace is treating her. She is absolutely gorgeous and understandably confused about why Jace is acting the way he is. The banter between them is fantastic it’s like foreplay every time their together. The anticipation builds through every interaction and every page waiting for the inevitable combustion. The fire and heat between them are palpable you can feel it through the pages.
“If you want to stop the dogs from peeing on your lawn, you need to put up a fence. Not a sign.”
Even though this story is filled with all the passion inducing angst you can handle. Ashley injects a perfect balance of humor throughout. I found myself laughing out loud on multiple occasions. And can I just say Oakley is hilarious. I loved every second of him in this story. So, if you’re looking for a deliciously sexy bully romance that will pull at your heartstrings and make you laugh at the same time, look no further. This is the book for you. I highly recommend this. So, hurry grab a copy and buckle up for an amazing ride that will leave you wanting more. I Dare You.
Omg what a rollercoaster of emotions and so many secrets to be revealed. Jace and Dylan were childhood best friends that were separated by tragedy. But this tragedy was filled with lies that had Jace being extremely cruel to Dylan when she returned four years later. I despised Jace’s attitude and Dylan I liked but at times I wished she had more of a backbone when it came to Jace. But with others she was no doormat and was a bada$$. They both experienced the loss of loved ones but grieved differently. There was so much ups and downs and o wondered how on the world will all this mess be cleared up. After all the struggle Jace finally came to his senses and fought for his girl. These two are soulmates and literally know each other like he palm of their hands. The secondary characters, Dylan’s bff, her cousin and Jace’s brother added much drama and spice also to this story. Great start for a new series!!! Can’t wait for book 2.
Amazing story that had me not wanting it to end. Talk about an emotional roller-coaster ride that had me hooked and unable to put down. I’m left needing more of this amazing series