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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Y’all, I don’t even know where to begin with this book. Just when I thought Ashley Jade couldn’t possibly top her previous work she proved me wrong. I didn’t even know a book could break my heart, steal it, put it back together again, and exchange it for another’s; but that’s exactly what this book did. I will be honest, I have been on the hunt for another new adult series I truly enjoyed. I’ve come across some hits and a handful of misses. But this book has it ALL. Love, hate, romance, revenge, a dash of grief and a pinch of mystery. Jace is brooding and a total bad boy I can promise you will love to hate, and Dylan is boss who gives as good as she gets and you will cheer her on the whole way. Jace is taking hearts and names, and Dylan is no doormat, and Cruel Prince takes you on a roller coaster you will not forget. I absolutely, truly loved this story and I cannot wait for the next in the series!!
(I received an ARC copy and am giving my 100% honest review for this book. I recommend it to EVERYONE, go read it!!)
An emotional and epic read. I couldn’t put it down. So many emotions tugging at my heartstrings, I’m still trying to figure them all out hours later. If you are looking for a book that will pull you in and twist you up, then this is the book for you. I can’t wait to see where the series takes everyone.
Really great book! In true Ashley Jade fashion there were twists and turns that I didn’t see coming, as well the angst and love I’ve come to expect from her books. It hooked me from chapter one, kept me interested throughout the entire book, and when it ended I was actually bummed because it was over! I’m hoping there are about 30 more books in this series because I have a feeling they are going to be great!!
I absolutely savored this book and all the high school bully, angst and emotion from this book. In fact I have read it twice now since its release. This is hands down one of Ashley’s best books ever. The characters were so well written I loved how detailed they were written. The story line had me captured mind body and soul from the first chapter. The family dynamics of the Covingtons while slightly dysfunctional really is a quite functional and tight family. I loved the moving pieces that kept me on my toes not knowing who to trust and pondering when I was going to get the full story of everything that happened in the past.
Brilliant angsty read!
Holy Crickets Y’all! So this book was awesomely, angsty AF! I have most def been on a “Bully Romance” kick as of late and this will satisfy even the most knarly of hankerings for some big-time bully romance. Jace and Dylan, our gorgeous H and h both as individuals packed a serious punch as kick a** characters. But when you put them together, they are legit hotter than Satan’s butt! Jace is damaged, plagued by guilt. A horrible lie led to a misunderstanding and four years of hatred towards what was once his best friend/ holder of his heart, Dylan.
When Dylan arrives back in town after four years acting as if nothing ever happened, Jace makes it his mission to drive her right back where she came from ASAP! His focus is taking care of his family.
Dylan arrives back home, after a devastating event in her life. She is very excited to reunite with her best friend and the only guy who has she has ever really loved. Much to her disappointment, she does not receive the welcome she had anticipated and has no idea why that is? After everything this poor girl has been through, my heart broke for her. She just wanted her best friend. How will she handle the torment and continuous shade thrown her way by Jace? Don’t worry though, this girl is no push over. She is sassy and will bite back! How will Jace handle when Dylan fights back?
Join the whole RHA crew and get ready for wild parties, angst, banter and smokin’ hot tension. You ready for some hot and rowdy boys? How about the gorgeous sweet and feisty girls that won’t take their crap? Be prepared to be sucked right into this world Ashley Jade has crafted with all its beautiful people and this new fantastic, emotional and tragically original storyline.
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced complimentary copy of this book.
My cr8zysockbookblock overall ratings for this book!
– This was a great first book in the Royal Hearts Academy Series. I’m looking forward to the next two books that are already planned and I know of a character or two I would love to have a book if it’s not already in the works!
– There was a lot of tension between the H and h for lots of this book. He especially wasn’t planning on giving in!
Cliffhanger Warning- NO CLIFFHANGER. This is a series, but each book is a stand alone.
First off let me say I’m not a huge fan of YA books. I don’t seek them out because I usually spend most of my time rolling my eyes when the characters are supposed to be 17-18 and they are acting 25. That being said, I knew I had to read this one because I have enjoyed other books by this author.
I had no idea beyond high school bullying what this book would be about. I went in pretty much blind. As always Ashley Jade takes risks, she pushes boundaries and what I love most, she’s unapologetic about it! She goes where the story leads. This story will definitely keep you guessing, keep you rooted to your seat, and keep your emotions swinging from one extreme to the other. Sometimes I was cheering, sometimes I was crying, and other times I was mad as hell! All signs of a great book! I devoured Cruel Prince in a day. I could not put it down and I’m so glad I took the chance and read this masterpiece. No matter what you think you know about this book, in the end, you’ll be amazed because it’s so much bigger than one Hero bully. So much deeper than the love between one boy and one girl. It’s tragedy and heartbreak, beauty and friendship, a bond between siblings and friends, the hatred between enemies but most of all it’s a message to all of us to just be kind. Consider your actions and your words and how easily they can damage others. The repercussions may just be bigger than you could ever imagine.
If you have any doubts, just take the plunge. You will not be disappointed with this one! I can’t wait to see what’s in store for us in the books to come! (less)
“The Mariana Trench isn’t deep enough for what I feel for you.”
Cruel Prince in the first in Ashley Jade’s new Royal Hearts Academy series and with a warning label that reads “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” how could you go wrong? The answer is you absolutely CAN”T! It is told in alternating POV between Jace and Dylan and can be read as a complete standalone.
Cruel Prince was one of my most anticipated books in the last couple of months and I’m happy to say it delivered. A mix of second chance, enemies-to-lovers, bully romance, Cruel Prince took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions from the hysterical first chapter to the heartbreaking climax and ultimately the swoon worthy ending.
Dylan’s character is so strong and fierce. She gave as good as she got and most of the banter was hilarious. Jace was a douche, but he truly believed he had reason to be. The cast of supporting characters really made this book that much more entertaining, adding plenty of laugh-oh-loud moments to relieve the heavy tension and angst surrounding Dylan and Jace.
“We were best friends before we were enemies, therefore my love for him will always be stronger than my animosity.”
I 100%, hands down, will read this book again. The writing is phenomenal and all of the characters are great. I used my highlight feature so many times with this book. The storyline flowed well and kept me engaged…it’s what I like to call a “one more chapter” book. You know, when you tell yourself just one more chapter but then the chapter ends and you have to see what happens next and next thing you know its 2am and you’re left with a dreamy smile on your face. I cannot wait to read Cole’s book next!
I’ve been trying to come up with the appropriate words that could do justice and describe this book… Fierce, Powerful, Staggering, Shattering, Exciting, Mind Blowing… None of these can come close to the Perfection that is Cruel Prince.
Jade hits on so many taboo headlines.. No I’m not talking about that kind of taboo. I mean the kind that people are hush, hush about. The kind that society tries to hide at the back of the closet. The kind that needs to be pushed out into the open and all the strings of shame cut.
This book will gut you, tie you in knots, have you crying and then belly laughing in a matter of moments.
Jade’s work keeps getting better and better. She has created characters that you will fall in love with and remember forever. Yes there are more books to come on the other characters, but they are all going to be standalones. So no worries, you won’t have a cliffy that drives you nuts.
Make sure you one click this beauty today!
Absolutely amazing. This is very much a romance story that along the way, fate deals a cruel hand that caused a ripple effect of heartbreaks, misunderstandings, and turmoil, resulting in the actions of hatred, confusion, hurt and grief. Ashley Jade does an amazing job showcasing the present story line along a past one, allowing the readers to understand the full knowledge of everyone’s actions and responses. It is a wonderful story, that at times, had me crying from the emotion she pored into it. I was enthralled and did not want to stop reading till I was done (which was 4:00 am) I am so excited to read the other books in this series and see what is happening with the other characters
Freaking perfect!! Gah, I don’t even know where to begin. This book was just one of them books that you become obsessed with, I mean like you can’t put it down, you just want to keep reading and then you don’t want it to end. I wanted more and I still do. I don’t want to give anything away but let’s just say you will hate to love Jace and at times want to beat the living crap outta him. And Dylan. Oh bada$$ Dylan, I did love her and her kick butt attitude. She is my new favorite heroine of Ashley’s. Oh and let’s not forget the pothead Oakley, Dylan’s cousin and Jace’s best friend. That boy had me rolling. Loved him.. This book had me feeling all kinds of emotions like love, hate and heartbreak and heart warming at times. Honestly though Ashley could write a book on “how to shovel sh*t in a parking lot” and I read would it. Love her books. Definitely recommend this but come prepared when starating this because you will not want to put it down.
Outstanding and Amazing!! Emotional ride!! Phenomenal!! These are only a few words of many that can describe how this book is.
Ashley Jade is known for her dark and twisted books yes and when she mentioned that she was gonna be diving into the YA/NA world I instantly knew it was good be a hit. Why bc it’s Ashley freaking Jade. The way she draws you in with her words and the way she brings the characters to lives it’s a true true talent.
Cruel Prince is a standalone in the Royal Hearts Academy series. This story is about Jace and Dylan. The story is far more than what I expected. The love these two had for one an another, was different than any other love. But there was one problem, Jace loved her but he wasn’t the only one.
As always she gives us side/secondary characters that being the story even more to life and makes us for all love with them all. Cole, Oakley and Bianca are definitely ones too look out for. Along with Sawyer she is the best friend every girl needs in their life.
This books will have you go through all the emotions. Laughing to crying to being in so taken in by the angst of this world that’s been created.
I highly recommend this book and anything really written by Ashley. Definitely can’t wait for Cole’s books.
Dylan and Jace were slow burn romance and the heartache was so unbearable. Jace and his friends and family ruled the town and high school. Dylan is a strong, feisty woman that won’t back down. These two were so HOT and the tension just keeps you on edge. I loved it and can’t wait to read about Cole, Oakley and Bianca.
Amazing!
Absolutely one of my favorite books of the year! So much more than a five star read, it has drama, its sexy and yes i cried. It definitely pulled at my heart strings and there is so much going on you can’t help but be invested in it.
It has everything I love about YA reads. Best friends who fall for each other, mean girl and of course bullies. Jace and Dylan are both wonderful characters who I couldn’t get enough of and I loved getting both POV’s. I loved knowing what they were both thinking and feeling and believe me this book has all the feels. So excited for the next book!
Ashley has scored once again with this hearttouching story of Love gone wrong in horrendous ways.
This High School Bully romance gets right down to business from page 1. It shock and stuns with brutal honesty about not-so-innocent High Schoolers heavily indulging in alcohol, drugs, sex and bullying.
All are interrelated and one thing leads to the other.
“Heart doesn’t choose who we love by their worth.
Because love isn’t a choice.
It’s an illogical, all-consuming consequence that results from someone stealing a vital piece of you”
When the verbal bullets start whizzing, the innocent ones are caught in the fray and such is Dylan Taylor. Left alone to survive in the cruel world of Royal Manor town and school, she’s haunted by the ghosts past. Shown no mercy, forever spat at verbally and emotionally, she’s just a sweet girl caught in the melee of clashing egos of Jace Covington and Tommy DaSilva. A pawn trapped in a game of chess, she soon shows her spine of steel and stumbles and tries to stand up to her bullies. Trouble is one has got her heart, the other, her friendship.
“Are you crazy? Do you have any idea what you’re doing?”
Yup. 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.”
“Jace is opposite of colorless
Jace is Blue.
A beautiful, turbulent ocean full of depth….and an incandescent sky that only gives you small glimpses of all its radiant colors….before turning gloomy and dark.”
I liked the setting, the plot and the smooth flow of the story. ashley is improving with every book and this book was flawless in its narration.the angst factor is set high, lust and love keep clashing persistently making it a frustratingly slow burn. I love when the author toys with my heart and Ashley treats it like her pet toy.
The characters are very well defined and their sizzling chemistry sets the pages on fire. Sarcasm is heavy and strong, words cut open wounds and scathing attacks are splattered everywhere
Scintillating story with a lot of heart.
4.5 stars for push and pulls of the heart
Amazing!
Absolutely one of my favorite books of the year! So much more than a five star read, it has drama, its sexy and yes i cried. It definitely pulled at my heart strings and there is so much going on you can’t help but be invested in it.
It has everything I love about YA reads. Best friends who fall for each other, mean girl and of course bullies. Jace and Dylan are both wonderful characters who I couldn’t get enough of and I loved getting both POV’s. I loved knowing what they were both thinking and feeling and believe me this book has all the feels. So excited for the next book!
*Review by Michelle
4.5 stars
“We were best friends…but our demons were kindred spirits.”
So, first of all, this was my first book by Ashley Jade and now I’m wondering where I was with my head all this time? How could I miss out on such a talented writer?
Wow, seriously… this book is a thrilling ride from the first word to the last. After Bully by Penelope Douglas, THIS one here is one of the best bully romance I’ve read so far.
“”I see you,” I breathe between kisses. “You’re my favorite color.”
The characters in this book are everything. Easy to love, easy to hate, easy to care for. The way they work together, the dynamic they create, the push and pull, the chemistry. Even the side characters fit in so flawlessly.
“I guess my broken pieces missed yours as much as I missed you.”
This author has a talent to swing words at you, creating an emotional mine field that will set of one bang after the other. You feel everything itensified: the hate, the love, the shame, the grief, the loss. I could picture everything so clearly like watching a movie. And this alone indcates to me as a reader that this book is full of awesome stuff that keeps your mind spinning.
“I can’t change the past, but I can change the future…and mine includes you.”
Cruel Prince will hit you with a force you didn’t see coming. A thrilling bully romance to be reckoned with.
Overall Rating – .5
I was so excited when this landed on my kindle and I couldn’t wait to dive in.
This is the story of Jace and Dylan. Both used to be best friends and on the cusp of something special when Dylan moved away and Jaces’ world changed forever.
Now Dylan is back and is looking forward to connecting with her former best friend, however, Jace isn’t the person she left 4 years ago and he doesn’t want to know her and in return needs to get rid of her and starts to manipulate things that will ensure Dylan leaves.
Dylan is a strong character and is subject to Jace’ bullying. Although he tries, she’s feisty, sticks up for herself and slowly works her way into talking with him again.
The angst between these characters is insane with the push and pull between them and the sizzling chemistry. The story jumps back and forwards in time which I’m not a huge fan of, however, it was needed for the story.
Overall this was a great read and I loved the story between Jace and Dylan, it was emotional at times and totally sucked me in. I would have liked more steamy scenes knowing how great Jade is at writing them. The side characters all played a great part and I can’t wait to read their stories.
Wow, what a ride… I have been looking forward to reading this book ever since I first read the blurb. What can I say… I am all for a good “bully” YA story. They are like cupcakes to me… I want to gobble them all up.
I knew even before opening this one, that I was in for an emotional rollercoaster and a world of angst. Of course, I was right…as ever…and I was alternating laughing, crying, swooning and cursing all throughout the story. I love it when a book can me feel so many different emotions !!
If you’re like me and you have a weakness for redeemable assholes…then you have hit the jackpot with Jace and Cole. I am still not sure, which of them I like most…they are both so bad
Not to mention their good pall Oakley, he was his own brand of awesome.
Now, this is Jace’s story….or I should say, Dylan and Jace’s story. Yes, this story did remind me of “Bully” by Penelope Douglas, which is one of my all-time favorite books. That said…it was also very different.
Dylan and Jace used to be the best of friends 4 years ago…but tragedy strikes in a big and awful way and pretty much everything changes after that. Dylan’s family takes her away and she doesn’t set food into her hometown until 4 years later.
Even though her life has turned to shit in a major way, she is still looking forward to seeing her old best friend again. He is the only thing in her life right now she is looking forward too.
But when she finally comes face to face with him and she sees nothing but hate staring back at her…she isn’t sure what the hell is going on. That look of hate is just the beginning though and Dylan can’t stop wondering what happened to the boy she loved…and still loves… But she will surely find out.
Now I absolutely enjoyed reading this book, even though it gave me a bald spot from pulling my hair. There were times when I got a little bit annoyed with Dylan and she kept giving Jace the benefit of the doubt. He was more than cruel to her but she just couldn’t stop her feelings for him.
I had to remind myself that she was just 17/18 years old. And yes…the heart wants what it wants, but self-respect and self-worth are also very important I think. But like I said…I am (unfortunately) not 18 anymore…and I haven’t been for a long time
I really had an awesome time reading this book. I am part zombie today because of it. Once I started I had to finish it…and I am glad I did. Now I really want Cole’s story, because I just feel like he is gonna be my favorite out of all…
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review
Cruel Prince is a second chance, bully romance that stands out from the rest.
It is imply amazing. This book is consuming, enthralling, kindle crack. I loved EACH character SO HARD. I was immersed in the compelling story and the writing. It transported me away from everything.
This book was read in one sitting. I couldn’t get enough. Cruel Prince is everything I yearn for in a book. It satiated every need. It captured my attention from the very beginning and brought me smack-dab into an enthralling story of second-chance romance where redemption, friendship and love must be fought for. Where love and hate collide.
There were shocking moments, tender moments, passionate moments, emotional moments, laugh-out-loud moments not to mention a lot of love.
Dylan was strong and feisty. She did not let anyone step all over her. She fought back and made everyone understand that she will NOT be bullied. She also stood up for who and what she believes in.
Jace, sigh! He came off as such a jerk in the beginning. In the end, however, I understood and he became everything I expect in a hero. He is perfectly imperfect. He is passionate, brutal and mean but it hides unbearable pain and devastation. Such a shame that he loves pineapple pizza. Don’t know if I could ever forgive him for that one!
The secondary characters left their mark on me. They are all hurting in one way or another and I am desperate for each of them to get their HEA!
This is an extraordinary beginning to a series that is fast on its way to becoming my next addiction.
Cruel Prince is for those of us who love bad words, angry girls and naughty boys.
After four years, Dylan is returning to Royal Manor. She expects to re-unite with her best friend and the boy she has always loved, Jace. But Jace, is no longer the boy she came to love or the best friend that always defended her. He is angry, mean and has become her own personal bully.
Years of friendship and love die hard however and causes Dylan and Jace to attract as much as they repel each other.
Will Dylan and Jace finally get their HEA? Or, will secrets and lies tear them apart for good?
This standalone start of a new series of young adult books gave me all the feels. If I could let it rain stars I would.
Dylan and Jace were best friends until they weren’t anymore. When Dylan starts her senior year she has to face the music and her new enemies. What happened back then that started a chain of events she isn’t even aware of?
And she has to face her not so BFF anymore Jace Covington, oldest Covington brother and head jerk at Royal Heart Academy. And a jerk he is. Holy cannonball he is such a piece of… I can’t even tell.
This story had me constantly on the verge of gritting my teeth, anger tendencies, tears and heartache… and a lot of love and other good feelings. Because this author tells stories so flawless flowing and vivid that even the gritty and sad and angry parts suck me in and give me not only words to read but pictures to experience the drama like from a front row seat.
While A. Jade effortlessly made me fall in love with Jace and Dylan she also managed to make me crave the next books with a vengeance already because you can already see what you will get and the future looks stunning and absolutely read worthy again.