Cruel King (Royal Elite, #0) by Rina Kent

Cruel King (Royal Elite, #0) Reviews

• 
  Mareeva

  I think it's about time we move past saying "DNF". I am
  FTSIOing
  
  This is what I get for craving a high school romance. I deserved every bit of pain I've felt while reading this book.
  
  HEROINE: Her body seems to be in a never ending tingling state. She should probably see a doctor.
  
  HERO: lil boy needs an ass whooping.....an ass flogging if you will. That teenage little bitch thought too much of himself.
  
  THE UNITED KINGDOM: Does not claim this book. The Queen would finally drop dead if she read this (long live her majesty). Even all the "buggers", "arseholes" and "shagging" did not make the writing sound even remotely British.
  
  edit 09.2022: The queen died today y'all and I know it's because she finally read Cruel King.
  
  THE VIKINGS, THE NINJA TURTLES, AND MY BRAIN CELLS: Rolling in their graves right now.
  
  ME: Salty, wet tears of frustration accumulated. And I'm not being sarcastic. By chapter four I had to pause to compose myself because I laid there like...
  
  
  My fellow correspondent and buddy reader
  Tanaz has unfortunately suffered the same fate as me. After 10 chapters of gruelling reading she demanded a D-N-F. Here are her last reports before the incident:
  
  TANAZ: "Astrid is a dumb little hoe with body betraying syndrome, how you gonna let Levi bully you and then get wet when he touched your RIBS. #justiceforqueennicole"
  
  Thank you Tanaz. Very deep.
  
  PS: I swear to god if I hear even one person tell me I can't rate or review because I dnfed I'll find your address, climb through your window, tie you to a chair, point a gun to your head, and make you read this stupid fucking book. THEN WE'LL TALK.
• 
  ellie

  this book came up on my tl and saw i gave this two stars... and all i remember is the hero taking the heroine’s virginity and he wears a condom... only for him not to wear one the second time a little while later where she then proceeds to tell him to stop bcos he’s not wearing protection and she’s not on the pill.
  
  and he refuses to stop, keeps having sex with her while she continuously says no and threatens her to get on the pill immediately bcos the next time they have sex he doesn’t want to wear a condom and doesn’t give a fuck if she’s on the pill or not.
  
  and also gets pissed at her for wanting him to stop bcos “that must mean she doesn’t want kids with him and the thought of her having kids with him must sicken her”. y’all are eighteen, calm tf down💀 i even remember this scene taking place on her eighteenth birthday... stay in school and wrap that shit up. so this bitch gets one star for having a hero with rapey vibes.
• 
  Ꮗ€♫◗☿ ❤️ ilikebooksbest.com ❤️

  Awesomely Cruel King!
  
  
  
  5 stars out of 5. This was an awesome bully romance and the relationship between the two main characters was just about as sizzling hot as it could possibly be. If only a guy would be as into me as Levi King is into Astrid Clifford, I would be a fantastically happy woman. This is a romance where the heroine is one of the “invisible” people at the RES (Royal Elite School) and Levi King was not only from the richest family, but he was the Captain of the Football team and the hottest guy in school.
  
  Astrid attends a party with her best friend Daniel and someone slips ecstasy in her drink. She comes on to Levi King who is about to take her up on the offer when he sees her pupils and figures out she is on drugs. He kicks her out and she gets lost in the woods until overhearing some guys plotting something in the woods. They chase her down until she is hit by a car. She spends the summer recuperating and in therapy but comes back strong.
  
  The problem is that Levi was involved in some way and wants her to drop the investigation into the hit and run. So he begins to bully her, when before he had never known she existed. Astrid liked being invisible and doesn’t want that to change, but when the most popular guy in school pays attention to you, it is difficult to be invisible.
  
  Though she liked her status as one of the people that were ignored, she is not one to back down. So when Levi starts to bring it, she turns it around on him as much as possible, until he takes it a bit too far. Levi starts to feel guilt and can’t stop thinking about Astrid. From there the relationship between the two of them changes and heats up more and more until the romance is so hot you might just get burned. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
  
  There are many obstacles in the way of this romance, in addition to the hit and run. Both Levi and Astrid have issues at home and at school. The story is just so good, I couldn’t stop reading till I finished. It is truly one of the best bully romance books I have read. I really liked the characters and many of the supporting characters. They were well developed and had great personalities. There were a few darker supporting characters as well that were portrayed perfectly. Certainly there was more than one villain in this book! Though It is not always easy to determine who is really a villain.
  
  
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• 
  Madita

  The plot twist was really just thrown in there
• 
  NMmomof4

  4 Stars
  
  Overall Opinion: This was a fun bully/hate-to-love type romance! It came recommended from one of my dear GR friend that, like me, enjoys the grittier/messier romances from time to time. I have found that I usually prefer those types of stories over the (what I call) fluffy ones! If you have big triggers about anything related to cheating -- please see my cheating spoiler below. I enjoyed it! I connected with the characters. I felt like the characters and overall storyline was well developed even though we were dealing with young characters. While the big conflict felt a little too much like telenovela drama, it didn't have as much angst as I was hoping, and the ending wasn't as much as I would've liked -- I really liked the H and his jerkish/damaged/sometimes scary possessive ways and that made up for it for me! Please check my spoilers if you have triggers, as this is probably not for everyone -- but it was an overall enjoyable read for me!
  
  Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Astrid and Levi's story. Astrid has gotten to the summer before her senior year as an invisible girl, but a end of the year party changes that when she literally bumps into Levi. Levi is a King and they are known to rule their school. Astrid's father has warned her to steer clear of the King family, because of some unknown family rivalry. Levi has been warned away from Astrid as well, but he cannot help being drawn to her. After some major back and forth, they build an unlikely relationship that turns into love. There is some family drama, some big secrets revealed, some hot sexy times...and they get a HFN ending.
  
  Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Astrid and Levi's POV.
  
  Overall Pace of Story: Good. I thought it flowed well and I never skimmed.
  
  Instalove:No, more like hate-to-love and they take a while to develop stronger feelings.
  
  H (Hero) rating: 4.5 stars. Levi, Levi, Levi! He was a hot mess! He was a jerk (on the sociopathic side), really damaged from his family, super possessive to the point of often violence and...I actually really liked him! I don't know why or how since I absolutely wouldn't want my partner to behave the way he did, but I enjoyed his character!
  
  h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Astrid. I liked her. I appreciated how she wanted to fight back and how she did. I did think she was a little too much under the H's spell when he kissed her or got physical and didn't hold him as accountable as I wanted.
  
  Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
  
  Push/Pull: Yes They both push away at times, but I'd say the H is the main pursuer of the relationship.
  
  Heat level: Hot. They have some hot tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
  
  Descriptive sex: Yes
  
  OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes The H is super possessive and gets jealous when other men are around the h, and the h is hurt by the scene she walks in on (see cheating spoiler below)
  
  Sex scene with OW or OM: Yes The H gets a bj from OW
  
  Cheating: Not IMO The H does allow the h's step-sister (he doesn't realize that's who she is) to give him a bj and the h walks in on them. At this point they had been spending some time together and had kissed but weren't in a relationship, so I don't consider it really cheating but I'm sure others will
  
  Separation: Yes They are separated a few times shortly, but there was no mention or suggestion of other partners during this time.
  
  Possible Triggers: Yes Loss of parent (both h and H - off page), parent with mental disorder (H - off page), the H gets bj from h's step-sister and she sees (on page), drug use/violence (on page), and the h was a virgin (on page).
  
  Closure: This had a cute ending with pretty good closure. It includes a bonus scene after the epilogue that I appreciated, but the author offers another bonus scene for what I imagine is more closure if you sign up for her newsletter. I didn't do that. I'm going to classify this as a HFN ending they're engaged.
  
  Safety: This one is probably either Safe with exception or Not Safe for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences.
  
  - Does Not have cheating (see above)
  - Does Not have a descriptive sex scene with the H and OW
  - Does have both the h and H pushing away
  - Does have a separation between the h and H
  - Does Not have abuse
  - Does Not have a HEA ending (see above)
• 
  Iqra

  2.5*
  
  They’re SO dramatic like shut up go touch some grass.
  
  Levi was such a pain lmao I cringed every time he made some caveman comment. No bc he was so… bland ?? Like where was his personality.
  
  Astrid was such a doormat like girl pick yourself up. And then she’d wax poetics about him and how he’s the king and he has all these loyal subjects and no one comes in his way- SHURRUP. Don’t tell me, show me.
  
  The only thing I found cute in all of this was when he’d tap her nose twice and be all condescending (lol). And that’s it.
  
  And OMFDS don’t get me started on them being British- UGHHH
  Rina was just searching for random ways to use all the slang words she could think of *rolls eyes back to the point of pain*
  
  I’m only here for Aiden King and his book BETTER serve or else 🙂🔪🔪
  
  𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲:
  Nicole and Dan’s storyline seems quite interesting.
  
  𝗙𝗮𝘃 𝗤𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀:
  
  “Something is so wrong with you.”
  He reaches out a forefinger and taps my nose twice. “Guess you have to fight me and find out what that something is.”
  
  “You’re blushing, princess.” His grin widens.
  “I’m not.”
  He taps my nose with his index finger. “It’s adorable.”
  
  “Aiden is glaring at the blonde girl, and she’s glaring right back without blinking.”
• 
  Leo (Queen of the Rants and Spoilers)

  Clearly I’m viewing romance the wrong way.
  Nothing says I want start a relationship with the heroine while getting a bj from none other than her own stepsister.
  What would happen if the heroine gets oral from another man while she has kissed and has some sort of feelings for the hero? I’ll tell you what, she’ll be call a slut meanwhile hero is a besotted, jealous and possessive man who sees no other than the poor pathetic virgin girl but that still doesn’t stop him from doing extra activities. 🤣🤣
  
  Btw for Me this book is not safe with exception. It’s unsafe, plain and simple. Once hero and heroine have met, kissed and started having feelings for each other and they have sex with other parties it’s safe to say that is NOT safe. Apparently even that we view differently.
• 
  aleksandra

  2 STARS
  
  "I flutter kisses over his neck, jaw, and the curve of his mouth. “My love, my life, and my everything.”
• 
  vee!

  this is my 13th reason
• 
  Larissa Cambusano

  3.75 ⭐️ i liked this! definitely didn’t love and there was a lot about it that rubbed me the wrong way but overall it was fun, dark and steamy. very excited for the rest of the series!!!
  
  “thank you existing much king.”
  “thank you for being mine princess.”
• 
  Sophia Triad

  God I love books with bully romance! And this is apparently a series with more Alpha bullies that are brought to their knees haha
  I am definitely reading everything from this universe.
  
• 
  Karla

  4 stars**
  
  This was pretty dam good! So, this bully plot seems to be very popular right now. I’ve tried to read a few but they haven’t worked out. Decided to give give this one a go and I was totally hooked.
  
  Like is said not a new plot but the execution was awesome! The characters were crazy! no other way to put it lol! Both MC gave each other hell with their animosity but of course they couldn’t deny their attraction too. The chapters were short making the story move at the right pace. I really liked the authors writing and how every misunderstanding/problem between the characters wasn’t dragged out. Also the mystery and a bit of suspense added to the substance of the story. A really good start to this royal series. Looking forward to reading book one. ❤️
• 
  KIᗩᖇᗩ ♡

  “Astrid me dijo una vez que soy una noche oscura. Es en las noches oscuras cuando las estrellas como ella brillan más”
  
  👑 Serie: Royal Elite (Book-0) ~ Astrid & Levi ~
  
  ⚠️ Trigger Warning: Bully romance
  
  👑 No tenía tantas expectativas con esta historia y me gustó muchísimo! Tenía rato que no podía parar de leer y este libro me ayudó muchísimo en ese bloqueo en el que estaba.
  
  El libro trata de Astrid y Levi, ellos se conocen en una fiesta antes de las vacaciones de verano, ambos sienten una conexión inmediata pero Levi al darse cuenta que ella se encuentra bajo los efectos de una droga la deja a su suerte. Astrid queda consternada al ser abandonada por Levi, pero esto queda en un segundo plano cuando es perseguida y posteriormente sufre un accidente. Pasan meses y ella regresa a la escuela deseando encontrar a las personas que se encuentran involucradas en su accidente, pero el rey de la escuela, Levi King, no se lo va a dejar tan fácil. Y es aquí en donde empieza esta lucha de voluntades entre ellos que poco a poco va aumentando a otro nivel 🔥.
  
  👑 Astrid me gustó muchísimo y me cayó bien, es bastante fuerte y no se deja de nadie, les contesta como una fiera. No tiene una buena relación con su padre y vivió un momento trágico con su madre, del cual le ha costado superar. De ella pensé que iba a ser una protagonista tonta y que se dejaba masacrar por Levi, pero no no no, ella se enfrenta por completo a él y no se deja rebajar.
  
  👑 Levi, él el fuego combinado con oscuridad. También me gustó, era bastante loquillo y posesivo, pero vamos, esto es un dark romance, ya sabía lo que me iba a encontrar y me sorprendió para bien. Lo que lo he disfrutado, y el misterio que traía detrás me mantuvo expectante, además de conocer esas capas que no le deja ver a nadie, solamente a su amada.
  
  👑 La relación entre Astrid y Levi es un tira y afloja, un amor-odio que me mantuvo atrapada sin querer parar se leer. No sabía que me iban a gustar tanto, lo que disfruté de todos los momentos que tenían, desde los tensionantes, los tiernos, los subidos de tonos, absolutamente todo. No es para nada sano, pero es qué este tipo de pasión me da vida. El final que tuvieron me gustó bastante.
  
  👑 Con los cuatro jinetes me divertí muchísimo, ay! Esos chicos son unos completos loquillos, ya quiero conocerlos más a fondo en los siguientes libros, porque sin duda voy a continuar con esta saga.
  
  👑 Sin más que decir, que es mi primer encuentro con un libro de esta autora y me gustó lo atrapante que es su pluma, deseando leer mucho más de ella y que me sigan entreteniendo.
• 
  Anne E ♡ emo + OTT Hs

  ADDED: **SPOILERS re: H cheating on h @ Sexual History**
  
  DNF @ 17% coz didn't care for h's passive-aggressive character & was a meh emotional read. I sure hope Rina Kent's other books are better since this 1st read was disappointing.
  
  Almost-18yo h.s.-senior h viewed herself as an artsy misunderstood & "invisible" virgin wallflower student in their elite British private school. The writing made her seem like Cinderella-type with a socialite stepmother & snooty stepsister. But she was actually quite snippy, self-pitying, and vengeful. She had a mouth on her and drank alcohol like a fish, which made her get drugged-out by the Ecstasy slipped in her drink & made her rub up all over 18yo popular wealthy senior H, who wasn't all that interested in her & thought her only average-looking until his friend mentioned her last name (they come from rival families).
  
  Didn't see H's appeal or uniqueness either. I've read other bully Heroes in New Adult Romances who stood out & were intriguing. Writing lacked emotional depth so H's threats/sneers/menacing expressions & words just fell flat & didn't evoke any chilling/thrilling feels. Lacked S chem/emo chem/romance. Writing/plot was meh so nothing special so far.
  
  Sexual History:
  17yo h was a virgin. Don't think she's ever had a BF & likely not have dated in the past 2 years since the car accident she was involved in which killed her beloved mom. 18yo H is a known player in their high school who get hit on by girls. And sexual sharing seems to be common with him & his soccer teammates.
  
  After reading other reviews I skipped to see if H cheated on h, he did @ 39% (chapter 22, p. 112) in my opinion, after reading it:
  
  

  I stuff my finger in Nicole’s mouth, opening it wide. She sucks but I tsk. “Stay still.”
  This Nicole does nothing to me. I can’t even get it up for her.
  I try to imagine it’s the princess sitting right here at my mercy, blushing. Like a shot of ecstasy, my dick hardens. Those eyes. Those damn fucking eyes are staring up at me like they’re about to spark.
  Nicole’s hands snake to my trousers’ belt as her other one caresses my bulge. It’s not her touch that hardens me, it’s the image of Astrid being a good little princess. Her small hands grasp me, caress me, about to suck me off while staring up at me with those —
  “Wow, you’re so big.”
  Aaaand Nicole had to ruin it by the screechy voice that's nothing like Astrid’s.
  What the fuck was I thinking anyway? This isn’t her and it never will be.
  When I thrust in her throat, I want it to be Astrid. It has to be her.
  I clutch Nicole’s shoulders, about to push her away when a small gasp reaches me from the entrance.
  I feel her presence before I lift my head and see her. She’s still in that denim skirt from earlier with a white top.
  Fucking hell. She’s as beautiful as a forbidden fantasy.
  Astrid’s gaze flies from me to Nicole who turns her head to state at the newcomer. Her lips part farther before she shakes her head and stares from Nicole to me again.
  She doesn’t meet my gaze as she blurts. “I… um… thought Dan was here. Sorry to interrupt.”
  The door shuts behind her quietly and Nicole laughs in that screechy, annoying way.
  That’s when I realise what Astrid just saw.
  Fuck.
  I was so caught up in seeing her here that I forgot the state she saw me in.
  “Why the fuck are you laughing?” I snap at Nicole.
  “The little Viking learnt her place both at home and here.”
  "At home?"
  “She’s my stepsister but not for long, though.” Her hand returns to my trousers. “Now, where were we?”
  I shove her away until she falls backwards, barely catching her balance.
  “But—” she screeches.
  “Go swallow someplace else."
  I don’t wait for her to disappear and stride past her to the exit.
  Something tells me I really fucked up this time.

  
  
  The way the bolded sentences are worded can be construed 2 different ways: #1. H was merely imagining h doing the BJ-ing while her stepsister had only unzipped him & touched his bulge. Or #2. h's stepsister was actively touching & sucking H while he was busy pretending it was h because of his "Go swallow some place else" reply. Why say "swallow" if h's stepsister didn't even put her mouth on him? The "thrust in her mouth" to me was another indication that h's stepsister had already put her mouth on him. The way these phrases are worded and their order can be debated either way.
  
  Even if h's stepsister's lips didn't actually touch H's peen, he still let another girl "(caress) his bulge" with the intent to get oraled by her. This happened after he and h had already kissed and had a mutual connection after some time talking & spending time together. He wasn't drunk or under the influence of any substance. He allowed some random girl (who didn't know was h's stepsister) BJ him at a party coz he was stressed out. h catches them in the act so he stops with her stepsister & chases after h. Soon after his explanation about being stress and that he was imagining it was h while her stepsister was BJ-ing him, she let H kiss her & then oral her to orgasm.
• 
  marwah

  dnf at 20%
  
  “What do you want, Levi?”
  “It’s King to you.”
  “No, thanks. You have a name, so why does everyone call you by your last name?”
  “You don’t ask the questions, Princess. You only answer mine, understood?”
  
  go back to being an uncivilized Viking in the eleventh century you uncultured swine.
  
  I also don't usually rate books I dnf at 20-30% but this book is an exception knowing that I would surely rate this one star if I continued this "amazing masterpiece"
  
  They’re nicknamed the four horsemen because whenever they’re on the field, they bring conquest, war, famine, and eventually death.
  
  help what mom come get me I’m scared 😦
  
  Apparently the “four horsemen” pd dis u? books are next so that should be fun. I can also certainly tell from this quote that they're all "very scary Vikings with severe daddy issues" just like our friend here (bromance am I right😻)
  
  I can't wait :D
• 
  Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾

  3.5 STARS
  

  I want to ruin her. Complicate her. Crush her innocence. Then watch it all burn.

  
  This series was recommended to me and I'm a sucker for a bully romance, so a-one-clicking I went.
  
  The story and set up was reminiscent of LJ Shen, so if you're into alphaholes and angsty and steamy New Adult, this is pretty darn good. I was pretty invested into the story, but I also felt some parts dragged while other parts felt a bit rushed. The romance was steamy, but didn't have me glued to the pages. I liked the two of them together but I was never fully invested. I don't know what it was exactly and can't quite put my finger on what was missing, but I couldn't help feeling like something was.
  
  I still binge read this book in one sitting, so that says something too. It was certainly enough to hook me on the trilogy and find a new author to read.
  
  Find me on:
  
  
  
  
  
  
• 
  mel ☽

  
  

  #0: cruel king ↠ 4.5 stars
  #1:
  deviant king ↠ 4 stars
  #2:
  steel princess ↠ 3.5 stars

  
  
  4.5 stars
  
  loved it!!
  one of the good bully romance books out there.
• 
  Grecia Robles

  Esta es la primera vez que leo a Rina Kent y OMG QUE SORPRESA!!! Y de la buena.
  Su narrativa es tan adictiva y enganchable agarras el libro y es un no parar hasta que lo terminé.
  
  Si es un New Adult de high school con un tinte de Dark Romance y un anti hero.
  El romance también es al estilo Romeo y Julieta son como dos familias enemistadas que no los quieren juntos.
  
  Levi King es todo un bad boy medio asshole, jugador estrella del equipo de fútbol, que quiere poner de rodillas a Astrid, tiene sus motivos para acercarse a ella, al principio la trata mal pero conforme va avanzado la historia se va enamorando.
  Tiene un comportamiento de hombre de las cavernas que a mí en lo personal no me molestó.
  
  Astrid es hija de un Lord y todo lo que quiere hacer es pasar desapercibida pero logra captar la atención del chico más popular y del que su padre le dijo que se mantuviera alejada.
  Astrid aunque era tímida también era una luchadora, no se dejaba intimidar por él, ella me gustó mucho.
  
  Para ser una precuela de la serie me gustó mucho y me atrapó al punto de que ya estoy en el último libro y no he parado.
  Tiene un toque de misterio, drama, escenas hot.
  
• 
  ikram

  okay levi was crazy but not crazy like ship his ass to the nearest asylum crazy (*cough cough* like aiden) but more like swinging at demons that aren’t there crazy 😃
• 
  ❤️ Nanda ❤️

  
  ❤️ Follow me on Instagram 💋
  
  I was trying to wait until this series be finished before I start reading, but my anxiety caught up with me, and I couldn't wait any longer.
  Cruel King is the Prequel to the Royal Elite series, and tells the story of Levi and Astrid.
  
  I had to confess that Highschool Bully romance is starting to get boring and everything is starting to look the same, in my opinion... Which means that the author really have to work hard to be able to excel in this trope.
  
  This story holds you captive... There is no way out. As repetitive as the rebellious poor rich broken badboy and the invisible beautiful excluded girl may be, you find yourself rooting for the explosive relationship between the two of them.
  Levi is aggressive, impulsive, bossy and intense while Astrid tries to be invisible while dealing with her own grieve and family issues, therefore she can't help but get involved by all Levi's intensity and attention.
  The push and pull between them is really amazing, and some situations created by Levi may be on the dubious consent side, but it's a dark novel after all.
  Every mystery surrounding their relationship is revealed at the end, and I really liked how it ended, although it was predictable.
  I loved the 4 horsemen, soooo it's obvious that I will continue with the series.
  
  ___________###__________
  
  Eu estava tentando esperar a série estar completa, antes de começar a ler, porém a ansiedade me pegou de jeito, e eu não consegui mais esperar.
  Cruel King é o Prequel da série Royal Elite, e conta a história de Levi e Astrid.
  
  Eu confesso que Highschool Bully romance está começando a ficar enjoativo e tudo igual, na minha opinião... O que faz com que a autora realmente tenha que se esforçar pra conseguir se sobressair nesse tema.
  
  A história te prende... Não tem como não. Por mais repetitivo que o rebelde pobre menino rico e a invisível linda menina excluída seja, você se vê torcendo pela relação explosiva entre os dois.
  Levi é agressivo, impulsivo, mandão e intenso enquanto Astrid tenta ser invisível, ela não consegue deixar de se envolver por toda intensidade do Levi.
  Todo mistério envolta da relação deles, se desvenda no final, e eu realmente gostei de como terminou, apesar de previsível.
  Adorei os 4 horsemen, entãoooo óbvio que vou continuar com a série.
  
  
  ❤️ Follow me on Instagram 💋
• 
  Kaitlyn

  Gave me wattpad flashbacks but I don't even care because I lowkey ate this shit up
• 
  Simran .

  5 ”Bow to the King” stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  
  ”What the hell do you want from me” I’m glad my voice doesn’t crack like my insides.
  “Your fire.” His lips graze the lobe of my ear and a zap of shivers shoot through my body. “Your fight.” His voice drops to a low, tingles-inducing range. “Your everything.”
  
  You know you’ve loved a book if it’s still on your mind even after days, this is one of those. Not many books are able to make me feel so many emotions at once, the kind which leaves me begging for more. This author has become one of my top favourite author. I enjoy my books steamy and intense which this author delivered so freaking well. It was a crazy wild ride.
  
  ”How do I make you wet, princess?”
  His fingers inch to the band of my underwear. “Is it how I touch you here?” He slips a finger over the cloth, rubbing up and down. “Do you want me to stick it in you? Are you going to swallow me in like a good little princess?”
  Although his touch and dirty words are maddening, it’s the look in his eyes that make me want to free fall to sin.
  
  Levi King was a fucking badass. He was extremely hot, devious, domineering, possessive, mischievous, twisted and a lot dirty. I hated him at times and absolutely loved him at others. He definitely grew on me. He crosses paths with Astrid at a party especially when she ends up at a place she isn’t supposed to be. The games begin then. What he doesn’t expect is her fighting back tooth and nail. She brought out both the good and bad qualities in him. Their family has animosity between them but that doesn’t deter him from claiming her as his own.
  
  He pulled me out of my invisibility cave and he’ll regret every second of it.
  If he wants a battle, I’m going to give him a bloody war.
  
  Astrid was a kickass heroine too. She preferred being invisible and wanted to spend her senior year that way but all hell breaks loose when she ends up in the sights of Levi. After the last time things ended up with her in an accident, she wants the peace and knows to stay as far away from him as possible but he’s making it impossible. I loved how she stood up to him, the pranks she pulled. Their banter was always filled with sexual tension and man when they got together, it was explosive. She accepted all his dark sides and loved him for who he was.
  
  “Levi and I have always shared this weird, insane connection that I’ve never felt with anyone else.
  A push.
  A pull.
  A current of power.”
  
  The suspense and the mystery kept me at the edge of my seat. It just pulled me in and kept me glued to the pages. I felt as if I was living it with them. The whole world was so engaging and interesting. I couldn’t predict the twists and turns. You won’t see them coming. The drama was just the perfect amount. It’s an awesome start to the series. I can’t wait to read about the four horsemen who are going to rule the next year at the royal elite.
  
  This one is highly recommended. I read this as a part of savage nobles box set. ♥️
  
  
  
  
• 
  Marti

  It wasn't the dark theme that threw me off. Or the bullying or the pain, for that matter. It was the boring plot, the silly protagonist, and overall melodrama.
• 
  Dora Koutsoukou

  4 ❤️❤️💔❤️⚡️💥🔥⚡️🌟🌟🌟🌟s❣️❣️❣️❣️
  
  A high school light-bully read with a lot of romance that was very intriguing, suspenseful and had plenty twists and turns!
  
  Levi and Astrid shared a great chemistry and their falling for each other was fabulous (especially Levi’s).
  Astrid was sassy, brave and feisty.
  Levi was defiant, arrogant, possessive and so obsessive with Astrid!
  
  There were a lot of secrets, lies, deception, mystery and family drama. Very well written and developed, great pace and dual pov.
  
  Apart from the four horsemen’s stories that will be released, I want Dan’s story too❣️
• 
  Yai Min (semi i.a.)

  ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.25/5
  
  Reread [3/11/21]
  
  ⭐⭐⭐☠ 3/5
  
  This reread made gave this book 3 deathly stars! I don't know how a book that a few years ago I used to love, now I can’t stand most of it. It's hilarious how much a person's tastes change over the years.
  
  This book really had some serious issues, starting with some characters, then with the FAST paced plot... some things were too rushed towards the end and some characters looked like they were abducted by aliens or something, with how bit of sense they made, they really looked like different people, like new characters appeared at the end, making a cameo or something.
  
  I couldn’t stand a few thing in this book, like:
  💀 LEVI, I used to like his character, but know I just think he's a pompous asshole with an ego bigger than the Empire States Building, his possessiveness was over the top and annoying as hell, I really hated it.
  💀 ALIEN ABDUCTIONS, other thing that really creeped me out was how some characters, suddenly changed their character and personality like Jonathan, Lord Clifford, Astrid. It was weird and didn’t make ANY FUCKING SENSE
  💀 ASTRID, I'm really disappointed with this heroine, she started off really good, with her fight back, her not giving a fuck attitude, her sass but then she just becomes the Hero's doormat, doing whatever he wants and been at his beck and call, lusting after him like some wild animal without some self control... It was actually pretty insulting, to readers intelligence, pretending this two people are the same. How is that even possible?? One was a great heroine while the other was an typical annoying codependent heroine. This SUCKED
  💀 I really don't understand the need of some writers/authors to fill the book with USELESS drama, there were just some things that happened 5hat could have been the same without them. The party scene, the drama with the snapchat, then again more party drama, possessiveness drama... a vicious cycle of nothing useful to this book.
  
  The only fucking good thing about this whole book was...
  
  RONAN & XANDER moments, where I could laugh a little and the mood lightened a bit. Because this book seriously drove me crazy.
  
  If you like FULL of DRAMA books, then I highly recommend it!!
  Happy reading everyone!! ❤❤
  
  QUOTES:
  
  There’s something about relishing all of my control to him that makes me feel at peace or maybe a little powerful.
  --
  (Isn't this a bit contradictory??)
  
  
  She only belongs to me now and no one will be able to take her away.
  Ever.
  --
  (Don't know how I feel about that... but I'm not sure I really like it...)
  
  
  I know that I’ll feed off everything she offers like the parasite she paints me as.
  
  
  
  I licked her so she’s mine.
  --
  (Possessiveness n° 13356)
• 
  Bookadmirer

  I enjoyed Astrid and Levi's story more than Elsa and Aiden's.
  
  
  
  This author takes possessiveness to another level and it's overdone in her book. Luckily, Levi is possessive but is okay with Astrid's friendship with Daniel. The ending was sweet, I enjoyed Astrid's interaction with Xander, Cole and Roman too.
• 
  mia

  I destroy everything but this is the first time I want to keep something instead of shattering it to pieces

  
  
  Tropes in this book: sports, high school, bully ,enemies to lovers, romance
  
  You know a book is bad when you're not even interested in the extended epilogue.
  
  The second hand embarrassment throughout this book is real, if I was a fellow student watching this whole book unfold in front of my eyes I'd rather switch schools than to see this.
  
  Also, princess? My ass.
  
  THIS IS NOT SPOILER FREE
  
  ⚠️ The first lie of the book:

  Levi was my bully and my tormentor

  because there was no bully aspect in this book. Spray painting a car and jerseys? Painting black over art filled canvases? That's just child's play. Even though I hated
  Just Drop Out, at least that book had a few other bully scenes.
  
  This book was basically a girl accidentally tumbling into the guy she hides from and him making her conquest because he doesn't like that she doesn't fancy him. That's it. It is just pettiness and childishness. Even the way Levi and Astrid (more like Assrid) behaved was immature - taking turns to taunt each other but not keeping up to their roles of actually hurting one another 🙄
  
  ⚠️The second lie (or lies) of the book: the angst that was attempted to deliver but failed miserably:

  I'll ruin her before she ruins me

  every time lines like this were said in the book I had false hope that I'd really see bullying and tormenting. But nope there wasn't:

  You make me lose control and you'll pay the price for it

  I already set my sights on her

  She can run, but I'll catch her every time

  does any of these lines make your chest hurt? Because it didn't for me. Even when:

  Why did you bring me here? Are you planning to erase me?

  they had a fight and I thought she'd take revenge by ignoring him for at least half a book, just for her to get seduced by his dick instead.
  
  ⚠️What I extremely hated in this book: "We should threaten to rape her," Chris mutters. "Maybe the bitch will understand to back off" using this as a tactic for bullying is fucking disgusting. I have read rapist books, books where characters get raped, have traumas from getting raped and none of the books have ever used this as a reason to bully someone. Rape can never be something you use as a weapon against anyone else, I stand by this. There was also this particular scene in the book where Assrid and Levi have sex for the second time where he doesn't wear a condom and refuses to pull out until the last second - which had Assrid begging him to pull out because she obviously doesn't want to be knocked up and be like her mother. And Levi had the audacity to be angry with her because he felt that he couldn't be seen as someone Assrid would want children with. I mean, what the fuck? 18 year olds, without an independent life, who hide behind their daddies/uncles want to have children? What do they even know about surviving and earning for themselves? There are so many situations that surround around rape in this book that I can't just close one eye over.
  
  ⚠️Levi had no right to be possessive of Assrid because there was no romance to begin with. Dancing in the rain does not mean it is love. The whole reason why Levi even started spending time with her was because he was fucking petty and didn't like being a loser. Romance is not: What's the point if he keeps wrecking my peace like a vengeful hurricane? You can be angry all you want without leaving my side please it just sounds like a fairytale and not a book that should make me ache.
  
  Levi was just role-playing a King when he really wasn't one because there's no climax, no plot twist and it was just a long book that didn't need to be long. It took me so long to get through this book that I was sighing throughout, it was just so difficult. The writing style in this book was so difficult to get into because it lacked maturity, you just read it with an annoying voice in your head. The amount of times she mentioned Viking (55 times if anyone is curious) made me want to throw my phone away just as much.
  
  ⚠️There's also this habit from Ms RK where she put: A trendy pop song I don't give a shit about a pop song that is always playing in the background and who the fuck cares? No one asked for the music tastes of Levi and Assrid. God that was so annoying.
  
  So I really have nothing else to say because I wrote this review in annoyance and again, I had to push myself to read this book because I'm going through Rina Kent's books and this is the first book in the reading order. I sure as hell hope the other books in the Royal Elite series is better ( I have tiny bit of hope for Aiden, I hope I don't regret). But in comparison with the Empire series, she should have stuck with writing about adults and uncles instead of young punks.
• 
  ❤️CourtRocks - ATEEZ - MAKE IT BOUNCY❤️

  4 Stars
  
  Mild Spoilers
  
  I liked this one, but it's still not 5 star material. Reading this one after the actual series, I noticed a lot more stuff that annoyed more and more, each and every book, because it's literally just rinse and repeat.
  
  There were some things that I do like more than the other books though. It definitely felt a little more developed, and the whole mystery was a bit more interesting than the other books. I also really liked Levi. Even though I still love Aiden and they're probably on par with each other, Levi has sometimes a lighter personality and humor which I really liked and sadly, felt like I was missing from Xander. Their relationship is also pretty cute too. I also liked the drama with the families, and her parents story, but I hate how quickly she forgave the dad after years of him treating her like crap, for literally no reason at all. All he says is sorry and she says sorry, again for no reason, and I'm just like wtf. The dad definitely should have done something to make up for it.
  
  Although I like the overall stories and the less angsty romance of it all, there were so many things that are just so repetitive in every book of this series so far. One being, why tf is every heroine punching someone? That's three heroines in a row that punches someone. Instead of being classy and smart, they resort to violence and it just made them seem like they all are trying too hard to be tough. Especially Kimberly who went years being a wuss just to randomly and conveniently show she has a tough side. Then we also have the fact that all three heroines are virgins, egh. And also that all three couples start out with hating each other for not so great reasons, but turning it around pretty quick. And all the mysteries mainly have to do with the parents or their families. It's literally nothing new or unique, or even great, and yet I'm still gonna read the next books because I'm invested now, gosh danggit.
  
  The writing is also just okay. There were some noticeable grammar and spelling mistakes. Some of the sentences were structured weird. And then one odd thing that really bothered me was how many times she called her dad "dad". Everytime they had a conversation it's like she was trying to remind him or herself that he was her dad with how often she said it. Literally. Like every other sentence would be her saying "dad". I don't know about anyone else, this can totally be just me, but I only ever call my mom "mom" when I'm either calling for her or talking about her. Not when I'm in a full conversation with her. It was just so repetitive that it was overly noticeable and annoying to me.
  
  Overall, this was a good book in the series and I am excited for Cole and Jonathan's books, but I hope she changes it up a bit and is a little more creative.
• 
  Alaina

  Omg yes! I loved Levi and Astrid's book!
  
  Holy drama guys! Cruel King did not disappoint. I've always wanted to know more about their relationship after meeting them through Elsa's and Aiden's books. Plus seeing Aiden trying to make Levi jealous or pissed off was fun too. Even if it backfired sometimes because Levi knew something was going on between him and Elsa.
  
  Other than falling in love with them and their relationship, I honestly felt bad for Astrid. Her family life just seemed horrible. I mean the whole step-monster and step-devil were completely horrible to her. Even though we got see a different side of her step-sister in the end, it didn't change my opinion of her. She deserved all the karma she was getting at that point.
  
  In the end, I'm so excited for the next book to come out!!
• 
  Ley ♡

  3.5 stars✨
  
  Astrid once told me I’m a dark night. It’s in dark nights that stars like her shine the brightest.
  
  It took me so long to finish this I forgot everything that I want to say. All I know is that I like the last half of this (that I rated 3.5 stars). Some parts are annoying and stupid and sometimes cringy but do I care? No, because I don't remember what those parts are! I really need to annotate and take notes next time 😹