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mandersjojo 's review for:
Cruel Prince
by Ashley Jade, A. Jade
I love Ashley Jade so when I found this book, I was super excited to dive into it. I had no idea I'd be opening a door that I could never close again. This book, and series, is one that lives rent free in my mind daily. I have read and listened to this book a few times.
Before I get into the story, I'll mention the narration. The female narrator, Lila Winters, is a bit over the top for me. She reads in a voice that to me sounds bratty. However, Teddy Hamilton more than makes up for it!
Jace and Dylan become friends when they're younger. They hit it off having the same tragic history of mothers that were no longer alive. Over the years, Dylan starts to develop feelings for Jace but Jace keeps her at an arm's length, or more. When the junior high school dance comes up, that's when life changes for both Jace and Dylan in a major way. Jace doesn't ask Dylan to the dance, but rather this awful girl that's mean to Dylan. Dylan doesn't want to even go to the dance but she's really good friends with Jace's younger brother, Liam, and he asks her to go with him as friends. Since she adores Liam (similar to a little brother), she agrees. The dance goes from bad, to worse, to the unimaginable.
Years later, Dylan returns to the same school after having to move in with her aunt. Dylan's father is now in prison and Dylan is a senior in high school. Her aunt's husband insists Dylan attend Royal Hearts Academy instead of the public school. Dylan doesn't get a choice. When she shows up and sees Jace Covington for the first time in years, his welcome is ice cold, and only gets colder. Jace has it out for her and she has no idea why. It wasn't her choice to move away the night of the dance. It doesn't help that her step-cousin, Oakley, is Jace's best friend and allows a terrible rumor about him and Dylan to be spread around the school.
I love a good angsty enemies-to-lovers story but friends to enemies to lovers exceeds that. The hate Jace has for Dylan is justified, if the story behind the school dance is true. He's the biggest bully toward Dylan and will stop at nothing to bring her down. She needs to feel the hurt she caused him to feel. But Dylan is a strong beast and doesn't take his crap. She's determined to find out what she did wrong to ever deserve his wrath.
If you are looking for a great story with angst, this is for you. It's such a great book and first part of the Royal Hearts Academy series.