Scorched Kingdom

by C.J. Primer

This pre-order is a placeholder and will be updated. Planned release in Fall of 2025. Blurb & Cover coming soon!

Genres: Enemies To Lovers

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 24, 2026

About the author

C.J. Primer is an award-winning, bestselling author of steamy romance novels. She specializes in angsty, spicy love stories full of twists and turns and hard-fought happy endings. She writes in multiple genres, including paranormal romance, dark romance, contemporary romance, and fantasy romance. Her most popular books are the bestselling six-pack series, a collection of werewolf shifter romance novels that have captivated millions of readers worldwide across multiple reading platforms.

Follow CJ on Instagram to keep up with all of her latest releases: @c.j.primer

Reviews

[Morally_Gray_Nola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when the irredeemable look like there’s a chance for redemption . . . Book 2 is filled to the brim with harrowing, nail biting, breath stealing moments.

Raf, Wes, and Ford find out Raf’s father is responsible for Ava’s absence—they arrange her extraction. Though they won’t admit it, the Kings are softening to their Queen. Little by little, against their code, under their radar, she’s managed to matter to each one—they just haven’t recognized it yet.

Ava embraces her new found sexuality. Denying her feelings for Wes, Ford, and Raf exist, Ava makes the unwise decision to create a wedge between the Kings. As soon as that plan leaves her mouth, I got a stone in the pit of my stomach. Neon signs flashing above her head ‘bad idea! bad idea!’ screaming in my head.

Book 3 is supposed to bring their HEA. Thank God. I am frazzled. Especially after the last few chapters—Nothing, and I do mean nothing, prepared me for the cliffhanger.

Nothing.

*** Recommended ***

HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨Cliffy, To Be Continued
Series:
🌗Book 2: Kings of Corvus College
MMC:
✨Wes
✨Ford
✨Raf
FMC:
✨Ava
Tropes:
👉Dark College Romance
👉Bully to Romance
👉Reverse Harem
👉MFM + M
Triggers: 🛑see content warning page/author’s website for full list🛑
💥18+
💥🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️1/2, MFMM, open🚪sex
💥Violence
💥Human Trafficking
💥Kidnapping
💥Murder
💥Abuse
💥Profanity
💥Mental Health Issues
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lemon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot: 4/5 • Spice: 3/5 ➡️➡️➡️ This picks up where we left off. Ava wakes up in the Dollhouse. She has been sold. Her and her virginity up for auction to the highest bidder.


Help comes in an unlikely form. Bailey and her men help Ava escape and back into the Kings arms. Reluctantly. At the drop off point she eventually succumbs and goes with Raf, Ford and Wes again. Right back where she started.


She kind of grows (somewhat) of a backbone in this book. During her “Pop the Cherry” party the guys hold, which embarrasses the hell out of, she finally gives in to Raf. She wants this. She wants all of them. Physically. Mentally? ehh.


We get a couple group scenes. She’s initiated. But we
do not get to her first trial. The guys are on to her. They know she’s trying to bend their will. They break her first.


Ava’s mother resurfaces in the last chapter. Trying to reconcile and tell her everything she can about the Dollhouse. When they get into the car they’re attacked and both taken back there. The kings have no clue what went down. They left after telling her they know what she’s doing and walked out the door. …and this is where book 2 ends.


I should have damn waited. March 2027 for boom 3? Ah hell no. I hate tbe waiting game. I really want to know if Raf finally breaks like the other two seem to be and come rescue her… again.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been eagerly waiting for Scorched Kingdom after the cliffhanger in Paper Doll, and it did not disappoint. I received the ARC, immediately stopped what I was reading, and finished this in one day.

The action starts right away and doesn’t let up. The pacing was great, no lulls and we get more background on Inviticus and the Dollhouse. Ava has changed since Book 1; she’s no longer as breakable and decides that if she’s stuck in this situation, she’s going to take control, get what she needs, and find a way out.

The relationship between Wes, Ford, Raf, and Ava continues to develop, but it’s very much two steps forward, two steps back. Just when you think things are improving, it all unravels again. Wes seems like the only one who truly cares about Ava (in his own way), and I’m really hoping Raf and Ford step up in the next book because right now it feels like they don’t even care.

The spice definitely ramps up in this one and Chapter 32 🥵🔥

I was really hoping Ava’s plan would work, and it looked like it might but it’s results leads to another cliffhanger 😭

You won’t be disappointed reading Scorched Kingdom, just make sure you read Paper Doll first. I’m already desperate for Book 3!

[imareader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my I didn't realise I was holding my breath all the way through to the end.
When I started reading the book I was thankful that the cliffhanger from the last book was addressed but the end of this one has left me wanting answers just as much.
I understand Raf's anger but it's not justified while Wes appeared to be getting softer Raf would say while Ford's sense of humour is entertaining. I'm so glad to see Ava's character growth and I look forward to seeing the progress in the next

And their group “bonding” activities? Let’s just say… they’re definitely something.

If you’re a dark romance reader, I’d absolutely recommend this one. Just make sure you read Paper Doll first—you’ll need that foundation before diving into this story.

[Taryn Eskra · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!! CJ has done it again!! I was so excited for this one and it did not disappoint!!! It picks up right where Paper Doll left us hanging and just WOW!! 👏🏼this one takes it up a notch from book 1 and I was here for it!! Ava definitely grows her back bone in this one!! The guys are just as ruthlessly delicious as they were before😈 I loved seeing Rafs darkness but also glimpses of his softer side, Wes and his gentleness but fords inner monologue had me rolling. And the spice…the spice was🔥🔥 I LOVED IT!! The bombs that were dropped in this one were EPIC!! That cliffy though….IM DYING FOR BOOK 3!!!! Need it NOW!! 🖤

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was so ready for this book after the cliffhanger in book one. I ate this up. It was a wild ride from the start. Couldn’t put it down. Ford was my favorite after book one but now give me Raf and let me hug Wes. Ford is an unapologetic d!ck and I was still here for him. Can’t wait for book three. Check TWs but definitely give this series a try.

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3🌶️🌶️🌶️

I. Ate. This. Up. Zoomed through this book. I cannot get enough of this series, of Ava and her men, Raf, Ford and Wes. With one book left to go in this series, Scorched Kingdom does end on a cliffhanger, BUT WHAT A CLIFFHANGER!

Scorched Kimgdom picks up right where book 1, Paper Doll ended. (You must read Paper Doll first). Ava has been deceived…she thought she’d escaped from Corvus College and The Kings….but the ultimate deception existed beyond the schools gates. Kidnapped and left in a sterile, white room. Ava has no idea where she is or how she’ll get out, but if the rumors are true, it’s nowhere good and time is ticking…

The Kings think that Ava left of her own free will. No love is lost between them and Ava still, but no one escapes The Kings….she’ll be dragged back kicking and screaming to Corvus if they have anything to do with it.

Ava is a hot commodity and The Kings don’t like to lose their playthings….bringing her back is the only option.

The final twist is a big one and could change the whole dynamic between Ava and The Kings….but I can’t wait to read the final book, Queen of the Ashes.

[Brandie Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect combo of dark and spicy!

I have been ready for this book to come out since the last word in book 1 and CJ didn't disappoint. As soon as it hit my email, I hit pause on everything and dove in.

Scorched Kingdom is book 2 in the Kings of Corvus College series. Paper Doll must be read before this one. Picking up right where Paper Doll left off, things are intense right from the start. I was here for every single dark, depraved, underhanded twist and turn that CJ gave us. We get a bigger glimpse into the guys and their personalities. Raf is ruthless, closed off yet has a vulnerable side he suppresses. Wes is all about image yet has deep seated insecurities. And Ford! Ugh my FAVORITE! He's unapologetically himself and his inner thoughts had me dying. Ava finds her spine and is determined to turn the games back on the guys. I wanted to rage out at her by the end, but trust the process. And the spice, the SPICE was delicious and depraved. I don't just want book 3, I NEED BOOK 3!

[Gimmie A Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well. Shit! This is getting interesting.

Ok, first... I basically inhaled this book, and nope, I'm not regreatting it .

We get to see a little bit more of Raf, who in my very much personal opinion is the one I'm craving to see more, and although he's still fighting with himself, I enjoyed seeing him give up to Ava in the most delicious way

Ford is like a sin in the flesh. Stupidly funny but dangerous af. And Ava baby can't seem to defeat him.

Wes, oh poor lovely Wes, is my favorite martyr here. He's trying so hard to take back that shitty episode that happen at the end of PD... and just when it looks like it's working... here comes Ava.

Now, Ava. I still have mix feelings about her. Sometimes I thing she is getting smarter... and some others I think the complete opposite. But I still have my hopes on her.

Now mommy dearest finally showed up!! Aad girl, she came with some tea!!

Queen of the Ashes, I'm waiting for you to come 😌

[Stephanie Strader · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Paper Doll Left You Hanging, This One Pushes You Over the Edge

Wow—if you were hooked by the first book in this series, Paper Doll, you won’t be disappointed by this follow-up. I was first introduced to CJ’s dark romance with Split, which I loved, and CJ writes dark romance with multiple MMCs like no one else. And this is coming from someone who doesn’t usually enjoy books with multiple MMCs.

I was initially unsure about the premise for this series—the bully dynamic at the academy—but there are unique elements to the lore and backstory that keep it interesting, in addition to the very, very hot scenes with the MMCs.

This book ends with another twist, leaving the reader panting for the next installment. If Paper Doll left you hanging on a cliff, this one will leave you staring up at the cliff and wondering how you ended up at the bottom.

[Kelly - Kelly's Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa! What a dark, wild and twisty book that had me HOOKED from the very beginning. I seriously couldn't put this book down!

This is BOOK 2 of the Kings of Corvus College series. You MUST read BOOK 1, Paper Doll, first. And please read the trigger warnings because this is a very DARK, high bully, why choose romance.

This is a captivating, interesting and thrilling story and it had me feeling so many things for Ava and even the Kings. Talk about an emotional rollercoaster ride. One that I CRAVED to be on. Kudos C.J. And dont get me started on the SPICE in this book...next level...NEXT FREAKING LEVEL.

That cliffy hit HARD and I can't wait for book 3. I need it now! It's a neeeeeeeed.

(Beta/ARC reader)

[Naty's Naughty Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. Book 2 in the Kings of Corvus College series did not disappoint. Please note book 1, Paper Doll, must be read before reading Scorched Kingdom.

Ava continues her way through processing her new reality full of secrets, lies and secret societies. In a world where nothing is what it seems she struggles to find her truths. Her relationship with Ford, Wes and Raf evolves some as she attempts to gain the upper hand on them and we learn more about what makes the 3 of them the way they are. I appreciated learning more about the boys. The manipulations become darker and the game deadlier as the book ends on an rollercoaster cliffie.

I highly recommend this story and am impatiently waiting for Book 3.

[Tara Adrian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am almost speechless on this next installment for The Kings. The shift for our female lead was very welcomed but of course in my HEA brain, I was looking for an overall shift in the relationships, but CJ, in all her genius, decided she’d layer the complexity a bit more and take me for a ride I wasn’t expecting and now I’m just hanging on for dear life while Ava navigates her new world. Overall, I really enjoyed this part of the story, but I do wish I’d seen more of Raj’s POV and there were some places I had to double back for myself because I thought I skipped pages. CJ weaves an intricate story but there were a few places I feel like I could have used more insight/detail for me to pull it all together.

[Krista Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read book one last year and instantly fell in love with it. It was my first dark romance and I waited patiently for book two and was not disappointed. All I wanted was for Ava to get a backbone even if it cost her and CJ did not miss. This book was like the Twilight Zone where Ava was mean and the Kings had emotions. It gave me whiplash and a good way. The spice in this book was off the charts. I was glad to see changes in Raf and Wes, but did wish we got more of Ford's vulnerable side. There were moments when talking about the past and I wish for a little flashback like maybe the day Raf and Ava met or a little history about Bailey. Overall I finished it in one day and reread it again. I recommend this book and can't wait for book 3.

[XenyMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“She tastes like coffee and fear.”

This book picks up exactly where Paper Doll left off, and let me tell you, it's even better than PD.

Ava is such a badass queen. I loved seeing her grow into her own and go for what she wants, and play the boys at their own game. I also loved seeing the guys fight their feelings for her, each of them in their own way. But trust me, they are still just as cruel and vicious as they were in the first book.

I will also say that those last 2 chapters had me literally screaming at my phone. Because what the fuck, CJ! I can't wait to see what happens next in this trilogy.

Quote: “I like this new version of her. Less scared rabbit, more mean little hellcat. I could spend all day poking her just to watch her bare her teeth.”

[Cristy Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!!!! Scorched Kingdom by C.J Primer is Book 2 in the Kings of Corvus series. Paper Doll ended on a torturous cliffhanger & now Scorched Kingdom has got me panicked from another hell of a cliffhanger. Raf, Ford, & Wes are still ruthless beautiful monsters but Ava is no longer the scared innocent girl she was. She is slowly turning into the badass queen she needs to be. Poor Ava still being put through the ringer but she is standing her ground. Im dying to read Book 3! Need it ASAP! Ofcourse the spice in Scorched Kingdom is just as Hot & Degrading as Paper Doll. You can't go wrong with wall to wall orgasms from 3 hot as hell heathens!!!

[Emma Bombemma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two of the Kings of Corvus series, and another banger.

You must read book one forbore this. This is a true series.

As always, so well written. In Scorched Kingdom we get to see deeper into the MCs, but still not enough! Ava has decided she’s not going to just accept her fate and starts fighting back - and it’s a delight to read.

Many twists and surprises with the betrayals and you never really know who is actually in charge.

This one ends (again) on a cliff hanger and I’ll be chomping at the bit for book three when it comes out later in 2026.

I’ve had the joy of being an ARC reader for CJ Primer for a while now, and I recover this book as an ARC.

[Rogue Kayl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again another awesome faced paced read. I literally devoured it.

The plot was good, the tensions between the FMC and 3MMCs were fire. Reading how they are all very much conflicted with their feelings. The MMCs still as sadistic as ever with their reaction to Ava trying to get them back for the pain and humiliation they have caused her. Plus the torment of Ava wanting ti hurt them and worship them at the same time.

Another jaw dropping cliffhanger. I didnt expect…. i guessed the wrong person!!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

UGGGHHHH.

The cliffies are killing me.

Also, I need some Mother Effing grovel in book 3. Like, I want these boys on their damn knees, crawling through glass for her, proving their love and devotion (because there is no doubt in my mind that they're all in love with her, each in their own twisted way). I have no clue how this is all going to play out, and I have to wait a YEAR for book 3. *crying*

I love that Ava, despite the shit sandwiches thrown her way, is coming out stronger. I want her on top of the mountain as the Queen, with the Kings kneeling at her feet. She deserves nothing less.

[SassypantsReading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy… wow. That cliffhanger. What? I’m a sucker for redemption arcs, especially in dark, bully romances, but sometimes you just need something a little unhinged, ya know? Scorched Kingdom certainly delivered. I love, love, love that Ava discovered her backbone in this book and was able to toy with the Kings a bit, even though they still dealt out their fair share of humiliation. I don’t know if I can wait months for the final installment, especially after the cliffhanger and the prologue.

I received a copy of Scorched Kingdom from BookSirens and I am voluntarily sharing my review.

[Classically_crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

♾️⭐️
3.5 🌶

I have been waiting for this book to come out and the wait was definitely worth it. Once I received this book I dove right in, and didn't stop until I was done.
This is book 2 in the Kings of Corvus College series and book 1 must be read before reading this one.
This was exactly everything I wanted and needed from this book. I loved getting to know more about each guy. Fords inner monologue had me rolling from laughter. Raf's darkness but seeing his softer side, and Wes gentleness. And then there's Ava that girl grew her backbone and played a game. and the SPICCCEEEE!! This was a crazy ride and the twists and plot during the story had me in a chokehold, and I am absolutely foaming at the mouth for the last book in this series.
prepare yourself this book ends on an epic cliffy...

[L KQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Destructive Cliffhanger

I thought the previous book, Paper Doll left the reader with an emotional cliffhanger but Scorched Kingdom destroyed my expectations. While Ava's growth from the first book was remarkable, her plan seems to have backfired and leaves you with more questions. Wes, Raf and Ford were a mixture of surprise and conflict that I can't wait to see evolve into something more profound. This high energy read was exciting and kept me on the edge of my seat, still anticipating what comes next.

I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Megs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava, BABY IS BACK and is fiercer than ever… we love to see it.

CJ DID NOT come to play with this one. This picks up right where Paper Doll left us spiralling and we immediately get dropped into chaos.

The boys are still ruthlessly delicious 😈

The tension, the twists, the obsession I was (might still be) in a full chokehold.

AND THAT CLIFFHANGER, I’M GAGGED!!!!!

I need book 3 immediately because what do you mean you’re leaving me like that?!

[Jordan Fiest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scorched Kingdom is book two of the Kings Of Corvus College Series.

We pick up right where we left off in the previous book of the series. This is a dark and spicy read. Ava gets to show a bit more fierceness in this one and we see more to the dynamic between her and her guys. We get left on another major cliffhanger and it leaves you chomping at the bit for the next installment to the series.

[CookieDough · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked what the book was setting up with Ava’s shift and I could feel that darker, sharper version of her starting to come through. For me, it felt more like groundwork for what’s coming than a full payoff just yet, but I still really enjoyed seeing that change begin. The pacing was a little slower than I expected in parts, and I would have loved even more depth from the boys, but the ending absolutely did its job and made me very excited for what comes next.

[Envy Cee Reads Nancy C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 of the Kings Of Corvus
College. This book left me even more stunned than book 1 😂. Ava had some big character development in this book. She shows she has a backbone and that she also can play games. I enjoyed reading how the 3 kings have these soft moments for Ava, even though they would never admit that obviously. The ending, which ended on a cliffhanger, left me with my mouth open! I did not see that coming at all 🫣 I can’t wait to read book 3!

[Mrs Reads Between The Lines · Rating 4 out of 5]

Total madness. Brutally captivating. Absolutely relentless.

Fair warning— this sequel is a dark, unpredictable, and completely addictive read! The Kings are as wickedly irresistible as they’ve always been, and the spice…whew!

And that cliffhanger? I’m still recovering!

*You must read Paper Dolls first.*
**Please read trigger and content warnings.*

I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advanced copy.

[Marypat Schrantz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Binge Read!

After reading Paper Doll, I could not wait for this second book in the series to drop - and it did not disappoint! So many twists and turns - I devoured every page. I liked the strong character development and seeing the main female character beginning to take back the control that the Kings took from her in Paper Doll. I’m looking forward to seeing how the series will wrap up. A really great read! (Make sure you read Paper Doll first!)

[Daisy · Rating 5 out of 5]

SCORCHING HOT!!!!

Short but boy does it pack a punch ... This story is sooo good and enthralling. These 3 MMC’S have me on edge and I hate to love them but love to hate them. Every page leaves u you wanting answers and that Cliffhanger leaves u wanting more. All the spice you could want and all the drama you will ever need... Top tier bully romance.. so looking forward to book 3. GIVE IT TO ME NOW!!!

[Lacee Kietzke · Rating 5 out of 5]

🙈🤯

Oh that cliffy was diabolical. Hooooooshawww this one hurts.. the kings…. Gosh I just HATE them.. but love them. They are AWFUL! But just like Ava I would drop and say more please sir I’ll take another lol. Our pour girl just can’t catch a break… but she’s trying to rise up. I have a feeling our queen will rise.