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Hearthstone Academy #1
Savage Beasts
Hearthstone Academy was supposed to be my salvation.
My harbour from the storm. I’m here on scholarship, plucked from obscurity because I can play any piece of music by ear.
But on my very first day I make enemies of three gorgeous and gifted fiends: the so-called campus Gods. They’re privileged. Powerful. They own Hearthstone. They prowl the storied campus, a threatening glint in their eyes when I cross their path, and make it clear they intend to ruin me.
Who are these esteemed and entitled men? Why have I been singled out as their prey?
And why can’t I resist my attractions to these three Gods of Hearthstone: Oaken, Rael and Jadon?
I’m the poor girl. Orphaned, neglected, and kicked out of my foster home. To them, all I am is the charity case. The Leech.
They can try to run me off.
They can try to steal my confidence, my desire, my love, even the very air I breathe.
But I’m used to abuse. I know how to survive bullies.
I’ll take them on.
My music has never failed me. And that's exactly how I'll win.
Savage Beasts is Book One in the Hearthstone Academy paranormal college romance series. Inside you’ll find one downtrodden but feisty heroine determined to gain a better life for herself, a pair of seriously awesome BFFs, and a trio of cunning bullies with secrets of their own, all in a school whose mysteries are yet to be discovered.
En pressant into overtures of scalding steam with a slow burn, enemies-to-lovers romance where the heroine doesn’t have to choose!
My harbour from the storm. I’m here on scholarship, plucked from obscurity because I can play any piece of music by ear.
But on my very first day I make enemies of three gorgeous and gifted fiends: the so-called campus Gods. They’re privileged. Powerful. They own Hearthstone. They prowl the storied campus, a threatening glint in their eyes when I cross their path, and make it clear they intend to ruin me.
Who are these esteemed and entitled men? Why have I been singled out as their prey?
And why can’t I resist my attractions to these three Gods of Hearthstone: Oaken, Rael and Jadon?
I’m the poor girl. Orphaned, neglected, and kicked out of my foster home. To them, all I am is the charity case. The Leech.
They can try to run me off.
They can try to steal my confidence, my desire, my love, even the very air I breathe.
But I’m used to abuse. I know how to survive bullies.
I’ll take them on.
My music has never failed me. And that's exactly how I'll win.
Savage Beasts is Book One in the Hearthstone Academy paranormal college romance series. Inside you’ll find one downtrodden but feisty heroine determined to gain a better life for herself, a pair of seriously awesome BFFs, and a trio of cunning bullies with secrets of their own, all in a school whose mysteries are yet to be discovered.
En pressant into overtures of scalding steam with a slow burn, enemies-to-lovers romance where the heroine doesn’t have to choose!
- GenresFantasy
202 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 10, 2019
46 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 10, 2019
Rating: 3.5 stars
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I wouldn't go as far as say I loved it but it was quite the emotional ride.
You are not unfamiliar with the bully trope by now. If you haven't read one yourself, your feed has, at some point, shown you a book belonging to the genre.
Savage Beasts is a bully romance but also gives a different feeling. It's also the first in a paranormal series that gives very few hints at any magic happening.
The book revolves around Cadence, a quiet version of the usual « trailer park trash ».
Cadence has nothing but music and the day she received her acceptance letter to the famous Hearttstone Academy on a full scolarship ride, it's her way to start anew. At least to start somewhere as she doesn't even have a home anymore.
Cadence is extremely talented, a musical genius, but from her first step into the Academy, she knows she won't belong as she is shoved into the basement and pushed to leave the school at every corner.
Cadence wasn't a great character. She wasn't strong and her rare brave moments were unrealistic. But she had real passion for her music and her bond with it made the whole book emotional and even sad when the bullying started focusing on this part of her.
But to be perfectly honest, I would have liked the book a lot more if there hadn't been any romance. Cadence and her music, Cadence growing into herself and finding who she is would be enough by itself. Especially when added to the very latent supernatural plot of the book.
If the book had not been classified as a paranormal romance to begin with, I would not have been looking for any clue on supernatural activity and would not have noticed anything going on. Because trust me, they are deeply hidden and the mystery is thick. Something is brewing at Hearthstone Academy and Cadence might just be the only one in the dark.
But I do have a few ideas. And just for that, I feel that book two will be worth a shot.
Trigger warning: bullying, attempted murder
You might also like:
+ School of Broken Souls
+ Tethered to the World
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I wouldn't go as far as say I loved it but it was quite the emotional ride.
You are not unfamiliar with the bully trope by now. If you haven't read one yourself, your feed has, at some point, shown you a book belonging to the genre.
Savage Beasts is a bully romance but also gives a different feeling. It's also the first in a paranormal series that gives very few hints at any magic happening.
The book revolves around Cadence, a quiet version of the usual « trailer park trash ».
Cadence has nothing but music and the day she received her acceptance letter to the famous Hearttstone Academy on a full scolarship ride, it's her way to start anew. At least to start somewhere as she doesn't even have a home anymore.
Cadence is extremely talented, a musical genius, but from her first step into the Academy, she knows she won't belong as she is shoved into the basement and pushed to leave the school at every corner.
Cadence wasn't a great character. She wasn't strong and her rare brave moments were unrealistic. But she had real passion for her music and her bond with it made the whole book emotional and even sad when the bullying started focusing on this part of her.
But to be perfectly honest, I would have liked the book a lot more if there hadn't been any romance. Cadence and her music, Cadence growing into herself and finding who she is would be enough by itself. Especially when added to the very latent supernatural plot of the book.
If the book had not been classified as a paranormal romance to begin with, I would not have been looking for any clue on supernatural activity and would not have noticed anything going on. Because trust me, they are deeply hidden and the mystery is thick. Something is brewing at Hearthstone Academy and Cadence might just be the only one in the dark.
But I do have a few ideas. And just for that, I feel that book two will be worth a shot.
Trigger warning: bullying, attempted murder
You might also like:
+ School of Broken Souls
+ Tethered to the World
October 19, 2019
Spoiler alert!
Spoiler alert!
So, you are telling me that they destroy her most loved possession and took away her music. The one thing that got her through her crappy life and she STILL wants to be with them?!?!?
I've read several bully romance books and this main chick is the worst! Has no self respect or will power.
I get they are obviously trying to save her from something, my guess is turning into one of the statues on campus. But come on! Put up a little bit of a fight before you drop your pants!
Spoiler alert!
So, you are telling me that they destroy her most loved possession and took away her music. The one thing that got her through her crappy life and she STILL wants to be with them?!?!?
I've read several bully romance books and this main chick is the worst! Has no self respect or will power.
I get they are obviously trying to save her from something, my guess is turning into one of the statues on campus. But come on! Put up a little bit of a fight before you drop your pants!
September 18, 2019
Completely confusing
May 11, 2022
Savage Beasts was so exciting i really loved this plot and the characters. Cadence Flynn was interesting for sure, but my favorite character has to be her friend Lorcan he is just so great.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 1, 2020
Loved it!
This book is great, well written and well worth the read. At times it made me cry, with what those bullies put her through. Looking forward to the next book
This book is great, well written and well worth the read. At times it made me cry, with what those bullies put her through. Looking forward to the next book
January 21, 2020
Cadence is one of the most spineless female I have ever read about. Her story is full of holes and inconsistencies. she doesnt stand up for herself nor does she even have principles she believes in but the constant complaining like anyone owes her love or friendship. I have read multiple bully romances but the heroines always stood up for something.
Sure attraction happens but usually has redeeming qualities, the gods she so loves to follow destroy everything she loves time and again yet she blindly trust them literally after an incident where her hands were burnt and no one helped. Do not read this book... find another... waste of precious hours
Sure attraction happens but usually has redeeming qualities, the gods she so loves to follow destroy everything she loves time and again yet she blindly trust them literally after an incident where her hands were burnt and no one helped. Do not read this book... find another... waste of precious hours
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2019
Intriguing Paranormal NA RH Bully Academy Genre Mashing Story
I normally stay away from genre bingo books. I simply feel that the author is trying to hit all the genre buttons to maximise revenue, but this book feels like the story is the the motivation for hitting all the genres.
Cadence was raised by a really terrible foster mother from 6 weeks old. Her 16 year old mother died when she was born and no father was listed on her birth certificate. The one thing that Cadence has is her music. She is truly gifted and can play any instrument superbly, even if she’s never seen it before. When her awful foster mother gives her a letter saying she’s been accepted into a college for gifted individuals on a scholarship basis, she sees it as an escape. When she accepts the place, on her 18th birthday, her foster mother kicks her out.
After being homeless for a month she starts at her new college and the bullying starts before she’s even moved into her dorm room. She is tormented by the 6 ruling members of her freshman year, but thankfully makes 2 great friends, Lorcan, a superb singer, and genius with make up brush, and Horror, a goth and English major, early on.
There is so much to enjoy about this book. It’s well written, the plot is very deftly constructed and the main character is interesting. There are so many hints of why things are happening, but you really can’t guess outright from the hints. They just intrigue you more.
What I didn’t like was how attracted Cadence was to the three guys who were tormenting her and she didn’t seem to have any backbone against them, at all. I’m assuming that there is a reason for this, but that reason is not laid out in this book, which is why it annoys me. I also wished to see more of Horror and Lorcan’s personalities, apart from how they interact with Cadence. I know there are plot reasons for keeping it all from her point of view, but I like getting to know all the characters involved in a story.
Despite these few annoyances, I will definitely be reading the next book in the series, because I have to know what happens next, I have no other option!
I normally stay away from genre bingo books. I simply feel that the author is trying to hit all the genre buttons to maximise revenue, but this book feels like the story is the the motivation for hitting all the genres.
Cadence was raised by a really terrible foster mother from 6 weeks old. Her 16 year old mother died when she was born and no father was listed on her birth certificate. The one thing that Cadence has is her music. She is truly gifted and can play any instrument superbly, even if she’s never seen it before. When her awful foster mother gives her a letter saying she’s been accepted into a college for gifted individuals on a scholarship basis, she sees it as an escape. When she accepts the place, on her 18th birthday, her foster mother kicks her out.
After being homeless for a month she starts at her new college and the bullying starts before she’s even moved into her dorm room. She is tormented by the 6 ruling members of her freshman year, but thankfully makes 2 great friends, Lorcan, a superb singer, and genius with make up brush, and Horror, a goth and English major, early on.
There is so much to enjoy about this book. It’s well written, the plot is very deftly constructed and the main character is interesting. There are so many hints of why things are happening, but you really can’t guess outright from the hints. They just intrigue you more.
What I didn’t like was how attracted Cadence was to the three guys who were tormenting her and she didn’t seem to have any backbone against them, at all. I’m assuming that there is a reason for this, but that reason is not laid out in this book, which is why it annoys me. I also wished to see more of Horror and Lorcan’s personalities, apart from how they interact with Cadence. I know there are plot reasons for keeping it all from her point of view, but I like getting to know all the characters involved in a story.
Despite these few annoyances, I will definitely be reading the next book in the series, because I have to know what happens next, I have no other option!
September 10, 2019
ence is living with her foster mother when she was told that she was accepted to Heartstone Academy with a full scholarship to the school. She only had her music to help her through all the horrible times in here life. She thinks that her fother mother applied for her.
That she made did care. But the foster mother didn't and kicked her out when she found out that Cadence accepted. With the kindness of her bosses, she was able to work, fill out all the neccessary forms.
When she gets there, there she is awe of the place, as this her chance for a future for herself. Away from the pain of her past. But then she meets her roommate. It was horrible.
The roommate and her friends decide to make her live hell.
Cadence meets two people that become her friends, they try to help her with all the torture these people are putting her through. The three hot guys keep playing mind games with her. She can't understand why
they keep acting like bullies on second, them making out with her the next. Telling her to leave, she doesn't belong. She thinks it is because she is a scholarship kid.
There is more to this school than meets the eye. Cadence is in the center of the storm, she doesn't understand what is going on, but is trying to hold out, hoping it will all stop.
This is an ok start to story, wish there was more back story as to what is going. You are left wondering what is the deal with the school, all the kids there. I just leaves to many questions. Hopefully, book 2 will give those answers while guiding the story forward
That she made did care. But the foster mother didn't and kicked her out when she found out that Cadence accepted. With the kindness of her bosses, she was able to work, fill out all the neccessary forms.
When she gets there, there she is awe of the place, as this her chance for a future for herself. Away from the pain of her past. But then she meets her roommate. It was horrible.
The roommate and her friends decide to make her live hell.
Cadence meets two people that become her friends, they try to help her with all the torture these people are putting her through. The three hot guys keep playing mind games with her. She can't understand why
they keep acting like bullies on second, them making out with her the next. Telling her to leave, she doesn't belong. She thinks it is because she is a scholarship kid.
There is more to this school than meets the eye. Cadence is in the center of the storm, she doesn't understand what is going on, but is trying to hold out, hoping it will all stop.
This is an ok start to story, wish there was more back story as to what is going. You are left wondering what is the deal with the school, all the kids there. I just leaves to many questions. Hopefully, book 2 will give those answers while guiding the story forward
September 10, 2019
I’m enjoying the current trend of bully academy RH stories, but they can end up all feeling a little similar. Savage Beasts really did put itself apart from the pack for me because of the side characters, the humour, and the likable FMC who is determined not to back down from a pack of bullies.
The author calls this slow-burn enemies-to-lovers series, and I can’t wait to get to know the bully boys over the next few book and to see how they’re redeemed. There’s a lot of mystery here as well, and it had me wondering the whole way through exactly what was going on! There are suggestions, but no answers yet, which is fine – it just makes me incredibly curious what happens in the next book!
My favourite character is Cadence’s friend Lorcan. He. Is. Awesome. Horror is also lovely, but Lorcan pips her for MVP status here. This is another thing that made this book really enjoyable for me – the friendships that Cadence forms. In some bully academy stories, the FMC is hated by everyone, which just seems over the top to me.
Anyway, I loved this, and I read it fast and furious(ly). I’ll be pre-ordering the next one immediately.
I think readers of Steffanie Holmes’ Miskatonic Prep series will like this – Savage Beasts has a similar dark vibe, and mysterious paranormal goings-on that aren’t just spoon fed to the reader. Can’t wait to see what’s next for Cadence, especially given the ending…eep!
The author calls this slow-burn enemies-to-lovers series, and I can’t wait to get to know the bully boys over the next few book and to see how they’re redeemed. There’s a lot of mystery here as well, and it had me wondering the whole way through exactly what was going on! There are suggestions, but no answers yet, which is fine – it just makes me incredibly curious what happens in the next book!
My favourite character is Cadence’s friend Lorcan. He. Is. Awesome. Horror is also lovely, but Lorcan pips her for MVP status here. This is another thing that made this book really enjoyable for me – the friendships that Cadence forms. In some bully academy stories, the FMC is hated by everyone, which just seems over the top to me.
Anyway, I loved this, and I read it fast and furious(ly). I’ll be pre-ordering the next one immediately.
I think readers of Steffanie Holmes’ Miskatonic Prep series will like this – Savage Beasts has a similar dark vibe, and mysterious paranormal goings-on that aren’t just spoon fed to the reader. Can’t wait to see what’s next for Cadence, especially given the ending…eep!
September 28, 2019
Savage Beasts by Alexa Saint is the first book which covers year one in the Hearthstone Academy series. In this book, Cadence Flynn is a poor student from a trailer park with remarkable musical talent is awarded a scholarship to a prestigious and exclusive private liberal arts college named Hearthstone Academy. When she arrives at the school three of the schools most popular freshmen girls and three boys spend the entire year trying to make her leave the school by continually hazing her. This book is the perfect example of how some people work hard to ruin another’s life for no other reason but their own amusement. Even though this is set in a paranormal type world the realism of the situations and suffering of Cadence engender make this character’s feelings seem surprisingly real. This book is an excellent read that all school bullies should be forced to read. I loved every page and can’t wait to find out what will happen next. Savage Beasts is a wonderfully real story set in a paranormal world.
September 15, 2019
Cadence has had a sad lot in her short life. That is, if it weren’t for her ability to play anything musical. She gets a scholarship to an exclusive academy and when she shows up, the bullying begins. The six perfect, strange but talented students that run the place immediately start their campaign of getting the leech to leave. What a sad journey Cadence has to go through because some people can’t look past social and other stigmas.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 20, 2019
Oh my, I am so ticked off for poor Cadence. I felt as if she actually asked for what those nasty bullies did to her! How could she stay attracted to those bully boys when they treated her so terribly?
My heart cries for her! I want to read the next book in the series but please do not have her even think of hooking up with Jadon or Oaken or Rael. They are so not worthy of Cadence in any way. Until then....
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My heart cries for her! I want to read the next book in the series but please do not have her even think of hooking up with Jadon or Oaken or Rael. They are so not worthy of Cadence in any way. Until then....
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 25, 2019
Fantastic
This book was absolutely amazing!! I was completely sucked in by the story!! I hope Candace gets to fight back more in the next book!!
This book was absolutely amazing!! I was completely sucked in by the story!! I hope Candace gets to fight back more in the next book!!
October 7, 2019
weak h, didn't really stand out. had a thread of mystery mixed in.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews