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Spy Academy: The Royals #2
The Cruel World
I didn’t know we had a rival team until they moved in next door.
“You’re invited to The Royal Games.”
I only thought I knew how competitive the guys on my team were until we got the invitation. To make matters worse, our rival team has moved in next door to us.
Confessions are made.
Lines are drawn.
As for me, I’m not sure I even have a place on my team anymore.
The Royal Games are supposed to bring teams together, not tear them apart.
But I’m stronger than they think. Nobody can run me off.
At least… I hope not.
“You’re invited to The Royal Games.”
I only thought I knew how competitive the guys on my team were until we got the invitation. To make matters worse, our rival team has moved in next door to us.
Confessions are made.
Lines are drawn.
As for me, I’m not sure I even have a place on my team anymore.
The Royal Games are supposed to bring teams together, not tear them apart.
But I’m stronger than they think. Nobody can run me off.
At least… I hope not.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 3, 2020
44 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Scarlett Haven
91 books412 followersI'm Scarlett Haven. I write YA and NA books and I write a lot. My books are a fun mixture of romance, mystery, and now some paranormal too!
Besides writing, I also love to read anything I can get my hands on and I'm always drawn to the villain of the story. I am 29 years old and am married to the love of my life.
Besides writing, I also love to read anything I can get my hands on and I'm always drawn to the villain of the story. I am 29 years old and am married to the love of my life.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 13, 2023
West is a Narcissist
This is one of those books that you read and you know it's not very good, but there are some likeable aspects to it so you stick around hoping it's going to improve, hoping the characters will get an epiphany and start behaving with maturity and decency. But from what I can glean from the book and the entire series, this ain't that kind of story.
I didn't finish this one. I finished the first one and gave it a 1 star review. This one I don't think I'll be able to finish because I'm so grieved and bothered by what I'm reading. This is YA book so it's directed to a young impressionable audience. I feel like it's message is all wrong. Here are my issues:
I'm convinced West is a narcissist. I'm hoping Roxy will realize that but she's caught in this idea that West is a hot, sexy brooding bad boy. No he is an abuser. He is so controlling. He kisses her then acts like he hates her. He tries to control who she likes. Even when other people ask her out and she declines, he still blames her and treats her like it's her fault for being attractive. What???? This sounds like the type of guy who would give her a black eye if they ever dated because of his possessiveness and jealousy. I'm disappointed that the other guys don't defend her enough. Sometimes the other team points out that West is being ridiculous but not often enough or seriously enough. The abuse continues. You should never have anxiety to go into your own house because one of your roommates is going to verbally attack you for being attractive and for other guys noticing it.
Why is everyone so unprofessional??? They're supposed to be top notch spies but they can't control their own lusts. I mean Jensen is in his twenties and kisses Roxy, who is still in high school, and after she repeatedly turns him down. All of her teammates are lusting after her and mistreat her whenever it's convenient, like if their ego is wounded. Ian was a cool guy in the first book, but turned into a complete jerk when she rejects him. This is not normal. None of these guys behave normally. They're all selfish and inappropriate.
There is no plot in these books outside of the drama Roxy experiences with all these guys being attracted to her. I'm kind of tired of Roxy being treated like a punching bag and doormat by just about every character. Or if they didn't abuse her, they watched others (West) abuse her with little intervention. Even her parents don't love her. Roxy is a girl who doesn't know what love is. She's never experienced it. And she's attracted to an abusive, controlling narcissist who is more like her mother than she realizes.
I'm disappointed that stuff like this is written. I'm disappointed that this kind of abuse is considered "romantic" and "slow burn". I honestly wished she would like Ian or Rook. But Ian showed his true colors so I'm glad she rejected him.
I get Roxy is supposed to be determined and has a never give up attitude. But given the abuse that she experiences from her teammates, it doesn't seem wise or safe for her to persist being a Royal, or at least remaining on a team with 4 guys who can't control their hormones and who disrespect her whenever they want to. Again, it's unprofessional. Roxy goes on an on about the difference being a Royal makes on the world. There's more telling about this than showing, because the mission scenes are terrible. They do very little but spend time at their condo and the fight club.
I like the idea of Roxy gaining four best friends, four protective and loving brothers, even if they all like her, if they could conduct themselves like gentlemen and if there were actual spying in this book, it would be pretty cool. But it's not. The abuse doesn't end with book one. I thought they were just adjusting to her being on the team and feeling weird because they're all attracted to her, so they all got off on the wrong foot. But nope! They're hot then cold. Yes then no. They love her then hate her. Kiss her then verbally assault her. This the main storyline this series is going to continue with and it's such a waste.
There's other books to read guys. This isn't a series for teenage girls. I'm so disappointed in the author. There was potential for this to be a really great book, but the storyline, like it's characters, has no desire to mature.
This is one of those books that you read and you know it's not very good, but there are some likeable aspects to it so you stick around hoping it's going to improve, hoping the characters will get an epiphany and start behaving with maturity and decency. But from what I can glean from the book and the entire series, this ain't that kind of story.
I didn't finish this one. I finished the first one and gave it a 1 star review. This one I don't think I'll be able to finish because I'm so grieved and bothered by what I'm reading. This is YA book so it's directed to a young impressionable audience. I feel like it's message is all wrong. Here are my issues:
I'm convinced West is a narcissist. I'm hoping Roxy will realize that but she's caught in this idea that West is a hot, sexy brooding bad boy. No he is an abuser. He is so controlling. He kisses her then acts like he hates her. He tries to control who she likes. Even when other people ask her out and she declines, he still blames her and treats her like it's her fault for being attractive. What???? This sounds like the type of guy who would give her a black eye if they ever dated because of his possessiveness and jealousy. I'm disappointed that the other guys don't defend her enough. Sometimes the other team points out that West is being ridiculous but not often enough or seriously enough. The abuse continues. You should never have anxiety to go into your own house because one of your roommates is going to verbally attack you for being attractive and for other guys noticing it.
Why is everyone so unprofessional??? They're supposed to be top notch spies but they can't control their own lusts. I mean Jensen is in his twenties and kisses Roxy, who is still in high school, and after she repeatedly turns him down. All of her teammates are lusting after her and mistreat her whenever it's convenient, like if their ego is wounded. Ian was a cool guy in the first book, but turned into a complete jerk when she rejects him. This is not normal. None of these guys behave normally. They're all selfish and inappropriate.
There is no plot in these books outside of the drama Roxy experiences with all these guys being attracted to her. I'm kind of tired of Roxy being treated like a punching bag and doormat by just about every character. Or if they didn't abuse her, they watched others (West) abuse her with little intervention. Even her parents don't love her. Roxy is a girl who doesn't know what love is. She's never experienced it. And she's attracted to an abusive, controlling narcissist who is more like her mother than she realizes.
I'm disappointed that stuff like this is written. I'm disappointed that this kind of abuse is considered "romantic" and "slow burn". I honestly wished she would like Ian or Rook. But Ian showed his true colors so I'm glad she rejected him.
I get Roxy is supposed to be determined and has a never give up attitude. But given the abuse that she experiences from her teammates, it doesn't seem wise or safe for her to persist being a Royal, or at least remaining on a team with 4 guys who can't control their hormones and who disrespect her whenever they want to. Again, it's unprofessional. Roxy goes on an on about the difference being a Royal makes on the world. There's more telling about this than showing, because the mission scenes are terrible. They do very little but spend time at their condo and the fight club.
I like the idea of Roxy gaining four best friends, four protective and loving brothers, even if they all like her, if they could conduct themselves like gentlemen and if there were actual spying in this book, it would be pretty cool. But it's not. The abuse doesn't end with book one. I thought they were just adjusting to her being on the team and feeling weird because they're all attracted to her, so they all got off on the wrong foot. But nope! They're hot then cold. Yes then no. They love her then hate her. Kiss her then verbally assault her. This the main storyline this series is going to continue with and it's such a waste.
There's other books to read guys. This isn't a series for teenage girls. I'm so disappointed in the author. There was potential for this to be a really great book, but the storyline, like it's characters, has no desire to mature.
June 28, 2020
I love Roxy. This girl has so much strength in her and I love that she doesn't give up despite everything. I look forward to what happen next to her. So far, the series has been a lot of fun for me, for most of the book I cry with laughter or can't wait for what will happen next. Thank you Scarlett it was soooo much fun. I can wait for next book.
Oh and I absolutely love Rook, like really I may have crush for him.
Oh and I absolutely love Rook, like really I may have crush for him.
June 28, 2020
I loved this book. She starts to figure out who has her heart. There is a little steam and a lot of tension.The Royal Games are quickly approaching and the team has training to do. Bringing in a rival team was unexpected but it worked. It gave a little competition to the book and it is different from Scarlett's other spy school books. I love this series, and can't wait for book 3
July 7, 2020
These books just keep getting better! I love Roxy and her determination regardless of the hits she takes. During this story, she begins to figure out where her heart lies as another team enters the scene. I love the new characters, and I really look forward to seeing the teams come together in the future. The tension in this book is real, but so is the love. Fantastic story!
September 23, 2025
West, Ian, Kal, and Alek are royal spy agents who gave Roxy a hard time because West could not control his emotions. The one she felt comfortable with is Alek. Roxy would get blamed for everything that went wrong. West went so far as to give Roxy strawberries that she is allergic to. That was the last straw; she wanted to change to a different spy team.
July 3, 2020
Would Recommend this series, this book had me laughing. I love how strong the FMC is. Bring on the next book.
July 10, 2020
This book was fantastic! I love how the new team comes in and interacts with Roxy. I can’t wait to see how the rest of the series plays out.
July 19, 2020
I loved reading this book. Roxy never gives up even after the blow she received. I love the character development and the addition of new characters. I am really looking forward to the next book.
October 25, 2022
Great story
I am enjoying this fun action pack adventure of Roxie and her Royal team of agents that need to learn how to be a team.
I am enjoying this fun action pack adventure of Roxie and her Royal team of agents that need to learn how to be a team.
February 15, 2023
EMOTIONAL
Tis book made me feel so many emotions! From tears to anger to laughter! Love when a book stirs the emotions up!
Tis book made me feel so many emotions! From tears to anger to laughter! Love when a book stirs the emotions up!
July 9, 2020
I absolutely loved this book. I love Roxy she's such a strong character even after everything she has been through. 100 percent recommend this, i can't wait to read the next one.
July 3, 2020
This book had my emotions all over the place. Poor Roxy puts up with a;out of shit between the boys her parents and her job . I can’t believe she’s still standing. The only reason why she is , is because she one STRONG lady. I can’t wait to read more from hits series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2022
At the end of the last book, Roxy thought things were starting to look up for her team. She thought wrong.
A rival team moving next door adds pressure to an already volatile situation. At first, Jensen, Cole and Rook try using Roxy as a weak point to pick at her team, then they outright start recruiting her when they see how she gets treated by her team.
This book was so good. The emotional scenes are so powerful. I can't wait to see what else happens for Team West.
A rival team moving next door adds pressure to an already volatile situation. At first, Jensen, Cole and Rook try using Roxy as a weak point to pick at her team, then they outright start recruiting her when they see how she gets treated by her team.
This book was so good. The emotional scenes are so powerful. I can't wait to see what else happens for Team West.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews