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The Academy Saga #3
CAP & Gown
Katie Connelly is nineteen years old but feels like she's been fighting for survival forever.
When Officer Ranger Nealson offers her a lifeline at The Academy, she snatches it with both hands. But she soon realizes that her lifeline might not be enough to keep her afloat and that her mentor might have ulterior motives. She wouldn't be willing to compromise her principles if it wasn't for one small thing--her brother Mikey. Her all-encompassing promise to her mother to protect her brothers causes her to forge forward with Ranger's master plan. After all, this is likely the best deal she would get at The Academy, and she and Mikey need all the help they can get to survive in this cutthroat world.
But during the course of her training, Kate can't help but long for a different elite cadet. Where is Pete Davenport? He's lost in the wind. Will he make an appearance before Kate marches into a destiny she's not sure she wants? Much less can handle. Somewhere along this fast-forward march, Kate makes a major misstep that costs her biggest ally and forever changes the lives of everyone she's trying to protect.
When Officer Ranger Nealson offers her a lifeline at The Academy, she snatches it with both hands. But she soon realizes that her lifeline might not be enough to keep her afloat and that her mentor might have ulterior motives. She wouldn't be willing to compromise her principles if it wasn't for one small thing--her brother Mikey. Her all-encompassing promise to her mother to protect her brothers causes her to forge forward with Ranger's master plan. After all, this is likely the best deal she would get at The Academy, and she and Mikey need all the help they can get to survive in this cutthroat world.
But during the course of her training, Kate can't help but long for a different elite cadet. Where is Pete Davenport? He's lost in the wind. Will he make an appearance before Kate marches into a destiny she's not sure she wants? Much less can handle. Somewhere along this fast-forward march, Kate makes a major misstep that costs her biggest ally and forever changes the lives of everyone she's trying to protect.
- GenresFiction
569 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2021
41 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Daly
7 books185 followersCJ Daly grew up on the scrabbly plains of Eastern New Mexico. When she was supposed to be helping her six siblings with chores on the family ranch, she was really sneaking behind dusty haystacks to read. And dreaming about becoming a writer.
After graduating high school, CJ moved to Big D (Dallas), where she quickly put herself through college while trying to rid herself of her country accent. She had better luck with college, graduating cum laude with a degree in English literature. After teaching a few years, and pausing to have back-to-back boys, she began writing in earnest.
A few years later, "The Academy Saga" was born. "The Academy" is her debut novel, and "The Academy, Cadet-in-Training" is the sequel.
After graduating high school, CJ moved to Big D (Dallas), where she quickly put herself through college while trying to rid herself of her country accent. She had better luck with college, graduating cum laude with a degree in English literature. After teaching a few years, and pausing to have back-to-back boys, she began writing in earnest.
A few years later, "The Academy Saga" was born. "The Academy" is her debut novel, and "The Academy, Cadet-in-Training" is the sequel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
April 2, 2021
4/1/21
After waiting 7 long months for book three, I read Cap and Gown in about 5 hours. I think I need some time to digest all that happened in this book. It is safe to say there were many twists and turns. I’m not entirely sure that a whole lot happened. I liked Ranger and then I didn’t. I didn’t like Pete and then I disliked him even more. Both relationships seem toxic and unhealthy. They both treat her like an object to be had. I feel like I need to reread this book and possibly update this review at later point. I like the story but idk if I’m liking where it’s going.
After waiting 7 long months for book three, I read Cap and Gown in about 5 hours. I think I need some time to digest all that happened in this book. It is safe to say there were many twists and turns. I’m not entirely sure that a whole lot happened. I liked Ranger and then I didn’t. I didn’t like Pete and then I disliked him even more. Both relationships seem toxic and unhealthy. They both treat her like an object to be had. I feel like I need to reread this book and possibly update this review at later point. I like the story but idk if I’m liking where it’s going.
June 6, 2021
And just like that I'm stuck waiting for book four! And once again I can't decide if I'm Team Ranger, or Team Pete. Seriously. Why is this such a hard decision!? I actually started leaning towards Ranger ... his entire demeanor is just so sexy, it's hard not to LOL! And then there's Pete, so kind and caring. He is very much in love with Kate, would do anything in the world for her. Can't decide!! I hope there's some clarity for me in the next book.
As always Kate has hard decisions to make and also makes some pretty stupid ones. We won't get into those ... no spoilers here!
Cap & Gown is another solid read. Lots of drama, intense scenes and moments where I considered throwing my book haha!
Those cliffhangers though. Every single time. This one is CRAZY. Just you wait ...
For those who have inquired as to whether this is a Young Adult series, I would say no. The sex scenes are VERY steamy.
Thanks so much to CJ Daly for my gifted copy! I can't wait to see what happens next.
Trigger warning: Rape
As always Kate has hard decisions to make and also makes some pretty stupid ones. We won't get into those ... no spoilers here!
Cap & Gown is another solid read. Lots of drama, intense scenes and moments where I considered throwing my book haha!
Those cliffhangers though. Every single time. This one is CRAZY. Just you wait ...
For those who have inquired as to whether this is a Young Adult series, I would say no. The sex scenes are VERY steamy.
Thanks so much to CJ Daly for my gifted copy! I can't wait to see what happens next.
Trigger warning: Rape
April 2, 2021
Team Kate
First it was Team Pete. Then I was Team Ranger then I was Team Pete but ultimately I’m Team Kate. She’s an amazing character with a heart of gold even when doing the wrong things for the right reasons. I might die waiting on IV.
First it was Team Pete. Then I was Team Ranger then I was Team Pete but ultimately I’m Team Kate. She’s an amazing character with a heart of gold even when doing the wrong things for the right reasons. I might die waiting on IV.
April 5, 2021
Book III makes me laugh, gasp, and cry, sometimes within the same scene. The characters, while dynamic, are definitely imperfect, and I agree with the Readers' Favorite reviewer who cited this as a reason we love them so much. Life is messy. So are theirs, and they're all still young enough they make a myriad of mistakes and bad choices that lead to their own individual and collective demises.
While emotional suspense is a common theme throughout, the LOL moments sprinkled throughout help break up some of the tenser moments. I just love to see how the dynamic between Kate & Ranger and Kate & Pete develop in both similar and very different ways. The slow-burn romance, cooking between Kate & Ranger, finally boils over in a rash act of emotion that leaves them both filled with regret. This sets the stage for Pete and Kate's long-awaited for love story to continue. Although they seemingly have had love-at-first-sight from the beginning, their story is no less tumultuous, and through a series of fateful events, it ends almost before it truly begins.
Whether you're #TeamPete or #TeamRanger, or neither one (at this point in time), you'll think--and worry--about these characters long after the last page is turned.
While emotional suspense is a common theme throughout, the LOL moments sprinkled throughout help break up some of the tenser moments. I just love to see how the dynamic between Kate & Ranger and Kate & Pete develop in both similar and very different ways. The slow-burn romance, cooking between Kate & Ranger, finally boils over in a rash act of emotion that leaves them both filled with regret. This sets the stage for Pete and Kate's long-awaited for love story to continue. Although they seemingly have had love-at-first-sight from the beginning, their story is no less tumultuous, and through a series of fateful events, it ends almost before it truly begins.
Whether you're #TeamPete or #TeamRanger, or neither one (at this point in time), you'll think--and worry--about these characters long after the last page is turned.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2021
What is a better word than phenomenal because that is what this book is! It has been 24 hours since I finished and I am still thinking about EVERYTHING that happened in this book - in awe! CJ has this fantastic ability to just hook a reader in from the get to! Each book in this series has had me enthralled from page 1. Cap and Gown has SO many twists and revelations that my mind was BLOWN! One of my favorite parts of this book was the different dynamics that Kate has with both Pete and Ranger .... and while their relationships are soo different the one thing they share is PASSION! This team Ranger fan can’t deny Kate has strong chemistry with Pete too! This passion she has between both guys explodes in this book and you simply feel it all! I will end this by saying the cliffhanger in this is soo good that it literally gave me chills! Such a fantastic series and I absolutely can’t wait for the next one! If you haven’t grabbed this one yet do so NOW! I am of still of course #teamranger.
April 6, 2021
Well...all of that freaking happened.
I'm actually pretty angry. This was a roller-coaster for sure and I'm not sure it was a fun one.
Kate is such a fricking moron right now. She never listens and it always causes more drama, heartache, and BS than is necessary.
I'm still Team Pete but not Team Kate and Pete because they make my head hurt when they're together.
I guess Kate and Ranger will have to figure it out.
Maybe after I calm down things will change.
Here are some snippets of my comments in a chat with my friends Michelle and Amber:
"You know what. Pete can be an idiot but I still honestly believe he is just worried about her. She obviously cannot take care of herself. I'd like the series to just end now. I wouldn't even be mad...well not too mad.
I'm 92% in. I'm not sure I can handle much more of the anxiety this book is causing. 😅"
"I mean she spent two years in the Academy. Why doesn't she understand they have eyes and ears EVERYWHERE and while she wants to help she really can't safely do so...at this time."
"I've decided though (and none of this has happened) that she is an idiot who doesn't think past right now so she will saunter back to the Academy after one of her hissy fits. Then the next book will be her fighting with Ranger again but ultimately dealing with the abuse. She will go on to have Academy babies believing that some day things will change but they won't and she will just allow them to control her forever and ever amen."
"If I thought for a minute that Ranger would run from the Academy and see that they are controlling crazy people then I might feel different."
"In conclusion (😂) one on hand I want her to run all the way away with Pete and live happily ever after and on the other I want her back with Ranger who will magically be amazing and communicative and change the Academy for the better."
PS CJ DALY YOU'RE AN AMAZING WRITER AND PLEASE DON'T EVER STOP! Even if I am not absolutely in love with the direction this part of the story took I am still ABSOLUTELY IN LOVE with the journey and cannot wait to read more.
I'm actually pretty angry. This was a roller-coaster for sure and I'm not sure it was a fun one.
Kate is such a fricking moron right now. She never listens and it always causes more drama, heartache, and BS than is necessary.
I'm still Team Pete but not Team Kate and Pete because they make my head hurt when they're together.
I guess Kate and Ranger will have to figure it out.
Maybe after I calm down things will change.
Here are some snippets of my comments in a chat with my friends Michelle and Amber:
"You know what. Pete can be an idiot but I still honestly believe he is just worried about her. She obviously cannot take care of herself. I'd like the series to just end now. I wouldn't even be mad...well not too mad.
I'm 92% in. I'm not sure I can handle much more of the anxiety this book is causing. 😅"
"I mean she spent two years in the Academy. Why doesn't she understand they have eyes and ears EVERYWHERE and while she wants to help she really can't safely do so...at this time."
"I've decided though (and none of this has happened) that she is an idiot who doesn't think past right now so she will saunter back to the Academy after one of her hissy fits. Then the next book will be her fighting with Ranger again but ultimately dealing with the abuse. She will go on to have Academy babies believing that some day things will change but they won't and she will just allow them to control her forever and ever amen."
"If I thought for a minute that Ranger would run from the Academy and see that they are controlling crazy people then I might feel different."
"In conclusion (😂) one on hand I want her to run all the way away with Pete and live happily ever after and on the other I want her back with Ranger who will magically be amazing and communicative and change the Academy for the better."
PS CJ DALY YOU'RE AN AMAZING WRITER AND PLEASE DON'T EVER STOP! Even if I am not absolutely in love with the direction this part of the story took I am still ABSOLUTELY IN LOVE with the journey and cannot wait to read more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2021
A heartbreaker.
Book three and the story is still new and engrossing. My loyalties were torn and now I'm as heartbroken as Kate and Pete and Ranger.
Truly addicting . Can't wait for next book.
Book three and the story is still new and engrossing. My loyalties were torn and now I'm as heartbroken as Kate and Pete and Ranger.
Truly addicting . Can't wait for next book.
April 15, 2021
I thought book ll was awesome and nothing could top it off... Boy was I wrong! 😂 The more I read the more I want and NEED these series to be turned into a TV series! The author knows how to keep you interested and, when you think you have the book figured out, something unexpected happens.
I was #TeamRanger since book l but now I am not sure anymore 😂
I was #TeamRanger since book l but now I am not sure anymore 😂
April 19, 2021
Wow! Just wow!
I wasn't expecting this at all!! I thought I had the whole series figured out after finishing book ll but there are so many twists in book lll that changed everything. It also changed my opinion about some of the characters.
If you are looking for a series that will keep you on your toes, The Academy Saga is it! You won't be able to predict what will happen next.
I wasn't expecting this at all!! I thought I had the whole series figured out after finishing book ll but there are so many twists in book lll that changed everything. It also changed my opinion about some of the characters.
If you are looking for a series that will keep you on your toes, The Academy Saga is it! You won't be able to predict what will happen next.
April 15, 2021
This book is INCREDIBLE!! Every book in this series just keeps getting better and better. I thought I was team ranger all along but now I don’t know??? I really hope C.J. Daly is working on a book 4 because I need to know what happens!!!
April 5, 2021
Almost too much to say so I'll just say wow. Just wow. When is book 4 coming??
May 29, 2021
Update: I've changed my rating to 1 star.
After reading the most current book, the third, and having sat on my feelings regarding the authors storyline and the way she has been regarding this on social media, I've decided to no longer support this series or her work.
I can't lie and say this first book wasn't good. I devoured it and wanted more right now. Unfortunately, the author decided to play into the good guy vs bad boy love triangle trope. In the follow ups. This was originally YA and then turned into NA smut by the third with no character growth, but actually turning characters into trash.
We have Kate who turns into a simpering fool.
We have Pete who is an obsessed, possessive jerk.
We have Ranger...a rapist.
No I'm serious. She wrote a cruel rape scene and then plays the "he will redeem himself in the next book." She still plays up the team Ranger or team Pete in her posts and I watched her shut down a fan who brought up the problematic rape take. And I'm sorry but.
Let's not forget she also pretty much said Kate deserved the rape because she pushed him too far.
In 2021, we can't sit by and make excuses. Once the words no and stop have been uttered, even mid sex, it turns into rape when the male continues. Yet the author wrote a black and white scene. It wasn't even sex, she was asked to day something, said no she didn't want it and had Ranger plunge into a virgin written character angrily and forcefully. She cried and he kept it up. There's is no excuse or redemption arc and the tone thr author has kept up since writing this is beyond gross.
I've sat stewing over this since finishing the book in April. I didn't want to hurt the authors feelings but she clearly doesn't care about fans and the dangerous ideals she's putting into her younger readers heads. The works are problematic and so is the author.
Don't start this series because it'll only betray you.
After reading the most current book, the third, and having sat on my feelings regarding the authors storyline and the way she has been regarding this on social media, I've decided to no longer support this series or her work.
I can't lie and say this first book wasn't good. I devoured it and wanted more right now. Unfortunately, the author decided to play into the good guy vs bad boy love triangle trope. In the follow ups. This was originally YA and then turned into NA smut by the third with no character growth, but actually turning characters into trash.
We have Kate who turns into a simpering fool.
We have Pete who is an obsessed, possessive jerk.
We have Ranger...a rapist.
No I'm serious. She wrote a cruel rape scene and then plays the "he will redeem himself in the next book." She still plays up the team Ranger or team Pete in her posts and I watched her shut down a fan who brought up the problematic rape take. And I'm sorry but.
Let's not forget she also pretty much said Kate deserved the rape because she pushed him too far.
In 2021, we can't sit by and make excuses. Once the words no and stop have been uttered, even mid sex, it turns into rape when the male continues. Yet the author wrote a black and white scene. It wasn't even sex, she was asked to day something, said no she didn't want it and had Ranger plunge into a virgin written character angrily and forcefully. She cried and he kept it up. There's is no excuse or redemption arc and the tone thr author has kept up since writing this is beyond gross.
I've sat stewing over this since finishing the book in April. I didn't want to hurt the authors feelings but she clearly doesn't care about fans and the dangerous ideals she's putting into her younger readers heads. The works are problematic and so is the author.
Don't start this series because it'll only betray you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2022
Okay…first of all, I am going to do my best to not include spoilers.
It’s New Years Eve and Katie is ready for a change…and a kiss. Who would be the lucky guy? She is torn between Ranger and Pete. Who are you rooting for? I am Team Ranger. I love a little bit of the bad boy. Besides, when they fall, the fall hard!
The Academy…everything has good and bad, but I struggle to find the good. Things are not as they seem.
The characters grown and change, developing more depth as they are put into situations that are beyond their control.
Katie is caught in the middle, pulled in opposite directions. She is so young and naive, inexperienced. I love watching her learn life’s lessons and I do feel frustrated with how easily I feel she is being manipulated.
Completely flipped…and…I am very leery and afraid for her. AND…curious about where we will go next. Don’t think you know where we are going is easy, cut and dried, because C J Daly has so many twists, turns and questions that make me want MORE.
I will be up front. I don’t know who will win out in the love department, Ranger or Pete, but I am Team Ranger. There’s something about Pete I don’t like, don’t trust. Is it love, obsession, possession?
I had a good idea how Cap and Gown would end, seeing we have so much more of the story to be told. Warning…once you start you won’t want to quit, so be ready for many hours and thousand of pages, of love, hope, despair, duty….
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Cap and Gown by C J Daly.
See more at fundinmental
It’s New Years Eve and Katie is ready for a change…and a kiss. Who would be the lucky guy? She is torn between Ranger and Pete. Who are you rooting for? I am Team Ranger. I love a little bit of the bad boy. Besides, when they fall, the fall hard!
The Academy…everything has good and bad, but I struggle to find the good. Things are not as they seem.
The characters grown and change, developing more depth as they are put into situations that are beyond their control.
Katie is caught in the middle, pulled in opposite directions. She is so young and naive, inexperienced. I love watching her learn life’s lessons and I do feel frustrated with how easily I feel she is being manipulated.
Completely flipped…and…I am very leery and afraid for her. AND…curious about where we will go next. Don’t think you know where we are going is easy, cut and dried, because C J Daly has so many twists, turns and questions that make me want MORE.
I will be up front. I don’t know who will win out in the love department, Ranger or Pete, but I am Team Ranger. There’s something about Pete I don’t like, don’t trust. Is it love, obsession, possession?
I had a good idea how Cap and Gown would end, seeing we have so much more of the story to be told. Warning…once you start you won’t want to quit, so be ready for many hours and thousand of pages, of love, hope, despair, duty….
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Cap and Gown by C J Daly.
See more at fundinmental
April 26, 2021
Thats ending! what am I suppose to do now? how am I suppose to wait for the next instalment? Who will she end up with????? so many questions.
Also, I honestly wouldn't mind if Ashley Leigh never came back. Her presence has annoyed me since book 1.
Also, I honestly wouldn't mind if Ashley Leigh never came back. Her presence has annoyed me since book 1.
April 24, 2021
Started reading the book three days ago and I've already finished it!!
This is such a great book that keeps you hooked all the time! I couldn't put it aside for a single second, and when I was busy doing other stuff I was always thinking about it...
Thanks, CJ Daly for writing this perfect book <3
This is such a great book that keeps you hooked all the time! I couldn't put it aside for a single second, and when I was busy doing other stuff I was always thinking about it...
Thanks, CJ Daly for writing this perfect book <3
April 24, 2021
After reading books number one and two I thought it couldn't get any better, but yet again I was wrong...
CJ Daly wrote such an amazing and immersive book that I would give it 10⭐ if I could!!
Oh by the way #TeamPete <3
CJ Daly wrote such an amazing and immersive book that I would give it 10⭐ if I could!!
Oh by the way #TeamPete <3
March 30, 2022
Definitely a great series to read . I can't figure out rather to be Team Ranger or Team Pete on this one . I am definitely excited for the next one to see the outcome with Kate and the future
April 20, 2021
This review has been bubbling in me for a couple weeks. When I first read TAS3 I was super put off by the rape scene. Especially how it just kind of seemed pushed to the side. I had hopes this would be addressed in her Fan Group and in book 4. However, it has not played out that way. On The Academy Saga Facebook page and in The Academy Saga Fan Club Facebook group CJ continued to sugar coat Kate's rape. After seeing post and comment after comment about Ranger's "redemption" I finally had to say something. Below I will post my response to her post on TAS Facebook Page about who is "best" for Kate. CJ quickly private messaged me (I will also add this) and then deleted my comments from her page. CJ has clearly done zero research on sexual assault and should not write about it. I feel sorry for her fans that have been triggered by this since there are NO content warnings on her work.
My Response:
The Academy Saga, CJ, I'm really curious if you have done ANY research on rape, rape victims, sexual assault, etc. I loved book 2, I really did. However, I can no longer look past your take on this situation. You continuously sugar coat Kate's rape. Let's call it what it was. Ranger raped Kate. She said no, she screamed, she cried, he held a hand over her face and roughly penetrated her. Rape is not a "mistake." Alcohol and hurt feelings don't make rape magically okay. Rape is a life altering traumatic event in someone's life. As a victim of sexual assault I can not sit idly by as I watch you sugar coat and condone Ranger's actions. I understand this is fiction, but it's fiction my daughter may one day pick up and so far you're not portraying a message I would allow my daughter access too. What's done is done, all you can do is reallllllly think about how you let this play out. Does Ranger serve any jail time for his literal crime? Does Ranger begin Anger Management courses? Does Ranger seek out any counseling? Does Kate receive any counseling? Are you going to reach out to victims of sexual assault? Are you going to add any content warnings to your material? Are you going to donate to RAINN since you're using rape as a plot device? I also added this: Maybe this is just one of those life lesson books where rape happens and white men face no penalty... and if so, cool just let me know so I can avoid it in 2021.
Her private message to me:
Amberjade, I'm so glad that you're passionate about this cause. Ranger did a bad thing. However, people make mistakes, and they are not beyond redemption. He has to atone for this mistake over and over, and already paid a high price with that Pete beat down. It's definitely a cautionary tale, and was meant as such. I don't condone assault. But Kate did help orchestrate the way this went because she hated to be made a fool of. Her pride was her mistake. Also, I don't recall Ranger holding her face down, but he definitely made it rough for her when he could have--and should have--made it nice for her. Saying that, I sincerely apologize if this raw scene upset you in any way. I'm glad that you are about righting wrongs and speaking out against this topic that you obviously feel strongly about. Nothing but love for you.
In summation I will never recommend these rapist sympathizing books to anyone.
My Response:
The Academy Saga, CJ, I'm really curious if you have done ANY research on rape, rape victims, sexual assault, etc. I loved book 2, I really did. However, I can no longer look past your take on this situation. You continuously sugar coat Kate's rape. Let's call it what it was. Ranger raped Kate. She said no, she screamed, she cried, he held a hand over her face and roughly penetrated her. Rape is not a "mistake." Alcohol and hurt feelings don't make rape magically okay. Rape is a life altering traumatic event in someone's life. As a victim of sexual assault I can not sit idly by as I watch you sugar coat and condone Ranger's actions. I understand this is fiction, but it's fiction my daughter may one day pick up and so far you're not portraying a message I would allow my daughter access too. What's done is done, all you can do is reallllllly think about how you let this play out. Does Ranger serve any jail time for his literal crime? Does Ranger begin Anger Management courses? Does Ranger seek out any counseling? Does Kate receive any counseling? Are you going to reach out to victims of sexual assault? Are you going to add any content warnings to your material? Are you going to donate to RAINN since you're using rape as a plot device? I also added this: Maybe this is just one of those life lesson books where rape happens and white men face no penalty... and if so, cool just let me know so I can avoid it in 2021.
Her private message to me:
Amberjade, I'm so glad that you're passionate about this cause. Ranger did a bad thing. However, people make mistakes, and they are not beyond redemption. He has to atone for this mistake over and over, and already paid a high price with that Pete beat down. It's definitely a cautionary tale, and was meant as such. I don't condone assault. But Kate did help orchestrate the way this went because she hated to be made a fool of. Her pride was her mistake. Also, I don't recall Ranger holding her face down, but he definitely made it rough for her when he could have--and should have--made it nice for her. Saying that, I sincerely apologize if this raw scene upset you in any way. I'm glad that you are about righting wrongs and speaking out against this topic that you obviously feel strongly about. Nothing but love for you.
In summation I will never recommend these rapist sympathizing books to anyone.
November 12, 2021
* Spoiler Free Review *
Thank you CJ Daly for the gifted copy
I absolutely loved this book! I am seriously fangirling over this series. I knew after reading the 2nd book that I needed to read more immediately. Let me say that author CJ Daly wrote an amazing third book.
It was exciting from the first page until the last. The storyline was thrilling and I was on the edge of my seat.
The character development has only continued to improve These are characters you will find yourself thinking about long after you finish reading.
I found myself opening my eyes in the morning and instantly thinking about what would happen next. Will they be okay? That mixed with the irrational how can the author do this to me 😭😭 feeling.
When your heart is breaking over plot twists.
I loved every moment of this book. I cannot wait until book IV is in my hands.
Thank you CJ Daly for the gifted copy
I absolutely loved this book! I am seriously fangirling over this series. I knew after reading the 2nd book that I needed to read more immediately. Let me say that author CJ Daly wrote an amazing third book.
It was exciting from the first page until the last. The storyline was thrilling and I was on the edge of my seat.
The character development has only continued to improve These are characters you will find yourself thinking about long after you finish reading.
I found myself opening my eyes in the morning and instantly thinking about what would happen next. Will they be okay? That mixed with the irrational how can the author do this to me 😭😭 feeling.
When your heart is breaking over plot twists.
I loved every moment of this book. I cannot wait until book IV is in my hands.
Read
November 19, 2021Yeah… CJ has been wonderful and I have signed copies of books 2 and 3, but I don’t know that I can read book 4 after how bad 3 was. Book 1 was great— I devoured it and couldn’t wait for more. Book 2 was pretty good. Book 3 was just rough. I don’t like any of the characters anymore and there were SO MANY typos/mis-wordings/wrong phrases that it made the book feel completely unedited. Not to mention the “relationships”. Neither Ranger nor Pete is a good guy and Kate used to be a badass. I’m sorry CJ, but I think I have to call it quits on the Academy Saga.
June 5, 2021
Well I just finished Cap and gown last night, and whoa! Like I’m feeling so many mixed emotions. I am a little (ok a lot) heartbroken but it was such a roller coaster I can’t be mad. All I have to say is Ranger and Kate need to get it together and Pete just needs to give up. I kept expecting him to bust in the church doors. I liked seeing the wedding, but not Ashley Leigh so much. It was a good break, but I’m really looking forward to going back to the Academy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2021
Book number three was a total rollercoaster of emotions, I was happy, then sad, then surprised, then shocked! But, in the end, I was impressed. Impressed with how good the book was, impressed by the characters' development, and especially impressed by how CJ Daly exceeded my expectations given the high bar set by books number one and two.
April 4, 2023
Wow. There is so much in this book. It’s crazy. Definitely moved into the steamy section with this one. I hate getting left on such a cliffhanger! I’m super pumped to see what the next book has for us. This series is just incredible. I posted this review a few days later and so far the books I've read after, they just feel like they are lacking! This series is just so phenomenal.
November 19, 2021
Book 3 is just as captivating as books 1 and 2. I love and will forever be Team Pete! I like Kate, I really do but sometimes that girl stresses me out. Then there's Ranger. When you find yourself starting to soften up to him you realize how awful he truly can be. Sitting on pins and needles waiting for book 4.
December 4, 2021
Wow! What an amazing talent CJ Daly is! She delivers romance, intrigue, exciting characters and plot twists all while taking you on the most thrilling ride! You never want it to end!!! It is storytelling at its best, without compromise or apologies! Bravo!!! I can't wait to see what her next book will bring!!!
July 6, 2021
I just can't put these books down or stop thinking about them. The only negative is when they end and you have to wait for the next one. Also I need more closure for Katie and Pete and some assurances they will end up together. Team Pete forever!
May 8, 2021
She did it again! I couldn't put the book down and had to find out what happens. That cliffhanger is making me want the next book now:)
March 22, 2022
next book please!!!!!!
September 15, 2021
She goes from one possessive asshole to the next. It was not an enjoyable read. I loved the first book. Second book was ok. This one…I hated. She turned kate into a punching bag for emotional, mental, and sometimes sexual abuse. Pete’s constantly making her feel guilty and the apologizing for her reactions to his abuse-WRONG on so many different levels.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2022
Wow
This book has you wanting more! I love all of the characters & the story line. I can’t wait to read more in this series!!!!
This book has you wanting more! I love all of the characters & the story line. I can’t wait to read more in this series!!!!
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