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Boys of Briar Hall #1
Crooked Crows
Unapologetically f*cked up. Heartlessly cruel. Broken beyond repair.
Corvus, Rook, and Grey – The Crows.
Bred in a world of gang wars, violence, and secrets, they rule the bloody town of Thorn Valley and all the people in it…too bad for me I’ve never been good at kissing ass or keeping quiet.
Even if their savage spirits awaken something inside of me I thought was long dead, I can’t break. I won’t.
They think they scare me, that I’ll run and hide, but the joke’s on them. The Crows aren’t the first monsters I’ve faced, and they won’t be the last. There are worse evils out there waiting to take their stab at Ava Jade Mason.
I say let them try. I’m tired of running. Tired of holding back my darkness. Thorn Valley isn’t ready for a new boogie man. Too bad I’m already here.
Crooked Crows is a dark enemies-to-lovers reverse harem romance, meaning the main character will have more than one love interest.
Warning: This series contains foul language, explicit sexual content, graphic depictions of gang violence, and jealous/possessive themes. Recommended for readers aged eighteen and up. Please read responsibly.
Corvus, Rook, and Grey – The Crows.
Bred in a world of gang wars, violence, and secrets, they rule the bloody town of Thorn Valley and all the people in it…too bad for me I’ve never been good at kissing ass or keeping quiet.
Even if their savage spirits awaken something inside of me I thought was long dead, I can’t break. I won’t.
They think they scare me, that I’ll run and hide, but the joke’s on them. The Crows aren’t the first monsters I’ve faced, and they won’t be the last. There are worse evils out there waiting to take their stab at Ava Jade Mason.
I say let them try. I’m tired of running. Tired of holding back my darkness. Thorn Valley isn’t ready for a new boogie man. Too bad I’m already here.
Crooked Crows is a dark enemies-to-lovers reverse harem romance, meaning the main character will have more than one love interest.
Warning: This series contains foul language, explicit sexual content, graphic depictions of gang violence, and jealous/possessive themes. Recommended for readers aged eighteen and up. Please read responsibly.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2021
4108 people are currently reading
14347 people want to read
About the author
Elena Lawson
43 books1,589 followersElena lives in Canada with her husband, daughter, and their Siberian cat overlords. She writes dark, why-choose romances full of feisty heroines, unforgettable heroes, and their kindle-melting chemistry.
When she comes out of her writing cave, she can be found binge-watching true-crime shows, obsessively rearranging her bookshelves, or chasing the sun around the globe.
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorlealately
When she comes out of her writing cave, she can be found binge-watching true-crime shows, obsessively rearranging her bookshelves, or chasing the sun around the globe.
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorlealately
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 827 reviews
September 7, 2021
New to me author, an enjoyable suspenseful read, once I got into it, I couldn’t put it down and will definitely be reading the next book.
Read
September 17, 2021🌬 2.9 ish 🌬
me reading another RH. are we surprised? anyway this had 3 boys fawning over a girl. 1) the leader, corvus 2) the ‘loco’ one, rook, and 3) the quiet/nicest one, grey (u could say most soft hearted). she the new girl and theyre the untouchables bla bla bla. then ofc we got a bitchy mean girl (whos also the clingy self-proclaimed gf of one of the boys) bcs what kind of these typa high school romance doesnt have one?
’In a move not even I could’ve anticipated, she fucking hit her again. As if once wasn’t enough to seal her fate.
Bri’s nose shattered under Ava Jade’s fist on the second hit, spraying blood in an arc over her face. Somehow, the red warpaint suited her, and I ground my teeth to keep my body in check at her savage beauty.
“Jesus fuck,” Rook groaned, and I caught him pawing at the front of his jeans, practically salivating, his shoulders shaking with a shiver of rabid desire.
A hollow chasm gaped open in my stomach. That wasn’t good.’
the first moment they fell in love w her. as far as heroines in a ‘bully’ (not really here) romance goes, this one wasnt bad
alright heres what i think
this book was pretty well written (by my standard) and has interesting enough characters. butttttt. idk man the chemistries were kinda lacking. i mean its there, it could be, but not really bcs even though this was not long, it was filled w more other stuff rather than the characters spending time together and that irks me. dat boring
there was only like 1 scene Grey+AJ spent together before they had sex, 1/2 AJ+Corvus and i think none w AJ+Rook. i get why the boys were intrigued by her but that is all. i didnt even feel the sexual chemistry that much, let alone the emotional / sweet ones
imo they needed to spend more time together etc. no matter the relationship, i needed more development, period. especially in a RH book (this is why i loved DOV sm not despite it was long, but bcs of it. though some of the sex scenes coulda been cut off there, i cared enough bout the MCs and ended up loving every single domestic scenes between em. anyway why are we talking bout one of the most hated books in the area)
alright i know that theres gonna be a continuation and maybe the author’s aiming for a slow burn but idk i thought not much (relationship wise, which is the only think i care about) happened here n idc enough
September 3, 2021
2.5 stars I really wanted to like this . Aj is tough, but smart? No . She’s excessive . Extra. It’s so annoying how many times she does stupid things and gets caught or just stays longer because she’s beyond nosy . I really did not find her supposedly “badassery” appealing . She just tries too hard, does too much, she just comes off as stubborn and stupid .
There is really no plot to this story at all. It’s basically Aj trying to act all bad ass and show up the guys . There’s not even any bullying , really. There is no romance, no mystery, no anything . So, Im not inclined to finish this series .
There is really no plot to this story at all. It’s basically Aj trying to act all bad ass and show up the guys . There’s not even any bullying , really. There is no romance, no mystery, no anything . So, Im not inclined to finish this series .
September 2, 2021
Dark contemporary RH with anti-heroes, gangs and enemies-to-lovers angst told in Multi-POV 🖤 broken characters and psycho Hs and a strong FMC with a survivor’s spirit who is as quick to distrust as the Hs and has her own inner darkness that might just be a match for theirs. 🖤😈🖤
From the first page, I was hooked.. I devoured it and didn't want to put it down.
"Something told me there was more to it than what it appeared to be."
This quote sums up my reading experience and reactions. There's Multi-POV, so as the reader we have more insight into each of the main characters. There's hints at more below the surface with each of them.
The FMC is well balanced - - not all attitude, has a backbone and is smart and perceptive. She's stubborn but not to her own detriment. She has skills and training that we get to see put into action. She refuses to bow and actually seems like a formidable equal. She's been through some sh*t and has past traumas which still haunt her.
The Hs are each a bit psycho of different flavors. They are adopted brothers who don't trust beyond their formed family, and they have a lot going on as The Crows. We get peaks at their pasts that shaped who they are today and insights on their motivations and mannerisms, but there's still a lot I want to know about them. The Crows are shaping up to be one of my favorite flavors of anti-hero, vicious AF and playing by their own rules.
Because I read A LOT in this genre, at first, the story did read a bit like "dangerous guys see new hot chick who's from the trailer park but now going to rich prep school 'for reasons' and that spells trouble for the guys who will try to drive her out".... And I thought "oh, I've read this before" and presumed where it was going with that trope. Nope!. I was wrong. I have not read this before. It surprised me in the best ways.
On the dark scale, I would put book 1 as medium gray for themes (violence, murder, torture, abuse) and characters who aren't afraid to get dirty or bloody, but felt light for not having a lot of graphic detail on page. As a reader who enjoys dark, this hit a sweet spot of satisfying my bloodthirsty side and love for psycho characters and anti-heroes while not getting too heavy on page for those readers who want to wade in shallower gray waters.
This is book 1 in a continuing series. There is a cliffhanger, but IMO it's completely manageable. It left me eager for the next book, but I wasn't throwing my Kindle or anything extreme.
From the first page, I was hooked.. I devoured it and didn't want to put it down.
"Something told me there was more to it than what it appeared to be."
This quote sums up my reading experience and reactions. There's Multi-POV, so as the reader we have more insight into each of the main characters. There's hints at more below the surface with each of them.
The FMC is well balanced - - not all attitude, has a backbone and is smart and perceptive. She's stubborn but not to her own detriment. She has skills and training that we get to see put into action. She refuses to bow and actually seems like a formidable equal. She's been through some sh*t and has past traumas which still haunt her.
The Hs are each a bit psycho of different flavors. They are adopted brothers who don't trust beyond their formed family, and they have a lot going on as The Crows. We get peaks at their pasts that shaped who they are today and insights on their motivations and mannerisms, but there's still a lot I want to know about them. The Crows are shaping up to be one of my favorite flavors of anti-hero, vicious AF and playing by their own rules.
Because I read A LOT in this genre, at first, the story did read a bit like "dangerous guys see new hot chick who's from the trailer park but now going to rich prep school 'for reasons' and that spells trouble for the guys who will try to drive her out".... And I thought "oh, I've read this before" and presumed where it was going with that trope. Nope!. I was wrong. I have not read this before. It surprised me in the best ways.
On the dark scale, I would put book 1 as medium gray for themes (violence, murder, torture, abuse) and characters who aren't afraid to get dirty or bloody, but felt light for not having a lot of graphic detail on page. As a reader who enjoys dark, this hit a sweet spot of satisfying my bloodthirsty side and love for psycho characters and anti-heroes while not getting too heavy on page for those readers who want to wade in shallower gray waters.
This is book 1 in a continuing series. There is a cliffhanger, but IMO it's completely manageable. It left me eager for the next book, but I wasn't throwing my Kindle or anything extreme.
August 23, 2021
Did you ever find yourself reading Boys of Brayshaw High wishing that Raven had all the guys instead of just Maddoc??
If you answered HELL YES, to the above question then look no further - 'Crooked Crows' is just what you've been looking for.
You've got your leader - Corvus.
The funny one who is slightly crazy - Rook
The brooding, serious one - Grey...
and then you have your ballsy, kick-ass heroine who brings those boys to their knees - Ava-Jade.
This story definitely has its similarities to BOBH, but it is darker and way HOTTER, plus it has the added bonus of being a Reverse Harem. I started reading it yesterday and once I had read the first chapter, I knew I wouldn't be stopping until I had finished the whole book. It ends on a cliff-hanger and I don't think the next book is out until November, so you might want to bear that in mind before starting it.
This was my first book by Elena Lawson, but it most definitely won't be my last; I'm pretty sure I'm going to be reading this one a few more times in preparation for the next instalment later on in the year.
If you answered HELL YES, to the above question then look no further - 'Crooked Crows' is just what you've been looking for.
You've got your leader - Corvus.
The funny one who is slightly crazy - Rook
The brooding, serious one - Grey...
and then you have your ballsy, kick-ass heroine who brings those boys to their knees - Ava-Jade.
This story definitely has its similarities to BOBH, but it is darker and way HOTTER, plus it has the added bonus of being a Reverse Harem. I started reading it yesterday and once I had read the first chapter, I knew I wouldn't be stopping until I had finished the whole book. It ends on a cliff-hanger and I don't think the next book is out until November, so you might want to bear that in mind before starting it.
This was my first book by Elena Lawson, but it most definitely won't be my last; I'm pretty sure I'm going to be reading this one a few more times in preparation for the next instalment later on in the year.
July 24, 2022
I have so many questions about Ava because she's so freaking mysterious. Need the next book stat!
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April 8, 2025Audio:
4 stars for Bridget and Jake Boudreaux. Audio on Everand
Book: DNF @chpt 21
I was hoping for more and stopped caring for all these characters.
4 stars for Bridget and Jake Boudreaux. Audio on Everand
Book: DNF @chpt 21
I was hoping for more and stopped caring for all these characters.
December 19, 2023
3⭐️
I have no idea what the hell I just read 🥴
This started off sooooo good, I was excited that this might be a why choose I finally LOVE the way I did Break The Girl.
Well it started that way. But did not end that way 😂
18 year old Ava Jade has just lost her father and her mother disappeared years ago. Her rich aunt makes her an offer: attend private school Briar Hall for your senior year, I’ll pay your tuition and basic allowance, but keep your head down and stay out of trouble. Ava agrees, determined to have her freedom. But Briar Hall is run by the Crows, 3 guys who are also part of a gang, The Saints. And they think Ava is trouble.
Ava was a strong FMC to start, she had a goal: freedom. Stay out of trouble. I liked her. Did she need to say ‘my blade’ every 5 fucking minutes? No. But I let that slide, because the drama was building, the conflict was there. Ava didn’t belong at Briar, she was a distraction to the guys, they’ve got their own gang shit going on. It all made perfect sense.
Until it didn’t. Because why the hell, would Ava, who wants to stay out of trouble, desperate for freedom in a years time, kill someone 50% in?! 😐😐😐 I checked out at this point. Out of character much? When goals and motivations get lost I lose interest.
She’s propositioned by a cop (he somehow knows who she is and knows she’s been speaking to the Crows 🤔) to get dirt on the Crows. She doesn’t agree but then proceeds to tail the crows, trying to catch them out. But she literally corners a dude at knife point (with her blade obv lol) steals £10k from him so she can get into the club where the Crows are at one night 🤣🤣🤣🤣 bc one of the Crows is fighting and she won’t get in unless she has a substantial bet.
All this from a girl who originally wanted to keep her head down and get her freedom in a years time 🙃
All of the Crows sounded the same 😴 they were obsessed with her, because she wAsNt lIkE oThEr GiRlS. They didn’t have one decent conversation with her.
Ugh I’m so done with Why Choose.
I have no idea what the hell I just read 🥴
This started off sooooo good, I was excited that this might be a why choose I finally LOVE the way I did Break The Girl.
Well it started that way. But did not end that way 😂
18 year old Ava Jade has just lost her father and her mother disappeared years ago. Her rich aunt makes her an offer: attend private school Briar Hall for your senior year, I’ll pay your tuition and basic allowance, but keep your head down and stay out of trouble. Ava agrees, determined to have her freedom. But Briar Hall is run by the Crows, 3 guys who are also part of a gang, The Saints. And they think Ava is trouble.
Ava was a strong FMC to start, she had a goal: freedom. Stay out of trouble. I liked her. Did she need to say ‘my blade’ every 5 fucking minutes? No. But I let that slide, because the drama was building, the conflict was there. Ava didn’t belong at Briar, she was a distraction to the guys, they’ve got their own gang shit going on. It all made perfect sense.
Until it didn’t. Because why the hell, would Ava, who wants to stay out of trouble, desperate for freedom in a years time, kill someone 50% in?! 😐😐😐 I checked out at this point. Out of character much? When goals and motivations get lost I lose interest.
She’s propositioned by a cop (he somehow knows who she is and knows she’s been speaking to the Crows 🤔) to get dirt on the Crows. She doesn’t agree but then proceeds to tail the crows, trying to catch them out. But she literally corners a dude at knife point (with her blade obv lol) steals £10k from him so she can get into the club where the Crows are at one night 🤣🤣🤣🤣 bc one of the Crows is fighting and she won’t get in unless she has a substantial bet.
All this from a girl who originally wanted to keep her head down and get her freedom in a years time 🙃
All of the Crows sounded the same 😴 they were obsessed with her, because she wAsNt lIkE oThEr GiRlS. They didn’t have one decent conversation with her.
Ugh I’m so done with Why Choose.
October 27, 2022
4.25⭐️
This is what I mean when I say that I'm looking for a badass bitch who takes no shit from men - Ava Jade is the definition of that. I honestly hadn't expected to like this book sm so I'm pleasantly surprised. Looking forward to reading the whole series!🥰💖
This is what I mean when I say that I'm looking for a badass bitch who takes no shit from men - Ava Jade is the definition of that. I honestly hadn't expected to like this book sm so I'm pleasantly surprised. Looking forward to reading the whole series!🥰💖
May 27, 2023
From mildly entertaining to misgivings
Ava Jade arrives to a new school for a new chance where Crows, Corvus, Rook, and Grey rule, but the guys, primarily Corvus, don't want her there believing she's bad news. They plan to make her kneel. This fierce, street-smarts, blade-throwing heroine, however, has a plan of her own against these underground-dealing bullies. The stories follows events of their dealings, encounters, and blossoming attraction.
Great character development. Nice change to read a strong heroine who owns her feelings, her sexuality, yet was vulnerable from experiences of her past life. I also liked the heroes -- broody, controlled, and he could cook Corvus; seemingly reflective, crazy, unexpectedly impulsive Rook; and warm and thoughtful Grey. The setting was both bully high school and crime world where the Crows managed their area.
A fast to medium burn with a somewhat progressive pace, I found this story initially appealing, but it lost its course at times in not advancing story complexity and subplots. I was looking for more to occur beyond the interludes between the main characters -- bullying and planning blackmail and the climatic ending. Ava Jade also went from fierce to inanely reckless. Then, the story was not steamy at all, uncharacteristic to reverse harems (at least the ones I enjoy reading). I am intrigued to read more but hold reservations about the next book.
Ava Jade arrives to a new school for a new chance where Crows, Corvus, Rook, and Grey rule, but the guys, primarily Corvus, don't want her there believing she's bad news. They plan to make her kneel. This fierce, street-smarts, blade-throwing heroine, however, has a plan of her own against these underground-dealing bullies. The stories follows events of their dealings, encounters, and blossoming attraction.
Great character development. Nice change to read a strong heroine who owns her feelings, her sexuality, yet was vulnerable from experiences of her past life. I also liked the heroes -- broody, controlled, and he could cook Corvus; seemingly reflective, crazy, unexpectedly impulsive Rook; and warm and thoughtful Grey. The setting was both bully high school and crime world where the Crows managed their area.
A fast to medium burn with a somewhat progressive pace, I found this story initially appealing, but it lost its course at times in not advancing story complexity and subplots. I was looking for more to occur beyond the interludes between the main characters -- bullying and planning blackmail and the climatic ending. Ava Jade also went from fierce to inanely reckless. Then, the story was not steamy at all, uncharacteristic to reverse harems (at least the ones I enjoy reading). I am intrigued to read more but hold reservations about the next book.
September 12, 2021
The excessive use of the word “blade” was so obnoxious. It was used 104 times in relatively short book. Ava was waaay over the top and trying too hard to be a badass. She was actually pretty stupid.
February 2, 2023
When a book starts off with the discovery of a dead body, I know it's my kind of story. Crooked Crows blends a bit of bully romance with gang violence and morally subjective characters to create a story that is a touch dark, a heap sexy, and completely engrossing.
Ava Jade has her own dark past, so she is able to stand up well to the guys. The guys are intense and domineering. The back and forth between Ava and the Crows does get a bit dark and a little bully-ish. But, Ava can handle herself for sure. There is more going on in the story than just the Crows being dicks to Ava and I think that helped the story move beyond the all-too-trendy bully romance. The guys each have their own personalities and backstories and the character development through out the book is top notch!
I always appreciate when a woman doesn't behavior like men expect her to. The Crows are used to having every woman around them do their bidding (they are in a position of power and hot). Ava stands her ground not because she wants them to notice her, or spend more time with her, but because she simply does not accept that kind of behavior. It's nice to see a woman deflect and attack these cocky guys instead of swooning. I will say I didn't really buy these characters as high school kids. I think if they were college aged it would have been better. Nothing about them or any of the other characters at the school felt like high schoolers. I have taught at a private High School for many years, and this is just off for me.
Crooked Crows is an exciting read that will keep you on edge wondering what the next threat will be, but also wondering when the sexual tension will finally crack them all!
POV: multiple 1st
Tears: no
Trope: reverse harem, gang, academy
Triggers:
Series/Standalone: series
Cliffhanger:
the Kit Davenport Series by Tate James, Den of Vipers by KA Knight, Red Handed by Jessa Wilder and Kate King...then you will probably like Crooked Crows!
Crooked Crows
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See full review on The Book Disciple
November 25, 2023
Good thing this book is short because my recommendations are making a fool out of me with this nonsense.
The most annoying MC in existence. She is not "strong" or "feisty". She is however annoying, impulsive and over the top, "not like the other girls" and acts like she's better than everyone else because she grew up poor. Tbh I knew this book will only go downhill when MC kept talking about her knife. Oh stfu you alpha wannabe. This is the most shallow and childish idea of what a strong fc is.
The most annoying MC in existence. She is not "strong" or "feisty". She is however annoying, impulsive and over the top, "not like the other girls" and acts like she's better than everyone else because she grew up poor. Tbh I knew this book will only go downhill when MC kept talking about her knife. Oh stfu you alpha wannabe. This is the most shallow and childish idea of what a strong fc is.
August 19, 2021
Feels 0
Steam 2
Storyline 3.5
Overall Rating 3.5
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Ladyballs
Most readers loved this book and sang its praise. For me, however, having read a lot of reverse harem/bully/school plots lately, it seemed too farfetched. The three guys in this story are in school but work for their "dad" at night as vigilantes. This scenario had me scratching my head. The characters were so grown up acting that it made me question why the storyline had them as so young and not older.
Ava Jade is a badass, tough chick and she takes no prisoners. She has secrets and does her best to protect them. The boys do not like her at first and aren't nice to her at all. Like all the reverse harem books, each of them find themselves being drawn to her. This book did not pull me in as hard as I tried. I wanted to really love it but I never fully connected with the characters. As anyone can see, others really loved the story and I hope you do as well.
Steam 2
Storyline 3.5
Overall Rating 3.5
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Ladyballs
Most readers loved this book and sang its praise. For me, however, having read a lot of reverse harem/bully/school plots lately, it seemed too farfetched. The three guys in this story are in school but work for their "dad" at night as vigilantes. This scenario had me scratching my head. The characters were so grown up acting that it made me question why the storyline had them as so young and not older.
Ava Jade is a badass, tough chick and she takes no prisoners. She has secrets and does her best to protect them. The boys do not like her at first and aren't nice to her at all. Like all the reverse harem books, each of them find themselves being drawn to her. This book did not pull me in as hard as I tried. I wanted to really love it but I never fully connected with the characters. As anyone can see, others really loved the story and I hope you do as well.
September 6, 2021
I’ve read a lot of crime/bully/school books lately, and I didn’t expect a new twist, just a few entertaining hours of reading. I mean - the premise sounds familiar: poor girl with a shady background arrives at high-class finishing school, tries to keep her head down, but fails and is suddenly on the radar of some guys who “rule” the school. Guys involved in gang business, adopted sons to a crime lord.
Yet somehow, the guys are different from what I’ve read so far, and even if Ava doesn’t have a crime background (or do it seems), she’s badass, smart, has her own demons to fight and can certainly hold her ground against everything thrown at her.
The anonymous stalker sending her texts adds another layer of suspense to an already dark plot, esp as I have NO idea who it might be (Kit?)
The book ends with a cliffhanger, but it’s not a bad one. Looking forward to next book that’s out in November 2021!
Yet somehow, the guys are different from what I’ve read so far, and even if Ava doesn’t have a crime background (or do it seems), she’s badass, smart, has her own demons to fight and can certainly hold her ground against everything thrown at her.
The anonymous stalker sending her texts adds another layer of suspense to an already dark plot, esp as I have NO idea who it might be (Kit?)
The book ends with a cliffhanger, but it’s not a bad one. Looking forward to next book that’s out in November 2021!
January 21, 2022
I tried. I really did. I stuck through the whole HAVOC series by C.M Stunich, but the writing/characters are NOT IT. Couldnt even make it to page 100.
Example 1: “Her outfit screamed money and her unblemished skin told me she hadn’t had to work for a damned thing in her entire life.”
So we hate this new character bc shes got clear skin? Got it.
Example 2: “Though I did do a sweep over his hand and neck tatts again, checking for any discernible gang ink.
Finding none, I was satisfied for the moment.”
Like WHAT? What is with these RH mc’s & their criminal complex😂 All her inner monologue is about survival, clutching her many blades & shuddering at “indescribable memories”. I don’t understand why authors go for this “bad ass” but incredibly weak character structure. I don’t understand how this has so many praising reviews.
Example 1: “Her outfit screamed money and her unblemished skin told me she hadn’t had to work for a damned thing in her entire life.”
So we hate this new character bc shes got clear skin? Got it.
Example 2: “Though I did do a sweep over his hand and neck tatts again, checking for any discernible gang ink.
Finding none, I was satisfied for the moment.”
Like WHAT? What is with these RH mc’s & their criminal complex😂 All her inner monologue is about survival, clutching her many blades & shuddering at “indescribable memories”. I don’t understand why authors go for this “bad ass” but incredibly weak character structure. I don’t understand how this has so many praising reviews.
April 14, 2023
I think anyone that has enjoyed other series in this genre (bully, gang, RH) could also see the potential in this book.
Crooked Crows begins with the main female character, Ava Jade, arriving at Briar Hall and gaining the wrong people's attention—namely, Corvus, Rook and Grey - the three Crows sons of the Saints gang leader.
👇Your tropes
💣 Bully
👬 Reverse harem
🌶️ Spicy
🏫 Academy
🔫 Gang
🔪 Skilled FMC
The premise of this series feels promising, and Ava Jade has these moments where she comes across as intelligent and extremely capable. But it's also cheesy af at times and full of cliches. AJ also brings a lot on herself - she pretty much inserts herself in their gang business and then is shocked by the consequences of her actions.
Overall - there's potential, and this book is enjoyable if you like the tropes. There are lots of content warnings, so proceed with caution.
Crooked Crows begins with the main female character, Ava Jade, arriving at Briar Hall and gaining the wrong people's attention—namely, Corvus, Rook and Grey - the three Crows sons of the Saints gang leader.
👇Your tropes
💣 Bully
👬 Reverse harem
🌶️ Spicy
🏫 Academy
🔫 Gang
🔪 Skilled FMC
The premise of this series feels promising, and Ava Jade has these moments where she comes across as intelligent and extremely capable. But it's also cheesy af at times and full of cliches. AJ also brings a lot on herself - she pretty much inserts herself in their gang business and then is shocked by the consequences of her actions.
Overall - there's potential, and this book is enjoyable if you like the tropes. There are lots of content warnings, so proceed with caution.
August 24, 2021
This is a cracking start to a new series which had my attention from the start. It kicks off with a strong punch, bringing in the main characters immediately and signalling that darkness will surround them in different shapes and forms. The impact of opening chapters is intense and we can see that our heroine, AJ, is a tough cookie whose past has made her strong. She is not going to buckle, able to look darkness in the eye and keep her nerve. Our 'heroes' have the most brilliant title of the Crows. I love this, seeing the dark, rich feathered creatures that will look you in the eye and read you. I wouldn't dream of crossing them, unlike Ava Jade.
This has been a fabulous read. Full of incident, twisted worlds, events which made me pull up the duvet a couple of times, but could not stop me reading. Brilliant. Can't wait for more! 💖💖💖💖💖
This has been a fabulous read. Full of incident, twisted worlds, events which made me pull up the duvet a couple of times, but could not stop me reading. Brilliant. Can't wait for more! 💖💖💖💖💖
July 26, 2022
I've definitely read this plot before. Underprivileged rough-around-the-edges tough girl gets shipped to an elite school by random family member after parent death. There she meets 3 guys who rule the school and are also pivitol parts in a local gang- one psycho leader, one brutal fighter, one popular and more understated (but also not to be messed with). They become interested in her immediately and she gets mixed up in their shady dealings.
It's very formulaic in the basics, but I thought the pace was excellent. The boys were especially well done. It requires a suspension of disbelief for high school student skills and connections, but when you get past that it reels you right in.
It's very formulaic in the basics, but I thought the pace was excellent. The boys were especially well done. It requires a suspension of disbelief for high school student skills and connections, but when you get past that it reels you right in.
July 13, 2024
3.5⭐️
August 13, 2021
4.5 stars.
This is my first book by this author and I will most definitely be reading more. Crooked Crows is a fast-paced, enemies to lovers academy RH with gang themes.
The Crows are not your typical bad boy assholes with a chip on their shoulder- they are vigilantes, doling out their own brand of justice to children who have been wronged. And Ava Jade isn’t your typical tough girl FMC. She takes matters into her own hands, trying to play the game better than the Crows and gaining and eventually keeping their attention.
We get glimpses of the characters’ troubled pasts, just enough to know each has suffered trauma and making me want to know more. Along with a super intriguing plot, this book had great character development and I enjoyed experiencing the story from the guys POV in addition to the FMC. This was a really fantastic series start and I am really looking forward to more!
This is my first book by this author and I will most definitely be reading more. Crooked Crows is a fast-paced, enemies to lovers academy RH with gang themes.
The Crows are not your typical bad boy assholes with a chip on their shoulder- they are vigilantes, doling out their own brand of justice to children who have been wronged. And Ava Jade isn’t your typical tough girl FMC. She takes matters into her own hands, trying to play the game better than the Crows and gaining and eventually keeping their attention.
We get glimpses of the characters’ troubled pasts, just enough to know each has suffered trauma and making me want to know more. Along with a super intriguing plot, this book had great character development and I enjoyed experiencing the story from the guys POV in addition to the FMC. This was a really fantastic series start and I am really looking forward to more!
February 1, 2025
I listened to this on audio and really enjoyed the narrators. The FMC is fiesty, and I loved her attitude. I enjoyed the chemistry between the FMC and all 3 MMCs. Each guy had his own distinct personality.
I feel like not a whole lot happened overall and was kind of shocked when it ended. I also didn't really get enough of the academic setting I was looking for. I'm not sure if I'm invested enough to continue with the next book.
3.5 ⭐️
I feel like not a whole lot happened overall and was kind of shocked when it ended. I also didn't really get enough of the academic setting I was looking for. I'm not sure if I'm invested enough to continue with the next book.
3.5 ⭐️
August 21, 2021
Engaging & unputdownable.
Slow burn to start with while you get to know them all, the angst is still there though. I enjoyed the push and pull between them all, loved getting to know the boys and their little quirks. And love Ava’s take no cr@p attitude.
Finding the softer side of the boys had me swooning hard over them. So glad she doesn’t have to choose cause I don’t think I could 🖤🖤
Am looking forward to more of the Crows.
Slow burn to start with while you get to know them all, the angst is still there though. I enjoyed the push and pull between them all, loved getting to know the boys and their little quirks. And love Ava’s take no cr@p attitude.
Finding the softer side of the boys had me swooning hard over them. So glad she doesn’t have to choose cause I don’t think I could 🖤🖤
Am looking forward to more of the Crows.
August 15, 2021
This book was absolutely amazing. I can count on one hand the book series that leave me absolutely desperate for more, and this one has definitely joined the ranks.
The boys are amazing and Ava Jade is just one of the most kick*** FMCs I've ever read. It is a RH enemies to lovers gang romance with a bit of a twist in terms of why the guys are doing what they're doing.
I'm loving how Ava is responding and reacting to the darkness in the guys, and that each of their dark sides are merging them together as a group. I can't wait for more between them!
The boys are amazing and Ava Jade is just one of the most kick*** FMCs I've ever read. It is a RH enemies to lovers gang romance with a bit of a twist in terms of why the guys are doing what they're doing.
I'm loving how Ava is responding and reacting to the darkness in the guys, and that each of their dark sides are merging them together as a group. I can't wait for more between them!
September 29, 2021
This book starts with the simple premise that a girl with a difficult past is presented with an opportunity to earn a normal life (college, money, etc.) - that she desperately seems to want — if she can just keep her head down and stay out of trouble for her senior year.
This premise, as well as the overbearing aunt, disappears somewhere around the third chapter. There doesn’t seem to be any reason for the guys to take notice of her (except the stereotypical mean girl gets mad at her on day one), and she seems to go out of her way to provoke trouble and drama and to actively put herself in the middle of the guys' activities.
Also, for a supposedly street smart character (who is also a master of disguise, high level thief), we get way too many moments where her need to be sassy makes her act in ways that aren’t very smart or savvy.
Instead of waiting for the last 10 pages to remind us she was supposed to keep her head down, it would have been great to actually be shown she was trying to do this and have her get pulled into things. Not jump in like an unsupervised toddler with a pack of markers and a clean white wall.
This premise, as well as the overbearing aunt, disappears somewhere around the third chapter. There doesn’t seem to be any reason for the guys to take notice of her (except the stereotypical mean girl gets mad at her on day one), and she seems to go out of her way to provoke trouble and drama and to actively put herself in the middle of the guys' activities.
Also, for a supposedly street smart character (who is also a master of disguise, high level thief), we get way too many moments where her need to be sassy makes her act in ways that aren’t very smart or savvy.
Instead of waiting for the last 10 pages to remind us she was supposed to keep her head down, it would have been great to actually be shown she was trying to do this and have her get pulled into things. Not jump in like an unsupervised toddler with a pack of markers and a clean white wall.
November 3, 2022
I have no idea why I didn't like this more than I did. Like, it has so much that I like-- darker setting, badass heroine, danger, spying, mysterious unknown stalker-- and yet I have little desire to continue on. I even like the guys! A control-freak, the "nice" one, and the unhinged one with a lip ring. I'm not sure what more I could ask for when they're in a gang???
The only thing making me consider continuing on is wanting to know who the stalker is and what their endgame is.
Perhaps I didn't feel a connection to the characters and I didn't feel the chemistry between them. There was slight tension with Ava Jade and Grey, but it exploded so quickly that it felt like a simmer and included for the readers needing steam in every book rather than something that made sense.
This all being said, I still finished and I can't really think of anything *wrong* with it, so I'll probably recommend it when asked.
OH and this isn't bully romance and it isn't enemies to lovers, its more wary, distrust on both sides. She hates gangs, Corvus doesn't like unpredictable elements in his life. That's... pretty much it.
The only thing making me consider continuing on is wanting to know who the stalker is and what their endgame is.
Perhaps I didn't feel a connection to the characters and I didn't feel the chemistry between them. There was slight tension with Ava Jade and Grey, but it exploded so quickly that it felt like a simmer and included for the readers needing steam in every book rather than something that made sense.
This all being said, I still finished and I can't really think of anything *wrong* with it, so I'll probably recommend it when asked.
OH and this isn't bully romance and it isn't enemies to lovers, its more wary, distrust on both sides. She hates gangs, Corvus doesn't like unpredictable elements in his life. That's... pretty much it.
October 29, 2021
2.5/5
I made a whole ass account on good reads just to write a review for this book (though to be honest I should've made an account a lot earlier).
Anyway, the main character is too freaking stubborn for her own good. I won't lie the boys were pretty annoying & shitty towards her in the beginning, but it was never more than useless banter. And definitely not enough for her to risk her ass to find some sort of blackmail against them. It takes a lot to make me angry at these characters but she was just so frustrating- like she had NO reason to be following them around like an absolute fucking idiot just to find herself consistently six feet under.
And even at the end, like dude you literally fucking got yourself into this shitty mess, and on top of being a dick to the dudes who saved you, you also refuse to comply in the slightest bit.
One part I did kinda enjoy was the friend she made, she was just so comforting and actually enjoyable to read.
And overall the writing and story structure are pretty decent, characters just need a bit of work.
I made a whole ass account on good reads just to write a review for this book (though to be honest I should've made an account a lot earlier).
Anyway, the main character is too freaking stubborn for her own good. I won't lie the boys were pretty annoying & shitty towards her in the beginning, but it was never more than useless banter. And definitely not enough for her to risk her ass to find some sort of blackmail against them. It takes a lot to make me angry at these characters but she was just so frustrating- like she had NO reason to be following them around like an absolute fucking idiot just to find herself consistently six feet under.
And even at the end, like dude you literally fucking got yourself into this shitty mess, and on top of being a dick to the dudes who saved you, you also refuse to comply in the slightest bit.
One part I did kinda enjoy was the friend she made, she was just so comforting and actually enjoyable to read.
And overall the writing and story structure are pretty decent, characters just need a bit of work.
September 17, 2022
I hate it when authors create stubborn, stupid, nosy, and irritating characters and then try to pass them off as badass. I was so irritated with the heroine. There was nothing badass about her she was plain stubborn and that is not badassery. It has always baffled me how authors think this will be liked by anyone at all.
August 10, 2025
2 stars ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
☆⋆｡𖦹°‧★ Crooked Crows☆⋆｡𖦹°‧★
— ⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡⋆• THOUGHTS⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆｡ ﾟ⋆—
Grey was the only one I actually tolerated, mostly because he seemed to have a soft spot for her from the start. He was intrigued, automatically jealous, and constantly watching her. You could tell he cared in his own quiet way, and that made him stand out. Rook is someone with a limited capacity to feel - at least on the surface - so I think it’ll take longer to truly warm up to him. That said, I kind of love him already because he’s so unhinged. I genuinely believe he and AJ are going to be perfect together once they figure out how to work as a team.
Corvus? He’s intolerable. The dialogue isn't terrible, but I cannot stand the other woman drama. The way she constantly calls them whores and criticizes Bethany (or whatever her name is) just for wearing pink or showing skin is childish and tired. It's giving unnecessary high school energy - but I’ll admit, it’s entertaining in the worst way.
— ⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡⋆ OVERALL⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡⋆—
Now I’m mostly curious to see how she gets herself out of this situation. She wanted freedom, she had a plan to avoid them all... and somehow she ended up in the game. She’s literally banking on a world of crime now. So, congratulations to her for being dumb.
☆⋆｡𖦹°‧★ Crooked Crows☆⋆｡𖦹°‧★
— ⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡⋆• THOUGHTS⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆｡ ﾟ⋆—
“And she won’t be a problem,” Grey continued. “Not if we can get her on our side.”
“I might even share her,” I joked, smirking now. I liked this idea.
“If there’s anything left when you’re done with her,” Grey muttered, seeming wholly uninterested in this plan.
Grey was the only one I actually tolerated, mostly because he seemed to have a soft spot for her from the start. He was intrigued, automatically jealous, and constantly watching her. You could tell he cared in his own quiet way, and that made him stand out. Rook is someone with a limited capacity to feel - at least on the surface - so I think it’ll take longer to truly warm up to him. That said, I kind of love him already because he’s so unhinged. I genuinely believe he and AJ are going to be perfect together once they figure out how to work as a team.
Corvus? He’s intolerable. The dialogue isn't terrible, but I cannot stand the other woman drama. The way she constantly calls them whores and criticizes Bethany (or whatever her name is) just for wearing pink or showing skin is childish and tired. It's giving unnecessary high school energy - but I’ll admit, it’s entertaining in the worst way.
— ⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡⋆ OVERALL⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡⋆—
Now I’m mostly curious to see how she gets herself out of this situation. She wanted freedom, she had a plan to avoid them all... and somehow she ended up in the game. She’s literally banking on a world of crime now. So, congratulations to her for being dumb.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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