Book picks similar to
Pretty Vicious Things by J.S. Madden


bully
contemporary-romance
academy
mc-with-scarring-past

Close to Me


Monica Murphy - 2020
    My first crush.My first kiss.The boy who ripped my heart out of my chest again and again. Over and over. I let him have it every single time.Willingly.We are that toxic high school couple you hear about, the one you witness in the hallway avoiding each other. You laugh at them in class when they’re forced to work together, their gazes full of hatred. We are the couple you gossip about when they win homecoming prince and princess their sophomore year…The back and forth is what kills me the most. I’m not his princess, I’m the girl he toys with when he’s bored. And he’s definitely not my prince, no matter how badly I want him to be.Our senior year and we’re months away from never having to see each other again when disaster strikes—and brings us closer together. All it takes is one touch, and I’m burning for Ash. Hotter than I ever have.But will that burn turn into a devastating fire? Or can we actually make it work this time?

Tormented


Esme Devlin - 2019
     I would never have played with fire and I would never have let it consume me. I would have listened to my friend.  I would have packed my bags and left.  I would have let him win.  But you can’t know what you don’t know.   I couldn’t have known about the secrets, the deception, the manipulation.  I could never have predicted the damage a single kiss could cause. But what I do know is that I’m a hell of a lot stronger than I was when I moved halfway across the world to Scotland.  He can push, he can pull, he can torment me and he can humiliate me. He won’t break me.  Because you can’t really break something that’s already broken.  Please note that Tormented is a DARK bully romance intended for mature audiences of 18+ only. It contains mature themes that may trigger readers. This is book 1 in a series and cannot be read as a standalone novel. Cliffy alert, but I promise it will be worth it.

Hate Crush


A. Zavarelli - 2019
     When I crash-landed into him on my first day at Loyola Academy, I was sure that couldn’t be true. He was the most gorgeous man I’d ever seen in real life. Little did I know he was also the cruelest. I went from starstruck to stunned the moment his cynical eyes cut through me. I can’t tell you what it was that made him want to punish me. But from that day forward the brooding recluse of a man made it his goal to torment me. I want to loathe him, and some days, I do. But good or bad, nobody’s attention has ever tasted so sweet. What do you do when you have a hate crush on your bully? Worse yet, what do you do when he’s also your teacher? Hate Crush is a full length standalone age gap bully romance with a complete ending.

Their Kingdom Come


Logan Fox - 2020
    Now no one stands in our way.No one, except one girl.Trinity Malone doesn't know about our past.She doesn't have a say in our future.At least, so we thought.Until we realized Trinity's exactly who we were looking for.She's our secret weapon.Soon, she'll be seeking revenge...Just like us.Contains strong language, violence, and sexual situations some may find triggering.HEA guaranteed with multiple love interests.

Raise Hell


Ashley Gee - 2020
    And I will do anything to make it happen.Even pretend to fall in love.People like to say that revenge is a dish best served cold. But it takes planning and patience to seek true vengeance when you’ve been wronged.And the best revenge takes time. You have to smile when you want to scream. Laugh, when you want to cry.Play nice, while you dream about going for the jugular.For that, you need boiling rage.I am the cleansing fire that will burn St. Bart’s Prep to the ground.Vengeance is mine, sayeth the Lord. But I can’t wait on heaven, so instead I’ll raise hell.Coming November 2020

Reviving Kendall


Brandy Slaven - 2018
    I'm used to the stares, name calling, and disrespect. A tragic accident that leaves me short three of the only people I've ever loved, has me devastated enough to try to end my own life. Just when I think there's no hope, I find a reason to live again, or four of them as a matter of fact. Lucas, Maverick, Teagan, and Goose. But what happens when those bonds are tested? I'm not so sure that I'm strong enough to take yet another blow to the heart. My name is Kendall Davis and what if my story doesn't have a happy ending? *This is the first book in a Contemporary Reverse Harem Trilogy. *Recommended 17+ due to mature language and situations. From the Author Excerpt: The rain steadily falls around us as we stand under the little canopy area. His hand is still at my elbow and I want nothing more than to lean into him. My eyes fall to my bus as it pulls away from the curb. Tears pool in my eyes and streak down my face at the thought of my now miserable walk home. Lucas uses his other hand to pull my chin up to face him. His eyes roam over my face like he’s trying to figure out how to fix the white trash ruin that I am, but he has no idea just how impossible that would be. People are staring, and I couldn’t give two shits as Lucas locks eyes with me. His flicks down to my lips and back up again.

Bluestone Academy


Klarissa King - 2020
    I'm an elite, my brother is in with the it crowd, but I'm shunned.Money can't buy you everything. Well, it certainly can't buy me acceptance in our world.At Bluestone Academy, it doesn't matter that I'm a witch like the rest of them. I'm a deadblood—a witch without power.And I pay for my acceptance into the witching school every single day.It doesn't end out of the doors, either.This is my life. I'll always be one of them, and forever be shunned—by the one I've loved my whole life.Bluestone Series1. Bluestone Academy2. Bluestone Elite3. Bluestone Runaway (TBA)

Broken Wings


Jaymin Eve - 2019
    There used to be five, but one of them died, leaving a fifth position that I now fill. I didn't ask for this. I didn't want to be part of this billionaire-boys-club. But no one cares about what I want.Sebastian Beckett is the worst of them. Their leader. He draws me in, and strips me of every defense I have. He calls me Butterfly, but it's not a pet name, it's a threat. Beck wants nothing more than to break my wings, pin me to a board and watch me writhe.He wants to see me broken. Body, heart and soul.And what these elite want, they get.Only they've never met Riley Jameson.Let the battle begin.**This dark romance features four sexy, dangerous boys but is NOT a reverse harem.**

Glass Heart Savage


Lindsey Iler - 2020
    𝘋𝘌𝘊𝘌𝘐𝘛. 𝘗𝘙𝘐𝘝𝘐𝘓𝘌𝘎𝘌.The elite come to play on the campus of Glass Heart Academy.𝐏𝐚𝐥𝐦𝐞𝐫My sister was their everything. I’m their nothing.They waited three hundred and sixty-five days after her disappearance to acknowledge I’m alive.Their wicked games should scare me.Except they don’t know I’m not much different than her.𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐤Palmer Weston isn’t anything like her sister.She’s sweet and naive. There are plenty of reasons why I should keep my distance.Except where’s the fun in that.I’m a boy who loves his toys and I’ve kept her on the shelf long enough.It seems someone is determined on giving Palmer the same fate as her sister.Problem is I’ve never been good at sharing.{Glass Heart Savage is the first book in the Glass Heart Academy Series.}

Boys That Tease


Betti Rosewood - 2019
    Dirty. Rich. And all he cares about is ruining her life. She knew being the new girl at Wildwood would never be easy, considering who she is. But nobody warned Tinsley Sullivan I'm not her friend anymore. I'm the enemy, and I can't wait to bully her until she does as I say. They say my name like I'm their king. Crispin Dalton. Lacrosse god. Insta-famous. Drop dead gorgeous, and only eighteen. Teachers and students worship the ground I walk on. They all follow my lead... Except for her. Teen actress. Pop star sensation. Broken beyond belief. She's as beautiful as she is damaged, and I can't help but push those buttons. I didn't think Tinsley would have it in her to fight back. It's kind of adorable that she won't budge, refusing to break for me, to submit to my cruel desires. Except I'll never stop pushing for more. I'm ready to make her life so miserable, she'll be begging me to stop hurting her. There's just one thing that's messing it all up. My crush on Tinsley is still just as intense as it was before everything went to hell. But Tinsley is off limits. Not just because of the scandal that ruined her acting career. But also because I'm kind of, sort of, dating her best friend... First in a series of interconnected high school romances. This is a new adult, high school romance with an enemies-to-lovers relationship. ★★★★★ "This story swept me off my feet, gave me all the feels and kept me yearning for more. It was unforgettable, raw, sexy and just EVERYTHING!" ~ K&M Sultry Reads ★★★★★ "Mind. Fucking. Blown." ~ The Sassy Nerd Blog ★★★★★ "Consuming, Enthralling, Sexy, and MIND-BLOWING! 10 Phenomenal stars!" ~ K.S. Rochell

Black Diamond


Ali Dean - 2016
    Not even the boys. Still, Roxie was shocked when she received a scholarship to Stark Springs Academy, a boarding school that churns out Olympians in each graduating class. Entering as a high school junior, Roxie can’t wait to learn from renowned coaches and train with the fastest ski racers from all over the globe. But, upon arrival, Roxie discovers that Stark Springs lives under its own set of rules, and it appears one boy plays dictator. Ryker Black is not friendly and Roxie cannot fathom why everyone wants to be his friend. Sure, he’s gorgeous and rides a snowboard like it’s his fifth limb, but he’s cold, ruthless, and holds way too much power over the Stark Springs population. Roxie won’t put up with it. She’s here to train, and she doesn’t care about impressing anyone off the slopes. The only problem? Ryker Black doesn’t permit defiance. Not without consequences.

Savage Queen


Alley Ciz - 2021
    James inside the gilded halls of my new school, but I’ll always be Savvy King at my core.Now Jasper Noble and his merry band of douchebags expect me to yield.That’s funny.They think they’re tough.Gods among men.I know they’re nothing but ordinary bullies.With threats coming from all sides, my adversaries will come to learn—I don’t bend the knee for false kings.

Bully


Ellie Meadows - 2020
    Everywhere you go, you’ll see their name. Castleton Motor Sports. Castleton’s Steakhouse. Castleton Golf Resort and Spa. Castleton… High School. The Castletons think money buys everything, including people. And Drake Castleton is the worst of the bunch—self-proclaimed King of the School. Too cool for the football team. Too sexy for academics. Too dangerous to fall in love with. I’m new in town, and I’ve been warned about the Castleton Family. I’ve been warned about Drake. He’ll charm your pants off, girl. He’ll take you for a ride, leave you wanting more, and move on to the next girl. He’s a user. He’s just like his father. He’s a bully. I know all this. And I’m not a stupid girl. I don't fall for bad boys. But the minute Drake Castleton notices me, I’m a goner. Of course, I won't let him know that... *** All the girls in River Valley are the same. I’ve dated most of them. Used many of them. Pissed off my family with a few of them. The new girl isn’t what I’d call pretty. Mouse brown hair. Giant ridiculous eyes. Permanently-pouting lips… I want her the second I see her. The only problem is: she’s already been warned about me. But I’m the King of Castleton High, and I get what I want. One brat of a girl with a sharp tongue? Easy conquest. **contains consensual sex, underage drinking/smoking, and various scenes some readers might find inappropriate** Recommended for 17+, mature readers.

Mistletoe Bully: A Dark High School Bully Romance


Amy Brown - 2019
    Palmer Jackson looked at me on my first day of school, and from that moment on he’s wanted to destroy me. I’ve lost everything and I don’t have the stomach for this game. But Palmer doesn’t care. I can’t decide if he’s evil or misunderstood. One minute I hate him, and the next I let him do things to me I’d never let any other boy do. I must have a screw loose. Maybe Palmer is the normal one and I’m crazy. Mistletoe Bully is a standalone Dark High School bully romance with some disturbing and sensual moments. This book is intended for mature audiences 18+

Pretty Lies


R.E. Bond - 2020
    Plain and simple.He’s made it obvious that I can only ever rely on myself.Until I meet them.Caden, Tyler, Jensen, and Lukas. My new stepbrother and his best friends have suddenly become my everything.Until they aren’t.They think they can break me, but they’re dead wrong.They wouldn’t have bet on me having someone else on my side, or in my bed. These rich boys haven’t seen anything yet.Their pretty lies are nothing compared to what’s coming though, and I’m going to need them to anchor me when I finally break.Death is coming to those who deserve it, and I don’t care if I lose myself in the process. Did I mention the local street crew being on my side? No one will ever see me coming.My name’s Rory Donovan, and I’m about to paint the walls red.*Pretty Lies is a 75k word dark romance reverse harem novel. This is the first book in the series and it must be read in order. The first four books are Rory's, and the harem grows over those books, so other guys will be added as the story goes. It contain abuse and rape content, and the series will have m/m. If you are triggered by sensitive content, this series is not for you.