The rook’s heart is as cold as stone, but when the rock crumbles, the spoils are twice as sweet.
Death follows me around like a dark cloud just waiting to strike. First, it stole my mother, then my aunt, and now my father is missing. Even though I’m told to walk away, and even though finding him shouldn’t be my top priority, the memory of him begging me to talk to him haunts my dreams.
Consumed with protecting me, the guys struggle to let me help find answers to the mysteries that only grow deeper. That is until a gift arrives on my eighteenth birthday that will blow up my world forever.
I find an ally in the most unlikely source. Liam doesn’t treat me like I need to be protected and instead challenges me to prove my worth. So, when a high‑stakes game of poker can change the course of all our fates, I jump at the opportunity. But, I quickly find that when you play for life or death, you need to be aware of the wildcard.
Brooklyn Cross grew up loving stories in a world that never quite understood how her mind worked.
Severe dyslexia and short-term memory challenges made school a constant fight, and success was something she was told to expect for others, not herself. Instead of quitting, she taught herself how to keep going.
As a child, she found connection more easily with animals than people, which led her to the discipline and escape of competitive dressage riding. When personal circumstances forced her away from the arena, storytelling reclaimed its place and never let go.
Today, Brooklyn Cross writes dark romance for readers who don’t want safe love or perfect heroes. Expect morally grey men, fierce women, obsession, emotional chaos, and spice with consequences. If you like your romance messy, dangerous, and impossible to forget, you’re in the right place.
She has published multiple books and is relentlessly building worlds designed to ruin hearts, spark obsession, and stay with readers long after the final page. Follow your dreams. Break the rules. Write anyway.
If you have read any of my other reviews, you will know I'm a big Brooklyn fan but you will also know I'm honest, I speak my truths on books and that is that.
And this book?... I loved it! It's a big big book and it is filled with pure brilliantness (I've decided that's a word!)
Before you start, I would advise you to stock up on tea and snacks and possibly keep a takeaway food menu on standby because putting this down for something menial like cooking? Pft! Takeaway all the way!!
As the series goes on, and we get to see Ren really grow into herself, it's just amazing. She's no longer this wee lost yet brave character. She's a strong and formidable woman who has the softest of hearts and fiercest of souls who will stand in front of you but only to protect you, never to be over you and that is what makes her so amazing. She sees them all as equals and doesn't need to tear people down to make herself feel superior - I so want to be Ren when I grow up!
Liam is a big part of this book and I gotta say... damn! Just damn! Liam the Dom had me on my knees 🤤 There were questions as to whether these two would work together - oh believe me when I say they work!
As for the rest of the guys? Myles is still an adorable yet dangerous puppy, Theo is still fighting for what's right while him and Ren go head to head in all things knowledgeable. Blake is this soft yet hardened soul who is such a fighter and so brilliant. And then Nash, the King of Kings who is well known as Nashole and can be one of the biggest jerks you'll ever meet, yet he is so determined to protect them all, to keep them safe, I love him!
They're still amazing and they each have their part to play. They all just fit, this is a group that are destined to be together. Is it sunflowers and rainbows? Heck no! There's still a lot of danger, and secrets - and the big one that gets dropped in this book?... Brooklyn your mind amazes me!
I am so so excited for what comes next because I have every faith, I'll be blown away once again. And I can't wait!!!
Brooklyn has left me absolutely SPEECHLESS with another amazing book in the Wayward Academy world! Between learning who Ren really is, and seeing her relationships grow with each guy, I could not put this book down
I love these characters so damn much! The way these kings are growing in their roles, both personally and professionally, have me forever weak in the knees.
The series goes on, and we get to see Ren really grow into herself, it's just amazing. She's a strong and formidable woman who has the softest of hearts and fiercest of souls who will stand in front of you but only to protect you, never to be over you and that is what makes her so amazing.
“You can fuck them all you want. Love them all you want. But at the end of the day, you’re mine. Now say it.”
Liam and Nash where are big part of the book. Liam the Dom will have you on your knees and obeying all his commands. Then Nash the Nashole. Omg he had me 🥵🥵. Nash and his time with Ren in Seattle.
"I was all in, and my Little Rabbit had just clasped her collar around her neck whether she could see it or not."
Myles, Blake, and Theo are everything. It great seeing Theo and Laim relationship grows and Theo fighting for what he wants.
Absolutely love all the twists and turns. The many secrets and lies that come and so many more to come out. Can't wait for the next book. Brooklyn Cross you killed it with this book.
Wow, Just wow. This book is a lot about Liam and whew he is just as hot and beautiful as the rest of them. What made my mouth water is the Dom that only Theo has seen with him, but when he and REN get together it is flammable.
The boys are all the same. Myles is the dark and dangerous one, Blake is the soft soul but has hardened a little bit more. Theo is still as strong minded and goes toe to toe with Ren every chance he gets. Nash the one that feels like he has to protect them all is finding his way buried deep in my heart and soul. Nashole is still that in every sense of that word.
Brooklyn’s delivered yet another amazing masterpiece to add to The Wayward Kings Series. Nash I feel like is the “protector” and is always one step ahead of the chess board. I cannot wait to see what happens next in Queens Gambit! This was action packed. So many emotions were evoked by this book and let’s not forget this book is a chunker. 10 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It has taken me a few days to process and figure out how to get this review down on paper. Rebellious Rook is a chunky bby and every word is masterfully written to create this epic book 4 in the Kings of Wayward Academy series. I get choked up, thinking about the events in this book. I never know quite how to write a Brooklyn Cross review because her books always scramble my emotions so deeply. But this one in particular took my heart and my mind and put it in a blender on turbo speed. Honestly, I’m still a mess. This book had some serious euphoric, passionate, beautiful high moments and then some kick in the teeth lows . I’m completely enthralled by Liam. My goodness he was much more than I expected in the best of ways. Myles is and will always be my sensitive, loyal, fierce baby, but as I am a why choose girl thrown into this spectacular why choose world I am not turning away any of the kings. Theo is still sexy and arrogant, Nash is always glaring and in control and Blake deeply kind and thoughtful. In each book, the characters evolve, their relationship and emotions grow together. Their story is angsty and volatile. Just when you think you have a grip on what is happening, you really don’t and it gets more twisted than an origami swan. The cliffy is a cluster f❥ck, and I can’t even imagine where this story is going. Completely befuddled and heart squashed, I need the next part of this journey. Yes need. I’m not being dramatic at all. When you read this series and get to this book, then and only then, will you understand. So please check the TW’s and get to it.
This series feels like you just keep diving deeper and deeper, and when you think you see the bottom, deeper we go. What a web of intrigue and plot twists wrapped in a blanket of mystery. I have no idea how to talk about this book without giving anything away so just go read it, read the entire series and be amazed. I can’t wrap my head around everything that happened in Rebellious Rook, with so many wheels turning I just know Queen’s Gambit is going to smash it. And I, for one, cannot wait to read it!
Where to begin. I simply cannot wait for April for the finale of this series. It cant seem to come soon enough. I usually am not a fan of reading an unfinished series, but i couldnt wait to get my hands on this book. Every other book im reading feels like a chore right now. The next few weeks will feel like a slumpfest. This was a BIG book, over 600 pages, but with non stop action and drama, comedy and major SPICE of course.
Truly one of the best RH/Why Choose novels ive read HANDS DOWN. This has jumped from my top 5, to maybe top 2 (right behind Hannaford Prep) which I consider simply flawless and have read multiple times over the last few years.
Brooklyn Cross is such A GOOD storyteller, suspending my disbelief is never difficult, the world building is fantastic, the secrets, the lies, the crimes, the romance... it all works. The ending was a tiny cliffhanger nothing too bad, it felt right that the book ended this way. And finally knowing more about who Ren is (which i had guessed, but wasnt convinced) was satisfying.
Also the smut? Oh the SMUT. We are absolutely unworthy Ms. Cross. The slow burn was truly worth it.
The way she has introduced each guys POV from book 1 to book 4 has ensured a great chemistry between Ren and all 5 of her men. I wasnt appreciative at the beginning as i can be impatient, but I see now how worth it, it was.
**UPDATE/EDIT**
OK, so it seems like there will be a total of 8 books so basically another 10 years before the final installment.
Rebellious Rook. The Kings of Wayward Academy Book 4 By Brooklyn Cross
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Always remember to read your trigger warnings!
Tropes: 🖤MMFMMM SLOW BUILD 🖤MAFIA 🖤SWIM TEAM 🖤BULLY 🖤MURDER 🖤SECRETS 🖤STREET RACER 🖤GAMBLING 🖤OTT/JP 🖤CROSSING SWORDS 🖤TOUCH HER AND ☠️ 🖤GRUMPY SUNSHINE 🖤RIVALS TO LOVERS And Much More…
Rebellious Rook is part Of the Kings of wayward Academy series by Brooklyn Cross. And it’s one of my most favourite series by Brooklyn and this book is just the cherry on top.
An absolutely fantastic addition to the series and a pure rollercoaster ride from start to finish and the characters… Damn, I love!
This is a true masterpiece as is all of Brooklyn’s work. And damn, it just keeps getting better with each book.
This book is a hefty and complex read that will have your emotions running wild. You’ll be on the edge of your seat with the turn of each page white knuckling for the duration of your read.
A beautifully complex, action packed narrative that is filled with fun banter and steaming hot, passionate dynamics. This whole group was meant for each other.
Fantastic character interaction and brilliant dynamics with superb character development.
Each character is an intriguing enigma and they bring so much to the overall storyline… Liam: Oh Liam: his character really has a starring role in this book. And I’m here for it. Myles: Theo: Blake: All playing their roles perfectly! I love each one of them. Nash: I love his irredeemable assholeness of a character! I just love him. The protective ass.
For Ren: Our extremely lucky girl! Some important questions are answered, but more arise!
The story development is on point as is the plot line, riddled with twists and turns. Beautifully elaborate and complex!
I cannot wait for the next instalment.
PURE BRILLIANCE!!
Bravo Brooklyn, you’ve done it once again!
Quotes: “You’re testing me, Little Rabbit. I’m going to need a priest for even thinking about the things I want to do to you.”
“Hold it, don’t you dare fucking come, or you’ll be out here all night with my cock in you. I can fuck you for hours non-stop. Are you going to test me?”
“If you’re with me, it’s either a hot one-night stand or complete submission.
“You can fuck them all you want. Love them all you want. But at the end of the day, you’re mine. Now say it.”
Brooklyn Cross has done it again! The obsession with the series continues and once I picked up this book, I could not put it down. Hands down my favorite of the series thus far.
I love these characters so damn much! The way these kings are growing in their roles, both personally and professionally, have me forever weak in the knees. The masks are off and I hope they stay that way!
Hello, Liam- I’m talking about you!! And I am here for it! No notes! Not a single one!! All I can say is please sir, can I have some more?!
Ren continues to be fierce and fiery, no matter what is thrown her way. Her passion and ability to stand up for herself and those she loves, time and time again, make her the perfect alpha and it’s no wonder she has the kings bowing down! The way they fiercely love Ren is undeniable and nothing is going to come between them and their queen. They all bring out the best in each other and I cannot wait to see how this all plays out!
Once again, secrets are revealed and even more are hanging over our heads- especially after that ending!!! Can Nash and the rest do what they set out to do while protecting the one thing they never expected to mean so much to them all? The ride is far from over and I have faith everything will work out exactly as it’s supposed to! If it doesn’t, a phone call to a certain family in Cali may be in order…
This series has been incredible. I've been obsessed with it from the very beginning. I've finished book four and am moving on to book five, but I honestly wish I could slow down because I feel like I'm flying through it, and I don't want to. I don't want it to end. Each book has its own story while continuing the larger narrative. Every book gives more insight into each character, their history, personality, and the challenges they face. It's one thing after another. These characters rarely get a break. Yet, at the same time, they're incredibly resilient; they fight hard and never give up. They’re a family. They’re friends. They embody the idea that blood doesn't make you family because they’re there for each other at every turn, no matter the cost. They’re ride or die. I love how Ren has come into their lives, keeping these guys on their toes and making them even stronger. They’re discovering more about themselves, things they didn't even realize were there. She is truly a Queen, and they are her Kings. Now I'm running to read the next book.
*Why Choose *Contemporary *Multi-PoV *Academy *TWs - Dark Themes *Innocent FMC *Criminal World *Slow burn *Building Harem (5) *4/5 Real rollercoaster read! Honestly this series is so fricking good, I don’t know how but they keep getting better! Ok well maybe it doesn’t quite get better for the characters but the plot and development is 🤌 Poor Ren, how many fathers, marriage contracts and drama does one person actually need 😅 not only that but there are some serious changes in the relationships surrounding Ren, dealing with Liams head stuffed somewhere nature and it causing issues for him and Theo although when he can let go but does he come through for Ren; and Nash being his usual tool self lashing out when feelings get too big she’s in for a lot of hurt 😞 thankfully Myles is his usual sweetheart self determined to do anything for his Snowflake, Blake although he’s fighting to prove himself has become an emotional rock to our girl and Theo, wow well it’s impressive how much he comes into his own in this one by Ren’s side 😍 however Nash may be the way to discover the secrets about her past and her family and when he goes in he definitely goes all in 🖤 yet is the past or their families about to take away their chances at a future?! Cannot wait for the last one!!
This series is getting gripping book by book the way we are moving to finale 😍
Rating ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Spice 🌶🌶🌶
Myles, Theo, Blake, Nash, Liam..... these men and the way their characters have been written.
Brooklyn will leave you speechless and you might need time to recover as well. This particular book was way ahead of all.
“I’m going to need a priest for even thinking about the things I want to do to you.”
The hotness level was way beyond the grip.. and the twists and the dynamics between them was delightful.
Ren, she is brilliantly expressed in the book. And the moment I thought okay now i got answers to my questions, booooom Brooklyn will leave you with many more riddles.
This book serves you with
🥀 Why Choose 🥀 Reverse Harem 🥀 Multi Pov 🥀 Criminal World 🥀 Lies and Secrets 🥀 Slow Burn 🥀 Bully
I'm so excited to read what will happen now and how it will end up 😍😍
Wow…What can I say about Rebellious Rook without given anything away. This will have you sucked in from beginning to end. This book holds so much information & secrets. It’s packed with jaw dropping moments, and plot twist after plot twist. It’s filled with action and spice! This definitely was a great addition to this series.
Liam and Nash’s banter was everything and my favorite throughout the book! Lol. Also the prank wars, along with first time experiment of sorts. IYKYK🫣🫠
You learn about the characters and their past. Their needs and their wants. Some overcoming their fears, and making their way through obstacles that are there to bring them down. Family reunions, and family treaties all coming together for an alliance.
Brooklyn wrote this beautifully, and I ate this right up. Honestly this is my favorite book of the Wayward Academy. This series isn’t quite done, but specifically this book is building it all up for her next book Queens Gambit!
Omg I absolutely loved it, we hit the ground running with this one and I was hooked from the first page. Ren is beginning to come into her own after learning the truth about her mother’s family. Liam continues to struggle with the changes Theo wants in their relationship and after finding more than just common ground with Ren he realizes that Theo might’ve been right. I loved seeing her relationships progress more with Myles, Blake and Theo while also getting to see her relationships with Liam and Nash start to take off. Our resident menace to society is back again, seems we just can’t get rid of her lol, we get more insight into their father’s society and begin to see crakes forming. The reveal/cliffhanger left me so eager to see what happens next and I can’t wait.
Oh my god I wanted to punch Liam in the teeth so badly so many times, for someone so logical and smart he was so clueless and such a dumbass for so long. The training that Myles and Blake gave Ren, I cackled so badly, that come in the eye thing, I laughed so hard. And again, that being mention to Liam? I had to rererad that scene couple of times because I was howling with laughter, literally laughed to tears, which I don't do often.. now I'm thinking of rereading it again.. 😂 love all guys, Nash is that perfect type of asshole that we love only in the books.. Myles is still my favourite... Ren, she's amazing, such an amazing growth... and all the mysteries and secrets.. omg!! The ending!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Must read books 1-3 before jumping into Rebellious Rook!
In Rebellious Rook we find out so much more of Ren’s story that has been a mystery since the start. She is growing in her relationships with friends, family and the guys! I can’t see what Brooklyn Cross has in store for us readers and these characters! I don’t know who is my favorite cause I love what each one of the Kings brings to the table. We get a taste of what Liam has to offer in this book and he didn’t disappoint! 😉🥰😡
No spoilers here, ya just gotta dive in!
Rebellious Rook ends on a cliffhanger, can’t wait to get my hands on book five!
The queen of Cliffies took it easy on me this time around. Normally, I'm ready to Babe Ruth my reading device across the room.
I felt like this book was a mix between Liam getting out of his head, where Ren is concerned and realizing she's not as bad as he originally thought.
AND
Nash decides he needs to stop dancing around his love-hate relationship with her. He hates that he loves her so much, and he tries so hard to hang on to his resentment of her.
Ok rebellious rook was amazing. We finally get to see Ren with all the kings. This series is amazing and keeps getting better. I love seeing the relationships continue to grow and Nash’s emotions are back in forth I am hoping in queens gambit no one has any more doubts. I love anything Brooklyn writes and you need this book on your shelf.
Incredible Brooklyn never fails to draw you in I was gripped in shock. It was action packed , the plot was incredible and spicy. I’m obsessed this series is absolutely incredible. I’m in love absolutely obsessed with Myles.. , Nash, Blake Liam and Theo. I was not expecting that ending. I need a next book like now.
the emotions i had while reading this, and also seeing the different sides to liam and nash definitely weakened my heart. i can see why Ren has fallen for all of them, but prepare to not throw your phone or kindle or book or headphones at a wall, because YOU. WILL. WANT. TOO. you’ll love the hardass she’s becoming and who she’s changing into and all the relationships she’s building by her side while also finding out her true family and what her last name means and the power it holds.
OMG. OMG. OMG!!!!! Each book in this series just gets better and better. I'm pretty sure I was having a heart attack the entire way through this book. Ren and the Kings had a WILD ride in this book. It was absolutely incredible. I'm so in love with this book. I'm DYING for more already. Brooklyn, you freaking out did yourself with this book, the whole series really. This series seriously needs to put up for a literary masterpiece. Top freaking notch. Soooooooooo good.
Definitely keeps you coming back for more and leaves you wanting to know what happens next. I recommend starting at the first book. All around a great read! Can’t wait to read more!
LMK why I picked up this book series thinking it was gonna be a fun little RH mafia book series but NO IT RIPPED MY HEART OUT FUCKED IT AND BECAME ONE OF MY FAVORITE MAFIA BOOK SERIES…..im still in shock and THE ENDING😑 YOU ARE MAKING ME WAIT A MONTH WTF IS HAPPENING!!!!
Omg! This book grabs you by the throat and doesn't want to let go! You finally get to see Ren with all of the Kings, but this book is a rollercoaster from the twists and turns to the romance and smut. The perfect balance for this series. Now I can't wait to read the next book, and see what happens!!