Prom Queen

Craven Cove #2

by Alexa Riley

Celeste has gotten her heart broken by the man she loves…but can she truly let him go? Maybe there’s room for forgiveness as long as all his secrets are revealed.

Apollo is ready to do anything to win her back, including sacrificing all that he’s worked for. He’ll wait for as long as it takes, but he’s not going anywhere.

Warning: Does teenage angst always turn into a happily ever after? In Craven Cove it does!

Genres: Romance, Novella, High School, Sports, Young Adult, Contemporary Romance, Smut

ebook

First published August 25, 2021

About the author

Alexa Riley is two sassy friends who got together and wrote some dirty books. They are both married moms of two who love football, donuts, and obsessed book heroes.

They specialize in insta-love, over-the-top, sweet, and cheesy love stories that don’t take all year to read. If you want something SAFE, short, and always with a happily ever after, then Alexa Riley is for you!

Feel free to follow us each on twitter @smut_sasshole & @SassNSmut

Reviews

[CHAMPAGNE · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 smutty ✨step sibling✨ stars

ngl, i'm more pumped for the horny parent's story

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute couple and adorable epilogue. Loved the angst, the caveman hero and the sweet heroine. Adorable HEA with kids. Totally safe too. No cheating.

[*CJ* · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Prom Queen" is the story of Celeste and Apollo.

Book continues where last one ends! The hero wins the heroine back, their problems are addressed and solved, we get a sweet HEA and hints about next book!

Safe
2.5/5

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second part of the story of Apollo Crew and Celeste Binx, both seniors in high school (so, a "new adult" romance). You must read Prom King (my review) first to get the couple's complete story.

RECAP... Celeste and her mother, Anna, have never really settled anywhere. Anna has moved herself and her daughter as she conned her way through rich men around the country. They moved to the island of Craven Cove so Celeste could live in one place for her senior year of high school.

Apollo is the captain of the wining rowing team. He's earned an academic scholarship to college, something he's proud of because his father didn't secure it for him. Apollo's father, Rory, is wealthy, a big name on the island.

Apollo and Celeste's story starts when she literally runs into him at the local diner. Part 1 of their story left us (hanging!!) with the Crew men standing there in shock as Celeste and her mother left them. We don't have a lot of insight into Rory and Anna's story, but Apollo lobbed sharp accusations at Celeste right after they both declared their love for one another, emotionally and physically.

While I like Apollo and Celeste, I was a bit let down by this part of their story (3 stars) -- especially after the build up of Prom King. What drove them apart is reconciled pretty quickly and the last 20-25 percent of the book is epilogues of the couple's future together. I guess I thought there would be more drama and angst based on the fact that the story was divided into two parts. There are a few things I didn't care for or could have been handled differently, and there is a thread or two left hanging (for the next story??); however, nothing big or annoying enough to keep me from recommending it.

While it's not very steamy, I do have to say that I love the love that I feel from all the characters, romantic, platonic, and familial. In that AR never disappoints. I like that regardless of what Anna does, Celeste loves her and that Anna is protective of her daughter. While Rory didn't seem as loving of his son, we do see a different side in this book.

I did enjoy the two-part story overall (solid 3.5 on my enjoyment scale) and look forward to the upcoming Take It All, Rory and Anna's story, which may be steamier because they're older.

BTW... It would be fun to have an additional story to the series that featured the secondary characters of Emerson (Celeste's best friend) and Jackson! (Apollo's best friend). I think they'd make a great couple!!

[Jen ♥ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐

This is book 2 of a duet. The ending of book 1 was Celeste and her mom walking away from Crew and his father.

So after that, she and her mom went out of town for a week to have some girl time. Then they go back to the island. Celeste avoided Crew for another four days though he did attempt to talk to her on multiple occasions. Then Crew went to this party after learning that she'll be there. They slept first before they talk about what happened. 🤦‍♀️And I lost my interest since then. They patch things, got back together, and HEA with three epilogues.

It didn't work for me for some reason and I was bored after they fixed their relationship, idk. 🤷‍♀️

[Lolina ⋆]

This was just really wholesome and sweet.

It was completely crazy and over the top in all of the true AR fashion- don't think I'm going to forget about the attempted murder 😶 (I wish I was joking).

The story was kind of anticlimactic with some of the conflicts- but as usual, I just had a lot of fun with it. Oh and I absolutely loved the number of epilogues that were at the end of the book.

👑- AR's crown for releasing the book way earlier than expected.

[In-Wonderland-world · Rating 2 out of 5]

Qué acabo de leer? Ninguna de las preguntas que me dejó el primer libro fueron resueltas...
Ellos se amigan mágicamente por el poder del amor y fin .... What?!?!

[Miki’s⚠️ Safety Reviews & Rants⚠️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌟Brief Summary:
‼️This is a review for the DUET/ Prom King and Prom Queen‼️

💯This was sweet & light w a dash of drama

Celeste is starting her senior year in a town. Her mom is a con artist and moves them around a lot but she promised they would stay in one place for her senior year.

She immediately draws the attention of the riches most popular guy in school. But as their connection and relationship grows what will she do when she finds out her moms next con job is her new boyfriends dad? Yikes 😬

❣️Things I Liked/Loved❣️
This was a quick fun and steamy read with a bit of angst.
I always LOVE AR Heros. They are OTT JP and all about their woman. And I especially love DUEL VIRGINS. Doesn’t get better than that.
It’s very insta but they have obstacles in their path from both their parents, other students and college choices. But these two love each other enough to fight for each other…. Swoon ❤️

The whole con thing had me worried cause I thought I would hate them for it but the way it was done didn’t bother me. Her mom wasn’t a bad person and his father wasn’t a saint either lol… they were matched perfectly.

🥀 Hero:
Apollo “Crew”
18yrs old popular rich hot guy who is the captain of the rowing team.
He’s been focused on rowing and hasn’t had a girl which he felt grabbed him enough to spend time with.
He’s immediately all about the h and quickly is ALL IN with her. He is so sweet and swoon. He has some OTT JP traits. He’s all about his girl. She’s number one above all else❤️
He’s so protective and only wants to care for her.

🦋 Heroine:
Celeste- 18yrs old
Her mom is a con artist and they move a lot.
She’s kinda reserved and clumsy. She beautiful but cause they move so much she keeps to herself.
Despite her mom actions w being a con she loves her and is torn about her mom’s actions. Shes in a hard place.
She sweet but not easy to trust and she is all in with our H. Shes very supportive and caring for the H.

💭 POV:
Duel first person

🔥 Burn Rate:
Fast this is 2 nobles that equal 180pgs total so it’s definitely insta for sure.

😡/😍 Angst level:
Low but there is a cliffhanger at the end of book 1 that is a bit angsty

❤️‍🔥 Sexy times & Descriptive sex:
Yes 🔥🔥🔥 we get good sexy times and I LOVE THAT THEY ARE EXPERIENCING THIER FIRST IN EVERYTHING TOGETHER.
You can really feel their chemistry and connection. It’s so sweet to.

🌓 Push/Pull:
Minor push away form h to H after the cliffy in book 1 before that none

☠️ OW/OM Drama:
OWD- a girl has a major thing for the H but they never had a relationship and he isn’t interested. She try’s to create drama.

🤮 OW/OM Sex / Fluid or DNA Exchange:
None

🤬 Cheating:
None

👰🏼‍♀️ Virgins:
DUEL VIRGINS!!!!! 🥳🥳🥳🥳
❤️❤️❤️❤️LOVE
In fact they are each other first in everything and it didn’t keep our H from knowing his stuff and talking a bit dirty 😮‍💨

⛈️Separation/ 3rd Act Breakup:
Mid way?
After the cliffy in book 1 there is 1 week separation. Both celibate. They only have eyes for each other and the H is only giving her space to be ready to talk. Both are a mess without the other❤️

Safety⚠️Triggers🗡️:
Car accident
Parent being jerks

🌈Epilogue:
YES
-2 mo later- Prom
-The next college year
-4 years Wedding
-Years later kids

🥂HEA:
Of course 🥰

❌My opinion is just that… MY OPINION.
I know we all get passionate about our favorite reads and characters but we should respect each opinions a thoughts. ~Thank you

[Maria (semi hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5 stars. Very cute, but also OTT. And 4 (!) epilogues. Not as good as the first book. Completely safe.

[Sarah Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Representation: Gay Supporting Character

Overall: 3.5-stars

Safety Rating: Safe with Exceptions
• No cheating
• No OM drama
• Does (kinda) have OW drama
– Same girl from Prom King attempts to keep the Hero and Heroine apart
• Does have the Heroine pushing the Hero away
• Does have a ~1-week separation (both were celibate)


Possible Triggers: Yes
• Attempted murder
• Allusion to abuse


Ending: HEA with Epilogue

[Diksha · Rating 3 out of 5]

3+, Cute Story!

[Harim · Rating 1 out of 5]

Super boring. Hurts my soul, AR really dropped the quality of their creations.

[Summer Hector · Rating 3 out of 5]

I still don't get why the both of them are called prom queen and prom king. It's not like either of them are actually crowned as prom king or queen

[Marcie's On The Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

O.M.G! This book was marvelous! Best book ever written by Alexa Riley! If you are wanting to read a high school romance between a popular athlete and the new girl….THIS IS IT! Never has PROM looked so good!

Apollo is the guy who everyone wants to be in school. He has women flawing over him, and guys who envy him. Apollo is in his last year of school and plans on graduating with good grades and hard work. Apollo is not looking for anything else, except leaving his island he grew up on. Apollo was in for a very big surprise when the new girl Celeste arrives in school and he is awaken to a new plan to make Celeste his in every way. When Apollo body tells him, Celeste is “MINE” game is on!

Celeste is the new girl in town. She just relocated with her mom after moving around the world. Celeste has never had a place to call home. She starts a new school and meets Apollo. Instantly, she feels a connection with Apollo after he shows her to her class and the relationship moves from friends to lovers. This sweet romance moved in a fast-paced way, but it had all the emotions we would want from an Alexa Riley book! Apollo was that alpha-male that we all want in real life and sweetness that we can appreciate when it comes to Celeste!

This book did end in a Cliffhanger, but the authors did make it up to us, by releasing the new book after three days of disappointment from readers. “How dare they?” But we as readers forgive them from this mishap! This book is a 5-star read!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

First things first; I love the cover of this book!
This story is the second book in the prom duet. It is a continuation of Apollo and Celeste’s story.
This story is short, fast paced and an enjoyable read. I read this book in one sitting and was satisfied throughout. I found the writing style easy to follow, the characters likeable and the storyline enjoyable. Apollo is determined to get his girl back but will she give him a second chance?
The chemistry between Apollo and Celeste is clear to see and I loved them together.
I loved that Celeste and Rory made up.
I was intrigued by the Shy secret; I cannot wait to find out what his problem was. I also cannot wait to read Anna and Rory’s story.
I really liked the ending and the epilogue for this story.
The storyline for this book is easy to follow and it is an enjoyable read. I cannot wait for more books from this series.

[Yricka Somcio · Rating 2 out of 5]

I needed something to cure my book hangover, so I decided to dive into this short series. Since it was a novella, I didn't have high expectations, but surprisingly, I had a blast reading this cringey high school romance. Sure, it may be cringe-inducing, but it's incredibly enjoyable! Apollo and Celeste's relationship was delightful, filled with the perfect blend of sexual tension and romance. It's your typical high school love story that leaves you envious because you'll never experience such sweet love yourself.

I'm particularly intrigued by the love story of their parents, which I plan to read next once my Wi-Fi is back. It sounds fascinating! I adore how affectionate both characters are, and while the drama was okay, it didn't reach excessive levels as I initially expected. The plot twists and the angsty ending lived up to my expectations, and the cliffhanger, although not too intense, compelled me to pick up the next book.

[Laetitia · Rating 2 out of 5]

A week after the events of the last book, Celeste and her mom come back to Craven Cove but she avoids Apollo for hurting her. I was happy with the fact that she didn't want anything to with him after the way he acted. There was drama with the mean girl at school and she got really crazy. Eventually Celeste and Apollo made up and got their HEA. We see them finish high school, got to college, get married and have a life together. It was OK, but a bit boring because there was zero chemistry between Celeste and Apollo. I liked that Apollo's father came around and made amends with both Celeste and his own son.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A misunderstanding drove Celeste and Apollo apart but it was only temporary. Emerson becomes her confident and helps her sort out her jumbled feelings. Apollo takes the split badly and blames himself for uttering those harsh words. Everyone tells Apollo to give her some space and he heeds their advice and she makes an appearance at one of his races and they reunite till a jealous Amber nearly kills them. The aftermath is that his father Rory moves mountains to ensure Celeste gets the best care. Her mother is still with his dad but they finally get that Celeste and Apollo are a package deal forever. We get the wedding and three fun epilogues...way to go ladies.

[Dani Bionda · Rating 4 out of 5]

En la segunda parte de esta historia, Celeste se encuentra con el corazón roto luego de que Apollo descubriera la verdad sobre Anna y creyera que tramaba engañar a Rory, su padre.

Sin embargo entiende la magnitud del dolor que generó su desconfianza y está dispuesto a recuperar su amor a como de lugar.

Divertida, dulce, fresca y ligera, Prom Queen, es una lectura súper entretenida, con un final un tanto precipitado, pero digno de una linda y juvenil historia de amor

[Nesha · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Spoilers*


It was good. Usual AR easy read, but what happened to Amber? I don't know if I missed something but she just disappeared. Was she arrested? Then Shy mentioned something about her, Celeste, and Rory. What did Rory do or what was Shy's claims and how did Celeste get in it? I was so confused when I saw epilogue and it was months later cause who is answering these questions

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Celeste and Apollo

Wow! Really enjoyed this one. The previous book ended with Celeste and Apollo at odds and this one started with Apollo trying to make amends. There is still some mystery involving Shy and his dislike of the Crew men, that didn't get resolved and I hope the next and final book of this series will enlighten us. Highly recommended

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This duo was pretty good. I remember that age and being so crazy in love with my boyfriend then. It did not work out but I’m glad these two had their HEA. I read it after both books were out. I liked having a longer story for them, but it could have easily been one book. Dual virgins, high schoolers.

[Whiskers & Waffles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes! I feel so much better now! This was the happily ever after I was looking for. Apollo and Celeste have a beautiful (and pretty hot) love story. I was going to say that I do have a couple questions but I see there’s another book coming out so it just gets better and better!

[Ꭿຖᥲ·♡ ྀི · Rating 3 out of 5]

3✯

°Switching POVs
°1 week separation - both celibate
°No OM drama
°The same OW from "Prom King" caused drama in this book
°No cheating
°Pushing away from the heroine
°No intimate scenes with OP
°Epilogue: 5+ years later married with 3 children

[K B · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don’t waste money on Prom King, Prom Queen or Take it All especially not individually. Prom King and Prom Queen should be 1 book not two especially for $3 each. Not worth it and not worth reading them. Save your time and $$

[Ximena · Rating 3 out of 5]

💁‍♀️

[Lisbeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok, glad I got the happy ending, but a lot of unanswered questions, which apparently will be answered in book 3. Hope this it's the new norm, from their books.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Melanie Milburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, we finally get some answers about Apollo and Celeste—and they’re doozies! This was a great set up for the parents’ upcoming story in this series.

[Astrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be aware this is a two story book. You have to read Prom King before. So this is the second part.
Celeste and Apollo really have their ups and downs. I can't wait to read more!