Queen B’s Decree: The Broken Muses of Manderley Academy had such a gothic vibe, I kept waiting for Heathcliff to be skulking around the corner. Faye is the daughter of a famous violinist and is brought into the musical world of Mandeley Academy by the villain of the story, Madame Usher. From there, she’s essentially treated like Cinderella and the three men there do their best to bully her into leaving. Also can we note that Bully #1 is her childhood best friend? Thanks buddy!
And yes, I’m being exceptionally realistic in acknowledging that this academy doesn’t seem to have any accreditation and thus, likely wouldn’t exist. But it’s fiction! I don’t believe in ghosts either but Manderley’s got ’em!
The pacing and flow was well done and the mystery kept me hooked and turning pages. The chemistry between Faye and her Bad Boys of Baroque was steamy and sizzling. The characterizations were good, and I felt like we really got to know all the main characters really well.
I do think there was a bit too much going on with the plot. There was maybe one too many over-the-top twists that put it into the “okay, now this is definitely not real” mindset, and yet Broken Muses was an enjoyable and addicting read.
My first from this author but hopefully not my last! Also I think I need to listen to some classical music now.
Book: Broken Muses of Manderley Academy by Steffanie Holmes
Series: Manderley Academy complete series
Genre: New Adult
Hotness: hot salsa
Plot Devices/Tropes: bully, reverse harem