Review of Filthy Rich Boys: Rich Boys of Burberry Prep., Book One
When I first stumbled upon Filthy Rich Boys by Serena Akeroyd, I have to admit I was drawn in by the bold title and the promise of intrigue within the seemingly glamorous yet treacherous world of Burberry Prep. As someone who enjoys a mix of romance, drama, and a dash of the fantastical, this reverse harem bully romance didn’t just catch my attention; it ensnared me from the very first page.
The story revolves around Marnye Reed, the new girl at Burberry Prep, who quickly becomes the target of a group of privileged boys who see it as their mission to break her spirit. The premise of "let’s see who can make her fall in love first" is deliciously chaotic and sets the stage for a romance entwined with rivalry and rich character dynamics. Marnye is portrayed as resilient; she doesn’t come from wealth, but grit and determination drive her to carve out her own identity in a world that seems utterly foreign.
Akeroyd does an excellent job exploring themes of class disparity, bullying, and the clash between old money and new ambition. The emotional stakes are palpable, and the author weaves a complex tapestry of relationships where power dynamics shift with each turn of the page. I found myself rooting for Marnye, cheering her on as she navigates both the treacherous social waters and her feelings for the three charismatic, deeply flawed boys who make up the male leads. Each character embodies a unique aspect of privilege and charm, making the love triangle (or more accurately, the love square) feel both enthralling and tumultuous.
The writing style is engaging and sharp, with a pace that keeps you glued to the pages. Akeroyd has this rhythmic way of unraveling Marnye’s experiences, punctuating moments of heartbreak with humor and wit. I particularly enjoyed her use of dialogue—snappy exchanges that brought the characters’ personalities to life. One memorable line lingered with me: “Love isn’t a game—until it is.” This quote encapsulates the novel’s core tension: the fierce interplay between love and rivalry, challenge and vulnerability.
Moreover, if you’re concerned about the darker themes of bullying or social hierarchy, rest assured that Akeroyd handles these elements with sensitivity, never straying too far into discomfort. Instead, she wraps these themes in a narrative that celebrates resilience and self-discovery.
For those drawn to contemporary romance and drama, Filthy Rich Boys is a delightful plunge into adolescent emotions and societal pressures that feels relevant and layered. Its appeal lies not just in the tale of love and rivalry but in its exploration of what it means to belong in a world filled with privilege.
This book resonated with me on multiple levels, and I emerged from its pages reflecting not only on young love but also on the strength it takes to stand your ground in the face of adversity. I wholeheartedly recommend this to fans of The Royals by Erin Watt or anyone who enjoys a mix of steamy romance and high-stakes drama. Get ready for book two—you’ll definitely want to see how Marnye’s story unfolds!
You can find Filthy Rich Boys: Rich Boys of Burbery Prep., Book One here >>