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Wicked Beginnings (Wicked Bay Book 1) Kindle Edition

by L A Cotton (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 1,477 ratings
Fall in love with the Stone-Princes in this new adult romance series from bestselling author L A Cotton.


When seventeen-year-old Eloise Stone moves halfway across the world, she doesn’t expect to come face to face with the boy she met last summer.

Maverick Prince acts like he doesn’t know her.

Angry.
Cold.
Bitter.

He’s nothing like the boy Lo remembers.

Despite doing everything in his power to push her away, there’s no denying the sparks that fly every time they’re close.

It’s complicated though.

They live under the same roof now.

And as Lo navigates her new life, she realises moving to Wicked Bay isn’t the worst of her problems…

It’s only the beginning.

~

The Wicked Bay Series is recommended for readers aged 17+ due to mature themes, language, and content.

Reading Order
#1 Wicked Beginnings
#2 Wicked Rules
#3 Wicked Lies
#4 Wicked Games
#5 Wicked Needs
#5.5 Wicked Surprise
#6 Wicked Hearts
#7 Wicked Promises
#8 Wicked Forever
Read more
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  1. Book 1 of 9
    Wicked Bay
  2. Print length
    360 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    October 5, 2017
  5. File size
    2.5 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 9 books in this series.

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  1. People say time is a healer. But it’s a lie. Time doesn’t heal, it just masks. Sure, there are days when the pain is less, when it seems that things aren’t so bad, but scratch underneath the surface and the grief is still there. Raw and real. It isn’t a wound to fix. A hole to fill.
    Highlighted by 201 Kindle readers
  2. Because sometimes, no matter how wrong you knew something to be, it was impossible to ignore how right it felt.
    Highlighted by 98 Kindle readers
  3. So, I did what any seventeen-year-old with a shed load of emotional baggage did. I pulled on my favourite outfit, smudged some gloss over my lips, and headed to another party.
    Highlighted by 61 Kindle readers
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From the Publisher

Girl leaning into car to kiss guy

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for Wicked Beginnings

★★★★★
"A plucky heroine we can root for, hot, rich bad boys in abundance, swoon-worthy, angsty romance, witty dialogue, and high-school drama in spades. Highly recommended if you are a fan of angsty, dramatic YA/NA crossover romance." ~ Siobhan Davis, USA Today Bestselling author of the Kennedy Boys Series

★★★★★
"I loved the Liar Liar duet, and if you haven't read them I can't recommend them highly enough. However, this book is simply a step above. It's wonderfully crafted and every page gives the reader something; an emotion, a hit of excitement, a worry..." ~ Anna Bloom, author of The Game

★★★★★
"Wicked Beginnings is easily a five-star read for me. It kept my attention, I was enthralled, I fell in love with the characters and their complicated lives, their secrets yet to be uncovered, and the desire to know more. I'll be one-clicking the second in this series without even needinga blurb." ~ Tracie Podger, author of The Fallen Angel Series

★★★★★
"LA Cotton is the master of Mature YA- and has created a world and characters that I want more of." ~ Carrie Elks, author of FixYou

★★★★★
"Wicked Beginnings is addictive and edgy, full of intense angst and sexual tension so thick you could cut it with a knife! Secrets, secrets, secrets! I absolutely loved it and can't wait to see what happens next!" ~ Amazon bestselling author, Anne Mercier

★★★★★
"This book had so much angst ... I just loved it."~ Total Book Addicts

★★★★★
"This book was an addictive read from the very first page and I devoured it in record time." - Siobhan, Amazon Reviewer

★★★★★
"It kept my attention, I was enthralled, I fell in love with the characters and their complicated lives, their secrets yet to be uncovered, and the desire to know more." - Taz, Amazon Reviewer

From the Author

Follow the Stone-Prince siblings as they navigate the ups and downs of high school, friendship, family, and first love. Suitable for readers 17+
 
Reading Order:
#1 Wicked Beginnings 
#2 Wicked Rules
#3 Wicked Lies 
#4 Wicked Games
#5 Wicked Needs
#5.5 Wicked Surprise
#6 Wicked Hearts
#7 Wicked Promises 
#8 Wicked Forever

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B075QHPL4G
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Delesty Books; 1st edition (October 5, 2017)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 5, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.5 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 360 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 1,477 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
L. A. Cotton

L. A. Cotton

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

RECKLESS LOVE. WILD HEARTS.

L A Cotton is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over forty mature young adult and new adult novels, L A is happiest writing the kind of books she loves to read: addictive stories full of teenage angst, tension, twists and turns.

Home is a small town in the middle of England where she currently juggles being a full-time writer with being a mother/referee to two little people. In her spare time (and when she’s not camped out in front of the laptop) you’ll most likely find L A immersed in a book, escaping the chaos that is life.

Follow L A:

Facebook ➜ http://geni.us/uBmhAzc

Readers group ➜ http://geni.us/2Rs4dpS

Instagram ➜ http://geni.us/MrtN5

BookBub ➜ http://geni.us/LGnhS

Goodreads ➜ http://geni.us/T95Lbk

Join LA's mailing list for all the news and updates ➜ lacotton.com/subscribe

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
1,477 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be an emotional roller coaster filled with tons of drama, particularly praising the relationship between Maverick and Lo. Moreover, the book receives positive feedback for its characters, family secrets, and strong female protagonist, with one customer noting its exploration of family and friendship themes. Additionally, the writing quality is good, and customers consider it an amazing start to the series. However, some customers express disappointment with the content, mentioning there are not enough answers and unsolved problems.

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43 customers mention "Pacing"39 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the pacing of the book, describing it as an emotional roller coaster with tons of drama, particularly highlighting the amazing love story between Maverick and Lo.

"...how they act like the cat and the mouse, but the attraction between them is undeniable, even though they don’t want to acknowledge it...." Read more

"...However, this book was a good emotional journey. I felt for all the characters in this story. They all have something going on in their lives...." Read more

"...Wicked Rules is next and promises to add more angst and emotion to their story. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review." Read more

"...It is an ensnaring read full of teen angst and forbidden love...." Read more

28 customers mention "Readability"28 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable and enjoyable, with one customer particularly appreciating the ups and downs of the story.

"...he was keeping the pain he carried was palpable. I loved Maverick and Lo, and the supporting characters were great as well...." Read more

"Wicked Beginnings is a great book and wonderful beginning to a new series...." Read more

"...I really enjoyed the book because I liked the MC (Lo), I could not understand Maverick and I loved that they connected for real only at the very end..." Read more

"This was a very good book. You have a beautiful girl who meets a handsome boy one year while on vacation and only gets one night with him...." Read more

18 customers mention "Start"18 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be an amazing start to the series, with one customer describing it as a wonderful mix of second chance romance.

"A great start to a new series, and possibly the start of my new reading obsession...." Read more

"4 stars for Wicked Beginnings by LA Cotton. This is book 1 in the Wicked Bay series. This is also my first book by LA Cotton...." Read more

"Wicked Beginnings is a great book and wonderful beginning to a new series...." Read more

"This is young adult coming of age story... a wonderful mix of second chance and forbidden romance...this book was given to me with the subject..." Read more

15 customers mention "Character development"15 positive0 negative

Customers love the characters in the book, with one review highlighting the spunky heroine and another noting the hot mysterious hero.

"...writing is absolutely amazing, and on point, I really liked how the characters were built...." Read more

"...I loved the characters, and Kyle is an awesome side character. This is an emotion journey for Lo and for Maverick...." Read more

"...was palpable. I loved Maverick and Lo, and the supporting characters were great as well...." Read more

"...Full of lots of characters that the reader can get attached to while also focusing on the romance that is building...." Read more

6 customers mention "Family secrets"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's exploration of family and friendship, featuring many secrets.

"...way he took Eloise under his wing, took care of her and their beautiful friendship. How great he is with those around him, especially his family...." Read more

"...I would expect from the genre but also this book explores the meaning of family and friendship and the effect of change on the relationships within..." Read more

"...This one is a roller-coaster ride full of angst, secrets, and heartbreak...." Read more

"...Family secrets, lovers, friends, enemies... This book got it." Read more

5 customers mention "Strength"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the strength of the book's characters, with one review specifically highlighting the brave and loyal female protagonist.

"...Eloise Stone, is strong, beautiful and kind. She went through hell, literally hell, and yet she continues to have a beautiful and kind soul...." Read more

"...Lo is a courageous young woman I found myself rooting for and even though we only got her perspective in this book I loved Maverick...." Read more

"...She is strong and independent. Traumatic events have caused our heroine (teenager) to make some bad life choices...." Read more

"...But the connection is still there and as strong as ever. Absolutely loved this book. L.A.Cotton is becoming one of my favorite romance authors...." Read more

4 customers mention "Writing quality"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing quality of the book, with one highlighting the great dialogue.

"...that made this girl so happy. As always, L.A Cotton writing is absolutely amazing, and on point, I really liked how the characters were built...." Read more

"...The side characters are great too. All well written, with really great dialogue and great character development...." Read more

"...The writing was good and it did have lots of drama. I think people who love drama will like this story...." Read more

"...I haven't been that sucked into a story in a long time. I loved the writing. Loved how personal I got with Lo. Her struggles?..." Read more

3 customers mention "Content"0 positive3 negative

Customers have mixed reactions to the book's content, with some finding it unsatisfying. One customer mentions there are not enough answers, while another notes there are many problems left unsolved.

"...It is full of eyebrow raising situations but not enough answers. I need more. I need it now...." Read more

"...I wasn't really invested in the characters. There are so many problems left unsolved...." Read more

"...There was so much back and forth and nothing substantial was happening. I was skipping pages just to finish it." Read more

The start of my new reading obsession.
5 out of 5 stars
The start of my new reading obsession.
A great start to a new series, and possibly the start of my new reading obsession. This book is the perfect combination between sexy, hilarious, steamy, emotional and angst. A story where One Tree Hill meets Friday Night Lights and with a twist of The O.C, and that made this girl so happy. As always, L.A Cotton writing is absolutely amazing, and on point, I really liked how the characters were built. The action was not rushed, everything seemed so natural, and I really liked the attention that L.A. Cotton gave to all the details: the plot, the scenery, everything. Eloise Stone, is strong, beautiful and kind. She went through hell, literally hell, and yet she continues to have a beautiful and kind soul. After losing half of her family in a horrible accident, and barely escaping with her life, she has to leave the only home she ever knew in England, and move with her father to the States, in her uncle house. She is sassy, brave, loyal and strong. She has an amazing energy, always looking out for those close to her. Love doesn’t come easy to her, because she is afraid of getting hurt, of losing someone close to her again, but when she love, she does it hard. Maverick Prince, this boy has so much anger and demons bottled up inside him. He spend most of his life building walls around him, never letting anybody come to close to him, but the moment Eloise steps foot in his house, he knows he is in a lot of trouble. Because she sees past his walls, she sees the real him, and he can’t resist her. I love how protective of Eloise he is, and how he tries to be around even when he tries his best to keep his distance from her. I really liked the chemistry between Maverick and Eloise, how they act like the cat and the mouse, but the attraction between them is undeniable, even though they don’t want to acknowledge it. They gravitated towards the other, always seeking each others presence. Beside the main characters, another character that I absolutely loved and adored was Kyle. He is my baby and he must be protected at all costs because he is to precious. I really loved his character, he is so funny, easy-going, The way he took Eloise under his wing, took care of her and their beautiful friendship. How great he is with those around him, especially his family. I hope from the bottom of my heart that he gets his own story and book. I am so ready for more of him. I loved the ending, especially how Maverick stood up for Eloise, finally accepting the truth and allowing himself to feel, to live and to love. I am looking forward to see how their story continues in the following book.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Alexandra Ramona Morar
    5.0 out of 5 stars The start of my new reading obsession.
    Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    A great start to a new series, and possibly the start of my new reading obsession.

    This book is the perfect combination between sexy, hilarious, steamy, emotional and angst. A story where One Tree Hill meets Friday Night Lights and with a twist of The O.C, and that made this girl so happy.
    As always, L.A Cotton writing is absolutely amazing, and on point, I really liked how the characters were built. The action was not rushed, everything seemed so natural, and I really liked the attention that L.A. Cotton gave to all the details: the plot, the scenery, everything.

    Eloise Stone, is strong, beautiful and kind. She went through hell, literally hell, and yet she continues to have a beautiful and kind soul.
    After losing half of her family in a horrible accident, and barely escaping with her life, she has to leave the only home she ever knew in England, and move with her father to the States, in her uncle house.
    She is sassy, brave, loyal and strong. She has an amazing energy, always looking out for those close to her. Love doesn’t come easy to her, because she is afraid of getting hurt, of losing someone close to her again, but when she love, she does it hard.

    Maverick Prince, this boy has so much anger and demons bottled up inside him. He spend most of his life building walls around him, never letting anybody come to close to him, but the moment Eloise steps foot in his house, he knows he is in a lot of trouble. Because she sees past his walls, she sees the real him, and he can’t resist her.
    I love how protective of Eloise he is, and how he tries to be around even when he tries his best to keep his distance from her.

    I really liked the chemistry between Maverick and Eloise, how they act like the cat and the mouse, but the attraction between them is undeniable, even though they don’t want to acknowledge it. They gravitated towards the other, always seeking each others presence.

    Beside the main characters, another character that I absolutely loved and adored was Kyle. He is my baby and he must be protected at all costs because he is to precious. I really loved his character, he is so funny, easy-going,
    The way he took Eloise under his wing, took care of her and their beautiful friendship. How great he is with those around him, especially his family. I hope from the bottom of my heart that he gets his own story and book. I am so ready for more of him.

    I loved the ending, especially how Maverick stood up for Eloise, finally accepting the truth and allowing himself to feel, to live and to love. I am looking forward to see how their story continues in the following book.
    Customer image
    Alexandra Ramona Morar
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    The start of my new reading obsession.

    Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2021
    A great start to a new series, and possibly the start of my new reading obsession.

    This book is the perfect combination between sexy, hilarious, steamy, emotional and angst. A story where One Tree Hill meets Friday Night Lights and with a twist of The O.C, and that made this girl so happy.
    As always, L.A Cotton writing is absolutely amazing, and on point, I really liked how the characters were built. The action was not rushed, everything seemed so natural, and I really liked the attention that L.A. Cotton gave to all the details: the plot, the scenery, everything.

    Eloise Stone, is strong, beautiful and kind. She went through hell, literally hell, and yet she continues to have a beautiful and kind soul.
    After losing half of her family in a horrible accident, and barely escaping with her life, she has to leave the only home she ever knew in England, and move with her father to the States, in her uncle house.
    She is sassy, brave, loyal and strong. She has an amazing energy, always looking out for those close to her. Love doesn’t come easy to her, because she is afraid of getting hurt, of losing someone close to her again, but when she love, she does it hard.

    Maverick Prince, this boy has so much anger and demons bottled up inside him. He spend most of his life building walls around him, never letting anybody come to close to him, but the moment Eloise steps foot in his house, he knows he is in a lot of trouble. Because she sees past his walls, she sees the real him, and he can’t resist her.
    I love how protective of Eloise he is, and how he tries to be around even when he tries his best to keep his distance from her.

    I really liked the chemistry between Maverick and Eloise, how they act like the cat and the mouse, but the attraction between them is undeniable, even though they don’t want to acknowledge it. They gravitated towards the other, always seeking each others presence.

    Beside the main characters, another character that I absolutely loved and adored was Kyle. He is my baby and he must be protected at all costs because he is to precious. I really loved his character, he is so funny, easy-going,
    The way he took Eloise under his wing, took care of her and their beautiful friendship. How great he is with those around him, especially his family. I hope from the bottom of my heart that he gets his own story and book. I am so ready for more of him.

    I loved the ending, especially how Maverick stood up for Eloise, finally accepting the truth and allowing himself to feel, to live and to love. I am looking forward to see how their story continues in the following book.
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    One person found this helpful
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  • Tiffany Copple
    4.0 out of 5 stars pretty good story
    Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    4 stars for Wicked Beginnings by LA Cotton. This is book 1 in the Wicked Bay series. This is also my first book by LA Cotton. Wicked Beginnings starts off with Eloise/Lo having to pack up and move from Surrey to America after the loss she just suffered. Her and her father are moving in with her Uncle Gentry, his wife, his wife’s two children and then her uncle’s two children. She was just there thirteen months ago when she meets this boy on the beach who she instantly felt a connection with, but he left her there with out a second thought. Soon Lo will come face to face with the boy from the beach, but he isn’t the person she thought he was. Lo has to learn to live with everything new in her life. Being in America was supposed to be a fresh start but is it really.
    “It's home now, Lo. You don't have to get used to it; you just have to embrace it.”
    Maverick is the king of the school, gorgeous, bad boy and her step cousin. He seems to instantly hate her, but she isn’t sure why. I don’t even know what to say about this book. I loved the characters, and Kyle is an awesome side character. This is an emotion journey for Lo and for Maverick. My only issue was that there were times when Lo would stand up for herself and then there were times, she let people walk all over her. However, this book was a good emotional journey. I felt for all the characters in this story. They all have something going on in their lives. This is a book that will pull you in and take you on a ride until the very end.
    “People say time is a healer. But it’s a lie. Time doesn’t heal, it just masks. Sure, there are days when the pain is less, when it seems that things aren’t so bad, but scratch underneath the surface and the grief is still there. Raw and real. It isn’t a wound to fix. A hole to fill.”
    7 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Tara Peters
    5.0 out of 5 stars An explosive, angst filled first book in a series.
    Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Maverick and Lo had so much drama and angst in their lives I was really hoping they could find a way to figure things out. Lo is just moving to the states and getting to know her family. A tragedy has shaped her life and she has been spiraling. She visited a few months before the move and ran into Maverick. She didn’t know who he was, just that he looked like he needed a friend. That encounter changed her life. Maverick never forgot the girl who saved him. He is troubled and broken and fears that the demons inside him will never go away.
    He treated her horribly for most of the book and I wanted to shake some sense into him. He was the protector and that included Lo. The secrets he was keeping the pain he carried was palpable.
    I loved Maverick and Lo, and the supporting characters were great as well. Kyle was the jokester, but even he could be serious when he needed to be. He even watched more closely than anyone realized.
    I can’t wait to see what happens as this series goes forward. Wicked Rules is next and promises to add more angst and emotion to their story. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Sophie Koufes
    5.0 out of 5 stars Just brilliant! I am so in love with this new ...
    Reviewed in Canada on October 6, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Oh Gosh! Just brilliant! I am so in love with this new YA series as I already one-clicked pre-ordered book two. This author is one of my absolute favorite authors as her writing style is unmatched & absolutely draws you into the story & character's become part of your life. A flawless piece of writing that is highly captivating & will keep you turning the pages. The premise of the novel is highly intriguing, while the plot will pull at your heart strings. Family, friends, & enemies all intertwined with a layer secrets that once revealed, a new puzzle is disclosed. A tear jerker novel that is brimming with angst, suspense, betrayal, secrets, lust & love. Characters are complex & well seasoned. Supporting character's are a perfect blend & addition to the story. I can't wait till January 2018 for Book Two as this ends in a sort of cliffhanger it leaves you obsessed & craving more. An absolute must read YA Novel by the queen of writing romantic suspense YA novels that will have your jaw dropping & wanting to throw your kindle on the floor.
    Report
  • Captain_S_1
    5.0 out of 5 stars So damn good!!
    Reviewed in Germany on May 4, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I read all the books in the series (so far) and this is by far my favorite book 😍

    The story was well written and I really felt Lo ❤️ she has been through a lot and is still a strong and independent woman !

    I strongly recommend this book for people who love a good high school enemies to lovers romance 😍

    Thank you Lianne for writing this awesome book!
    Report
  • Annette hoey
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book too read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 11, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Enjoyed the book from the start , storyline very good , this book would suit younger people, characters brilliant , plus there a second book
    Report
  • yoneidis
    5.0 out of 5 stars Me ha encantado
    Reviewed in Spain on December 1, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    La historia de Lo es dura después de ver todo lo que perdido, ha pasado y su padre la verdad es que tampoco ayuda mucho.
    Su relación con Maverick es complicada, sobre todo, porque Maverick es un misterio para ella y para todos, incluido el lector.
    Voy a por la segunda parte para ver cómo sigue.
    Report
  • Sammy King
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great
    Reviewed in Australia on July 26, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This was a fantastic first book in this series. The characters are fabulous. It has a really good mix of drama and love. Looking forward to reading more.
    Report

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