What do you think?
Rate this book
The Saints #2
Cruel Saints
An Arranged Marriage Mafia Romance
Alliances are made. Loyalty is owned. Love is taken.
Little did I know my love and freedom would be taken to form a new alliance.
Brutal, possessive, and dangerous, Lucian is feared by all. Including myself.
When his father is assassinated, Lucian takes his rightful place as head of the Cotroni family. They rule the Mafia with an iron fist, and he’s set his sights on my family.
Until now, we’ve been the only threat, but when a new one emerges, my father is forced to arrange a marriage between Lucian and myself.
He might be handsome but he’s not the kind of man who loves. He takes what he wants and right now, it’s my body.
I might belong to him in name, but the question remains – will our union be consummated in blood or love?
STANDALONE: Romance Suspense full-length novel.
WARNING: This book contains subject matter that may be sensitive for some readers. There is dark and triggering content between these pages. 18+ only. Please read responsibly.
Alliances are made. Loyalty is owned. Love is taken.
Little did I know my love and freedom would be taken to form a new alliance.
Brutal, possessive, and dangerous, Lucian is feared by all. Including myself.
When his father is assassinated, Lucian takes his rightful place as head of the Cotroni family. They rule the Mafia with an iron fist, and he’s set his sights on my family.
Until now, we’ve been the only threat, but when a new one emerges, my father is forced to arrange a marriage between Lucian and myself.
He might be handsome but he’s not the kind of man who loves. He takes what he wants and right now, it’s my body.
I might belong to him in name, but the question remains – will our union be consummated in blood or love?
STANDALONE: Romance Suspense full-length novel.
WARNING: This book contains subject matter that may be sensitive for some readers. There is dark and triggering content between these pages. 18+ only. Please read responsibly.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2021
2661 people are currently reading
11084 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Heard
77 books11.3k followersMichelle Heard is a USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon #3 Bestselling romance author.
She writes emotional heart-shattering stories with a whole lot of Mafia & Romance that will leave you smiling with satisfaction. Every book has an unexpected twist that will show the strength of the characters.
Before becoming an author, Michelle had a career in banking. She lives in South Africa with her son, Sheldon, who's also her right-hand man when it comes to all things publishing, and her daughter-in-law, Tayla, who's her best friend.
Reading Order on AMAZON
STANDALONE NOVELS:
***Mafia & Bratva Romance (in order)***
THE SAINTS SERIES:
Merciless Saints - Damien Vetrov
Cruel Saints - Lucian Cotroni
Ruthless Saints - Carson Koslov
Tears of Betrayal - Demitri Vetrov
Tears of Salvation - Alexei Koslov
THE SINNERS SERIES:
Taken By A Sinner - Nikolas Stathoulis
Owned By A Sinner - Liam Byrne
Stolen By A Sinner - Gabriel Demir
Chosen By A Sinner - Luca Cotroni
Captured By A Sinner - Viktor Vetrov
THE CORRUPTED ROYALS SERIES:
Destroy Me - Misha Petrov
Control Me - Nikolai Vetrov
Brutalize Me - Armani De Santis
Restrain Me - Maxim Levin
Possess Me - Alek Aslanhov
SERIES (In Order):
ENEMIES TO LOVERS SERIES:
***College & New Adult Romance***
Heartless - Carter & Della
Reckless - Logan & Mia
Careless - Jaxson & Leigh
Ruthless - Marcus & Willow
Shameless - Rhett & Evie
TRINITY ACADEMY SERIES:
***College Romance***
Falcon - Falcon & Layla
Mason - Mason & Kingsley
Lake - Lake & Lee
Julian - Julian & Jamie
The Epilogue
THE HEIRS:
***College & New Adult Romance***
Coldhearted Heir - Hunter & Jade
Arrogant Heir - Jase & Mila
Defiant Heir - Kao & Fallon
Loyal Heir - Forest & Aria
Callous Heir - Noah & Carla
Sinful Heir - Tristan & Hana
Tempted Heir - Christopher & Dash
Forbidden Heir - Ryker & Danny
SOUTHERN HEROES SERIES:
***Suspense Romance***
The Ocean Between Us – Aiden & Emma
The Girl In The Closet – Cole & Birdie
The Lies We Tell Ourselves – Alec & Reece
All The Wasted Time – Wyatt & Scarlett
We Were Lost – Zac & Chloe
OTHER STANDALONE NOVELS:
Not My Hero - Dark YA Romance
She writes emotional heart-shattering stories with a whole lot of Mafia & Romance that will leave you smiling with satisfaction. Every book has an unexpected twist that will show the strength of the characters.
Before becoming an author, Michelle had a career in banking. She lives in South Africa with her son, Sheldon, who's also her right-hand man when it comes to all things publishing, and her daughter-in-law, Tayla, who's her best friend.
Reading Order on AMAZON
STANDALONE NOVELS:
***Mafia & Bratva Romance (in order)***
THE SAINTS SERIES:
Merciless Saints - Damien Vetrov
Cruel Saints - Lucian Cotroni
Ruthless Saints - Carson Koslov
Tears of Betrayal - Demitri Vetrov
Tears of Salvation - Alexei Koslov
THE SINNERS SERIES:
Taken By A Sinner - Nikolas Stathoulis
Owned By A Sinner - Liam Byrne
Stolen By A Sinner - Gabriel Demir
Chosen By A Sinner - Luca Cotroni
Captured By A Sinner - Viktor Vetrov
THE CORRUPTED ROYALS SERIES:
Destroy Me - Misha Petrov
Control Me - Nikolai Vetrov
Brutalize Me - Armani De Santis
Restrain Me - Maxim Levin
Possess Me - Alek Aslanhov
SERIES (In Order):
ENEMIES TO LOVERS SERIES:
***College & New Adult Romance***
Heartless - Carter & Della
Reckless - Logan & Mia
Careless - Jaxson & Leigh
Ruthless - Marcus & Willow
Shameless - Rhett & Evie
TRINITY ACADEMY SERIES:
***College Romance***
Falcon - Falcon & Layla
Mason - Mason & Kingsley
Lake - Lake & Lee
Julian - Julian & Jamie
The Epilogue
THE HEIRS:
***College & New Adult Romance***
Coldhearted Heir - Hunter & Jade
Arrogant Heir - Jase & Mila
Defiant Heir - Kao & Fallon
Loyal Heir - Forest & Aria
Callous Heir - Noah & Carla
Sinful Heir - Tristan & Hana
Tempted Heir - Christopher & Dash
Forbidden Heir - Ryker & Danny
SOUTHERN HEROES SERIES:
***Suspense Romance***
The Ocean Between Us – Aiden & Emma
The Girl In The Closet – Cole & Birdie
The Lies We Tell Ourselves – Alec & Reece
All The Wasted Time – Wyatt & Scarlett
We Were Lost – Zac & Chloe
OTHER STANDALONE NOVELS:
Not My Hero - Dark YA Romance
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,338 reviews
May 29, 2021
'CRUEL SAINTS' Is a full length mafia romance read, by Author Michelle Heard. Spoken in 'Dual Perspectives.'
'Cruel Saints' is one I've been anticipating like no other book before it, this world this author has created is one I never want to end, whatever she writes I will read, but these mafia reads she's dipping into are ones I'm loving above all else, she always gives me exactly what I crave without me even having to ask, throw in her little twists of darkness which she’s known for, have me coming back for more.
As soon as this dropped on my kindle life was put on hold, I loved the storyline, the characters, the raw grittiness, I loved seeing our heroine go from wings clipped to flying under a man so perfect for her.
Elena: We meet her when she's seventeen years old, because her father is an arms dealer she doesn't get to enjoy life like others, she's locked within a cage of her fathers doing, she's his bargaining chip when needed, even if its to be married to a man which makes her skin crawl, he's much older than her and treats her badly.
When she's sent to St. Monarch at the age of twenty-one she finally has her freedom offered back to her, even if only for a little while.
Lucian: Is to take over from his father one day once he finishes his training at St. Monarch, as one of the most feared men amongst their rivals. He's beyond attractive, radiates power and danger oozes off him. But above all he's in control of everything that surrounds him.
Clapping eyes on Elena straight away she intriques him, he's never seen her before, was shocked she even existed as no one knows about her. She doesn't want anything to do with him because anyone associated with the mafia isn't something she'd jump at.
Whilst at St. Monarch's she asks for his help which has them in close quarters as he teaches her to fire a gun and fight.
* Teaser used is off the authors facebook page. *
June 20, 2021
3.5
Merciless Saints was my first read from Michelle Heard, and let's just say, she made a great first impression! I absolutely adored the story and the characters, so naturally, I couldn't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series. Cruel Saints had a lot to live up to, and while I didn't love it as much as it's predecessor, I still had a good time!
Elena is a prisoner in her own home. She's locked in her room and repeatedly sexually and physically assaulted by Danté, the body guard her father assigned to her, from the time she's 17 until she leaves to attend St. Monarch's. The school is her first taste of freedom, but it has a life sentence attached to the end of it in the form of marriage.
Lucian is preparing to one day take over for his father as the head of the Mafia. He just has a short time at St. Monarch's left, and then he'll be taking his rightful place as heir to the throne. The last thing he expects is to have his life thrown off course by the daughter of one of his father's frenemies and a bullet.
At first glance, Elena may appear weak, but when you take into account all she's been through, you'll see that's the furthest thing from the truth. She tries to take things into her own hands by beginning to train, so that she can one day destroy Danté by her own hand. She doesn't hesitate when Lucian's in danger regardless of her own safety, and she never gives up no matter what is thrown her way.
Lucian is smart, sexy, powerful, and he gets shit done. He's soft with Elena and his family, but he's brutal when it comes to business and protecting what's his. I love that he was patient with Elena, and he was mindful of the trauma she endured. He was my favorite part of this book! Hands down!
Cruel Saints is an entertaining, fast paced read with dollops of darkness and sprinkles of suspense! It's a little more instalove and buildup than development and payoff, but I enjoyed it the whole way through. I can't wait to see what the author has in store for us next!
Mafia romance fans, this one's for you!
Merciless Saints was my first read from Michelle Heard, and let's just say, she made a great first impression! I absolutely adored the story and the characters, so naturally, I couldn't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series. Cruel Saints had a lot to live up to, and while I didn't love it as much as it's predecessor, I still had a good time!
Elena is a prisoner in her own home. She's locked in her room and repeatedly sexually and physically assaulted by Danté, the body guard her father assigned to her, from the time she's 17 until she leaves to attend St. Monarch's. The school is her first taste of freedom, but it has a life sentence attached to the end of it in the form of marriage.
Lucian is preparing to one day take over for his father as the head of the Mafia. He just has a short time at St. Monarch's left, and then he'll be taking his rightful place as heir to the throne. The last thing he expects is to have his life thrown off course by the daughter of one of his father's frenemies and a bullet.
At first glance, Elena may appear weak, but when you take into account all she's been through, you'll see that's the furthest thing from the truth. She tries to take things into her own hands by beginning to train, so that she can one day destroy Danté by her own hand. She doesn't hesitate when Lucian's in danger regardless of her own safety, and she never gives up no matter what is thrown her way.
Lucian is smart, sexy, powerful, and he gets shit done. He's soft with Elena and his family, but he's brutal when it comes to business and protecting what's his. I love that he was patient with Elena, and he was mindful of the trauma she endured. He was my favorite part of this book! Hands down!
Cruel Saints is an entertaining, fast paced read with dollops of darkness and sprinkles of suspense! It's a little more instalove and buildup than development and payoff, but I enjoyed it the whole way through. I can't wait to see what the author has in store for us next!
Mafia romance fans, this one's for you!
June 9, 2021
Just ok, nothing more.
Unfortunately!
Unfortunately!
June 3, 2021
DNF
I don't usually rate dnf books, but the 1 star is for the lack of trigger warnings.
"If you need a warning before reading a book, then this book is not for you."
I'm so sick of authors doing this. I love dark books, but I also love knowing what I get into. Even people who love the most fucked up shit can have a certain trigger and a blanket trigger warning doesn't cut it.
It's irresponsible.
AND THE BOOK ISN'T EVEN LABELED DARK.
Reason for DNF is under spoiler tag since, again, I have not seen anyone mention this 😩
I don't usually rate dnf books, but the 1 star is for the lack of trigger warnings.
"If you need a warning before reading a book, then this book is not for you."
I'm so sick of authors doing this. I love dark books, but I also love knowing what I get into. Even people who love the most fucked up shit can have a certain trigger and a blanket trigger warning doesn't cut it.
It's irresponsible.
AND THE BOOK ISN'T EVEN LABELED DARK.
Reason for DNF is under spoiler tag since, again, I have not seen anyone mention this 😩
June 6, 2021
2 😔😔⭐️s
Since I had enjoyed so much the first book of this series, I was anticipating for the second.
The story was well written yet predictable, some scenes were farfetched, both main characters didn’t intrigue me and felt flat, and (especially the last third) was very sweet and cheesy.
It was insta love, the insta was crystal clear but the love was nowhere to be found...
Since I had enjoyed so much the first book of this series, I was anticipating for the second.
The story was well written yet predictable, some scenes were farfetched, both main characters didn’t intrigue me and felt flat, and (especially the last third) was very sweet and cheesy.
It was insta love, the insta was crystal clear but the love was nowhere to be found...
May 31, 2021
I have been anticipating this book all month long and I couldn't wait to get my hand on it. Who doesn't love a good action pack forbidden Mafia romance?
Being the only son of the Mafia Boss, Lucian Cotroni has a lot on his shoulders and a target on his back. Knowing that he’s going to take over and be in charge of the family business someday has made him put certain things at arms length including love. Training at St.Monarch’s Academy for the next two years is his only focus right now and by doing that, he’s one step closer to going back home. But when a new student arrives and sets off an instant attraction and curiosity, Lucian is about to find out that things aren't what they seem on the surface.
Elena Lucas just wants one thing:Freedom. Being a prisoner in her own home for the past few years has taken more than a toll on her mentally and she’s ready for something to change. When her father sends her to St.Monarchs to start her training, the only thing that’s on her mind is keeping her head down and basking in the knowledge that just for a little while, she’s going to be free and safe. But when you're a part of the Mafia, there is no such thing as freedom and safety.
I really liked Elena and Lucian together and I loved the fact that from day one Lucian was protective of her. I know that this was a short story but I was hoping for more when it came to their connection. Certain things felt rushed and I just wanted it to slow down a little bit because I didn't feel the love yet. Aside from that, I was also expecting more action seeing that this is a Mafia romance but once again, this is not a long story so I kind of understand that you’re not going to get a whole bunch of nitty gritty in a sense.
As this series moves forward, I hope that we can get more action packed drama with suspense, steamy scenes, and seeing more of the Kings not only find their Queens, but rule their empire with honor, ruthlessness and worship the ground they walk on. If you’re a fan of Mafia romance, then you might want to give this one a try.
December 21, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
''I lay my sins at her feet. My vows at her heart. My love at her soul''
Safety warnings:
- No cheating
- No OW/OM drama
- S*xual abuse/assault/r*pe
- Physical abuse
- Violence/Death
- HEA
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
This book. It was a hard pill to swallow. There is some heavy themes in this book. It all is centred around Elena and her constant disgusting shadow: her bodyguard who also happens to for years sexually assault/rape her. He forces her to give his bj's and always beats her up. He threatens to rape her on a daily basis and forces her to bathe/change etc in front of him. It was really hard for me to read. The hardest part? Her father not given a shit and allowing it. He never wanted Elena and never loved her. Nobody even knows she exited until she goes to St Monarchs.
She meets Lucian there and he finds himself being protective of her and slowly realising the abuse she has been subjected to from her bodyguard. He knows he cannot interfere since his family and hers are in an alliance and are both currently fighting a mystery person who is out for blood.
I knew right away after some comments that Elena's mother was the mysterious someone who is killing or attempting to kill the members of the mafia group. I just was not sure what her motives were but I have to say once you find out you cannot blame her BUT I also wished she had more sympathy for Elena. She knew what she was going through considering that she went through the same thing with her husband, but revenge and hate overpowered it all.
I did enjoy reading about Lucian and how he became obsessed with Elena, and she was all that mattered to him. I'm glad she found someone to protect her and love her. It'll make up for the 2 decades of abuse and torment she went through!
Again, Michelle's books are just so easy to read and fun to get through. It's always packing a punch and leaves you satisfied with the way she weaves in a nice plot and gives you the exact amount of romance/spice you need so neither overpowers the other!
''I lay my sins at her feet. My vows at her heart. My love at her soul''
Safety warnings:
- No cheating
- No OW/OM drama
- S*xual abuse/assault/r*pe
- Physical abuse
- Violence/Death
- HEA
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
This book. It was a hard pill to swallow. There is some heavy themes in this book. It all is centred around Elena and her constant disgusting shadow: her bodyguard who also happens to for years sexually assault/rape her. He forces her to give his bj's and always beats her up. He threatens to rape her on a daily basis and forces her to bathe/change etc in front of him. It was really hard for me to read. The hardest part? Her father not given a shit and allowing it. He never wanted Elena and never loved her. Nobody even knows she exited until she goes to St Monarchs.
She meets Lucian there and he finds himself being protective of her and slowly realising the abuse she has been subjected to from her bodyguard. He knows he cannot interfere since his family and hers are in an alliance and are both currently fighting a mystery person who is out for blood.
I knew right away after some comments that Elena's mother was the mysterious someone who is killing or attempting to kill the members of the mafia group. I just was not sure what her motives were but I have to say once you find out you cannot blame her BUT I also wished she had more sympathy for Elena. She knew what she was going through considering that she went through the same thing with her husband, but revenge and hate overpowered it all.
I did enjoy reading about Lucian and how he became obsessed with Elena, and she was all that mattered to him. I'm glad she found someone to protect her and love her. It'll make up for the 2 decades of abuse and torment she went through!
Again, Michelle's books are just so easy to read and fun to get through. It's always packing a punch and leaves you satisfied with the way she weaves in a nice plot and gives you the exact amount of romance/spice you need so neither overpowers the other!
December 17, 2022
4.5 stars
Unpopular opinion but I enjoyed this one more than the first one.
So far I'm really enjoying this series
Unpopular opinion but I enjoyed this one more than the first one.
So far I'm really enjoying this series
October 22, 2021
3 Stars
The writing was just a bit better than the last one, but the story was a little less entertaining. Wasn't really a fan of Lucian, and the heroine just annoyed me. Everything was still super rushed too.
Safety:
No ow/om drama although the prologue scene has the heroine and I'm having sex, really short scene
Sexual assault- heroine is assaulted and harassed multiple times
No cheating
No virgins
No sharing
Not too much details on the hero's past except he is not a virgin
The writing was just a bit better than the last one, but the story was a little less entertaining. Wasn't really a fan of Lucian, and the heroine just annoyed me. Everything was still super rushed too.
Safety:
No ow/om drama although the prologue scene has the heroine and I'm having sex, really short scene
Sexual assault- heroine is assaulted and harassed multiple times
No cheating
No virgins
No sharing
Not too much details on the hero's past except he is not a virgin
June 6, 2021
Cruel Saints by Michelle Heard is a absolutely fantastic gripping read, yes its a Mafia romance but it's a Mafia romance with a storyline which is going to keep you on the edge of your seat bitting your nails whilst leaving you unable to do anything else but finish it in one sitting.
This starts out heartbreaking and dark with moments of utter disgust but with one chance given to change everything it's taken with both hands and then this story turns a whole 180, it definitely sticks to the Mafia story but ends with a happy ever after which is thoroughly wanted.
This alpha male is going to make you smile and want your own.
I'm definitely recommending this 📖
This starts out heartbreaking and dark with moments of utter disgust but with one chance given to change everything it's taken with both hands and then this story turns a whole 180, it definitely sticks to the Mafia story but ends with a happy ever after which is thoroughly wanted.
This alpha male is going to make you smile and want your own.
I'm definitely recommending this 📖
May 28, 2021
Exactly the kind of mafia romance that I love to devour - focusing on the relationship first, with a strong, protective hero who is vulnerable and compassionate with just one woman. It reads younger and a little more like a soap opera than other mafia romances I've read (is there really a mafia school?), but that really works for this story. It still has the intensity and bingeable quality that I love from a darker read, but you can definitely feel the young love and lighter moments (though it is FILLED with triggers - keep that in mind). This antihero falls hard and fast for the beautifully broken girl that he meets, and it's all about winning her over after that. I binged this in one sitting, and immediately started reading the first book in this world when I was done. The two books are complete standalones that can be read in either order, but there are minor characters who tie the stories together.
First and foremost, this opens with a statement that if you need a trigger warning, then it's not the book for you. That is true. There are graphic depictions of sexual assault, murder, mayhem, and more - and they start within the first few pages. Our heroine has suffered at the hands of a villain for years, so she's not sure if our antihero will be her saving grace or her downfall. That dynamic is a major part of the book, and it sits in stark contrast to the somewhat sweet relationship between Elena and Lucian. Those darker moments are needed because they showcase the fact that, while Lucian is no hero, he has a lot of kindness in him. I loved his softer side, and his compassion is what makes this such a compelling read.
From the moment Lucian meets Elena, he feels a connection and a need to protect her. His singleminded focus was great to read, and there is no OW drama. I love that this rides a fine line between light/dark, heavy/uplifting. It's not nearly as tense or angsty as other mafia romances I've read, but there's just enough of that to keep up the pace. All in all, this was highly enjoyable, and I'll definitely be reading more from this world. I received an early copy and am voluntarily leaving a review of this slow burn romance.
First and foremost, this opens with a statement that if you need a trigger warning, then it's not the book for you. That is true. There are graphic depictions of sexual assault, murder, mayhem, and more - and they start within the first few pages. Our heroine has suffered at the hands of a villain for years, so she's not sure if our antihero will be her saving grace or her downfall. That dynamic is a major part of the book, and it sits in stark contrast to the somewhat sweet relationship between Elena and Lucian. Those darker moments are needed because they showcase the fact that, while Lucian is no hero, he has a lot of kindness in him. I loved his softer side, and his compassion is what makes this such a compelling read.
From the moment Lucian meets Elena, he feels a connection and a need to protect her. His singleminded focus was great to read, and there is no OW drama. I love that this rides a fine line between light/dark, heavy/uplifting. It's not nearly as tense or angsty as other mafia romances I've read, but there's just enough of that to keep up the pace. All in all, this was highly enjoyable, and I'll definitely be reading more from this world. I received an early copy and am voluntarily leaving a review of this slow burn romance.
July 11, 2022
Cruel Saints was such a marvelous addition to this series and I am becoming more and more intrigued by the personality and style of the series that this author is implementing. I am still fairly new to this author, but I am definitely fascinated by what she is delivering. For those new to the series, the St. Monarch's Academy is where a group of young people come together to learn the trade of training as they are to be assassins for hire or mafia or crime syndicate royalty. The gist of the story is that our heroine is being abused and her father doesn't care about her and his second-in-command plans on marrying her. But he sends her to the Monarch's academy and she makes an ally with Lucian and through a set of events, an arranged marriage is sorted between them.
I will say that I was completely fascinated by seeing how this author really showcases this story and seeing the way that this pair come together here. I wanted so much for them to find their way. I felt so for this heroine who is in such a bad place and Lucian offers her a level of hope and once they get married, seeing their romance blossom was really beautiful. Both are such strong characters and you see how well they fit together. They both have such strength but I really enjoyed how Lucian really is firm and stands on his own and is willing to stand and fight for their marriage.
If you are a fan of mafia romance, then this is definitely a story that you need to look into reading as I can guarantee that you won't be disappointed.
I will say that I was completely fascinated by seeing how this author really showcases this story and seeing the way that this pair come together here. I wanted so much for them to find their way. I felt so for this heroine who is in such a bad place and Lucian offers her a level of hope and once they get married, seeing their romance blossom was really beautiful. Both are such strong characters and you see how well they fit together. They both have such strength but I really enjoyed how Lucian really is firm and stands on his own and is willing to stand and fight for their marriage.
If you are a fan of mafia romance, then this is definitely a story that you need to look into reading as I can guarantee that you won't be disappointed.
Read
April 27, 2021Pre-Order on Amazon >>> http://getbook.at/CruelSaints
June 10, 2021
*3.5 stars*
I enjoyed the first book in this standalone series, and I really like Michelle Heard’s brand of mafia hero- protective, alpha, unpredictable, dark. And, this book has all the architecture of great dark mafia romance. We have the soon-to-be-Boss mafia heir, Lucian, a bunch of hesitantly aligned and distrustful families trying to get along, a mafia princess engaged to her vile abuser desperate for freedom, and some Romeo and Juliet vibes between them. Lots of darkness, trauma, and violence and the magnetic attraction between two soul mates that will battle it all?! All sounds yummy!
While the architecture is great, there were parts of this story that really worked for me, and some that didn’t. I did like this story, I just felt some parts of it were undeveloped for my tastes personally. The St. Monarch’s concept is super interesting- but still a bit hazy in terms of how it all works. But, I think what didn’t work for me the most was the pacing- parts moving a bit too slowly (the beginning) and then the ending being really too quick. The exposition of this story is really long (understandably so, we’re meeting our characters and creating a very terrifying reality for poor Elena), but the result is that we spend a lot of time building up the story and then the actually story felt a bit rushed/abridged- particularly our two characters connection and love. I definitely felt the sexual chemistry between them, a lot of instalust- and I feel like some of the middle got glossed over, they go from strangers interested in each other to being in love pretty quickly- I just wanted a bit more development between them. And, this is definitely a slow burn in the bedroom too- which I think certainly comes from Elena’s history but was just surprising to me as a mafia romance.
I’m definitely invested in this series and MH’s writing, and again, I didn’t dislike this book, I still loved Elena and Lucian, and I especially loved Lucian’s super protective and possessive ways. I love nothing more than a damaged damsel being saved by a dark anti-hero- and on that, this book delivered.
I enjoyed the first book in this standalone series, and I really like Michelle Heard’s brand of mafia hero- protective, alpha, unpredictable, dark. And, this book has all the architecture of great dark mafia romance. We have the soon-to-be-Boss mafia heir, Lucian, a bunch of hesitantly aligned and distrustful families trying to get along, a mafia princess engaged to her vile abuser desperate for freedom, and some Romeo and Juliet vibes between them. Lots of darkness, trauma, and violence and the magnetic attraction between two soul mates that will battle it all?! All sounds yummy!
While the architecture is great, there were parts of this story that really worked for me, and some that didn’t. I did like this story, I just felt some parts of it were undeveloped for my tastes personally. The St. Monarch’s concept is super interesting- but still a bit hazy in terms of how it all works. But, I think what didn’t work for me the most was the pacing- parts moving a bit too slowly (the beginning) and then the ending being really too quick. The exposition of this story is really long (understandably so, we’re meeting our characters and creating a very terrifying reality for poor Elena), but the result is that we spend a lot of time building up the story and then the actually story felt a bit rushed/abridged- particularly our two characters connection and love. I definitely felt the sexual chemistry between them, a lot of instalust- and I feel like some of the middle got glossed over, they go from strangers interested in each other to being in love pretty quickly- I just wanted a bit more development between them. And, this is definitely a slow burn in the bedroom too- which I think certainly comes from Elena’s history but was just surprising to me as a mafia romance.
I’m definitely invested in this series and MH’s writing, and again, I didn’t dislike this book, I still loved Elena and Lucian, and I especially loved Lucian’s super protective and possessive ways. I love nothing more than a damaged damsel being saved by a dark anti-hero- and on that, this book delivered.
June 7, 2021
***4,5 "Little bird!!!" stars***
AVAILABLE NOW!!!
"The world is filled with monsters, Elena..."
I was anticipating this story like crazy and Michelle delivered a wonderful story full of pain, lust and blood.
Lucas and Elena was new faces but they were so intriguing characters...
Their lives couldn't be more oppossite, but when their paths have crossed, their entire worlds had tumbled down.
Will they pay their penances with love or blood???
"I refuse to fall for him."
Elena Lucas was a delicate creature. A young woman without love in her life... Her everyday companion was loneliness and pain.
The man that was supposed to protect her, he had abandoned her in the hands of a monster and the only thing that Elena is craving is... Freedom!!!
The opportunity to finally breathe freely is coming when her father is making the decision to send her on St. Monarch's academy and even though she had been warned about the enemy, he seems to be all the time around her... Can she resist the temptation with the name Lucian Cotroni???
"Lucian Cotroni will rule the very world I'm trying to escape from."
Lucian Cotroni is this close to become the head of the mafia. He needs one more month to take his rightful place beside his father. What he had never expected was for a girl that he never knew that existed to get into his life and make his heart beat wildly and his head to lose its focus.
Elena Lucas is all he can think about and she is an enigma that he is determined to solve.
But his life is about to change drastically in a matter of hours...
"This woman is dangerous. She's the kind men give their hearts and souls for."
I liked Elena and Lucian...
Elena was a tortured girl with broken wings and Lucian was born a protector.
Elena is charmed by Lucian, but she doesn't know if she should trust him... She just need to be free and he is a man that needs to have possession.
How these two can find a middle ground when Elena needs to fly away and Lucian needs to rule???
"Lucian can kill my soul. He can rob me of my dreams. He can make me a prisoner, and I fear I won't want to escape him."
This was a very heartbreaking, but at the same time, a very beautiful story...
My heart was aching for Elena and I'm glad that Michelle gave her time to heal...
As for Lucian?? He was an amazing man with honor and huge protectiveness...
Elena thought that Lucian will prisoned her for once again, but she didn't know that she could rebuild her wings under him!!!
These two were just perfect for each other!!!
"I lay my sins at her feet. My vows at her heart. My love at her soul. I give her all of me."
And now, I'm dying for Michelle's next book and Carson's story!!!
I believe I'm kind of obsessed with this world. I just need more and more!!!
Michelle has built a dark and raw world and it is impossible to not get intoxicated over these characters and their stories!!!
If you haven't pick up any of her books yet, you don't know what you're missing!!!
"You were the answer to my prayer..."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
AVAILABLE NOW!!!
"The world is filled with monsters, Elena..."
I was anticipating this story like crazy and Michelle delivered a wonderful story full of pain, lust and blood.
Lucas and Elena was new faces but they were so intriguing characters...
Their lives couldn't be more oppossite, but when their paths have crossed, their entire worlds had tumbled down.
Will they pay their penances with love or blood???
"I refuse to fall for him."
Elena Lucas was a delicate creature. A young woman without love in her life... Her everyday companion was loneliness and pain.
The man that was supposed to protect her, he had abandoned her in the hands of a monster and the only thing that Elena is craving is... Freedom!!!
The opportunity to finally breathe freely is coming when her father is making the decision to send her on St. Monarch's academy and even though she had been warned about the enemy, he seems to be all the time around her... Can she resist the temptation with the name Lucian Cotroni???
"Lucian Cotroni will rule the very world I'm trying to escape from."
Lucian Cotroni is this close to become the head of the mafia. He needs one more month to take his rightful place beside his father. What he had never expected was for a girl that he never knew that existed to get into his life and make his heart beat wildly and his head to lose its focus.
Elena Lucas is all he can think about and she is an enigma that he is determined to solve.
But his life is about to change drastically in a matter of hours...
"This woman is dangerous. She's the kind men give their hearts and souls for."
I liked Elena and Lucian...
Elena was a tortured girl with broken wings and Lucian was born a protector.
Elena is charmed by Lucian, but she doesn't know if she should trust him... She just need to be free and he is a man that needs to have possession.
How these two can find a middle ground when Elena needs to fly away and Lucian needs to rule???
"Lucian can kill my soul. He can rob me of my dreams. He can make me a prisoner, and I fear I won't want to escape him."
This was a very heartbreaking, but at the same time, a very beautiful story...
My heart was aching for Elena and I'm glad that Michelle gave her time to heal...
As for Lucian?? He was an amazing man with honor and huge protectiveness...
Elena thought that Lucian will prisoned her for once again, but she didn't know that she could rebuild her wings under him!!!
These two were just perfect for each other!!!
"I lay my sins at her feet. My vows at her heart. My love at her soul. I give her all of me."
And now, I'm dying for Michelle's next book and Carson's story!!!
I believe I'm kind of obsessed with this world. I just need more and more!!!
Michelle has built a dark and raw world and it is impossible to not get intoxicated over these characters and their stories!!!
If you haven't pick up any of her books yet, you don't know what you're missing!!!
"You were the answer to my prayer..."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
June 7, 2021
When I first began this book the blurb didn't have a warning attached to it and at the beginning of the book it had a message saying if you need a warning this book is not for you, I have read a ton of dark books and loved them and I have read quite a few of Michelle Heard's books and have enjoyed them immensely even the prior book MERCILESS SAINTS had this similar warning but it was nothing I couldn't handle so I proceeded. Well color me surprised when this book starts out with my one and only hard limit, right there in the first few pages. It's not a flashback which is a ton easier to deal with but it was right there happening in real time I was so surprised and socked I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue the book but I did and in the end I am glad I did.
St. Monarch's Academy is a place where all organized crime family's can send their children once they turn twenty-one to gain some additional training that will help them in the world in which they live. It is considered to be neutral ground and the school has one policy, no one is to kill another student on their grounds. Cruel Saints is Elena Lucas' and Lucian Catroni's story.
Elena is finally getting what she wants, some freedom from the hell she's been living, her father is sending her to St. Monarch's Academy to learn everything she can about taking over the "family business." Lucian has been studying at St. Monarch's and is almost ready to leave when he meets the beautiful Elena. Do sparks fly? Heck yeah they do. Lucian and Elena have an instant connection but Elena is very wary and has every reason to be but, Lucian has become instantly protective of her and has now made it his mission to make sure no one ever hurts her again.
This was a hard read for me at the beginning but once Elena turned twenty-one and left for school I was able to get into the story more easily. I totally loved Lucian and the way he felt for Elena upon meeting her even before he knew any of her story. Elena and Lucian were great together, I wish we had more of their story from the arraigned marriage on, I'd love to see how they grow together. I am hoping they will pop up in some of the future books from St. Monarch's Academy.
I would recommend this to readers that enjoy DARK Romances, though this is deemed a romantic suspense I would put it under Dark Romance due to it's content.
Happy Reading!!!
Find out more here: http://bit.ly/NBReviewCS
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**
I also pre-ordered a copy
You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
St. Monarch's Academy is a place where all organized crime family's can send their children once they turn twenty-one to gain some additional training that will help them in the world in which they live. It is considered to be neutral ground and the school has one policy, no one is to kill another student on their grounds. Cruel Saints is Elena Lucas' and Lucian Catroni's story.
Elena is finally getting what she wants, some freedom from the hell she's been living, her father is sending her to St. Monarch's Academy to learn everything she can about taking over the "family business." Lucian has been studying at St. Monarch's and is almost ready to leave when he meets the beautiful Elena. Do sparks fly? Heck yeah they do. Lucian and Elena have an instant connection but Elena is very wary and has every reason to be but, Lucian has become instantly protective of her and has now made it his mission to make sure no one ever hurts her again.
This was a hard read for me at the beginning but once Elena turned twenty-one and left for school I was able to get into the story more easily. I totally loved Lucian and the way he felt for Elena upon meeting her even before he knew any of her story. Elena and Lucian were great together, I wish we had more of their story from the arraigned marriage on, I'd love to see how they grow together. I am hoping they will pop up in some of the future books from St. Monarch's Academy.
I would recommend this to readers that enjoy DARK Romances, though this is deemed a romantic suspense I would put it under Dark Romance due to it's content.
Happy Reading!!!
Find out more here: http://bit.ly/NBReviewCS
I also pre-ordered a copy
You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
July 9, 2021
Lite-Mafia Stars
*The h has been abused (forced to perform BJ’s & beaten) by one of her father’s men. We’re told about most of it, but there’s one scene (first chapter) that could be disturbing to some. FYI*
My little bird doesn’t have broken wings. They’ve been ripped off.
Cruel Saints is a mafia romance between Elena (21) and Lucian. (24) This didn’t come up as part of a series, but I did feel like I was missing something. Specifically, how Lucian’s Russian mercenary friends fit into the story. They have this brotherhood relationship, but we’re not really given any backstory for this to make sense. We are given a few short “flashbacks” for Elena and Lucian that I found helpful for setting up their stories.
Elena and Lucian meet at what I pictured as a Hogwarts for mobsters. They’re in a castle to learn mafia stuff on neutral ground where all the different organization’s kids can mingle safely. Lucian’s one of the nicest mobsters I’ve read. He’s boyfriend goals from the start, but I prefer more of an anti-H. I need faults to get feels. Elena is wimpy/prudish which isn’t my fav type of h for these types of books. I prefer the kickass/violent/smart variety that matches my anti-H.
Bottom Line- Aside from the note above, there really isn’t anything gritty or dark. There’s some violence, but it’s not graphic. I would almost call this fluffy mafia. There’s an insta-love cheesy thing going on. There’re lots of sappy love declarations. In a nutshell, this isn’t a dark read at all. I would recommend for readers that want a safe/romantic mobster read, but wouldn’t recommend to those that prefer violence and Anti-H.
*The h has been abused (forced to perform BJ’s & beaten) by one of her father’s men. We’re told about most of it, but there’s one scene (first chapter) that could be disturbing to some. FYI*
My little bird doesn’t have broken wings. They’ve been ripped off.
Cruel Saints is a mafia romance between Elena (21) and Lucian. (24) This didn’t come up as part of a series, but I did feel like I was missing something. Specifically, how Lucian’s Russian mercenary friends fit into the story. They have this brotherhood relationship, but we’re not really given any backstory for this to make sense. We are given a few short “flashbacks” for Elena and Lucian that I found helpful for setting up their stories.
Elena and Lucian meet at what I pictured as a Hogwarts for mobsters. They’re in a castle to learn mafia stuff on neutral ground where all the different organization’s kids can mingle safely. Lucian’s one of the nicest mobsters I’ve read. He’s boyfriend goals from the start, but I prefer more of an anti-H. I need faults to get feels. Elena is wimpy/prudish which isn’t my fav type of h for these types of books. I prefer the kickass/violent/smart variety that matches my anti-H.
Bottom Line- Aside from the note above, there really isn’t anything gritty or dark. There’s some violence, but it’s not graphic. I would almost call this fluffy mafia. There’s an insta-love cheesy thing going on. There’re lots of sappy love declarations. In a nutshell, this isn’t a dark read at all. I would recommend for readers that want a safe/romantic mobster read, but wouldn’t recommend to those that prefer violence and Anti-H.
March 3, 2023
Not a big fan of detailed abuse scenes…😔🤔
October 6, 2021
Cruelly underrated
I really like this. Like really really liked this. Lucian is the softest Capo I have ever read and when I mean soft I mean he falls for Elena first and then loves her so fiercely and outwardly. That’s not a thing in mafia novels but this was an exception. The epitome of touch her and I’ll kill you, and just soulmates. I really really loved Lucian. He was soft but also hard ass but that’s what makes him *chefskiss*
Also hellllooo spice scenes. When they go at it, they go at it. And the tension??? Ugh yes.
I really like this. Like really really liked this. Lucian is the softest Capo I have ever read and when I mean soft I mean he falls for Elena first and then loves her so fiercely and outwardly. That’s not a thing in mafia novels but this was an exception. The epitome of touch her and I’ll kill you, and just soulmates. I really really loved Lucian. He was soft but also hard ass but that’s what makes him *chefskiss*
Also hellllooo spice scenes. When they go at it, they go at it. And the tension??? Ugh yes.
May 31, 2021
4.5 Stars 🌟
Well this series of standalones has found it’s stride and this book was fantastic..
Nail biting mafia drama, bloodshed, murder, family secrets, characters that I instantly warmed to, heat and chemistry by the bucket load......what more could you ask for?!?
My heart aches for Elena and all she had endured but her saving was definitely Lucian..... what a brilliant villain with a heart.
I thoroughly enjoyed this and I can’t wait to read the rest of the alpha, mafia, assassin deliciousness that Michelle has created for us!!
Well this series of standalones has found it’s stride and this book was fantastic..
Nail biting mafia drama, bloodshed, murder, family secrets, characters that I instantly warmed to, heat and chemistry by the bucket load......what more could you ask for?!?
My heart aches for Elena and all she had endured but her saving was definitely Lucian..... what a brilliant villain with a heart.
I thoroughly enjoyed this and I can’t wait to read the rest of the alpha, mafia, assassin deliciousness that Michelle has created for us!!
November 8, 2023
Reread November 8, 2023
I loved this book. OMG!!! She is so unlike Winter and Hayley(h from books 1 and 3) She is so fragile and vulnerable🥺 She had been going through a lot and Lucian is brutal but he literally worships the ground she walks. Elena had a fear of men like her father, so she tried to avoid Lucian. The love and her caring were practical and swirling in her eyes. She is a victim of something close to rape for three years.
I didn't like where Lucian tried to show her that she is weak but it was for her good. So yeah I love this one and grabbing the next.
Heat level: 🌶️🌶️
Safety
A little intimate scene with OM in the first chapter
No cheating
No Separation
Death of a closer one
No Virgins
Hero wasn't manwhore
I loved this book. OMG!!! She is so unlike Winter and Hayley(h from books 1 and 3) She is so fragile and vulnerable🥺 She had been going through a lot and Lucian is brutal but he literally worships the ground she walks. Elena had a fear of men like her father, so she tried to avoid Lucian. The love and her caring were practical and swirling in her eyes. She is a victim of something close to rape for three years.
I didn't like where Lucian tried to show her that she is weak but it was for her good. So yeah I love this one and grabbing the next.
Heat level: 🌶️🌶️
Safety
A little intimate scene with OM in the first chapter
No cheating
No Separation
Death of a closer one
No Virgins
Hero wasn't manwhore
May 22, 2022
These 'Mafia Marriage' stories are not my cup of tea. They all ways have similar plots and growling men, and after merely 5 pages I'm cringing at my decision.
But the same can not be said for this one. It was somehow different. The MFC is not empty on the top floor and her actions are justified by her trauma.
The MMC is chivalrous and not gullible.
I'd say it's an amazing guilty pleasure reading. I finished it in one night, for it's short and very captivating in its quick-paced plot.
Spicy?: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
But the same can not be said for this one. It was somehow different. The MFC is not empty on the top floor and her actions are justified by her trauma.
The MMC is chivalrous and not gullible.
I'd say it's an amazing guilty pleasure reading. I finished it in one night, for it's short and very captivating in its quick-paced plot.
Spicy?: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
May 26, 2022
Huge TW for multiple instances of graphic sexual assault. I find that just saying don’t read this if you have triggers does a huge disservice to the millions of women who have suffered because of SA and they deserve a warning that the book they’re coming to escape into has that.
June 7, 2024
Ця книга мене розчарувала, майже 400 сторінок просто протоптались на місці. Можливо ці герої просто не мої, чи не потрапила в настрій книга, навіть незнаю причини.
Елена Лукас - ніколи незнала своєї матері, живе в будинку батька як полоненна. Невідчувала любові, а тільки страх адже батько важає її не більше ніж товаром який можна вигідно продати.
Луціан Картоні - не дивлячись, на те що народився і виріс в світі мафії. Він знав, що таке кохання, адже бачив це між своїми батьками.
Знову ж таки події розгортаються в академії св.Монарха, де Луціан удосконалює всі свої навички та готується зайняти посаду босса італійської мафії, після свого батька. Елена приїжджає в академію за розпорядженням свого батька, так як вона єдина спадкоємиця і він хоче влаштувати шлюб між нею і своєю правою рукою Данте. Вона сприймає це як шанс навчитись захищати себе або просто навчитись вбивати. Адже вже довгий час Данте знущається з неї не тільки морально, а й фізично.
І на цьому моменті цікавість цієї книги для мене закінчилася, далі все було передбачувано. Спочатку головні герої немогли визначитись з своїми почуттями дуже довго були просто на одному й тому самому місці, а далі просто нізвідки взялося велике кохання.
Я невідчула цих емоцій зовсім, хоча початок книги був доволі цікавий.
Тому за цю книгу ставлю 3/5👌🏻🙃
Елена Лукас - ніколи незнала своєї матері, живе в будинку батька як полоненна. Невідчувала любові, а тільки страх адже батько важає її не більше ніж товаром який можна вигідно продати.
Луціан Картоні - не дивлячись, на те що народився і виріс в світі мафії. Він знав, що таке кохання, адже бачив це між своїми батьками.
Знову ж таки події розгортаються в академії св.Монарха, де Луціан удосконалює всі свої навички та готується зайняти посаду босса італійської мафії, після свого батька. Елена приїжджає в академію за розпорядженням свого батька, так як вона єдина спадкоємиця і він хоче влаштувати шлюб між нею і своєю правою рукою Данте. Вона сприймає це як шанс навчитись захищати себе або просто навчитись вбивати. Адже вже довгий час Данте знущається з неї не тільки морально, а й фізично.
І на цьому моменті цікавість цієї книги для мене закінчилася, далі все було передбачувано. Спочатку головні герої немогли визначитись з своїми почуттями дуже довго були просто на одному й тому самому місці, а далі просто нізвідки взялося велике кохання.
Я невідчула цих емоцій зовсім, хоча початок книги був доволі цікавий.
Тому за цю книгу ставлю 3/5👌🏻🙃
May 29, 2021
Absolutely everything I love in a mafia romance, and Michelle Heard provided it in this fast paced drama suspense. Lots of action from the get-go with Elena facing off with her father’s right hand man, Danté, a cruel and abusive man old enough to be her father. Finding solace at St Monarch’s, she relishes the freedom she gets whilst doing her utmost to learn survival techniques. There is of course a downside to St Monarch’s, Lucian Cotroni, the next head of the mafia, he’s good looking, confident and dangerous. Elena wants nothing to do with him. All she wants is freedom, freedom from the life of the mafia and everything associated with it. This story is not for the faint hearted, it’s emotional and graphic from the very beginning. It’s also romantic and extremely addictive, I loved it. I might even go as far as to say it’s my favourite Michelle Heard book ever. I could not put it down.
May 29, 2021
I fell head over heels in love with this story and this couple!
Lucian and Elena are two people brought up in the same world but were raised in entirely different ways.
Lucian - Just be prepared to fall completely, madly in love with this character when you least expect it.
Elena - My heart just felt for her!
It's not often I have sympathy for the villain but I kind of, sort of did for one of them in this story. Not the outcome but what molded that person to do what they did.
This author has breathed life into the romantic suspense genre with this world she has created!
First she gives us this place where all the ruthless come together AND they are enemies. Everything goes here except killing.
Then she gives us this story that has a slight twist with how the hero and heroine fall in love with each other.
I'm at the point now where if it has Michelle Heard's name on it, I'm going to want to read it!
Lucian and Elena are two people brought up in the same world but were raised in entirely different ways.
Lucian - Just be prepared to fall completely, madly in love with this character when you least expect it.
Elena - My heart just felt for her!
It's not often I have sympathy for the villain but I kind of, sort of did for one of them in this story. Not the outcome but what molded that person to do what they did.
This author has breathed life into the romantic suspense genre with this world she has created!
First she gives us this place where all the ruthless come together AND they are enemies. Everything goes here except killing.
Then she gives us this story that has a slight twist with how the hero and heroine fall in love with each other.
I'm at the point now where if it has Michelle Heard's name on it, I'm going to want to read it!
May 26, 2021
Michelle fucking heard. You did it again thank you for not giving up first and foremost.
Your brought trauma, pain, killing, and hot steamy foreplay and you made love. Lucian and Elena was a match made for the mafia. I don’t think I can ever go back now. When I say if Lucian told me to get down on my knees and lick the blood off of his hands, I would. I would do it. You gave the right amount of everything, and when you gave the love story you gave hope for anyone who was going through what Elena is going through hope, hope that someone is out there for them to save them. I sat on the edge of my seat the entire book. And I’m so fucking happy that they made it work.
If you want, dark and you want hot spicy love, than you have it right here in this book! I need everyone to run to this book. Not walk RUN!!!
Your brought trauma, pain, killing, and hot steamy foreplay and you made love. Lucian and Elena was a match made for the mafia. I don’t think I can ever go back now. When I say if Lucian told me to get down on my knees and lick the blood off of his hands, I would. I would do it. You gave the right amount of everything, and when you gave the love story you gave hope for anyone who was going through what Elena is going through hope, hope that someone is out there for them to save them. I sat on the edge of my seat the entire book. And I’m so fucking happy that they made it work.
If you want, dark and you want hot spicy love, than you have it right here in this book! I need everyone to run to this book. Not walk RUN!!!
May 17, 2025
For the first time I hated someone named Dante
May 28, 2021
Oh man what a story! Cruel Saints by Michelle Heard is story that you will be talking about for days. This was not the typical mafia book, and these are not your typical mafia characters. I loved Lucian Cotroni from the first page he was introduced on. Elena was not my favorite heroin, but she grew on me and redeemed herself in many ways. This book is dirty and gritty and violent, and I couldn’t put it down. I devoured every word! There are to be several stand-alone books that will have returning characters and I can’t wait for the release of each one. I liked the way Heard wrote with description but didn’t drown out the story with it. I also liked how even though most of the story is set in Italy that the Italian that is spoken is translated and I didn’t have to look up what was being said. (Yes, I have read many books where the author just writes in a foreign language and doesn’t proved translation, and this slows the reading down.) The overall story is a slow burn romance with lots of drama and suspense and will consume you as you read along. Ruthless Saints another stand-alone read will be due out in June of 2021 be sure to mark it on your TBR list. 5-stars for Cruel Saints by Michelle Heard
May 29, 2021
Damm once again Michelle has written another must read Lucian and Elenas story is amazing . From the start you get to see what kind of life Elena is living and let’s just say it’s not one of a mafia princess, she is in hell. When they first meet the attraction is undeniable for them both but once they start interacting there is fire , and the more time Lucian spends with her the more he wants her. Being the mafia world things aren’t as simple as they would be in the normal world things happen that will tear them apart. This book had it all the passion tea sexual chemistry the fire , the tragedy, the heartbreak , the secrets . Each page will leave you wanting more until the very last page . Loved this book bring on Carson’s story !!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,338 reviews