Cruel Betrayal

Ruthless Desires #5

by Elira Firethorn

Being in their enemy's inner circle has never been easier for Elliot, Rhett, and Oliver. Not only have they earned Ludo's trust, but Wren's friendship with Aubrey has turned out to be more beneficial than they ever could've predicted.

Still, there's no room for celebration. Not when the constant threat of something happening to Rhett's brothers is looming over everyone's heads. Tension is running high as the guys form a plan to finish things once and for all. Haunting pasts, familial pressure, and mounting anxiety all come to a head as Ludo and Aubrey’s wedding approaches.

When the guys and Wren are presented with an opportunity to steal the information Ludo keeps under lock and key, they realize it means doing the one thing they've been trying desperately to putting Wren in danger.

In order for their plan to work, Wren will have to pull off a heist by herself. She’s not ready, but they can’t afford to miss this chance.

This close to the end, getting what they want means taking risks. But will they go too far—or not far enough?

Cruel Betrayal is the fifth book in the Ruthless Desires Series. It's a dark MMMF polyamorous/why choose romance book that contains high heat and dark themes. Please check the Before You Read section at the beginning of the book for more information.

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance, Why Choose, Dark, M M Romance, BDSM, LGBT

301 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 22, 2023

About the author

Elira Firethorn is an author of dark, steamy, suspenseful romance. Writing has been her passion since she was fourteen years old, and it continues to be her favorite pastime—aside from reading.

Reviews

[Bookish Meag 🩵 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cruel Betrayal by Elira Firethorn is the fifth book of the Ruthless Desires series. This series needs to be read in order as it follows the same characters on their journey through love and revenge. I swear each one of these books just gets better and helps me get more immersed into the world Elira created for her readers.

MM/MF/MMMF
Dark Romance
Childhood trauma
Kidnapping/Murder
Revenge Plot
Mental health
Bondage/ Domination
Pegging/High heat/Steamy
Why Choose/Polyamorous
Cliffhanger ending

Chapter one jumps right into the hottest scene with Wren and Oliver. The action starts immediately and it just keeps this novel moving at a fast-pace. This was chefs kiss. I love how even though their is four people in this relationship, Elira made sure they all get some one on one time with each other, I love how that’s been waived in through all the books in this series. I love all the group scenes as well, they are so filthy hot. I am loving Rhett and Ell’s dominating side.🥵 Ell is still my favorite, I just love that man. All three of these men feel so deeply but have such different personalities. Wren is a lucky lady. Elira knows how to write book characters.

I love that special bonding time and intimacy when it’s just two of them together. I love seeing the relationship blossom between each individual couple as well as altogether. They keep the bond between all of them so strong, I love the support and how protective they are of each other. It’s just so good. The chemistry between the main four is undeniable.

Can we also mention Finn, god his is amazing. Please write him, his own series. I want to know so much more about him.

I love how the story grows and the character development and change throughout the series. You brought this to life so epically. I love the revenge plot for Rhett’s sister. This is equal parts thrilling and suspenseful. You are keeping me on the edge of my seat and I’m dying for book six. The cliffhanger ending has my mind spinning and my anxiety is through the roof in the best way. I was so shocked by what I just read. I honestly didn’t expect that. I love the anticipation of it all. This was so powerful and made me so emotional, I can’t wait for the next book. Please tell me you’ve already written it or started the writing process. I need it like I need my next breath.

Thank you for letting me be an ARC reader for you. ♥️

[ray ⛧ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm first here. I claim this book. I can't wait for more elliotrhettoliverwren they're my babies I love them sm

edit:
WHAT THE FUCK????????? ABJDIDKGOODKGISIFJJDGBJDXN IT’S 2 AM RIGHT NOW AND IM HOLDING BACK FROM FUCKING SCREAMING. THAT FUCKING ENDING WTF. I FUCKING DESPISE ANDREW EVEN IF HE DIDNT MEAN IT. TITLE MAKES SM MORE SENSE NOW. WHAT THE FUCK.

bro. elliot’s panic attack :( my heart fucking broke for him. i’ve never had a panic attack but seeing one being described like that fucking hurts. i want to hold ell and never let him go istg.

and when rhett and wren were in the car. god i wanna hug rhett so bad. I’m gonna fucking find a way to go in that book universe and fucking kill richard.

oliver is just the biggest sweetheart ever. i loved his dynamic with his family. at least one of them deserves a loving decent parent and i’m so glad they have that. they deserve it more than anyone in the world.

i’m so in love with wren. i went from disliking her in the first book to now being head over heels for her. she was so badass while doing the wedding job. god i love her.

speaking of the wedding job. bro i couldn’t fucking breathe. for a second i thought that aubrey might actually be betraying the group. when ell frowned at her happy expression. i got suspicions. but no she’s just a good actress thank fuck. i love her sm.

AND UNTO MY FAV SIDE CHARACTER. i fucking need a finn in my life. bro. he’s so dreamy. and now i’m curious about who “she” is. idk if finn has his own book yet but i need a backstory pronto. I FUCKING LOVED THE BOOK. NOW IM WAITING FOR BOOK 6 AND I HAVE NO PATIENCE.

side not axel pisses me off like who tf do you think you are mf. shut yo bitch ass up or i’ll do it for you.

and then there’s this mf ludo who ruined the game ludo for me with his stupid name.

i love maria.

edit again less than a minute after i posted this. the smut was good i loved it sm. just the right amount of spice. but i was just more focused on the plot yk.

[Rhi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The romance was perfection. Absolute serotonin in book form. The fmc and mmcs have the kind of chemistry that makes me want to install sprinklers in my living room just to cool the place down. It’s a fast burn, but it never feels cheap 🙌

The smut scenes were, are, and will be forever iconic. Mark my words! I was out here nearly spraining my jaw from grinning so wide while reading.

The action, however… yeah, not my tea. Every time bullets started flying, I was like "cool, cool, cool… but can we get back to the cuddles?" 😭 I don’t hate it, it just stressed me out.
The action is written really well. It’s suspenseful and sharp, but I am not built for this stress. I wanted to sink into fluff, not worry if my beloved characters were about to catch a bullet.

What I loved most, though, is how real the characters feel. They are messy, flawed, mentally struggling humans. And it was weirdly delightful seeing them work through their baggage together instead of pretending everything was fine. Honestly, it was realistic in a way that made me fangirling even harder 🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️

And THE ENDING??!! Oh. My. Villain arc deliciousness. Watching the fmc slide into morally-gray territory was EVERYTHINGGGGGG!!!

So yes, 4 stars. Not 5, because I’m soft and the mafia gunfights shaved years off my life expectancy. But the romance carried it anyways 🙂‍↕️

[Sabs ✨️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 🌟

[Jessica Clarke-Kuzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

As always, a deserving 5⭐️ from me

~Breakdown~
•Revenge plot
•Torture + murder
•Birthday fun
•Domination + Submission
•Protecting family
•Mental health issues
•Personal growth
•Lots and lots of sex
•Wedding
•Heist
And so much more


This was hands down the best book in the series by far. I was on the edge of my seat for half of it and giggling the rest.

From start to end I was totally engrossed by the storyline. Elira chose the PERFECT way to open the scene in chapter one. I have been looking forward to it from the start of blissful masquerade.

Meeting families to learning each other’s life goals to planning and accomplishing a heist. INCREDIBLE.

It is always steamy in the world of Ruthless Desires and Cruel Betrayal is no different. We were given so much. Pegging, squirting, blood and knife play, ropes, edging and teasing. If I could have a 1000 page book of Wren and the guys just in the bedroom, I would read it in one sitting.

I am usually never a fan of cliffhangers but this is the only exception. We were given protective Wren with her own revenge towards the end and I for one cannot wait to see where it leads in book 6.

If you haven’t read the series starting with Blissful Masquerade, it is a must. This is NOT a standalone and must be read in order. I can promise that you will fall in love with Wren, Rhett, Oliver and Elliot in the first book and they will never leave your heart.

We will see a lot of mental health issues including panic attacks, anxiety, insomnia, depression, suicidal thoughts, results of childhood trauma and a bit more. The main characters are nothing but supportive towards each other and are all making headway in their own conditions. Elira does a great way of portraying mental illness that people are affected from in everyday life.

As always, read the content warnings before hand. We all need to think of our health first.

[Minji · Rating 2 out of 5]

If there's one thing I'll do, it's finish a series.

[Tiara Chikadini · Rating 3 out of 5]

It kinda lost me there in the middle but then it leads up to a pretty good cliff hanger for the next one.

[Ara · Rating 5 out of 5]

{ARC REVIEW}

Firstly I want to say I’m very grateful to the author for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Secondly, I just want to say, this why choose series has quickly become my comfort/favorite WC Series and with this fifth installment it just solidifies that even more, each book has me falling in love with this series even more. I’m not ready to say goodbye to Rhett, Ell, O & Wren yet :(

Now for this book, first of all that beginning scene?? HOT. First time I’ve read a pegging scene and I enjoyed it not going to lie lol. Love Wren being dominate and exploring new sexual experiences. And how patient and reassuring the men are 🥰.

Next, I really appreciate the detail in which Ell’s anxiety attack was depicted. Anxiety f*cking sucks, and to see Ell going through the struggle of not being able to breathe or calm his mind felt super surreal. But seeing how Oliver, Rhett & Wren come together to soothe him and help him get through the attack, was so comforting and adorable. Which shows how much they deeply love eachother. Oliver being the one to take initiative because he’s been in the position Ell is in, makes it even sweeter and even more so when he takes Ell’s techniques that usually are applied to himself, and uses them on him.

Wren pulling off that heist had me on the edge of my seat, well bed lol, I for sure thought she was getting caught (I suppose in the end we find out she was but we didn’t know that yet) but Rhett with the nice save 😏. Ugh Axel gets on my nerves 😒.

Besides that, I really love the genuine friendship that bloomed between Aubrey and Wren, to see them bond and understand eachother was so nice to see. They needed eachother and I’m sad they couldn’t have more time together. But to be very honest, there was a knot in my stomach thinking that Aubrey would be the one to betray them and I’m so glad that wasn’t the case! Whew!

All the spice scenes were immaculate as always, but the bathroom scene with Rhett? Arguably in my top favorites 🥵. The trust and pure love Wren feels for them is so heartwarming, the fact she wanted Rhett to mark her just goes to show It. I love their dynamic slightly more 🫣, they just understand eachother without saying a word. And the amount of patience and understanding wren has for him, 🥺. When Wren finally told him she loved him but knew he wasn’t ready to say it back, had me melting with love. Him needing to touch her to let her feel how he felt was also just 🥺! The personal growth in each of them is chefs kiss 💋.

Now to the cliffhanger!!! I was not expecting that but I guess I should’ve have after what happened in the last book! F*cking Andrew 😒. Cant wait to see my girl Wren, burn the whole world down to get her men back 😈!!

[Christina (Christina's Book Corner) · Rating 5 out of 5]

November 26-27


Being in their enemy's inner circle has never been easier for Elliot, Rhett, and Oliver. Not only have they earned Ludo's trust, but Wren's friendship with Aubrey has turned out to be more beneficial than they ever could've predicted.

Still, there's no room for celebration. Not when the constant threat of something happening to Rhett's brothers is looming over everyone's heads. Tension is running high as the guys form a plan to finish things once and for all. Haunting pasts, familial pressure, and mounting anxiety all come to a head as Ludo and Aubrey’s wedding approaches.

When the guys and Wren are presented with an opportunity to steal the information Ludo keeps under lock and key, they realize it means doing the one thing they've been trying desperately to putting Wren in danger.

In order for their plan to work, Wren will have to pull off a heist by herself. She’s not ready, but they can’t afford to miss this chance.

This close to the end, getting what they want means taking risks. But will they go too far—or not far enough?


Review : I can't wait for the last book, the ending omg

So Wren and the guys are helping Aubrey escape after her wedding to Ludo, and Rhett is still trying to keep his brothers safe .


Wren has to open a safe and get what's inside it without getting caught.

The spice in this book 🌶🌶🌶 sooo hot 🔥 I love all these men and their relationship with Wren

The wedding happens, and Wren gets in the safe .

After the wedding Aubrey gets fake Kidnapped and Ludo has the guys look for her but it was a set up Ludo knows and Andrew sold them out fuck him .

Wren is worried since she hasn't heard from the guys she calls Finn

And someone tries to Kidnapp Wren again and Wren kills someone . I can't wait till the last one I need to know what happens.

[MarissaIsBooked · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 5 of 6 in the Ruthless Desires series..this is one of, if not the first, Why Choose book/series I ever read. I read book 1 pretty early on to me joining BookTok so it’s going to be a little sad for me when it’s over. Both because I love this relationship group but also because it’s basically spanned the entirety of my active time on BookTok & Bookstagram.

As I’ve mentioned previously, books 1 & 2 are mostly all smüt, no plot. However, since the very, very end of book 2 there’s been a focus on the revenge plot. Things have been slowly ramping up over the last few books and let me just say…this book has me stressed 😅 especially THAT CLIFFHANGER omg. I’m simultaneously not ready for this to be over while also praying for the last book to get here asap so I don’t have to suffer for long.

I think this book suffered a little pacing wise. I love these characters and loved the spice & relationship exploration that took place throughout most of the book, but I think pacing should’ve been balanced out a little more as opposed to having the heist aspect be just the last ~30-40%.

This series is pretty Insta-lovey which I don’t normally go for, but this series holds a special place in my heart due to when first read book 1. They’ve been interacting & flirting for monthsss, but the relationship moves pretty quickly once they actually step into it.

Tropes & Highlights:
- Relationship: MMMF
- Polyamory/why choose
- Revenge plot
- Insta-love
- D/S dynamics
- P🥚ing
- $pïttïñg

Please check TWs as there are quite a few.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

Advanced copy received from the author. Decision to read/review was my own. Opinion is my own.

[dd_wonderland_of_books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one hell of a rollercoaster.

I loved the balance between smut and plot. It was action pack and emotional. I love the growth and strength all characters got throughout the story and I loved how they became closer and more understanding of each other.

Ok the ending sucked but just because I hate cliffhangers and boy did that ending end on a cliffhanger. The boys got taken? Oooh I can’t wait for wren her moment to burn down the world to save them!
Also Maybe I am alone on this but I don’t like Rhett’s brothers 😅 so in the end when Rhett became cold to him I was kinda happy, but I also don’t want these characters to die because that would just hurt Rhett even more but keeping them in his life also seems bad? So I don’t know what to think about those 2.

I want to thank the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

(Kinda sad this story is almost over 😭, hope we get some short stories about them later 👀)

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Cruel betrayal is 5 out of 6 books in this series. It starts off right where we finished book 4 and that’s coming back from Florida.

Elliot, Oliver, Rhett, and wren are getting closer by the day to taking down Holloway. It’s now time to start preparing. With help from on the inside, this should be an easy job, but is it too good to be true?

——————————————

I devoured the first four books of this series earlier in the year and just fell head over heels for this series, that I became addicted with a flip of a couple pages. I knew there was a lot of plot, history, and a lot more relationship to cover on the series but oh my Jesus to the heavens above - I loved this and it was everything I needed and more!

There was a lot to happen in this book: everything from answering any questions we had about families, or any past history, some extremely spicy group activities, all the way to their revenge. And that ending to this book…..damn! What a cliffhanger. But I need the next book like my next breath but I also don’t want this series to be over.

Like every book, the bond between these characters is so strong and after book 5, it’s unbreakable. I think it’s all one we dream about. I absolutely everything about this dynamic.

I don’t want to say much, but if you have read this series and you’re waiting for this book, hang on for a wild ride.
If you haven’t read this series, do yourself a favour and READ. IT. One of my favourite Why choose reads ever!!!

P.S. - happy birthday to our Elliot 😏 may we all want to celebrate our birthday that way!

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh. My. God! This series is just so amazing in my mind. There’s so much to unpack I will have to come back and review my review, but for now I will sit with the knowledge of that ending and cheer at how far our girl has come!!! I was not expecting those last 6 chapters, I felt all wrong about different characters but I loved how this went down, I don’t know the ending of the series but I’m so excited to wait for the last book. Upset I have to wait, but loyal because I absolutely love the story and characters and the themes that center around trauma. Something so many of us can relate to in a piece of well written fiction. I added spoilers just in case someone comes by who doesn’t know what I’m talking about.

[Sara Dade · Rating 4 out of 5]

The spicy scenes in this book were a little too slow for my preference. I mostly skimmed the chapters with plot and just read for the spice and character development and love story. This one ended on a cliffhanger, so I’m interested to see how we pick up and how the story is resolved in the last book. Still loving this series!

[Stephanie Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elira Firethorn knows what she's doing. Hit after hit.

[Benedetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

unbelievable.
i love elira firethorn with my whole heart

[Michèle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elira Firethorn definitely knew what she was doing with this one👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[Izzy SM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smexyness, action, revenge and lots of swoon all wrapped up with the tight little bow that is Elira's writing! Who wouldn't love it?

This series (it doesn't show on GR, but this is book 5 in the Ruthless Desires series) gets better and better every book! The character development is amazing and the plot is great! Plus, the dynamic between the four of them is something worth reading.

And trust me, the smut is 🥵🔥🥵!!!!

[cry *:･ﾟ✧ · Rating 4 out of 5]

ELIRA FIRETHORN I WILL HAVE YOUR HEAD FOR THAT CLIFFHANGER HOW DARE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Gaja · Rating 5 out of 5]

These cliffhangers are gonna be the death of me one of these days😩 I am madly in love with this series.

[Rikareads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[♱ · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE CLIFFHANGER??!![%[

[Hk · Rating 4 out of 5]

(ARC REVEIW) first I want to thank the author for giving me the opportunity to read this book in advance.

This is the fifth book in the Ruthless Desire series, and it follows story of our main characters in pursuit of their revenge. I'm gonna keep this review spoiler free, so I'm not gonna get into details about the story. Also please make sure to check the trigger warnings in the beginning of the book before reading!

I am glad to say, this book delivered everything that was promised by the previous books in the series. We got to see more of the relationship between Wren and the boys and their developing love and care for one another, which was very heartwarming. As always Elliot, Oliver, Rhett and Wren are absolutely supportive and protective of one another, helping each other to get through hard times. We get to see more of their struggles to keep up with their revenge plan and also try to protect each other mentally and physically as best as they can.
As usual, they were my favorite part of the book. The characters in this book and their dynamics with each other are so addicting that you want to keep reading, just to get more of them.

We also dive more into the personal lives of each of the characters, and more things gets revealed about their back story and family lives, and it was satisfying to finally get more details about their pasts. It was great to see more of Elliot and oliver; and we finally got to read Rhett's back story.
Rhett's story line is one of the main focuses of this book (and the last one) and I am loving it. He has a very heartbreaking story, and I love that we get to see and understand more of his feelings toward Wren and the boys and how he deals with his trauma.


This whole series is one of my favorite comfort reads. They are just so entertaining and easy to get into, that I personally can't get tired of them. I honestly can't wait for the final book!

[Yolanda | yolandaannmarie.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

[beta read]
Release date: August 22, 2023

Cruel Betrayal is the penultimate book in the Ruthless Desires series, and picks up the morning after they get back from Florida.

The goods:
- revisiting life goals/dreams
- standing up to your parents
- birthday sex
- domesticity scenes
- planning revenge
- a heist
- a wedding
- protecting family
- branding + knife/blood play
- pegging + squirting
- a torture scene… or two
- that Elliot scene

A lot goes down in this one, and there’s many moving parts as the end draws near to their revenge plot.
Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer, because you never know who’ll be the one to pull the rug from beneath you and spin your world upside down when you least expect it.

As always, check the content warnings before diving in. A notable addition is the discussion of suicidal thoughts. This scene hit me so hard and I wanted to reach in and give the character the biggest hug.

I’m eager for the conclusion in book 6 after that cliffhanger, but at the same time, I’m not quite ready for this series to end yet. To say they’ve become a comfort would be an understatement.

BLISSFUL MASQUERADE REVIEW: click here
PERFECT CONVERGENCE REVIEW: click here
UNDYING RESILIENCE REVIEW: click here
WRETCHED CORRUPTION REVIEW: click here
VICIOUS DECEPTION REVIEW: click here

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a delight, it makes me want to go back and change my ratings on the previous works in this series.

NOT because they are bad by any means. My rating system is fairly mood-based, and if I get what I expect from a book and I'm entertained by it, then it'll get rated highly.

But Cruel Betrayal is a book that is so wonderful to see, because I got to see an author bloom before my very eyes. The pacing and the plot development and the ENDING were so well-done that I would rate it six stars if I could, just to show how it stands out in this series. So often the first book in a series is the beacon of strength, but for Ruthless Desires it's Cruel Betrayal.

What did I love about it? Other than everything, of course...
1. We got to meet some family and understand more about those dynamics and how our boys became the men they are now. All I have to say is, Thank the Lord for Oliver's mom.
2. We found out about Wren's stepfather and what he did.
3. We got to see our boys get big mad when they found out about Wren's stepfather and what he did

This book does end on a cliffhanger, and I'm SALIVATING for the next one.

You have your work cut out, Ms. Firethorn. I cannot wait for the thrilling conclusion of this series.

[Garima Dhanawat ^♡^ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of cruel betrayal for giving an honest review...

Welll...the opening of the book was 🥵🔥🔥 I mean...wow...this is the kind of opening that everyone deserves to have...

The boys and how much they understand and care for each other and Wren makes me gooey inside. And also jealous coz Goddammit I want that too...

And the ending with such a character change got my brows rising. Can't wait to see how this story concludes.




SPOILER ALERT ⚠️

TBH I thought Aubrey would betray them with a cruel plot twist. I'm glad that wasn't the case...

[Brittney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I was going to hate this one based on the title. I knew it. And I accidentally read the synopsis for the final book while I was in the middle of this one, too. (Don't be like me.)

This is the first time we've been left on a major cliffhanger.

Series like this is why I don't read series until they're fully released these days. I would have lost my mind if I'd been reading these as they came out. The end of this book physically hurt me to read.

10/10 for pain. Holy crap.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

CHAPTER ONE!?!? CHAPTER FKN ONE.
What happened to Hi, Hello, How are you!? 🥵🥵

I want what Elliot got for his birthday. 🫣

I don’t think I’ll ever be able to get over these men. they stole my heart. 🫶🏼

I wanna know what was going through Elira’s mind when writing these men because girl you nailed it. 😮‍💨🤌🏼

[♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guess who came back with another review.. :)

I want to give a huge thank you to Elira Firethorn, again, for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review! Though I’ve been impatiently waiting for this one, august has been so beyond busy that I couldn’t even finish the book as quickly as I usually do and come with this review a bit late.. but, let’s get into it!

Possible spoilers ahead.

Starting off strongly, Miss Elira gave us what we all wanted with that first chapter. 🤭

I’m having another moment of ‘you guys might judge me for mentioning something so simple’ but this dialogue between Wren and Oliver about anxiety was so simple yet so realistic, and as always I absolutely love when Elira adds the importance of mental health in books because people have such different perspectives and judge so easily.

[ “Wait. […], then what happened?”

“Anxiety.” My face falls. “Any time […], I’d have panic attacks for weeks leading up to it. It made me so miserable, and I couldn’t imagine living the rest of my life like that. I’m pretty sure I’d be able to handle it now, but back then, I just couldn’t.” ]


Moving on.
I swear I love them all equally, but.. Rhett stays having a soft spot in my heart.
Rhett girlies, stand up! I see you!

Rhett opening up more and his character development squeezes at my heart unconditionally. I truly loved seeing him bloom in the last book and to see it continue even though he’s facing such struggles and stress is so.. >>>

I was kind of hopeful he would be the one to say I love you to wren first, but I’m glad wren did it.
____________________________________


[ “To this day, I still don’t understand why. The best that I can think of is that deep down, he knew how shitty he was being. But if I did those things, if I showed him affection and love like that, then he could justify it in his head. How could he be abusive if his kid still loved him, you know?” ]

https://media1.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2l...


Elliot’s parents….. oh, my blood boils.
Ol’s mama and cute Maria though? I love them. I hope we get to see them finally meet in the next book, though I fear we will be too busy for that..

Let me add that I adore Aubrey. (Aubrey and Maria would’ve definitely been besties or gf’s!) I also hope we get to see her reach out even if through a small letter or a book dedication to wren (bc if I remember correctly, Aubrey was into writing and had an anonymous best seller book/poetry book?)


Now …… lemme tell y’all, I want to see wren stab axel in the neck with a god damn knife in book six!!!!!!!! I will pay for a scene like that, I swear. 😐
My heart truly hurts for Rhett, and I’ve never been more upset or disappointed.
Very glad Finn was there for wren :(


I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to give this four or five stars.. but it’s easily a 5 star read, Miss Elira has her ways with cliff hangers and making you anticipate the next release. I hope book six is much more lengthier! Gimme a thicker book, ma’am!

So, like I said! Easily a five star read.
I promise you won’t regret picking
this series up.
Don't be shy, get your copy. <3
Cruel Betrayal, out now.

[Trinity · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶/5

TW - panic attack, reliving childhood trauma (emotional abuse and neglect, death of a young sibling, parental abandonment) and dealing with the aftereffects, a child having suicidal thoughts in the past, misogyny, fear of water, running anxious thoughts, aversion to vulnerability, skipping meals (due to anxiety/lack of appetite), feelings of unworthiness, gaslighting (from parent), domestic violence (backstory), and infidelity (not between the MCs, in backstory), insomnia, torture, murder, kidnapping, and a threat to a child’s safety

CW - degradation, bondage, spanking, pegging, spitting, D/s, edging, orgasm control, knife play (with cutting), and blood play.

Tropes - dark, crime, reverse harem - MMMF, found family

I really do love this series. I recently received an ALC of the audiobook of Blissful Masquerade and reading this on the back of that was defo an experience. We're on book/novella 5 of this series and only a month has passed for the characters but damn, have they lived through so much shit together. The bond between them truly is unbreakable and it's amazing to see how much they have grown, both as individuals but also as a unit.

Basically all of the characters have shit parents apart from O but I guess that tracks tbh. We learn more about Rhett's (my love) trauma in this one and my heart broke for him because he is trying so hard and I don't think he realises it. I hope him and the rest of them finally get the closure they deserve in the final instalment coming in December!

I don't want to give away much of what happens in this, but I will say, realising why Elira chose this title crushed me.

Defo recommend this series

Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪

🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek