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Brutal
Pavel, a relentless force, views the world as his personal playground. What he craves, he seizes, and now his fixation is on Elizabeth – young, exquisite, and tailor-made for him. Yet, Elizabeth is not as innocent as she seems. She knows who she’s dealing with and has plans of her own. Their fiery relationship is a toxic and dangerous game of chance, but just who is playing whom?
- GenresDarkDark Romance
162 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2014
4 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 23, 2024
Wonderland was my introduction to Alexis Rey,and i loved that story.
So,when i found out Brutal was coming,and Lindsay Murray recommended it to me,i knew i had to get my hands on it.
Luckily,my prayers were heard,i got the ARC,and dove right into it.
What i got was a rollercoaster ride that had twists and turns that still have my head spinning.
A delicious story about virgin Elizabeth,who meets older man Pavel.
He’s the first she’s met that she might consider losing her virginity to,but is he worthy?
And she the first that caught his eye and keeps him coming back for more.
What follows is a push and pull with very interesting moments.
He wants what she won’t give,but will he get it in the end?
This was a story i read in almost one go (damn work….interfering with a good story…)
It kept me entertained from start to finish,and i loved the way Elizabeth thought things through,was smart beyond her years,and knew what she wanted.
And i also loved Pavel in the end….because he was man enough to admit what he’d done.
So,when i found out Brutal was coming,and Lindsay Murray recommended it to me,i knew i had to get my hands on it.
Luckily,my prayers were heard,i got the ARC,and dove right into it.
What i got was a rollercoaster ride that had twists and turns that still have my head spinning.
A delicious story about virgin Elizabeth,who meets older man Pavel.
He’s the first she’s met that she might consider losing her virginity to,but is he worthy?
And she the first that caught his eye and keeps him coming back for more.
What follows is a push and pull with very interesting moments.
He wants what she won’t give,but will he get it in the end?
This was a story i read in almost one go (damn work….interfering with a good story…)
It kept me entertained from start to finish,and i loved the way Elizabeth thought things through,was smart beyond her years,and knew what she wanted.
And i also loved Pavel in the end….because he was man enough to admit what he’d done.
January 13, 2024
Book review - Brutal 🥵
I was so excited when alexis rey offered me the opportunity to read an ARC of Brutal and this little novella was so spicy and so intense! I absolutely ate it up!
It took me all of two hours to devour this wonderful story! I was immediately hooked, needing to know what was going to happen between Pavel and Elizabeth.
The tension, chemistry and anger between the two main characters was SO good! Chapter 25 onwards I was reading while wandering around the supermarket and I could not stop grinning!
Initially I was intrigued by Pavel, by the middle I hated him but still found myself rooting for him to get the girl. By the end, I absolutely loved him!
As for Elizabeth, I loved her humour, defiance, wittiness and teasing that she threw at Pavel. The spin at the end about how she came to meet him 🤯 absolutely brilliant.
If you love a spicy novella with a very angry, morally grey man then this one is for you!
Absolutely loved it! I am in my mafia era and I am not sad about it!
★★★★☆
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I was so excited when alexis rey offered me the opportunity to read an ARC of Brutal and this little novella was so spicy and so intense! I absolutely ate it up!
It took me all of two hours to devour this wonderful story! I was immediately hooked, needing to know what was going to happen between Pavel and Elizabeth.
The tension, chemistry and anger between the two main characters was SO good! Chapter 25 onwards I was reading while wandering around the supermarket and I could not stop grinning!
Initially I was intrigued by Pavel, by the middle I hated him but still found myself rooting for him to get the girl. By the end, I absolutely loved him!
As for Elizabeth, I loved her humour, defiance, wittiness and teasing that she threw at Pavel. The spin at the end about how she came to meet him 🤯 absolutely brilliant.
If you love a spicy novella with a very angry, morally grey man then this one is for you!
Absolutely loved it! I am in my mafia era and I am not sad about it!
★★★★☆
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
January 17, 2024
It's definitely a good read. It won't be everyone's cup of tea. Go into it with an open mind. I enjoyed it. I love everything Alexis Rey writes. I recommend this book. It has spice, sex and the title says it all. ❤️
Thank you for the arc love.
Thank you for the arc love.
January 20, 2024
I absolutely adored this book. I went in completely blind, not even reading the description, because I love this author. It did not disappoint.
There are things I wish I could say but they'd be spoilers, and I hate writing spoiler reviews. But I'll just say this. I adore this female main character, and I loved the way the male main character changed through the course of the book. Delicious.
There are things I wish I could say but they'd be spoilers, and I hate writing spoiler reviews. But I'll just say this. I adore this female main character, and I loved the way the male main character changed through the course of the book. Delicious.
January 20, 2024
Okay. Whew. That was a lot to take in. Umm. I loved it. It won't be everyone's cup of because it's dark and violent and taboo at best. But if you like this niche and enjoyed the Wonderland series by Alexis, I think you will enjoy it.
Dark. High high trigger warning. Non-concent, some clear abuse, dubious consent, power play, stalking and kidnapping.
But it's all fun in love and war, right? Basically, two deeply damaged and toxic people love enough and do not know how to communicate, so use mental warfare to put their needs out there and have them met. At the end of the day, two toxic people find brutal and passionate love.
If you can take the triggers, I highly recommend it. I rate it at a 4 because I think there could have been a little more build-up and squabbling between the characters to make the dark transitions a little easier to take. But this is a shorter novella type, so I should probably keep my opinions to myself.
High spice.
My favorite quote from the book, and a good way to sum it up is below from Pavel's thoughts:
"he could take her as he wished, as long as he realized if he stopped taking her, or he took her in the wrong way, his life would be abject misery."
ARC Review
Dark. High high trigger warning. Non-concent, some clear abuse, dubious consent, power play, stalking and kidnapping.
But it's all fun in love and war, right? Basically, two deeply damaged and toxic people love enough and do not know how to communicate, so use mental warfare to put their needs out there and have them met. At the end of the day, two toxic people find brutal and passionate love.
If you can take the triggers, I highly recommend it. I rate it at a 4 because I think there could have been a little more build-up and squabbling between the characters to make the dark transitions a little easier to take. But this is a shorter novella type, so I should probably keep my opinions to myself.
High spice.
My favorite quote from the book, and a good way to sum it up is below from Pavel's thoughts:
"he could take her as he wished, as long as he realized if he stopped taking her, or he took her in the wrong way, his life would be abject misery."
ARC Review
February 19, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Please check warnings. This one is darker than her usual stuff.
“What was happening increasingly resembled the plot of one of her dark romance novels.”
It took me a bit to get into this one, as there’s more anticipation than expected. The suspense is blurred with fervent f*cking, sidetracking you from what’s happening on the outside.
“She wouldn’t fight him, swear at him, or call the police, which would likely be useless anyway, given the two Suburbans parked in the driveway. She'd give this endlessly dominant, domineering man what he wanted.
But.
She also knew that he had just sealed his own fate. If he wanted to play, play they would, and he wouldn’t know what hit him.”
Lots of dubc0n, CNC, some SA, so please be careful picking this one up. It has a dark tone all the way through it.
This short read of under 150 pages is ruthless, forthright, and ends in an unexpected HEA.
Mafia feels 💯. But the women in Alexis Rey’s writing never ceases to amaze me!
“In all his years, he had never encountered such scorching satisfaction, such twisted, unsettling delight.”
An intelligent piece of literature with the balls of dark sm*t, so dark, you wonder what exactly it is that you’re reading.
What. An. Epilogue.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Please check warnings. This one is darker than her usual stuff.
“What was happening increasingly resembled the plot of one of her dark romance novels.”
It took me a bit to get into this one, as there’s more anticipation than expected. The suspense is blurred with fervent f*cking, sidetracking you from what’s happening on the outside.
“She wouldn’t fight him, swear at him, or call the police, which would likely be useless anyway, given the two Suburbans parked in the driveway. She'd give this endlessly dominant, domineering man what he wanted.
But.
She also knew that he had just sealed his own fate. If he wanted to play, play they would, and he wouldn’t know what hit him.”
Lots of dubc0n, CNC, some SA, so please be careful picking this one up. It has a dark tone all the way through it.
This short read of under 150 pages is ruthless, forthright, and ends in an unexpected HEA.
Mafia feels 💯. But the women in Alexis Rey’s writing never ceases to amaze me!
“In all his years, he had never encountered such scorching satisfaction, such twisted, unsettling delight.”
An intelligent piece of literature with the balls of dark sm*t, so dark, you wonder what exactly it is that you’re reading.
What. An. Epilogue.
January 20, 2024
Y’all. This was so good, and I am a huge fan of the twist. If you like alpha-aholes, then Pavel is your guy. The instant chemistry between Pavel and Elizabeth just melted me. Seriously don’t slack on this one. Please check triggers.
January 20, 2024
Always excited and honored to read for Alexis Rey! I had managed to read most of the Wonderland Chronicles (before we got Jute) and was obsessed!
Brutal was delicious and spicy and emotional and just all the things I love about Alexis’ writing jammed into a novella.
Elizabeth was feisty, witty and everything that kept Pavel on his toes with her. She at times seemed.. weaker, demure.. It was all a play. Elizabeth was a mastermind and got that man to fall and fall hard. Things didn’t really click for me until chapter 25, but once they did, I had to go back and re-read little interactions in a different light!
Pavel certainly could be a lot. He has a larger than life ego and it shows at times. He certainly had me swooning and then ready to throw hands and back. I loved when he finally realized his feelings toward Elizabeth and just wallowed. I love a strong man getting deep in his emotions.
A quick read full of tension, undeniable chemistry, giggles and emotions for Pavel and Elizabeth. They had fun banter, not fun banter, very heated moments and very spicy moments. DEFINITELY review your trigger warnings provided, because there’s some definite moments that could do so.. But if you know how (kinda) kidnapping/abductor relationships go.. It makes sense.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Brutal was delicious and spicy and emotional and just all the things I love about Alexis’ writing jammed into a novella.
Elizabeth was feisty, witty and everything that kept Pavel on his toes with her. She at times seemed.. weaker, demure.. It was all a play. Elizabeth was a mastermind and got that man to fall and fall hard. Things didn’t really click for me until chapter 25, but once they did, I had to go back and re-read little interactions in a different light!
“She’d give this endlessly dominant, domineering man what he wanted. But. She also knew that he had just sealed his own fate. If he wanted to play, play they would.. and he wouldn’t know what hit him.”
Pavel certainly could be a lot. He has a larger than life ego and it shows at times. He certainly had me swooning and then ready to throw hands and back. I loved when he finally realized his feelings toward Elizabeth and just wallowed. I love a strong man getting deep in his emotions.
“How confusing it must be, how overpowering for a man who was used to overpowering everything himself.”
A quick read full of tension, undeniable chemistry, giggles and emotions for Pavel and Elizabeth. They had fun banter, not fun banter, very heated moments and very spicy moments. DEFINITELY review your trigger warnings provided, because there’s some definite moments that could do so.. But if you know how (kinda) kidnapping/abductor relationships go.. It makes sense.
“I can always take what I want by force.” “And I can always put a little poison in your coffee.”
They were silent.
“You wouldn’t have the guts,” he replied finally, watching her intently.
“You want to test my guts?”
“I want to rearrange them.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
January 21, 2024
I really enjoyed this book especially the strong FMC even though you mightn’t think it at the beginning.
This isn’t going to be for everyone. Please pay attention to the trigger warnings. However, I found it really interesting power play and surprisingly emotional to see him fall first. Yes, he’s a dangerous man with violent tendencies but he’s also a man that loses what he can’t live without. For such a short book, it packs a lot into it. While the FMC might seem to be immature in her initial choices, her strength with dealing with a toxic man is actually quite intriguing with a lot of tease and defiance.
There is a great twist at the end that leaves the possibilities open to the reader how to interpret.
As said, this is not for everyone, and all triggers should be taken into consideration. But if you like dark and toxic relationships, this novella is definitely worth a read.
This isn’t going to be for everyone. Please pay attention to the trigger warnings. However, I found it really interesting power play and surprisingly emotional to see him fall first. Yes, he’s a dangerous man with violent tendencies but he’s also a man that loses what he can’t live without. For such a short book, it packs a lot into it. While the FMC might seem to be immature in her initial choices, her strength with dealing with a toxic man is actually quite intriguing with a lot of tease and defiance.
There is a great twist at the end that leaves the possibilities open to the reader how to interpret.
As said, this is not for everyone, and all triggers should be taken into consideration. But if you like dark and toxic relationships, this novella is definitely worth a read.
Read
January 14, 2024DNF @ 41%
I draw the line at smacking women across the face. Especially if you do it just because you didn't get what you want.
I draw the line at smacking women across the face. Especially if you do it just because you didn't get what you want.
January 20, 2024
There’s some pretty turbulent and challenging push and pull between Pavel and Elizabeth in this fast paced and gritty read. Oft times it bordered on being uncomfortable, though the author’s stylistic choice to write in the third person and hold quite a bit of emotion back, leant itself just skimming the surface of what was actually happening in the minds of the two main characters.
An interesting read, for sure.
An interesting read, for sure.
January 19, 2024
Brutal is an enemies to lovers mafia romance read. Please check TW before you read as this one is a bit dark. I enjoyed the fast paced nature of this read, it was interesting with the age gap. While I haven’t read many mafia romance, I wanted to give this a try and I really liked it! This was a quick read for me, and I think others will enjoy this one for those who love dark mafia romance.
January 18, 2024
Another fantastic novella from Alexis Rey featuring a broody, over the top alpha and the sassy object of his (unwanted??) affection. An engaging, character driven, spicy story that’s dark and gritty and wonderfully satisfying. Alexis delivers us great writing, fantastic characters, and a surprise twist that will make you rethink everything you just read - and then love it even more.
January 26, 2024
Oh my gosh I loved Elizabeth’s character so much & her mom lol they were everything!!! I was not expecting that twist.. when you read it you’ll know lol.. but ok I don’t wanna give anything away.. this was a good read.. I’m not gonna lie there were parts I didn’t care for but that’s just me I’m not gonna let that take away how amazing this book was written tho!! Alexis did a great job with this book!! So go read it🫶🏼♥️🖤
June 18, 2024
Brutal is a dark, dirty, and intense cat and mouse mafia romance between Pavel and Elizabeth. It is hard to determine who is playing who in this game. They both vow, to themselves, to trick each other so they can be together. Elizabeth Small is a 20-year-old snarky, virgin college student studying philosophy who attends a press conference about a large contributor (Pavel) to her university. Pavel Reznichenko is a 36 years old “entrepreneur” but in actuality is a morally grey mafia don. Pavel and Elizabeth share two eye catching moments during and after the press conference, but do not actually speak until he follows her and tries to give her a ride home. She agrees, but he takes Elizabeth to his home instead. Did she go willingly or was she abducted? Pavel takes many actions that could be considered questionable in the book. Not surprisingly, the author stuns us with multiple dubious consent moments, one being the losing of Elizabeth’s virginity. Pavel is not used to women refusing him, so he is confused by Elizabeth. Ultimately, she agrees, but not until after he says he will take her by force if needed. Other dubious consent moments include breaking and entering, stalking, hidden cameras, etc. Pavel is frequently frustrated with Elizabeth, and when he can’t get his way with her, he resorts to brute force.
We get a couple of clues about Elizabeth when, at the end of the Prologue, she calls her mother and asks for a favor, but we do not know what the favor was because it happens off the page. Later, we get more clues when Elizabeth’s mother is mentioned. It is not stated, but implied, that her mother is also affiliated with organized crime, but we never find out for sure. We just keep getting mentions of her mother every now and then, but they are all powerful moments. It is fitting, therefore, that her mother is mentioned again at the end of the book, but once again not being specific and leaving her mother a mystery.
The plot has many twists and kept me guessing what would happen next. There is lots of angst, tension, toxicity, witty banter, and spice simmering throughout. Although the story is brutal at times, it is all in context with the characters. Enough of Elizabeth and Pavel’s pasts were brought up to give insight into their characters. Some parts of the story might be shocking because of how brutal the relationship will become. Please check the trigger warnings and skip this book if it will make you uncomfortable, rather than give it a negative review. My last thought is that the author nailed it with the choice of a scary looking cover model with a dark background. It is easy to imagine the cover model as the character of Pavel.
We get a couple of clues about Elizabeth when, at the end of the Prologue, she calls her mother and asks for a favor, but we do not know what the favor was because it happens off the page. Later, we get more clues when Elizabeth’s mother is mentioned. It is not stated, but implied, that her mother is also affiliated with organized crime, but we never find out for sure. We just keep getting mentions of her mother every now and then, but they are all powerful moments. It is fitting, therefore, that her mother is mentioned again at the end of the book, but once again not being specific and leaving her mother a mystery.
The plot has many twists and kept me guessing what would happen next. There is lots of angst, tension, toxicity, witty banter, and spice simmering throughout. Although the story is brutal at times, it is all in context with the characters. Enough of Elizabeth and Pavel’s pasts were brought up to give insight into their characters. Some parts of the story might be shocking because of how brutal the relationship will become. Please check the trigger warnings and skip this book if it will make you uncomfortable, rather than give it a negative review. My last thought is that the author nailed it with the choice of a scary looking cover model with a dark background. It is easy to imagine the cover model as the character of Pavel.
January 16, 2024
A Spicy Rollercoaster of Tension and Desire
Alexis Rey's Brutal is a novella that packs a punch, delivering an intense and spicy tale of desire, tension, and a toxic game of chance. From the very beginning, the story grabs hold of you, and you won't be able to put it down until the final page.
Pavel, a relentless force, makes the world his playground, seizing what he craves. His fixation on Elizabeth sets the stage for a fiery relationship that is both toxic and dangerous. Yet, Elizabeth is no damsel in distress; she knows exactly who she's dealing with and has plans of her own. The narrative weaves a captivating web of intrigue, leaving readers questioning who is truly playing whom.
What makes Brutal stand out is the incredible chemistry and tension between Pavel and Elizabeth. The novella keeps you on the edge of your seat, and from Chapter 25 onwards, it becomes an irresistible page-turner. IYKYK. I found myself reading in unexpected places, unable to resist the magnetic pull of the story.
Pavel's character takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions. Initially intriguing, he becomes someone to despise, yet you can't help but root for him to win over Elizabeth. By the end, you might just find yourself loving him despite his morally grey nature.
Elizabeth, on the other hand, is a delightful character with a perfect blend of humor, defiance, wittiness, and teasing. The twist at the end regarding how she came to meet Pavel is nothing short of brilliant, adding an unexpected layer to the narrative.
Brutal is a must-read for those who enjoy spicy novellas with complex characters and a healthy dose of anger and desire. Alexis Rey has crafted a story that lingers in your mind, leaving you craving more of the intoxicating world she has created. If you're ready for a wild ride with a morally grey leading man, Brutal should be at the top of your reading list. 🌶️🔥
#BrutalNovella #AlexisRey #SpicyRomance #IntenseRead #ToxicDesire #BookReview #NovellaRecommendation #PageTurner #RomanticTension #AngryHero #MorallyGrey #BookBuzz #BookishDelight #UnexpectedTwists #BookLove #SteamyReads #BookAddict #MustReadNovella #BookCrush #BookRecommendation #BookishExcitement #BookishThrills #SizzlingChemistry #Unputdownable #NovellaMagic #BookReviewers #ReadingCommunity #NovellaLovers #EmotionalRollercoaster
Alexis Rey's Brutal is a novella that packs a punch, delivering an intense and spicy tale of desire, tension, and a toxic game of chance. From the very beginning, the story grabs hold of you, and you won't be able to put it down until the final page.
Pavel, a relentless force, makes the world his playground, seizing what he craves. His fixation on Elizabeth sets the stage for a fiery relationship that is both toxic and dangerous. Yet, Elizabeth is no damsel in distress; she knows exactly who she's dealing with and has plans of her own. The narrative weaves a captivating web of intrigue, leaving readers questioning who is truly playing whom.
What makes Brutal stand out is the incredible chemistry and tension between Pavel and Elizabeth. The novella keeps you on the edge of your seat, and from Chapter 25 onwards, it becomes an irresistible page-turner. IYKYK. I found myself reading in unexpected places, unable to resist the magnetic pull of the story.
Pavel's character takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions. Initially intriguing, he becomes someone to despise, yet you can't help but root for him to win over Elizabeth. By the end, you might just find yourself loving him despite his morally grey nature.
Elizabeth, on the other hand, is a delightful character with a perfect blend of humor, defiance, wittiness, and teasing. The twist at the end regarding how she came to meet Pavel is nothing short of brilliant, adding an unexpected layer to the narrative.
Brutal is a must-read for those who enjoy spicy novellas with complex characters and a healthy dose of anger and desire. Alexis Rey has crafted a story that lingers in your mind, leaving you craving more of the intoxicating world she has created. If you're ready for a wild ride with a morally grey leading man, Brutal should be at the top of your reading list. 🌶️🔥
#BrutalNovella #AlexisRey #SpicyRomance #IntenseRead #ToxicDesire #BookReview #NovellaRecommendation #PageTurner #RomanticTension #AngryHero #MorallyGrey #BookBuzz #BookishDelight #UnexpectedTwists #BookLove #SteamyReads #BookAddict #MustReadNovella #BookCrush #BookRecommendation #BookishExcitement #BookishThrills #SizzlingChemistry #Unputdownable #NovellaMagic #BookReviewers #ReadingCommunity #NovellaLovers #EmotionalRollercoaster
January 22, 2024
DAMN!! This story was deliciously brutal, dark, depraved and twisted in a way that you would least expect.
Right from that suspicious prologue, I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen. The story was fast paced but with all kinds of little nuances built in that made you continually stop to think things through. I was questioning everything about Elizabeth.
This novella really packed one hell of an intense emotional punch. The tension and chemistry between Elizabeth and Pavel was explosive every time they were together. They kept me on edge wondering if this was going to be the moment that Pavel finally breaks Elizabeth. The two of them craved the insanely heated moments they created when together and they both loved the fight and seemed to need it! Sweetness was not something that either wanted.
“She’d give this endlessly dominant, domineering man what he wanted. But. She also knew that he had just sealed his own fate. If he wanted to play, play they would…and he wouldn’t know what hit him.”
I really enjoyed this story. It was toxic, emotional, fiery, and deliciously spicy and I devoured it in one sitting.
Right from that suspicious prologue, I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen. The story was fast paced but with all kinds of little nuances built in that made you continually stop to think things through. I was questioning everything about Elizabeth.
This novella really packed one hell of an intense emotional punch. The tension and chemistry between Elizabeth and Pavel was explosive every time they were together. They kept me on edge wondering if this was going to be the moment that Pavel finally breaks Elizabeth. The two of them craved the insanely heated moments they created when together and they both loved the fight and seemed to need it! Sweetness was not something that either wanted.
“She’d give this endlessly dominant, domineering man what he wanted. But. She also knew that he had just sealed his own fate. If he wanted to play, play they would…and he wouldn’t know what hit him.”
I really enjoyed this story. It was toxic, emotional, fiery, and deliciously spicy and I devoured it in one sitting.
January 21, 2024
Let me start by saying this is not your typical sweet romance. Elizabeth’s and Pavel’s relationship is dark, v10lent and twisted. Be aware of your triggers before reading their story.
I will admit that it took me a while to warm up to Pavel. He is NOT a cinnamon roll MMC. He is ruthless, arrogant and expresses his frustration and hurt through v10lenc3. His treatment of Elizabeth will make some pause. However, Elizabeth does give as good as she gets.
Their road to HEA is a twisted dance of cat and mouse. He spies on her. She attacks him verbally. He kidnaps her. She shuts down. He thr0ws her out of his life. She taunts him with her “happiness” on being away from him. This dance goes back and forth. Their chemistry is off the charts, and they are t0xic together. There is love and moments of sweetness.
With that being said, their twisted games work for them and make for an interesting read. You will question why you enjoyed their story.
I will admit that it took me a while to warm up to Pavel. He is NOT a cinnamon roll MMC. He is ruthless, arrogant and expresses his frustration and hurt through v10lenc3. His treatment of Elizabeth will make some pause. However, Elizabeth does give as good as she gets.
Their road to HEA is a twisted dance of cat and mouse. He spies on her. She attacks him verbally. He kidnaps her. She shuts down. He thr0ws her out of his life. She taunts him with her “happiness” on being away from him. This dance goes back and forth. Their chemistry is off the charts, and they are t0xic together. There is love and moments of sweetness.
With that being said, their twisted games work for them and make for an interesting read. You will question why you enjoyed their story.
February 20, 2024
𝓐𝓡𝓒 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀
I was super excited when Alexis offered me an ARC of Brutal, the blurb and tropes were on point and I couldn’t wait to dive in.
This novella was spicy and intense and everything I needed, I had never read anything by Alexis before but I will certainly be diving into her backlog after reading this one!
Pavel, the guy you love to hate, sets his sights on Elizabeth and nothing nor no-one will keep him from her, not even Elizabeth herself.
I loved Elizabeth’s wit and complete defiance as well as the teasing she loved to dish out, she’s my kinda FMC. What a perfect couple for each other ♥️
#bookstagram #bookromance #smut #bookstagramuk #bookedit #KU #kindleunlimited #romancereader #bookblogger #bookishaesthetic #library #booksta #bookishvibes #instareads #bookrecommendations #bookphoto #bookphotography #bookbabe #bookaesthetic #avidreader #bibliophile #books #darkromance #ARC #arcreader
I was super excited when Alexis offered me an ARC of Brutal, the blurb and tropes were on point and I couldn’t wait to dive in.
This novella was spicy and intense and everything I needed, I had never read anything by Alexis before but I will certainly be diving into her backlog after reading this one!
Pavel, the guy you love to hate, sets his sights on Elizabeth and nothing nor no-one will keep him from her, not even Elizabeth herself.
I loved Elizabeth’s wit and complete defiance as well as the teasing she loved to dish out, she’s my kinda FMC. What a perfect couple for each other ♥️
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February 1, 2024
Pavel is wealthy, powerful, and accustomed to getting his way. Elizabeth is young, beautiful, and inexperienced in the ways of the flesh. After a chance meeting (or, was it?) , Pavel decides that Elizabeth will be his next conquest, and Elizabeth decides that he will be hers— but this is no one night stand. The two are drawn to each other and find themselves coming together again and again— even when Pavel is being an over the top, stalkery psycho and Elizabeth is in over her head (or, is she?).
The push and pull dynamic between the characters keeps the reader on their toes, for sure! They’re toxic AF together, but somehow it just works.
The push and pull dynamic between the characters keeps the reader on their toes, for sure! They’re toxic AF together, but somehow it just works.
February 12, 2024
This book was recommended to me by an author who I love to read. So I went in blind only knowing it was a dark mafia romance with the title Brutal. That really says it all. Paval is a morally grey main male character and to say he is unhinged who be an understatement. However Alexis makes it so you cannot help but root for him to get the girl. Elizabeth is defiant and sassy which drives Paval crazy. These two have chemistry which leads to some fantastic tension and steamy scenes. This is a stalker romance, so it may not jive with everyone, but if dark romance is your thing, this is a definite read!
January 26, 2024
"Brutal" was the first book I have ever read by Alexis Rey and "Brutal" was a great introduction. Elizabeth and Pavel are such a toxic couple, but they're the perfect match for each other. Elizabeth is quick witted and is just as manipulative as her counterpart. Pavel wears every red flag as badges of honor. Check the trigger warnings. Elizabeth and Pavel have unsavory characteristics that should make them unlikable, but Alexis Rey's storytelling leaves the reader invested in both characters. I'm just left with one question. What is Elizabeth's mom's profession?
April 18, 2024
I’m not sure about the rating, maybe it deserves 5 stars. The end just came too suddenly for me.
I want to warn that this is a dark romance in truth. There is real rape by the hero done to the heroine BUT the heroine makes it not matter. She really is the star of this story and she doesn’t get anything she wasn’t expecting or planning for. That makes the actions 100% harmless emotionally when reading, at least to me. So, if you like dark romance but don’t actually want to feel victimized on behalf of the heroine this is a safe choice I believe.
I want to warn that this is a dark romance in truth. There is real rape by the hero done to the heroine BUT the heroine makes it not matter. She really is the star of this story and she doesn’t get anything she wasn’t expecting or planning for. That makes the actions 100% harmless emotionally when reading, at least to me. So, if you like dark romance but don’t actually want to feel victimized on behalf of the heroine this is a safe choice I believe.
December 17, 2024
This was my first experience with this author and I absolutely loved this book.
This is quite a short read and can be read pretty quickly, I really enjoyed these characters especially the strength that the FMC shows through this book, she is definitely one of my favourites that I have ever read.
There are some questionable things that take place in this book so please make sure you are checking your triggers before you read this.
This is quite a short read and can be read pretty quickly, I really enjoyed these characters especially the strength that the FMC shows through this book, she is definitely one of my favourites that I have ever read.
There are some questionable things that take place in this book so please make sure you are checking your triggers before you read this.
January 21, 2024
Brutal was the perfect name for this book and described the MMC and this relationship to a T. That's not a bad thing. This is a quick read with a lowish plot and lots of smut.
This book contains heavy triggers. If you may be offended at all, this is not the book for you.
Pavel was a delicious narcissistic man, and I devoured him. He was not redeemable, but I still loved him.
This book contains heavy triggers. If you may be offended at all, this is not the book for you.
Pavel was a delicious narcissistic man, and I devoured him. He was not redeemable, but I still loved him.
January 29, 2024
This novella definitely isn't for everyone so check the trigger warnings, I however enjoyed it very much. I enjoyed that we got a strong female character who knew what she wanted and stood her ground. I truly love to see then he falls first.
It's always a pleasure to read your novellas Alexis, thank you for the ARC.
It's always a pleasure to read your novellas Alexis, thank you for the ARC.
April 29, 2024
they were both so crazy. she was kinda feelingless and sad but weirdly liked him
yknow he was such a nasty douchebag at the start i was like ‘how am i gonna ever believe this guy’s gonna wanna be with this one girl forever’ but man the way she played him. he got totally obsessed. maybe even more than her
ALSO EFF HIM FOR BACKHANDING HER 👎👎
But yeah a quick crazy obsessive read
yknow he was such a nasty douchebag at the start i was like ‘how am i gonna ever believe this guy’s gonna wanna be with this one girl forever’ but man the way she played him. he got totally obsessed. maybe even more than her
ALSO EFF HIM FOR BACKHANDING HER 👎👎
But yeah a quick crazy obsessive read
January 25, 2024
I always love books by Alexis Rey. This was different from Wonderland. A virgin FMC and a psycho MMC, what's not to like? I will admit I had hate and love for the MMC. I was thankful it ended with a HEA.
I recommend reading the TW for this story.
I recommend reading the TW for this story.
February 2, 2024
Woah, woah, woah!!! I devoured this book! If you want a dark, crazy, hot, steamy, twisted, quick read. Then read it now! What a rollercoaster seriously. All the way until the end, you might think you know and understand. But…. You really don’t have a clue. I really enjoyed it!
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January 19, 2024Review to come. The mom was the best character. I'm not sure I liked anyone else.
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