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Killers of Port Wylde #1
Cruel Lies
They claim to want to protect me. I’m not dumb enough to fall for that twice.
Seven years after they shoved me off a bridge to my death, the awkward teenagers I grew up with had grown into sexy yet ruthless killers. But their black souls and our shared past couldn’t keep me from wanting their hands all over my body, even after all these years. After what they’d done, I didn’t feel bad using them for protection. Rowan, Nash, and Angel Blackwood were devils in disguise.
Better the devil you know, right?
She’s everything we can’t have. But we’ve never let that stop us before.
Impeccable knifework was what the Skeleton Crew was known for. But our empire was based on a the first job we ever took. Our father married for money–and his new bonus brat was our first target. Seven years after we slit her throat and shoved her into Dread River, we came face to face with her ghost.
And our greatest weakness.
For a full list of 18+ content/trigg3rs, please head over to the author's personal website.
Seven years after they shoved me off a bridge to my death, the awkward teenagers I grew up with had grown into sexy yet ruthless killers. But their black souls and our shared past couldn’t keep me from wanting their hands all over my body, even after all these years. After what they’d done, I didn’t feel bad using them for protection. Rowan, Nash, and Angel Blackwood were devils in disguise.
Better the devil you know, right?
She’s everything we can’t have. But we’ve never let that stop us before.
Impeccable knifework was what the Skeleton Crew was known for. But our empire was based on a the first job we ever took. Our father married for money–and his new bonus brat was our first target. Seven years after we slit her throat and shoved her into Dread River, we came face to face with her ghost.
And our greatest weakness.
For a full list of 18+ content/trigg3rs, please head over to the author's personal website.
552 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2024
236 people are currently reading
654 people want to read
About the author
Heleva Risque
11 books111 followersHeleva Risque is not afraid to get her hands dirty, and neither are the heroes she writes. From complete alphaholes to grumpy, brooding bad boys, and everything in between, her heroes are walking red flags and trauma-filled shells of their former selves, but by the end of each story, not only will you want to cry for these wounded, unhinged men, but you'll be crawling into their beds, begging to be their good girls.
And you'll love every minute of it.
Ms. Risque has several series on the docket, including her leading mafia romance series, the Khula City Crime Syndicate, and a standalone, one-shot romance so dark, so filthy, so sinful, that you'll need the confessional on Sunday to cleanse your soul.
If you've got a kindle reads list that would make conversations at Thanksgiving dinner awkward, you're in the right place.
And you'll love every minute of it.
Ms. Risque has several series on the docket, including her leading mafia romance series, the Khula City Crime Syndicate, and a standalone, one-shot romance so dark, so filthy, so sinful, that you'll need the confessional on Sunday to cleanse your soul.
If you've got a kindle reads list that would make conversations at Thanksgiving dinner awkward, you're in the right place.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
August 22, 2024
'𝐂R𝐔E𝐋 𝐋I𝐄S' Is a full length dark romance book by new to me author Heleva Risque. It seems like I'm getting drawn to buy these creepy covered books, saw this doing the rounds and couldn’t help but purchase it, jumped in straight away and enjoyed every sadistic moment reading this thrilling ride.
I enjoyed this unique storyline, though I did struggle with the concept of them fulfilling the hit placed on her head when they were younger by killing her and throwing her over the bridge, though it's one job they did fail to a degree. This wasn't just some random girl, this was their stepsister, one they loved, so this set the scene for the type of guys they were going to become...
This surpassed all my expectations, and ticked so many boxes, all the twists and turns and a strong heroine who in-spite of it all still loved the boys who tried to kill her.
A band of brother’s
Hit men
January 7, 2025
Heleva is a new author to me but after reading Cruel Lies I’ll definitely be reading more from her.
This is a slow burn dark why choose step brother romance where the MMCs are unhinged walking red flags and I was here for it. 😈
I can’t wait to read Cruel Games.
This is a slow burn dark why choose step brother romance where the MMCs are unhinged walking red flags and I was here for it. 😈
I can’t wait to read Cruel Games.
August 3, 2024
I love dark romance, and I love it when there is a good story
The author deliveres a good dose of sexual tension, trauma, suspense, gore, humour, and spice, and weaves it into a story, conveyed from multiple pov, that has you loving these characters and rooting for that HEA.
Each of the characters have their own back story and reasons for the struggles they face and the people they've become, and mental health is a big theme throughout.
The three brothers are so different in how they deal with their shit and it takes a minute for them to admit things to themselves, some longer than others.
Harper is also quite the fierce FMC, with her own traumatic past that she fights to leave behind and move forward from, but she wasn't quite expecting the pathway to that future to take an unexpected turn.
The supporting cast is also really good! I loved the people from the Guild and would love more from the Neon Dogs!
I'm so glad that I was able to be a part of the arc team for this book, I couldn't put it down.
The author deliveres a good dose of sexual tension, trauma, suspense, gore, humour, and spice, and weaves it into a story, conveyed from multiple pov, that has you loving these characters and rooting for that HEA.
Each of the characters have their own back story and reasons for the struggles they face and the people they've become, and mental health is a big theme throughout.
The three brothers are so different in how they deal with their shit and it takes a minute for them to admit things to themselves, some longer than others.
Harper is also quite the fierce FMC, with her own traumatic past that she fights to leave behind and move forward from, but she wasn't quite expecting the pathway to that future to take an unexpected turn.
The supporting cast is also really good! I loved the people from the Guild and would love more from the Neon Dogs!
I'm so glad that I was able to be a part of the arc team for this book, I couldn't put it down.
October 2, 2024
Oh yay. Another author who writes like she hates women 🙄
August 16, 2024
A wildly insane ride!! This book has it all. MMFM, stepbrothers (yes as in plural), second chance romance. Please check the trigger warnings before reading. This is a dark romance that is full of trauma, gore, tension and tons of spice!! I absolutely loved the development of the characters and the world that Heleva builds with her writing. She drawls you into the story and had me HOOKED from the beginning. You get a in-depth look at all the characters. Harper is one hell of a fierce FMC! The main characters along with the supporting characters are just perfection. If you love dark romance and RH/ why choose, you are going to eat this book up!! Fair warning, these men are UNHINGED!
5/5 ⭐️ 5/5🌶️
5/5 ⭐️ 5/5🌶️
October 29, 2024
If you like a reverse harem where the guys treat the fmc like trash I'd recommend this. There's misogyny=calling her a bitch, at least 30 times.
There's slutshaming & the character never apologizes for slutshaming her. The wildest part for me was that the fmc was the one who got betrayed by the guys yet they still treat her like trash, like eww they sucked, almost wishes she had unalived herself so they would feel pain. They don't deserve her at all, I'm just left feeling "this book sucked so much" not one of the guys gave the fmc a proper apology, I need to bleach my eyes after this atrocious read.
There's slutshaming & the character never apologizes for slutshaming her. The wildest part for me was that the fmc was the one who got betrayed by the guys yet they still treat her like trash, like eww they sucked, almost wishes she had unalived herself so they would feel pain. They don't deserve her at all, I'm just left feeling "this book sucked so much" not one of the guys gave the fmc a proper apology, I need to bleach my eyes after this atrocious read.
August 6, 2024
Dark second chance romance with a hitman twist…
Harper, Rowan, Angel, and Nash spent their teenage years together when her mother married their father. That close bond they built took a turn when the guys were tasked with making her disappear, with their father's greedy motives and threats as the reason. But they couldn't quite follow through. Rowan just made it look like he killed Harper and shoved her off the old bridge.
Seven years later their paths cross again. The Blackwood boys are all grown up and working for The Guild, taking care of problems and collecting cash along the way. And Harper has been living under an alias keeping a low profile while working as a mechanic, but now she's their next contract hit.
None of them are the same as they were seven years ago. They each have grown up and have issues of their own. Angel and Nash are shocked to find out Ro has lied to them about what really happened with Harper all those years ago. Now they're trying to dig into who is behind the contract to take her out again.
They're all struggling with those not-so-sibling-like feelings that are resurfacing. The trust is gone while darkness and danger remain. They fight it but they can't deny the heat between them. So many highs and lows but really they all balance each other out and make things better, if they could only get out of their own way. Keeping Harper safe isn't easy but she's also not ready to just sit back and let the boys do all the work.
This was a great way to kick off a new series and I can't wait to see where it goes.
Harper, Rowan, Angel, and Nash spent their teenage years together when her mother married their father. That close bond they built took a turn when the guys were tasked with making her disappear, with their father's greedy motives and threats as the reason. But they couldn't quite follow through. Rowan just made it look like he killed Harper and shoved her off the old bridge.
Seven years later their paths cross again. The Blackwood boys are all grown up and working for The Guild, taking care of problems and collecting cash along the way. And Harper has been living under an alias keeping a low profile while working as a mechanic, but now she's their next contract hit.
None of them are the same as they were seven years ago. They each have grown up and have issues of their own. Angel and Nash are shocked to find out Ro has lied to them about what really happened with Harper all those years ago. Now they're trying to dig into who is behind the contract to take her out again.
They're all struggling with those not-so-sibling-like feelings that are resurfacing. The trust is gone while darkness and danger remain. They fight it but they can't deny the heat between them. So many highs and lows but really they all balance each other out and make things better, if they could only get out of their own way. Keeping Harper safe isn't easy but she's also not ready to just sit back and let the boys do all the work.
This was a great way to kick off a new series and I can't wait to see where it goes.
August 2, 2024
⭐️⭐️ARC Review⭐️⭐️
I was not expecting this at all. Reading the blurb, I was thinking, ok, hitmen, kidnapping, taboo, reverse harem, cool, totally know what to expect, going to be a dark twisted book and is going to make me breathe heavily throughout the entire book. Well, yes and no. I was right in thinking it would make me tingle in all the right places, it was beautifully dark and the characters were all broken and flawed but perfect as they were portrayed. The part that blindsided me was how many feelings I had whilst reading this. I would go from giggling out loud to wiping away tears within the same chapter. It was so well written, the author took the time to develop the characters and storyline and didn’t have to infuse sex and lust and smut every few pages to keep me interested and listing for more. The slow build of the romance was perfect for these characters because they all had their issues to work through before they could turn the corner from enemies to lovers. I would recommend this book to everyone with every fiber of my being!!!
I was not expecting this at all. Reading the blurb, I was thinking, ok, hitmen, kidnapping, taboo, reverse harem, cool, totally know what to expect, going to be a dark twisted book and is going to make me breathe heavily throughout the entire book. Well, yes and no. I was right in thinking it would make me tingle in all the right places, it was beautifully dark and the characters were all broken and flawed but perfect as they were portrayed. The part that blindsided me was how many feelings I had whilst reading this. I would go from giggling out loud to wiping away tears within the same chapter. It was so well written, the author took the time to develop the characters and storyline and didn’t have to infuse sex and lust and smut every few pages to keep me interested and listing for more. The slow build of the romance was perfect for these characters because they all had their issues to work through before they could turn the corner from enemies to lovers. I would recommend this book to everyone with every fiber of my being!!!
August 5, 2024
This was an amazing book. It has the perfect amount of romance, with also having enough suspense to make you wonder what will happen next. The spice in this book is definitely hot. I was on the edge of my seat in some spots and crying happy and sad tears in other spots. This was one book I couldn't set down onc either started it. I highly recommend it if you're debating on this book.
July 30, 2024
First book in this series not including the prequel novella & I am hooked. Finished this book the first day. The characters are so well written. Harper & the Blackwood Boys Rowan, Nash & Angel. Such different personalities but they fit so well together. This book takes you on an emotional journey & I am here for it. I laughed, I cried & may have had an are you serious moment I live for the banter between characters & this book has it in spades. Well written, this story makes you feel like you’re there. Loved it & cannot wait for the rest of the series!!!
August 1, 2024
Harper is the best fmc since patch royalty she is no damsel at all she done things for survival .her stepbrothers angel,rowan,Nash love them ❤️ they can be aholes, but they very much care and love her more than step siblings, that's I will say .it is really so good, especially the fighting and murder scenes .the spicy scenes had me blushing and smiling. Get it, harper
I'm excited for the future series
I'm excited for the future series
August 14, 2024
When her stepbrothers are ordered to kill her by her evil stepfather, Harper finds herself thrown off a bridge and left for dead (& croc food).
Now seven years later, those same brothers are given a hit target to eliminate. However, once they are about to fulfill the job, they realize it’s the stepsister they thought was dead.
This is a RH romance that features mental
health rep as well as the complexities of living with trauma. Can Nash, Angel, and Rowan move beyond their past of betrayal to allow themselves a chance at loving their stepsister, Harper? Or will they finish what they started seven years ago?
I found this to be surprisingly plot heavy with a lot of shared POV time amongst the characters so by the end I felt like I truly knew each one. Overall, an enjoyable read about hitmen, forced proximity, second chance romance (x3), and vengeance. The spice was plot driven vs driving the plot.
Now seven years later, those same brothers are given a hit target to eliminate. However, once they are about to fulfill the job, they realize it’s the stepsister they thought was dead.
This is a RH romance that features mental
health rep as well as the complexities of living with trauma. Can Nash, Angel, and Rowan move beyond their past of betrayal to allow themselves a chance at loving their stepsister, Harper? Or will they finish what they started seven years ago?
I found this to be surprisingly plot heavy with a lot of shared POV time amongst the characters so by the end I felt like I truly knew each one. Overall, an enjoyable read about hitmen, forced proximity, second chance romance (x3), and vengeance. The spice was plot driven vs driving the plot.
August 6, 2024
Wow. RH, Why Choose. Step Brothers. Trauma. Hitman crew. Love, Hate and violence. I finished the book in 2 days (that's just because I had to sleep - even though I stayed up very late reading this book!) The number of emotions Miss Risque can take us through in each chapter is insane. The multiple POVs help us understand the history and traumas (present and past) of each of the characters. We learn to love them (and sometimes hate them intensely) in such an intimate way that it's as if we really know them, and they are right there with us as we discover their stories. The world building around the Guild and asylum is really well done, we want a tome on each crew! This is my first Heleva Risque book, and I'm off to read her other books!
August 5, 2024
And she has done it again…. Another fantastic book. I swear this author is brillant. Every book blows my mind.
Sexy Dark “masked” men, step brother/ step sister trope, knife and blood play, and lots of spice 🥵🥵🥵
This book checked all of my boxes off and then some. You cannot go wrong with reading this book. If you want a book that’s action packed, sexy as f&ck, full of suspense-edge of you seat story, with panty melting half crazy brothers who know how to wield a knife in and out of the bedroom, what more could you want. This book did not disappoint! I highly recommend this dark sexy romance😍. 10/10
Sexy Dark “masked” men, step brother/ step sister trope, knife and blood play, and lots of spice 🥵🥵🥵
This book checked all of my boxes off and then some. You cannot go wrong with reading this book. If you want a book that’s action packed, sexy as f&ck, full of suspense-edge of you seat story, with panty melting half crazy brothers who know how to wield a knife in and out of the bedroom, what more could you want. This book did not disappoint! I highly recommend this dark sexy romance😍. 10/10
August 14, 2024
What an insane, wild, violent ride. This is my fourth book by Heleva Risque, still have to read Queen of Dark Money, and none of them have missed. This one might be my favorite one. I was pretty much hooked from the dedication.
This is a dark, dark read. Full of violence, hatred, guilt, rage, blood, and love. I was taken into the depths of depravity and madness, and I’ve never loved a descent more. Port Wylde is not a place for the weak. It’s a place of darkness that calls to the broken.
Rowan, Nash, and Angel were beautiful broken men, with quite a few screws loose. Who loved hard, and hated harder. The rollercoaster of emotional turmoil they went through, and put me through, was insane. And when you add the just as damaged Harper,… whew. The chemistry between these four, the longing, the hate, and the heat was just amazing.
Even the side characters were good. Absolutely loved Lilly and the Surgeon. And the Neons were so interesting.
I can’t wait for Cruel Games.
This is a dark, dark read. Full of violence, hatred, guilt, rage, blood, and love. I was taken into the depths of depravity and madness, and I’ve never loved a descent more. Port Wylde is not a place for the weak. It’s a place of darkness that calls to the broken.
Rowan, Nash, and Angel were beautiful broken men, with quite a few screws loose. Who loved hard, and hated harder. The rollercoaster of emotional turmoil they went through, and put me through, was insane. And when you add the just as damaged Harper,… whew. The chemistry between these four, the longing, the hate, and the heat was just amazing.
Even the side characters were good. Absolutely loved Lilly and the Surgeon. And the Neons were so interesting.
I can’t wait for Cruel Games.
August 15, 2024
Wow I just loved this book. Love Harper. She’s such a strong, courageous, bada$$ FMC. The Blackwood Boys or rather men Nash, Angel and Rowan were supposed to have killed her years ago. Lo and behold she’s alive and sent to kill her AGAIN. Lots of twist and turns in the book. Dark dark romance. Read the triggers. The MMC’s are totally unhinged, protective monsters who protect their own. Could not put this book down.
August 8, 2024
This was absolutely amazing! The rollercoaster of emotions this book had on me. The story is amazing with great spice. I cannot wait to see where the test of these characters story go. This is a must read!
August 2, 2024
Ok so this book, she DARK in the most delicious and tempting sorta way. Highly recommend checking Trigger Warnings before reading. Now to dive into Nash, Rowan, Angel, and Harper. This was dark, it was spicy, it was chaotic with a deeply set chemistry between Harper and the Blackwood Brothers. This is the type of Dark Romance that’s going to twist, turn, tempt, chew and spit you out before ruining you all over again. This is the book that will leave you wanting more and put you in an instant book slump after because it checked every mark. I’m so honored I got to read this one early and it’s definitely going on my Re-Read list asap! Though this might be my first read by Heleva it definitely won’t be my last especially with this series!
August 6, 2024
This is the first book I've read from Heleva Risque and all I have to say is WOW! This story had me hooked from the beginning and I can't wait for the next one in the series!
This will take you on emotional Rollercoaster. There is so much sexual tension between the characters and it's worse because they are step siblings!
This will take you on emotional Rollercoaster. There is so much sexual tension between the characters and it's worse because they are step siblings!
August 7, 2024
Omg this book wow I couldn't stop reading this book. From the start I was hooked!! I love these types of books. Made me feel so many emotions. Need more!! I can't stop thinking of this book and I knew this book would be so good and this author is an amazing writer.
August 1, 2024
If you love your books to be just a little spicy and no drama, turn around now, this is not the book for you! If you haven't read Cruel Vows, I'd suggest you do. It will fill in some pieces in this book and well worth the read!
This deliciously deviant story surprised me from the start and slowly revealed it's secrets chapter by chapter. Love FMCs who aren't afraid to stand up for themselves and won't let people bully them. The MMCs are so morally grey they're almost black but came to love them along the way.
You won't regret grabbing this book!
Heleva Risque
This deliciously deviant story surprised me from the start and slowly revealed it's secrets chapter by chapter. Love FMCs who aren't afraid to stand up for themselves and won't let people bully them. The MMCs are so morally grey they're almost black but came to love them along the way.
You won't regret grabbing this book!
Heleva Risque
August 5, 2024
Rowan, Nash, and Angel: Book 1 of Killers of Port Wylde: Go to helevarisque.com to get the prequel. Reverse harem/ enemies to lovers/ step-siblings/ serial killer dark romance: Loved the start to this series. Heleva Risque did a great job at world building and character development. I was addicted to this story right from the beginning. Excited to read more.
August 7, 2024
This was so good can't wait to read more from this author blackwood boys are fire 🔥
August 14, 2024
This book sucked me in right from the beginning. It’s dark, twisted, emotional, taboo… all tropes I absolutely love all in one. The emotions these characters go through broke my heart, but the ending made it all worth it. I lost so much sleep trying to finish this story and don’t regret it for a single moment. The last few chapters were the best ones and I was really sad it ended. 10/10 read for me!!
August 1, 2024
No lie I went absolutely crazy for this book!! It was such a great read and I wish I could read it for the first time again it was that good . Filled with such anguish, betrayals, heartbreak, unexpected alliances. Spoiled rich girl is now just trying to survive for the last 7 years and runs into the boys that started the chaos. The boys she knew are no more, will she survive them a second time. I couldn’t put this down once I started and this is probably a top read for me this year!!!❤️❤️
August 1, 2024
Hot men & face paint....omg, I needed every word. The spice was on point. The multiple POV was excellent, I felt drawn to every personality. Just grab it and devour it...so good!
August 15, 2024
I haven’t read an RH in a long time but I’m so glad that I was able to read this one. I loved it so much I’m excited for what is next to come
August 15, 2024
**Unrelenting, Dark, and Impossible to Put Down**
Heleva Risque's *Cruel Lies* is a gripping tale of betrayal, desire, and twisted loyalty that will have you questioning your morals from the first page to the last. This book is the epitome of dark romance, seamlessly blending sizzling chemistry with a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Seven years after being left for dead by the very people who should have protected her, the heroine’s return sets off a chain of events filled with tension and unspoken desires. Rowan, Nash, and Angel Blackwood are no longer the awkward teens of the past; they've become ruthless killers, yet their past actions can’t erase the electric pull between them and the woman they thought they'd lost forever.
Risque doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of love, crafting characters who are as dangerous as they are irresistible. The dynamics between the heroine and the Blackwood brothers are intense, laced with a blend of hatred, longing, and an undeniable attraction that burns hotter with every interaction.
The storyline is as sharp as the knives the Skeleton Crew is known for, with every twist and turn keeping you hooked. The Blackwood brothers’ struggle between what they want and what they can’t have creates an intoxicating tension that builds to a breathtaking climax.
*Cruel Lies* is not just a dark romance; it’s an exploration of redemption, power, and the thin line between love and hate. If you’re a fan of morally gray characters, high stakes, and a romance that’s as twisted as it is passionate, then this book is a must-read. Heleva Risque has delivered a masterpiece that will linger with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Heleva Risque's *Cruel Lies* is a gripping tale of betrayal, desire, and twisted loyalty that will have you questioning your morals from the first page to the last. This book is the epitome of dark romance, seamlessly blending sizzling chemistry with a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Seven years after being left for dead by the very people who should have protected her, the heroine’s return sets off a chain of events filled with tension and unspoken desires. Rowan, Nash, and Angel Blackwood are no longer the awkward teens of the past; they've become ruthless killers, yet their past actions can’t erase the electric pull between them and the woman they thought they'd lost forever.
Risque doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of love, crafting characters who are as dangerous as they are irresistible. The dynamics between the heroine and the Blackwood brothers are intense, laced with a blend of hatred, longing, and an undeniable attraction that burns hotter with every interaction.
The storyline is as sharp as the knives the Skeleton Crew is known for, with every twist and turn keeping you hooked. The Blackwood brothers’ struggle between what they want and what they can’t have creates an intoxicating tension that builds to a breathtaking climax.
*Cruel Lies* is not just a dark romance; it’s an exploration of redemption, power, and the thin line between love and hate. If you’re a fan of morally gray characters, high stakes, and a romance that’s as twisted as it is passionate, then this book is a must-read. Heleva Risque has delivered a masterpiece that will linger with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 13, 2024
@trishsparklerreads on Bookstagram
“Cruel Lies” by Helva Risque
Series: Port Wylde K!llers
Genre: Dark Romance
Rating: 5⭐️
Spice: 4🌶️
Darkness:5🩶
POV: Multi
Highlights:
🖤Morally Black MMCs
🖤Chick that Kicks FMC
🖤Second Chances
🖤Hitmen/Vigilantes
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤Heroine in Danger
🖤Touch her and D!e
🖤Why Choose
🖤Step-sibling Taboo
🖤MH Rep
🖤BIPOC MMCs Rep
Thoughts:
I’ve always loved dark Romance, but Cruel Lies exceeded my expectations and was a 5⭐️ read. It was a great set up for the Blackwood brothers in the Skeleton Crew, working doing hits for the guild of vigilante justice, as they weren’t just indiscriminately unaliving people for no reason. Helva built a strong blend of sexual tension and heavy spice, gore and unaliving, danger and action, and great Characters with depth and likability (despite their flaws).
There were lots of Spicy scenes and even a bit of kink, but only one sexy ménage (Angel was totally not interested in sharing). I liked the Taboo of them being Step-siblings that grew up together, as I felt that existing relationships allowed Harper to easily fall for these boys that had betrayed her in the past. I also loved the diversity in the Stepbrothers-Rowan was black, Angel was I believe part Asian and a bottle blond, and Nash had disfiguring scars from past Trauma.
I liked the realistic portrayal of the mental health challenges her MCs faced and how this affected their jobs and relationships. It felt like the three guys on their own weren’t really doing so well, but eventually Harper was able to pull them into a cohesive team and they were able to support each others’ broken pieces.
You will love the whole Blackwood Skeleton team-hopefully they will cameo in future books. I can’t wait for the next book as Jackal and the Neon Dogs were such great side Characters.
🛑Please read all the author warnings as there are about 2 pages of trigger warnings.
“Cruel Lies” by Helva Risque
Series: Port Wylde K!llers
Genre: Dark Romance
Rating: 5⭐️
Spice: 4🌶️
Darkness:5🩶
POV: Multi
Highlights:
🖤Morally Black MMCs
🖤Chick that Kicks FMC
🖤Second Chances
🖤Hitmen/Vigilantes
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤Heroine in Danger
🖤Touch her and D!e
🖤Why Choose
🖤Step-sibling Taboo
🖤MH Rep
🖤BIPOC MMCs Rep
Thoughts:
I’ve always loved dark Romance, but Cruel Lies exceeded my expectations and was a 5⭐️ read. It was a great set up for the Blackwood brothers in the Skeleton Crew, working doing hits for the guild of vigilante justice, as they weren’t just indiscriminately unaliving people for no reason. Helva built a strong blend of sexual tension and heavy spice, gore and unaliving, danger and action, and great Characters with depth and likability (despite their flaws).
There were lots of Spicy scenes and even a bit of kink, but only one sexy ménage (Angel was totally not interested in sharing). I liked the Taboo of them being Step-siblings that grew up together, as I felt that existing relationships allowed Harper to easily fall for these boys that had betrayed her in the past. I also loved the diversity in the Stepbrothers-Rowan was black, Angel was I believe part Asian and a bottle blond, and Nash had disfiguring scars from past Trauma.
I liked the realistic portrayal of the mental health challenges her MCs faced and how this affected their jobs and relationships. It felt like the three guys on their own weren’t really doing so well, but eventually Harper was able to pull them into a cohesive team and they were able to support each others’ broken pieces.
You will love the whole Blackwood Skeleton team-hopefully they will cameo in future books. I can’t wait for the next book as Jackal and the Neon Dogs were such great side Characters.
🛑Please read all the author warnings as there are about 2 pages of trigger warnings.
August 10, 2024
First off the world building is phenomenal! The details (especially the little ones) were well placed and expertly done! It was very easy to put yourself in any of the characters shoes at any point and really be able to connect and feel like you are them. I truly applaud the ability to make each character polarizing, interesting, and unique. The story line and plot are really interesting. The way it’s done makes you fantasize about it. Step sibling fantasies are nothing new especially in spicy books, but this story takes the cake!
The dark aspect of the story is really well done. As I said, Heleva made it easy to put yourself in their shoes and really connect, to the point where you feel like it may be someone’s real life (or close to it). Having been through dark times myself, I can connect and empathize with each of them and I looove that!
The spice? Perrrrrrfect! It was everything I wanted and needed. It was well placed, well done, and soo spicy! There wasn’t an overwhelming use of any one phrase. None of the scenes were “ick” and really kept you invested. The story as a whole really sucked you in and kept you wanting more. Definitely a hard one to put down.
The banter between the brothers was PERFECTION. And when I thought it couldn’t be better? I was wrong because it was perfect between all of the characters. Now while most of the characters are fairly similar in disposition (smart a***es or cocky) none of them overlapped or were similar. Each character had their own vibe and dialect that always stayed true.
If you’re looking for a dark witty suspenseful romance, this is the perfect book! I can’t wait for the next one!
The dark aspect of the story is really well done. As I said, Heleva made it easy to put yourself in their shoes and really connect, to the point where you feel like it may be someone’s real life (or close to it). Having been through dark times myself, I can connect and empathize with each of them and I looove that!
The spice? Perrrrrrfect! It was everything I wanted and needed. It was well placed, well done, and soo spicy! There wasn’t an overwhelming use of any one phrase. None of the scenes were “ick” and really kept you invested. The story as a whole really sucked you in and kept you wanting more. Definitely a hard one to put down.
The banter between the brothers was PERFECTION. And when I thought it couldn’t be better? I was wrong because it was perfect between all of the characters. Now while most of the characters are fairly similar in disposition (smart a***es or cocky) none of them overlapped or were similar. Each character had their own vibe and dialect that always stayed true.
If you’re looking for a dark witty suspenseful romance, this is the perfect book! I can’t wait for the next one!
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