Cruel Games

Killers of Port Wylde #2

by Heleva Risque

They’re all I’ve ever wanted. And now, I’ve got their attention.

The Neon Dogs didn’t know me yet–but I knew them. I followed their careers since the day they took out my father for his alleged unspeakable crimes. At first, it was about payback. But when the truth came to light, it turned into hero worship, idolization, and lust–feelings one rarely has for the men who ruined her life. I wanted them to want me, so I put on a mask and got to work.
I never expected hunting my future husbands would be so thrilling.

Someone is stealing our kills. And it’s more of a turn-on than we planned for.

The Neons had a reputation for chaotic mayhem and pain. Our devil-may-care attitude and enjoyment of pain made us the perfect torturers. But someone was sneaking in and stealing our thunder, killing our targets before we could get to them. So we laid a trap–or so we thought. Turned out, our little copycat was a stalker, too.
And she laid some traps of her very own.

For a full list of content/trigg3rs, please check the author's personal website.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Enemies To Lovers

484 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 15, 2025

About the author

Heleva 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.

Reviews

[Jan (Kavanagh's wifey) · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

My rating:- ⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Spice rating:- ⭐⭐⭐. 5/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Why is it not surprising that I finished this book in 2 days? (Because I actually liked it and this book had me hooked!)

Cruel games is a spicy, enemies to lovers, dark romance novel where Ivy, the female lead, wants revenge from the Neons due to an incident that occured in the past, so she stalks them, steals their kills, and plans everything out about her revenge but soon, this hatred turns into lust anddd... you can read what happens next in the book.

At the beginning of this book, I was hating the fmc, but a few chapters in the book had me liking her. If you know me, I like dark and really spicy books so I actually liked this book. But just because I liked this book doesn't mean others will like it, but, the storyline, the plot, the smut in this book was actually pretty interesting.

One thing I'd like to say about this book is that, Truth is always bitter.

[Chaotic Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really didn’t like Ivy, the FMC at the beginning of this story, but hear me out, the author has created a character that as the story progresses you grow to love the character and that’s the situation with Ivy. The plot itself was interesting filled with dark topics plus there were secrets and twists which draws you in and spice that leaves you fanning yourself. Overall this was a great dark read the characters and storyline were done well and the author leaves you excited for the next book.
Mind the TW, but if you are good with those definitely worth the read.

[Ashly]

Review to come

[Lillie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Heleva Risque for allowing me to read a copy of this book. I absolutely loved my time reading this book. This was one of my most anticipated reads for 2025 and it did not disappoint. I loved these characters and I've been waiting for their story since whenever I finished Cruel Lies. I loved everything about this book and I've been absolutely adoring this series so far. I cannot wait to read whatever Heleva comes out with next.

[Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

I struggled to get into this story, it’s gonna sound weird but it felt overly descriptive to me. Like a lot of it could have been deleted and was unnecessary.

The storyline did pick up and I loved the neon dogs, Ivy grew on me eventually but the character that saved it for me was Coyote like Jesus I loved him.

He was such a sweetheart and was so lost in his own little world before he met Ivy. He was my favourite.

It definitely wasn’t as good as book 1 but it was still a decent read.

[Crystal Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW! This was my first book written by Heleva Risqué and I am hooked! This book was packed full of twists, hits on people, bl00d, SPICE, and truths being uncovered.

I was NOT prepared for the truths that Ivy uncovered about the murder of her father. She witnessed the murder of her father at a very young age and vowed to find out who did it and make them pay. My heart broke for Ivy so many times during the book as she uncovered the truths about her family and past. She was so strong, yet so broken at the same time. I loved when she would do things just to toy with the men and get under their skin.

Neon Dogs: Jackal, Dingo and Coyote.. man they didn’t stand a chance when it came to the beautiful Ivy. Each of them in their own way desired her and admired her, even though she tried to k!ll them. Jackal was the strong and fierce one that refused to show any emotions. Coyote was the quiet, soft and gentle one, but took charge when needed. Dingo was a little bit of the both together.

They all had a different kind of relationship with Ivy and it worked for them. And the spice…whew it was HOT! Who knew a little blood would get them all hot and bothered. 😏

4⭐️
3.5🌶️

[MissWho · Rating 5 out of 5]

What’s this, a story about a pseudo-secret group of hired assassins that all reside in a repurposed asylum AND its RH…SIGN ME THE EFF UP!

I was so excited to meet the Neon Dogs, having read Book 1, and fallen in love with the group from that book and the ongoing tale the author is weaving.

The FMC in this one, Ivy, is batshit, like certifiably so which is why we love and her 3 MMCs are just as bad in their own special way. It’s not often I can pick a favourite out of the harem, but Coyote steals the title hands down; I only wish there was more spice involving him and the rest of the Dogs in general, really.

IMO this one gets a little lost in parts during the second half of the book, but we are to trust the process, right? Like the first, this one ends on a bit of a cliffy with many unanswered questions, and I keep having to remind myself to be patient and let the author work her magic!

I’ll certainly be returning for the next book as I am desperate to see how it all comes together (probably like pouring gasoline on an already raging fire lol).

Check TWs before reading as always.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
⚠️⚠️⚠️

[Heather McGough · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I was in for a ride when I received this book. Ms Risque doesn't disappoint. Gritty, naughty, emotional. This was by far my favorite group of feral Guild members

 Ivy, the girl who witnessed her father murdered and vowed revenge. Jackal, 100% feral. Smartass and grimy. Dingo, I'd definitely say a charmer with an edge. And lastly Coyote, my my Coyote. Probably my favorite of the whole bunch. 

If you're looking for a wild ride then Cruel Games is the story for you. Check your triggers, this one delivers. 

Thank you to Heleva Risque for providing me with an ARC copy! I enjoyed ever steamy second.

[Cece · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book will live in my head rent free until I finally receive the therapy I clearly need

[AroundtheBookBend · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew! What a journey. I think this might be the most emotional story I’ve read by Heleva Risque. It dug deep into my soul. Cruel Games was harsh and twisted and ugly, but beautiful and healing too. It invoked so many different emotions as I watched Ivy try to find herself.

Ivy really took me through it. I went from hating her to understanding her to rooting for her. She had this way about her that made it hard to keep hating her as the story went on. Besides being a strong fmc, she was also hilarious, especially when it came to getting under the Neon Dogs skin. I wasn’t expecting to love her by the end.

Coyote, Jackal, and Dingo had me from Cruel Lies. When I heard they were getting their own story, I was beyond excited. And it didn’t disappoint. I loved their bond, even as messy as it was. Adding Ivy into the mix stirred them up so much, it was fun to watch. Coyote was definitely my favorite.

The Neon Dogs were made for Ivy and she for them.

I received an advanced copy and this is my voluntary review

[Cassie Golden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heleva Risque is an author I have recently come across; within like the last couple of years, and I feel like we would be besties in real life! Her crazy matches my crazy!

I was lucky enough to be gifted an ARC of this. This is a very dark story, with very dark imagery. There are mentions of rape, human trafficking, necrophilia, stabbing and of course foul language, just to name a few. If this is not something that you can handle, this may not be the book for you. Don't forget to check the author's website for a full list of TWs.

Let's dive in, shall we?
Ivy witnesses her father's murder by the Neon Dogs, Jackal, Dingo and Coyote. They are spewing awful lies about the things that her father has been involved in, i.e. human trafficking and rape to name a few. He also is the reason that Jackal's sister is dead; therefore, he has to die to pay for his sins. Ivy knows that her father is a good man and would never do the things they have accused him of. They must have the wrong guy, right? Looking down from an upstairs window at the mutilated corpse of her father left in the driveway after the Dogs have exacted their punishment, Ivy decides then and there that she will hunt these three down and kill them for ruining her life.
Fast forward a few years and several hours' worth of therapy later, Ivy is ready to set her revenge plan in order. She has watched intently over the Neon Dogs and their "career," so to say she understands how they operate in an understatement. She intercepts the "jobs" that are meant for them in the hopes that they will come looking for their "copycat." However, this "kitten" is not really one you want to mess with. After Ivy lays her traps, she waits for the Dogs to be caught unawares.
We'll stop there for fear of me giving away too much. Miss Risque herself has stated that Ivy was someone that you would not like at first. I have to say there wasn't really a time where I disliked her. Yeah, she did some things that people who have not experienced a horrific trauma would ever think to do to another human being, but at no point did I ever say to myself, Hmmm, I just really dislike this character. She was doing what she felt needed to be done. Honestly, if someone had murdered one of my family members, I would probably react in about the same fashion. It's that eye for an eye mentality. Someone's actions caused you to suffer, so you feel justified in making them suffer as well.
I like all the boys; however, Coyote has got to be my favorite. After reading his backstory, I just want to wrap him in a blanket and sing lullabies to him! He's precious, but he also has a dangerous streak if backed into a corner. Jackal.... Well, Jackal deserved everything that he got from Ivy. That mouth always seems to find trouble for him. Dingo is just a sweet talker and very charming.
Honestly, I wouldn't be mad if someday we get more stories involving this group of characters. I feel like we've just begun to crack beneath the surface with all of them and I need more! More, I tell you, MORE! *Clears throat I apologize. I got a little carried away there

[Leslie Burgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cruel Games by Heleva Risque
Book 3 of the Killers of Port Wylde series

TAGS: Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Revenge, Steamy, HEA, Intense, Strong FMC, Violent

I like to break down the elements of a book review into what I care the most about. With that said, here is what I what I always want to know!

Are there any steamy scenes? Definitely! They are written beautifully into the story that it is hard to remember how many. But, dang, they are good! Keep your toys at the ready!

Now, let’s talk plot. Nope, no spoilers here. Just some basics I am always wanting to know. So here is my takeaway. “Cruel Games” can be a standalone novel, but is best read with the previous two books in the Killers of Port Wylde series. Reading the other books is worth the read. But the two reasons you may want to read them first are the awesome characters that appear in this book. Second, the continuation of the existing story line. There are some sections of the book referencing the story line that runs through the series that will make more sense and give you a better picture of what is going on outside of the main characters. Heleva Risque wrote this book from the perspective of the FMC. That allows all of us readers to learn about the world of Port Wylde, even if you haven’t read the first two books. (But seriously, read those first two! So worth it!)

A not so fun thing to review, grammar and spelling. As with most novels, it is normal to notice an error or two while reading. I don’t recall seeing any errors, but I was having too much fun reading and didn’t want to stop and check!

I always like to know if the characters are dynamic and interesting. The FMC is extremely complex. And her story carries her through some pretty insane stuff. She is so strong willed, that she manages to make sense of her world, despite everything thrown at her. The 3 MMCs I feel could have used more story time. I wanted to know more about each of them. But the main plot of the story is focused on the FMC and her journey. Maybe Heleva will write another book exploring them?

So, what is my overall opinion of this book? I loved it way more than I expected. I like a variety of romance genres, and dark is one that I occasionally go for. The blurb had me skeptical about liking it. Not sure I would like a revenge plot. You are either going to love this story, or hate it. The FMC is twisted up. Justifiably, in my opinion. But, her particular brand of twisted can make her unlikable to some people. I liked her a lot. She is strong and determined, with gigantic lady balls.

I hope you enjoy “Cruel Games” as much as I did!

[Sheila M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Cruel Lies, the first book in the Killers of Port Wylde series, so I couldn’t wait for Cruel Games to come out. This book was just as great as the first! Both books feature trios of young men that are contract killers for “The Guild” and the young woman that becomes their obsession. The MMCs for this book are Jackal, Dingo and Coyote, and call themselves the Neon Dogs. These “brothers” work as a team and call themselves the Neon Dogs, and they are known for their neon masks and motorbikes. One night, while avenging the death of Jackal’s sister, a young girl watches from the window as they kill her father. Ivy (FMC) watched three grotesquely masked men kill her father in an incredibly horrible way, and she vowed revenge. “It consumed me to an unhealthy degree. I was probably a walking wet dream for therapists everywhere.” Ivy donned a mask and started stealing their kills, slowly enacting her revenge. Only she didn’t expect to fall in love with them, or they with her.

This book was dark, very dark, so check the trigger warnings. That being said, I like dark romance stories. Amidst the gore and horror, there is humor tucked in, every now and then. The humor helps alleviate the tension from reading such a dark topic. The story and their relationship was intense and complex, with lots going on. The descriptions of the supporting Guild characters were so well done that I was positively scared of the characters. There was an interesting dynamic between the three men. They were depraved and indifferent about their work, and while they may seem at odds with each other, there was always an underlying love for each other. There was an ardent sexual chemistry between Ivy and the guys that could not be denied.

Heleva Risque deftly weaved a story that kept me eagerly turning the pages as she unravels the shared bond of trauma and love between these four MCs. If you are looking for a nice relaxing book to read, this isn’t it. But if you are looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat with a fascinating yet scary storyline with lots of angst and suspense, this may be a great book for you.

[Sixella MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small Business BookTok ARC Reviews: “Cruel Games” by Helluva Risque

Note: This ARC was given to me for free by the author and I am reviewing this book voluntarily.

After witnessing the death of her father at the hands of three masked men, Ivy Cullough is out on a mission to hunt down the perpetrators and quench her thirst for revenge. When she confronts Dingo, Jackal, and Coyote, members of Neon Dogs and the masked men in question, she will soon realize that everything she fought for, everything she thought she knew about her father..Was a lie!

From the author of “Cruel Lies” comes the second installment in the “Port Wylde” series! This page-turning Dark Romance was a fascinating read that not only delivers on the action and tension, but really makes you think on the theme of Vigilantism vs Consequences. Most of the characters throughout the book have either made or would try to take action through violent means in the name of justice.

While good intentioned and warranted, the book makes you reflect on the following questions; Can innocent family members or friends of a criminalized individual that is attacked be traumatically impacted by said action when unaware of their crimes? How do they seek help or find support when they eventually come to terms with the truth? Could there have been another way to seek justice or was Utilitarianism necessary? Risque's writing acts as a literary double-edged sword, acting as both a tale of justice as solace and a cautionary tale about the dangers of obsessing over revenge. Ready to start the new year Port Wylde? Don't miss out on this book when it hits online shelves on January 15, 2025!

Rating: 5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Meter: 5/5 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶

-Tropes to Expect: Femme Fatale Protagonist, Femme Rage, Revenge Mission Narrative, Why-Choose, Enemies-to-Lovers, Morally Grey Protagonists, Masked Men, and Secrets and Lies.

-Trigger Warnings: Vigilantism vs Consequences, Discussions of Mental Health, Family Conflicts, Discussions of Domestic Abuse, and Discussions and Depictions of Crime Against Individuals.

[Keri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like its predecessor, Cruel Games is pitch black and full of triggers--and I love it! Heleva Risque has a knack for writing dark romances with complicated, interesting, and relatable characters and stories that leave her readers wanting more. The Killers of Port Wylde series is not for the faint of heart, as Cruel Lies and Cruel Games have more dark than romance, but the relationships between the somewhat deranged and morally gray (but insanely hot) MCs are always as fascinating as they are fun, if a little inexplicable.

In Cruel Games, dominant, feisty, and sassy Ivy, hardened by life and hell-bent on revenge, meets conscientious masked killers for hire Jackal, Dingo, and Coyote and forces herself into their life of crime with no intention of falling for the habitually fearless, stubborn, and wild men, whom she knows as the Neon Dogs and her father's murderers. Fortunately for the readers, they all fall fast and hard in the only way they--as damaged as they are--understand love, which leads to many funny, heartbreaking, intimate, and steamy moments as Ivy slowly learns the truth about her three obsessive and possessive dogs and the man she considered an admirable father.

This emotional and intriguing book has various dark themes and tropes, including gore, murder, pain, trauma, and violence, as well as dubcon, power imbalance, SA (off-page), and stalking. While I would have welcomed more romance to balance all that out, as well as more information on how the Neon Dogs became the Neon Dogs, Heleva wrote a satisfying, well-written story that ends on a tantalizing cliffhanger to prepare readers for the next book, which I'm so excited to read.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every second of Ivy and the Dogs story! It was raw, emotional and truly heartbreaking at times. I loved all the characters and their unique personalities. I think this is one of the few times with a reverse harem that I pretty much like all the guys equally.

Ivy was a truly broken character and I felt so bad for her. My heart went out to her as she never should have had to go through all that. She lost her innocence and it destroyed her inside and it was devastating to watch her suffer. I am amazed by her tenacity though and how strong she became all on her own.

I wish we could have gotten a little deeper look at each of the guys backstory. I realize that would have made the book exceedingly long but I enjoyed the characters so much and wanted to know everything about them, their experiences before the Guild. I loved Jackal's sassy personality and how he had a quip for everything. Coyote was the most endearing and the one I wanted to hug the most. Dingo was definitely the most mature and reserved. He took the longest for me to warm up to but by the end I loved him as much as the other guys.

This is a dark story so make sure to check the triggers but it's so worth it. Ivy and her Dogs journey was so entertaining and in it's own way uplifting. Seeing the bonds they formed in their rag tag group was heartwarming. The writing was so well done and drew me immediately into the story and I didn't want to let go. I would highly recommend it!!!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vengeance At Its Best!

Cruel Games is book 2 in the Killers of Port Wylde series. You can definitely read Cruel Games as a standalone book but I recommend starting from book 1, Cruel Lies, since it takes place in the same twisted and fascinating world Heleva Risque has developed for our enjoyment!

Dark, dirty, deranged and totally entertaining is where it’s at when you put 4 maniacal killers together in one incredible story. You will be constantly on edge while enjoying the brisk pace, intriguing plot and complex and twisted characters of Cruel Games. Heleva Risque never shies away from the violence, torment, and danger each character seems to find or create themselves.

It is so rare to find a female antagonist. Ivy should be an unlikable character but I couldn’t help but feel for her and fall into her story; a traumatized woman seeking redemption but not knowing the truth about the secrets and lies that have formed her psyche her identity and her heart.

The Neon Dogs; Jackal, Dingo and Coyote are the epitome of morally grey and edging into the blackest black, yet, they stole my heart, each in their own special and wicked way!

Heleva has created quite a tease about the next book in the series and I cannot wait to get another deadly taste of the Killers of Port Wylde!

[TheSugaredBookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true dark romance!!

This right here, this is what dark romance dreams are made of!!! wow oh wow!!
This is the second book of the Killers of Port Wylde series. As much as I loved the first book (Cruel Lies), I think I loved book 2 even more. They are completely different storylines, each book is a standalone and so good! For me, the game changer was Ivy! She was such a forcenyi be reckoned with type of character, so hellbent on revenge. Her need for vengeance has completely controlled her entire adult life. She's this dominatrix of a character. She's tough, takes no crap and is just overall fierce. Is she a little batty... Yea, maybe. She's just not willing to let anything stand in her way from her ultimate goal of the truth. Especially not Jackal, Dingo and Coyote. I loved the push and pull of this relationship! We saw these guys in book 1 and it's crazy to think they're the voices of reason in this book. Just imagine Harley Quinn in a RH with 3 scary/violent assassins. These guys secretly have a moral compass, so the twist in this story left me speechless and crying for Ivy.
Duh, there's lots of steam! It's dark, twisty, and spicy- everything we love and expect from Heleva Risque! I'm addicted to this series and cannot wait to see what she does with the next Guild team!!

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew such feral creatures could be so poetic about things. It's also nice to see a FMC be the dominant one and these scary, tough killers brought to their knees by her. Learning their subservient desires surprising themselves and each other. The sarcasm and taunts they all have is unparalleled. All of their inner monolog is hilarious. Feels like what a true reaction would be, not some wild sh*t that is unrelatable and unrealistic.

Miss Risque uses words, phrases, and such that is different from the norm. Not the same old lines from every book you read. A refreshing change that makes this wonderful work of art a majestic masterpiece. There are not many who can make me feel so deeply while reading a book.

The Neon Dogs of The Guild, the mask wearing, dirt bike riding, scary killers, being brought to their knees by little Ivy is very well done.

Ivy's reaction when she learns the truth is so genuine. It made my heart hurt for her. The mental breakdowns are so real. Not many people have the balls to dive that deep into it. I love the depth of it truly shown, not just mentioned and go on.

And that ending.........WOW! I can't wait for the Commando's book to see where this is going! I can't give anymore away, you have to read this for yourself to find more excitement in The Guild!

Please be sure to check the TW if you have ANY triggers.

[Emmabella626 · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and foremost I cannot stress read the warnings before proceeding into Porte Wylde this is like Purgue and Arkham Asylum had a dysfuntional love affair and every cahracter is their love child.

Now that I gave you the warning Cruel Games is the standalone that can be use as a tandem book read (and yes I found out that exist) along with its prodecessor Cruel Lies.

Ivy has been striken with grief, trauma and craves revenge on the men that stole her life from her: The Neon Dogs. While playing copycat and cat and mouse (I'll let you figure out whom is who); Ive slowly starts getting under the Dogs' skin by little tricks and treats that leave them chasing their tails all around town.

When the Dogs and Ivy are finally meet it is a game of Music Chairs, Mercy, and Chicken all in one with a few not so fun toys in Ivy's arsenal.

Join these found three dogs and the kitty with claws on a journey that is nothing like homeward bound. If you love broken heroines and twisted masked men the second installation of Killers of Port Wylde is right up your alley. Just be careful in the South way area...its worst than the Guild...

Every dog wants their bone and Ivy is good enough for the Neons to hold to and never let go. Too bad that Ivy is not going down swing...well at least without a metal bat that is.

You've been warned.

[Kassey J · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the first book well enough I rated it a 3. But this one i can't rate above a 2. The synopsis made me think the fmc might open her eyes pretty early in the book but that's not it at all. 300 something pages in and she's still denying shit with it in her face. A review also made me think I'd start to maybe like her (the fmc) as the story goes on, but once again, I was mistaken. Like she became a bit more likable, but she was still annoying. I started to like her a little bit more around the last 2 chapters. Another thing the review said was there's was twists and turns but really it was a pretty straight forward book with no twists and no turns so idk what they read but it wasnt the same thing i read. Ill say I liked the mmc that's the only reason it's getting a 2. I just wish neon dogs would have gotten a better story and honestly a more likable fmc. Also I have another issue but it's a spoilerish problem so imma add below this.



***SPOILER ALERT BELOW***



It kinda annoyed me we were told coyote was a feral child but it never told us why. We heard he had parents but then all of a sudden he's being raised by animals? Idk it just annoyed me that it wasn't fully explained it was more like a half thought to me. Though it would of been a cool part of the plot if it was more intricated and explained.

[Jessica DeVita]

I devoured Cruel Games in just over 3 days, and it’s no surprise—this dark, spicy, enemies-to-lovers romance had me hooked from the start!

Ivy, the female lead, is seeking revenge against the Neon Dogs after a traumatic event in her past. She stalks them, steals their kills, and plans her payback—only for hatred to turn into lust. At first, I didn’t like Ivy, but as her story unfolded, I found myself really connecting with her. She’s a strong yet broken character, and her journey is full of twists and emotional depth.

The plot is full of secrets, dark themes, and seriously hot spice. The chemistry between Ivy and the Neon Dogs—Jackal, Dingo, and Coyote—is electric, each man bringing something unique to the table. Coyote, in particular, stole my heart, though I would’ve loved more spice between him and the others.

The book has some slower moments in the second half, but it ends with a cliffhanger that has me dying to know what happens next. The emotional depth, twists, and hot romance make it a must-read for fans of dark, edgy stories.

Thank you to Heleva Risqué for letting me read this—Cruel Games was everything I hoped for and more. Can’t wait for the next book!

Note: Check trigger warnings before reading.

[TrishSparklerReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

@TrishSparklerReads Bookstagram:

“Cruel Games” by Heleva Risqué
Series: Killers of Port Wylde, Book 2
Genre: Reverse Harem Dark Romance
POV: Multiple

Rating: 5⭐️
Spice: 4 🌶️
Darkness: 5🩶

Highlights:
🖤Why Choose?/Polyamory
🖤Enemies to Lovers
🖤FemDom/Men Who Are Dogs
🖤Hitmen
🖤Virgin MMC
🖤Band of Brothers/Chosen Family

Thoughts:
This was suck a wild ride, filled with hate f*cking, lots of death and dismemberment and a strong sassy woman who takes revenge to the next level. I loved the MMCs they were each so deep and unique. Coyote was a shy virgin who barely spoke, Dingo was a playboy Aussie with a sexy accent and Jackal was a feisty brat who finds he likes a bit of pain when he’s in Ivy’s hands. This was a six out of five for me even though it was a bit less spicy than I normally like. If you like vengeance on societies scum of the earth and don’t mind a LOT OF violence, you will love this dark romance.

🛑Please read all the author warnings as themes and events depicted in this book could be triggering. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Risque does dark right. This book goes there at every turn. If you read the first book in this series, you know. We are back in Port Wylde with the Guild. Up next is the Neon Dogs. I will tell you. I did not read the first book in this series, but I will be reading it as soon as I get a free moment. These books are definitely standalones. You did not have to read the previous book to get immersed in this world.

Jackal, Dingo and Coyote made up the Neon Dogs. They wore masks and carried bats. They gave Ivy Cullough purpose when they took her father away from her. They had to pay and Ivy was going to be the one to dole out their punishment. Ivy walked away from her life for this mission. Everything she did was to get closer to the Neon Dogs so she could exact her revenge. Readers will have to read this book to believe it.

All of them had issues that brought them to this point in their lives. Will the things they have in common bring them together? Will Ivy find out the truth? Readers will feel surprising emotions for all the characters in this book. That is one thing Ms. Risque does well. Readers will understand these characters despite the darkness that they exude.

[Jordan Fiest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cruel Games is book two of the Killers of Port Wylde Series.

Ivy goes through a lot of mental revelations throughout this story. We really see Ivy as a very determined individual. She cannot accept failure as she feels she owes it to someone close to her to get the justice they deserve. There are a lot of secrets which are being kept from her, but it is up to her to discover them. We get to see a whirlwind of her thoughts and emotions throughout the course of her discovering all of these secrets and her revelations about all she's believed in.

I loved Coyote! He was my favourite of the three guys. He was a bit of a cinnamon roll and I do love those characters. He was soft and caring when it came to Ivy. He was the heart of the group and really brought them all together to be a solid unit. Whenever we had a chapter from his perspective I squealed a little. He was everything I wanted and more.

This was an exciting and interesting addition to the series. I loved the first book and I love this one just as much!

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cruel Games" is the latest book in Heleva Risque's Killers of Port Wylde series, and it's definitely a wild ride. This time, we get to see things from the perspective of the Neon Dogs, a group of assassins who are pretty messed up.
The story follows Ivy, a young woman who's trying to avenge her father's death. She ends up getting tangled up with the Neon Dogs, and things get complicated pretty quickly. There's a lot of suspense and action, and the plot keeps you guessing.
I thought the Neon Dogs were interesting characters. They each have their own distinct personalities and backstories, which makes them feel more realistic. Jackal is the serious one, Dingo is more laid-back, and Coyote is just plain scary. It was interesting to see how Ivy interacted with each of them.
Risque's writing is pretty good. She does a good job of creating a dark and gritty atmosphere, and the story flows well. There are some intense scenes.
Overall, I enjoyed "Cruel Games." It's a good choice if you're looking for a dark romance with a bit of suspense. Just don't expect it to be a light and fluffy read.

[Leigh's Little Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Cruel Lies, which i loved! I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book! I wanted more from the Neon Dogs, and the author delivered!

As expected, it was so so good! To be honest, I couldn't stand Ivy. It's not often where I've disliked a fmc in a dark romance book with her morally grey men, but this time around I absolutely loved the dogs straight away, but it took a long time for me to like Ivy.

The themes are dark, the spice is spicy, and the writer has done a fantastic job of keeping me hooked. I adored Coyote, and I hated that Ivy treated him badly. Even though she had her own issues to deal with, so did he. He is a great character 🥰 All the Dogs are! Each one has their own little quirks and characteristics that pull you in.

I like the little mentions of the skeleton crew and the other members of the Guild, and after the ending I'm sure we are going to find out more on another group of the institution in the next book!

There are many triggers in this book, and I suggest you check them out before reading it, but I really enjoyed it!

[Alyx Reese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivy has had a vendetta for the three men who killed her father for years. Her life has revolved around finding them and making them pay.

Jackal, Dingo, and Coyote do their job. While they are all three very different, they have the same endgame and that is to get paid and keep their place. They are not prepared for Ivy and she catches them, literally, by surprise. The dynamics between Ivy and each of the men is as different as each of them. But it highlights not only her trauma and needs but theirs as individuals. All four of them have some serious twisted darkness rolling around inside, dealing with it is an emotional roller coaster ride for the reader. The action and violence we’ve come to expect from Heleva’s books is still present, as is the hot smutty sex, no I’m not giving any spoilers, but trust me, it is so good.

I really loved this book. It was way more mentally and emotionally wrenching than her previous books. If she’s going to wreck me like that, can I at least get a bonus sex scene or five?

[Javi Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

HELEVA WHAT DO YOU DO TO ME AND WHY YOUR BOOKS ARE SO ADDICTING?

🩵We follow Ivy in her journey of finding revenge for the death of her dad, she saw him die and she knows who they were, her only goal is her revenge on the 3 men that she saw killing her dad.. when she has the perfect opportunity for her revenge she takes it but…. Something happen and changes everything

❤️Coyote, Jakal and dingo are part of the neon dogs, a group that are paid killers, and only kill people that deserves it they are part of the guild a very respected and well known group of people that are paid killers and the most dangerous people, I loved coyote he was the sweet of the group and you can see his development as a person through the book❤️‍🩹 Dingo was an in between of jakal and coyote, sometimes being sweet and sometimes being an asshole 🙂‍↕️ I still loved him
And jakal the total asshole that has a had time listening to his feelings and he’s in denial all the time 😭🤍 I loved him too

They complete each other and it’s like the perfect combination… she’s theirs and they are hers

⭐️: 5
🌶️:3

[Bliss · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS

OMG I'VE BEEN IN THE LARGEST READING SLUMP OF MY LIFE AND I HATE IT HERE...
Anyways, I FINALLY was able to finish which btw... AMAZING?? HELLO?
THANK YOU MS. RISQUE FOR THIS ARC READ!!

omg like I absolutely adored the premise of the book. I think the first book was definitely better, but it doesn't mean this one was bad by any means. I just felt less connected to these characters. It felt sooo rushed at the end too. The story line was also predictable unfortunately. I do love however our female FMC being the the badass she was and how she held her dogs literally on leashes. It was severely hot to see such men fall to her command. As i said before, I wish there was more towards the end like I said. Like we barely got to see her in action officially accepted rather than a "burden". I hated it bc I wanted to see more of our "Hyena". All in all, a good book! Maybe its my reading slump and I'll re-read it eventually. But for now, this book will sit as my perfect arc read in my kindle LOL