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Cruel Love
Willow
Peartree House. A home where girls were taught discipline. A home where they were taught how to please powerful men.
But I was different. I never understood why I wasn't trained like the other girls, but I was content with being a shadow no one noticed.
Until that changed, and a man with a black heart claimed me for himself.
He told me he'd never love me, and that my only use was to please him and give him an heir.
He was cruel. Vicious. A man I hated with every part of me. A man I could never fall in love with.
Or so I thought...
James
Legion. A powerful secret society I was destined to lead one day.
Until my father threw a curve ball. If I didn't marry and produce an heir, he would hand over my legacy to someone I despised.
I didn't want a wife, but I wanted Legion. So I agreed to his terms.
She was a means to an end. I would never love her. Never show her affection. Never need her for anything more than to give me an heir.
Or so I thought...
This is book one in an interconnected dark romance series but can be read as a standalone.
Peartree House. A home where girls were taught discipline. A home where they were taught how to please powerful men.
But I was different. I never understood why I wasn't trained like the other girls, but I was content with being a shadow no one noticed.
Until that changed, and a man with a black heart claimed me for himself.
He told me he'd never love me, and that my only use was to please him and give him an heir.
He was cruel. Vicious. A man I hated with every part of me. A man I could never fall in love with.
Or so I thought...
James
Legion. A powerful secret society I was destined to lead one day.
Until my father threw a curve ball. If I didn't marry and produce an heir, he would hand over my legacy to someone I despised.
I didn't want a wife, but I wanted Legion. So I agreed to his terms.
She was a means to an end. I would never love her. Never show her affection. Never need her for anything more than to give me an heir.
Or so I thought...
This is book one in an interconnected dark romance series but can be read as a standalone.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2025
182 people are currently reading
1309 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
May 4, 2025
The trauma runs deep in this one, so check the triggers. After you check the triggers, check them again and then proceed with caution ⚠️ Despite the forewarning, I was a fan of this plot!
This was set in a dystopian world with a clear power imbalance. By this, I mean that the men had all the power and the women had sh*t all. They were moulded into objects of desire and seen as a commodity. Think ‘The Handmaid's Tale’ or ‘Red Sparrow’ (J-Law with a Russian accent).
The two main characters were forced into a marriage of convenience. The MMC because of obligation (secret society drama) and the FMC because of nothing. She wasn’t given a choice in the first place.
You won’t instantly fall in love with the MMC because frankly, he was a bit of a pr*ck in the beginning. He didn’t see the FMC as more than a possession and so his treatment of her was poor…hence some of the trigger warnings 😬
Don’t worry his behaviours did get better, but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t blowing hot and cold a lot of the time. The man could be inconsistent. However, he could also be affectionate, protective and extremely doting when he was around his niece. Give him time…
Usually, I’m not a fan of meek characters, but I liked the FMC. She was more than meets the eye and needed time to develop into a stronger character. In her upbringing, disrespect resulted in severe punishments, so she knew how to placate outsiders to keep a low profile.
This is definitely a 3.5, but I’m going to round it to a 4. I might change this later because I wasn’t in love with the last couple of chapters.
Overall, I liked how different the story was. Again, if you have an issue, specifically with Dub-con, Non-con, a morally grey/ morally pitch black MMC and a long list of other things, maybe give this one a miss.
This was set in a dystopian world with a clear power imbalance. By this, I mean that the men had all the power and the women had sh*t all. They were moulded into objects of desire and seen as a commodity. Think ‘The Handmaid's Tale’ or ‘Red Sparrow’ (J-Law with a Russian accent).
The two main characters were forced into a marriage of convenience. The MMC because of obligation (secret society drama) and the FMC because of nothing. She wasn’t given a choice in the first place.
You won’t instantly fall in love with the MMC because frankly, he was a bit of a pr*ck in the beginning. He didn’t see the FMC as more than a possession and so his treatment of her was poor…hence some of the trigger warnings 😬
Don’t worry his behaviours did get better, but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t blowing hot and cold a lot of the time. The man could be inconsistent. However, he could also be affectionate, protective and extremely doting when he was around his niece. Give him time…
Usually, I’m not a fan of meek characters, but I liked the FMC. She was more than meets the eye and needed time to develop into a stronger character. In her upbringing, disrespect resulted in severe punishments, so she knew how to placate outsiders to keep a low profile.
This is definitely a 3.5, but I’m going to round it to a 4. I might change this later because I wasn’t in love with the last couple of chapters.
Overall, I liked how different the story was. Again, if you have an issue, specifically with Dub-con, Non-con, a morally grey/ morally pitch black MMC and a long list of other things, maybe give this one a miss.
May 18, 2025
The story is very good and entertaining. What anger me is the mmc who is the worst person in the world. The author put some good actions that he has done, but is unforgivable what he does with his wife.
Unfortunately.
Unfortunately.
March 19, 2025
This is a dark romance remember that before diving in!
He needs a wife to keep a hold on his legacy from his father. She’s apart of this house to be sold to the highest bidder so they can have their way with them.
He decides to go to the house to buy a wife, but when he sets his eyes on her he knows instantly she will be his. He just keeps telling himself and her that he will never love her.
She is used to torture and punishment. When she meets him it’s the same old story. Until one day she gets a glimpse on who the real man is under all that mask.
He needs a wife to keep a hold on his legacy from his father. She’s apart of this house to be sold to the highest bidder so they can have their way with them.
He decides to go to the house to buy a wife, but when he sets his eyes on her he knows instantly she will be his. He just keeps telling himself and her that he will never love her.
She is used to torture and punishment. When she meets him it’s the same old story. Until one day she gets a glimpse on who the real man is under all that mask.
March 26, 2025
E. K. adds crack or something to these books because every one of them I’ve eaten right up!
Cruel Love is no different. James might be an alphahole, but whew, his mouth and the things he does. Willow is so innocent and pure. I loved her from the beginning.
Their story is hot & spicy but underneath there’s that added layer of the sweet side of James, too. He doesn’t show it often and most time you have to read between the lines to see it.
Every new book I read by E. K. is deemed my favorite and I can’t wait to see what’s coming next in this
- age gap
- dub con
- alpha hole
- he denies his feelings
- forced marriage
- secret society
Cruel Love is no different. James might be an alphahole, but whew, his mouth and the things he does. Willow is so innocent and pure. I loved her from the beginning.
Their story is hot & spicy but underneath there’s that added layer of the sweet side of James, too. He doesn’t show it often and most time you have to read between the lines to see it.
Every new book I read by E. K. is deemed my favorite and I can’t wait to see what’s coming next in this
- age gap
- dub con
- alpha hole
- he denies his feelings
- forced marriage
- secret society
April 1, 2025
Oh Willow. I feel so bad for everything she had to deal with in her life.
James gets better over time, even if it’s little by little.
The ending felt rushed but I’m glad to know they’ll be making appearances in future books.
James gets better over time, even if it’s little by little.
The ending felt rushed but I’m glad to know they’ll be making appearances in future books.
August 3, 2025
Stockholm Syndrome alert!
April 13, 2025
Vi que recomendaban este libro en un grupo de Facebook y pensé: ¿una sociedad secreta y dark romance que además está en Kindle Unlimited? Tengo que leerlo.
Así que me adentré en este libro (en inglés) que en principio tenía buena pinta con el misterio de la sociedad secreta y tal, pero es bastante turbio, no llega a la vida de Anna (dudo que haya muchas cosas que le lleguen al nivel a ese libro), pero si es bastante turbio el tema de criar a niñas que salen de las calles para que gente rica se la lleve a su casa (al menos lo hacen a los 18 años) y haga lo que les dé la gana con ellas.
El punto es que se comenta varias veces que les hacen un lavado de cerebro y además la educación a las que las someten incluye prácticas sexuales, así que podéis imaginar lo turbio que es todo.
Pero a nuestra protagonista no le hacen eso porque es especial, solo le pegan un montón de latigazos y le crean un trauma horrible porque les beneficia a ellos y a la trama.
El protagonista masculino es un gilipollas. Se supone que es malo porque mata gente, pero es bueno porque no es tan malo como los otros malos. A la vez es un misántropo egoísta con escasos recursos de gestión emocional que la paga siempre con la pobre chica.
No sé cómo se han enamorado, es el típico cliché de estás tremendo y eres el único en mi vida que no ha sido un completo cabrón conmigo así que te quiero.
No seguiré leyendo la saga porque no me ha gustado la relación que ni siquiera puedo considerar romántica.
Así que me adentré en este libro (en inglés) que en principio tenía buena pinta con el misterio de la sociedad secreta y tal, pero es bastante turbio, no llega a la vida de Anna (dudo que haya muchas cosas que le lleguen al nivel a ese libro), pero si es bastante turbio el tema de criar a niñas que salen de las calles para que gente rica se la lleve a su casa (al menos lo hacen a los 18 años) y haga lo que les dé la gana con ellas.
El punto es que se comenta varias veces que les hacen un lavado de cerebro y además la educación a las que las someten incluye prácticas sexuales, así que podéis imaginar lo turbio que es todo.
Pero a nuestra protagonista no le hacen eso porque es especial, solo le pegan un montón de latigazos y le crean un trauma horrible porque les beneficia a ellos y a la trama.
El protagonista masculino es un gilipollas. Se supone que es malo porque mata gente, pero es bueno porque no es tan malo como los otros malos. A la vez es un misántropo egoísta con escasos recursos de gestión emocional que la paga siempre con la pobre chica.
No sé cómo se han enamorado, es el típico cliché de estás tremendo y eres el único en mi vida que no ha sido un completo cabrón conmigo así que te quiero.
No seguiré leyendo la saga porque no me ha gustado la relación que ni siquiera puedo considerar romántica.
March 29, 2025
James embodies the title of the book to a T, but when it comes to Willow he will burn down the world for her.
You can feel James's cruelty radiate from the start. His hand has been forced by both his father and his cousin. His birthright threatened and to secure it he must marry and produce an heir.
A visit to Peartree House and James's world tilts on its axis when he sets his sight on Willow. He wants her and no one else.
Willow has spent the last 8 years at Peartree House, 10 years prior to that she has no recollection of her life. All she has known is pain, pain she's learned to control.
But when she comes face to face with James she's exchanged one hell for another and on her 18th birthday she's wed to him. There's no escape.
Willow is a submissive, through and through, and this pleases James to a degree, because he can mold her, teach her how to take care of him.
Willow's presence unnerves James, she is getting under his skin, it's changing him and he doesn't like it. And when they're forced to attend a dinner at his father's place, it raises more questions than answers and when James can't handle Willow's presence any longer does he let her go, only to chase her through the woods and when he sees the state she's in, something inside him snaps, his feelings towards her change.
James becomes more attentive to Willow. Caring for her, protecting her. But there is more to her, and when he queries her past, he pushes her, not fathoming that her trauma is deeply rooted to the scars that she wears.
Because there are those that will do whatever it takes to keep there secrets, secret and Willow threatens the very foundation, and when things begin to click into place and James learns the truth, that Willow is Legion, and the woman who was responsible for her pain, is her family, does Willow's world shatter and it pains James to let her go. Because he knows that this is not the life for her, even when he's laid to rest their enemies.
And in the end, when James finally admits his feelings for Willow, that he loves her, does she reciprocate the same feelings, because a life without Willow is not worth living without her by his side.
James is an MMC you will love to hate, and hate to love but for Willow his love for her is all encompassing. There tumultuous relationship developed throughout the story but in the end they finally found there way back to each other.
Those smexy scenes were downright steamy, spicy, sinfully dirty, wickedly filthy, deliciously depraved and hot. Because when it comes to Willow, James owns every ounce of her pleasure and pain, their passion for eachother igniting the pages and he wouldn't have it any other way.
Highly recommend both the author and the book.
Here's to anticipating book 2 - Jackson and Kiera's story.
I received an ARC. Therefore, I am submitting a voluntary review.
You can feel James's cruelty radiate from the start. His hand has been forced by both his father and his cousin. His birthright threatened and to secure it he must marry and produce an heir.
A visit to Peartree House and James's world tilts on its axis when he sets his sight on Willow. He wants her and no one else.
Willow has spent the last 8 years at Peartree House, 10 years prior to that she has no recollection of her life. All she has known is pain, pain she's learned to control.
But when she comes face to face with James she's exchanged one hell for another and on her 18th birthday she's wed to him. There's no escape.
Willow is a submissive, through and through, and this pleases James to a degree, because he can mold her, teach her how to take care of him.
Willow's presence unnerves James, she is getting under his skin, it's changing him and he doesn't like it. And when they're forced to attend a dinner at his father's place, it raises more questions than answers and when James can't handle Willow's presence any longer does he let her go, only to chase her through the woods and when he sees the state she's in, something inside him snaps, his feelings towards her change.
James becomes more attentive to Willow. Caring for her, protecting her. But there is more to her, and when he queries her past, he pushes her, not fathoming that her trauma is deeply rooted to the scars that she wears.
Because there are those that will do whatever it takes to keep there secrets, secret and Willow threatens the very foundation, and when things begin to click into place and James learns the truth, that Willow is Legion, and the woman who was responsible for her pain, is her family, does Willow's world shatter and it pains James to let her go. Because he knows that this is not the life for her, even when he's laid to rest their enemies.
And in the end, when James finally admits his feelings for Willow, that he loves her, does she reciprocate the same feelings, because a life without Willow is not worth living without her by his side.
James is an MMC you will love to hate, and hate to love but for Willow his love for her is all encompassing. There tumultuous relationship developed throughout the story but in the end they finally found there way back to each other.
Those smexy scenes were downright steamy, spicy, sinfully dirty, wickedly filthy, deliciously depraved and hot. Because when it comes to Willow, James owns every ounce of her pleasure and pain, their passion for eachother igniting the pages and he wouldn't have it any other way.
Highly recommend both the author and the book.
Here's to anticipating book 2 - Jackson and Kiera's story.
I received an ARC. Therefore, I am submitting a voluntary review.
September 27, 2025
Poor Willow deserved so much bette, my heart just broke for her and everything she went through.
But James he has to be one of the worst MMCs ever.
The author tried to sprinkle in some “good moments” but honestly, nothing makes up for the way he treated his wife.
He was supposed to be this dark, mysterious type, but instead he was just moody, entitled, rude, and completely irredeemable.
He didn’t even bother trying to make things right after all the pain he caused Willow.
But James he has to be one of the worst MMCs ever.
The author tried to sprinkle in some “good moments” but honestly, nothing makes up for the way he treated his wife.
He was supposed to be this dark, mysterious type, but instead he was just moody, entitled, rude, and completely irredeemable.
He didn’t even bother trying to make things right after all the pain he caused Willow.
December 29, 2025
Willow, very sweet and submissive, forced to marry James, a secret society enforcer. This story had intrigue and lots of steam, a true antihero as the MMC who stayed true to character. In some ways the plot was predictable. There were not unexpected reveals, no twists I had to figured out. The attraction was insta. Also, somehow I wasn’t as fond of the hero even though I love a bad guy. His coming around to Willow lacked a little authenticity given his treatment of her. I wouldn’t have minded her coming into herself more to be a bit more strong against James. I did not want a grovel, but I think he could have worked for it more.
Good story overall.
Good story overall.
April 3, 2025
I really wanted/expected MORE smut from this book 😂. It was an okay read tho 🫡.
April 21, 2025
This book is elegantly brutal, with plot shaped by cold-blooded contracts and building hatred, with a tremendously detailed design that made me shiver! Willow, a child raised in the shadows of a house designed to control women, is neither sweetened for affection nor affection-starved—she is inexperienced, pure, and naively dangerous. James is a chaos of secrets and supremacy, wrapped in hot-and-cold beauty that stings like ecstasy, their flammable chemistry is fight and craving disguised as duty. The structure of their bound proximity and slow approach seemed like seeing two stars about to explode! The atmosphere clung to my skin, frigid with fear, burning with need, and always compulsive!
.
Every page of this novel has been saturated with deliciously antagonistic tension, razor-sharp banter ricocheted like knives between them, each remark soaked in hatred, every word a sin, this was beautifully bitter, with a savage thirsting boiling beneath vicious stares and hate-soaked kisses. The style was delicious but never delicate, with scenes that melded misery and passion into something unputdownable. I felt it in my chest as she cringed at his touch, then again when she desired it. There is no safe area here; only heat and hatred imprisoned in a cage. The pacing was a slow-burning enchantment, stretching out the pain until you were delirious from it. I loved how the tension never broke—it just grew into something more wonderfully destructive!
.
Willow and James' romance is chaotic and compelling, packed with hatred and delicious in its demise he is vicious, yes, but it is the kind of brutality that masks a nervous desire to control what terrifies him, and Willow, with a delicate resistance, becomes a wildfire he can't control. Their electric push and pull does not ease over time; rather, it burns sharper, cutting want into bone, yet, somewhere behind the ashes of their issues, love dares to develop. That design twist—when wrath meets something warmer—was my undoing!
.
It really was cathartic witnessing two shattered characters fight through their pain in search of something meaningful, the structure held me hostage, the tension remained unchanged, and the emotion—the visceral, unspeakable ache—left me stunned! Cruel love was raw, interesting, and mind-blowing in the most atrocious way, wvery chapter felt like we were choosing anguish over peacefulness, and, in the end, I wanted the pain, because, in this book, suffering is where love inevitably emerges, ten stars are low to rate this masterpiece!
.
Every page of this novel has been saturated with deliciously antagonistic tension, razor-sharp banter ricocheted like knives between them, each remark soaked in hatred, every word a sin, this was beautifully bitter, with a savage thirsting boiling beneath vicious stares and hate-soaked kisses. The style was delicious but never delicate, with scenes that melded misery and passion into something unputdownable. I felt it in my chest as she cringed at his touch, then again when she desired it. There is no safe area here; only heat and hatred imprisoned in a cage. The pacing was a slow-burning enchantment, stretching out the pain until you were delirious from it. I loved how the tension never broke—it just grew into something more wonderfully destructive!
.
Willow and James' romance is chaotic and compelling, packed with hatred and delicious in its demise he is vicious, yes, but it is the kind of brutality that masks a nervous desire to control what terrifies him, and Willow, with a delicate resistance, becomes a wildfire he can't control. Their electric push and pull does not ease over time; rather, it burns sharper, cutting want into bone, yet, somewhere behind the ashes of their issues, love dares to develop. That design twist—when wrath meets something warmer—was my undoing!
.
It really was cathartic witnessing two shattered characters fight through their pain in search of something meaningful, the structure held me hostage, the tension remained unchanged, and the emotion—the visceral, unspeakable ache—left me stunned! Cruel love was raw, interesting, and mind-blowing in the most atrocious way, wvery chapter felt like we were choosing anguish over peacefulness, and, in the end, I wanted the pain, because, in this book, suffering is where love inevitably emerges, ten stars are low to rate this masterpiece!
August 22, 2025
si van a leer este libro, LEAN LAS ADVERTENCIAS. Es todo lo que dicen y peor.
Tengo que admitir que odie a James durante medio libro, pero yo sabía lo que leía.
El misterio que hay en el medio con relación a la identidad de Willow me re mil atrapó.
Hay síndrome de estocolmo así que no puedo quejarme de las decisiones pelotudas que tomó la protagonista...
fue ligero de leer, pase por todas las emociones que existen así que bueno 3,5 ⭐
Tengo que admitir que odie a James durante medio libro, pero yo sabía lo que leía.
El misterio que hay en el medio con relación a la identidad de Willow me re mil atrapó.
Hay síndrome de estocolmo así que no puedo quejarme de las decisiones pelotudas que tomó la protagonista...
fue ligero de leer, pase por todas las emociones que existen así que bueno 3,5 ⭐
April 9, 2025
I have no idea what E.K Hunter puts in the pages of her books but I can’t seem to put them down. I devoured this book! The twists and turns kept me on my toes and I was crying by the end. This book is top tier for dark romance. And it is very dark! So if you pick this up and read it please check the triggers before you do. But this one is in my top 5 books read this year!
December 28, 2025
whoa this was dark, this was cruel and if you have any triggers please watch out before you dive in. (I have none but there was a lot of dark themes).
this story knocked me off my feet, the storyline worked so well and the characters gripped me from the get go.
I want more from their story, an epilogue? anything to see where they go from here..
all in all a gripping great dark read!
this story knocked me off my feet, the storyline worked so well and the characters gripped me from the get go.
I want more from their story, an epilogue? anything to see where they go from here..
all in all a gripping great dark read!
April 11, 2025
I’m sorry but E.K. has done it again! Just when I thought she couldn’t get any better, she presents us with James and Willow 🥵
Peartree house was all Willow knew, until James, the soon-to-be Legion leader, needed a wife and an heir.
As soon as James set his sights on Willow, he knew he would stop at no ends to ensure she was his.
Is it morally wrong? Yes, 100%. Did that stop me from loving it? Nope, not at all.
This book is full of twists and turns that I didn’t expect! Plus, secret society… enough said.
Peartree house was all Willow knew, until James, the soon-to-be Legion leader, needed a wife and an heir.
As soon as James set his sights on Willow, he knew he would stop at no ends to ensure she was his.
Is it morally wrong? Yes, 100%. Did that stop me from loving it? Nope, not at all.
This book is full of twists and turns that I didn’t expect! Plus, secret society… enough said.
March 30, 2025
4.5⭐️ Duro principio, muy buen final
Read
May 19, 2025Wacala
October 7, 2025
Love the audiobook 🌶️🥵
December 20, 2025
The plot was very good and the story was also amazing. I liked this story a lot. And I liked James very much 😭 If there’s such an obsessive guy, it’s really fun
April 10, 2025
Wow!!!
This book as me losing sleep!! The twist you never saw coming as well as brilliant character development I need more!!!!
This book as me losing sleep!! The twist you never saw coming as well as brilliant character development I need more!!!!
May 18, 2025
I love the plot and the whole universe created in this series. It had huge potential to be a 4/5 star read. It could've been a book i would reread over and over again as a fav book of the year actually but it fell so short.
I was all in for how James was acting!! totally hot and totally crazy and cruel! just like the name of the book. However, where did he actually ever have the chance to fall in love with her? for more than 80% of the book, he only screwed her and avoided her...so where was the connection or the bonding?? they like like 2 outings that weren't even dates but forced; one because of his father and the other from his niece.
I also found it hard how Willow could fall for him when she was practically being raped over and over. Thats freakin painful and it was very clearly written how painful it was, especially when it went anal. James still didnt care about her pain when it came to that. He could've at least prepared her a little.
It was very contradictory as he apparently "hated" sexual abuse and the kind of shit he did to his wife. Willow had no personality and barely ever talked. That is completely understandable but again James wanted her to remain submissive and not talk back or ask questions so its just weird. How does love form from all this???
James was amazing to his sister, niece, and his friends like Jackson and Cleo. Like he was a normal guy with them. So for him to become a 180 when it comes to his wife was awkward. I know he was fighting his attraction to her but considering the shit ton of trauma she went through her whole 18 years, you would think he would slowly show kindness and tell her to be more free with what she does. Tell her she could talk freely, or even go wherever she wants, or even keep feeling guilt in his mind because he kept adding to it. but NOPE! She was only in the house(bedroom mostly) or the garden.
The ending was jarring, underwhelming, and disappointing! He kept saying they will pay but they died such simple deaths. Everything throughout the book was solved quickly without even time to digest it slowly and let it pass. I was waiting the entire book to at least see a scene that wasn't sexual where he showed her kindness and love like he did with his friends. Example could be: he took her to a proper date as an epilogue, or told her he will do his best from this point on or apologize or anything to show he has changed and developed as a character. but it just ended with a confession and yup of course sex. this had no impact. plus what happened to Edith??(maybe it will be mentioned in 2nd book)
They couldve has such hot chemistry without all the sex in there. while i enjoyed it, i was waiting for the other percent that would make their relationship FIRE which was connection and development. I did wish we got Willow to bond more with Kiera and Billie as it felt they were there for a plotting service. so it also lacked alot.
He loved his sister and i was expecting for her to also come back home since . I dont know the sibling was a barely there thing. again felt like a plot device. She couldve offered a softer side for Willow to grow and love his family. She couldve added so much dynamic to James's character as well. Pushed him to see something that could change or grow him. I didnt like how kind and how protective he was of Cleo when his wife probably has been through shit ton worse. but I do love Cleos character! she seems kickass.
The Legion: It didnt have much to it to be honest! where was the proper organization and the world building for it. It was just four men who ruled it. Whose to say that not just Eric but Ethan as well could have taken part of the corruption, then Legion itself would be meaningless. It was a poorly executed. Just felt like a family intervention. I was excited before reading this how it couldve been similar to IVI book by Natasha Knight and A.Zavarelli. I love those kinds of Organizations or cult like books. But Legion was not believable as a ruling form of a society at all.
I honestly LOVED THE IDEA OF THIS book and the PLOT of it but it needed so much development to it. There was no angst felt or connection or even bonding as James growth was never done and they were barely together for most part. it makes it hard to believe in their relationship or their love which is a pity!!!
I do hope it changes in the next book with Jackson's story but i doubt it. Ill still read it too see because its such a great concept and i know 100% i really really would've loved this so much if she made he relationships of all the characters more solid and not make every single issue come up be dealt with so quickly.
I was all in for how James was acting!! totally hot and totally crazy and cruel! just like the name of the book. However, where did he actually ever have the chance to fall in love with her? for more than 80% of the book, he only screwed her and avoided her...so where was the connection or the bonding?? they like like 2 outings that weren't even dates but forced; one because of his father and the other from his niece.
I also found it hard how Willow could fall for him when she was practically being raped over and over. Thats freakin painful and it was very clearly written how painful it was, especially when it went anal. James still didnt care about her pain when it came to that. He could've at least prepared her a little.
It was very contradictory as he apparently "hated" sexual abuse and the kind of shit he did to his wife. Willow had no personality and barely ever talked. That is completely understandable but again James wanted her to remain submissive and not talk back or ask questions so its just weird. How does love form from all this???
James was amazing to his sister, niece, and his friends like Jackson and Cleo. Like he was a normal guy with them. So for him to become a 180 when it comes to his wife was awkward. I know he was fighting his attraction to her but considering the shit ton of trauma she went through her whole 18 years, you would think he would slowly show kindness and tell her to be more free with what she does. Tell her she could talk freely, or even go wherever she wants, or even keep feeling guilt in his mind because he kept adding to it. but NOPE! She was only in the house(bedroom mostly) or the garden.
The ending was jarring, underwhelming, and disappointing! He kept saying they will pay but they died such simple deaths. Everything throughout the book was solved quickly without even time to digest it slowly and let it pass. I was waiting the entire book to at least see a scene that wasn't sexual where he showed her kindness and love like he did with his friends. Example could be: he took her to a proper date as an epilogue, or told her he will do his best from this point on or apologize or anything to show he has changed and developed as a character. but it just ended with a confession and yup of course sex. this had no impact. plus what happened to Edith??(maybe it will be mentioned in 2nd book)
They couldve has such hot chemistry without all the sex in there. while i enjoyed it, i was waiting for the other percent that would make their relationship FIRE which was connection and development. I did wish we got Willow to bond more with Kiera and Billie as it felt they were there for a plotting service. so it also lacked alot.
He loved his sister and i was expecting for her to also come back home since . I dont know the sibling was a barely there thing. again felt like a plot device. She couldve offered a softer side for Willow to grow and love his family. She couldve added so much dynamic to James's character as well. Pushed him to see something that could change or grow him. I didnt like how kind and how protective he was of Cleo when his wife probably has been through shit ton worse. but I do love Cleos character! she seems kickass.
The Legion: It didnt have much to it to be honest! where was the proper organization and the world building for it. It was just four men who ruled it. Whose to say that not just Eric but Ethan as well could have taken part of the corruption, then Legion itself would be meaningless. It was a poorly executed. Just felt like a family intervention. I was excited before reading this how it couldve been similar to IVI book by Natasha Knight and A.Zavarelli. I love those kinds of Organizations or cult like books. But Legion was not believable as a ruling form of a society at all.
I honestly LOVED THE IDEA OF THIS book and the PLOT of it but it needed so much development to it. There was no angst felt or connection or even bonding as James growth was never done and they were barely together for most part. it makes it hard to believe in their relationship or their love which is a pity!!!
I do hope it changes in the next book with Jackson's story but i doubt it. Ill still read it too see because its such a great concept and i know 100% i really really would've loved this so much if she made he relationships of all the characters more solid and not make every single issue come up be dealt with so quickly.
November 29, 2025
I would have finished it on the 22nd but I couldnt read for 2 days ! I was so drawn and loved the book ! The ending / twist at the end got me nearly crying . I loved it .
Deffo recommend
Deffo recommend
March 30, 2025
Im a sucker for secret society!!
This book had me on a fine line of hating our mmc James...Very fine line! The way I wanted to jump in and defend Willow! But I kept reading (like a good little reader) and fine..hes redeemable! This had great turns and twists!!
This book had me on a fine line of hating our mmc James...Very fine line! The way I wanted to jump in and defend Willow! But I kept reading (like a good little reader) and fine..hes redeemable! This had great turns and twists!!
March 28, 2025
This is the first book I've read by this author. If you like to read dark smut , this is definitely for you. I had so many questions because most of the plot didn't come until the end , even then it wasn't enough. It was pretty good , I just wanted more back story on legion.
March 28, 2025
OH MY GOD! this book is amazing!!! im so lucky to have received an ARC copy of this and im so excited the whole world gets to meet James and Willow! the journey that willow goes through just to come out on the other side so much stronger!! the twist with Ms. Milligan?! i’m actually obsessed with this book, i wish i could read it again for the first time😩
the forrest scene?!😭 the letter?!😭
“Maybe all we needed was time. Time for me to peel back the layers of darkness, and let that light shine through. Even if he only shined for me.” - 😩😭
the forrest scene?!😭 the letter?!😭
“Maybe all we needed was time. Time for me to peel back the layers of darkness, and let that light shine through. Even if he only shined for me.” - 😩😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2025
Cruel Love Review
By E.K Hunter
Oh My. My favourite author has went and done it again. This is E.K Hunter's new Dark Romance. It is a secret society arranged marriage story. The MMC James is all the walking Red flags that we love, he is really dislikeable at the beginning, but boy is that man all we needed by the end. The FMC Willow has been to hell and back, but she is so strong and such a survivor. I enjoyed this book so much that I had to take time when I finished it before I could get my thoughts out for the review.
I highly recommend that you check all the triggers before reading. But if you think the book is for you then go read it now. You won't regret it.
By E.K Hunter
Oh My. My favourite author has went and done it again. This is E.K Hunter's new Dark Romance. It is a secret society arranged marriage story. The MMC James is all the walking Red flags that we love, he is really dislikeable at the beginning, but boy is that man all we needed by the end. The FMC Willow has been to hell and back, but she is so strong and such a survivor. I enjoyed this book so much that I had to take time when I finished it before I could get my thoughts out for the review.
I highly recommend that you check all the triggers before reading. But if you think the book is for you then go read it now. You won't regret it.
March 28, 2025
Yet another well written dark romance from this author. I experienced many emotions during the course of this book, starting with a heavy dislike of James our MMC. I suspect that you, too, will not immediately take to him, however trust me, that will change over time. Willow is also a more complex character than you may initially think, a true survivor that battles unbelievable odds.
This is a great start to this new series, with clever worldbuilding and characters that grow and develop throughout. I look forward to more tales from this world.
Please take note of the TWs for this book, they are there for a reason.
This is a great start to this new series, with clever worldbuilding and characters that grow and develop throughout. I look forward to more tales from this world.
Please take note of the TWs for this book, they are there for a reason.
April 1, 2025
Fought with everything in me to finish this. The writing was not good, the dialogue felt childish… I couldn’t believe they were adults.
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