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Cruel Union
SLADE
I knew as soon as I saw her that she was MINE.
It's called The Lightning Strike--the feeling a Brute gets when he finds his Fated Mate. I knew Aurora was my Fated Mate, but how could I get her?
She's a Princess but worse, she's Untainted with pure human DNA--they don't want anything to do with my kind. I guess I can't blame her--I'm a criminal after all. A member of the Four Families--Clan Cruel to be exact. Sure we dabble in extortion, gun-running, gambling, and illegal cloning. But that doesn't mean I won't do anything in the universe to make the curvy little human mine and taste her until she moans my name and tugs my horns.
Aurora
All I knew about Slade was that he was the Enforcer from Clan Cruel who collected our Tribute every six months. Muscles strained the expensive suits he wore and his golden eyes followed me everywhere. The way he looked at me made me quiver inside so I tried to avoid him.
I had no idea he had decided I was his Fated Mate.
Apparently, he's been watching me for years and now he sees his opportunity--my foolish younger brother has gambled away all the tribute money. With no other way to pay, I'm forced to accept his proposition--Slade wants to marry me and make me bear his heir. For six months he gets to try to impregnate me. If I get pregnant, I have to stay.
I'm not staying.
I might have to marry the huge Brute, but I'll never have his child.
Author's Note--Cruel Union is a forced marriage, Dark Mafia Romance--the first book in the new Brutal Universe Series.
Enter The Brutal Universe
Years ago everyone who could afford it left the dying Earth and traveled to the stars. There, humanity found that they were not alone—there was plenty of sentient life to connect with…if they wanted to.
A core group of humans refused to have anything to do with the aliens. The Untainted, as they chose to call themselves, have pure human blood in their veins—their DNA has remained unchanged for centuries. They marry each other and do their best to ignore the outsiders—but there are some who are hard to ignore…for instance, the Brutal Crime Lords.
The Brutal Crime Organization operates like the Cosa Nostra back on Dying Earth. Made up of four different Alien Crime families, they rule over whole sectors of the Imperium Galaxy and extract tribute from anyone living in their territory. The Brutes, as they are called, have inhuman lusts. Always searching for their Fated Mate, once they find her, they develop The Thirst which compels them to taste her juices. Some have tails and most have horns. All of them have special equipment that’s big enough to split a woman in two…or give her pleasure beyond her wildest dreams.
When a woman enters a Permanent Binding with a Brute, she can never, ever be free of him.
*Author's Note--I hope you'll enjoy this new series--I wanted to take Mafia Romance themes and tropes and put them in a sci-fi setting filled with cruel and irresistible Alien Mafia Enforcers. Expect to find Love and Betrayal, Enemies to Lovers, and growly, grumpy Morally Grey Heroes determined to find their Fated Mates at all costs.
The Four Families
Clan Cruel--these Alien Mafiosos carry a Darkness inside them that other Clans fear
Clan Savage-- Serpentine blood ensures these Alien Enforcers have fangs and a des
I knew as soon as I saw her that she was MINE.
It's called The Lightning Strike--the feeling a Brute gets when he finds his Fated Mate. I knew Aurora was my Fated Mate, but how could I get her?
She's a Princess but worse, she's Untainted with pure human DNA--they don't want anything to do with my kind. I guess I can't blame her--I'm a criminal after all. A member of the Four Families--Clan Cruel to be exact. Sure we dabble in extortion, gun-running, gambling, and illegal cloning. But that doesn't mean I won't do anything in the universe to make the curvy little human mine and taste her until she moans my name and tugs my horns.
Aurora
All I knew about Slade was that he was the Enforcer from Clan Cruel who collected our Tribute every six months. Muscles strained the expensive suits he wore and his golden eyes followed me everywhere. The way he looked at me made me quiver inside so I tried to avoid him.
I had no idea he had decided I was his Fated Mate.
Apparently, he's been watching me for years and now he sees his opportunity--my foolish younger brother has gambled away all the tribute money. With no other way to pay, I'm forced to accept his proposition--Slade wants to marry me and make me bear his heir. For six months he gets to try to impregnate me. If I get pregnant, I have to stay.
I'm not staying.
I might have to marry the huge Brute, but I'll never have his child.
Author's Note--Cruel Union is a forced marriage, Dark Mafia Romance--the first book in the new Brutal Universe Series.
Enter The Brutal Universe
Years ago everyone who could afford it left the dying Earth and traveled to the stars. There, humanity found that they were not alone—there was plenty of sentient life to connect with…if they wanted to.
A core group of humans refused to have anything to do with the aliens. The Untainted, as they chose to call themselves, have pure human blood in their veins—their DNA has remained unchanged for centuries. They marry each other and do their best to ignore the outsiders—but there are some who are hard to ignore…for instance, the Brutal Crime Lords.
The Brutal Crime Organization operates like the Cosa Nostra back on Dying Earth. Made up of four different Alien Crime families, they rule over whole sectors of the Imperium Galaxy and extract tribute from anyone living in their territory. The Brutes, as they are called, have inhuman lusts. Always searching for their Fated Mate, once they find her, they develop The Thirst which compels them to taste her juices. Some have tails and most have horns. All of them have special equipment that’s big enough to split a woman in two…or give her pleasure beyond her wildest dreams.
When a woman enters a Permanent Binding with a Brute, she can never, ever be free of him.
*Author's Note--I hope you'll enjoy this new series--I wanted to take Mafia Romance themes and tropes and put them in a sci-fi setting filled with cruel and irresistible Alien Mafia Enforcers. Expect to find Love and Betrayal, Enemies to Lovers, and growly, grumpy Morally Grey Heroes determined to find their Fated Mates at all costs.
The Four Families
Clan Cruel--these Alien Mafiosos carry a Darkness inside them that other Clans fear
Clan Savage-- Serpentine blood ensures these Alien Enforcers have fangs and a des
- GenresAliens
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 23, 2024
64 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Evangeline Anderson
301 books5,059 followersEvangeline Anderson is a registered MRI tech who would rather be writing. And yes, she is nerdy enough to have a bumper sticker that says “I’d rather be writing.” Honk if you see her! She is thirty-something and lives in Florida with a husband, a son, and two cats. She had been writing erotic fiction for her own gratification for a number of years before it occurred to her to try and get paid for it. To her delight, she found that it was actually possible to get money for having a dirty mind and she has been writing paranormal and Sci-fi erotica steadily ever since.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 3, 2024
Ugh, the only thing Cruel about this book was that I actually paid money for it. I love Evangeline Anderson books. I’ve read most of her series and enjoyed all of them. This was the first flop for me. It felt like it was lazy writing at times. Like I only got that Slade was gray skinned at 70% of the way through the book. That’s too late to describe your main character! They couldn’t even put a filter on the cover art guy to make him look correct? Lazy. Aurora was so blah. I found her boring. Also, she kept using my new least favorite word - cunny. Nope. I hate it. And the conflict at the end? He was so mad that he kicked her out of her house but she explained to him and was okay with everything just like that. Like he didn’t need proof or anything? I know we needed to wrap up the book but it was too crazy (and this is an alien romance novel and this is the part I find unrealistic). I started just flipping the pages to get this book over with. I’ll still probably give Evangeline another chance but this one made me sad.
June 7, 2025
I’ve been a fan and follower of Evangeline Anderson for several years now, and I have to say..this is easily one of my favorite series she’s written. EA has such a distinctive style, a recognizable “brand” if you will. Her heroes might be gruff, brooding, or even monstrous to their enemies, but when it comes to their women? Total gooey marshmallows. 😍 I listen to a lot of audiobooks-everything from sugary sweet romances to the dark and toxic ones, but I always find myself coming back to EA’s books. Why? Because her heroes are always the “I’ll go to the ends of the earth for you” kind of men. There’s never any cheating, no mistreatment, and while some may carry a touch of Daddy Dom energy, they never cross into intense BDSM territory. What they do offer is complete, unwavering devotion. They treat their women like queens with respect, protection, and reverence. One of EA’s signature strengths is writing heroines who start out sheltered or feeling inadequate, and then grow into their power alongside their fated mates. This story is a perfect example of that dynamic. Aurora is an incredibly sheltered and repressed princess from a planet where women are viewed strictly as child-bearers (think The Handmaid’s Tale level of backward!). Pleasure? That’s for men only. An absolutely absurd notion to Slade, the Mafia Warlord, who discovers her years earlier and knows she’s his fated mate. When her gambling addict brother losing the tribune Slade is there to collect, she finds herself married the Mafia Prince she has often fantasized over. If you're looking for drama and epic battle scenes, this probably isn't the book for you. But if you’re here for spicy, trust-building intimacy? You’re in the right place. Slade is endlessly patient and communicative, helping Aurora unlearn everything toxic she was raised to believe about relationships and intimacy. This is a story of sexual awakening. Of Aurora discovering and embracing her pleasure while feeling safe doing it in Slade’s arms. There’s a moment when Aurora is confronted by a figure from her past and made to feel ashamed of her growth, but Slade shuts that shame down hard, in the best way. Her insecurities almost sabotage their relationship, but as with all of EA’s stories, a HEA is guaranteed. 🖤 While Aurora and Slade’s journey concludes in this book, there’s a tantalizing lead-in to the next couple’s story. I really hope this series continues as I’m completely hooked. The narrators are absolutely fantastic. They brought this world and these characters to life beautifully. Definitely a listen worth grabbing.
November 22, 2024
Evangeline Anderson takes the Reader out of this world with her brand new series. We were introduced to her world in the Brides of the Kindred, then Kindred Tales, scattered with the Alien Mate Index, the Born to Darkness set, Cougarville, the Monstrum series, plus several others. But the Brutal Universe is different from any of the others. The male Slade, a Brutal Crime Lord, is a member of Clan Cruel, a Mafia-style group. The female Aurora is a member of the Untainted.
Earth is dying, and those who could afford it left for the stars. Many found numerous other races they could breed with, forming four different Crime Families. The Brutes are one of the four. The fifth group from Earth decided never to breed with the aliens. By only marrying within their group, they have only the pure DNA from Earth. These are the Untainted. Because of the setting, Ms. Anderson has not offered this type before. However, just as all her others, this one is a keeper. The angst, the heat, and the excitement are all there along with some new elements! The Brutal Universe keeps you reading far into the night.
Earth is dying, and those who could afford it left for the stars. Many found numerous other races they could breed with, forming four different Crime Families. The Brutes are one of the four. The fifth group from Earth decided never to breed with the aliens. By only marrying within their group, they have only the pure DNA from Earth. These are the Untainted. Because of the setting, Ms. Anderson has not offered this type before. However, just as all her others, this one is a keeper. The angst, the heat, and the excitement are all there along with some new elements! The Brutal Universe keeps you reading far into the night.
November 29, 2024
A Thrilling Start to a New Series!
This captivating beginning to a fresh series takes readers into an entirely new universe, distinct from the Kindred world. With original characters, a gripping plot, and a mix of intense emotions, delivers a compelling blend of angst, desire, and dark intrigue.
Slade and Aurora’s slow-burn romance keeps you hooked as their relationship evolves through tension, misunderstandings, and sizzling encounters. The chemistry between them is undeniable, but be prepared—there’s a major twist you won’t see coming!
The story is filled with moments of pulse-pounding tension as evil lurks in multiple forms, creating a constant undercurrent of danger. What sets this book apart is its emotional depth, which resonates long after the last page.
Fans of mafia romance and science fiction will find this series exceptional. It’s a story that grips you emotionally and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a thrilling, multifaceted read.
As always, my book reviews are completely voluntary and unbiased, with no monetary compensation received. All opinions are my own.
This captivating beginning to a fresh series takes readers into an entirely new universe, distinct from the Kindred world. With original characters, a gripping plot, and a mix of intense emotions, delivers a compelling blend of angst, desire, and dark intrigue.
Slade and Aurora’s slow-burn romance keeps you hooked as their relationship evolves through tension, misunderstandings, and sizzling encounters. The chemistry between them is undeniable, but be prepared—there’s a major twist you won’t see coming!
The story is filled with moments of pulse-pounding tension as evil lurks in multiple forms, creating a constant undercurrent of danger. What sets this book apart is its emotional depth, which resonates long after the last page.
Fans of mafia romance and science fiction will find this series exceptional. It’s a story that grips you emotionally and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a thrilling, multifaceted read.
As always, my book reviews are completely voluntary and unbiased, with no monetary compensation received. All opinions are my own.
December 27, 2024
This book was very classic Evangeline Anderson -- we see a lot of the same tropes from her "Brides of the Kindred" series: there's fated mates, compelled mating (for lack of a better word -- the H never, ever forces the h, but due to the nature of their matehood the h becomes monumentally horny for the H and cannot ignore it; she will literally die if they don't DO IT), and the H is often taken over by an unavoidable rage when his beloved is threatened.
I had hoped that this new series would be different from her others, but alas it's not very groundbreaking. It's basically Brides of the Kindred but they're in the mafia. The spicy scenes are all right, really more of the same that we see in her other series. If you like knotting, you'll be, ah, satisfied. I stand in awe of Anderson's ability to churn out book after book after book -- she writes nearly a book a month! I've been writing one book for the last, like, 7 years, for Pete's sake.
So yeah, it's not really anything groundbreaking. The Brutal Universe is really just a darker version of the Kindred Universe, and if you're a fan of Evangeline Anderson you'll like it just fine.
I had hoped that this new series would be different from her others, but alas it's not very groundbreaking. It's basically Brides of the Kindred but they're in the mafia. The spicy scenes are all right, really more of the same that we see in her other series. If you like knotting, you'll be, ah, satisfied. I stand in awe of Anderson's ability to churn out book after book after book -- she writes nearly a book a month! I've been writing one book for the last, like, 7 years, for Pete's sake.
So yeah, it's not really anything groundbreaking. The Brutal Universe is really just a darker version of the Kindred Universe, and if you're a fan of Evangeline Anderson you'll like it just fine.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2024
Great beginning to a new series. This is NOT set in the Kindred universe. This is a whole new series with a new universe and characters. There are some science fiction similarities in the Brutal Universe that Evangeline Anderson has used before, so it will not be a complete shock to her regular readers.
I really enjoyed the power dynamic between Slade and Aurora. Even though Slade had the upper hand from the very beginning, he never forced their relationship past getting married. This is not spoiling anything for future readers as the whole point of the book is that he claims and marries her. It is what he does after the claiming that was so much fun to read. Their developing relationship journey was entertaining.
Cruel Union has a good plot, action, lots of chemistry, and strict relationship/vow rules. I like the new clan characters. They each have a distinctive look to them and an unusual moral code. The ending had a pleasant surprise. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I really enjoyed the power dynamic between Slade and Aurora. Even though Slade had the upper hand from the very beginning, he never forced their relationship past getting married. This is not spoiling anything for future readers as the whole point of the book is that he claims and marries her. It is what he does after the claiming that was so much fun to read. Their developing relationship journey was entertaining.
Cruel Union has a good plot, action, lots of chemistry, and strict relationship/vow rules. I like the new clan characters. They each have a distinctive look to them and an unusual moral code. The ending had a pleasant surprise. I look forward to the next book in the series.
November 23, 2024
This was a captivating read, great characters and wonderful plot that holds you riveted
This was a simply splendid read and I can guarantee that you will love this the first book in the Brutal Universe series.
Aurora and Slade are the main characters in this book and I found the background and their views to be totally riveting reading, once you start reading this plot it is impossible to put the book down because you are kept guessing as to the final outcome which is wonderful.
I guarantee that you will love every moment of this book and guarantee that you will be totally blown away by this amazing read, the circumstances and the story will have you looking forward to the next book in this series.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.
This was a simply splendid read and I can guarantee that you will love this the first book in the Brutal Universe series.
Aurora and Slade are the main characters in this book and I found the background and their views to be totally riveting reading, once you start reading this plot it is impossible to put the book down because you are kept guessing as to the final outcome which is wonderful.
I guarantee that you will love every moment of this book and guarantee that you will be totally blown away by this amazing read, the circumstances and the story will have you looking forward to the next book in this series.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.
November 19, 2024
Such a fantastic angst, lust and evil filled story!
This story definitely put me through the emotions!
Slade and Aurora slowly work their way together.
A huge misunderstanding happens but .... nope you'll find out when you read this.
Through hotter and hotter encounters.
Evil is always lurking in several forms.
However, as this author always does, she creates VERY satisfying ways to........shall we say "remove" at least one of the evil doers, while muting others.
Like I said this was a very satisfying story with enough heat to almost melt my kindle!
I have my fingers crossed that Slade's sister, Jessina finds her own Fated Mate and Hea.
This story definitely put me through the emotions!
Slade and Aurora slowly work their way together.
A huge misunderstanding happens but .... nope you'll find out when you read this.
Through hotter and hotter encounters.
Evil is always lurking in several forms.
However, as this author always does, she creates VERY satisfying ways to........shall we say "remove" at least one of the evil doers, while muting others.
Like I said this was a very satisfying story with enough heat to almost melt my kindle!
I have my fingers crossed that Slade's sister, Jessina finds her own Fated Mate and Hea.
November 25, 2024
A sci-fi mafia romance. This is the first book of the series, and the author does a great job of describing the different clans/mafias that we can expect to see in this one and future books. Slade and Aurora are the two main characters. We see how humans have changed and not in a good way it seems for females. Aurora is a sweet and very smart human female and Slade is the male that will stop at nothing to have his fated mate. But space brings unexpected danger and enemies. The romance builds as does the tension between them. Expect plenty of heat and surprises from our morally grey male and hero.
Read
June 8, 2025I hate mafia “romance” books just as much as I hate Alina books. Such a cringe trope tbh. Not my thing. There are also 3 ‘author notes’ in the book’s description lol that’s the first I’ve seen so there’s that I suppose…
Also every book I’ve read by this author has a very distinct plot line with 1 of 2 distinct FC types and 1 distinct MC type. Doesn’t that get boring? 🥱
Edit - Seeing reviews giving the MC a pat on the back for not forcing the FC into anything other than marriage is wild. What a low bar to have truly. And why oh why is every single FC on the mafia and or alien trope a sheltered virgin? Lmao I just can’t.
Also every book I’ve read by this author has a very distinct plot line with 1 of 2 distinct FC types and 1 distinct MC type. Doesn’t that get boring? 🥱
Edit - Seeing reviews giving the MC a pat on the back for not forcing the FC into anything other than marriage is wild. What a low bar to have truly. And why oh why is every single FC on the mafia and or alien trope a sheltered virgin? Lmao I just can’t.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2024
Evangeline Anderson did such an amazing job with this alien dark Mafia Romance I love the characters OMG I couldn't get enough of the main characters in the attraction that transpired between the two MCs. Story plot kept my attention I couldn't put this book down. I love the drama I love the anticipation to see how the story was going to evolve and I was not disappointed by how amazing the story plot was told. The love scenes were super spicy and hot. I will definitely highly recommend this book.
November 19, 2024
Wow Slade and Aurora's story is woe wow. From enemies to lovers story is definitely worth a read of how he decides that she is his mate and she wants nothing to do with him and how she eventually comes around to see that he does have some good in him. I absolutely loved this book can't wait for more in this series. ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2024
Really crushing on this first book set in the new Brutal Universe series.
Aurora and Slade each have vastly different backgrounds and views that kept the pages flipping wondering what would happen next while learning about each other given the circumstances surrounding their union.
I am hooked and need to know what happens next!
Aurora and Slade each have vastly different backgrounds and views that kept the pages flipping wondering what would happen next while learning about each other given the circumstances surrounding their union.
I am hooked and need to know what happens next!
November 24, 2024
This is a new series by this author and just as entertaining as her others.
This couple were certainly 'two worlds apart' Different cultures and morals.
Aurora is in a forced marriage to pay off the debts of her brother. Could she survive her time with a beast? She never expected what happened both good and bad.
I'm looking forward to the next story in this series.
This couple were certainly 'two worlds apart' Different cultures and morals.
Aurora is in a forced marriage to pay off the debts of her brother. Could she survive her time with a beast? She never expected what happened both good and bad.
I'm looking forward to the next story in this series.
December 9, 2024
I was disappointed. As the first book in a new series I was disappointed that there wasn’t more detail about the worlds and environments. Entirely too much of the book was fixated on the differences in the individuals’ comfort with expressing of intimacy. All scenes pertaining to the plot were simple and concise. Writing felt rushed and needed more substance.
December 21, 2024
Oh what a fresh new world we get to experience with Evangeline. So happy, can't wait till the next one come out. What a kicked step mother, all working against everyone to get her son ahead.
1 negative thing (never happened before) the use of the word c##NY, just something personal from me.
Love, love, love exploring with you Evangeline
1 negative thing (never happened before) the use of the word c##NY, just something personal from me.
Love, love, love exploring with you Evangeline
January 10, 2025
Slade💞💞
I love this new series, love the world building, all of the characters except for Lyrah😠😠. Where is Jessina, who is she in love with? Aurora's brother was a piece of 💩💩, selling your sister off twice to the highest bidder. Glad Slade and Aurora got their HEA.So many unanswered questions. Looking forward to the next book in the series. Sex scenes were 🔥🔥 and🌶🌶.
I love this new series, love the world building, all of the characters except for Lyrah😠😠. Where is Jessina, who is she in love with? Aurora's brother was a piece of 💩💩, selling your sister off twice to the highest bidder. Glad Slade and Aurora got their HEA.So many unanswered questions. Looking forward to the next book in the series. Sex scenes were 🔥🔥 and🌶🌶.
January 23, 2025
Good story.
I enjoyed this story. Aurora and Slade are good characters. Slade knows Aurora is his fated mate , but she is afraid of him. Their worlds are different. There are steamy scenes. I wish there were more Mafia aspects in the story. I recommend this to anyone who likes Science Fiction and Mafia romances.
I enjoyed this story. Aurora and Slade are good characters. Slade knows Aurora is his fated mate , but she is afraid of him. Their worlds are different. There are steamy scenes. I wish there were more Mafia aspects in the story. I recommend this to anyone who likes Science Fiction and Mafia romances.
November 25, 2024
Evangeline Anderson does it again
I am in love with this new world!!! Can't wait to see it and the characters grow. The main characters were amazing. Love that the female wasn't a weak person and that the male wasn't a brute lol
I am in love with this new world!!! Can't wait to see it and the characters grow. The main characters were amazing. Love that the female wasn't a weak person and that the male wasn't a brute lol
November 26, 2024
Can’t wait for more!
There’s a reason this author is one of my favorites! I loved this book. I had a hard time putting in down to go to work. I can’t wait for more tales from this series.
There’s a reason this author is one of my favorites! I loved this book. I had a hard time putting in down to go to work. I can’t wait for more tales from this series.
November 27, 2024
Need
You did it again Evangeline. Thank you for your wonderful imagination and ability to transport us into the story. I have read all the Kindred books and can tell this new series will captivate us all as well. Can't wait to read Jessina's story.
You did it again Evangeline. Thank you for your wonderful imagination and ability to transport us into the story. I have read all the Kindred books and can tell this new series will captivate us all as well. Can't wait to read Jessina's story.
March 3, 2025
Brutal Sale…
I was excited to read a new series after this authors kindred series which I love..I did find this a little bit blah…
Good storyline with sci fi mafia vibes but this just didn’t quite get there for me..
I was excited to read a new series after this authors kindred series which I love..I did find this a little bit blah…
Good storyline with sci fi mafia vibes but this just didn’t quite get there for me..
December 20, 2025
If I never hear or read the word cunny I’ll die happy. Like of all the words you could use you chose that one 😆?
I’ve read a lot of her books and the sexually repressed/ sex is wrong/ virgin FMC is my least favorite one.
I’ve read a lot of her books and the sexually repressed/ sex is wrong/ virgin FMC is my least favorite one.
June 9, 2025
Wow
I read this book twice because I enjoyed it so much another excellent story by Evangeline. Can not wait to read the next one.
I read this book twice because I enjoyed it so much another excellent story by Evangeline. Can not wait to read the next one.
June 22, 2025
“Cunny?” No. Just, no.
August 9, 2025
Enjoyable, but I wanted a bit more from the romance and storyline
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews