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Cruel Commander: An Enemies to Lovers Dark Romance
She’s bound by threats. He’s bound by memory. The love of his life forgot him—he’ll burn the world before losing her again…
Ember
I don’t remember my life before the last five years, and I don’t want to.
I live in the shadows now, moving silently, killing without mercy.
Then, Maximus shows up to assassinate the man who owns Dagon. Naturally, I try to kill him, and for the first time, I fail.
Instead of delivering Max’s head to Dagon and ensuring our deal is upheld, I end up kidnapped by my would-be victim. Max insists we know each other, that we were once close.
I proceed with trying to kill him, but my every attempt at escape or murder fails. Max is stronger, faster, and worse… I hesitate.
Somewhere along the line, my knife stops aiming to kill.
When I finally tell Max why my loyalty belongs to Dagon, he makes a promise I never saw he’ll eliminate the problem. He’ll kill Dagon. And he’ll claim me through some brutal, archaic tradition that binds hunter and weapon as one.
Fighting for my life turns into foreplay. Taunting Max becomes my favorite pastime. And freedom fades to a distant memory.
Until Dagon finds a new way to remind me who holds the leash—and everything fractures, threatening my life, Max’s loyalty, and the fragile order of the Nighthawks.
Ember
I don’t remember my life before the last five years, and I don’t want to.
I live in the shadows now, moving silently, killing without mercy.
Then, Maximus shows up to assassinate the man who owns Dagon. Naturally, I try to kill him, and for the first time, I fail.
Instead of delivering Max’s head to Dagon and ensuring our deal is upheld, I end up kidnapped by my would-be victim. Max insists we know each other, that we were once close.
I proceed with trying to kill him, but my every attempt at escape or murder fails. Max is stronger, faster, and worse… I hesitate.
Somewhere along the line, my knife stops aiming to kill.
When I finally tell Max why my loyalty belongs to Dagon, he makes a promise I never saw he’ll eliminate the problem. He’ll kill Dagon. And he’ll claim me through some brutal, archaic tradition that binds hunter and weapon as one.
Fighting for my life turns into foreplay. Taunting Max becomes my favorite pastime. And freedom fades to a distant memory.
Until Dagon finds a new way to remind me who holds the leash—and everything fractures, threatening my life, Max’s loyalty, and the fragile order of the Nighthawks.
419 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 19, 2026
11 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Lilith Vale
6 books16 followersLilith Vale firmly believes that villains are far more swoon-worthy than heroes, which is often reflected in her choice of MC’s. She likes to challenge herself and readers with deeply flawed, nearly-irredeemable protagonists who go on twisted journeys together.
When she isn’t writing, Lilith feeds her caffeine addiction, reads as many novels as she can, and obsessively plots out her next work(s).
When she isn’t writing, Lilith feeds her caffeine addiction, reads as many novels as she can, and obsessively plots out her next work(s).
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 7, 2026
Ember, Max's love of his life, has forgotten him through some kind of amnesia. She can't remember the past few years and isn't in a hurry to remember them. Dagon owns her, and she has become a rutheless unaliver with her newest target being her past lover. But instead of completing her mission, she discovers that she and Max have a past and ends up his captive instead. When he finds out the reason she has to go back, he swears to protect her and take out the threat.
Max is on a mission at Dagon's casino and notices Ember, who is at Dagon's side. She's the one who got away from Max when they were younger, and he never knew where she went or why she disappeared all those years ago. So he now has more than one mission: unalive Dagon and kidnap Ember to take her as his wife.
Ember is a survivor who is feisty and strong and isn't willing to back down (Max is still more dominant in the relationship). Max is the experienced dom, protective of Ember, and probably one of the 'nicest' of the Nighthawks (a group of assassins which we learn about in book 1 with Greyson). He teaches Ember how BDSM (ish) can be something that feels good and that she is a natural submissive in the bedroom. They've always cared for each other; she just can't remember it, but they've always had amazing chemistry, making the spicy scenes hot 🌶️!
I was curious the whole time, trying to figure out what happened to Ember and their childhood. She did go through a lot, and I felt bad for her. We did get little snippets of her past throughout the book, so we are slowly introduced to what happened in their past.
I am so excited to get Cane's book next as he seems a little more unhinged than the rest!!
Overall: 4 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice/Heat Intensity: 5 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Max(imus) (Callsign: Reaper) & Ember
Nickname: Flame
Darkness: 4 out of 5 🖤🖤🖤🖤
Type of book: MF, Dual 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Standalone with an Interconnected Storyline & Characters throughout the series
Title: Deadly Devotion Series- Cruel Commander: Book 3
Epilogue: Yes
Ending Type: HEA
*OTT Possessive, obsessive, dominant, and protective MMC
*The one that got away from the MMC
*Second Chance - Childhood Crushes
*MINE!
*Amnesia FMC
*Both Dub AND Non Con
*Forced Captivity/Kidnapped
*Criminal Underworld
*Captive (both not MMC and also by the MMC)
*Ancient Tradition - Claiming Wife (they don't have to agree)
*Secret Society
*Mystery about her past and her previous captivity
*No cheating or sharing
⚠️ This book has descriptive parts that may be extremely offensive or triggering to some. Please check all the authors' TW/CW before reading! 18+
*I received an early copy of this book and am voluntarily writing this review.
Max is on a mission at Dagon's casino and notices Ember, who is at Dagon's side. She's the one who got away from Max when they were younger, and he never knew where she went or why she disappeared all those years ago. So he now has more than one mission: unalive Dagon and kidnap Ember to take her as his wife.
Ember is a survivor who is feisty and strong and isn't willing to back down (Max is still more dominant in the relationship). Max is the experienced dom, protective of Ember, and probably one of the 'nicest' of the Nighthawks (a group of assassins which we learn about in book 1 with Greyson). He teaches Ember how BDSM (ish) can be something that feels good and that she is a natural submissive in the bedroom. They've always cared for each other; she just can't remember it, but they've always had amazing chemistry, making the spicy scenes hot 🌶️!
I was curious the whole time, trying to figure out what happened to Ember and their childhood. She did go through a lot, and I felt bad for her. We did get little snippets of her past throughout the book, so we are slowly introduced to what happened in their past.
I am so excited to get Cane's book next as he seems a little more unhinged than the rest!!
Overall: 4 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice/Heat Intensity: 5 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Max(imus) (Callsign: Reaper) & Ember
Nickname: Flame
Darkness: 4 out of 5 🖤🖤🖤🖤
Type of book: MF, Dual 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Standalone with an Interconnected Storyline & Characters throughout the series
Title: Deadly Devotion Series- Cruel Commander: Book 3
Epilogue: Yes
Ending Type: HEA
*OTT Possessive, obsessive, dominant, and protective MMC
*The one that got away from the MMC
*Second Chance - Childhood Crushes
*MINE!
*Amnesia FMC
*Both Dub AND Non Con
*Forced Captivity/Kidnapped
*Criminal Underworld
*Captive (both not MMC and also by the MMC)
*Ancient Tradition - Claiming Wife (they don't have to agree)
*Secret Society
*Mystery about her past and her previous captivity
*No cheating or sharing
⚠️ This book has descriptive parts that may be extremely offensive or triggering to some. Please check all the authors' TW/CW before reading! 18+
*I received an early copy of this book and am voluntarily writing this review.
February 24, 2026
A SOLID 3.5 STARS!
I'm still team Greyson + Scarlett.
While I enjoyed this new installation, I failed to connect with the heroine whose back story was a bitter pill to swallow. The story was overwhelmed with darkness and cruelty that it didn't stir any softer emotions within me...I couldn't fully enjoy Max and Ember's reunion after so long.
Naturally, if you like dominating and possessive alpha-males who don't take NO or listen to you for an answer, you will like MAXIMUS. Otherwise, it could be irritating when the male only hears what he wants you to say. For all his protectiveness over Scarlett in the previous books, this is a new side of Max we will be seeing. Good or bad? You decide. Personally, I found his devotion endearing, and the rest of his character 50/50. There was much angst that could be used from their shared history, but with the added amnesia Ember was experiencing, it's no fun to poke someone who doesn't remember who you are.
EMBER...I couldn't warm up to. I'm not a fan of selfless MARTYRS. It's great to be selfless, but don't be stupid to dedicate your entire life to another human being who may not appreciate your sacrifices. Of course, love should be unconditional, but is it worth all the pain, torture, PTSD and health issues that will never fade away? Throughout the story, all I felt was her pain and bitterness, it overwhelmed her entire relationship/reunion with Max to the point where I felt his feelings were CRAZILY ONE-SIDED. She needed time to heal, and being forced to be with him, introduced to sex...all that felt a bit ICK, and despite his love, I wasn't feeling the emotional connection I needed.
While Ember was doing a great act of self-sacrifice, it wasn't a SMART decision. Was it her only choice? Maybe. However, I did prefer her younger self in comparison to the BITTER, THORNY and NEAR EMOTIONLESS woman she has become.
OVERALL I'm over my S&M reading days - enough to know I'm not a huge fan of the genre. So yes, I unapologetically skimmed some parts. While I loved the idea of this book, the romance certainly isn't all sweetness and roses.
I'm still team Greyson + Scarlett.
While I enjoyed this new installation, I failed to connect with the heroine whose back story was a bitter pill to swallow. The story was overwhelmed with darkness and cruelty that it didn't stir any softer emotions within me...I couldn't fully enjoy Max and Ember's reunion after so long.
Naturally, if you like dominating and possessive alpha-males who don't take NO or listen to you for an answer, you will like MAXIMUS. Otherwise, it could be irritating when the male only hears what he wants you to say. For all his protectiveness over Scarlett in the previous books, this is a new side of Max we will be seeing. Good or bad? You decide. Personally, I found his devotion endearing, and the rest of his character 50/50. There was much angst that could be used from their shared history, but with the added amnesia Ember was experiencing, it's no fun to poke someone who doesn't remember who you are.
EMBER...I couldn't warm up to. I'm not a fan of selfless MARTYRS. It's great to be selfless, but don't be stupid to dedicate your entire life to another human being who may not appreciate your sacrifices. Of course, love should be unconditional, but is it worth all the pain, torture, PTSD and health issues that will never fade away? Throughout the story, all I felt was her pain and bitterness, it overwhelmed her entire relationship/reunion with Max to the point where I felt his feelings were CRAZILY ONE-SIDED. She needed time to heal, and being forced to be with him, introduced to sex...all that felt a bit ICK, and despite his love, I wasn't feeling the emotional connection I needed.
While Ember was doing a great act of self-sacrifice, it wasn't a SMART decision. Was it her only choice? Maybe. However, I did prefer her younger self in comparison to the BITTER, THORNY and NEAR EMOTIONLESS woman she has become.
OVERALL I'm over my S&M reading days - enough to know I'm not a huge fan of the genre. So yes, I unapologetically skimmed some parts. While I loved the idea of this book, the romance certainly isn't all sweetness and roses.
February 5, 2026
I have been chained to my phone for updates on when this baby was coming out for MONTHS. MONTHS. The agony was worth it.
My twisted mind has been salivating to see Max in "action" since he graced us in book 1. My word, he did not disappoint.
First things first, this plot. Lilith has rapidly become one of my most favorite authors and the world of the Nighthawks continues to grip me. This one was wild, I had all the red yarn theories popping out all over in the beginning. There was no point in this book that I could truly see ahead of what was coming and I loved that.
Ember, this girl is TOUGH. This girl is REAL. She is strength, grit and the picture of resilience. Holy Hanna, I found myself choking up at several points because her character development is insane.
Max, my first redhead MMC. Sir, I'm at a loss for words (crazy I know!). I knew Max was a guy to watch and now I wanna slide into the annex and see what kind of trouble I can get into. Book 1 and 2 introduce us fabulously to the type of multilayer MMC Max is, but here is where it really slams home. Prepare for fantasy overload my friends.
The Deadly Devotion collection is without a doubt one of my favorite series. I've said it in all my other reviews but Lilith knows what's good. Can't wait for book 4.
My twisted mind has been salivating to see Max in "action" since he graced us in book 1. My word, he did not disappoint.
First things first, this plot. Lilith has rapidly become one of my most favorite authors and the world of the Nighthawks continues to grip me. This one was wild, I had all the red yarn theories popping out all over in the beginning. There was no point in this book that I could truly see ahead of what was coming and I loved that.
Ember, this girl is TOUGH. This girl is REAL. She is strength, grit and the picture of resilience. Holy Hanna, I found myself choking up at several points because her character development is insane.
Max, my first redhead MMC. Sir, I'm at a loss for words (crazy I know!). I knew Max was a guy to watch and now I wanna slide into the annex and see what kind of trouble I can get into. Book 1 and 2 introduce us fabulously to the type of multilayer MMC Max is, but here is where it really slams home. Prepare for fantasy overload my friends.
The Deadly Devotion collection is without a doubt one of my favorite series. I've said it in all my other reviews but Lilith knows what's good. Can't wait for book 4.
January 23, 2026
Max is definitely not the nice guy!!!
Wow, I was not expecting how this book would go but I'm here for it!!
My absolute favourite part of this book is what a bad ass Ember was. I loved that she was strong and powerful and never changed. Max was a bit of a surprise for me. I think from the first two books, I expected him to be patient and understanding towards his Chosen. That was definitely not the case. I felt the emotional connection Max had with Ember right from the beginning and that made the difference when it came to his "punishments" of her. Having said that, I sometimes felt like he took things took far and that he seemed to lose himself and change into wanting to cause her pain. I rejoiced in his suffering when things went out of his control.
Next book is Cain and I am so keen to see exactly how he is with his Chosen, Azalea.
I am so curious about the "three trials" for the Chosen women that have been mentioned but never followed through so far.
Wow, I was not expecting how this book would go but I'm here for it!!
My absolute favourite part of this book is what a bad ass Ember was. I loved that she was strong and powerful and never changed. Max was a bit of a surprise for me. I think from the first two books, I expected him to be patient and understanding towards his Chosen. That was definitely not the case. I felt the emotional connection Max had with Ember right from the beginning and that made the difference when it came to his "punishments" of her. Having said that, I sometimes felt like he took things took far and that he seemed to lose himself and change into wanting to cause her pain. I rejoiced in his suffering when things went out of his control.
Next book is Cain and I am so keen to see exactly how he is with his Chosen, Azalea.
I am so curious about the "three trials" for the Chosen women that have been mentioned but never followed through so far.
March 5, 2026
I LOVE MAX & EMBER!!!
Ember is a complete bAdas$s woman who went from an innocent girl turned lethal assassin who could take on any man and win. She sacrificed her life, her freedom, her memories - everything of herself - for a sister she had just met. She is ruthless, lethal, cunning, and brave.
So glad Max - the nicest, gentler Nighthawk out of his counterparts - found his lost love. I loved Max's character in Ruthless Keeper and was anxiously waiting to read his story. It did not disappoint!! He is devoted to the girl he fell in love with as a child. When he found her, he was determined to make her his Chosen; and nothing would keep him from losing her again.
This book had action, intrigue, mystery, awesome fight scenes between our two main characters and between our heroes and villains.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ember is a complete bAdas$s woman who went from an innocent girl turned lethal assassin who could take on any man and win. She sacrificed her life, her freedom, her memories - everything of herself - for a sister she had just met. She is ruthless, lethal, cunning, and brave.
So glad Max - the nicest, gentler Nighthawk out of his counterparts - found his lost love. I loved Max's character in Ruthless Keeper and was anxiously waiting to read his story. It did not disappoint!! He is devoted to the girl he fell in love with as a child. When he found her, he was determined to make her his Chosen; and nothing would keep him from losing her again.
This book had action, intrigue, mystery, awesome fight scenes between our two main characters and between our heroes and villains.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 24, 2026
I was hooked from the first page. Being an ARC reader for Lilith is always a thrill, and Mad & Ember did not disappoint. The relationship between Max and Ember is dark, intense, and morally complicated, with banter that’s sharp, honest, and addictive. The spice hits hard, and I loved every second of it.
Ember is an absolute badass—strong, powerful, and unchanging. Max was more unpredictable than I expected, and while some of his punishments went too far, the emotional connection between them made it believable and gripping. Watching him lose control had me cheering, and their dynamic kept me fully invested.
This is a seriously dark romance for anyone who loves morally grey characters, tension, and heat. I’m so excited to see Cain’s story next and learn more about the mysterious “three trials” for the Chosen women.
Ember is an absolute badass—strong, powerful, and unchanging. Max was more unpredictable than I expected, and while some of his punishments went too far, the emotional connection between them made it believable and gripping. Watching him lose control had me cheering, and their dynamic kept me fully invested.
This is a seriously dark romance for anyone who loves morally grey characters, tension, and heat. I’m so excited to see Cain’s story next and learn more about the mysterious “three trials” for the Chosen women.
January 15, 2026
What can’t I say about this book. The minute I started this book I was immediately hooked. I got the amazing opportunity to continue to be an ARC reader for Lilith and she never disappoints. The relationship she has written between mad and ember is epically spectacular. With Max and Ember both being morally black there are parts that can be very dark to read. Now I love very part of this book no questions asked but what did I love the most? The banter between Max and Ember, neither person cared they spoke their truths. The Spice was spicing hard and I loved it. Another amazing book written by Lilith! If you’re looking for a seriously dark romance this is the book for you. I cannot recommend this enough.
February 3, 2026
Maxs isnt the softy we thought he was from bks1+2, here we see him at his worst and best and thats all aimed at his chosen Ember, having been sent to take out Dagon, Max is stopped in his tracks by Ember who not only tries to take him out but is someone he was once close with. Ember doesnt remember the last 5 years of her life, only her present ways, a k*ller in the shadows when Max kidnaps her, she fights his every move, but when he breaks down her walls and she reveals why Dagon holds her loyalty, theres nothing that will stop Max from claiming her, he lost her once he wont lose her a second time, but at what cost? Well written the story is suspense filled, action, desires, trauma, twists, a second chance at love, and more a great addition to the series and I cant wait for Cain!
February 8, 2026
A fantastic addition to an already superb series- how could one not love this book?
Every time I read one of Vale’s novels, the characters somehow become my new favorites, and this one was no exception. Ember and Max are outstanding, the depth of their relationship is truly unmatched. One of the highlights is seeing Ember operate on Max’s level- an FMC who is as strong as, if not stronger than, the MC is incredibly refreshing and creates such a compelling dynamic. Add in their shared history, and their relationship becomes layered, complex, and brimming with delicious tension. Cruel Commander delivers on every front: the drama, the sharp dialogue (Ember’s comebacks are FIERCE), and plenty of heat.
I can’t recommend this book, this series, or this author enough.
Every time I read one of Vale’s novels, the characters somehow become my new favorites, and this one was no exception. Ember and Max are outstanding, the depth of their relationship is truly unmatched. One of the highlights is seeing Ember operate on Max’s level- an FMC who is as strong as, if not stronger than, the MC is incredibly refreshing and creates such a compelling dynamic. Add in their shared history, and their relationship becomes layered, complex, and brimming with delicious tension. Cruel Commander delivers on every front: the drama, the sharp dialogue (Ember’s comebacks are FIERCE), and plenty of heat.
I can’t recommend this book, this series, or this author enough.
February 17, 2026
I think I honestly enjoyed Max & Ember's story more than Grey & Scarlett's!
I found the pacing to be really good and the story had a couple slight twists I didn't expect. I was 100% expecting the girl Ember was protecting to be her daughter. Now I'm excited and hoping we'll get to see Toby & Alina's story in a book 5!
I'm still interested in seeing Cain's story next, and hoping to see things from his perspective in the next book as this one definitely made him feel a bit more human than the previous ones and gave him another dimension.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story, how each character was written, how they evolved, and I'd love to see more of them as well. I think it's definitely my favourite book in the series so far and I look forward to the next book(s)!
I found the pacing to be really good and the story had a couple slight twists I didn't expect. I was 100% expecting the girl Ember was protecting to be her daughter. Now I'm excited and hoping we'll get to see Toby & Alina's story in a book 5!
I'm still interested in seeing Cain's story next, and hoping to see things from his perspective in the next book as this one definitely made him feel a bit more human than the previous ones and gave him another dimension.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story, how each character was written, how they evolved, and I'd love to see more of them as well. I think it's definitely my favourite book in the series so far and I look forward to the next book(s)!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2026
Every book I've read by this author has been amazing. I adore all the characters. This one follows Max and Ember. It wasn't what I was expecting from him but I ate it up. I loved every minute of it and read it it one sitting. Now I will patiently wait for the forth with Cain and Azalea's story.
I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
February 17, 2026
This is hands down one of my favorite dark romance reads! Everything by this author so far has been great! This book has it all, fire, spice, story, character building. Definitely recommended to anyone who isn't afraid of a little darkness! The author clearly spells out trigger warnings also in the beginning of her books.
January 19, 2026
Excellent book!
I really loved Max's story! This whole series is turning into one of my favorites. The dynamic between the 2 main characters is so well written
I really loved Max's story! This whole series is turning into one of my favorites. The dynamic between the 2 main characters is so well written
January 20, 2026
Fiery and intense! Excellent read!
January 27, 2026
This wasn’t my favourite of the series but was still a great read. This was just down to my personal preference. Ember is a strong FMC with a deep backstory. Max was a lighter shade of grey than Grayson so gives off a slightly different vibe than the previous storyline. Hooked from the beginning and couldn’t put it down. Cannot wait for Cain’s story!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews