Condemned by Betrayal

by Noyar Cecil

Elowen
I’m desperate to live.
It’s been eighteen months since he disappeared. I’ve been waiting for him to come back, searching for him everywhere. Now the nightmares are convincing me that maybe he’s dead. That’s fine. If he won’t come back to me, I’ll go to him.
And then he appears. Not Salvario. Hunter. A man with his eyes, his voice, and his body, just a different face and no memories of his past. He walks like Salvario. Talks like him. Looks at me exactly the way he did.
He confirms my belief by telling me he’s Salvario. The only problem is it was a lie.
But Hunter thinks I belong to him. And now that Salvario is back, he refuses to let me go.

Condemned by Betrayal is Book 2 in the Condemned Duet and must be read after Condemned by Pain.

Genres: Dark Romance, Enemies To Lovers

335 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 20, 2026

About the author

Noyar Cecil writes stories of pure, unwavering love, where devotion is deep, emotions run wild, and romance leaves a lasting mark. Her books aren’t just about love; they’re about the kind that consumes you, changes you, and stays with you long after the last page.

Reviews

[Kelly Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I love this story! After the first book I wasn’t sure what was going to happen but it came with a little suspense and holy crap was it so good! Truly one of my fav dark romance mafia reads ever! I love how spicy they are but also have such amazing detailed story line! I don’t want to give anything away but some many things left me in shock and sadness and happiness. So many emotions flowed through me in the best way and I don’t think this could have ended better than it did! Amazing and wonderful! Highly recommend

[Eleanorsbookishthings · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ This duet is absolutely breathtaking. It was so beautifully written and was able to convey such darkness and heartbreak that had me in tears. It was perfectly paced, well thought out, the storyline was gripping and had twists that I thought were innovative. There are so many beautiful quotes that I highlighted and can’t stop thinking about. The characters are beautiful and broken but perfect in their own way. They’re so complex and getting to see their journey complete after everything they have been through was heartwarming. Salvario and Elowen will always have a special place in my heart.

I had a few ideas on what I thought could happen in this book after reading the first book but I was completely wrong. It went in a completely different direction but it was so good. It felt very true to the world and characters in it, it held my attention and had me in suspense. I don’t want to say too much and give away any spoilers because this is the second book in the duet but just know that the twist had me shocked in the best possible way.

This duet truly will always hold a special place in my heart and will be added to my god tier list. I have love Noyar’s books since the first one I read and each book gets better and better. She has created a universe that lives rent free in my head. She has created characters and storylines that I’ve been able to connect with. The way she is able to suck you into the storyline and keep you engaged while having the books so well thought out and easy to read is something she always delivers. I also love how she never forgets to highlight the little moments that I absolutely love in a romance. Noyar has become a comfort author for me, no matter how dark the book may be I still always find them comforting and rely on them whenever I’m in the need of comfort or a pick me up.

The way she was able to convey the absolutely heartbreaking journey for Salvario and Elowen was everything. The journey they have to go on between both books is not easy and is very much a roller coaster but you root for them the entire way. The longing for each other is unmatched. There are moments that are so sweet and moments of pure pain where you feel absolutely heart broken for them. But it is the most beautiful journey of true love and how that can conquer all even if not in the perfect fairytale way. There is no way that Elowen and Salvario cannot be together, no matter how hard anyone tries to keep them apart. There is nothing they wouldn’t do for the other. They are both fiercely protective and possessive of the other.

I also have to shout out to Bruno because I loved him so much in both books. I love how protective he is of Elowen and how he and Rosie are with Salvario.

Usually Elowen is bright and full of laughter which we get to see again in this book but we also see her going through depression and pain of being away from Salvario. It is heartbreaking to see but the yearning and longing that was conveyed between the two main characters was breathtaking. I can’t even put into words how much I loved it.

This book made me love Salvario and Elowen even more, which I didn’t think was possible. But this book made me realize how much stronger Elowen was than I thought. She fights back and holds her own in this book in a more forceful way which I was very happy to see. I also can’t say enough praise about Salvario, you know he may not be perfect in others eyes but in mine he is. He is so sweet when he wants to be but I also love that protective and possessive side to him. His whole world is her and he is not afraid to admit that and he hates seeing her in any pain at all and would rather take that pain for himself rather than see her go through it. He would burn down the world for her.

I can’t recommend this duet enough. If you’re looking for a beautifully dark heartbreaking romance with grumpy x sunshine, trauma, captor x captive, a morally grey MMC, great spice, amnesia, mistaken identity, yearning/longing and an emotionally devastating but healing romance then I highly recommend you read this duet. But please check the trigger warnings and take them seriously.

[WinkingReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It’s impossible for me to stop loving you. It may never be roses and rainbows, I have an ugly heart, but it’s all yours.”

I swear, every time I want to talk about all the best experiences in my 5 stars reads words fail me. It's like my vocabulary disappears the moment i need it the most. Suddenly, I don't know where to start with my review because I'm too excited to share my thoughts and that is what's happening with this book.

I literally don't know where to begin.

The plot was mind-blowing and exceeded my expectations. I didn't see any of that coming. From the very first chapter i was hooked, shocked, and invested.

I read Condemned by Pain (and we all know how that ended🥹), but i honestly never expected the turn of events in Condemned by Betrayal. To say the transition between the two books was confusing and mind-blowing would be an understatement! The creativity in this book is nothing short of a masterpiece.

I couldn’t put it down because i needed to know what was going to happen next after every chapter. I had to force myself to stop reading just so I could sleep and take care of my responsibilities. The excitement i felt every time I picked this book up, and the sadness I felt when I had to put it down!.. Gaaaah , I loved it.

The plot 💯 delivered! It was one hell of a ride! and kept me on my toes from beginning to end. The romance served! Spice was perfect. And God bless Logan for all the banter and humour he brought to this book.

Now i'm left with this bittersweet feeling of parting with Wen and Salvario, who judging by everything that happened in both books, are truly soulmates. That realisation makes me emotional🥹❤️.

An amazing read and i 💯 recommend to mafia captor/captive romance lovers.

🌹Dark Mafia Romance
🌹Forbidden Love
🌹Captive/Captor
🌹Stalking
🌹Age-gap Romance - 14yrs
🌹Longing
🌹Found Family

𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝓢𝓹𝓲𝓬𝓮 𝓛𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓵: 🌶🌶🌶🌶

[thebeespot72 · Rating 5 out of 5]

REVEIW for Book 1 & 2 combined

The Condemned Duet is one of those books that kept me up for hours. I’ve read many mafia and captivity books, but most of the trauma in the stories is heavily focused on the FMC side. And what Author Noyar Cecil has done with The Condemned Duet is delve deeper—deeper into the MMC, the psychological factors, and the emotional growth. Salvario’s journey from his childhood to the present helps the reader understand why he seeks revenge against Elowen’s father. It’s an emotional story. He has been through it. His touch aversion makes sense. But this is a love story as well. And with love comes tragedy and heartbreak. Dear Elowen has her own emotional struggles to face. But not to worry. One, it’s all fiction!! I love this kind of stuff! And Book 2 does end in an HEA!!!

Thank you to Author Noyar Cecil for the gifted e-copies. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Akku · Rating 5 out of 5]

• 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 5✨

• 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - July 20, 2026

• 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
- Mafia Romance
- Amnesia Hero
- Lost Lovers
- Second Chance Romance
- Touch Her and Die
- Obsessive Hero
- Hidden Identity
- Protective Hero
- Emotional Trauma
- Found Family
- Slow Burn Reunion
- He Falls First Again

• 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
This is the second and final book in the Condemned Duet, so make sure to read Book 1 first for the best experience.
This story follows Elowen as she struggles to move forward after losing the love of her life. When someone unexpected enters her life, old emotions begin to resurface in ways she never imagined. Their journey is filled with heartbreak, hope, healing, and unforgettable emotional moments that kept me completely invested from start to finish.
I honestly have no words for how much this book broke and healed my heart. This was the most emotional book I have read in 2026. Every chapter made me feel something. I cried with Elowen, hurt alongside her, and celebrated every tiny moment of happiness she found.
Watching the romance unfold felt so beautiful and emotional. The longing, the chemistry, and the way love found its way through so much pain made this story incredibly special. The emotions were so deep, the yearning felt real, and every moment between them stayed with me long after I finished reading.
The healing journey was written so beautifully. It was heartbreaking, hopeful, and incredibly rewarding.
The ending was everything I hoped for after everything these two went through. This duet is unforgettable and will stay with me for a long time.
Thank you Noyar Cecil for the ARC. It was truly an unforgettable emotional journey. ❤️

[cuore__di__carta · Rating 5 out of 5]

ENG/ITA REVIEW

ENG
CONDEMNED BY BETRAYAL 🥀

Are you ready for the end of Wen and Salvario’s story? Brace yourself for a journey through passion, pain, survival and love.

BLURB
Now that Salvario is gone, Wen’s life is plagued by regret and pain. Could she manage to forgive his betrayal? How can she go on when she loves him so deeply? Is he safe? Two years without news, until someone appears. Hunter is intense, possessive, protective and he reminds her a lot of Salvario. But he cannot be him, can he?

The last part of this incredible story was a rollercoaster of plot twists, cliffhangers and emotion so deep it was impossible to put the book down. I craved this kind of attachment, that intense feeling of belonging, the thought that your soul is in someone else’s body. That how Wen and Salvario’s love is: never ending, stronger than time and trauma, tougher than pain. This book was full of heart-breaking moments, but it was so worth it. Noyar talked about some painful stuff with so much sensitivity and care that it brought me to tears. I simply love how the author creates her characters, how obsessive and in love they are, like the rest of the world doesn’t matter if there’s the one you love in front of you. I miss them all already!

RATE: 5/5

—

ITA

Pronti per l’ultimissima parte della storia tra Wen e Salvario? Preparatevi, perché è piena di dolore, colpi di scena, tradimenti e di un amore che sfida il tempo, la distanza, l’odio e il ricordo. Pronti con i fazzoletti e via!

TRAMA
Ora che Salvario non c’è più, la vita di Wen è piagata da dolore, dalla colpa, dall’amore che ancora prova per lui. Lo vede ovunque, lo aspetta sempre, in cuor suo sa che perdonerà il suo tradimento. Ma sono passati due anni e di lui non c’è traccia. Finché un giorno non arriva Hunter: possessivo, protettivo, così simile a Salvario da far venire i brividi. C’è qualcosa che trama contro le vite dei protagonisti, qualcosa di doloroso e ingiusto che rischia di annientarli.

Non sono riuscita a mettere giù il libro fino alla fine, nonostante non sia stata una lettura facile. Devo dire che la magnifica scrittura dell’autrice e il modo sensibile e accorto in cui tratta temi traumatici e difficili ha fatto la differenza, come anche la sua visione dell’amore, una medicina rinvigorente che può salvare tutto.

Wen e Salvario affrontano la prova più dura della loro vita, si allontanano e si rincontrano, vengono forzatamente separati, si amano anche se non ricordano di amarsi così tanto. Ed è straziante e bellissimo. Mi mancheranno davvero molto tutti. Non vedo l’ora di leggere altro dell’autrice. Credetemi: ne vale la pena.

VOTO: 5/5

[Marija M. Veljković · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Noyar Cecil for the arc.

You have to read the previous book first, because this is a sequel.
And what a sequel.
There may also be a bit of spoiler. 🙈🙈🙈

Most of the second books are a bit of a stretch, but this book It is not. It grabs you from the first page and doesn't let go. You start from scratch, and the story has a completely different dynamic.
I have to admit that I liked the second part a little more than the first.

What do you do, when you realize that the love of your life is gone?
When your family convinces you that it was Stokolmski syndrome, and you know deep down that it was much more.

First, you try in every way to find him, then you fall into depression. The next thing is to raise your hand on yourself, because what will your life be without him, and then.. .
Then you throw yourself into the arms of a man who has his eyes. Because you're convinced that he is the person you are waiting for, and that you love.

That person has his eyes, his voice, he walks like him, but he doesn't know you. He doesn't remember your shared feelings, he doesn't remember your love.
He just dreaming of a woman with your hair and your eyes.
This man also has a secret, and he wants something from you. Something that he thinks, that only you can give him.
A peace he couldn't find anywhere.
The touch of a woman he dreams of at night.


And now you know, that you're losing your mind, because you love two man who are the same, and at the same time completely different.
Two men who swear their love for you, and at the same time betray you.
Do you raise your hand against yourself again, or do you betray the one you love this time?
But the question is who?

A real rollercoaster of the plot and your feelings while reading.
At some point, you get confused, you feel sorry for her, him and him.
And then you decide who to trust.
I'm just going to tell you this, I believed in dogs. Bruno is the king.. 😉 🖤🔥

If you have not read a great recommendation from me.

[Ana G · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!🌟🌟🌟🌟

“There are only two outcomes from here: Either she’s breathing and we both live, or she isn’t, and we both die”


This is one of the most tragic stories I've read in a while. I spent my last 50% of this book either crying or with a huge lump in my throat. What Elowen went though, the way she was loosing hope and having this completely new guy come into her life with so many similarities to her lost love, the betrayal and confusion she felt when the "real" Salvario came back, it all was so tragic to witness. The second half of this book came at me like truck and I couldn't keep up with all my anger and tears. Can you imagine having your heart tell you something while your brain completely rejecting it? I admire the strength she had to fight and overcome all the demons inside her. Bruno and Rosie were so amazing that I wanted to jump into the book and kiss them for always protecting Elowen. I did receive this book as an advanced copy but my review is honest and I loved this duet so much I had to add these books to my physical shelf!

[Wendy Marie (myrisingphoenixera.reads) · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
4🌶️
4😭♾️
🖤Psychological Dark Romance
🥀Captor/Captive
🖤Kidnapping
🥀Criminal Underworld
🖤Mistaken Identity
🥀Amnesia
🖤Broken MMC
🥀Sunshine FMC
🖤Touch Averse MMC
🥀Love Triangle -ish
🖤Betrayal
🥀Slow Burn
🖤Dual First Person POV

STOP! This is book two in a duet, you must read Condemend by Pain prior to Condmend by Betrayal. Book two picks up some time after the devastating cliffhanger. This is a heart-stopping duet with surprising twists. After the cliffhanger that left me shattered and stomped on, we’re thrown into the emotional devastation with no reprieve. This delves deeper into the psychological factors of heartbreak and grief. These main characters are beautifully broken in their own way, yet perfect for each other. They’re layered, complex, and messy. The storyline will suck you in and keep you engaged well past ‘one more chapter.’ This world kept me up for hours and will live rent free in my head for a long time. The raw vulnerability plunges you into emotional turmoil with a vice like grip. The main focus of book two is on Elowen’s profound grief and love at the cost of survival. Elowen is in a deep depression and going through the motions because they haven’t found Salvario yet. The portrayal of her mental health, her grief, and loneliness was what broke me and had me ugly crying. She is lost in her pain and struggling to move on. When a stranger comes into her life, she starts to see a glimmer of light in the dark. There is an immediate powerful and emotionally charged connection. But then she’s blindsided by an enormous betrayal and her world gets turned upside down. Brace yourself, because you’ll be questioning if the next chapter or even the next page with make you smile or cry. This is by far the most heartbreaking story I’ve read in some time. The mc’s journey are not an easy one, it is the most intense roller coaster ride for your emotions. The absolutely heartbreaking and darker moments were beautifully balanced with sweet and tender moments. Family, enemies, circumstances kept these two apart but their soul mate level connection was too strong. They find thier happiness not by erasing the past but choosing each other despite thier scars

Special shout out to Bruno the scene stealing husky. I loved his personality, how protective he was of Elowen, and the support he gave her when she was struggling.

🚩Be sure to read the author’s note and content warnings before reading.

Plot: 4.5
Engaging: 5
Character: 4

Thank you Noyar Cecil for the gifted advanced copy. Thank you for reaching out, I am forever a fan.

📚All thoughts and opinions are my own📚
🐦‍🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera.reads🐦‍🔥

A Few Favorite Quotes:
“I don’t like the emptiness she leaves behind. Is it possible to glue her to me? I don’t think so.”

“Do you really still love me?”
“It’s impossible for me to stop loving you. It may never be roses and rainbows, I have an ugly heart, but it’s all yours.”

“It’s not a perfect fairytale. Our roses have long thorns, and our rainbows only appeared after the fiercest rainstorms. But it’s mine and Salvario’s fairytale—the imperfectly perfect story of a beauty and her beast.”

[Tracy Kemp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Condemned by Betrayal begins exactly where the previous book left off, and I can honestly say I was still trying to recover from that devastating cliffhanger before the story shattered my heart all over again.
Nothing is the same anymore.
Antonio is fighting for his life in hospital. Sal is gone... or is he? And the crushing aftermath of the choice he made in the previous book hangs over every single page like a dark cloud.
I genuinely couldn't imagine how this story could recover after everything that happened, but from the very first chapter, the author throws you straight back into the emotional devastation without giving you a chance to breathe.
Elowen's grief has evolved into something far more consuming. She's no longer simply mourning—she's drowning beneath the weight of depression, and the portrayal of her mental health feels heartbreakingly authentic. Every chapter radiates loneliness, hopelessness, and emotional exhaustion. Watching her struggle was incredibly difficult, yet it was handled with such compassion and realism that I couldn't help but feel every ounce of her pain.
Then Hunter arrives.
He becomes a glimmer of light in a life consumed by darkness, offering Elowen something she hasn't felt in a long time—hope. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, you begin to see fragments of the woman she once was, and I found myself desperately rooting for her to find happiness again.
Meanwhile, Bruno continues to steal every scene he's in. Whether he's providing much-needed comic relief or quietly supporting those around him, he's impossible not to love. And his dynamic with Rosie? Let's just say they're certainly keeping themselves occupied, and I adored every moment of it.
From Hunter's very first chapter, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was far more to him than met the eye. I spent the entire novel piecing together clues, questioning every interaction and second-guessing every theory. The suspense was brilliantly executed because, just when I thought I'd figured everything out, another revelation completely shifted my perspective.
And then there's Logan...
I never knew where I stood with him. Every time I felt confident in my assumptions, the story would reveal another piece of the puzzle that left me questioning everything. Looking back now, I couldn't have been more wrong—and I absolutely loved that.
The connection between Hunter and Elowen is immediate, powerful, and emotionally charged. Their chemistry is undeniable, yet every interaction is underscored by grief, longing, and unresolved pain. Just when it seems as though Elowen might finally be finding solid ground again, the story pulls the rug out from beneath both her and the reader.
The emotional whiplash was relentless.
One chapter filled me with hope. The next left me completely devastated. I never knew whether to smile, cry, or brace myself for the next heartbreak.
And when the truth about Hunter was finally revealed...
Let's just say my suspicions were absolutely justified.
For a while, I genuinely felt as though I'd lost my footing alongside the characters, and I loved every second of it. The constant uncertainty kept me completely immersed, and at times it gave me strong Face/Off vibes with its twists, shifting identities, and psychological tension. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough because I needed to know how everything was going to come together.
But Elowen...
My heart absolutely broke for her.
Her journey is painful, messy, and incredibly human. Watching her fight to survive emotionally after everything she'd endured was one of the most moving character arcs I've read in a long time.
And then came that shower scene.
I don't think I've ever cried so many conflicting tears while reading a book. It was heartbreaking, healing, devastating, hopeful, and beautiful all at once. I was sobbing with relief while still grieving everything these characters had lost.
Seeing Sal and Elowen finally find their way back to one another was everything I hoped it would be. Their reunion isn't about pretending the past never happened or magically erasing the trauma they've endured. Instead, it's about choosing one another despite their scars, learning how to move forward without forgetting where they've been. That made their ending feel so much more authentic, emotional, and deeply satisfying.
I also loved seeing Sal's inner child appear again. This time, however, it no longer felt like something terrifying or broken. Instead, it symbolised growth, healing, and acceptance, making his emotional journey feel beautifully complete.
Condemned by Betrayal took me through every emotion imaginable—grief, anger, frustration, heartbreak, hope, relief, and ultimately overwhelming joy. It is raw, emotionally devastating, beautifully written, and a powerful conclusion to Sal and Elowen's unforgettable story.
Some books entertain you while you're reading them.
Others leave permanent marks on your heart.
Condemned by Betrayal belongs firmly in the second category, and I have no doubt that Sal and Elowen will stay with me for a very long time. ❤️

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Condemned by Betrayal picks up immediately after the devastating ending of the previous book, and my heart was still in pieces before I’d even turned the first page.

Everything has changed.
Antonio is lying in hospital.Sal is missing…Or is he?

After the heartbreaking decision Sal made at the end of the previous book, I honestly didn’t know how this story could possibly recover. I was still grieving alongside the characters, and it wastes no time throwing you straight back into the heartbreak.

Elowen is no longer simply grieving, she’s completely consumed by depression. Life has lost all meaning, and you can feel the emptiness radiating from every page.

Then Hunter enters her life, offering hope where there was none. For the first time in what feels like forever, you see the smallest spark return to her eyes, and I found myself desperately clinging to that hope alongside her.

And Bruno…Let’s just say he and Rosie have been keeping themselves entertained. 🐶😂

From Hunter’s very first chapter, I had my suspicions about who he really was. Watching everything unfold was incredibly frustrating because, after everything these characters have already endured, I couldn’t believe this was where fate had brought them.

Logan, however…

I’m still not entirely sure what to make of him. I had my theories throughout, but the details kept making me question myself. (I was so wrong and off base about him LOL)

The connection between Hunter and Elowen is immediate and incredibly intense. Every interaction feels magnetic, yet there’s an underlying sadness that never truly leaves. Just when it feels like she’s beginning to heal…

Everything changes again.

The emotional whiplash this book gave me was unreal. The relationships, the revelations, the constant uncertainty. I honestly didn’t know what I was supposed to feel. One moment I was hopeful, the next completely heartbroken.

And then…I was right about Hunter!!!

For a while, I genuinely felt completely lost, and I loved that the story kept me questioning everything. It gave me serious Face/Off vibes at times, and I couldn’t stop turning the pages to understand how it was all going to come together.

But Elowen…My heart absolutely shattered for her.

Bruno, as always, was the unexpected hero we all needed.

That shower scene following Elowen’s condition completely destroyed me. I was crying happy tears, but they were mixed with so much sadness and relief that I don’t think I’ve ever felt so emotionally conflicted while reading.

Seeing Sal and Elowen finally reunited, stronger together despite everything they’d endured, was beautiful. Their journey wasn’t about magically fixing everything, it was about learning to live with the scars. Elowen’s condition doesn’t disappear, but watching her find a way to move forward made their ending feel all the more real and meaningful.

I was also surprised to see Sal’s inner child make another appearance, but I found so much peace in how that part of him had changed. Rather than feeling frightening, it felt like another step in his healing journey.

This book took me on a complete emotional rollercoaster. I felt anger. Frustration. Devastation. Hope. And by the end, I was sobbing tears of relief and happiness.

It was raw, heartbreaking, beautifully written, and the perfect conclusion to Sal and Elowen’s story.

One thing is certain…

These two will stay with me for a very long time. 🖤

[Elif Hazar · Rating 4 out of 5]

ᴄᴏɴᴅᴇᴍɴᴇᴅ ʙʏ ʙᴇᴛʀᴀʏᴀʟ || ᴀʀᴄ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ

“𝓘’𝓿𝓮 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓭 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓼𝓲𝓷𝓬𝓮 𝓵𝓸𝓷𝓰 𝓫𝓮𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮 𝓘 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓶𝓮𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓘’𝓵𝓵 𝓴𝓮𝓮𝓹 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓾𝓷𝓽𝓲𝓵 𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓮”

✨4/5
🌶️3/5

If I may, I’d like to cry. Salvario, whilst believing himself to be Hunter and having been separated from the woman he loves for exactly 18 months—even though he has forgotten everything—sees the same woman in his dreams every night and searches for her in every head of coffee-coloured hair, refusing to get close to anyone else. O love, how great you are

“𝐼 𝑑𝑜𝑛’𝑡 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑙 𝑠𝑒𝑥𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑑𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑟𝑒 𝑢𝑛𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝐼’𝑚 𝑑𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑎 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑤𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑛.”

They say that even if a person were to forget everything, their heart and mind would never forget a single detail. Hunter hates nuts for reasons he doesn’t understand; he can’t bear to eat them because, although he doesn’t remember it himself, the woman he loves is allergic to them and can’t eat them.

“𝐼 ℎ𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑛𝑢𝑡𝑠.𝐼'𝑚 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑖𝑐 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑦 𝑑𝑜𝑛'𝑡 𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑔𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛, 𝐼 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑑𝑜𝑛'𝑡 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚.𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝐼 𝑎𝑐𝑐𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚, 𝐼 𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑒 𝑚𝑦 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑑.”

It is an indisputable fact that Salvario and Elowen are soulmates. Just as, back when he had kidnapped Wen, he would find himself right by her side whenever she played the piano, so too, as Hunter, he found himself once again beside the very music for which Wen had wept for him. And, though he did not realise it, he fell in love all over again with the woman he loved.

“𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫.𝐈 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐬.”
𝑆ℎ𝑒’𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑛 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑚𝑎𝑑𝑒 𝑚𝑦 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑚𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑐, 𝑚𝑎𝑑𝑒 𝑚𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒 ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑝𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝐼 𝑑𝑜𝑛’𝑡 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑎 𝑓𝑢𝑐𝑘 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑚𝑦 𝑜𝑤𝑛. 𝑆ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑎𝑑𝑒 𝑚𝑒 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑙 𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑣𝑒.

I feel so sorry for Elowen – oh, my poor little baby. Her only crime was to love. She was on the verge of going mad, caught between Hunter – the real Salvario – and the Salvario who was a planned trap. Whilst she felt at home by Hunter’s side, the Salvario she had become was saying, ‘I’m here.’ And without her realising it, he was poisoning her day by day to drive her mad. Yet all she wanted was to be with the love of her life.

“𝐈’𝐦 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐈 𝐦𝐲𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞.”
𝑁𝑜 𝐻𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟.
𝑁𝑜 𝑆𝑎𝑙𝑣𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑜.
𝑁𝑜 𝐸𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑛.

No matter how much of his memory Salvario lost, no matter how many months he spent without her, no matter how much he was manipulated against his will, the fact that he never forgot the love of his life—the very thing that brought him back to life—was that his soul recognised her from the very beginning and that the spark of their love ignited. That he wanted nothing more than to be by the side of his ‘home’. That he could not even breathe without her.

“𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓, 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒇 𝑰 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒎𝒚𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇.”

🧠 Amnesia
🍀 Soulmate
🔺 Love Triangle
🎭 Mistaken Identity
🔥 Obsessed MMC

[Mandy Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first chapter, Noyar Cecil establishes an immediate, vice-like grip on the reader, pulling you into a tempest of raw vulnerability and plunging your heart straight into the emotional turmoil without a moment's hesitation.

At its core, this novel is an immersive exploration of grief, identity, and the heavy cost of survival. Elowen’s journey begins in the shadow of profound loss, complicated further by the sudden, haunting return of a man she never expected to see again, resurrecting emotions she thought were buried forever.

Operating as the second part of a compelling duet, this installment shifts the focus entirely inward. While the first installment explored the initial blossoming of Salvario and Elowen's bond through the lens of Salvario’s moral dilemmas, this continuation delves deeply into Elowen’s internal war and her fierce fight against herself.
​
Suspense hums beneath every chapter, keeping the reader guessing about true identities, shifting alliances, and the ultimate stakes until the very end.

Elowen’s psychological and emotional conflict serves as the anchor of the book. Dealing with the profound agony of someone who vanishes and returns altered, she finds herself caught in a devastating cycle of falling in love anew while consumed by self-blame and guilt.

Every turn of the page brings a deeply felt emotional impact, blending raw heartbreak with fleeting glimpses of hope.
​
Salvario embodies fierce, all-consuming devotion as a man willing to dismantle the world for the woman he loves. Opposite him, Elowen stands as a remarkably resilient protagonist navigating immense trauma without sacrificing her capacity to fight for the person she loves.

Their dynamic is layered with intense yearning and pain, making the eventual healing process feel genuinely earned, heartbreaking, and deeply rewarding.

​This stunning conclusion honors the journey of these characters, lingering in your thoughts long after the final chapter is closed.

I give this a glowing, absolute recommendation to anyone who loves deep emotional stakes and unforgettable romance.

[Twisted Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this duet a million stars, I would.

Very rarely does a sequel completely transform the way I view the first book. Condemned by Betrayal didn't just continue the story—it completed it.

Where Condemned by Pain introduced us to revenge, trauma, and an unforgettable love story, Condemned by Betrayal asks a far more profound question: What truly makes us who we are?

Is it our memories? Our face? Our name? Or is it something far deeper that refuses to disappear even when everything else is taken away?

Noyar Cecil executes this beautifully.
The mystery surrounding Hunter kept me questioning everything I thought I knew. Every chapter gave just enough information to make me reconsider my theories without ever feeling manipulated. The twists never existed for shock value; they served the emotional journey of the characters, and that's what made them so effective.
What elevated this book for me was Elowen.

In book one, much of our attention naturally centered on Salvario's trauma. Here, we finally get to know Elowen beyond the romance. We see her family, her emotional resilience, her vulnerability, and the impossible choices she is forced to make. Her conflict felt genuine, heartbreaking, and incredibly human.

Salvario's journey was equally powerful. Watching a man lose not only his memories but also his identity, only to unknowingly remain true to the very essence of who he is, was one of the most compelling character arcs I've read in dark romance.

The emotional payoff was phenomenal because nothing felt rushed. Every revelation answered previous questions while creating new emotional dilemmas. Looking back, I can see how carefully this duet was constructed from the very beginning.

For me, this story was never simply about revenge or captivity.
It became a story about identity.
About whether love recognizes a face... or a soul.

This duet has officially become one of my all-time favourite dark romances. It challenged me, surprised me, and emotionally devastated me in all the best ways.

If I could give it more than five stars, I absolutely would.

[Ana ♉️✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝓘’𝓶 𝓽𝓸𝓸 𝓼𝓮𝓵𝓯𝓲𝓼𝓱 𝓽𝓸 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓼𝓮𝓵𝓯𝓵𝓮𝓼𝓼𝓵𝔂.”

This duet was absolutely incredible. I had no idea what Book 2 was going to bring, but it completely exceeded every expectation I had.

I’ve officially become a Noyar Cecil fan, and now I can’t wait to go back and read the parents’ books as well as Leo & Zo’s stories.

This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster. It shattered my heart for both Salavrio and Elowen, and after everything they endured, their hard-earned happy ending felt so deserved. I truly believe this quote captures the heart of this duet perfectly:

“The imperfectly perfect story of a beauty and her beast.”

Salavrio is the definition of a man who would burn the world down for the woman he loves. His devotion to Elowen is fierce, unwavering, and all-consuming. Nothing and no one could ever stand between them.

My heart also broke for Elowen. She was such a strong FMC who endured unimaginable pain, yet she never stopped fighting for the man she loved. Her resilience, strength, and unconditional love made her impossible not to root for.

This duet will stay with me for a very long time. It’s one of those stories that lingers in your heart long after you’ve turned the final page.

And of course, we have to talk about our babies, Rosie and Bruno! They absolutely stole every scene they were in. Bruno remained the loyal protector we’ve all come to love, and he truly shined throughout this book.

Tropes you’ll love:

* Kidnapping
* Amnesia
* Mistaken identity
* “My wife”
* It’s always been you
* Trauma & healing
* Beauty and the beast vibes
* Touch her and die
* Morally grey mmc
* Found family

‼️ Please check the trigger warnings before reading. ‼️

Thank you, Noyar Cecil, for the opportunity to read this beautiful duet. It was heartbreaking, emotional, healing, and unforgettable. I loved every single second of this journey, and I can’t wait to read more from you.

[Nicolereviewbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!!! This is officially the best biology I’ve read this year. The first book completely wrecked me; I connected deeply with Elowen and Salvario from the moment they fell in love. It reminded me a bit of "Romeo and Juliet" but a dark mafia romance version—but with a bittersweet ending.

The first book was about capturing the wrong girl—falling in love, only for it to end in betrayal. This second part begins with Elowen trying to survive Salvario’s disappearance; she struggles so much that she stops doing the things she used to enjoy. One day, new neighbors arrive, and one of them bears a striking resemblance to her beloved Salvario—though it isn't him. Yet, her dogs—and her mind, heart, and body—all associate the stranger with him. 🥹

Hunter and his brother have no memory of the last 18 months. They are on a mission to get close to Elowen in order to destroy her family, but Hunter’s obsession with her ends up changing their plans. 🥹🥹❤️‍🔥🥀

Thanks for the ARC❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥😘🖤🥀

~~~~~~~~~~~

¡¡¡Dios mío!!! Esta es oficialmente la mejor bilogía que he leído este año. El primer libro me destrozó por completo; conecté profundamente con Elowen y Salvario desde el momento en que se enamoraron. Me recordó un poco a "Romeo y Julieta", pero en una versión oscura de romance mafioso... aunque con un final agridulce.

La trama del primer libro giraba en torno a haber secuestrado a la chica equivocada: el enamoramiento que termina en traición. Esta segunda parte comienza con Elowen intentando sobrevivir a la desaparición de Salvario; lo pasa tan mal que deja de hacer las cosas que antes disfrutaba. Un día llegan nuevos vecinos y uno de ellos guarda un parecido asombroso con su amado Salvario, aunque no es él. Sin embargo, sus perros —y su mente, su corazón y su cuerpo— asocian al desconocido con él. 🥹

Hunter y su hermano no recuerdan nada de los últimos 18 meses. Tienen la misión de acercarse a Elowen para destruir a su familia, pero la obsesión de Hunter por ella termina cambiando sus planes. 🥹🥹❤️‍🔥🥀

[Martina Peeva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow... just wow!

I literally devoured this book, and from the exact moment I started it, I simply could not put it down. I don't even know how to write this review without spilling a million spoilers, but this book is beyond magnificent!

As a whole, it is completely different from the first installment. In book one, we witnessed the beautiful blossoming of Salvario and Elowen's love, and it felt more like Salvario’s story - his moral dilemma and inner battle. This second part, however, is all about Elowen and her fight against herself. Until the very end, you are kept in complete suspense, never truly knowing what is happening, who is who, or what everyone is fighting for. The story keeps you on the edge of your seat, and the emotions are written so vividly that it feels like you are experiencing them yourself.

Elowen’s moral and emotional dilemma is the absolute cherry on top of this book. Having such profound, deep feelings for someone who vanishes without a trace, only to have him return—but not quite—creates a devastating emotional agony. She is caught in a cycle of falling in love all over again while constantly blaming herself for betrayal. She is trapped in the haunting reality of her thoughts:

“The memories of his love, his promises – of him. The man I loved with all I had, gave him everything I could. The man who took my heart and vanished, leaving me with the punishment of still being alive. The man who still bleed in every drop of my blood, still whispers in my dreams, still owns me completely. The only man my soul begs for.”

This book forces you to feel. Just purely feel - pain, suffering, helplessness, despair, desire, longing, passion, and love...

You just need to read this story. It's honestly unforgettable!

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW OF ADVANCE READER COPY FROM AUTHOR

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5/5

I honestly didn’t think Noyar Cecil could make me more emotionally attached to these characters after Condemned by Pain, but this book proved me wrong. 😭

From the very first chapter, I was completely invested. Watching Elowen refuse to give up on Salvario absolutely broke my heart, and every scene from her perspective made me feel the weight of her grief and hope. There were so many moments where all I wanted was for her to finally get the happiness she deserved.

And Salvario... 🥹❤️

That man somehow made me love him even more in this book. Everything he did came from a place of love, even when it meant sacrificing himself. He’s protective, fiercely loyal, and would burn the entire world down for Elowen without thinking twice.

What I loved most about this book was how emotional it was. It wasn’t just about the mafia world or the action—it was about love, identity, loyalty, and the lengths people will go to for the ones they love. There were so many moments that had my heart in my throat, I also really loved the emotional conflict throughout the story. There were so many moments where I genuinely didn’t know how everything was going to work out, and I couldn’t stop turning the pages.

The plot kept throwing surprises at me, but it never lost sight of the romance. That balance between the action, the emotions, and Salvario and Elowen’s relationship is what made this duet so special for me.

Overall, I absolutely loved this duet, and I’m so glad I got to experience Salvario and Elowen’s story from beginning to end. 🖤

[Stephie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful ending to an emotional story. Thank you to the author for gifting me this incredible ARC. Condemned By Betrayal is a dual POV dark mafia romance and serves as the second book in the Condemned Duet. It picks up where Condemned by pain left off and continues to follow Elowen, who is trying to rebuild Naples and sort out her feelings over the disappearance of Salvario, and Hunter, an amnesiac who can't get Elowen out of his head.

Ooohhh the emotions in this book. The author really knows how to write depression and trauma, and I ate it up! I could feel Elowen's emotions as she was going through them and experienced what she was experiencing. Watching and feeling her grief was heart breaking. Hunter started off as a touch creepy and clingy, but when Bruno loved him, I loved him. Watching him beg Elowen to love him made my heart twist. I was able to guess the twist pretty early on, but the author actually had me doubting everything with all the twists and turns and surprises. The ending was beautiful and emotional and everything the characters deserved.

Once again, make sure you read the trigger warnings before you read this because there are some pretty graphic scenes. Be prepared to read this all in one sitting!

4 out of 5 stars
2 out of 5 spicy peppers
Memorable line: “But it’s mine and Salvario’s fairytale— the imperfectly perfect story of a beauty and her beast.”
Read this if you like: Dark romance, amnesia, betrayal, forced proximity, found family, gun play, HEA, hidden identity, kidnapping, mafia, obsessed MMC, second chance, trauma
F*ck appears: 145 times
Spicy chapters: 18, 19, 21, 25, 37, 44

[MandysBookish Mind · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely messed with my head. The back and forth. The emotions. The intensity. The constant questioning of what was true and what wasn't. I could not put this book down and I ended up reading the entire thing in one sitting because every chapter pulled me deeper into the story.

Elowen's journey was something else. She spends so much of the story feeling lost, trying to make sense of a world that keeps shifting beneath her feet. Just when she thinks she understands what's happening, another truth comes to light... or maybe it's another lie. Watching her navigate emotions she didn't fully understand while trying to determine who she could trust made her story incredibly compelling.

Hunter completely broke my heart. Beneath his strength is a man carrying unimaginable pain, and learning about everything he'd endured since childhood wasn't easy to read. His past explains so much about the man he became, and every time another layer of his story was revealed, I found myself understanding him more. Watching these two find each other while healing from completely different kinds of pain made their relationship feel that much more powerful.

This book never gives you a chance to breathe. Every time I thought I had something figured out, another revelation turned everything upside down. The twists, the emotional turmoil, and the constant push and pull between truth and deception kept me completely invested from beginning to end.

This wasn't just a dark romance. It was an emotional roller coaster that had me questioning everything right alongside Elowen, and I loved every minute of it. I received this book as an ARC and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

If she wants, I’m a king who has everything; if she wants, I’m a beggar who has nothing.

[Heather Papp · Rating 5 out of 5]

One question: WHAAAAAT WAS THAT?!?! 🤯🤯🤯 In this follow-up novel to “Condemned By Pain”, Noyar Cecil really screwed with my head (and my heart)! The major twist in this book, revealed by Hunter’s boss Chris, is going to make this review difficult to write in a comprehensible way because now I’m wracking my brain trying to look back over the length of the story to figure out who was actually saying and doing what. It’s going to be hard not to include any spoilers, but I’ll give it my best shot… I can’t get over how much I truly enjoyed this plot, first of all! The concept is incredible, and I’ve never read anything else like it. The spice was top tier, chef’s kiss, holy sh**!, whichever phrase you choose because they all apply. Like, did he SERIOUSLY pull a Zade Meadow move with that handgun?!? 🥵🥵🥵 I thought I was going to die from excitement! And to find out that Elowen was right about Hunter the entire time, the physical and mental torture that poor girl went through over this… I don’t even know what to call it! Scam? Ploy? Like, we’re talking full-on neurological damage from the trauma inflicted upon her by “Hunter” and “Salvario”! Just, what?!? Also, I am happy to report that no dogs were harmed in the plot of this story (check out my review of book one, you’ll know why I’m saying that). Bravo, Noyar, bravo!! I don’t know how you came up with this story, but more authors need to take a few pages from your book, so to speak, when it comes to perfecting the dark romance genre. Well done! 10/10!

[Janelle Kozera · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

Please read the author’s note for TWs at the beginning of the book. This has some darker themes written ON PAGE and it’s too good of a book to get bad ratings because people are shocked by the traumas on page!

After finishing book one I immediately picked up book two. The chokehold this duet had on me was unreal. I felt such an emotional connection with these characters.

I loved that Hunter’s subconscious was telling him things and even though he didn’t understand them, we as the reader KNEW why.

I was devastated and happy when Salvario was found, but heartbroken for what Hunter and Elowen had built. I knew that wasn’t going to be the end of it and I’m so glad Hunter didn’t give her up so easily, at all really. He fought for the woman he loved.

My poor Elowen. Book one I cried for Salvario and his trauma and what he went through. Book two I cried for Elowen. The shower scene broke me. Not only did it hurt to read her pain, but having Elowen’s scene be similar to Salvario’s mom and then having Hunter find her was so sad and genius.

I’ll be recommending this duet and going back to read the other books about Elowen’s family. I know this duet is a standalone story, but after meeting the other characters and reading the work of Noyar, I can’t wait to read their stories too!

This review is based upon my own thoughts and opinions. Thank you to Noyar Cecil for my ARC

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
After finishing Condemned by Pain, I needed answers, and Condemned by Betrayal gave me everything I was hoping for and so much more. This book completely wrecked me in the best way. I was hooked from the first page and could not stop until I knew how it all played out.

The emotional pull in this story is incredible. Elowen has already been through so much, and watching her try to hold on to hope while questioning everything she thought she knew had my heart breaking for her. Then there is Hunter and Salvario. I don't want to spoil anything because the twists deserve to be experienced firsthand, but the way this story unfolds had me questioning everything right alongside Elowen.

The chemistry, the tension, the heartbreak, and the longing are all done so well. Every chapter had me feeling something. One minute I was hopeful, the next I was completely stressed, and by the end I was an emotional mess. I loved every second of it.

Noyar Cecil has such a talent for creating complex characters and keeping you invested in every twist and revelation. Nothing felt predictable, and every answer only made me want to keep reading. This duet is packed with emotion, suspense, obsession, and a romance that refuses to let go.

If you love dark romance with emotional depth, unforgettable twists, and characters that stay with you long after you finish, this duet absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR.

[Soha Amer · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was supposed to be her ruin. It has only ever been her.

Condemned by Betrayal took the wreckage from book 1 and set it on fire.

The betrayal hits hard and early. Secrets unravel, loyalties break, and the obsession between them turns lethal. He would burn the world for her but cannot touch her, and now she knows why. The amnesia lifts, the truth comes out, and the cost of loving him might be everything.

This book is darker, angrier, and somehow even more tender than book 1. The psychological warfare between them becomes a love story. The MMC is completely undone — possessive, broken, willing to condemn himself if it means keeping her. The FMC reclaims her power in a way that had me screaming.

The spice is higher, the stakes are deadly, and the emotional payoff wrecked me. That ending? Cathartic, brutal, perfect.

Tropes: Betrayal • Revenge • Forced Proximity • Found Family vs Blood • Obsessive Love • Touch-Averse MMC • Redemption

Spice: 4/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

CW: Dark themes continue. Check author warnings.

Series Note: Must read Condemned by Pain first.

This duet will live in my head rent-free. If you want dark romance that will emotionally condemn you, this is it.

Forever ruined. Zero regrets.

[Kari Tidwell (karisbookstodevour) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did not see three quarters of this second book in the Condemned duet coming! Condemned by Betrayal is equal parts a story with the kind of love, the ANYTHING in ANY situation kind, that is the reason romance resonates and makes your heart twist and the so messed up manipulative, memory wiping, futuristic mafia read that this duet needed, while maintaining all those obsessive stalkery dark romance vibes that you crave.
Salvario and Elowen, gah! These two are just all nothing will keep them apart, find each other in any world and any situation, and I really love it. This picks up right where Condemned by Pain left off, veers into spaces and plot lines you would never guess, and just works because the entire point is that these two are destiny, fate, souls that recognize and seek each other always, and the jacked up events of this book are the proof. It’s a great story that plays into the possibility of the future with face altering, memory wiping, and memory planting, it’s still based in revenge and power, and it stays just bloody enough to never let you forget this is the mafia, but it delivers a lot in the emotional department and I swear the ending will rock you just as much as it makes you believe that Salvario and Elowen are exactly where they were meant to be.

[Allison King · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just as good as the first in the duet.
Salvario is missing for years, despite everyone trying to find him. Antonio is hurt, the rest of Salvarios men are dead and he’s just gone.
Elowen is crushed. Both by his betrayal and his disappearance. She doesn’t believe he would just leave like that, even after he betrayed her. And then, she finds him.
Except it’s Hunter Blackwood. And his brother Logan. Two more people determined to go after Elowens family, mainly her father, the King of the Underworld. It’s just a creepy coincidence that Hunter looks, sounds and acts almost exactly like Salvario. And both Bruno and Rosie love him and trust him.

As much as I want to say I saw the plot twist coming, I thought that was what it was going to be, but then I was like “no, it’s not because this happened also, so it can’t be.” So I’ll say I half saw it coming. So it still threw me off.
This was a great, quick read - I didn’t want to out this one down either. I am definitely going to look up more books from this author.

I received this book as Advanced Copy and am writing this review voluntarily

[Jasmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Condemned by Betrayal was even more intense than the first book, with so many twists and turns that I never knew what was coming next. This book was an emotional roller coaster that had me questioning everything right alongside Elowen. There were so many moments where I didn't know who to trust, and I was completely invested from beginning to end.

My heart broke for Elowen. All I wanted was to see her finally get the happiness she deserved. She never stopped fighting for the man she loved, no matter how impossible things seemed. And Salvario... his protectiveness and the lengths he was willing to go for Elowen had me rooting for him the entire time. He would burn the world down for her without hesitation, and I loved seeing how fiercely they fought for each other.

After everything these two endured throughout the duet, I was really satisfied with how their story wrapped up. They truly earned that ending.

I really enjoyed the Condemned duet and would definitely recommend it. Just make sure to read Condemned by Pain first—this is not a series you can jump into halfway.

Thank you to Noyar Cecil for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Xratedreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️

After the cliff hanger in the first book, I honestly thought my heart had already been through enough, but apparently not! This book picks up exactly where the last one ended and somehow manages to be even more intense and heart breaking.

Salvario and Elowen are both so beautifully broken, and I loved seeing more of their journey together. Their relationship is full of pain, yearning, healing and so many emotional moments that had me completely invested.

The twists kept coming, and every time I thought I had figured something out, the story went in a completely different direction. I genuinely had no idea what was going to happen next, which made it impossible to put down.

This duet was dark, emotional, unpredictable and beautifully written. It had romance, spice, suspense, heartbreak and characters you cannot help but care about. I would recommend this duet if you love dark romance with lots of heart break and plot twists.

Trope

Dark mafia romance
Second chance
Amnesia
Mistaken Identity
Obsessed MMC
Found family
Trauma/healing
Betrayal
Soulmate
Love Triangle

[Erin E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Even when you say you hate me… even when you say you’ll kill me… you’re still the best thing in my life. The only thing that makes me feel alive."


Well this was quite the mindfu*k! I mean that in the best way possible 🤯🤯 this is such an intense conclusion to their journey. My goodness. I got whiplash a couple times because I thought I knew one thing but the second guessed myself and just kept going back and forth. Ahhh this was thrilling!!! And once again Bruno stole the spotlight. He's the MVP for sure!!! Always trust the dog 👏👏


Elowen!!! My heart.... My goodness she endures like so much throughout this. Once again she remains so strong but everything that happens!!!! Ugh!!!!! She's just incredible throughout this entire story.  There's so much I want to say but it would give too much away I think and I don't want to spoil this one. It's an exciting, mystery of a ride! 


Really good duet! I thoroughly enjoyed! Seriously, LOVED the ending!!! So so so good 🫶


✔️mistaken identity

✔️Amnesia

✔️Captor/captive

✔️Broken MMC

✔️Love triangle

✔️Morally grey mmc 

[Ehva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noyar, you put all 3 of us through it 😩😩 But what a duet, and what a love story 🥹 I am so in love with these two! Thank you so much for this ARC 🥹❤️ If there is a couple that fights with everything for their love, it is them!

Salvario is still my husband, and now he is even more twisted and daddy! 😈💃 I couldn't stop kicking my feet reading his chapters 🤭 If you thought he was obsessed, and possessive before 😎 Oh baby! He has to fight with everything to get to his woman. Elowen has me sobbing, giggling and so proud of her! She's still sassy, protective, patient, sunshine and feisty! But she's also been through her own hell, these past 18 months 😭 I wanted to hug her so much! But this woman is so brave and strong 🥹

They finally have their hea 🤭

These two put me through so many emotions, but the one I felt most, was happiness and peace 🥹 Knowing that they finally have their hea 🥹 The one they dreamt of since they met 😩❤️

The spice is even kinkier and hotter 😈💃 Had me tucking my hair behind my ear and fanning myself, Noyar! And I love it! 🔥