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Cruel Fate #2
Of Hate and Mercy
Have you ever wished you could read a book for the first time again?
Welcome to Nikolai's POV of the events. Be prepared to see past the veil that Emory always wanted to lift.
The need for revenge fed his mind with darkness in each breath he took. The manacles around his wrists the only reason the people responsible for his suffering didn’t lay slaughtered at his feet. Darkness surrounding his soul and the years of yearning for freedom had left him with a soulless hate.
One apple, one stroll under the stars, and a pair of ocean blue eyes was all it took to break the cycle. A glimpse of hope, more dangerous than a blade in the hands of an unhinged man. A secret he could never share, a soul poisoned with the innocence of a princess, and a man whose world was shown a dangerous path would lead to so much more than destruction.
But when it came to choosing between his blood and the love for his enemy, Nikolai found himself a true traitor.
Welcome to Nikolai's POV of the events. Be prepared to see past the veil that Emory always wanted to lift.
The need for revenge fed his mind with darkness in each breath he took. The manacles around his wrists the only reason the people responsible for his suffering didn’t lay slaughtered at his feet. Darkness surrounding his soul and the years of yearning for freedom had left him with a soulless hate.
One apple, one stroll under the stars, and a pair of ocean blue eyes was all it took to break the cycle. A glimpse of hope, more dangerous than a blade in the hands of an unhinged man. A secret he could never share, a soul poisoned with the innocence of a princess, and a man whose world was shown a dangerous path would lead to so much more than destruction.
But when it came to choosing between his blood and the love for his enemy, Nikolai found himself a true traitor.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2026
About the author
Tanja Longoria
38 books219 followersTanja is a spicy romance author who loves to write about strong female characters, loving love interests, and the occasional vampires and werewolves.
Besides writing she is a mother and nursing student, with a hectic life and an ever-changing work schedule. Writing is her escape from reality in which she can let go of all the stress that comes with managing a family of three and balancing work and private life.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 24, 2026
Rating: 5/5
I received an eARC for my honest opinion.
In this book you will get Nikolai’s POV, and let me tell you, I really loved him and then I hated him in the first book. However, this book really helped me to understand him. I was so confused in the first book and how it all went down but now I understand and I need to know what happened.
Nikolai, he is a complicated character. He holds so much anger, pain and the need for revenge, but when he gets to know Emory, his walls start coming down and, in this book, you start to understand why he had those walls and how he truly feels. You get to understand that he isn’t just a simple man who wants to get revenge/driven by hate but he is a man who is caught how in understanding that he can have a better life.
I loved that Emory gave Nikolai something different in his horrible world. Their connection is complicated, dangerous and full of emotions that they don’t understand. I know now after everything that we have learned from this book, I found myself wanting them to find their happily ever after. To work through all the pain that was brought, the secrets, and the betrayal. Even knowing that love doesn't magically erase everything they have been through.
This plot was full of so much, all the revelations, the dark history, the political tension throughout the book. I was already ready for the heartbreak in this book, but I wasn’t ready for how much this book really stole my emotions. This book is dark, intense and heartbreaking. You will watch two characters who might have a chance to make their happily ever after, if everything works out okay.
I want to thank Tanja Longoria for the opportunity to review this book.
I received an eARC for my honest opinion.
In this book you will get Nikolai’s POV, and let me tell you, I really loved him and then I hated him in the first book. However, this book really helped me to understand him. I was so confused in the first book and how it all went down but now I understand and I need to know what happened.
Nikolai, he is a complicated character. He holds so much anger, pain and the need for revenge, but when he gets to know Emory, his walls start coming down and, in this book, you start to understand why he had those walls and how he truly feels. You get to understand that he isn’t just a simple man who wants to get revenge/driven by hate but he is a man who is caught how in understanding that he can have a better life.
I loved that Emory gave Nikolai something different in his horrible world. Their connection is complicated, dangerous and full of emotions that they don’t understand. I know now after everything that we have learned from this book, I found myself wanting them to find their happily ever after. To work through all the pain that was brought, the secrets, and the betrayal. Even knowing that love doesn't magically erase everything they have been through.
This plot was full of so much, all the revelations, the dark history, the political tension throughout the book. I was already ready for the heartbreak in this book, but I wasn’t ready for how much this book really stole my emotions. This book is dark, intense and heartbreaking. You will watch two characters who might have a chance to make their happily ever after, if everything works out okay.
I want to thank Tanja Longoria for the opportunity to review this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Of Hate and Mercy gives us Nikolai’s perspective, and holy sh *, did it shed a completely different light on so many moments from the first book.
Things I had questioned suddenly made sense. How did he know what to do when he had never been with a woman? How did he get out of those manacles? What were his true intentions? What was he scheming behind the scenes while everyone else thought something completely different was happening?
You finally get the answers.
But more importantly, you get Nikolai.
And that man is so much deeper and more complex than he ever allows anyone to see.
Book one, to me, felt like a mixture of Game of Thrones and Once Upon a Broken Heart. There was danger and brutality, but we experienced the world through the princess’s eyes. There was still so much happening outside of what she could see.
This book rips that curtain away.
It gives you the raw, brutal side of that world. The things hidden from her. The things Nikolai knew but couldn’t tell her. The things he had been enduring for years while barely letting anyone see how much they affected him.
And suddenly, you’re watching the same story from the perspective of someone who knows SO much more.
What I really loved, though, is that this doesn’t feel like simply rereading book one from another POV. Yes, we revisit moments we already know, but we also get everything that happened around them. The conversations she wasn’t there for. Nikolai’s schemes. His history. His relationship with his mother. How she actually got the crown and, perhaps even more importantly, what he didn’t do.
It made the familiar scenes feel completely different because now you understand what was happening inside Nikolai while they unfolded.
You understand how he fell for her.
You understand why he fell for her.
And sometimes it was something so ridiculously simple.
An apple.
A choice.
A tiny gesture that might mean absolutely nothing to one person, but everything to someone who has spent their life being denied exactly that.
He protects her while she hates him. He schemes behind the scenes to keep her safe. He is constantly thinking ahead, constantly calculating, constantly trying to find another way. And when it comes down to her happiness, he is willing to sacrifice everything, even if that happiness doesn’t include him.
Learning what he was actually doing while we were following her story in book one made some of those moments hit so much harder. Even finding out how he managed to get there in time to marry her had me going:
YOU DID WHAT?!
This man had PLANS inside plans inside other plans. 😂 But underneath all of that scheming is so much suffering. And that’s what made Nikolai’s perspective so fascinating to me. He cares so deeply while revealing so little. There is this enormous difference between the man everyone thinks he is and the man you actually meet inside his head.
There is so much happening between what she believes about him, what he allows her to believe about him, and what he is actually doing for her.
It’s painful. It’s beautiful. It’s incredibly complex.
And by the end, I just wanted to wrap Nikolai in a blanket because let this man experience happiness for approximately five minutes. 😭
But apparently we’re not doing happiness. Because THAT CLIFFHANGER?! Woman. BRUTAL.
So yes, if book one left you desperate for book two, congratulations: book two will happily return the favor.
LOVE: ♥️♥️♥️♥️
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️
INTENSITY: 💢💢💢
TEARS: 💧💧💧
SWOONING: 🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠
OVERALL: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Things I had questioned suddenly made sense. How did he know what to do when he had never been with a woman? How did he get out of those manacles? What were his true intentions? What was he scheming behind the scenes while everyone else thought something completely different was happening?
You finally get the answers.
But more importantly, you get Nikolai.
And that man is so much deeper and more complex than he ever allows anyone to see.
Book one, to me, felt like a mixture of Game of Thrones and Once Upon a Broken Heart. There was danger and brutality, but we experienced the world through the princess’s eyes. There was still so much happening outside of what she could see.
This book rips that curtain away.
It gives you the raw, brutal side of that world. The things hidden from her. The things Nikolai knew but couldn’t tell her. The things he had been enduring for years while barely letting anyone see how much they affected him.
And suddenly, you’re watching the same story from the perspective of someone who knows SO much more.
What I really loved, though, is that this doesn’t feel like simply rereading book one from another POV. Yes, we revisit moments we already know, but we also get everything that happened around them. The conversations she wasn’t there for. Nikolai’s schemes. His history. His relationship with his mother. How she actually got the crown and, perhaps even more importantly, what he didn’t do.
It made the familiar scenes feel completely different because now you understand what was happening inside Nikolai while they unfolded.
You understand how he fell for her.
You understand why he fell for her.
And sometimes it was something so ridiculously simple.
An apple.
A choice.
A tiny gesture that might mean absolutely nothing to one person, but everything to someone who has spent their life being denied exactly that.
He protects her while she hates him. He schemes behind the scenes to keep her safe. He is constantly thinking ahead, constantly calculating, constantly trying to find another way. And when it comes down to her happiness, he is willing to sacrifice everything, even if that happiness doesn’t include him.
Learning what he was actually doing while we were following her story in book one made some of those moments hit so much harder. Even finding out how he managed to get there in time to marry her had me going:
YOU DID WHAT?!
This man had PLANS inside plans inside other plans. 😂 But underneath all of that scheming is so much suffering. And that’s what made Nikolai’s perspective so fascinating to me. He cares so deeply while revealing so little. There is this enormous difference between the man everyone thinks he is and the man you actually meet inside his head.
There is so much happening between what she believes about him, what he allows her to believe about him, and what he is actually doing for her.
It’s painful. It’s beautiful. It’s incredibly complex.
And by the end, I just wanted to wrap Nikolai in a blanket because let this man experience happiness for approximately five minutes. 😭
But apparently we’re not doing happiness. Because THAT CLIFFHANGER?! Woman. BRUTAL.
So yes, if book one left you desperate for book two, congratulations: book two will happily return the favor.
LOVE: ♥️♥️♥️♥️
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️
INTENSITY: 💢💢💢
TEARS: 💧💧💧
SWOONING: 🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠
OVERALL: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 1, 2026
ARC Review | Minor Spoilers
Same story. Same characters. Nikolai’s POV. And you already know I’m sat.
After loving the first book so much, I was a so freaking excited about reading the exact same story again from another perspective. And honestly? I loved it even more than I expected to. Getting inside Nikolai’s head completely changed the way I experienced certain scenes, especially the ones that were already some of my favorites from the first book.
I’ll go ahead and say it… this man is TWISTED. And I love it. 😊 Watching him go into this story with his own intentions, thinking he can use her, only for that plan to completely backfire on him? LOL. Look how that turned out. The possessiveness, the nicknames, the jealousy… YEARNNNNN. We all need a Nikolai. 😭
And can we talk about how much better some scenes become the second time around when you’re seeing them through his eyes? There were so many moments where I was sitting there like, ohhhhh, so THAT’S what was going through his head. Scenes that I already loved became even sweeter because we finally got to see the feelings he was trying so desperately to hide.
His love for her is honestly one of my favorite parts of this story. He becomes so completely weak for her, and watching that happen is precious beyond words. He loves her in the only ways he knows how, especially when openly showing those feelings could put him in danger. There’s something so heartbreaking about watching him try to balance what he feels with what he thinks he has to do.
Also… the jealousy!!!!!!!!!!!! I was eating that UP. And the fact that we get even more of his possessive side through his internal thoughts? Say less.
There are SO many quotes throughout this book that I was obsessing over. I genuinely recommend checking my highlights because apparently I highlighted half the damn book. 😭
“There was no future with her. Not for him. Yet he’d started worshipping every word she shared with him as if it were his prayer to escape madness. And madness it was to stand here, in the midst of magic with her taste still on his lips and her touch still tingling his skin.”- aka my favorite quote from the whole book
Second fav has to be, “His princess was all he ever needed but could never have, yet here he stood devouring every small moment he could have.”
Once again, the writing and imagery were absolutely stunning. The art is TEA yet again. The world continues to feel so immersive, and somehow the scenes that I already knew were coming still managed to hit differently from Nikolai’s perspective.
And, of course, we can’t forget the GORE. Yet again! This story does not shy away from darker moments, and I still love how that intensity fits into the romance and overall atmosphere.
There was also one moment where I was basically screaming, I KNEW HE WOULDN’T. 😭 Getting to understand Nikolai’s thoughts in moments like that made such a difference because it gave context to his actions and showed just how much he actually cared for her beneath everything else.
Overall, I absolutely loved getting to experience this story again through Nikolai’s eyes. It doesn’t feel like a pointless retelling of the first book—it adds so much more understanding to his character, his motivations, and especially the way we understand his feelings for her. The combination of all that romance, tension, and emotional depth worked just as well as the first time, maybe even more so.
UGH. I LOVE THIS STORY.
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Same story. Same characters. Nikolai’s POV. And you already know I’m sat.
After loving the first book so much, I was a so freaking excited about reading the exact same story again from another perspective. And honestly? I loved it even more than I expected to. Getting inside Nikolai’s head completely changed the way I experienced certain scenes, especially the ones that were already some of my favorites from the first book.
I’ll go ahead and say it… this man is TWISTED. And I love it. 😊 Watching him go into this story with his own intentions, thinking he can use her, only for that plan to completely backfire on him? LOL. Look how that turned out. The possessiveness, the nicknames, the jealousy… YEARNNNNN. We all need a Nikolai. 😭
And can we talk about how much better some scenes become the second time around when you’re seeing them through his eyes? There were so many moments where I was sitting there like, ohhhhh, so THAT’S what was going through his head. Scenes that I already loved became even sweeter because we finally got to see the feelings he was trying so desperately to hide.
His love for her is honestly one of my favorite parts of this story. He becomes so completely weak for her, and watching that happen is precious beyond words. He loves her in the only ways he knows how, especially when openly showing those feelings could put him in danger. There’s something so heartbreaking about watching him try to balance what he feels with what he thinks he has to do.
Also… the jealousy!!!!!!!!!!!! I was eating that UP. And the fact that we get even more of his possessive side through his internal thoughts? Say less.
There are SO many quotes throughout this book that I was obsessing over. I genuinely recommend checking my highlights because apparently I highlighted half the damn book. 😭
“There was no future with her. Not for him. Yet he’d started worshipping every word she shared with him as if it were his prayer to escape madness. And madness it was to stand here, in the midst of magic with her taste still on his lips and her touch still tingling his skin.”- aka my favorite quote from the whole book
Second fav has to be, “His princess was all he ever needed but could never have, yet here he stood devouring every small moment he could have.”
Once again, the writing and imagery were absolutely stunning. The art is TEA yet again. The world continues to feel so immersive, and somehow the scenes that I already knew were coming still managed to hit differently from Nikolai’s perspective.
And, of course, we can’t forget the GORE. Yet again! This story does not shy away from darker moments, and I still love how that intensity fits into the romance and overall atmosphere.
There was also one moment where I was basically screaming, I KNEW HE WOULDN’T. 😭 Getting to understand Nikolai’s thoughts in moments like that made such a difference because it gave context to his actions and showed just how much he actually cared for her beneath everything else.
Overall, I absolutely loved getting to experience this story again through Nikolai’s eyes. It doesn’t feel like a pointless retelling of the first book—it adds so much more understanding to his character, his motivations, and especially the way we understand his feelings for her. The combination of all that romance, tension, and emotional depth worked just as well as the first time, maybe even more so.
UGH. I LOVE THIS STORY.
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2026
4.5
💘 ARC Review 🌶️
"Great men have fallen to their knees for the right woman."
Ahh!! I have *So* much that I want to say, but I really don't want to talk so much about this book that I spoil Of Love and Cruelty! 😭
Nikolai, Oh Nikolai. I mean, maybe an unpopular opinion, but I felt for him in Of Love and Cruelty. All the feels. I was mad at him, hated him, pitied him, and felt empathy for him. He was given such a rough hand in life, but then here -- oh how things work out.
Tanja has me in a loop of character love and hate with the POVs changing and how I can see things from a different perspective. Probably because I absolutely loved Of Love and Cruelty, but when I really got a chance to pick this up, I read about the last 2/3 in practically one sitting. I would've read it all in one sitting, probably, but I had some other books due and sadly put this one down after practically immediately starting it after I received the email!
I love the insight of seeing the POV from another view. I liked reading Midnight Sun as Edward's POV. Similarly, I liked the peek behind the curtain of this from Nikolai's perspective. I'm not sure if it changed my opinion of any of the family.
I do have a newly found appreciation of Gideon. He is...such a fascinating character who seems to be - more than meets the eye. He's so....in the middle of things. Can he simply be a bystander who's OK being paid for his loyalty? does it ever work to be paid for your loyalty, when, presumably, someone else always has more money?!?! Ahh! I wish I had more to read right now. Sadly, I don't.
I'd strongly suggest reading Of Love and Cruelty first! So, they're still basically standalones in the series, but they're two POVs, Of Love and Cruelty is from the FMC's perspective, and, having read both of them, I would strongly recommend starting with that one first. Then, when you come to Of Hate and Mercy, there aren't so many spoilers and you really get to peek behind the curtain in a deliciously satisfying kind of way. 🤩
It is quite spicy! 🌶️🌶️🌶️ There is also some violence related to sexual content in this book, so be mindful of that as a trigger warning. (But, this is in addition to consensual relations)
Triggers: Death, Torture, Sexual Assault, Violence
💘 ARC Review 🌶️
"Great men have fallen to their knees for the right woman."
Ahh!! I have *So* much that I want to say, but I really don't want to talk so much about this book that I spoil Of Love and Cruelty! 😭
Nikolai, Oh Nikolai. I mean, maybe an unpopular opinion, but I felt for him in Of Love and Cruelty. All the feels. I was mad at him, hated him, pitied him, and felt empathy for him. He was given such a rough hand in life, but then here -- oh how things work out.
Tanja has me in a loop of character love and hate with the POVs changing and how I can see things from a different perspective. Probably because I absolutely loved Of Love and Cruelty, but when I really got a chance to pick this up, I read about the last 2/3 in practically one sitting. I would've read it all in one sitting, probably, but I had some other books due and sadly put this one down after practically immediately starting it after I received the email!
I love the insight of seeing the POV from another view. I liked reading Midnight Sun as Edward's POV. Similarly, I liked the peek behind the curtain of this from Nikolai's perspective. I'm not sure if it changed my opinion of any of the family.
I do have a newly found appreciation of Gideon. He is...such a fascinating character who seems to be - more than meets the eye. He's so....in the middle of things. Can he simply be a bystander who's OK being paid for his loyalty? does it ever work to be paid for your loyalty, when, presumably, someone else always has more money?!?! Ahh! I wish I had more to read right now. Sadly, I don't.
I'd strongly suggest reading Of Love and Cruelty first! So, they're still basically standalones in the series, but they're two POVs, Of Love and Cruelty is from the FMC's perspective, and, having read both of them, I would strongly recommend starting with that one first. Then, when you come to Of Hate and Mercy, there aren't so many spoilers and you really get to peek behind the curtain in a deliciously satisfying kind of way. 🤩
It is quite spicy! 🌶️🌶️🌶️ There is also some violence related to sexual content in this book, so be mindful of that as a trigger warning. (But, this is in addition to consensual relations)
Triggers: Death, Torture, Sexual Assault, Violence
Review of advance copy received from Author
About 95% of this book is told from Nikolai's POV, covering his meeting with Emory in Book 1 and everything that followed. Let me start by saying: I was not prepared for that... The final 5% of the book is where we get genuinely new material.
My expectation for this highly anticipated sequel was that it would pick up where the first book left off, even if it was being told from Nikolai's perspective. Instead, revisiting almost the entire first book through a different point of view felt quite exhausting at times.
Don't get me wrong I enjoyed the revelations. We learn new information, uncover secrets, gain valuable background insight and information, and a lot of things finally make sense. There are definitely important details that add depth to the story in this POV....However, dedicating almost the entire book to retelling events we had already experienced was a bit disappointing for me.
After finishing the first book which I rated 5 stars, all I wanted was to find out what happened next. Because of that, I couldn't help but feel that this story might have worked better as a short novella rather than a full-length novel.
That said, the story remains exciting and incredibly intriguing. I'm still fully invested in the characters, including Annabelle and Gideon ( these side characters are stealing my heart), and I'll absolutely be continuing with the series. I just wanted more forward progression in the plot and definitely more magic, which I still feel hasn't been explored nearly enough.
Overall, I'm still a huge fan of the series and im excited and hopeful for the next book.
My expectation for this highly anticipated sequel was that it would pick up where the first book left off, even if it was being told from Nikolai's perspective. Instead, revisiting almost the entire first book through a different point of view felt quite exhausting at times.
Don't get me wrong I enjoyed the revelations. We learn new information, uncover secrets, gain valuable background insight and information, and a lot of things finally make sense. There are definitely important details that add depth to the story in this POV....However, dedicating almost the entire book to retelling events we had already experienced was a bit disappointing for me.
After finishing the first book which I rated 5 stars, all I wanted was to find out what happened next. Because of that, I couldn't help but feel that this story might have worked better as a short novella rather than a full-length novel.
That said, the story remains exciting and incredibly intriguing. I'm still fully invested in the characters, including Annabelle and Gideon ( these side characters are stealing my heart), and I'll absolutely be continuing with the series. I just wanted more forward progression in the plot and definitely more magic, which I still feel hasn't been explored nearly enough.
Overall, I'm still a huge fan of the series and im excited and hopeful for the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the same story as Of Love and Cruelty, but from Nikolai's POV. I would recommend reading Emory's POV in Of Love and Cruelty first.
Nikolai is a political prisoner of the King of Wradea after his father's failed rebellion. He wears magical manacles that force him to obey every and from the crown and ensures he can never harm it. While Nikolai doesn't actually have e any magic of his own, an injury to his eye that was healed with magic allows him to see magic.
This leads to a discovery that the princess of Wradea, Emory, possesses magic, which is forbidden in Wradea. Nikolai plans to use that information to his advantage. One night, he notices the princess leaving the castle grounds, under a magical disguise, via a magical passage. When Nikolai confronts her, instead of reacting in fear, Emory asks him to escort her. He reluctantly agrees and this begins a pattern of nighttime meetings spent exploring the capital together. The more time that Nikolai spends with Emory, the more he realizes that he yearns for her, mich to his horror.
This book was everything I hoped it would be! I was desperate to know what was going on in Nikolai's head during Of Love and Cruelty and this absolutely delivered! It was its own story, even though it take place during the events in Of Love and Cruelty. I absolutely adore Nikolai even more than I did before and I cannot wait for the conclusion to his and Emory's story.
Thank you to author Tanja Longoria for the gifted eARC.
Nikolai is a political prisoner of the King of Wradea after his father's failed rebellion. He wears magical manacles that force him to obey every and from the crown and ensures he can never harm it. While Nikolai doesn't actually have e any magic of his own, an injury to his eye that was healed with magic allows him to see magic.
This leads to a discovery that the princess of Wradea, Emory, possesses magic, which is forbidden in Wradea. Nikolai plans to use that information to his advantage. One night, he notices the princess leaving the castle grounds, under a magical disguise, via a magical passage. When Nikolai confronts her, instead of reacting in fear, Emory asks him to escort her. He reluctantly agrees and this begins a pattern of nighttime meetings spent exploring the capital together. The more time that Nikolai spends with Emory, the more he realizes that he yearns for her, mich to his horror.
This book was everything I hoped it would be! I was desperate to know what was going on in Nikolai's head during Of Love and Cruelty and this absolutely delivered! It was its own story, even though it take place during the events in Of Love and Cruelty. I absolutely adore Nikolai even more than I did before and I cannot wait for the conclusion to his and Emory's story.
Thank you to author Tanja Longoria for the gifted eARC.
June 24, 2026
I don’t think a book has emotionally wrecked me quite like this in a long time.
Of Hate and Mercy takes readers back through the events of Of Love and Cruelty, but this time through Nikolai’s eyes and somehow every moment hurts even more.
Knowing the choices he makes is one thing. Understanding why he makes them is another entirely.
This book shattered me. Watching Nikolai carry the weight of impossible decisions, sacrifice pieces of himself for the people he loves, and endure heartbreak after heartbreak was absolutely devastating. I spent more time crying than I care to admit, and every new layer of the story made me ache for him even more.
What I loved most was how much depth this perspective added to the original story. Moments I thought I understood took on entirely new meaning, and revelations that hit hard the first time somehow hit even harder here.
Tanja Longoria has a gift for creating characters who are beautifully flawed, fiercely loyal, and impossible not to love. By the end of this book, my heart was in pieces.
If you loved Of Love and Cruelty, prepare yourself. This isn’t just a companion novel it’s an emotional gut punch that will completely change the way you see the story.
Devastating, heartbreaking, and unforgettable.
Of Hate and Mercy takes readers back through the events of Of Love and Cruelty, but this time through Nikolai’s eyes and somehow every moment hurts even more.
Knowing the choices he makes is one thing. Understanding why he makes them is another entirely.
This book shattered me. Watching Nikolai carry the weight of impossible decisions, sacrifice pieces of himself for the people he loves, and endure heartbreak after heartbreak was absolutely devastating. I spent more time crying than I care to admit, and every new layer of the story made me ache for him even more.
What I loved most was how much depth this perspective added to the original story. Moments I thought I understood took on entirely new meaning, and revelations that hit hard the first time somehow hit even harder here.
Tanja Longoria has a gift for creating characters who are beautifully flawed, fiercely loyal, and impossible not to love. By the end of this book, my heart was in pieces.
If you loved Of Love and Cruelty, prepare yourself. This isn’t just a companion novel it’s an emotional gut punch that will completely change the way you see the story.
Devastating, heartbreaking, and unforgettable.
September 30, 2026
The second book in the series was not what I expected but I’m so glad I stuck it out! Just like the first, there was a slow start, but it built and built until I couldn’t put the book down!
It was so interesting to be in Nikolai’s mind after a whole book from Emory’s perspective. My heart bled for Emory in the first book, but now it bleeds for Nikolai. I truly felt his moral dilemma between keeping the ones he loves safe and fighting against what he doesn’t want to pass. The realism of having to wait and play the long game made me appreciate this book and Nikolai even more.
And who doesn’t love a yearning MMC? I love a dual perspective and Tanja Longoria took it one step further by giving us a whole book from each perspective. I can’t wait to read what happens next, this is no fairy tale but I hope they get their HEA.
Thank you to the author for this gifted eARC, all thoughts are my own.
It was so interesting to be in Nikolai’s mind after a whole book from Emory’s perspective. My heart bled for Emory in the first book, but now it bleeds for Nikolai. I truly felt his moral dilemma between keeping the ones he loves safe and fighting against what he doesn’t want to pass. The realism of having to wait and play the long game made me appreciate this book and Nikolai even more.
And who doesn’t love a yearning MMC? I love a dual perspective and Tanja Longoria took it one step further by giving us a whole book from each perspective. I can’t wait to read what happens next, this is no fairy tale but I hope they get their HEA.
Thank you to the author for this gifted eARC, all thoughts are my own.
September 30, 2026
This book revisits the events through Nikolai’s perspective, giving readers a much deeper look at the character who was previously seen largely through Emory’s eyes.
What makes this book especially interesting is seeing how differently the same events can feel when you understand Nikolai’s thoughts, motivations, and past. His struggle between revenge, loyalty, and his feelings for Emory adds another layer to the story and makes many of his earlier actions easier to understand. The book also expands the darker elements of the world, including its politics, secrets, and forbidden magic.
The one drawback is that much of the book revisits events from the first novel. For readers who have just finished Of Love and Cruelty, some of the repetition may feel slow, particularly because the story doesn’t move forward as much as a typical sequel. I do wish that the author would’ve delved into the continuation of the story a little bit more at the end.
What makes this book especially interesting is seeing how differently the same events can feel when you understand Nikolai’s thoughts, motivations, and past. His struggle between revenge, loyalty, and his feelings for Emory adds another layer to the story and makes many of his earlier actions easier to understand. The book also expands the darker elements of the world, including its politics, secrets, and forbidden magic.
The one drawback is that much of the book revisits events from the first novel. For readers who have just finished Of Love and Cruelty, some of the repetition may feel slow, particularly because the story doesn’t move forward as much as a typical sequel. I do wish that the author would’ve delved into the continuation of the story a little bit more at the end.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you ever finished a book and thought, "I wish I could experience this story again for the first time," then Nikolai's POV is exactly the kind of book that delivers that feeling. Yes, a lot of the story is repeated. But you get to feel and see Nikolai's side. Knowing parts of the story, didn't lessen the impact. If anything, understanding Nikolai's thoughts, motivations and secrets helped me have a better understanding of the story.
We finally get to understand the man behind the darkness. Where Emory's perspective left questions lingering beneath the surface, Nikolai pulls back the veil and exposes the darkness, pain, and longing that shaped him into the man we thought we knew. His rage, his thirst for revenge, and the years of suffering are made known, making his character both heartbreaking and impossible to stop reading. Nikolai completely stole my heart, again.
We finally get to understand the man behind the darkness. Where Emory's perspective left questions lingering beneath the surface, Nikolai pulls back the veil and exposes the darkness, pain, and longing that shaped him into the man we thought we knew. His rage, his thirst for revenge, and the years of suffering are made known, making his character both heartbreaking and impossible to stop reading. Nikolai completely stole my heart, again.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Truly tried my best to keep this review spoiler free
This book is Nikolai's POV from the book Of Love and Cruelty. And when I say his POV i mean it's the entire same events occurring but you're just seeing it from his perspective with new scenes from when Emory leaves to marry her husband onwards. And my oh my does the plot thicken! In the first book i felt the betrayal alongside Emory, like i was hating Nikolai. But you're in for treat when you read his POV of that scene and honestly I was so glad and thankful. Oh and the ☠️ scene, the realisation dawned on me about how the ending of book 1 was possible, it was truly amazing. I do feel as though the start of the book was a bit unnecessary in the context of already having read of love and cruelty because there's a lot of double ups on the scene. Aside from that I thoroughly enjoyed this read and cannot wait for the next book!
This book is Nikolai's POV from the book Of Love and Cruelty. And when I say his POV i mean it's the entire same events occurring but you're just seeing it from his perspective with new scenes from when Emory leaves to marry her husband onwards. And my oh my does the plot thicken! In the first book i felt the betrayal alongside Emory, like i was hating Nikolai. But you're in for treat when you read his POV of that scene and honestly I was so glad and thankful. Oh and the ☠️ scene, the realisation dawned on me about how the ending of book 1 was possible, it was truly amazing. I do feel as though the start of the book was a bit unnecessary in the context of already having read of love and cruelty because there's a lot of double ups on the scene. Aside from that I thoroughly enjoyed this read and cannot wait for the next book!
October 7, 2026
I genuinely believe that all books that are from one point of view should have a secondary book, that is the same storyline but seen from other character's point of view.
I absolutely love this!
Of hate and Mercy is everything book 1 was- incredible, I loved understanding why Nikolai does the things he does, the anguish and pain he went through before and then with Emory.
This quote summed him and Emory up so beautifully for me-
“Darkness has drowned my life and as soon as you sail away, I will drown once more.” “I wish I could bring you light forever.” “Your memories will lighten the dark path ahead.”
And.. (i cant choose)
“Ripped my dark soul from my chest…” he cursed, pressing kisses along her neck and collarbone. “All it takes from you is a soft moan and I would shatter my own ribcage to cut my heart out for you.”
And i am now even more desperate for book 3!
I absolutely love this!
Of hate and Mercy is everything book 1 was- incredible, I loved understanding why Nikolai does the things he does, the anguish and pain he went through before and then with Emory.
This quote summed him and Emory up so beautifully for me-
“Darkness has drowned my life and as soon as you sail away, I will drown once more.” “I wish I could bring you light forever.” “Your memories will lighten the dark path ahead.”
And.. (i cant choose)
“Ripped my dark soul from my chest…” he cursed, pressing kisses along her neck and collarbone. “All it takes from you is a soft moan and I would shatter my own ribcage to cut my heart out for you.”
And i am now even more desperate for book 3!
October 17, 2026
It took me a while to figure out exactly what I wanted to say about #OfHateAndMercy by @tanjalongoria.
Book two of the #CruelFateTrilogy, this novel focuses on Nikolai's perspective.
It was immensely satisfying to experience what we know from Emory with Nikolai's motivations behind them exposed. Longoria did a wonderful job filling out the world she created, shedding light on back stories, while not making the work feel like it is just a retelling.
The shades of Grey are varied and Longoria expertly explores the nuance of choice- or the illusion thereof.
My heart continues to ache for these characters. The twists and turns of fate have never been so cruel!
I cannot wait for part three!
I recieved a free ARC of this book and provide this review honestly.
#DarkRomantasy #DarkRomance #MorallyGrey
Book two of the #CruelFateTrilogy, this novel focuses on Nikolai's perspective.
It was immensely satisfying to experience what we know from Emory with Nikolai's motivations behind them exposed. Longoria did a wonderful job filling out the world she created, shedding light on back stories, while not making the work feel like it is just a retelling.
The shades of Grey are varied and Longoria expertly explores the nuance of choice- or the illusion thereof.
My heart continues to ache for these characters. The twists and turns of fate have never been so cruel!
I cannot wait for part three!
I recieved a free ARC of this book and provide this review honestly.
#DarkRomantasy #DarkRomance #MorallyGrey
September 20, 2026
Received as an arc for honest review
Of Hate and Mercy is a retelling of book 1, Of Love and Cruelty, but told from our MMCs POV, Nikolai. I loved book 1, so I couldnt wait to dive into this and see if I was right to have faith that Nikolai wasnt how Emory saw him at the end. I knew going in that this book would be way more emotionally devastating since I already love Nikolai so much and knew I was in for some serious yearning. It did not disappoint! Everything was even more intense seeing it through his eyes and knowing his feelings each step of the way. I am beyond excited to read the next book and see how it all comes together, I suspect even more emotional damage along the way and Im here for it!
Of Hate and Mercy is a retelling of book 1, Of Love and Cruelty, but told from our MMCs POV, Nikolai. I loved book 1, so I couldnt wait to dive into this and see if I was right to have faith that Nikolai wasnt how Emory saw him at the end. I knew going in that this book would be way more emotionally devastating since I already love Nikolai so much and knew I was in for some serious yearning. It did not disappoint! Everything was even more intense seeing it through his eyes and knowing his feelings each step of the way. I am beyond excited to read the next book and see how it all comes together, I suspect even more emotional damage along the way and Im here for it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was so wrong!!
I wondered if this was going to feel like reading Of Love & Cruelty all over again but it was like reading a different book!!
There was so much we missed because we only had Emory’s POV.
Nikolai may have redeemed himself a little bit but I loathe his mother even more. I’m so ready for Emory to know the truth of things with Nikolai ❤️🩹
There I am in tears, how much loss and grief can one’s heart take?? Their relationship, if it makes it, will never be the same 😩
I can’t wait for book 3, Of Grief and Truth, appropriately named which gives me hope for these two ♥️
***A special thank you to author, Tanja Longoria, for the opportunity to read & review this ARC! I am voluntarily leaving this honest review. ***
Review of advance copy received from Author
This isn’t a book two in a normal sense, as it is book one but from Nikolai’s pov. At first I wasn’t sure this story was needed and found myself struggling to get into it. But it did not take long to be completely sucked back into this world. Yes I knew most of what was to happen. But I knew his pov was truly needed for multiple things that had happened. Seeing him fall for Emery through his eyes was everything. You feel his heartbreak so much in this story my heart was physically hurting too. I wanted to reach through the book and yell at Emery to see what he was really doing and meaning. There are so many ways for their story to go. I cannot wait to see how these two find their way back.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is from Nikolai's POV and it completely hooked me from the very beginning, and I honestly can't explain the emotional wreck it turned me into. The love story had me invested from start to finish, and there were so many moments that left me heartbroken, hopeful, and desperate to know what would happen next.
The writing is intricate and beautifully executed. The level of detail woven throughout the story makes the world feel incredibly vivid, while the emotional depth of the characters makes every moment hit even harder. Without a doubt, this has become one of my favourite series that I have read this year and has easily earned a place in my top 10.
The writing is intricate and beautifully executed. The level of detail woven throughout the story makes the world feel incredibly vivid, while the emotional depth of the characters makes every moment hit even harder. Without a doubt, this has become one of my favourite series that I have read this year and has easily earned a place in my top 10.
Review of advance copy received from Author
When I read book 1, Of Love and Cruelty, all I wanted was one chapter of Nikolai's POV and I got an entire book. 😍
This is the same story, but this time I had a better grasp of the politics and the world Tanja has built. I would definitely recommend reading.book 1 first, you can't skip Emory's story.
I didn't think I could like Nikolai more, I was wrong, I loved his story.
I can't wait for book 3.
And you know your limits, so read the author's content warnings
Thank you Tanja Longoria for this ARC. I received an advanced reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the same story, but this time I had a better grasp of the politics and the world Tanja has built. I would definitely recommend reading.book 1 first, you can't skip Emory's story.
I didn't think I could like Nikolai more, I was wrong, I loved his story.
I can't wait for book 3.
And you know your limits, so read the author's content warnings
Thank you Tanja Longoria for this ARC. I received an advanced reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 10, 2026
Writing ⭐⭐.75/5
World building ⭐⭐⭐/5
Plot ⭐⭐⭐.5/5
Characters ⭐⭐⭐/5
The writing in this book isn't bad, it just really isn't my preference. The world building doesn't expand from the first book.
The story follows Nikolai from the time before the wedding to right before the ending of Of Love and Cruelty. I just want a moment to say I KNEW IT! I KNEW NIKOLAI WOULDN'T DO HER LIKE THAT. YAS. ty
This books has 2 main characters and 2 main side characters. I reckon Emery's gaurd and her maid will get together in the last book of this trilogy!
World building ⭐⭐⭐/5
Plot ⭐⭐⭐.5/5
Characters ⭐⭐⭐/5
The writing in this book isn't bad, it just really isn't my preference. The world building doesn't expand from the first book.
The story follows Nikolai from the time before the wedding to right before the ending of Of Love and Cruelty. I just want a moment to say I KNEW IT! I KNEW NIKOLAI WOULDN'T DO HER LIKE THAT. YAS. ty
This books has 2 main characters and 2 main side characters. I reckon Emery's gaurd and her maid will get together in the last book of this trilogy!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed of love and cruetly and I enjoyed this book toooooo 💞 the majority of the book was a recap of book 1 but in Nikolai's pov which was an interesting experience.
Im glad what I thought had happened had infact happened 🙌 Nikolai's pov is full of yearning for Emory and his pain and suffering from everything that he has been through.
I really liked Gideon as a side character too !!
I need book 3 and to see how everything ends !!
In conclusion, this book was enjoyable!!
Im glad what I thought had happened had infact happened 🙌 Nikolai's pov is full of yearning for Emory and his pain and suffering from everything that he has been through.
I really liked Gideon as a side character too !!
I need book 3 and to see how everything ends !!
In conclusion, this book was enjoyable!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Reading the same story but in Nikolai's POV had me SCREAMING. When we left off in book 1, I was so uneasy about him. There were things that Emory thought he did that I wasn't sure how the author would be able to redeem him enough for me to cheer him on in book 3. However, seeing everything from his POV not only redeemed him, but made his character so much deeper. I can't wait for book 3; I'm foaming at the mouth after the ending of this one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is Nikolai’s version of the story! It’s nice to see his POV and how much he loved Emory!!! Despite everything that he has put her through, I’m still rooting for the both of them. Great read! I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received this book in advance from the author.
I received this book in advance from the author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this book. Seeing the events from Of Love and Cruelty unfold from Nikolai’s POV was beautiful.
Very moving at times and being able to understand why he did what he did in the first book.
Now I cannot wait to see what unfolds in the final book of the trilogy and what may occur between Nikolai and Emory now.
Very moving at times and being able to understand why he did what he did in the first book.
Now I cannot wait to see what unfolds in the final book of the trilogy and what may occur between Nikolai and Emory now.
October 11, 2026
2 stars less then emorys POV. I mean I already knew or suspected some things in book1. It got confirmed in this one. But it didn't at much to the Story. If there was something that would really add to the story I would loved it more. I think you can read this one instead of the first but I am not entirely sure.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 20, 2026
This is book 2 but from Nikolai’s perspective. It didn’t advance the story as much as I thought it was going to, a lot of it felt identical to book 1. I think it would’ve been a better book 1.5 with the duplicate chapters cut out. It was nice seeing into Nikolai’s mind and the depth of his feelings for Emory. That ending though makes your heart hurt for him.
October 11, 2026
** ARC received from the author in exchange for my honest review **
Thank you to the author for an e-ARC of this book!!
I really enjoyed getting to spend more time reading about Nikolai and Emory’s story, especially since I really enjoyed Of Love and Cruelty! Unfortunately, though, this one fell a little flat for me overall. I went into it hoping to gain a lot of new insight from Nikolai’s POV, but for much of the book, things felt a bit repetitive.
Thankfully, the story started to pick up around the halfway mark, and we finally began getting some new information, which I really appreciated! Even so, the book still fell a little short of my expectations.
That being said, I’m still invested in continuing the series! Both books have ended on pretty big cliffhangers, and I’m definitely curious to see what’s next for both of our main characters. Here’s to hoping the next installment delivers!
Thank you to the author for an e-ARC of this book!!
I really enjoyed getting to spend more time reading about Nikolai and Emory’s story, especially since I really enjoyed Of Love and Cruelty! Unfortunately, though, this one fell a little flat for me overall. I went into it hoping to gain a lot of new insight from Nikolai’s POV, but for much of the book, things felt a bit repetitive.
Thankfully, the story started to pick up around the halfway mark, and we finally began getting some new information, which I really appreciated! Even so, the book still fell a little short of my expectations.
That being said, I’m still invested in continuing the series! Both books have ended on pretty big cliffhangers, and I’m definitely curious to see what’s next for both of our main characters. Here’s to hoping the next installment delivers!
Review of advance copy received from Author
UPDATE: love love love this whole story line! It’s dark yet cozy, uncomfortable yet comforting and ahhh Nikolai - so misunderstood, soooo dreamy 🥺
The book ends leading us into the 3rd book which has been announced but not quite finished!
I loved it so much I just bought the physical copy of book 1!
Again it’s an easy, enjoyable read even with the darkness.
As the other reviews have said, we get the same story but from Nikolai's POV (so far)
Sounds daunting but you learn more about Nikolai's background, certain plot points and the dark past of the realm and the politics It all feels like its building up to something. I am quite enjoying reading about Nikolai and Emory's adventures but from HIS POV. Things are starting to make sense.
I'm only about 75% through so will keep updating my review because i know something big is going to happen right at the end, i can feel it.
The book ends leading us into the 3rd book which has been announced but not quite finished!
I loved it so much I just bought the physical copy of book 1!
Again it’s an easy, enjoyable read even with the darkness.
As the other reviews have said, we get the same story but from Nikolai's POV (so far)
Sounds daunting but you learn more about Nikolai's background, certain plot points and the dark past of the realm and the politics It all feels like its building up to something. I am quite enjoying reading about Nikolai and Emory's adventures but from HIS POV. Things are starting to make sense.
I'm only about 75% through so will keep updating my review because i know something big is going to happen right at the end, i can feel it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved this book as it is from Nickolas’s POV. Painted as a villain in the other stories, this book shows you how he met and fell in love with Lady Emory. The first book had Emory’s POV and the second book was based on Alice’s POV. This view showed the love and emotion Nickolai was feeling for Emory which shows a different side of him. The only downside of this was there was only a short amount of new information to progress this story after the death of Alic and Emory’s brother. This book definitely leaves you hanging with interesting twists which leaves the reader barely hanging on for the next book to see what happens
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