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Cruel King
From bestselling author, Jillian Quinn, comes a fast-paced romantic suspense you won't want to miss...
One look from Stephan made my heart pound.
One touch from his skilled hands set my skin on fire.
With Stephan, I felt alive for the first time in my life…
Until my father made the mistake of keeping him from me.
Because Stephan was my father’s enemy.
But I was done being caged by the cruelest man I’d ever known.
It was time for Stephan to free me.
One look from Stephan made my heart pound.
One touch from his skilled hands set my skin on fire.
With Stephan, I felt alive for the first time in my life…
Until my father made the mistake of keeping him from me.
Because Stephan was my father’s enemy.
But I was done being caged by the cruelest man I’d ever known.
It was time for Stephan to free me.
- GenresRomantic SuspenseRomance
ebook
Published August 15, 2018
37 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
Jillian Quinn
62 books1,080 followersJillian Quinn is an international bestselling author of contemporary romance. Her books are light and funny but also on the steamy side. So, don’t be surprised if you have to fan yourself with your Kindle.
As a lover of coffee and a collector of book boyfriends, you can find Jillian most days, thinking about her next romance novel as she pours another cup.
For more information about Jillian and to get a free novella, visit JillianQuinnBooks.com.
As a lover of coffee and a collector of book boyfriends, you can find Jillian most days, thinking about her next romance novel as she pours another cup.
For more information about Jillian and to get a free novella, visit JillianQuinnBooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 20, 2018
4.5 Stars
Loved this story. Stephan and Isabella were perfect for each other. the writing was great, the storyline flowed fairly smoothly but there was just a little something that was missing and when I say little I mean that.
I loved these two and yet, felt like I wanted a bit more from Stephan if that makes sense! I truly hope we get a story on his brother Nino in the future as well as future progress on this beautiful couple:)
Great read!
Loved this story. Stephan and Isabella were perfect for each other. the writing was great, the storyline flowed fairly smoothly but there was just a little something that was missing and when I say little I mean that.
I loved these two and yet, felt like I wanted a bit more from Stephan if that makes sense! I truly hope we get a story on his brother Nino in the future as well as future progress on this beautiful couple:)
Great read!
August 14, 2018
“It was your dream to be smuggled out of the country and hidden on the estate of a Mafia boss?”
If that estate included Stephan DeLuca..Uhh YES. This novel really had me gasping from the beginning right to the very end because it was super touch and go from the second our two characters met. I was so sure either Stephan or Isabella were going to end up like Romeo and Juliet; star crossed lovers who were doomed from the beginning. But thank goodness that it wasn’t the case for these two cause I was rooting for them from the very beginning!
I actually really loved how the author put in a sort of time jump between the main characters sort of relationship in high school to Isabella being shipped off to boarding school by skipping 5 years. This is way I feel that as a reader, I was able to take these two characters so much more seriously than I would have had they been teenagers going against their parents. I feel that meeting up again as adults they were able to well and truly make life changing decisions without them coming off as unruly teens. And whoa did they have to make incredible decisions! I swear my heart stopped on most of the suspenseful moments throughout the book because just how many things could go wrong for two people whose only crime was falling in love? I’m so glad they got their happy ending because after everything Stephan and Isabella went through to get there, they more than deserved it.
I’d so above and beyond recommend this one!
If that estate included Stephan DeLuca..Uhh YES. This novel really had me gasping from the beginning right to the very end because it was super touch and go from the second our two characters met. I was so sure either Stephan or Isabella were going to end up like Romeo and Juliet; star crossed lovers who were doomed from the beginning. But thank goodness that it wasn’t the case for these two cause I was rooting for them from the very beginning!
I actually really loved how the author put in a sort of time jump between the main characters sort of relationship in high school to Isabella being shipped off to boarding school by skipping 5 years. This is way I feel that as a reader, I was able to take these two characters so much more seriously than I would have had they been teenagers going against their parents. I feel that meeting up again as adults they were able to well and truly make life changing decisions without them coming off as unruly teens. And whoa did they have to make incredible decisions! I swear my heart stopped on most of the suspenseful moments throughout the book because just how many things could go wrong for two people whose only crime was falling in love? I’m so glad they got their happy ending because after everything Stephan and Isabella went through to get there, they more than deserved it.
I’d so above and beyond recommend this one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2018
The blurb for this book describes it as “enemies to lovers,” but I feel like it is more of a “star crossed lovers” type vibe.
Two crime families both alike in influence in fair Long Island where we lay our scene...
You originally meet Stephen and Isabella in high school and then they meet again when they’re both adults. Pulled in different directions by there families, this book takes you through the crime family drama with twists and turns that can be a little unexpected.
Well written and I was intrigued by the characters right away. I will definitely check out more of Jillian Quinn’s books!
Reviewed by: Lauren L.
Two crime families both alike in influence in fair Long Island where we lay our scene...
You originally meet Stephen and Isabella in high school and then they meet again when they’re both adults. Pulled in different directions by there families, this book takes you through the crime family drama with twists and turns that can be a little unexpected.
Well written and I was intrigued by the characters right away. I will definitely check out more of Jillian Quinn’s books!
Reviewed by: Lauren L.
Read
July 31, 2018This steamy romantic suspense novel is coming soon... Two weeks to be exact. Add this baby to your TBR. I can't wait to share this book. Stephan and Isabella practically jump off the pages. :)
August 12, 2018
Oh my god this book was just wow loved everything about it I hope we get to see more from the characters and more by the author every book that I have read by her is always good Cruel king has got to be favorite . Liked how we got to see the beginning of what Stephan and Isabella shared from both point of views the forbiddeness of their relationship tore at my heart strings so wanted them to find a happy ending . Isabella is a kind person with a unique soul for the life that she lives parents that are so far from nice and a brother who is her only friend but could be absent at times so when she is approached by the hotness that is Stephan she gets some happy for a time until they are found out . I really liked being in Stephens head we really got to see the struggle he is faced with by fighting the pool he has for the heroine , he is loyal to his father until he finds some shocking news then all he has is is twin and the women he has loved from the moment he laid eyes on her . The chemistry between them is super intense with HOT sex scenes in many many places that will have your panties melting .
I highly recommend
copy provided for honest review
****************************************
hero=10 heroine= 10 secondary characters= 10 Chemistry= 10 steam= 8
romance=4 humor= 2 darkness level=4 action=3 mystery=4
enjoyment= 10 angst= 3 story line=10 Story ending=10
character development= 10 pacing= 10
cover= 10 stars= 5
would I recommend this book= yes
would I re read this book= yes
would I read future books by this author= yes
I highly recommend
copy provided for honest review
****************************************
hero=10 heroine= 10 secondary characters= 10 Chemistry= 10 steam= 8
romance=4 humor= 2 darkness level=4 action=3 mystery=4
enjoyment= 10 angst= 3 story line=10 Story ending=10
character development= 10 pacing= 10
cover= 10 stars= 5
would I recommend this book= yes
would I re read this book= yes
would I read future books by this author= yes
August 14, 2018
Cruel King starts out with Isabella and Stephan finishing up High School, and even back then, Stephan knows that he wants to make her his. But Isabella's father micromanages every tiny portion of her life, so when she starts to show an interest in Stephan, he banishes her to boarding school, and it's five years later before they come face to face again. Nothing is changed in the chemistry department, nor with her father's obsessive behavior, except maybe he's gotten even more evil if possible, so they try to stay away from each other, but fate really doesn't care if issues families have with each other families. This story had my heart firmly lodged in my throat the whole time, not to mention my anger out in spades. I had Isabella's back the whole time, so I pretty much wanted to hurt every other person in this story, Stephan included. Yeah yeah, I know he was yummy, and their sexy times lit things on fire, but he was still cruel to her with his attitude a little too much for my liking. And all those secondaries, her and his family, really had me wanting to junk punch a ton of men. The twists & turns were insanely chaotic, which had the f-bombs dropping like D-day, while the angst was over powering. Jillian Quinn certainly knows how to write a darkly addictive story that kept me in one position cover to cover, with her brilliant writing style, and I hope Nino gets his own story next! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
August 14, 2018
Omg Jillian has done it again another 5 star mafia book. I knew as soon as I read the blurb that I had to read this book. This story pulled me in from the start as the 2 MC's Stephan & Isabella who have known each other as kid's their father's were best friend's until they had a falling out and now were bitter enemies.
Isabella comes from wealth & power her father who's a Senator has always controlled her every move and shes gone along with it until one day when she see's Stephan as their walking by each other in high school and decides to take a chance she know's her father would be angry but there's just something about Stephan that draws her to him.
Stephan is from the wrong side of the tracks compared to Isabella's family his family is the mafia and enemies to her family, but he's always felt this strong pull towards her that hes drawn to her and can't stay away, but one day he will make her his and there won't be anything her father can do and let's not forget the sexy times that they had to sneak was so damn hot and steamy phew bring a fan.
This story had so many twists and turns and just when you thought thing's were going right nope guess again. Many times I wanted to choke the hell out of her father, but I knew Stephan would take care of it when the time came. I can not wait to find out who she writes about next there's so many 2nd character's there's plenty of stories just waiting to be written. I would totally recommend reading this book it was sooo damn good.
This is my unbiased opinion and my review
Isabella comes from wealth & power her father who's a Senator has always controlled her every move and shes gone along with it until one day when she see's Stephan as their walking by each other in high school and decides to take a chance she know's her father would be angry but there's just something about Stephan that draws her to him.
Stephan is from the wrong side of the tracks compared to Isabella's family his family is the mafia and enemies to her family, but he's always felt this strong pull towards her that hes drawn to her and can't stay away, but one day he will make her his and there won't be anything her father can do and let's not forget the sexy times that they had to sneak was so damn hot and steamy phew bring a fan.
This story had so many twists and turns and just when you thought thing's were going right nope guess again. Many times I wanted to choke the hell out of her father, but I knew Stephan would take care of it when the time came. I can not wait to find out who she writes about next there's so many 2nd character's there's plenty of stories just waiting to be written. I would totally recommend reading this book it was sooo damn good.
This is my unbiased opinion and my review
August 10, 2018
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book. Wow, I loved this book, Stephan and Isabella were amazing. Stephan had his eye on Isabella since high school and he was someone that caught her eye and she could never look away. Two big powerful families, against each other but together with the fact that Stephan and Isabella needed to be kept apart. Isabella living her life as a prisoner in her house, outside her house, never has any friends, her father saw to that, no one is good enough. Always having to show the world a united front which was far from what they were. Before Isabella was shipped off, Stephan made her a promise and he planned to keep it and years later he would make good on it. Their love story is filled with family drama, secrets and lies, confusion and trust issues, but also full of love that you will burst at the seems the lengths these two will go to be together. This book is sexy, suspenseful, addictive and deliciously hot. No spoilers from me, this is a must read and if you want to know what happens to these two you need to grab it for yourselves. Loved it and if I could give it 10 stars I would!!!
August 11, 2018
WOW Another great book by Jillian Quinn about two Mafia families who appear to be friends but really have a dislike for each other, when it come right down to it. The fathers have their own relationship going on, but Stephan and Isabella have one of their own. Their families do not want them together but they can’t seem to stay away from one another. Isabella’s father is running her life like a prison guard. She has no friends, no freedom, cameras watching her every move. Stephan takes a liking to her but knows they can’t be together but can’t stay away. The book is sexy as hell, drama, full of suspense, danger, will keep you wondering what is going to happen next. I love her Mafia stories and I am sure she will have a few more dealing with this family. A five star read.
August 15, 2018
Isabella is the daughter of an affluent powerful man who controls every aspect of her life from the people she can see to what she does where Stephan comes from a powerful mafia family. They meet while they are in high school and although they know their fathers are friends turned enemies they can’t stay away from each other. When her father finds out he takes matters into his own hands and sends her to boarding school.
Five years later she is back but this time around Stepfan is a man not a boy. Are they destined to be star crossed lovers like Romeo and Juliet or will they find a way to forge the life they have always wanted together?
Full of heat, suspense and twists this story leads you on an adventure you won’t soon forget.
Five years later she is back but this time around Stepfan is a man not a boy. Are they destined to be star crossed lovers like Romeo and Juliet or will they find a way to forge the life they have always wanted together?
Full of heat, suspense and twists this story leads you on an adventure you won’t soon forget.
August 15, 2018
I absolutely loved this book!! Jillian King has done it again!!
This is Stephan and Isabella's story and what a story it is!! I was hooked from the beginning all the way to the end and I finished it in an hour and a half!!
Stephan and Isabella meet in high school they both know that their Father's are friends turned enemies but they don't care!! When her father finds out he sends her away to boarding school 5 years later she's back!! Will they get there HEA or are they doomed to be star crossed lover's forever!!
This book has everything there is heat, suspense, twists and turns and at times it tears at your heart!! Their chemistry is off the charts hot and definitely panty melting!! I highly recommend this book!!
This is Stephan and Isabella's story and what a story it is!! I was hooked from the beginning all the way to the end and I finished it in an hour and a half!!
Stephan and Isabella meet in high school they both know that their Father's are friends turned enemies but they don't care!! When her father finds out he sends her away to boarding school 5 years later she's back!! Will they get there HEA or are they doomed to be star crossed lover's forever!!
This book has everything there is heat, suspense, twists and turns and at times it tears at your heart!! Their chemistry is off the charts hot and definitely panty melting!! I highly recommend this book!!
August 11, 2018
The blurb for this book describes it as “enemies to lovers,” but I feel like it is more of a “star crossed lovers” type vibe.
Two crime families both alike in influence in fair Long Island where we lay our scene...
You originally meet Stephen and Isabella in high school and then they meet again when they’re both adults. Pulled in different directions by there families, this book takes you through the crime family drama with twists and turns that can be a little unexpected.
Well written and I was intrigued by the characters right away. I will definitely check out more of Jillian Quinn’s books!
Two crime families both alike in influence in fair Long Island where we lay our scene...
You originally meet Stephen and Isabella in high school and then they meet again when they’re both adults. Pulled in different directions by there families, this book takes you through the crime family drama with twists and turns that can be a little unexpected.
Well written and I was intrigued by the characters right away. I will definitely check out more of Jillian Quinn’s books!
August 13, 2018
Dark mafia political romance. Isabella, the senator's daughter and Stephan whose family is the mafia meet in high school but were told to stay away from each other, but attraction is stronger. Isabella is the bird in the gilded cage, her life is controlled by her father, every breath she takes is monitored. But love will find a way, attractions heat up and heat is stronger than blood so off Isabella is sent to boarding school. Five years later, Isabella is still beautiful and Stephan still hot for her but the taboo between the two families has gone up to no touch zone but of course attraction is stronger than sense! Intense is the read! Hot! Hot!
August 28, 2018
Cruel King is about Stephan and Isabella who have an instant connection since high school. Stephan comes from a mafia family and Isabella is the senator’s daughter. Each are controlled by their fathers and not allowed to have anything to do with each other. A brief romance in high school and Isabella’s father sends her away to boarding school and then college. Stephan vows to save her one day.
Fast forward 5 years later and they connect again and the attraction and feelings are still there and they can’t stay away from each other.
This is a steamy romantic read, I couldn’t put the book down until I finished it.
ARC provided for an honest review.
Fast forward 5 years later and they connect again and the attraction and feelings are still there and they can’t stay away from each other.
This is a steamy romantic read, I couldn’t put the book down until I finished it.
ARC provided for an honest review.
August 14, 2018
Stephan and Isabella are both from powerful families, and where once their fathers used to be best friends, they are now bitter enemies after they fell out.
Stephan and Isabella’s story is an addictive page turner, which is well written and filled with secrets, drama, suspense, lies, and is a sexy read. I was totally captivated throughout, and I cannot wait to read more of this talented authors’ work, and I highly recommend for all readers!
Stephan and Isabella’s story is an addictive page turner, which is well written and filled with secrets, drama, suspense, lies, and is a sexy read. I was totally captivated throughout, and I cannot wait to read more of this talented authors’ work, and I highly recommend for all readers!
August 20, 2018
This book was not for me. Isabella was a little weakling who could not defend herself, fight for herself or even know her worth. There was not character growth and the end just annoyed me.
Who agrees the marry the man who has her kidnapped and drugged?
What kind of man does that to the woman he supposedly loves. There were better ways to remove her from her situation.
I did not like this book and I can see I’m in the minority but that’s just how I feel.
Who agrees the marry the man who has her kidnapped and drugged?
What kind of man does that to the woman he supposedly loves. There were better ways to remove her from her situation.
I did not like this book and I can see I’m in the minority but that’s just how I feel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2018
This is a very steamy and suspenseful read. This book quickly captures your attention and then easily keeps it. The attraction between Isabella and Stephan is intense, ill-advised and totally forbidden. So their relationship is filled with drama, romance, secrets, twists, angst and plenty of heat. This is a terrific read that I enjoyed very much. This is my honest, voluntary review.
August 14, 2018
Stephan and Isabella have loved each other since high school. .Unfortunately their families will do everything to keep them apart.. Stephan ifs the son of the Mafia King and Isabella is the daughter of the US Senator, both fathers warn them to stay away from each other but they just can't. How far will they go to be together?
Love Jillian's books this one just didnt work for me
Love Jillian's books this one just didnt work for me
August 15, 2018
*Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Isabella has no right to her own life she is a puppet to her father and has to obey everything he says. Even staying away from the man she loves. Stephan loves Isabella from the moment he saw her and wants to free her from the cage lives in. I love all of her books, but this one just didn't work out.
Isabella has no right to her own life she is a puppet to her father and has to obey everything he says. Even staying away from the man she loves. Stephan loves Isabella from the moment he saw her and wants to free her from the cage lives in. I love all of her books, but this one just didn't work out.
August 20, 2018
Cruel King is a 5-star Mafia read full of twists and turns that kept me guessing right up until the end. This book has it all suspense, drama, secrets, intense sexual chemistry, romance and a great story. Stephan and Isabella have an intense relationship that kept me turning the pages to find out what was going to happen next. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
September 2, 2018
Amazing
OMG!! Totally feel in love with this love story. Stephan and Isabella captured my heart and held it hostage. Death, Danger, lies, promises, and chemistry off the chart. A love that survives against people and things that tried to keep them apart. So Intriguing that I read it without stopping until I read the entire book. Absolutely a must read book
OMG!! Totally feel in love with this love story. Stephan and Isabella captured my heart and held it hostage. Death, Danger, lies, promises, and chemistry off the chart. A love that survives against people and things that tried to keep them apart. So Intriguing that I read it without stopping until I read the entire book. Absolutely a must read book
September 16, 2018
Mafia romance
This book was a page turner for me . It has some romance as well as suspense. Don't let the enemies to lovers part of the title fool you. The main characters had both held a flame for one another since they first met as kids. It reminded me of Romeo fighting so hard to be with his juliet.
This book was a page turner for me . It has some romance as well as suspense. Don't let the enemies to lovers part of the title fool you. The main characters had both held a flame for one another since they first met as kids. It reminded me of Romeo fighting so hard to be with his juliet.
February 20, 2019
Isabella and Stephan
Good Mafia Romance exploring the gray lines between good and evil. The Villain is official in this book and one of them calls him Dad. The story line hooks you in and makes you hopeful for the couple.
Good Mafia Romance exploring the gray lines between good and evil. The Villain is official in this book and one of them calls him Dad. The story line hooks you in and makes you hopeful for the couple.
August 13, 2018
I volunteered to read this story for an honest review and loved it! Mafia romance is not my normal genre but Jillian Quinn never lets me down
August 15, 2018
Loved it
I loved this book. A great suspenseful story that had my on the edge of my seat and couldn’t put it down. Hot and steamy with many twists you won’t see coming with a HEA.
I loved this book. A great suspenseful story that had my on the edge of my seat and couldn’t put it down. Hot and steamy with many twists you won’t see coming with a HEA.
August 18, 2018
Cruel King was a great, well-written, dark mafia romance w/many twists and turns. Couldn’t put it down. Sizzling chemistry between Stephan and Isabella. They were great together. Loved Stephan!!
May 31, 2022
Great Book.
November 11, 2021
Did not like this book.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews