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Cruel #0.5
One Cruel Night
A heart-stopping sexy contemporary romance prequel to
USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde's new Cruel Trilogy. I spot the mysterious stranger across the party. I’d seen him in the park, writing furiously in his worn leather notebook. He’s pure confidence, born and bred in high society with eyes like a hawk—observant, cunning, and wicked. With sensual lips and a body made to worship, he’s exquisite. A work of art. While I’m young, innocent, and completely out of my depth. But I’m drawn to him. Captivated by his approach. When he asks for one night, I have only one word for him. Yes. One summer in Paris. One night with him. One cruel night.
93 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2019
1153 people are currently reading
1987 people want to read
About the author
K.A. Linde
98 books11.1k followersK.A. Linde is the New York Times, USA Today, #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of The Wren in the Holly Library. She is prolific in both romance and fantasy and loves the blend of the two.
She has a Masters degree in political science and bachelors in philosophy from the University of Georgia. In her previous life, she was a head campaign worker for a presidential campaign and the coach of the Duke University dance team. She loves reading fantasy novels, traveling to far-off destinations, and dancing in her spare time.
She currently lives in Lubbock, Texas, with her husband, and son.
She has a Masters degree in political science and bachelors in philosophy from the University of Georgia. In her previous life, she was a head campaign worker for a presidential campaign and the coach of the Duke University dance team. She loves reading fantasy novels, traveling to far-off destinations, and dancing in her spare time.
She currently lives in Lubbock, Texas, with her husband, and son.
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March 7, 2019
SEX-ON-A-STICK HERO, PENN! FREE PREQUEL!
Free prequel to trilogy
Blurb:
I spot the mysterious stranger across the party.
I’d seen him in the park, writing furiously in his worn leather notebook.
He’s pure confidence, born and bred in high society with eyes like a hawk—observant, cunning, and wicked. With sensual lips and a body made to worship, he’s exquisite. A work of art.
While I’m young, innocent, and completely out of my depth.
But I’m drawn to him. Captivated by his approach. When he asks for one night, I have only one word for him.
Yes.
One summer in Paris. One night with him. One cruel night.
Books in Cruel trilogy should be read in order:
Book 0.5: One Cruel Night - FREE!
Book 1: Cruel Money
Book 2: Cruel Fortune
Book 3: Cruel Legacy
January 14, 2019
“Paris is a thief,” he said thoughtfully. “It steals a piece of your heart every time you come here.”
KA Linde brought a great introduction to Natalie and Penn’s story with One Cruel Night. After reading this, I cannot wait to see more with these two. I am intrigued!
When Natalie meets Penn, she knows he’s something special. They spend one magical night together, one she’ll never forget. Then the morning comes, and it all comes crashing down. I want to know what happened asap. I am so glad I have Cruel Money on my kindle so I can jump right in!
January 11, 2019
5 STARS
What a great way to start this new series!This is a novella and I loved it, it was fast paced and it was nice meeting Penn and Natalie!They have a great connection with passion and intensity and now I'm so ready to get more of them in Cruel Money!
What a great way to start this new series!This is a novella and I loved it, it was fast paced and it was nice meeting Penn and Natalie!They have a great connection with passion and intensity and now I'm so ready to get more of them in Cruel Money!
January 13, 2019
3.5 Stars
Want to read
November 11, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (1/11/2019)! 🎁
March 28, 2019
This was a good short prequel to a new series. It tells you the origin between Penn and Natalie met on her last night in Paris. It wasn’t anything profound but it was a way to get you ready for this series. It feels like it’s going to be a rollercoaster ride and I’m already in line with my ticket! Penn better have some good explanations and be ready to fight to win back Natalie!
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Blog | Instagram | Twitter
April 21, 2021
I didn't realize there was a prequel to book 1 until after I started book 2. I stopped book 2 and went and listened to this one.
One Cruel Night gives a more in-depth picture of Natalie and Penn's first-time meeting which is talked about in the first book. Book 1 happens 6 years after this book.
Now, that I finished this one I'm returning to book #2.
One Cruel Night gives a more in-depth picture of Natalie and Penn's first-time meeting which is talked about in the first book. Book 1 happens 6 years after this book.
Now, that I finished this one I'm returning to book #2.
Audiobook source: Hoopla
Narrator: Stephen Dexter & Virginia Rose
Length: 2H 4M
January 21, 2019
Gostei bastante desse início de série.
Vamos para o próximo!!!
Vamos para o próximo!!!
January 25, 2019
OMG!!!! What a bang-up book! One Cruel Night held me hostage from the very first page until the end. UNWAVERING. UNRELENTING. UNEQUIVOCALLY ADDICTING. I felt such a rush while reading! Passion and power that made me melt. My body was on fire with desire.
Penn and Natalie are perfection together, and I could feel their chemistry course through this story. It was as if they were fated to be. I can’t wait to see how the rest of their saga unfolds.
One Cruel Night is one riveting and racy ride! Pure pleasure in words. An alluring, toe-curling romance that will render readers begging for more.
💋💋💋💋💋 intoxicating and insatiable kisses
Penn and Natalie are perfection together, and I could feel their chemistry course through this story. It was as if they were fated to be. I can’t wait to see how the rest of their saga unfolds.
One Cruel Night is one riveting and racy ride! Pure pleasure in words. An alluring, toe-curling romance that will render readers begging for more.
💋💋💋💋💋 intoxicating and insatiable kisses
May 20, 2019
Again, I've been listening to the audio book because I've been curious to what has happened tp them 6 years ago. As you all know, I've listened to the first book. So, afterwards, I went to this book. Hahaha, can't avoid being curious. But, will write the review soon in my blog.
Read
May 6, 2019okay...for a novella, it had prospect as it ended in a cliffy...so I jumped into the book 1 immediately
Two unlikey people met at the party wanting smth different or just being themselves, away from the prying eyes, judgements and such...and they clicked, emotionally, mentally...add a little spart and their chemistry hit the roof...
they spend the night together in a bliss, only to be brutally parted by his leaving, without a word, witout a single note, nothing...
Two unlikey people met at the party wanting smth different or just being themselves, away from the prying eyes, judgements and such...and they clicked, emotionally, mentally...add a little spart and their chemistry hit the roof...
they spend the night together in a bliss, only to be brutally parted by his leaving, without a word, witout a single note, nothing...
January 18, 2019
A really good introduction for this series! I can’t wait to read the next book, which will go live on January 22nd! 😍
January 25, 2019
Rating: 3 tentative stars
Trigger:
Come on, it's romance, there are no triggers...
Short review:
I hardly read romance - contemporary romance even rarely, so I don't know what to look for for a good romance book. But, it was good palate cleanser.
Penn had taken something from me.
Something I could never reclaim.
My innocence.
Oh, how cruel it was.
Review in image/gif:
Recommended:
Probably
Aftermath: (possible spoilers)
Come on, it's romance, there is no thinking afterwards... oh wait, I am reading #1 after this, does that count?
like I said IDK, I am on my 2nd glass of wine, Cheers!
Trigger:
Come on, it's romance, there are no triggers...
Short review:
I hardly read romance - contemporary romance even rarely, so I don't know what to look for for a good romance book. But, it was good palate cleanser.
Penn had taken something from me.
Something I could never reclaim.
My innocence.
Oh, how cruel it was.
Review in image/gif:
Recommended:
Probably
Aftermath: (possible spoilers)
Come on, it's romance, there is no thinking afterwards... oh wait, I am reading #1 after this, does that count?
like I said IDK, I am on my 2nd glass of wine, Cheers!
July 14, 2019
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2 Stars! Looks like a good start to very interesting series. I want to read more of it.
Want to read
January 18, 2019Free prequel available now!
ONE CRUEL NIGHT By K.A. Linde
✦ Amazon → https://amzn.to/2sBa7A6
✦ iBooks → smarturl.it/iBooksOCN
✦ B&N → smarturl.it/BNOCN
✦ Kobo → smarturl.it/KoboOCN
✦ Google Play → smarturl.it/GoogleOCN
ONE CRUEL NIGHT By K.A. Linde
✦ Amazon → https://amzn.to/2sBa7A6
✦ iBooks → smarturl.it/iBooksOCN
✦ B&N → smarturl.it/BNOCN
✦ Kobo → smarturl.it/KoboOCN
✦ Google Play → smarturl.it/GoogleOCN
January 18, 2019
Review to come!
January 26, 2019
Enjoying the adventure of a lifetime, Natalie finds herself soaking up all that Paris has to offer. At the insistence of her best friend, Natalie soon engages in one last night of fun! With a party the focus of attention, Natalie can’t help but feel like no one in attendance is her ‘type’ of person. Then she discovers Penn standing on a balcony.
Natalie quickly realizes that the gentleman she has watched scribbling away in his notebook each day in the park is none other than the handsome gent standing in front of her. With the temptation from Penn to see another side of the city, Natalie sets out to create memories of a lifetime before heading back to the states. Nothing would prepare Natalie for the outcome of that One Night in Paris.
Paris is the backdrop for a sexy rendezvous in One Cruel Night by K.A. Linde. This novella is packed full of all of the things that one would hope to experience when enjoying the spoils of the city of lights. While romance is the name of the game, only time will tell how that one night in Paris will change the future for Penn and Natalie.
Natalie quickly realizes that the gentleman she has watched scribbling away in his notebook each day in the park is none other than the handsome gent standing in front of her. With the temptation from Penn to see another side of the city, Natalie sets out to create memories of a lifetime before heading back to the states. Nothing would prepare Natalie for the outcome of that One Night in Paris.
Paris is the backdrop for a sexy rendezvous in One Cruel Night by K.A. Linde. This novella is packed full of all of the things that one would hope to experience when enjoying the spoils of the city of lights. While romance is the name of the game, only time will tell how that one night in Paris will change the future for Penn and Natalie.
May 22, 2019
4 Stars / 4 Steam Fans
Talk about a hook you in TEASE!! Natalie and Penn meet one night in Paris. Spend an AMAZING night together only to be split apart by mysterious forces. I can't wait to find out what happens next!!
This specific video review will be included in the May 2019 wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
(Review may be edited at a later date.)
Talk about a hook you in TEASE!! Natalie and Penn meet one night in Paris. Spend an AMAZING night together only to be split apart by mysterious forces. I can't wait to find out what happens next!!
This specific video review will be included in the May 2019 wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
(Review may be edited at a later date.)
January 18, 2019
4 estrelas
Essa é umas história curta que dá início da história de Nate e Penny. Aqui descobrimos como eles se conheceram , vimos a intensa noite que tiveram em paris. Esse livro nem deixou querendo mais desses personagens e Ainda bem que Cruel Money está no meu Kindle me esperando para continuar a história desses dois.
Essa é umas história curta que dá início da história de Nate e Penny. Aqui descobrimos como eles se conheceram , vimos a intensa noite que tiveram em paris. Esse livro nem deixou querendo mais desses personagens e Ainda bem que Cruel Money está no meu Kindle me esperando para continuar a história desses dois.
February 26, 2019
3.5 stars. Definitely fluff. But darn good, engaging writing. And the start to what is bound to be a bit of angst filled romance. Our h loses her virginity in a fun filled last night in Paris. She is swept off her feet. But in the morning he is gone, from his own home and she is shown the door by the maid. Six years later...they meet again.
October 4, 2020
*3.75 stars
This was a super fun novella! I really want to read the first book in this series. This is the little novella that sets up the backstory before book one. These two characters met in Paris one night and this is just the story about that night! I believe the book after this one takes place six years later and I can't wait to read it!
*read for the #kindleclearout readathon
This was a super fun novella! I really want to read the first book in this series. This is the little novella that sets up the backstory before book one. These two characters met in Paris one night and this is just the story about that night! I believe the book after this one takes place six years later and I can't wait to read it!
*read for the #kindleclearout readathon
January 23, 2019
Cruel Night is a great read on its own,but it is must read before you read Cruel Money.
This gives a chance to see how they met , and how intense their connections was.
It gives a better understanding of the actions when they meet 6 years later.
A Must Read!
This gives a chance to see how they met , and how intense their connections was.
It gives a better understanding of the actions when they meet 6 years later.
A Must Read!
January 9, 2019
This was a great way to start this series. It's definitely going to be a rollercoaster! I am so grateful for my ARC of Cruel Money, so I can dive in now.
Full review to follow soon.
Full review to follow soon.
kindle-freebies
January 17, 2019kindle freebie 1/17/2019
https://www.amazon.com/One-Cruel-Nigh...
https://www.amazon.com/One-Cruel-Nigh...
January 28, 2019
" Paris is a thief," he said thoughtfully. "It steals a piece of your heart every time you come here."
3 stars for that line alone, because god knows that city owns my heart and soul. "One Cruel Night" is a prequel short story in Author, K.A Linde latest series and it just hit all the right spots for me. Also, the fact that parts of it reminded me of the movie "Before sunrise", which is like one of my favourite movies of all time, so there's that!
So looking forward to continue reading this series!
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3 stars for that line alone, because god knows that city owns my heart and soul. "One Cruel Night" is a prequel short story in Author, K.A Linde latest series and it just hit all the right spots for me. Also, the fact that parts of it reminded me of the movie "Before sunrise", which is like one of my favourite movies of all time, so there's that!
So looking forward to continue reading this series!
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
January 14, 2019
I have a feeling that One Cruel Night is going to be the beginning of another great series by K.A. Linde.
Penn and Nat hit it off in Paris. They enjoyed touring the city of Paris together - sight seeing, eating French cuisine and just spending time with each other. Nat and Penn have instant chemistry and they spend an amazing night together, but what happens when Nat wakes up alone? I can't wait for book one to be released and to see what happens between Nat and Penn.
Penn and Nat hit it off in Paris. They enjoyed touring the city of Paris together - sight seeing, eating French cuisine and just spending time with each other. Nat and Penn have instant chemistry and they spend an amazing night together, but what happens when Nat wakes up alone? I can't wait for book one to be released and to see what happens between Nat and Penn.
January 24, 2019
“What’s your deepest, darkest secret?” I asked on a whim. His eyes slid sideways to mine, and a clever grin spread on his lips. “You couldn’t handle that one.”
One night in Paris can be a lifechanger. A night to be someoelse, to act out of your behavior and experience new feelings. One night with him can be cruel and change your life forever.
Natalie is having a unique chance in life. On vacation with her friend in Paris, she knows that this opportunity will probably be the only one she will have to get to know other countries. On her last night in town, she meets a young man who had already caught her attention - she saw him in the park every day writing - and deciding to be spontaneous once in her life, she accepted his proposal to get to know the real Paris, not what is shown to tourists. On this night of discoveries, adventures and first times, Natalie will experience various feelings.
Until morning comes, and with it, our character will learn the meaning of humiliation, abandonment and broken heart.
Six years later, upon taking a new job, the last person she imagined meeting would be the man who tormented her thoughts all those years. Finding out the truth about Penn and the weight of the surname he carries, Natalie will be drawn into a world of appearances, money, evil and lies. And in a place where you can not trust anything or anyone, Natalie will once again fall prey to the cruelty of money.
K.A. Linde presents her new series Cruel, where Cruel Money is the first volume and One Cruel Night is the prequel, showing the encounter of the characters. It is essential to read the prequel for a better understanding of the narrative.
A night to remember or a night to forget? Only the reader can decide.
But, indeed an amazing plot wich makes us desire for more of Penn and Natalie.
https://avidezliteraria.wordpress.com/
One night in Paris can be a lifechanger. A night to be someoelse, to act out of your behavior and experience new feelings. One night with him can be cruel and change your life forever.
Natalie is having a unique chance in life. On vacation with her friend in Paris, she knows that this opportunity will probably be the only one she will have to get to know other countries. On her last night in town, she meets a young man who had already caught her attention - she saw him in the park every day writing - and deciding to be spontaneous once in her life, she accepted his proposal to get to know the real Paris, not what is shown to tourists. On this night of discoveries, adventures and first times, Natalie will experience various feelings.
Until morning comes, and with it, our character will learn the meaning of humiliation, abandonment and broken heart.
Six years later, upon taking a new job, the last person she imagined meeting would be the man who tormented her thoughts all those years. Finding out the truth about Penn and the weight of the surname he carries, Natalie will be drawn into a world of appearances, money, evil and lies. And in a place where you can not trust anything or anyone, Natalie will once again fall prey to the cruelty of money.
K.A. Linde presents her new series Cruel, where Cruel Money is the first volume and One Cruel Night is the prequel, showing the encounter of the characters. It is essential to read the prequel for a better understanding of the narrative.
A night to remember or a night to forget? Only the reader can decide.
But, indeed an amazing plot wich makes us desire for more of Penn and Natalie.
https://avidezliteraria.wordpress.com/
May 30, 2019
IT ALL STARTED ON A PARK BENCH IN PARIS … yes, author had me at “Paris”
“Paris is a thief … It steals a piece of your heart every time you come here."
Two strangers. Both American. One perfect night in Paris. A young man and a coed cross paths a magical night. NATALIE (18) is on the last night of fully experiencing the City of Lights with her best friend before starting college when she runs into an enigmatic guy she’s frequently seen in the park. In a romantic night that she will never forget, they share everything that’s meaningful, not superficial … and PENN (25) lets down his walls for her to see real person underneath. What could go wrong?
Paris IS the city of romance, and this novella prequel to the upcoming CRUEL TRILOGY couldn’t have a better setting to start the series. This is not travelogue romance. Everywhere they go and what they do charmed the pants off me. After her dismal BLOOD TYPE series, I thought the author had lost her touch. But, this book totally redeems her in my eyes and I hope that there’s enough story here to justify a trilogy.
Romantic setting? Check. Intriguing setup? Check. Compelling lovers? Check. The prequel is the perfect length and really gets down to business in introducing this couple to us. I was as besotted with Paris, the romance, and Penn as Natalie was. **Slightly spoilerish** There was odd thing -- Penn never noticed evidence of Natalie losing her virginity after their lovemaking, but maybe the oversight was intentional for later on.
The romance is great so far and one of my favorite tropes. Can't wait to see what happens next in this steamy, romantic adventure. It's one of my favorite novellas that started a series.
“Paris is a thief … It steals a piece of your heart every time you come here."
Two strangers. Both American. One perfect night in Paris. A young man and a coed cross paths a magical night. NATALIE (18) is on the last night of fully experiencing the City of Lights with her best friend before starting college when she runs into an enigmatic guy she’s frequently seen in the park. In a romantic night that she will never forget, they share everything that’s meaningful, not superficial … and PENN (25) lets down his walls for her to see real person underneath. What could go wrong?
Paris IS the city of romance, and this novella prequel to the upcoming CRUEL TRILOGY couldn’t have a better setting to start the series. This is not travelogue romance. Everywhere they go and what they do charmed the pants off me. After her dismal BLOOD TYPE series, I thought the author had lost her touch. But, this book totally redeems her in my eyes and I hope that there’s enough story here to justify a trilogy.
Romantic setting? Check. Intriguing setup? Check. Compelling lovers? Check. The prequel is the perfect length and really gets down to business in introducing this couple to us. I was as besotted with Paris, the romance, and Penn as Natalie was. **Slightly spoilerish** There was odd thing -- Penn never noticed evidence of Natalie losing her virginity after their lovemaking, but maybe the oversight was intentional for later on.
The romance is great so far and one of my favorite tropes. Can't wait to see what happens next in this steamy, romantic adventure. It's one of my favorite novellas that started a series.
January 17, 2019
4 stars!
The night before Natalie leaves Paris, she meets Penn at a party and there’s something about him that draws her in. Natalie is fresh, sweet, and somewhat naïve, and she opens her heart to Penn who has a jaded view of love. They get each other and the walls come down. All reservations go out the window and and they end up sharing a passionate and unforgettable evening together. The next day Natalie awakes alone and with a broken heart, she’s changed forever.
One Cruel Night is a fantastic prequel to the Cruel series that wonderfully sets the stage for Cruel Money! I love the storyline and the characters. The emotion was real and I felt the excitement and joy through Natalie. She was given a glimpse into a different Penn that I wasn’t expecting and I loved seeing his sweet side.
Then, the next morning everything changes. We get a little hint of the truth but not nearly enough to know what made Penn leave. Natalie is crushed and the heartache, confusion, and anger bled from the pages.
Overall, One Cruel Night is a delicious start to an emotionally twisted, cruel series, and I want more!
The night before Natalie leaves Paris, she meets Penn at a party and there’s something about him that draws her in. Natalie is fresh, sweet, and somewhat naïve, and she opens her heart to Penn who has a jaded view of love. They get each other and the walls come down. All reservations go out the window and and they end up sharing a passionate and unforgettable evening together. The next day Natalie awakes alone and with a broken heart, she’s changed forever.
One Cruel Night is a fantastic prequel to the Cruel series that wonderfully sets the stage for Cruel Money! I love the storyline and the characters. The emotion was real and I felt the excitement and joy through Natalie. She was given a glimpse into a different Penn that I wasn’t expecting and I loved seeing his sweet side.
Something passed between us then. A current. A mutual understanding. The start of something new. It was inexplicable and incredible.
Then, the next morning everything changes. We get a little hint of the truth but not nearly enough to know what made Penn leave. Natalie is crushed and the heartache, confusion, and anger bled from the pages.
Penn had taken something from me.
Something I could never reclaim.
My innocence.
Oh, how cruel it was.
Overall, One Cruel Night is a delicious start to an emotionally twisted, cruel series, and I want more!
April 11, 2023
For a novella, this was okay-ish and served the purpose of getting me interested enough to continue with the series. I liked the idea of the "last perfect night in Paris" that the couple spent together.
I don't quite get the persisting anger that Natalie feels over Penn ghosting her. Like, sure, it was her first time, but it was pretty obvious that it'd be a one-night-stand, she outright said to Penn that it was her last night in Paris and then she's flying back home, lol. On the other hand, I guess I get it to an extent, girlie has the time of her life with multiple orgasms after a magical night in "city of love" or whatever, the guy even asks her to stay with him for the rest of the summer, then she wakes up in a stranger's apartment alone, he's nowhere in sight, not even a freaking note, and she's welcomed by a snarky housekeeper who claims to be taking out the trash while looking at her pointedly 😂💀
Also, I'm sorry, but even with the little that we got of Penn's pov, I just couldn't treat him seriously? I'm glad poor little rich boy has a hobby, but when he went on about writing a "revolutionary philosophical theory that will change the face of ethics", like??? I'm sure as a privileged western billionaire homeboy has a rare, revolutionary perspective on ethics. Please be serious 😶 If the author wanted the hero to start clowning, just have him buy twitter or sth?
I don't quite get the persisting anger that Natalie feels over Penn ghosting her. Like, sure, it was her first time, but it was pretty obvious that it'd be a one-night-stand, she outright said to Penn that it was her last night in Paris and then she's flying back home, lol. On the other hand, I guess I get it to an extent, girlie has the time of her life with multiple orgasms after a magical night in "city of love" or whatever, the guy even asks her to stay with him for the rest of the summer, then she wakes up in a stranger's apartment alone, he's nowhere in sight, not even a freaking note, and she's welcomed by a snarky housekeeper who claims to be taking out the trash while looking at her pointedly 😂💀
Also, I'm sorry, but even with the little that we got of Penn's pov, I just couldn't treat him seriously? I'm glad poor little rich boy has a hobby, but when he went on about writing a "revolutionary philosophical theory that will change the face of ethics", like??? I'm sure as a privileged western billionaire homeboy has a rare, revolutionary perspective on ethics. Please be serious 😶 If the author wanted the hero to start clowning, just have him buy twitter or sth?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews