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Underground Kings #2

Cruel Seduction

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I’ve heard blood is thicker than water, but those people must not have ever been stabbed in the back by their family.
At least water made rivers.
All blood did was stain.
My brother was a stain on my damn life.
No matter how hard I scrubbed, his betrayal was still there.
He set me up to take the fall on one of the biggest jobs we ever did together, and I did five years behind bars for fraud and money laundering.
I’m out of prison now, and I’m ready to turn the river red.
No one messes with me and gets away with it. I’m going to take everything that belongs to me.
Including her. His ex-wife that he kept under lock and key like an animal.
Last I heard, Gabriella Regio has the bite of a beast, and I can’t wait to set her free.

260 pages, ebook

First published August 18, 2020

145 people are currently reading
153 people want to read

About the author

Kelli Callahan

100 books793 followers
elli writes hot and steamy romances with delicious alpha males who will not stop until they get the women they crave exactly where they want them. Kelli's heroes are tough as nails, hot as sin, and underneath the rough exterior is a heart of gold begging to be unleashed. If you think you can tame them, you're probably right, but it won't be an easy journey.

Make no mistake, Kelli's stories will give you the happily ever after you need, but they're also steamy and packed from cover to cover with exactly what you're looking for late at night when you leave your panties by the door.

If you would like to contact Kelli, she can be reached at kellicallahanbooks@gmail.com.

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5 stars
96 (55%)
4 stars
45 (25%)
3 stars
24 (13%)
2 stars
6 (3%)
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3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Karen.
1,507 reviews15 followers
August 20, 2020
Wow, dark, depraved, and twisted. He was set up by his own blood. Sebastian Knight was set up by his own brother to get him out of the way of what Kendrick had planned for the beautiful young woman that he is dating. The first time Sebastian laid eyes on Gabriella, he fell in love with her and wanted her for himself, but Kendrick staked his claim on her first. Sebastian spent five years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit and during that time all he could think about was protecting Gabriella and keeping her away from Kendrick. He had no idea what Kendrick had planned for Gabriella, but Sebastian knew that he needed to find her after he was released from prison, so he spent the next two years searching everywhere for her, with no luck.

Gabriella thought Kendrick was the man that would give her everything she lost when her parents died. When she was eighteen, she started dating him and after a while, she realized that he was not the man she was hoping he was. After she met his younger brother Sebastian, she knew he was the man for her, but now she was trapped with Kendrick and in a marriage that she didn’t want. Sebastian helped her while he was in prison to escape Kendrick and get a divorce, but her seclusion didn’t last long enough and when he found her again, she had to endure so much that most people would not survive.

I loved this story and the characters are great. The men are Alpha, wealthy, dangerous, and loyal and the women are sassy, strong, and just as dangerous as their men. They have no problem with what these men do and in fact are right by their sides all the way. These men made their own family and are loyal to each other. They will put their lives on the line at any moment for their family of choice. I cannot wait to read Grayson, Owen, and Heaven’s stories. All of these men were falsely accused of crimes and imprisoned for them. Now they are out to redeem themselves and to gain back some of what they lost in time they spent behind bars. The guys are so funny to read about. They are like a bunch of teenage girls at times and then other times they are lethal and deadly. I give this story a 5-star review and highly recommend it to readers that enjoy stories that are a bit dark and twisted and characters that you wish were in your corner. Besides, one look at the cover of Cruel Temptation and Cruel Seduction and who wouldn’t want to read these guys’ stories? They are very sexy!
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
August 21, 2020
HOLY DARK AND DANGEROUS HELL! Sebastian Knight is our newest Underground King after being sent up the river for 5 years by his brother. See, Kendrick (Sebastian's evil brother) had plans for a girl named Gabriella, and while she thought that he was the one, it didn't take her too long to figure out that Kendrick wasn't it, but Sebastian caught her eye. He helped her from prison, but he couldn't save her from everything, and when he's let out, revenge is on the menu. This story kept me on the edge of my seat from the jump but the fast heart rate when Sebastian was ready to take care of business. The twists were intense, which put me in my happy place of dropping loud f-bombs, with a kicker of action, and sprinkled with angst & heat. There are some triggers so take heed because I don't get triggered but I'm totally dark & twisty. Anyway, if you love those dark elements in your stories, hit those one click buttons! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog).
7,751 reviews169 followers
August 21, 2020
Oh boy! This is one series I will not be living without. Sebastian is out for revenge and looking for Gabriella. They are meant to be and the things they had to endure before they were able to be together, was definitely cruel. But you make your own family. This has betrayal, darkness, some twists, and lots of passion.
1,553 reviews10 followers
September 5, 2020
OMG! This story was so emotional & times I was almost in tears. After being released from prison Sebastian was determined to find Gabrielle the love of his life, his brother Kendrick's ex wife. His whole existence was to find her again & save her from his violent brother then by chance he saw her in a market wearing a collar with Kendrick holding its lead. Gabrielle had endured so much torture by Kendrick over the years the only thing keeping her going was the thought of Sebastian finding her until one day she couldn't take anynore & jumped over the balcony into the sea prepared to die. However, by a miracle Owen found a woman in the sea but she was dead he brought her to their house & when Sebastian saw her he knew it was Gabrielle & was adament she was not dead he couldn't believe after all this time he found her & brought her back to life. It was like they were both in heaven but when he heard & saw what Kendrick had done yo her he & the others were adament they would make him pay. Kendrick would not let her hide from him then having found her he was going to make her pay but he didn't expect Sebastian to find him. I couldn't believe how much pain & suffering endured but she was so strong & didn't give up, Sebastian never gave up on finding her alive his life depended on it but nothing prepared me for how evil & sadistic animal Kendrick was.
I loved this story so much I had to stop reading every so often to recover from how intense it was. I can't wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews71 followers
August 29, 2020
⚖️⚖️ONE HIGH OCTANE THRILL⚖️⚖️
Holy hell tigger! Kelli totally nailed this hot little number with 100% on point realism, exceeding all the expectations and surpassing the challenges, packing the heavy artillery and tagging targets, keeping you riveted on a razors edge, blasting this baby to life spectacularly. A raging tempest of unnerving trials and arduous tribulations, noting the deadly twists and torturous turns, testing our characters in ways than they could have never anticipated, wrapping this baby up sleek, shiny and tight. Treading a minefield of perilous drama, abusive captivity, cutting vengeance, riveting intrigue, escalating danger, spiraling suspense, along with intense situations, traversing the cunning manipulations of atrocious deeds and heinous acts, catapulting this little gem to staggering heights. The characters, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, adding depth and diversity, transforming into formidable personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Remarkable job Kelli, thanks for sharing this thrilling treat with us.
Profile Image for Sufenny.
18 reviews1 follower
September 4, 2020
I was kindly provided an e-copy of Cruel Seduction - second book of Underground Kings series by the author Kelli Callahan via BookFunnel in exchange for my honest review.

After reading the synopsis, I was exited to dive into the story. The beginning was very intense. I was drawn into the events right away. But I really struggled with this book after chapter seven. The story seems to slow down ofter the hero and heroine reunited. I personally enjoy good descriptions of characters and beautiful settings, so I can visualize the story like watching a movie. But I found there is lack of such descriptions while reading this book. There are some typos, misspelling, and mistakes, such as referring the wrong character. I got confused several times and had to reread the sentences. The “dark romance” part seems just scratching the surface. The events that brought the hero and heroine back together are just too convenient. Nevertheless, I do enjoy Ms. Kelli Callahan’s writing skill, and the emotional connection between the hero and heroine is beautiful.
Profile Image for Sufen Adams.
Author 8 books
July 28, 2025
I was kindly provided an e-copy of Cruel Seduction - second book of Underground Kings series by the author Kelli Callahan via BookFunnel in exchange for my honest review.

After reading the synopsis, I was exited to dive into the story. The beginning was very intense. I was drawn into the events right away. But I really struggled with this book after chapter seven. The story seems to slow down ofter the hero and heroine reunited. I personally enjoy good descriptions of characters and beautiful settings, so I can visualize the story like watching a movie. But I found there is lack of such descriptions while reading this book. There are some typos, misspelling, and mistakes, such as referring the wrong character. I got confused several times and had to reread the sentences. The “dark romance” part seems just scratching the surface. The events that brought the hero and heroine back together are just too convenient. Nevertheless, I do enjoy Ms. Kelli Callahan’s writing skill, and the emotional connection between the hero and heroine is beautiful.
Profile Image for SaltLifeSC.
4 reviews
September 9, 2020
Cruel Seduction" is the second installment of Kelli Callahan's "Underground Kings Series" which features the 5 central members of a criminal on criminal crime organization and those who love them.
It's important to realize that this ain't you're grandma's flowery, picnic type of love story. It's brutal. It's bloody. It's gory. It's a testimony to the fact that there's no limits to the ways the human mind can conjure evil upon another! That being said, it's also about being falsely accused, survival, loyalty, family, the ability of the human spirit to rise like a Phoenix from the ashes of the past in search of light, love and new beginnings!
The storyline is definitely intense and worth the read. n the interest of full disclosure, the book is riddled with host of grammatical errors and mistakes that I personally find completely distracting in what's supposed to be the "finished draft" of a published novel. But that's just me... 🤷‍♀️ 3.5-4💥
Profile Image for Naturalbri (Bri Wignall).
1,385 reviews120 followers
August 21, 2020
This is a book to really bring out the beast in its characters. From seduction and fear to angsty passion, Callahan gives us everything we need to have a read you just cannot put down!

The characters are absolutely brilliant. They are strong, wilful, cheeky and brilliant. When you throw the two of main characters together you have an explosion of passion that is absolutely brilliant.

I loved the overall story. It is written exceptionally well. The betrayal behind it and the exact revenge that is taken is brilliant. I loved waiting to see just what would happen and how things would unfold.

Overall, this is definitely a must read! I highly recommend it. I didn’t read the first book first, and you can still enjoy this book without, but I recommend reading it first, just because you will love it as well.
Profile Image for Syd Springer.
4,038 reviews6 followers
August 30, 2020
This is the second book in the series and it was just as good, if not better, than the first book. Sebastian and Gabby's story was heartbreaking but also heart-warming. These two couldn't be together because of Sebastian's crazy brother but finally after 7 years of waiting for each other, they are finally able to be together; or can they? This book pulled me in and it didn't want to let go. What Gabby had to go through at the hands of a mentally deranged man and still is strong and willing for fight for her love is truly amazing. Sebastian has been looking for Gabby since he was released for jail for a crime he didn't commit but he didn't stop. These to have gone through so much but I think it just made them strong, both individually but together. This is a little darker book, which I really loved, and I would highly recommend this book, series, and this fantastic author!
6,535 reviews27 followers
August 31, 2020
While this is a dark romance something that Kelli excels at it still manages to be an uplifting romance at the same time You are drawn into the dark world that Sebastian Knight and Gabriella the woman he has always loved.

Sebastian was set up by his own brother Kendrick, Gabriella had the misfortune to be married to Kendrick even though she had realised he wasn't the man she thought and that it was Sebastian that she loved Kendrick knew this and set Sebastian up for a crime that caused him to serve prison time Now he is out and he is not only bent on vengeance but intends to get the woman he loves back from the torment his brother is putting her through. Can she become the woman she is meant to be with the support of Sebastian and can they have a future together You will have to read to see
Profile Image for Gladys.
14k reviews162 followers
August 31, 2020
I found myself completely consumed by this dark, emotional read. The story wastes no time and sets to work in pulling you in and entangling you in its complex web. My heart not only ached but it broke for Sebastian and Gabriella because of everything they had to endure. This well written read provides an addicting and encompassing tale full of raw emotions, pain, drama, twists, heartbreak, betrayal, evil, action, enduring love, steam and richly deserved and hard-won revenge. As this is a dark read it does contain content that will not appeal to every reader and could be triggers for others. Some of these are physical and mental abuse, kidnapping and attempted sexual assault. So, please consider whether this is the right book for you before purchasing and reading it. This is my volitional, candid review.
764 reviews3 followers
September 7, 2020
Sebastian's love for his brothers wife got him sent to prison after being falsely accused having done his time he has spent his days with the guys doing the jobs that need to be done but yet still looking for Gabby who seems to have dropped off the face of the earth.
Yet who would have thought after all this time she was closer than he thought after a chance meet he will stop at nothing to find her or will she find him.
Love the chemistry these two have and how Gabby after all she has been through makes sure she gets her man.
How can Sebastian and his brother be so different find out by reading this story just make sure you start this series from the beginning or you miss out on all these hot guys.
Profile Image for Literary Temptations .
591 reviews54 followers
August 25, 2020
FOR-A-FULL-REVIEW-VISIT

MY RATING: 1*
TITLE: Cruel Seduction
AUTHOR: Kelli Callahan
SERIES: Underground Kings #2
RELEASE DATE: 20 August 2020
CLIFFHANGER: No

Once again i see other people's reviews and find myself wondering which book were they reading and how different was it from the one i read. because the one i read was NOT a 5* read.


description
Profile Image for Tiffany Barnett.
667 reviews6 followers
August 29, 2020
So dark.....so good! This is the second installment of this series. I didn't read the first one (which I WILL be reading immediately) and I didn't feel lost at all.

The turmoil that both Gabriella and Sebastian have to go through is truly heartbreaking. Sometimes life is horrible and you have to go through dark times to get your love.

There are lighter scenes that I loved where dark, alpha men act like little girls. Made me seriously laugh out loud!

I really can't say enough about this book! It brings on all of the feels and my heart feels like it went through the wringer but in a good way. Can't wait for the next one!
324 reviews4 followers
September 2, 2020
I received this book as an ARC in return of an honest review. It is a story about seeking revenge from the people who wronged you and finding love and HEA in that road. It is part of a series but can be read as a sstandalone alone. I fell in love with the characters and felt their pain and struggle. My only issue with the book is that it drags on and on in some parts like the whale seeing part that added little to the story or the 1st intimate scene between the H and h . It spreads over many chapters that can be omitted easily. That made for a pit slower pace for the story but all in all I liked it.
Profile Image for Anne  Young-Cronister.
960 reviews
January 28, 2021
I loved this Book! The Underground Kings is an awesome series. The hardships that these characters
have gone through before we meet them is horrible. But, one by one, they are getting the girls they have always wanted. Sebastian knight has been in love with
Gabriela for 7 years. When he gets her back, he is never letting go!! This is an emotional read with lots of ups and downs and twists you never see coming. Gabrieala tries to lighten up everything with humor. Of course Heaven is always cheerful and goofy I highly recommend this book for those who like a little danger with their steamy romance!
Profile Image for Misty Schott.
4,225 reviews35 followers
August 30, 2020
Sebastian's story is intense.

Sebastian went to prison for five years for a crime he didn't commit. His brother sent him there to keep him away from Gabriella, because he has some sinister plans for her. Gabriella tried to get away from Kendrick once she realized it wasn't love they had together and when she saw Sebastian she realized he was the one for her. Kendrick is evil and does horrible things to Gabriella and is cryptic when he speaks to her. She just wants Sebastian to find her and save her. This is a great read and I highly recommend it!
495 reviews8 followers
December 14, 2020
Wow I'm speechless!

This book was so good. Holy crap. The story plot was so intense i dont think i put my kindle down once. And don't get me started on the sexy scenes. Wow they were hot! I loved Sebastian and Gabby's story! I can't wait to read the next in the series!
*Side Note*
There was some plot errors and factual errors in the book. In some instances it would have Kedricks name when it should have said Sebastian. Nothing i would take stars away from because after reading the sentence a few times and saying wtf u get it was an error.
Profile Image for Mawgan Dipple.
1,700 reviews
September 8, 2020
This is the second book in this series, following on from jaxon's book, it's Sebastian who gets to seek his revenge on the person that ruined his life. This book was a second chance that was never a first. Hubby and Sebastian never stood a chance against the cruelty of his brother Kendrick. As the story plays out you come to learn what lengths Kendrick will go to, to not only mess with the pawns in his game but to fulfil his life goals. Interesting read.
Profile Image for Emma bramley.
2,570 reviews26 followers
September 20, 2020
This is the second book in this series by this author. This story is a dark one but with a wonderful romance to it. This story follows the characters Sebastian and Gabriella. These characters have intense chemistry between them. This story is full of joy, closeness, emotions, sex, intrigue, action and love. This is an amazing series so far, I can't wait to read more.

I was given an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

www.obsessedbookreviews.com
Profile Image for Ferbooks.
1,776 reviews13 followers
February 4, 2021
Wow! Heartbreaking

Kendrick is one crazy bastard. The hell he put Gabriella through because of his demented belief. Thank goodness Sebastian never gave up and more power to Gabriella for her strong will that helped her to over all the horror that she endured for so many years. The story is heartbreaking but the love between Gabriella and Sebastian is so beautiful it cancelled out the terrible parts.
Profile Image for Ashley Cestra.
1,348 reviews33 followers
August 31, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars!
Ohh my! This story was-wow! The suspense was killing me! This story was different, and I overall enjoyed it! There were a lot of descriptives in this story sometimes making it a little hard to follow along, but my interest picked up once I figure out what was happening! Really enjoyed this one!
Profile Image for Belinda .
1,299 reviews8 followers
September 3, 2020
Sebastian is out for revenge on his brother who had him wrongfully imprisoned. Gabriella is a woman who has had a tortured and abusive life. This is a dark story with a light at the end of the tunnel. It has it all, action, sex, humor, and a story that will keep you enthralled. I received this as an ARC and voluntarily give my honest review.
108 reviews
September 11, 2020
The power of 💘

Overall another good book . There are only two things I am left questioning. First the problem at the beginning where they all almost die and second he didn't get exonerated. Put those things aside and it still is a wonderful story of two people in love who who move heaven and earth for their love💘.
2,555 reviews14 followers
October 14, 2020
Wow, great book. 50 Earth shattering stars!

It took me weeks to get through this book, not because I didn't like it, but because I felt to involved with Gabriella and Sebastian. I was afraid to find out what the "nut job brother" would continue to do to Gabriella. It's a great book when I get too involved. Weird situations but a wonderful book. Thanks. Written by Cindy :)
Profile Image for Fran.
134 reviews1 follower
November 1, 2020
Cruel

The story itself was good, a little weird, different than anything I've read previously. But I was distracted by the very bad grammar and sentence structure. I usually don't finish books with bad grammar, but the story was good enough to keep me till the end. The author needs a better proofreading/ editing team.
Profile Image for Rachel Jones.
353 reviews
December 24, 2020
Great book! The only real problem I have with it is all the grammatical errors and such. Someone seriously needs to go back through and make corrections, it’s distracting. And while you’re at it go back and do the same for the first book as well. I’ve never seen this issue with any other of Kelli’s book series.
560 reviews4 followers
April 12, 2021
You can't pick your relatives

But Sebastian wishes he could and it wouldn't be his brother, Kendrick. Because of him, Sebastian was in prison for a crime he didn't commit and Sebastian lost the love of his life to his evil brother. But with the help of his comrades in arms, he plots to get her back. Excellent story with brilliant use of humor and a wonderful happy ending!
941 reviews7 followers
January 14, 2022
Very Abusive Treatment - Cult/Sacrificial With Insane Monsters

Editing needed. Is it just ebooks that don't get edited? I can't remember ever reading paperbacks and hardback books that needed editing the way these ebooks do. What crime was it that Sebastian took the fall for? It never said. Only that Kendrick set him up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

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