Rival

Revenge & Legacy #0.5

by M.C. Cerny

Once upon a time, a little girl dreamed of escaping her hard life. She never imagined the Devil would be the one to offer her a deal.

A trade.

Her life for the ones she loved.

Forever.

This is a prequel to the Revenge & Legacy Series, a dark romance retelling of Hades and Persephone. Rival is just the beginning…Prepare to meet Adam Huntley, his ward Elizabeth, and his brother Aaron. Nothing is at it seems.

All is dark, and all is not fair in love and war. 


Series Order:
Rival - Prequel (Book 0.5)
Hunter (Book 1)
Prey (Book 2)
Conqueror (Book 3)
Oath (Book 4)

Genres: Dark

121 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 18, 2020

About the author

M.C. Cerny is a USA Today Bestselling author of fresh sexy books. She experienced her first real ugly cry reading, Where The Red Fern Grows, and never looked back. She lives with a menagerie of human and feline fur-babies in rural NJ. When M.C. is not writing, you’ll find her lurking in Starbucks, running stupid marathons, and eating all the tacos while plotting her next book.

Reviews

[Wobilba · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t know why I bothered with this one….truly. Too groomy

[Valentina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected and captivating storyline. Medium burn. The book introduces three seemingly unconnected characters whose end goal isn’t immediately clear. There are clues, small pieces of intriguing information gleaned as the story progresses. This story primarily sets the stage for character development, behaviors, with a backdrop of mystery and a tinge of drama, depravity, and foreboding. Excellently executed.

Adam encounters underprivileged, 14-year-old Elizabeth in her attempt at grand auto theft with other young neighborhood hooligans and as retribution decides to make her his ward ... with an eye toward the future. Meanwhile another character’s story is unfolding that likely will merge with theirs. It remains unclear how and who will be hero, antihero, or even villain.

This was a prelude to a larger story. There was a feeling of darkness surrounding this tale even if there was no violence. The author did an excellent of inspiring this sense of disquiet. I loved the organic portrayal of the relationships among the characters with their respective relatives, employees, friends, and various workers. I could feel the kingship, esteem, or distain, etc. It was entertaining, though generally for my tastes I prefer less prose and a bit faster pace. There was a lot of inner thought in style, which contributed to the medium burn effect but admittedly gave insight, as much as the story would reveal, into the characters’ motivations. Overall great read. I am looking forward to the main novel. 4.5 stars

[Linda Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark new romantic series – Can Adam wait for her to turn 18yo?
Oh. My. Word. If this prequel is any indication of the rest of this series, we’re in for a treat. Must like dark and sometimes depraved characters. You’ve been warned…
Elizabeth is a 14yo “opportunistic criminal” who steals cars for chop shops. She and her 18yo brother Eddie have taken care of themselves and avoided social services since their mother’s death and their father’s disappearance from their lives. This time her choice of car to steal is very wrong. It belongs to an unsavory guy named Adam Huntley. We find her running from his henchmen and giving them the slip by the skin of her teeth, but not before irritating him in the process. Big mistake! Adam is wealthy, mean, and possibly psycho. What will he do when he gets his hands on her? I’m sure as the series continues we’ll get a handle on his personality. I’ve already bought the rest of these books. I truly can’t wait for it to unfold. Then there are Adam’s brother Aaron and his “girl friend” Claudia, his next door neighbor. Why is Adam hunting for his brother? Does Aaron know he has a brother? Is Aaron any better than Adam, both of whom grew up in the system? So much to explore and I can’t wait…
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Booksprout and if you like dark romance in serial format, get this book. So good!

[Naomi McCoy · Rating 2 out of 5]

So this was an extremely dark and twisted beginning that I fear will only get worse. So far all the books I have read by this author have been endearing, sweet, charming and enjoyable. This book was well written but not my cup of tea. I don't want to finish these books and I wouldn't recommend if you don't like orgies, cheating, drug and alcohol use, users and abusers in relationships. Adam, a gangster, steals and inappropriately touches a 14 year old girl, his brother Aaron is in the military and in love with a religious girl who he is bound to hurt and apparently leave behind because hes going to start chasing this 14 year old girl when she turns 18 and is forced to marry her abuser. Not a bad story or poorly written by any means, just not my thing. Sorry.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christy Davisson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the setup for the next on this series and wow it is crazy twisted. We meet a 14 year old girl Elizabeth, who happens to live in a bad area and she steals cars to make fast cash for her and her unsuspecting older brother Eddie. Unfortunately for her she unknowingly steals from the worst man and ends up paying for her mistake with a soul shattering promise. This book is completely twisted and you wonder exactly why this man wants this girl so much and what is about to happen to her and her brother next. Thid is a short novella and it prepares you for the next book. Definitely recommend it if you like some dark and twisted tale od forbidden love with a age gap and mafia like setting.

[Anima · Rating 5 out of 5]

I requested an early copy of this book and I wrote my review voluntarily. I never read the blurb but knew it would be an interesting read because the author is one I can depend on. It’s still a bit unknown where their story leads but we have Adam, Elizabeth and Aaron. The guys are brothers, one a mobster type and the other in the military. Their relationship is not yet explored but hinted at. Liz got caught doing something illegal and Adam sees her as his future, for what I’m not sure. Definitely a prequel to capture a reader’s intrigue. I enjoy a book that keeps me guessing and it seems wrong but I like the evil that lives in Adam.

[Shanna D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rival: Revenge & Legacy Series Prequel by M.C. Cerny. OMG! I finished this book in one sitting and let me tell you- it stuck with me for the last several days! I can’t stop thinking about what in the world is going to happen with Adam and Elizabeth. I’m hoping we hear more about the last four years. Dark and twisted story, not for the faint of heart or anyone looking for sweet and nice. I enjoyed the author’s attention to detail, and she did a great job keeping me entertained throughout the story. I enjoyed it and recommend it to others. Anxiously waiting to get my hands on Hunter. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer Soppe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A twisted path to hell

Elizabeth, a fourteen-year-old living to survive, unknowingly steals a car from Adam, a weapons dealer and slightly imbalanced, who is also looking for Aaron, the brother he didn’t know he had. As the story progresses the ramifications of her act have far reaching consequences, life plans are put on hold, and revenge set in motion could play out of control. M.C. Cerny has started a twisted path to hell in the retelling of Hades and Persephone, they always say it was paved with good intentions.

I received a free copy of the book from the author via Booksprout. I had the opportunity to review or not.

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book it was great, the story was well written and the characters were intriguing. The story of Aaron and Claudia. The story of Elizabeth (little bird), Eddie and Fiona and Adam (Mr Huntley). Elizabeth and Eddie are siblings, both parents walked out on them leaving Eddie to look after his fourteen years old, Eddie keeps telling Elizabeth to stop how to behave and stop hanging around the bad kids and that's when the kids and Elizabeth stole Adam's car his pride and joy. Adam knew it was Elizabeth who hotwired the car.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kelly Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this is my first book by this author and wow I was really blown away with how good this has been written. The characters are so gritty and real....I just love Elizabeth and her sassy attitude! I can already sense this is going to be a dark story....Adam is most definitely the villain! I can't wait to see where this story goes. It's supposed to be a twist on the Hades and Persephone story....I'm just wondering what the twist could be???Super excited for the next book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Darkreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rival is a prequel to M.C. Cerny's new dark romance series. Here we meet Elizabeth, Adam and Aaron. It looks like it's going to be a dark and depraved ride full of unexpected twists. I really liked Elizabeth's sass and strength. Can't wait to see her come into her own. Adam is quite the mysterious character and, at first glance, appears to be the villain in Elizabeth's story. And I can never resist the villain! This is a quick and fast-paced introduction to the world and the characters and I'm looking forward to reading the next book!

[Susan Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brings us Adam, Elizabeth, and Adam's brother Adam. Elizabeth made a terrible mistake when she stole Adam's Bentley. She, at that time, was 14 years old, and lived wither her brother. They were trying to avoid being found out by CPS as their parents were neglectful. Adam confronts Elizabeth and threatens her with her brother's life, so she goes with Adam who sends her to an all girls school. This is a great set-up for the future books, and I am eagerly waiting to read them. I highly recommend this prequel. I did receive an arc for an honest review.

[Candy Ottarski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Off to an amazing dark twisted start! This is the first book I've read by author M C Cerny but I will be reading the next book in this series soon. I was hooked from the very beginning. The characters in this book are complex. Adam Huntley is psychotic, wealthy, and is taken with Elizabeth. Elizabeth is fourteen years old, lives with her brother, Eddie, just shy of eighteen years old. Elizabeth seems to find trouble and that's what puts her on Adam's radar. I can hardly wait for the next book in this series, Hunter.

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rival is the intriguing prequel to the Revenge and Legacy series which introduces the reader to the main characters including Lizzie/Elizabeth, a fourteen year old car thief, Adam Huntley, a gun running mobster who takes guardianship of Lizzie, and Aaron Henderson, who is his unknown brother. This short book provides the reader with some background material about the characters which comprise this dark and twisted series. I could not put this novel down until I finished the last page. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series which is entitled Hunter.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a hard time starting a dark book just after the holidays, but once I sat down with the book I was hooked. Just when I didn’t think Adam could be any worse, he was! Poor Elizabeth, being tortured by him as she was, I predict she will be victor though. I am rooting for her to overcome this evil. I recommend this book if you like dark romance. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great story!!! It was the prequel and hooked me from the beginning with the characters and the story line. I fell in love immediately with Elizabeth. Such a fiery spirit, even if on several occasions, it behooved her to keep her mouth shut. For being a prequel, there was so much detail to the story and again a GREAT READ!!! I am so ready for Hunter's story!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I normally do not care to read dark romances, but I had no idea this book was one when I started it. I had only read light-hearted books from this author before and expected something similar. Well, I couldn't put this book down once I started it, and now I can't wait to read the next book in this series to find out what happens.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed this as an ARC
The prequel to the story of Elizabeth and Adam has all the trademark makings of a book that will engage all the feels including the darker side of our humanity. A young girl whose foolish decision has made her a direct target for a sinister, ruthless man with the means to make her a part of his evil plans and bind her, whether she wants it or not, to his black soul. MC Cerny has me firmly buckled in for a ride I'm sure I won't forget.

[Liz Aguirre · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a dark and twisted story. Adam is dark, secretive, and ready to take what he wants. Elizabeth got caught up in something that changed her life forever. A dark path awaits Adam and Elizabeth but it's a dark adventure worthy of reading. Captivating beginning that leaves me wondering what will happen next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cathylynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the start of a new series. This is twisted and dark and the beginning of a wonderful series. Elizabeth steals cars to survive and she steals the wrong car from the wrong person, which sets off a chain of events that will have lasting consequences. The characters are well written and fabulous. The story is wonderfully dark and twisted. I cannot wait for the rest of the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars
An interesting introduction to a new series from this author. I was riveted to the pages from the beginning. The characters are intriguing as is the storyline. I love her character and I see so many things in her future - good hopefully, bad probably. His character is scary (hense bad for her). His brother is a wild card. The author has grabbed my attention. I can’t wait to read the next book.

I requested a copy of this book so I could provide an honest review.

[Debra Floyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adam wanted Elizabeth caught so he could punish her for being one of the ones who took his car.

Elizabeth was only 14 and lived with her brother. They didn’t have much and we’re trying to keep social services away from them.

What will happen when Adam finally catches Elizabeth? What will he do to her? Read to find out

[S I · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mistake Elizabeth makes puts her life and her brothers in a major problem. She’ll become Adam’s ward. We have a little look into what’s going to bring to the series for this book. So far a great start and I can’t wait to read the next book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick introduction of characters that promises a series full of family ties that could pull one family together and tear the other apart. Elizabeth and Adam will butt heads and it will be fun to read how he tries to bring her to heel. The first chapter of Hunter shoes exactly how demented Adam’s mind is. I can’t wait to read it!

[Ms Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The opening salvo of MC Cerney's new dark romance and it looks mighty intriguing. If you, like me, enjoy dark romance, this prequel is setting up a story that I think may satisfy. It looks like there may be several books in the series and I'm looking forward to the first.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[blueyed_cntry_girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I thought this was a fabulous start and one of the best books I’ve read by MC. Man and to think this is only the prequel...I can’t wait for the first book! Dark - definitely, so if that’s not your thing don’t even bother reading. All I’m gonna say is Awesome Job MC !!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of books written by M.C. Cerny; she has done a great job at writing a good book; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Natasha M. Lott · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonder way to start a series that began between two characters that can rival each other. The suspense and realistic approach is there. I look forward to read more of this series and more from M.C. Cerny.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stacy Ford werth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not sure if I’m going to love these characters or hate them but they have for sure captured my interest in this prequel. Anxious for what’s to come in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[maria martignetti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this prequel and can't wait to read the actual series now

Great characters and story - looking forward to see how this develops as a series

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.