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Cruel Kingdom #2
Devil's Riches
Step into the dark, twisted world of America’s elite and find out what price they’re willing to pay to keep their dirty secrets buried…
I’m his property, and he’ll never, ever let me go…
Nate Lockwood forced me into a world where I’m nothing but a possession. Fragile, submissive, obedient. The perfect toy for him to play with.
He’s a cruel man without mercy, and he’s convinced that I need to be broken, but I know I don’t deserve this. I know I don’t belong here, trapped under his merciless rule.
I can’t be weak anymore. Can’t be a puppet to his ruthless desires. One way or another, I have to get away from him, even if I’ve started to crave his darkness. Even if my body betrays me every time I see him…
If I don’t escape, I’ll lose myself forever.
Note: This novel contains some disturbing content that may be offensive to some readers.
I’m his property, and he’ll never, ever let me go…
Nate Lockwood forced me into a world where I’m nothing but a possession. Fragile, submissive, obedient. The perfect toy for him to play with.
He’s a cruel man without mercy, and he’s convinced that I need to be broken, but I know I don’t deserve this. I know I don’t belong here, trapped under his merciless rule.
I can’t be weak anymore. Can’t be a puppet to his ruthless desires. One way or another, I have to get away from him, even if I’ve started to crave his darkness. Even if my body betrays me every time I see him…
If I don’t escape, I’ll lose myself forever.
Note: This novel contains some disturbing content that may be offensive to some readers.
- GenresRomanceDark Romance
307 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 16, 2021
58 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Stella Hart
33 books304 followersStella Hart is the dark romance pen name of Alessandra Hart. She loves animals, red wine, and rainy days where she can curl up inside and plot new books instead of having to go out.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 16, 2021
This is the second book in the Cruel Kingdom Series and continues Alexis and Nate’s saga. It just gets darker and darker. Thought the first book was intense and couldn't get any more so - but I was wrong. The book is actually hard to read at times but is a great book but the content is disturbing. if you have easy triggers this might not be the book for you. It's well written, intense and the characters are strong and well developed. Be warned there is another cliffhanger and I know you'll have to continue this mystery with me. The story is very creative and well done even if it's dark. I read an arc via Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
February 16, 2021
This is the second book in the series and I do recommend reading them in order. Alexis and Nate’s story continues and they work to discover who the members of the Golden Circle are. Will they discover the truth? Fast-paced read with loads of drama, suspense and steam. This dark read is intense and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I liked it.
February 18, 2021
In first book ended with a twist that results in changing the entire back story of the events happening in the Blackthrone University, Arcadic Bay and the Avalon City. This book not only reveals who the actual Blackthorn butcher but also the major memebers of The Golden Circle. Nate and Alexis finally realise their feeling for each other in this book of the trilogy.
Stella Hart has once again proved her ability in writting about secret societies. The investigation part was really very amazing, I loved reading them. In a Stella Hart's book the intimate scenes will always take the major portion of the book. But in this book she has touched them like a pickle without disturbing the plot. Also I have say that her books used to be predictable. Mostly Everyone can guess who could be the actual culprit. But this time 98% was unpredictable. It actual made the book in a page turner. Now I'm eagerly waiting to know who is the copy cat butcher but it's a month long wait.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Stella Hart has once again proved her ability in writting about secret societies. The investigation part was really very amazing, I loved reading them. In a Stella Hart's book the intimate scenes will always take the major portion of the book. But in this book she has touched them like a pickle without disturbing the plot. Also I have say that her books used to be predictable. Mostly Everyone can guess who could be the actual culprit. But this time 98% was unpredictable. It actual made the book in a page turner. Now I'm eagerly waiting to know who is the copy cat butcher but it's a month long wait.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 15, 2021
Excellent but with some very difficult moments to read . Not to be given to sensitive souls
This part is excellent and exceptionally difficult to read too, with a very dark romance, a complex plot in which the heroes risk their lives at every turn.
After the tortures and abuse suffered by Alexis from Nate, but also their confused carnal bond, then the turnaround at the end of the previous part, everything becomes complicated again and Alexis will experience very difficult moments again, Nate becoming the only one who can save her.
From murky discoveries to morbid discoveries, this rather strange couple will face unexpected enemies.
The story is unexpected from start to finish, but I say it again, some parts are very hard to read, bordering on the horror movie.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
This part is excellent and exceptionally difficult to read too, with a very dark romance, a complex plot in which the heroes risk their lives at every turn.
After the tortures and abuse suffered by Alexis from Nate, but also their confused carnal bond, then the turnaround at the end of the previous part, everything becomes complicated again and Alexis will experience very difficult moments again, Nate becoming the only one who can save her.
From murky discoveries to morbid discoveries, this rather strange couple will face unexpected enemies.
The story is unexpected from start to finish, but I say it again, some parts are very hard to read, bordering on the horror movie.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
February 14, 2021
This is the second book in this dark romance series. You must read book one, Cruel Riches first to get caught up on Alexis and Nate’s story before reading this book. When the first book ended I had some conflicting feelings about it all and I can't really say that that has changed. There is no denying that this series is very dark and super intense. As such, there is lots of content that can be triggers for some readers or just simply too much for others, so keep that in mind while you decide if this is the right book/series is for you personally. There is another cliffhanger so try to be prepared for that. I am definitely feeling intrigued by it all and want to see what happens in book three. I'm electing to post a candid review.
February 16, 2021
OMG, this story keeps getting better!
Upon Alexis’ arrival in to the bunker, Nate discovers the man he just released from his chain isn’t Alexis’ father, but the last person Nate would have recognized. Alexis can’t believe what happened to her again in this twisted story that has her trying to clear her father’s name. When Nate discovers a gruesome history about his uncle, he has to find Alexis. What unravels as Nate and Alexis work together to find out who the secret members of the Golden Circle are is intense. There is no path they won’t take to discover the truth despite the odds of their quest being hindered. There are many plot twists along the way and the ending is downright epic! Need Ruthless Riches now!
Upon Alexis’ arrival in to the bunker, Nate discovers the man he just released from his chain isn’t Alexis’ father, but the last person Nate would have recognized. Alexis can’t believe what happened to her again in this twisted story that has her trying to clear her father’s name. When Nate discovers a gruesome history about his uncle, he has to find Alexis. What unravels as Nate and Alexis work together to find out who the secret members of the Golden Circle are is intense. There is no path they won’t take to discover the truth despite the odds of their quest being hindered. There are many plot twists along the way and the ending is downright epic! Need Ruthless Riches now!
March 20, 2021
Def 4.5 part 2 of 3
This book started where book 1 ended and never lost its flow or storyline.
In this book there are even more twists and turns and I couldn’t put the book down.
Nate realises he has misjudged Alexis and they pull together to uncover the Golden Circle. It’s not quite as easy and straightforward as that though. Really good read and definitely doesn’t disappoint.
Its good in that Nate starts to treat Alexis as an equal and becomes her protector. Alexis wants to forgive Nate for how he treated her in book 1, but will she?
It ends with a cliffhanger and the opening to book 3, which i am already reading.
Really good read and takes you along with it all the way.
This book started where book 1 ended and never lost its flow or storyline.
In this book there are even more twists and turns and I couldn’t put the book down.
Nate realises he has misjudged Alexis and they pull together to uncover the Golden Circle. It’s not quite as easy and straightforward as that though. Really good read and definitely doesn’t disappoint.
Its good in that Nate starts to treat Alexis as an equal and becomes her protector. Alexis wants to forgive Nate for how he treated her in book 1, but will she?
It ends with a cliffhanger and the opening to book 3, which i am already reading.
Really good read and takes you along with it all the way.
March 25, 2021
More and more captivating with every page!!
Please be sure to read the prequel, Wicked Riches and Book 1, Cruel Riches before reading this book.
After everything Alexis has been through , it pains her the most to find out that Nate is not the man she thought he was. He doesn't believe anything she tries to tell him and he is determined to get her to tell him the truth no matter what he just do to get it. This is a truly dark, captivating story and it only gets better with every page I turn. I am looking forward to reading Book 3, Ruthless Riches, which is the third and final book in the Cruel Kingdom series.
Please be sure to read the prequel, Wicked Riches and Book 1, Cruel Riches before reading this book.
After everything Alexis has been through , it pains her the most to find out that Nate is not the man she thought he was. He doesn't believe anything she tries to tell him and he is determined to get her to tell him the truth no matter what he just do to get it. This is a truly dark, captivating story and it only gets better with every page I turn. I am looking forward to reading Book 3, Ruthless Riches, which is the third and final book in the Cruel Kingdom series.
February 18, 2021
Hold on tight for this dark & depraved 2nd book in the Cruel Kingdom series...
I'm not one to tell the story & whilst it follows on from book 1 it also was pretty graphic. What I did like was that Nate came to respect & admire Alexis who withstood his & his Uncles' torture. She was beautiful, brainy & resilient. Their sexual chemistry could not be denied. Just when they thought all the bad guys had been locked up...to be continued. Can't wait for book 3! I received an arc & this is my honest & voluntary review.
I'm not one to tell the story & whilst it follows on from book 1 it also was pretty graphic. What I did like was that Nate came to respect & admire Alexis who withstood his & his Uncles' torture. She was beautiful, brainy & resilient. Their sexual chemistry could not be denied. Just when they thought all the bad guys had been locked up...to be continued. Can't wait for book 3! I received an arc & this is my honest & voluntary review.
February 20, 2021
This is the 2nd book in this series and Nate and Alexis’ journey continues. This is a well written tale which is darker and more intense, and with an intricate and in-depth plot, as well as having secrets, and strong and well-developed characters as well as being an unpredictable storyline. This is not a story for the faint-at-heart, and is extremely difficult to read in parts, so be aware that the content may cause triggers for some readers. I look forward to reading the next book in this addictive and riveting series.
March 2, 2021
Nate and Alexis's story continues in book two of the Cruel Kingdom series and this story just got better and better with each page I turned. I definitely recommend you read book one and the prequel to fully understand what is going on in Devil's Riches. There is a lot going on in this book as Nate and Alexis work to find out more about the circle and its members. This is an intense, dark, twisted read with a cliffhanger ending that left me wanting more. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
February 17, 2021
Blown Away
Stella's writing never ceases to amaze me! The twists and turns are riveting, yet so lifelike they could be real. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the entire novel and at times could not read fast enough. This is a must read series!! I am looking forward to the release of the final book and have purchased each one so I can reread them multiple times.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Stella's writing never ceases to amaze me! The twists and turns are riveting, yet so lifelike they could be real. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the entire novel and at times could not read fast enough. This is a must read series!! I am looking forward to the release of the final book and have purchased each one so I can reread them multiple times.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 19, 2021
Continuing on from book 1, Alexis unveils the identity of the man in the bunker. Nate has to battle with his clothing for her and the other people caught up in this web of deceit. Alexis life hangs in the balance on several occasions. Not knowing she Nate will let her love of die. As the truth of the golden circle slowly behind to unravel. Other forces are at work. Putting Alexis in further danger. An excellent read and can't wait to see how this brilliant story ends.
March 10, 2021
This is the second book 8n the Cruel Kingdom Series You need to read Cruel Riches first. This book picks up right where the that book left off with a ton of questions. Alexis and Nate are determined to figure out who the members if the Golden Circle are ans rhey need to discover the truth But will they? This book is dark and twisted and amazing You don't want to miss this series if you love dark romances. Its certainly a heart pounding one to say the least.
March 17, 2021
My heart is quite literally beating so hard in my chest it's a wonder I can hear anything above it! 'Devil's Riches' is the second book in Stella Hart's "Cruel Kingdom" series and it truly is an adrenaline racing read. The mystery, drama, absolute cruelty on top of everything that's happened up to this point is amazing. Be forewarned it does end in a cliffhanger but if you're like me, you will immediately jump into "Ruthless Riches" to see where this brilliant author takes us next.
February 15, 2021
4.5 Stars
This book was an intense filled suspense type mysyery thriller book. The plot is well thought out and complicated but easy to follow. It's a very original and creative story. I enjoyed the link associated with the zodiac signs, It's unique.
The ending has a whopper for cliffhanger. I can't wait to read more.
This book was an intense filled suspense type mysyery thriller book. The plot is well thought out and complicated but easy to follow. It's a very original and creative story. I enjoyed the link associated with the zodiac signs, It's unique.
The ending has a whopper for cliffhanger. I can't wait to read more.
February 16, 2021
Cracking
I really enjoyed this book, I was undecided about the first book in the series but this was much better. Well written and I loved the way that the plot developed. Looking forward to the final instalment in the trilogy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this book, I was undecided about the first book in the series but this was much better. Well written and I loved the way that the plot developed. Looking forward to the final instalment in the trilogy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 16, 2021
OMG....OMG....What just happened? Talk about twists and turns and a total who dun it. My heart was racing and I could feel myself tensing as I read. Alexis and Nate have found themselves in quite the situation and I cannot wait to find out what happens next.
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.
February 17, 2021
Whoa so much happening, twists and turns all over the place and just when I thought, ahhh that’s a nice ending after all of that BAM! Here we go again! Fantastic read, can’t believe how the author kept all of this straight in her mind whilst writing! Cannot wait for the next book!
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.
February 18, 2021
Wow...loved this so much! Such a twisted story, full of suspense, action and angst! Just when you think it's all over, and we have all the answers...boom!! A last minute twist left me stunned.....can't believe I have to wait for book three to find out what's happens next!!
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.
March 5, 2021
4.4 stars
This was riveting. The suspense was insane. The plot was fraught with secrets that were pretty disturbing at how in-depth and calculated it was. I thought it was over and then out of nowhere it ramped up and left things at a really pivotal point. I'm super glad the next book is out.
This was riveting. The suspense was insane. The plot was fraught with secrets that were pretty disturbing at how in-depth and calculated it was. I thought it was over and then out of nowhere it ramped up and left things at a really pivotal point. I'm super glad the next book is out.
March 10, 2021
Truth doesn't always set you free
Alexis and Nates story continues! New enemies, secrets revealed, danger, violence, death and more surround them on their quest to find out their truths!
So well written, compelling and gripping! Love it!
Alexis and Nates story continues! New enemies, secrets revealed, danger, violence, death and more surround them on their quest to find out their truths!
So well written, compelling and gripping! Love it!
February 14, 2021
Seriously messed up!! Twists and turns and a slam into a wall pretty much sums up the action in the book.
What's worse is I loved every second of it!!
What's worse is I loved every second of it!!
February 16, 2021
This was a enthralling instalment in this series. Dark and intense storyline with lots of secrets to be uncovered and lots of action with twists and turns.
Can't wait for the next book.
Can't wait for the next book.
February 21, 2021
Omg
Well w this series is dark , lots of twists and turns and dirty sexy people. There’s lots going on & when you think it’s all over it starts up again
Well w this series is dark , lots of twists and turns and dirty sexy people. There’s lots going on & when you think it’s all over it starts up again
March 2, 2021
Nate & Alexis story continues. Such an intriguing series. Loved it. I received a free copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
March 21, 2021
This series is just too dark for me, so never finished
June 8, 2021
Jeez ..
Read
February 11, 2023DNF
October 31, 2021
This book was not what I expected... It had some horribly written sex scenes, but was really almost more of a mystery. I don't think I'll bother reading the rest of the series. They weren't bad, they just were not good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews