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The Black Hand #3
Cruel Hearted
The Black Hand. The syndicate of hardened criminals I planned on destroying.
Things are not what they seem. Someone knows my secret, and it’s not someone I ever expected. He knows my truth, and he understands my need for vengeance—though he’s tried to convince me otherwise.
What he doesn’t understand is if I don’t have justice, I’m nothing. I’m not Shay, not Celene. I’m no one, and I refuse to be no one.
With Slade missing and the Black Hand assembled, it’s time I meet the enigmatic man who took my family’s position: the Cobra. Impossibly strong and ridiculously mysterious, all fingers point to him.
But things are getting complicated. Nothing is what it seems. The feelings I’ve developed for these men are becoming real, and I can’t see myself killing them or walking away. I’m about to face a reckoning of biblical proportions.
One thing’s for certain… this is going to get messy.
**Cruel Hearted is the third book in a planned four-book series. It is an RH/Why Choose novel, meaning multiple love interests. Steamy scenes and violence are contained inside this book, with some themes readers might find… off-putting.**
Things are not what they seem. Someone knows my secret, and it’s not someone I ever expected. He knows my truth, and he understands my need for vengeance—though he’s tried to convince me otherwise.
What he doesn’t understand is if I don’t have justice, I’m nothing. I’m not Shay, not Celene. I’m no one, and I refuse to be no one.
With Slade missing and the Black Hand assembled, it’s time I meet the enigmatic man who took my family’s position: the Cobra. Impossibly strong and ridiculously mysterious, all fingers point to him.
But things are getting complicated. Nothing is what it seems. The feelings I’ve developed for these men are becoming real, and I can’t see myself killing them or walking away. I’m about to face a reckoning of biblical proportions.
One thing’s for certain… this is going to get messy.
**Cruel Hearted is the third book in a planned four-book series. It is an RH/Why Choose novel, meaning multiple love interests. Steamy scenes and violence are contained inside this book, with some themes readers might find… off-putting.**
373 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2021
149 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
October 28, 2021
Wtf
Super bummed this book dropped the ball for me. I’m only 6 chapters in (28%) and I’m done. Does the MC have to sleep with everyone, like everyone? Or can she have a little self respect and respect for the brothers? I just couldn’t with this anymore.
Spoiler alert!!
First the author really tried to make the MC seem bad ass and while she portrayed that image well, every time we actually get to “see” her in action or hear about action that happened to her (the kidnapping) she falls really short on the BA scale and getting beat by Cobra who she talked so much shit about was pathetic and the fact she couldn’t even keep her legs closed for her guys father 🙄 NO THANKS. I’m no prude and I love a good, dirty and dark book but I prefer my MC to actually have a real backbone and respect for her harem by ya know not sleeping with their father the first chance she got, repeatedly.
So I’ll end by saying the first two books are intriguing and kept me along for the ride but the author lost me on the 3rd book which is kinda crazy to me being that the 4th book got a lot of crappy reviews saying that book ruined it for them. I couldn’t even make it to book 4! Maybe I’ll finish one day when I’m really bored but I definitely would not recommend this book to a friend.
Super bummed this book dropped the ball for me. I’m only 6 chapters in (28%) and I’m done. Does the MC have to sleep with everyone, like everyone? Or can she have a little self respect and respect for the brothers? I just couldn’t with this anymore.
Spoiler alert!!
First the author really tried to make the MC seem bad ass and while she portrayed that image well, every time we actually get to “see” her in action or hear about action that happened to her (the kidnapping) she falls really short on the BA scale and getting beat by Cobra who she talked so much shit about was pathetic and the fact she couldn’t even keep her legs closed for her guys father 🙄 NO THANKS. I’m no prude and I love a good, dirty and dark book but I prefer my MC to actually have a real backbone and respect for her harem by ya know not sleeping with their father the first chance she got, repeatedly.
So I’ll end by saying the first two books are intriguing and kept me along for the ride but the author lost me on the 3rd book which is kinda crazy to me being that the 4th book got a lot of crappy reviews saying that book ruined it for them. I couldn’t even make it to book 4! Maybe I’ll finish one day when I’m really bored but I definitely would not recommend this book to a friend.
July 1, 2021
Heck yes!
Steamy as F. Action packed. Love the new additions to her bedroom. A couple shocked me. We figure out who the cobra is but I still have no clue who burnt the dang house down. READ THIS!
Steamy as F. Action packed. Love the new additions to her bedroom. A couple shocked me. We figure out who the cobra is but I still have no clue who burnt the dang house down. READ THIS!
July 30, 2021
Cruel Hearted is the third book in The Black Hand series. I am quite satisfied with this series so far, and the progress in book #3 was enjoyable to follow. Twins Dex and Jett's acceptance of their feelings for Celene/Shay is actually pretty sweet. Jett specially had a hard time dealing with his new-found affection, but now that he is fully on board with it, I can see him being a rock for Celene, whenever she needs him. Atticus is trying to stay way because part of him feels guilty about being attracted to his sons' girlfriend, the other one just wants to rip her clothes off. He wants to keep her safe, but he is going about that all wrong. Celene can't really be tamed, and not even the leader of the Black Hand can make do anything she doesn't want to.
Nixon was a blast, honestly. I know it sounds wrong, but I really fucking love him. Sue me. He is just what the book needed, a true crazy psycho with zero remorse but with a black heart that beats for one woman only. He is a welcome addition in the harem, and I hope he stays there until the end. His revelations regarding Celene and their past were both shady as hell and entertaining. I can't wait to see what else he does, being so unstable and unpredictable can make him really stand out. Slade I also quite like, and his fate was a little heartbreaking. I hope he can come back from all the trauma stronger and ready to burn shit to the ground. Lastly, The Cobra, I just knew it! I imagined that exact scenario, and it played out beautifully. It didn't take away from the story at all, and I was still pretty excited when the actual revelation came.
Overall, a series that keeps improving form book to book, and I cannot wait for the conclusion.
5/5 stars.
Nixon was a blast, honestly. I know it sounds wrong, but I really fucking love him. Sue me. He is just what the book needed, a true crazy psycho with zero remorse but with a black heart that beats for one woman only. He is a welcome addition in the harem, and I hope he stays there until the end. His revelations regarding Celene and their past were both shady as hell and entertaining. I can't wait to see what else he does, being so unstable and unpredictable can make him really stand out. Slade I also quite like, and his fate was a little heartbreaking. I hope he can come back from all the trauma stronger and ready to burn shit to the ground. Lastly, The Cobra, I just knew it! I imagined that exact scenario, and it played out beautifully. It didn't take away from the story at all, and I was still pretty excited when the actual revelation came.
Overall, a series that keeps improving form book to book, and I cannot wait for the conclusion.
5/5 stars.
July 3, 2021
Still trying to sort out my thoughts
Well ... this book definitely does not shy away from taboos.
At the end of the last book, we were left at a cliffhanger, did Shay attack Atticus or do something else ... and as I suspected, she did something else. Not too surprising considering the hints prior but I'm still not sure what I actually think about it to be honest.
We meet the Cobra for the first time. I had my immediate suspicions as to his identity, though I did second guess myself following some interactions between him and Shay, but sure enough my suspicions turned out to be correct. I'm not quite sure what I think about this revelation especially in light certain interactions and thoughts expressed.
We finally learn Nixon's secrets. One of the secrets I suspected from the last book. We learn the truth about those rumours surrounding him, about what he knows and the things he has done.
There are still bit questions. The revelations in this book has asked further questions which look like they are soon to be answered by Atticus.
This book is a reverse harem. As a reverse harem goes, its certainly different and somewhat controversial. The history and actions between some of the members of that harem certainly seem to be quite a barrier to a HEA ending. Considering everything that has happened so far and been revealed to this point, I'm interested to see how the author ties it all together and brings it to conclusion. The conclusion could be amazing...or it could completely fall short, and I really can't tell which it'll be. I'm reading this really not sure what I think of it all but can't stop reading because I need to see where it's leading.
Well ... this book definitely does not shy away from taboos.
At the end of the last book, we were left at a cliffhanger, did Shay attack Atticus or do something else ... and as I suspected, she did something else. Not too surprising considering the hints prior but I'm still not sure what I actually think about it to be honest.
We meet the Cobra for the first time. I had my immediate suspicions as to his identity, though I did second guess myself following some interactions between him and Shay, but sure enough my suspicions turned out to be correct. I'm not quite sure what I think about this revelation especially in light certain interactions and thoughts expressed.
We finally learn Nixon's secrets. One of the secrets I suspected from the last book. We learn the truth about those rumours surrounding him, about what he knows and the things he has done.
There are still bit questions. The revelations in this book has asked further questions which look like they are soon to be answered by Atticus.
This book is a reverse harem. As a reverse harem goes, its certainly different and somewhat controversial. The history and actions between some of the members of that harem certainly seem to be quite a barrier to a HEA ending. Considering everything that has happened so far and been revealed to this point, I'm interested to see how the author ties it all together and brings it to conclusion. The conclusion could be amazing...or it could completely fall short, and I really can't tell which it'll be. I'm reading this really not sure what I think of it all but can't stop reading because I need to see where it's leading.
July 15, 2021
An Author with something more to offer!
This was unique!.
I've read a lot of RH over the years, but this one was better!
I feel like most people read an RH novel for something different then the ordinary.
We may get different settings, different preferences, a different amount of guys, but it's rarely outside the regular parameters..
I've never read anything that had Father, Sons in the same story!
What a breath of fresh air. The Atticus angle was amazing! I have to say this author did something different. She really took a risk! And it was completely unique...
I'm sorry we only have one more book left in this series. I feel like I could read way more about these characters! Especially Atticus. It'd trade Dex, and Jet for more of him!
What a great, new angle. And kind of a big risk for this author to take! Not everyone will appreciate it as much as I do probably. But I really hope those who do leave a positive review!!
I can't recommend this series enough..
This was unique!.
I've read a lot of RH over the years, but this one was better!
I feel like most people read an RH novel for something different then the ordinary.
We may get different settings, different preferences, a different amount of guys, but it's rarely outside the regular parameters..
I've never read anything that had Father, Sons in the same story!
What a breath of fresh air. The Atticus angle was amazing! I have to say this author did something different. She really took a risk! And it was completely unique...
I'm sorry we only have one more book left in this series. I feel like I could read way more about these characters! Especially Atticus. It'd trade Dex, and Jet for more of him!
What a great, new angle. And kind of a big risk for this author to take! Not everyone will appreciate it as much as I do probably. But I really hope those who do leave a positive review!!
I can't recommend this series enough..
July 9, 2021
This series is everyone's dark fantasies that came true.....
The way author describes sex senses it's just incredible, it's like you're crossing lines to the black side of you, and the feeling is so tempting, just do it.
The first chapters surprised me, let me tell you will not expect THAT....
But really...what can I say? The whole is unpredictable and I love it!!!🖤
And about the last chapter, it's a cliffhanger alright. You will find out who is this Cobra, but I had been guessing about it the whole book, and the closer I got to the end, the closer my suspicions was telling me I'm right
And f*cking hell !!!! I was right, so right
And now I just want every dark fantasy will come true with Cobra and Shay. It's wrong and I know it, but man this whole story is twisted and wrong, so why not let the temptation go further?
The way author describes sex senses it's just incredible, it's like you're crossing lines to the black side of you, and the feeling is so tempting, just do it.
The first chapters surprised me, let me tell you will not expect THAT....
But really...what can I say? The whole is unpredictable and I love it!!!🖤
And about the last chapter, it's a cliffhanger alright. You will find out who is this Cobra, but I had been guessing about it the whole book, and the closer I got to the end, the closer my suspicions was telling me I'm right
And f*cking hell !!!! I was right, so right
And now I just want every dark fantasy will come true with Cobra and Shay. It's wrong and I know it, but man this whole story is twisted and wrong, so why not let the temptation go further?
August 17, 2022
Cruel is right.
I gave it a 4 stars only because of the few things i didnt like. I will mention below..Most of the book was good. I did t like the added father into the mix and I didn't like what was Nix written into. And come on really Cobra is her brother and is in love with her. I didnt like those aspex but I loved the rest. And poor Slade.. and Harry..wait til she finds out Cobra aka her brother killed Harry and did that to slade..she wont be happy and i dont think she will want to be with him either for foing after he guys...she already warned Nix about it.plus she doesn't want to take anyone down except for who killed her family well I guess mother and father now that her brother is alive. ..I still recommend this read.
I gave it a 4 stars only because of the few things i didnt like. I will mention below..Most of the book was good. I did t like the added father into the mix and I didn't like what was Nix written into. And come on really Cobra is her brother and is in love with her. I didnt like those aspex but I loved the rest. And poor Slade.. and Harry..wait til she finds out Cobra aka her brother killed Harry and did that to slade..she wont be happy and i dont think she will want to be with him either for foing after he guys...she already warned Nix about it.plus she doesn't want to take anyone down except for who killed her family well I guess mother and father now that her brother is alive. ..I still recommend this read.
July 15, 2024
There must be something in the water….
**NO SPOILERS**
Why? Because that town breeds an awful lot of psychopaths. Or maybe it’s more of a nurture thing? Five elite criminal families raising their children as little soldiers to follow in their footsteps. Is it really any wonder that these criminal psychopath/ sociopaths are raising their children in their own image?
The plot twists in this book didn’t really come as any great surprise(s) but that’s because they were telegraphed quite clearly from the start. At this stage the only thing left to uncover is who killed Shay/ Celene’s family at present it’s a coin flip between my main suspect or someone from one of the remaining families. Still worth reading though.
**NO SPOILERS**
Why? Because that town breeds an awful lot of psychopaths. Or maybe it’s more of a nurture thing? Five elite criminal families raising their children as little soldiers to follow in their footsteps. Is it really any wonder that these criminal psychopath/ sociopaths are raising their children in their own image?
The plot twists in this book didn’t really come as any great surprise(s) but that’s because they were telegraphed quite clearly from the start. At this stage the only thing left to uncover is who killed Shay/ Celene’s family at present it’s a coin flip between my main suspect or someone from one of the remaining families. Still worth reading though.
July 4, 2021
We pick right up where book 3 left off, but not in a way that I saw it going. Celene, the FMC, is still out for vengeance for the death of her family. She has done everything she can to get into the Black Hand’s inner circle, including discovering that what she really wanted and what she wants now has changed. The guys she gets close to keep chipping away at her walls. The guys we have Atticus Dex and Jett Jameson, Slade, now Nixon. Everyone of them is a little different and definitely has their own secrets. However Celene's secrets are catching up with her and her past is not as dead and buried as she thought. Some of the plot was easier than I would have liked to guess but that goes with reading as much as I do. However, I really did not see the cliffhanger going the way it did. I really can’t wait until the final book comes out in September, just to see how it will all play out.
7-tbr-ooit
May 6, 2021
July 18, 2021
The problem with obsessions....you do crazy things
Another great book by this author. These books always make my little dark heart happy. 🖤 It has the killers, the twist and turns, the whodoneits and of course the steam.
We learn more about the characters including Atticus and the Cobra. And wait to be surprised. The obsession runs deep within the Black Hand and to say it complicates matters is an understatement. I can't wait....I think the next book is going to be full of more shockers and plenty of blood.
Another great book by this author. These books always make my little dark heart happy. 🖤 It has the killers, the twist and turns, the whodoneits and of course the steam.
We learn more about the characters including Atticus and the Cobra. And wait to be surprised. The obsession runs deep within the Black Hand and to say it complicates matters is an understatement. I can't wait....I think the next book is going to be full of more shockers and plenty of blood.
February 10, 2022
.........wow.
Well...give me a second to process everything, will you? Okay, so this book was great. I could tell in book two where everything was going with Atticus, but I was still shocked and a little turned off by the whole thing. Father and sons sharing the same girl is just a bit too much for me, but I'll continue this series. I also knew who the Cobra was, I just didn't expect him to come back in such a bad way, I thought his return would be part of the happy ending...not this. Overall, still a great series, just not what I'm use to. Would recommend.
Well...give me a second to process everything, will you? Okay, so this book was great. I could tell in book two where everything was going with Atticus, but I was still shocked and a little turned off by the whole thing. Father and sons sharing the same girl is just a bit too much for me, but I'll continue this series. I also knew who the Cobra was, I just didn't expect him to come back in such a bad way, I thought his return would be part of the happy ending...not this. Overall, still a great series, just not what I'm use to. Would recommend.
July 8, 2021
Disappointed!
The leader of the organization seems weak.
Story constantly dancing around what happend and why the family was murdered. All while main characters collection men like trading cards. She does one job and a simple one at that to gain respect of said organization. Then, for what reason I can't understand and absolutely 💯% hate the author felt the need to have a key character's tongue removed! At this point I am not sure if I want to continue reading.
The leader of the organization seems weak.
Story constantly dancing around what happend and why the family was murdered. All while main characters collection men like trading cards. She does one job and a simple one at that to gain respect of said organization. Then, for what reason I can't understand and absolutely 💯% hate the author felt the need to have a key character's tongue removed! At this point I am not sure if I want to continue reading.
September 4, 2021
Definitely a need to read.
Cruel Hearted by CM Wondrak is the third book in The Black Hand Series. And Holy guacamole talk about a diabolical cliffhanger that stresses you out! I assumes that's who the Cobra was, but not that he felt that way about Shay. Like what the actual heck, I don't know what to do with this information. Totally going to read book four now to get some answers.
Cruel Hearted by CM Wondrak is the third book in The Black Hand Series. And Holy guacamole talk about a diabolical cliffhanger that stresses you out! I assumes that's who the Cobra was, but not that he felt that way about Shay. Like what the actual heck, I don't know what to do with this information. Totally going to read book four now to get some answers.
July 1, 2021
Brilliant read. Could not put this down.
Celene is hiding more than her real name but her feelings too.. or more like ignoring her feelings till she gets a chance to sort through them. But of course this is such an action packed book that she dosnt get the opportunity. So many sectets and agendas in this book to unravel.
Brilluant read
Celene is hiding more than her real name but her feelings too.. or more like ignoring her feelings till she gets a chance to sort through them. But of course this is such an action packed book that she dosnt get the opportunity. So many sectets and agendas in this book to unravel.
Brilluant read
July 2, 2021
Good story line, but felt so frustrating
I kept reading as I felt it had a good base line for a story but it was super frustrating throughout. The main character could of done so many things to help her situation, but did nothing at all. Feels like characters weren’t really portrayed well either. Yeah, it’s frustrating reading.
I kept reading as I felt it had a good base line for a story but it was super frustrating throughout. The main character could of done so many things to help her situation, but did nothing at all. Feels like characters weren’t really portrayed well either. Yeah, it’s frustrating reading.
July 3, 2021
Ahhh, this series keeps getting better and this one kept me at the edge of my seat! I finished it in less than a day. I loved all the angst, steam, action, violence, and love interests. Even the taboo one! I feel like no one is safe and she could end up with anyone at this point. The revelations are awesome and I cannot wait for the 4th and final book!
August 9, 2021
This series is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Reviewing all three books in The Black Hand Series.
I cannot wait for book 4. This series has everything! Intrigue, Murder, 🌶🌶🌶🌶 scenes galore. If you’re into dark plots, interesting characters and highly spicy sexy scenes..read this series immediately!!!
Reviewing all three books in The Black Hand Series.
I cannot wait for book 4. This series has everything! Intrigue, Murder, 🌶🌶🌶🌶 scenes galore. If you’re into dark plots, interesting characters and highly spicy sexy scenes..read this series immediately!!!
August 12, 2021
Say what now?
This third book just...😲😲😲
The steam. The intrigue. The WTF. The "no way did I just read that".
This is why I wait for completed series. I NEED the next book. Like now! Candace, do you need an arc reader??? 🙏
If you like dark(ish) reverse harem books, go grab this series! Can't wait to find out how this ends.
This third book just...😲😲😲
The steam. The intrigue. The WTF. The "no way did I just read that".
This is why I wait for completed series. I NEED the next book. Like now! Candace, do you need an arc reader??? 🙏
If you like dark(ish) reverse harem books, go grab this series! Can't wait to find out how this ends.
July 3, 2021
Wow!
This series has got to be, hands down, the best series I have ever read. I love a good mafia and I love a good RH. This author takes it above and beyond. I can’t wait for the conclusion in September.
This series has got to be, hands down, the best series I have ever read. I love a good mafia and I love a good RH. This author takes it above and beyond. I can’t wait for the conclusion in September.
July 3, 2021
Wow
Amazing !!! I love this series so far !! The plot has lots of twists and turns and we learn more about the characters in this book! And that ending!!! I never guessed who he was ! A must read
Amazing !!! I love this series so far !! The plot has lots of twists and turns and we learn more about the characters in this book! And that ending!!! I never guessed who he was ! A must read
July 5, 2021
Wow just wow
Is it bad that I love the story even with revelations ? Honestly I don’t mind it, there is something about these books … I cannot wait for the next book.. keep them coming
Is it bad that I love the story even with revelations ? Honestly I don’t mind it, there is something about these books … I cannot wait for the next book.. keep them coming
July 8, 2021
Wow!
This book kept me engaged from the very beginning! Without giving away too much the amount of revelations in this book is mind blowing. Celene/Shay is definitely one of my all time favorite leading ladies. I cannot wait to see where this leads.
This book kept me engaged from the very beginning! Without giving away too much the amount of revelations in this book is mind blowing. Celene/Shay is definitely one of my all time favorite leading ladies. I cannot wait to see where this leads.
July 9, 2021
Holy moley, batman!
Celene/Shay has true grit. I have to say I had my suspicions about somethings; and boy has this story rocked!
This is not for the faint of heart, nor those that are adverse to violence and tension! I am enjoying every wrenching bit of this read....
Celene/Shay has true grit. I have to say I had my suspicions about somethings; and boy has this story rocked!
This is not for the faint of heart, nor those that are adverse to violence and tension! I am enjoying every wrenching bit of this read....
September 14, 2021
I suspected
But I didn't realize how messed up everything would be!! I should be sleeping dammit! How can I though, when each book draws you in further? So twisted and dark! But oh so delicious! Book four in my binge starts now!
But I didn't realize how messed up everything would be!! I should be sleeping dammit! How can I though, when each book draws you in further? So twisted and dark! But oh so delicious! Book four in my binge starts now!
September 28, 2021
So a lot of secrets came out in this book with the Cobra and Nix. I started to pick up on some of them so I wasn’t completely shocked by them all. I know there are more secrets to come though and I’m excited to see what they are. I loved the part with Atticus!
September 30, 2021
Uhhhh what?
Similar to previous reviews I found this book a bit of a slog to get through. And the ending? Wtf? I mean I’m in two minds whetstone keep reading or not. I kind of want to know what happens…..
Similar to previous reviews I found this book a bit of a slog to get through. And the ending? Wtf? I mean I’m in two minds whetstone keep reading or not. I kind of want to know what happens…..
October 6, 2021
interesting read, i do feel like they are just talking so much how cold and dark they are but there is not much showing. Atticus, hell yes
I feel like this is not the usual rh, the harem is not really official and they are not in sync/harmony .
I feel like this is not the usual rh, the harem is not really official and they are not in sync/harmony .
February 5, 2022
So twisted it's addictive!
What the hell was that ending???? Oh my, oh my, oh my! I guessed the identity of the Cobra correctly but man, that dude is messed up!! Can't wait to read the next book. AAAAA++++++
What the hell was that ending???? Oh my, oh my, oh my! I guessed the identity of the Cobra correctly but man, that dude is messed up!! Can't wait to read the next book. AAAAA++++++
February 26, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Oh boy!. Was this a wild ride or what?... Nix is unhinged in a very sexy psycho way and I'm 100% Here for it. As for The Cobra? Well the sooner he gets his end the better. I'm sure I know who he is and I'm not liking his way of thinking. Another great read.
Oh boy!. Was this a wild ride or what?... Nix is unhinged in a very sexy psycho way and I'm 100% Here for it. As for The Cobra? Well the sooner he gets his end the better. I'm sure I know who he is and I'm not liking his way of thinking. Another great read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews