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The Art of Ruin Duet #1
Cruelty & Fire
For three years, I’ve watched her.
Studied her. Obsessed over her. Waited for the right moment to take her away from her sheltered life. I’ve restrained my destructive urges, but Kora’s facade moves Virtue. Innocence. Perfection. But nothing is perfect. Without her mother’s approval, Kora never sees the daylight. I won’t expose Kora to the sun, but I will watch her burn. In the end, I’m saving her. So I will force her down into my world of darkness. Because even a cruel gravedigger like me deserves his inspiration, his ashen queen. Living or dead, Kora will be mine. Author’s Cruelty & Fire is the first book in The Art of Ruin Duet . It features dark and uncomfortable themes. If you are easily disturbed, do not read this book. It is not standalone.
Studied her. Obsessed over her. Waited for the right moment to take her away from her sheltered life. I’ve restrained my destructive urges, but Kora’s facade moves Virtue. Innocence. Perfection. But nothing is perfect. Without her mother’s approval, Kora never sees the daylight. I won’t expose Kora to the sun, but I will watch her burn. In the end, I’m saving her. So I will force her down into my world of darkness. Because even a cruel gravedigger like me deserves his inspiration, his ashen queen. Living or dead, Kora will be mine. Author’s Cruelty & Fire is the first book in The Art of Ruin Duet . It features dark and uncomfortable themes. If you are easily disturbed, do not read this book. It is not standalone.
178 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 9, 2021
77 people are currently reading
361 people want to read
About the author
Audrey Rush
46 books1,168 followersAudrey Rush writes kinky dark romance and erotic horror. She celebrates spooky season every day, and she is obsessed with Disney. You can find her in the South, drowning in coffee.
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TikTok: @audreyrushbooks
Instagram: @audreyrushbooks
Readers Group: bit.ly/rushreaders
Threads: @audreyrushbooks
Reader Newsletter: audreyrush.com/newsletter
Banned Account Info: bit.ly/bannedsupport
Amazon: amazon.com/author/audreyrush
Website: audreyrush.com
Facebook: fb.me/audreyrushbooks
Email: audreyrushbooks@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
June 2, 2021
This book is the first book of a duet that had me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book.
Audrey Rush is a new-to-me author and I am very excited to find a new author that writes in this genre.
So, about the book:
- Dual POV
- Trigger warnings! This is about a very sheltered young woman who is kidnapped and there is some explicit sexual content that could be labeled as dubcon or noncon. Being in her head makes me think it's not quite noncon at all though. Anyway! It's a bit dark.
The story starts with Kora being in a very weird family dynamic.Something clearly isn't quite right there. We can see it. The MMC, Vincent, sees it and actually questions it. He points out the flaws in her logic. She is so used to it though that she thinks it's normal. Anyway, he takes her.
The rest you have to read to find out.
I am dying to find out what happens next. The whole thing has me feeling a little off. Like the perspectives are all slightly skewed. I love it. I love that Vincent can't be bothered to deal with people and would rather do the physical labor. I kinda adore his character as weird as he is. Andrew though! What is happening there? I can't wait to find out.
Definitely recommend this! It's absolutely a book I will be recommending to friends who love this genre.
Audrey Rush is a new-to-me author and I am very excited to find a new author that writes in this genre.
So, about the book:
- Dual POV
- Trigger warnings! This is about a very sheltered young woman who is kidnapped and there is some explicit sexual content that could be labeled as dubcon or noncon. Being in her head makes me think it's not quite noncon at all though. Anyway! It's a bit dark.
The story starts with Kora being in a very weird family dynamic.Something clearly isn't quite right there. We can see it. The MMC, Vincent, sees it and actually questions it. He points out the flaws in her logic. She is so used to it though that she thinks it's normal. Anyway, he takes her.
The rest you have to read to find out.
I am dying to find out what happens next. The whole thing has me feeling a little off. Like the perspectives are all slightly skewed. I love it. I love that Vincent can't be bothered to deal with people and would rather do the physical labor. I kinda adore his character as weird as he is. Andrew though! What is happening there? I can't wait to find out.
Definitely recommend this! It's absolutely a book I will be recommending to friends who love this genre.
September 12, 2021
This was an extremely tame “dark” read. I wanted to love it so badly because it seemed so promising. The hero interested me because he is a mortician at a funeral home and was an orphan who was taken in by his uncle. The actual story itself was much less interesting than the blurb. Here is what didn’t work for me~
- I am not a fan of age gap romances at all, and Vincent was much older than Kora. The age difference was really played up.
- The model on the cover didn’t match Vincent’s description in the slightest. I usually picture my own heroes anyway, but this always bugs me.
- Vincent’s goal in taking Kora is to both “save” her and break her. I think the plot needed a bit of work as this was just very confusing.
- Weak motive. He fixates on Kora and decides to mess with her family just because she was sheltered and his family all died and he was jealous/resentful? Again, plot needed work.
- Vincent kept taking credit for “breaking” Kora when he literally did NOTHING to her. Literally nothing happened in this book.
- ZERO and I mean ZERO passion, spark, chemistry, anything between the MCs
- Flat and boring one dimensional characters
Nothing frustrates me more than when the idea is good but the execution is so lacking. I won’t be continuing the duet.
- I am not a fan of age gap romances at all, and Vincent was much older than Kora. The age difference was really played up.
- The model on the cover didn’t match Vincent’s description in the slightest. I usually picture my own heroes anyway, but this always bugs me.
- Vincent’s goal in taking Kora is to both “save” her and break her. I think the plot needed a bit of work as this was just very confusing.
- Weak motive. He fixates on Kora and decides to mess with her family just because she was sheltered and his family all died and he was jealous/resentful? Again, plot needed work.
- Vincent kept taking credit for “breaking” Kora when he literally did NOTHING to her. Literally nothing happened in this book.
- ZERO and I mean ZERO passion, spark, chemistry, anything between the MCs
- Flat and boring one dimensional characters
Nothing frustrates me more than when the idea is good but the execution is so lacking. I won’t be continuing the duet.
May 30, 2021
This book just didn’t come through for me. The blurb makes it seem that this story is full of dark, disturbing themes but it doesn’t really deliver. Vincent claims to have broken Kora but he really has done very little to her. Life itself is far more likely to break a person than what is done to Kora. In the beginning she seems to resent her parents: her mother for being very protective and over controlling and her father just being absent. Then as she gets to know and understand Vincent somehow she decides that maybe she misses her parents, people who did not allow her to experience anything. Right at the end suspense builds up but that is because it ends as a cliffhanger. I didn’t really care for any of the characters. The writing is okay but if you want suspense and dark themes there are authors like Edgar Allen Poe or Dean Koontz that will definitely shiver your soul. To get five stars the characters would need to be more fully developed so I would hate the evil ones and care about the good ones. In the end this book didn’t do either. I didn’t hate it but neither did I love it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 22, 2021
This book was made for me. I relate so much to Kora. Being caged, having limited freedom, the delicate flower of your parents who might get burned by the sun. Then being offered freedom by a guy, only to have it lead to your destruction. And even though she has a type of freedom, she still wants to go back to her parents, even her mother, the one responsible for keeping her locked up. It's this type of book that makes girls want a dangerous, deadly guy, who you're afraid of, but also want more of.
This book is definitely an adult read, 18+, there are some triggering topics, such as the topics of death, drug use, sexual kinks and abuse.
I give it five stars
Thanks to my friend Alyssa for the rec, and to BookSirens for the ARC
This book is definitely an adult read, 18+, there are some triggering topics, such as the topics of death, drug use, sexual kinks and abuse.
I give it five stars
Thanks to my friend Alyssa for the rec, and to BookSirens for the ARC
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2021
Kora is a sheltered child. Her mother is controlling and her father is a workaholic. Vincent owns a funeral home and has seen a lot of death in his life. After his brother dies, he sees Kora for the first time and is determined to ruin her and her perfect family.
There is so much that goes on between these two and you see a relationship of sorts begin to grow. This book ends on a major cliff-hanger. Can't wait to read the next book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There is so much that goes on between these two and you see a relationship of sorts begin to grow. This book ends on a major cliff-hanger. Can't wait to read the next book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 12, 2021
I loved this storyline it was entertaining and well developed with plenty throughout the pages to keep me entertained. The characters have a life of their own that has me hooked from the start.
I received a copy and am voluntary leaving my honest review.
I received a copy and am voluntary leaving my honest review.
June 7, 2021
**I received an ARC of this novel through BookSirens, thank you a ton! This has not impacted my review in any way**
**NO major plot spoilers were harmed in the making of this review**
"The myth goes that Persephone was distracted by the narcissus until the earth opened up and swallowed her down into the underworld.”
“Why would the underworld swallow her?”
“Because Hades wanted her.”
Hey guys, so I finished this book. Overall...I think it had potential. It was definitely an interesting tale, one that I have not had the pleasure of reading before, with Hades and Persephone vibes but there were definitely some flaws: the lack of world building, could of used some more character building, a bit rushed plot that was kinda there but never really there. The writing itself was alright. Although it had some chunky paragraphs, they were actually relatively easy to read and process. They might have looked intimidating but in reality, they were accessible enough and added necessary character information to try and understand what is occurring with the characters. I will admit, it went a bit heavy on the details for the background, and that description couldof been better focused onto building a world, not just describing a few things here and there. But yeah, it was a quick read, allowing you to get a grasp on what is happening in the story, a very chronological tale of events even through it was told through both the female and male POV.
This novel had itss moments. I enjoyed when it tapped into the human psyche of someone who had been through trauma; however, the book never truly explained it. It discussed what happened and what Vin did generally to 'stop the pain' but it could of been better fleshed out. On the other hand, it had a MC who was portrayed as being really sheltered from the world. Her mother a protective bitch and an absentee father, not even able to go a few feet without her mother beside her, not allowed to even go on an errand without her mother, never being left alone and never being allowed to talk with 'strangers'. Then it goes on to show what happens to someone in a gilded cage when it is burned to the ground. But...not quite, it definitely showed some hints of a proper undoing, but not entirely. I definitely think the novel could of used some more descriptions and more meat to truly unravel what she was thinking and feeling. We got glimpsed of what each of the MC were thinking/feeling, but not quite a decent connection of how those interact and interplay with the storyline. And yes, there were a few sexy scenes that I have to admit, regardless of the circumstances, those were well done. They built up anticipation somehow and through the words and just the pacing of it, they were done really well, in of themselves, without considering anything else surrounding them. I will also say that I felt like all the other characters besides the two MC were just plot movers, they were in the story but the author did not seem to bother to try and give them more than a few sentence personality and just...leave it like that for the entire novel. The MC's were almost in that boat tbh, if it had not been for the storyline slowing chipping away and revealing different facets of the relatively same personality. Nevertheless, this was a quick read,a bit of a darker 'romance' (if you would call it that . .) and it had an okay 'storyline' with its highlights. Remember, this is all my opinion, if you want your own, read the book. Till next time.
**NO major plot spoilers were harmed in the making of this review**
"The myth goes that Persephone was distracted by the narcissus until the earth opened up and swallowed her down into the underworld.”
“Why would the underworld swallow her?”
“Because Hades wanted her.”
Hey guys, so I finished this book. Overall...I think it had potential. It was definitely an interesting tale, one that I have not had the pleasure of reading before, with Hades and Persephone vibes but there were definitely some flaws: the lack of world building, could of used some more character building, a bit rushed plot that was kinda there but never really there. The writing itself was alright. Although it had some chunky paragraphs, they were actually relatively easy to read and process. They might have looked intimidating but in reality, they were accessible enough and added necessary character information to try and understand what is occurring with the characters. I will admit, it went a bit heavy on the details for the background, and that description couldof been better focused onto building a world, not just describing a few things here and there. But yeah, it was a quick read, allowing you to get a grasp on what is happening in the story, a very chronological tale of events even through it was told through both the female and male POV.
This novel had itss moments. I enjoyed when it tapped into the human psyche of someone who had been through trauma; however, the book never truly explained it. It discussed what happened and what Vin did generally to 'stop the pain' but it could of been better fleshed out. On the other hand, it had a MC who was portrayed as being really sheltered from the world. Her mother a protective bitch and an absentee father, not even able to go a few feet without her mother beside her, not allowed to even go on an errand without her mother, never being left alone and never being allowed to talk with 'strangers'. Then it goes on to show what happens to someone in a gilded cage when it is burned to the ground. But...not quite, it definitely showed some hints of a proper undoing, but not entirely. I definitely think the novel could of used some more descriptions and more meat to truly unravel what she was thinking and feeling. We got glimpsed of what each of the MC were thinking/feeling, but not quite a decent connection of how those interact and interplay with the storyline. And yes, there were a few sexy scenes that I have to admit, regardless of the circumstances, those were well done. They built up anticipation somehow and through the words and just the pacing of it, they were done really well, in of themselves, without considering anything else surrounding them. I will also say that I felt like all the other characters besides the two MC were just plot movers, they were in the story but the author did not seem to bother to try and give them more than a few sentence personality and just...leave it like that for the entire novel. The MC's were almost in that boat tbh, if it had not been for the storyline slowing chipping away and revealing different facets of the relatively same personality. Nevertheless, this was a quick read,a bit of a darker 'romance' (if you would call it that . .) and it had an okay 'storyline' with its highlights. Remember, this is all my opinion, if you want your own, read the book. Till next time.
June 9, 2021
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
Although his brother had ODed on heroin, he tried to cut and shoot himself first. Guess he was determined. It was Halloween and Vincent was digging a grave himself instead of hiring a crane. It kept him occupied.
He and his brother were orphans and their uncle mentored them to take over his business. He was a mortician. And because his brother tried for the trifecta the sheriff's office has been to see him way too many times the last few days.
When he took a break from digging he drove to his favorite location. A scenic view over the creek. As he's letting the view soothe him the sheriff passes by with his wife and daughter. They enter the flower shop owned by the mother and he can see a disagreement through the window. Shortly after the daughter arrives near him crying.
When he arrives back at the mortuary he makes a decision. He's going to ruin Kora Nova and her parents. So despite his brother's request he sets up the cremation process. It's not like he's there to complain. Adrenalin spikes through him as he imagines tearing Kora apart and seeing her tears flow down her face.
When the cremation process finished he went to the far side of the cemetery to find new plot that he would dig just for Kora. His need to paint was overwhelming so he put his brother's remain through the pulverizer and started mixing the ashes with the paint. Dead or alive Kora was his new muse.
This is book of a two-part series. I love this book. The characters are amazing and the storyline kept me turning the pages. Kora is 21 and has NEVER been out without her mother. She had been home schooled and when she was 18 her request to attend college had been denied. Kora has a desperation for a bit of freedom, but lets her mother control her.
Kora's mom, Shea, has some major control issues. I'm not sure if we get the back story on Kora's parents in book two, but her mom is protective to the point of controlling and her dad shows no interest in anything but his job. My heart breaks for Kora's missing childhood and missing out on socializing with other people.
Vincent is a very complicated man with a tortured soul. Even with his determination to destroy Kora I love him. You see the conflicts and discrepancies of his character throughout the book...the good, bad, and ugly.
This story is very intense and full of intrigue and suspense. It leaves you with a huge cliffhanger and the choices that Kora has to make. Will she make the right one? I can't wait to see how this story progresses in INNOCENCE & ASHES!
Highly recommend this book. If you haven't read anything by Audrey Rush I highly recommend her books. They are dark and full of triggers, but the story lines are interesting and the men are dominant alpha males with good trying to overcome their evil deeds. Her books are amazingly well written and I could see them in as a TV series.
Although his brother had ODed on heroin, he tried to cut and shoot himself first. Guess he was determined. It was Halloween and Vincent was digging a grave himself instead of hiring a crane. It kept him occupied.
He and his brother were orphans and their uncle mentored them to take over his business. He was a mortician. And because his brother tried for the trifecta the sheriff's office has been to see him way too many times the last few days.
When he took a break from digging he drove to his favorite location. A scenic view over the creek. As he's letting the view soothe him the sheriff passes by with his wife and daughter. They enter the flower shop owned by the mother and he can see a disagreement through the window. Shortly after the daughter arrives near him crying.
When he arrives back at the mortuary he makes a decision. He's going to ruin Kora Nova and her parents. So despite his brother's request he sets up the cremation process. It's not like he's there to complain. Adrenalin spikes through him as he imagines tearing Kora apart and seeing her tears flow down her face.
When the cremation process finished he went to the far side of the cemetery to find new plot that he would dig just for Kora. His need to paint was overwhelming so he put his brother's remain through the pulverizer and started mixing the ashes with the paint. Dead or alive Kora was his new muse.
This is book of a two-part series. I love this book. The characters are amazing and the storyline kept me turning the pages. Kora is 21 and has NEVER been out without her mother. She had been home schooled and when she was 18 her request to attend college had been denied. Kora has a desperation for a bit of freedom, but lets her mother control her.
Kora's mom, Shea, has some major control issues. I'm not sure if we get the back story on Kora's parents in book two, but her mom is protective to the point of controlling and her dad shows no interest in anything but his job. My heart breaks for Kora's missing childhood and missing out on socializing with other people.
Vincent is a very complicated man with a tortured soul. Even with his determination to destroy Kora I love him. You see the conflicts and discrepancies of his character throughout the book...the good, bad, and ugly.
This story is very intense and full of intrigue and suspense. It leaves you with a huge cliffhanger and the choices that Kora has to make. Will she make the right one? I can't wait to see how this story progresses in INNOCENCE & ASHES!
Highly recommend this book. If you haven't read anything by Audrey Rush I highly recommend her books. They are dark and full of triggers, but the story lines are interesting and the men are dominant alpha males with good trying to overcome their evil deeds. Her books are amazingly well written and I could see them in as a TV series.
June 6, 2021
4.5 stars! I liked it....a lot!!!
Cruelty & Fire is part one of The Art of Ruin Duet and I was gripped from the beginning. It is very enticing and refreshing tale: a simple scenario - small town where nothing seems to happen, unless we're talking about the tragic events that everybody associates with Echo, a fact I'm not completely sure myself - with a very intriguing, complex and ingeniously executed plot.
Vincent and Kora are peculiar characters and I find them to be very similar for the simple fact that both feel bound by some reason: Kora by duty mostly due to her sheltered upbringing and Vincent, after so much loss, by that obsessive need to destroy what he considers perfect, in this case Kora's family, by destroying Kora herself. And what better way to ruin, than to give a sliver of freedom to take it all in the end? And both want to be free: for Kora, the necessity to experience and explore life for/by herself; for Vince, the peace of soul he thinks will achieve as soon as he ruins the depiction of perfection in the small town of Punica. But Kora's world isn't anything near perfect and being aware of that reality, will Vincent's plans be forfeited?
Audrey inventively creates an original stalker, age-gap dark and mysterious romance, a slow burn with some very🔥🔥🔥 quality time, an eerie feeling and somber atmosphere, inserting valuable elements such as the unknown drug, the deaths, the investigation at the same time as the elections and the will to find a scapegoat in an attempt to divert attention.
And now, I'll keep thinking and theorizing until the next book....because we were left hanging, how we're hanging......
A great, great read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cruelty & Fire is part one of The Art of Ruin Duet and I was gripped from the beginning. It is very enticing and refreshing tale: a simple scenario - small town where nothing seems to happen, unless we're talking about the tragic events that everybody associates with Echo, a fact I'm not completely sure myself - with a very intriguing, complex and ingeniously executed plot.
Vincent and Kora are peculiar characters and I find them to be very similar for the simple fact that both feel bound by some reason: Kora by duty mostly due to her sheltered upbringing and Vincent, after so much loss, by that obsessive need to destroy what he considers perfect, in this case Kora's family, by destroying Kora herself. And what better way to ruin, than to give a sliver of freedom to take it all in the end? And both want to be free: for Kora, the necessity to experience and explore life for/by herself; for Vince, the peace of soul he thinks will achieve as soon as he ruins the depiction of perfection in the small town of Punica. But Kora's world isn't anything near perfect and being aware of that reality, will Vincent's plans be forfeited?
Audrey inventively creates an original stalker, age-gap dark and mysterious romance, a slow burn with some very🔥🔥🔥 quality time, an eerie feeling and somber atmosphere, inserting valuable elements such as the unknown drug, the deaths, the investigation at the same time as the elections and the will to find a scapegoat in an attempt to divert attention.
And now, I'll keep thinking and theorizing until the next book....because we were left hanging, how we're hanging......
A great, great read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 11, 2021
There are so many things I want to say about this book. First of all, it's the first book in The Art of Ruin duet, so read this before you read Innocence & Ashes. It's billed as a dark stalker romance, but there are a lot of layers here. You can definitely feel the inspiration provided by the story of Hades & Persephone but it's not solely a retelling. Vincent has lost a lot, and stumbles across young Kora Nova, whose sheriff father and florist mother seem to make up the perfect family. Vincent is filled with dark, destructive impulses which lead him to involve himself into Kora's sheltered life, while at the same time trying to solve a town wide mystery. Vincent's hobby is a bit creepy (I guess it goes with the occupational territory), yet somehow he isn't completely repellent. And here is where the author creates my favourite character: the one who is on track to be both hero and villain. There were a couple of rough spots where it's unclear if Vincent’s intent towards Kora is as nefarious as he purports—it's not ambivalence—but I think this will become clearer in the second book. Kora may have been sheltered but she also has a dark edge to her, and oddly, compassion for her overprotective mother. There's a great cast of secondary characters, too. I'm enjoying the plot, despite the cliffhanger, and looking forward to seeing if my suspicions are correct in the next book.
June 9, 2021
The addition starts with the book cover….yeah…yeah…yeah don’t judge a book by its cover they say ….well we all do it and this one here it is the scratch to your itch or better yet the filling to your oreos! Speaking of filling…..wait, that’s for later. Within the first chapters you get the panoramic view of whom you’re dealing with!
YOU’VE BEEN WARNED!
This is book one of the Art of Ruin Duet it appears each book will read as a standalone however, why just read one when you can start at the beginning and keep reading through the series it won’t be a waste of time it is deliciously dark (BUT I REALLY HATE CLIFFHANGERS). Vincent is a sexy as all get out undertaker, an artist in spare time and unhealthy infatuated with Kora after seeing her some years ago. Kora is sweet, kind to most, sheltered(understatement) living with a sheriff for her father and a florist for mom (the only one in the entire town), her parents do not allow her to do anything/go anywhere and it is killing her on the inside being trapped. Young people in their town have gotten their hands on a drug that is killing them bring them right to Vincent, but something is off about the way they die and the affects the drug has on them. Where does it go though, when or will Vincent take Kora, will she finally be able to live or is it another trap and will they find happiness?
YOU’VE BEEN WARNED!
This is book one of the Art of Ruin Duet it appears each book will read as a standalone however, why just read one when you can start at the beginning and keep reading through the series it won’t be a waste of time it is deliciously dark (BUT I REALLY HATE CLIFFHANGERS). Vincent is a sexy as all get out undertaker, an artist in spare time and unhealthy infatuated with Kora after seeing her some years ago. Kora is sweet, kind to most, sheltered(understatement) living with a sheriff for her father and a florist for mom (the only one in the entire town), her parents do not allow her to do anything/go anywhere and it is killing her on the inside being trapped. Young people in their town have gotten their hands on a drug that is killing them bring them right to Vincent, but something is off about the way they die and the affects the drug has on them. Where does it go though, when or will Vincent take Kora, will she finally be able to live or is it another trap and will they find happiness?
June 18, 2021
"part of her was drawn to the darkness, where pain and death and grief and longing all existed in the same space, boiling with each other. Where you had no choice but to feel everything."
I love that when Audrey Rush promises a dark romance, she delivers. This book is intense. Vincent's life was emotionless. He craved the power his actions had on people and by action it's destructive actions. He could recognize when passion was hidden.
Enter Kora. When he sees the prefect sheriff's family he recognizes immediately how fake it all is. Specially Kora. The trapped girl who is over protected. He sees the darkeness in her that is yearning to escape. So he plans his actions and designs them to get her darkness to come to light. Unfortunately, all he knows is death. He's lost everyone and al he has and understands is death. So death and destruction is what he plans in order to free Kora. But the emotionless Vincent is not that emotionless after all.
While we do spend a lot of time in the characters' mind and it slowed the story a little bit. Their thinking was so twisted it kept me glued to the book. There was also too much waiting and not a lot of action but even that waiting is dark enough to have you turn the page.
I received a free copy of this book and I voluntarily reviewed it.
I love that when Audrey Rush promises a dark romance, she delivers. This book is intense. Vincent's life was emotionless. He craved the power his actions had on people and by action it's destructive actions. He could recognize when passion was hidden.
Enter Kora. When he sees the prefect sheriff's family he recognizes immediately how fake it all is. Specially Kora. The trapped girl who is over protected. He sees the darkeness in her that is yearning to escape. So he plans his actions and designs them to get her darkness to come to light. Unfortunately, all he knows is death. He's lost everyone and al he has and understands is death. So death and destruction is what he plans in order to free Kora. But the emotionless Vincent is not that emotionless after all.
While we do spend a lot of time in the characters' mind and it slowed the story a little bit. Their thinking was so twisted it kept me glued to the book. There was also too much waiting and not a lot of action but even that waiting is dark enough to have you turn the page.
I received a free copy of this book and I voluntarily reviewed it.
September 5, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
This book is quite dark but not as dark as some that I’ve previously read, however it is part of a 2 book story so leaves you on a cliffhanger wanting more, that being said I just loved this, the characters are Kora Nova a young lady whose led a very sheltered life, she’s been kept from living a normal life by her overbearing mother Shea (who owns and runs the local florist shop that Kora works in) and her father the local Sherif whose duties to the local community come before her and then there’s Vincent (whose parents are dead, his mother died of an illness but his father committed suicide through the grief of his wife’s death, he had a brother whose death was ruled suicide (but was it?), who runs and also owns the local funeral home/crematorium and cemetery which he inherited from his uncle, he prefers to dig the graves himself rather than use the mechanical digger, his passion is his art and often uses the ashes of the cremated in his creations, from a chance meeting he starts obsessing over Kora and freeing her from what he sees as her caged life from her perfect family existence.
This book is fascinating and kept me reading it’s dark story and I’m so looking forward to reading the follow-up book Innocence & Ashes
This book is quite dark but not as dark as some that I’ve previously read, however it is part of a 2 book story so leaves you on a cliffhanger wanting more, that being said I just loved this, the characters are Kora Nova a young lady whose led a very sheltered life, she’s been kept from living a normal life by her overbearing mother Shea (who owns and runs the local florist shop that Kora works in) and her father the local Sherif whose duties to the local community come before her and then there’s Vincent (whose parents are dead, his mother died of an illness but his father committed suicide through the grief of his wife’s death, he had a brother whose death was ruled suicide (but was it?), who runs and also owns the local funeral home/crematorium and cemetery which he inherited from his uncle, he prefers to dig the graves himself rather than use the mechanical digger, his passion is his art and often uses the ashes of the cremated in his creations, from a chance meeting he starts obsessing over Kora and freeing her from what he sees as her caged life from her perfect family existence.
This book is fascinating and kept me reading it’s dark story and I’m so looking forward to reading the follow-up book Innocence & Ashes
June 3, 2021
Kora is kept sheltered by her controlling mother and a sheriff father whose duty comes before her. Vincent is a grave digger but his passion is his art. One chance meet was the start of Vincent obsession, he had watched Kora for 3 years, drawn in by her innocence, a perfect family to the outside world a perfection he craved to ruin. But Vincent sees past the happy family appearance to the soul wanting freedom inside of Kora, he offers her an escape a safety with him, but he takes her instead.
A cage for a cage but does Vincent's cage offer more freedom or will it be her end? Will Vincent's need to destroy turn to something more? But not all is as it seems in their little town as it is being plagued by mysterious deaths. Is the person responsible closer to home?
Audrey Rush takes us on a journey with hints of a dark and twisting Hades and Persephone romance. Drawing the reader in and captivating the imagination with vivid detailed scenes that has you hanging off every page with wanting to know more. Filled, with desires, suspense, mystery, and more!
This is book 1 in the duet that ends on a suspense filled cliffhanger!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A cage for a cage but does Vincent's cage offer more freedom or will it be her end? Will Vincent's need to destroy turn to something more? But not all is as it seems in their little town as it is being plagued by mysterious deaths. Is the person responsible closer to home?
Audrey Rush takes us on a journey with hints of a dark and twisting Hades and Persephone romance. Drawing the reader in and captivating the imagination with vivid detailed scenes that has you hanging off every page with wanting to know more. Filled, with desires, suspense, mystery, and more!
This is book 1 in the duet that ends on a suspense filled cliffhanger!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 9, 2021
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "CRUELTY & FIRE" WOW!!!! This is one intense dark twisted romance that grabs from the beginning to end so much mystery, intrigue, suspense, secrets, lies, intense sex scenes, disturbing situations, twists that make totally addicted to this book.
Kora Nova has been sheltered by her mother Shea who owns & runs Poppies & Wheat Flourist Shop her father Sheriff Mike Nova her entire life her BF Nyla Nerissa assistant to her mother was the only person besides Officer Andrew that she had contact with regularly.
Vincent Erickson owned Quiet Meadows Funeral Home had been watching Kora Nova for 3yrs biding his time before he took her into his world of darkness because even a cruel artist deserved to have his muse make her his Ashen Queen.
People are dying from a drug called Echo but there's something sinister going on because the coroner is leaving out the stab wounds to the chest of the victims Officer Andrew there's something off about him, this is all happening during Sheriff Mike Nova's campaign to be re-elected.
I definitely recommend to get this dark twisted mind-blowing story still left in the dark then the shocking cliffhanger I'm so looking forward to next book to see how it all turns out "INNOCENCE & ASHES" in "THE ART OF RUIN DUET"
Kora Nova has been sheltered by her mother Shea who owns & runs Poppies & Wheat Flourist Shop her father Sheriff Mike Nova her entire life her BF Nyla Nerissa assistant to her mother was the only person besides Officer Andrew that she had contact with regularly.
Vincent Erickson owned Quiet Meadows Funeral Home had been watching Kora Nova for 3yrs biding his time before he took her into his world of darkness because even a cruel artist deserved to have his muse make her his Ashen Queen.
People are dying from a drug called Echo but there's something sinister going on because the coroner is leaving out the stab wounds to the chest of the victims Officer Andrew there's something off about him, this is all happening during Sheriff Mike Nova's campaign to be re-elected.
I definitely recommend to get this dark twisted mind-blowing story still left in the dark then the shocking cliffhanger I'm so looking forward to next book to see how it all turns out "INNOCENCE & ASHES" in "THE ART OF RUIN DUET"
July 6, 2021
Kora: What would being torn apart feel like? Would it hurt? Or would I like it?
Vincent: I wanted to destroy her. But I needed to possess her first.
Vincent has lost everyone in his life that’s ever meant anything to him and he’s feeling destructive. So when he sees the Sheriff, his wife, and their perfectly sheltered daughter, he pinpoints his destruction. Kora, his flower will know what it’s like to be stripped down to nothing,
Kora wants things in life, but her mom Shea believes her too delicate to handle the world beyond what she allows. She’s been homeschooled, not allowed many friends, sheltered. When she loses her best friend she begins to find her voice and Vincent sees this as the perfect opportunity to strike. Is he her captor or her savior?
What’s going on with the Echo murders/deaths? Why is Andrew so shifty? Is Sheriff Mike more concerned about reelection than his daughter? Is Shea genuinely distraught or is the need to control someone that great it makes her unable to function? If you can’t handle dark, dubious consent, abduction, bound, cliffhanger…this is NOT your book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Vincent: I wanted to destroy her. But I needed to possess her first.
Vincent has lost everyone in his life that’s ever meant anything to him and he’s feeling destructive. So when he sees the Sheriff, his wife, and their perfectly sheltered daughter, he pinpoints his destruction. Kora, his flower will know what it’s like to be stripped down to nothing,
Kora wants things in life, but her mom Shea believes her too delicate to handle the world beyond what she allows. She’s been homeschooled, not allowed many friends, sheltered. When she loses her best friend she begins to find her voice and Vincent sees this as the perfect opportunity to strike. Is he her captor or her savior?
What’s going on with the Echo murders/deaths? Why is Andrew so shifty? Is Sheriff Mike more concerned about reelection than his daughter? Is Shea genuinely distraught or is the need to control someone that great it makes her unable to function? If you can’t handle dark, dubious consent, abduction, bound, cliffhanger…this is NOT your book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 13, 2022
3.5⭐
Cruelty and fire was quite suspenseful. It had me guessing and trying to figure out the reasons behind some things happening as I was reading. It's a darkish read, but definitely not the darkest I've read. However, I really liked how it seemed to be a calculated/mind games type of book. I like the characters but can't say that I love them yet. I feel like there's still more to learn about them. If I had to pick between Vincent and Kora, I would say that Vincent would be my favorite. He's more of a mystery as to why he's like he is and what his intentions are. Kora has been so sheltered her entire life and as a result, is now emotionally confused and for good reason considering her predicament she's in. She has some grit in her that starts to show when Vincent coaxes it out of her. The development of the story is a bit slow at times but it picked up towards the end and it does end on a cliffhanger. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Cruelty and fire was quite suspenseful. It had me guessing and trying to figure out the reasons behind some things happening as I was reading. It's a darkish read, but definitely not the darkest I've read. However, I really liked how it seemed to be a calculated/mind games type of book. I like the characters but can't say that I love them yet. I feel like there's still more to learn about them. If I had to pick between Vincent and Kora, I would say that Vincent would be my favorite. He's more of a mystery as to why he's like he is and what his intentions are. Kora has been so sheltered her entire life and as a result, is now emotionally confused and for good reason considering her predicament she's in. She has some grit in her that starts to show when Vincent coaxes it out of her. The development of the story is a bit slow at times but it picked up towards the end and it does end on a cliffhanger. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 12, 2021
Have read a few books by this author and have found them all very enjoyable and this book was no different.
It did take me a little bit to get into this book I have to say but once I did I got swept away with the story that was unfolding.
It wasn't as dark as I thought it would be I have to say. I did find Vincent actually charming in a weird kind of way. He still was able to determine what was right and wrong as far as the Echo murders etc and yet with Kora, he was a bit stalkerish but not in a bad way.
Kora was so sheltered by her mother and to the point of smothering really and so was actually happy with she got to experience new things with Vincent.
Andrew and Kora's father are seriously weird and on my radar.
This has so many things going on that haven't been explained or exposed yet and so I look forward to book two to see where it takes us.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It did take me a little bit to get into this book I have to say but once I did I got swept away with the story that was unfolding.
It wasn't as dark as I thought it would be I have to say. I did find Vincent actually charming in a weird kind of way. He still was able to determine what was right and wrong as far as the Echo murders etc and yet with Kora, he was a bit stalkerish but not in a bad way.
Kora was so sheltered by her mother and to the point of smothering really and so was actually happy with she got to experience new things with Vincent.
Andrew and Kora's father are seriously weird and on my radar.
This has so many things going on that haven't been explained or exposed yet and so I look forward to book two to see where it takes us.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 16, 2021
4.5⭐️
I still trembling. What an ending! I can’t wait to start the next book.
Kora is a 21-year-old girl who has lived sheltered by her parents all her life, they don’t let her do anything, interact with anyone. She helps her mother in her flower shop where her only friend Nila also works.
But with Nila’s mysterious and tragic death from a drug that is killing many people, Kora comes into contact with Vincent, the owner of the funeral home.
Vincent has been obsessed with Kora for years and now decides to act. He kidnaps her, takes her to his house and not with very good intentions.
There are also still many questions in the air… Who is the killer?what secrets does Vincent hide? How will Kira handle everything that happened?
I ❤️it.
“You think you’re too good for everyone,” I whispered in her ear, “But make no mistake, Kora. You will never be good enough for anyone.” I bit her earlobe between my canines, and she flinched at the pain. “Not even me.”
I still trembling. What an ending! I can’t wait to start the next book.
Kora is a 21-year-old girl who has lived sheltered by her parents all her life, they don’t let her do anything, interact with anyone. She helps her mother in her flower shop where her only friend Nila also works.
But with Nila’s mysterious and tragic death from a drug that is killing many people, Kora comes into contact with Vincent, the owner of the funeral home.
Vincent has been obsessed with Kora for years and now decides to act. He kidnaps her, takes her to his house and not with very good intentions.
There are also still many questions in the air… Who is the killer?what secrets does Vincent hide? How will Kira handle everything that happened?
I ❤️it.
“You think you’re too good for everyone,” I whispered in her ear, “But make no mistake, Kora. You will never be good enough for anyone.” I bit her earlobe between my canines, and she flinched at the pain. “Not even me.”
July 1, 2021
This book was very well-written, but it was also really dark and twisted. The author warns us that it will be, and it is. The scenes are disturbing, and there is the death of innocents. It is a mystery/thriller with the kinky romance of the two main characters, not even the focal point for most of the trip through this horrible world. One keeps reading to find out what happens, but it is not fun. Somehow, one needs to know how it turns out, and for that, you must read the second book of this duet. This ends on a cliffhanger.
I felt challenged and horrified in equal measure. How much everyone here sees things as they think they are, not how they really are. It makes one think about our own friends and neighbors.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I felt challenged and horrified in equal measure. How much everyone here sees things as they think they are, not how they really are. It makes one think about our own friends and neighbors.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 9, 2021
Blurb sounded interesting and I’ve read from this author before so asking for this title was easy! Nice cover too!
What did I like? Unique sounding story with a genre that I like to divulge in. Kidnapping and a Stockholm agenda with a dark story. Kora is strangely smothered by her parents, although twenty one her parents refuse to allow her any freedoms. Vincent has dark plans for her once he kidnaps her and rescues her only to keep her for himself.
Would I recommend or buy? Strangely enough this is just the kind of story to whet my appetite. I’d recommend to anyone else who follows a dark and delicious tale. I really need part two! Four stars!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What did I like? Unique sounding story with a genre that I like to divulge in. Kidnapping and a Stockholm agenda with a dark story. Kora is strangely smothered by her parents, although twenty one her parents refuse to allow her any freedoms. Vincent has dark plans for her once he kidnaps her and rescues her only to keep her for himself.
Would I recommend or buy? Strangely enough this is just the kind of story to whet my appetite. I’d recommend to anyone else who follows a dark and delicious tale. I really need part two! Four stars!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 17, 2021
This is such a dark, disturbing, twisted, gut wrenching, story of love and self discovery. I'll admit at first I wasn't sure I'd like it. I wasn't so much bothered by Vincent as I was disturbed by Kora's lack of freedom. The truth is no one can really know what an other is going through simply by watching from the outside. In the end, you can't intimately change another without being change yourself by the experience. Which is the true self, the one we see in the mirror or the one reflected back to us trough the eyes of others? This book was a deep, dark gem and worth the time to read. I will be looking forward to seeing more of Vincent and Kora in the next book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 28, 2021
This was far from my normal book that I would read. Given that fact it took me a little bit of time to get into it. After I finally was able to follow the story it was good. It was definitely different. Vincent feels like the only way for him to feel anything is to hurt or punish cause that is how I think life has been for him. Kora is in a bubble of protection from her parents who don’t let her do anything for fear of causing her hire and pain. Two people living there lives like they think is right. When Vincent meets Kora he knows she is special just doesn’t know what to do with her. Or does he??? If you want to try to solve this mystery then pick up this book and give it a go. Can’t wait for the next one to see where the story takes them.
September 12, 2021
Vincent is a troubled man. His brother overdosed and was in trouble with the local law and sheriff more than once. When Vincent tries to find some peace, he sees the sheriff with his wife and 21 year old daughter and he obsessed over her. Kora is a sheltered young woman who Vincent stalks and decides to ruin this family by ruining her. There’s a bit of mystery here and also some dark non con here but what the author does is show how broken and tortured both of these people are.
There is a cliffhanger but that’s so common these days I don’t even think that’s a negative anymore.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I’m going to download book 2 now to see what happens!
There is a cliffhanger but that’s so common these days I don’t even think that’s a negative anymore.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I’m going to download book 2 now to see what happens!
August 8, 2022
Wow, this was a wild ride! 😳 I'm literally speechless. I honestly thought I knew all levels of dark romance, but this was off the charts depraved! I loved it! This anti-hero is so far off his rocker that I really wonder if he can ever fully be redeemed. The romance 100% screams Stockholm syndrome but I still found myself rooting for them. This is one of the darkest books I've read, so be sure to check out those TWs-deprivation, breath play, severe claustrophobic imagery-to name a few. Not a ton of spicy scenes, but enough to keep you invested; & boy is this author inventive! Cliffhanger warning! Luckily I already downloaded the sequel, so I'm running there right now. Read this book, if you think you're brave enough!
December 19, 2021
Vincent is damaged. He wants nothing more than to destroy the perfect little life she has, tearing her apart until there's nothing left but surrender.
Kora is protected. She shouldn't feel the searing attraction she does for her abductor, but something within him calls to her.
They are polar opposites, but together, they'll burn it all down.
If you're looking for a dark page-turner that consumes you, look no further. The characters are strong and deep, and the writing is superb. In fact, this story is so compelling, I immediately went and got the sequel. I promise: you won't regret it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Kora is protected. She shouldn't feel the searing attraction she does for her abductor, but something within him calls to her.
They are polar opposites, but together, they'll burn it all down.
If you're looking for a dark page-turner that consumes you, look no further. The characters are strong and deep, and the writing is superb. In fact, this story is so compelling, I immediately went and got the sequel. I promise: you won't regret it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 1, 2021
Cruelty & Fire by Audrey Rush
Another great book, and on my must-read again list. Audrey Rush
has done it again with this page-turner, can't put down the story. I love how
she creates this story with good and bad characters and it is hard to tell
who's good and who's bad. This is one author you should be following.
kora has lived in her mother's shadow for her entire life until the night of a fire.
Her life will never be the same. I received an advance review copy for free, and
I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Another great book, and on my must-read again list. Audrey Rush
has done it again with this page-turner, can't put down the story. I love how
she creates this story with good and bad characters and it is hard to tell
who's good and who's bad. This is one author you should be following.
kora has lived in her mother's shadow for her entire life until the night of a fire.
Her life will never be the same. I received an advance review copy for free, and
I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 9, 2021
I have read previously by this author and found the subject matter dark and this book was no exception. I enjoyed the book which was well written and kept my mind whirring with the possibilities of the unravelling plot. If you like books which lean to the darker side and challenge your mind, this is definitely a book for you. Cannot wait for part 2 of this story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 11, 2021
Cruelty & Fire is one dark, twisted and intense read. Vincent obsession with Kora is dark, possessive, and deranged. Vincent and Kora's story is fully of mystery and suspense. The ending leave you hanging and wondering what choice Kora will make. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to see how the duet ends.
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.
June 11, 2021
OMG !!! loved it !!! scared of it !!! cliffhanger as this is part 1 of a duet. love Vincent and Kora... this is their story...he's deranged, a true psychopath...he's been stalking Kora for years , just waiting...waiting to get her... he already dug a grave for her...edge of your seat... you'll jump at unexpected noises...OMG !!!
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.
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