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Cosa Nostra #3

Cruel King

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Matteo
I’m the mafia heartless king, the most powerful and feared man in the Cosa Nostra.
I made a vow to protect her from danger even if it meant protecting her from me.
Elena was my best-kept secret, my flutter of conscience, the only proof I once had a heart.
I’m Matteo Genovese, I kneel for no one, but she can make me quiver.
Now she is back in my life, and I vow to make her mine whether she likes it or not.

Elena
I was a daughter, a friend, a dog mom, and a professional geek until I lost everything. My whole story, my whole life destroyed in just a breath.
Now I’m on the run, hiding from a danger I know nothing about just because I was born a shameful secret…because I was a curse.
Suddenly he is back in my life, the monster who broke my heart, the man who caused most of my battle scars.
He wants me, wants what I bring him, but I'm not the same Elena he knew.
The sweet, caring girl he once knew is dead, killed by the arrow he shot.
Bring on the fight, Matteo. I’m ready for you.

395 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 3, 2021

118 people are currently reading
929 people want to read

About the author

R.G. Angel

35 books1,374 followers
On top of being an International Bestselling Author, I’m a trained lawyer, world traveller, coffee addict and cheese aficionado.

When I’m not busy doing all my lawyerly mayhem or writing Contemporary Romance with heart, heat and a little darkness, alpha heroes and strong heroines and because I’m living in rainy (yet beautiful) Britain, I mostly enjoy indoor activities such as reading, watching TV, playing with my crazy puppies.

I hope my stories will make you dream and will bring you as much joy as they brought me by writing them.

If you want to know any of the latest news join my reader group R.G.’s Angels on facebook or subscribe to my newsletter!

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
Profile Image for Samantha (bookgramsaga reviews).
909 reviews1,195 followers
February 3, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5-⭐️⭐️⭐️.75

''Never let my venom poison your blood''

Safety warnings:
- H 35 / h 22
- No cheating
- No OW drama
- Slight OM drama
- Violence/d*ath
- Loss of loved ones
- HEA

SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️

SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️

SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️

SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️

And we wrap up this series with the Cruelest King aka Matteo.

We get a flashback of 4 years before the events of this book, and we see Matteo cruelly dismiss a girl who seems infatuated with her and destroy the hope she had in her eyes about what they could be.
We also get to see him struggle with letting her go and doing this to give her a chance away from the world she has no idea about.

Who is this girl? Well, the mystery is solved, and we find out she is Luca's half-sister! She was kept far away from everyone and everything because of the way she was conceived and her lineage. Matteo was placed as her ward and he kept her safe and protected for years. Elena lived in the UK with two people who she believed were her parents but when they are killed she is thrusted into the Mafia world and back in front of Matteo who she has hated but loved for the last 4 years.

I'll say this: From the information we got from the two previous books it is safe to say Matteo was not celibate during their separation nor was he celibate during the time where she was 18 and he was falling for her. I think that's what killed it for me in terms of his feelings or love. I wanted him to have shown a bit more devotion to the girl he could not have?

This is a slow burn, these two don't ultimately get together until well past the halfway point and then a bunch of stuff happens that causes them to not be together and we don't get their OFFICIAL relationship until 95%. There was a lot of miscommunication and denial, mostly from Matteo. I wanted him to grovel more, especially about the things he had said to her even if they were never true. It hurt her and it should of been something he wanted to atone for.

The side plot about the ghost was played out more in this book. The three guys are still searching for who it could be, and they end up with nothing.
I knew who it was since book 2 and I was right. It was ENZO. The stutter, the way he was acting in some parts made me believe without a doubt it was him and I was right.

He had a personal vendetta with all three guys. He felt abandoned and shoved aside. I honestly understood why he ended up doing the things he did but at the same time I think he could have seen throughout the last few years he was cared about, and people make mistakes, and he was blaming the massive trauma he was dealt with on the wrong people.

It was sad to see his end, but I appreciated how none of them wanted the world to see him as a traitor.
Profile Image for Grecia Robles.
1,696 reviews466 followers
September 15, 2023
Mafia Romance
Age Gap
Matrimonio Forzado

Moría por leer éste libro y es que Matteo es mi personaje favorito de ésta serie.
Él es manipulador, controlador, sociópata y no siente empatía por nada.
Es el capo di capi y el controla a todas las familias en EEUU.
Al parecer no tiene una debilidad y el cree que no es capaz da amar pero ahí entra en el juego Elena.

Ellos se conocen desde que ella tiene 7 años y siempre ha tenido un enamoramiento por Matteo pero él sabe que ella puede a llegar a ser una debilidad y la aleja pero se porta cruel con ella y le parte el corazón
Cuatro años después, ella está en peligro y Matteo no tiene otra opción que tráela de vuelta y de paso enterándose de otro secreto.

La verdad es que tengo sentimientos encontrados, porque por una parte me gustó se me hizo entretenido, pero le faltó romance y éste lo tenemos hasta el final.
Hubo muchos malos entendidos, poca comunicación, la actitud de ella no me gustaba y en parte era culpa de Matteo por no aceptar sus sentimientos porque lo único que ella quería es que él la amara.

Al final sí me gustó y sobre todo en ese epílogo extra que me dio la miel que necesitaba.
Profile Image for 1-Click Addict Support Group.
3,749 reviews490 followers
November 2, 2021
I binge-read this series so hard!

I started the first one and couldn’t stop. Each read built on the last and the characters, their story lines, made for reading that kept me up late each time. Hard to explain to my employer ‘just one more page’ but there it was… This was the closer and I had to read to the incredible end…

Matteo was the head capo and his sarcasm was matched only by his stoicism. Emotions were everyone else, not him. But he reveals his one weakness, and it was a game-changer… Elena was a surprise for me. A quiet character who was thrust into a new family where her past was going to seek her out… She was the pin that was going to break the series story arc apart, one emotion-laden chapter at a time…

Luca, Cassie, India, Dom, Jude – they were all back to watch cupid at work, to support, to be there for the good and the bad. And ultimately, to be there for each other when things came to a deadly climax…

The turns this took were wide and wild, and completely engrossing. I wasn’t kidding. This series was a non-stop binge-read until I turned the last page… I’m going to celebrate by starting it all over again (on the weekend of course) because I need to feel the emotions, the comradery, the love, one more time… ~Diane, 4.5 stars
Profile Image for Sue Miz .
707 reviews910 followers
May 1, 2023
There are 6 books in this series
3 in the Cosa Nostra
3 in the Syndicate
And as much as I loved the first 5 I hated every minute of this book

Matteo was a big part in every book, so I left his book till last
Never thought he'd be a groomer
Because let's be honest, that's what he was
He ticked every box in the Groomer Guide

Isolate
Gain trust
Be the sole protector
Seduce
Pull and push

And Elina! Good she was pathetic
Maybe I would have given her a breather if I've read this book first
But after reading Cassie, India, Violet, Lily, and Iris, she doest hold a flicker to these ladies

I always imagined someone cunning and resourceful for Matteo, but I guess he is too cruel to have a woman as an equal

Oh well, I'll just pretend this book does not exist and just say there are 5

5 out of 6 is a very very good ratio
Profile Image for Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth).
2,250 reviews1,526 followers
November 3, 2021
Great conclusion to the series!

Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: second chance
Angst: 😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: none

Cruel King is the third book in the Cosa Nostra Series by RG Angel and can be read as a standalone, but best enjoyed after the other books in the series. In this book we finally get to see Matteo Genovese, the unfeeling, unflappable Don, get brought to his knees by the young girl he left behind years ago.

This was just s great series! I've been waiting for Matteo's story and it did not disappoint❤. What's more enjoyable than seeing a sociopath fall for his one and only, lol? And with a plus sized nerdy girl on top of it? Loved it!
Profile Image for Melluvsbooks.
1,570 reviews
dnf
November 22, 2022
DNF @ 14% - don’t like being in the hero’s head. He sounds like a woman and all the tension is killed since we know he’s secretly simping for the h and has been since she was a little girl 🙄😵‍💫🥴

Maybe wait a few chapters before giving away the whole thing? It’s ok to build some tension and mystery for a few chapters. We don’t need to know every dang thing that goes through a heros mind. It’s lazy writing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sentranced Jem.
1,228 reviews610 followers
February 14, 2023
I know I skipped a few books but after reading The Syndicate series, I just HAD to read Matteo's book.
Profile Image for ☆Laura☆.
5,104 reviews59 followers
April 14, 2023
Con lo que decían de Matteo y Elena en The syndicates pensé que él sería de esos protagonistas que son despiadados con todo el mundo menos con ella, lamentablemente eso fue así.

No tengo idea de como Elena amaba al monstruo ese él jamás la trató con un mínimo de respeto. Eso de que Matteo también la amaba me hizo reír porque ese tipo sólo ama el poder. De todas sus interacciones que tuvieron en 2 la trató como un ser humano, en todas las demás le gritaba y le decía cosas feas. Se supone que esos malos tratos eran para que las demás no supieran de sus sentimientos por ellas y no la usarán en su contra, pero jamás se lo dijo a ella, ¿acaso esperaba que ella leyera su mente?, pero en privado igual la trataba mal, entonces su excusa es una tontería.

Que bueno que me leí primero TS porque después de esto en definitiva no les habría dado oportunidad.
Profile Image for Luna  ♡.
656 reviews245 followers
November 2, 2025
»I don't like it.«
»Oh no, what a pity! How will I ever get over it?«

★ ★ ★

❥ 𝑬𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒂 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
I liked her. She is stubborn, funny and has a heart of gold.

❥ 𝑴𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒐 ⋆✮
What an asshole. But he was one of these hot red flags.

✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
This was a quick read and it kept me entertained. It was a solid mafia romance book with interesting plot and likeable characters. I like the world the author has created and I‘m a big fan of her writing style. This series could have been a little bit more mafia because they‘re very mild and not that dark. Eitherway I enjoyed this book.
Elena and Matteo‘s banter was so funny I laughed a lot. I‘m not a fan of the fucking big age gap (!!!) so I ignored it while reading. It shouldn‘t be normalised that a grown ass man falls in love with a barely legal girl…

𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤?
Maybe.

𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝟓 ׂㅤ𐙚 ࣪ ⭒
plot: 3/5
spice: 2/5
humor: 4/5
couple/tension: 4/5
world building: 4/5
happy end?: yes

𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 ₊ ⊹
possessive and protective hero, secrets and lies, forced proximity, she falls first but he falls harder, age gap, grumpy x sunshine, mafia boss x mafia princess

𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲
ages: Elena (23) and Matteo (35)
cheating: no
sharing: no
kinks: no

𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
#1 Broken Prince ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#2 Twisted Knight ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#3 Cruel King ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Profile Image for Karen_Lee_Reads.
1,297 reviews47 followers
October 28, 2021
Cruel King
(Cosa Nostra #3)
Written by: R.G. Angel

I love mafia stories, I do…honestly, I am a mafia book aficionado or at least I think I am. So when I find an author that writes mafia stories and draws me in and loses me in the story, I AM SOLD! When they write a series…well damn I am so down for reading their books even more.

I know that Author R.G. Angel is going to give me all I want and in Cruel King, I got it in spades. I got Matteo; I’ve been waiting for this man! Look at the cover people, look at the eyes, look at the model…that is Matteo.

We get to see 18-year-old Elena when Matteo breaks her heart. I mean truly that man is a mean SOB to her, but there are so many things Elena doesn’t know, heck we readers don’t know but our man Matteo, he knows. We also get to spend a lot of time with 22-year-old Elena and her whole world is about to shatter.

Matteo Genovese is old school Sicilian Mafia; he was raised that way, for a reason. So when a well-hidden plan is blown out of the water by what can only be a traitor, Matteo has to put in motion a plan he had hoped to hold back for a few more years.

R.G. Angel takes us through the history between Matteo and Elena and brings back beloved characters. This story only works the way it does because she knew how her Cosa Nostra series had to end. It needed a bang and boy does she deliver!

Elana, who has lost so much, is delivered into a new life and there are a lot of lies and truths she has to face. She has support and she has a King, now she has to grow up and learn sometimes being a Princess means your King needs your support and understanding before you become a Queen.

I can’t praise this series enough! I know I will reread this series over and over again!
Profile Image for Born To Read.
806 reviews18 followers
September 20, 2022
Last book in this series and I was looking forward to reading it because it's Matteo's book!!
He met Elena when she was a child and when she grew up, he realised she had become someone important for him. And in the Mafia that's dangerous.
Now they have met again. But Elena is not the same woman. Her world has been turned upside down in a second. And she is determined to stay far from Matteo.
I liked this book more than the second one. I love Matteo but Elena was kind of annoying in some moments. Her reactions were a little bit disappointing.
Profile Image for Ioana Reads.
606 reviews5 followers
July 28, 2025
5 cuoricino stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3.5🌶
Profile Image for Mandyloves2read.
1,763 reviews174 followers
November 5, 2021
This book tied everything together nicely in this one . I really love this series and Matteo and Elena’s story was amazing! There’s suspense some twists and turns and the chemistry between these two is fire I loved the ending this author is a automatic one click for me !
Profile Image for Dulce María.
947 reviews42 followers
August 16, 2024
Este definitivamente fue el más decepcionante de la trilogía me gustó mucho el concepto de el amándola toda la vida pero creo que la historia no está bien ejecutada nunca me hicieron creer en su romance.
Profile Image for Giusy  Luca.
825 reviews5 followers
September 20, 2023
Elena era solo una ragazzina quando Matteo Genovese le ha spezzato il cuore, era la sua prima cotta ma lui l'ha ferita in modo crudele facendola sentire piccola e insignificante, per anni ha cercato di andare avanti con la sua vita cancellando i sentimenti che provava per lui, non è stato facile, ha sofferto tanto ma stava cercando di ricominciare. 

Conduceva una vita tranquilla insieme alla sua famiglia, aveva un cane che adorava, era una nerd di professione e aveva un amico di cui si poteva fidare, da quattro anni Max era stato la sua ombra e per lei era diventato una figura costante anche se non riusciva a provare niente più che affetto.

Finché non ha perso tutto, la sua storia, la sua famiglia erano tutta una bugia adesso è costretta a scappare perché qualcuno la vuole morta.

"Sono il capo di tutti in questa casa, incluso tuo fratello e inclusa anche te, cuoricino. Non puoi respingermi così, hai capito? Se io dico che balli con me, tu balli con me."

Matteo ritorna nella vita di Elena con prepotenza pretendendo fedeltà, il mostro che le ha spezzato il cuore, l'uomo che l'ha ferita lasciando dei segni nel suo cuore ancora sanguinante.

Vuole lei e ciò che può offrirle, ma Elena non è più la ragazzina ingenua di un tempo, la dolce e tenera ragazza che conosceva è morta, ed è rimasto solo odio e freddezza. 

"Io ti proteggerò, mi prenderò cura di te, ti darò tutto ciò di cui avrai bisogno."

"Mi amerai?"

"Lena…"

"Allora non puoi darmi nulla di ciò di cui ho bisogno. Cosa potrai farmi? Uc..d..mi? Ne dubito. Sono troppo utile."

Matteo Genovese è "il Re Crudele" , l'uomo più potente e temuto di Cosa Nostra, il capo dei capi, non si inginocchia davanti a nessuno, ma Elena riesce a farlo vacillare. 

Aveva fatto una promessa, l'avrebbe protetta dal pericolo e soprattutto da sé stesso. Elena era il suo segreto inconfessabile, l'unica sua debolezza, la prova che avesse ancora un cuore.

Quando ritorna nella sua vita l'unica cosa che può fare è rivendicarla e farla sua, che lei lo accetti o no. 

"Sono abituato a essere il re ed è dura comportarmi in modo diverso. Dovrò prendere decisioni difficili, anche se so che ti faranno arrabbiare, anche se non sarai d'accordo."

"Puoi essere il re, basta che ricordi che io sono la tua regina."

"Lo ricorderò."

Siamo arrivati alla conclusione di questa trilogia molto avvincente, finalmente possiamo leggere la storia di Matteo, il boss della mafia freddo e inflessibile un personaggio che sin dal primo libro mi ha incuriosito per la sua freddezza e la sua oscurità. 

Il suo cuore batte per l'unica donna che ha dovuto allontanare da sé anni prima in modo crudele e brutale. La loro storia è travolgente, intensa ed emozionante. 

Non sarà facile entrare in empatia con Matteo perché ha un modo di agire troppo freddo e calcolatore, non si rende conto che con il suo atteggiamento non fa che creare un enorme frattura tra lui ed Elena e quando lo capirà sarà troppo tardi. 

Per Elena sarà dura riuscire ad accettare il mostro che si nasconde dietro l'uomo, quei momenti erano troppo brevi e le facevano più male che bene. In fondo chiedeva solo di essere amata, sarebbe riuscita ad accettare le briciole che voleva dargli Matteo? 

Il finale del secondo libro aveva lasciato molte domande in sospeso e qui avremo finalmente tutte le risposte.

Ringrazio la Grey Eagle Publications per la copia ARC 
Profile Image for ~lil maso~.
1,929 reviews49 followers
November 2, 2021
Both of the previous books in this series had me hooked straight away and totally absorbed in the story. This book did too, it was very different from what I imagined but oh so much better than what my mere mind could conjure.

Matteo Genovese truly was the Cruel King, the Capo dei capi of all mafia bosses. His unemotional approach to rules and life certainly cemented this title, as we’d seen in the two previous books. Yet, then there was Elena, a small thorn in his side perhaps. I loved this niggle of uncertainty even if he was an absolute sod at times with her, he might have been misdirected with his handling but he knew he had to do something. I found Matteo to be quite a complex man and extremely intriguing.

Elena, I liked her straight away, my heart went out to her immediately and that was it. I loved how she gained some backbone throughout the story and went against the tide. She wasn’t the classic mafia princess fit to be a queen, according to the strict rules—who needs a rule book anyhow?

There were some interesting developments that I didn’t see coming and one that I pondered a tiny bit but still was surprised
with the twist. Betrayal in many forms is highlighted and in this world of the mafia, a dangerous situation for sure.

I found Cruel King to be an exciting story filled with plenty of emotions and drama, all to delight readers. I can’t recommend this book, all three of them actually, enough.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*

For more reviews, news and giveaways, check out Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner at;
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Profile Image for Kerri’s Reading Corner.
496 reviews52 followers
November 1, 2021
Coming November 3, 2021
US: https://amzn.to/3bsKMin
UK: https://amzn.to/3i77Yq3
CA: https://amzn.to/3ojYM5k
AU: https://amzn.to/2ZD1eK7

Talk about going out with a bang!!!! This is the third book in the Cosa Nostra series and is the story of Matteo and Elena.

I wasn't sure how I would feel about Matteo after meeting him in the first two books. He is so cold and aloof that it's hard to imagine him showing any kind of loving feelings. He is emotionally closed off and does and says things so bluntly without regard for others feelings. Even when it came to Elena, he was so matter of fact with her. I didn't think RG Angel could do it, but I under estimated her. Watching the head of the mafia fall to his knees for Elena was everything!!!

Elena has been hidden from the mafia world (by Matteo) for years but when her parents are murdered, she is brought to NY and put under the protection of Matteo, Luca and Dom. She's thrown into a life she knows nothing about and everything she thought she knew was a lie. I truly felt sad for her but LOVED how accepting and comforting Luca, Cassie, Dom and India were.

RG Angel takes us back a few years to see how and where Matteo and Elena first met and it's an angsty, dangerous, and lust fueled ride from there. Elena has a backbone and I love that about her. Matteo may be the king of the mafia but she does not bow down to him.

Cruel King is turbulent ride that packed a punch. It was suspenseful, packed with drama and emotions, and there's a shocking twist that I did NOT see coming. I absolutely love this series and RG Angel closed it out perfectly!
Profile Image for Shawna Jimenez more.books.forever.
1,858 reviews87 followers
November 3, 2021
Matteo and Lena!!! I love these two so freaking much. With Matteo nothing is as it seems I wanted to hate him, I wanted to throat punch him but I also loved him so hard. Elena is resilient everything that she endured and a life she never wanted but was thrust into and she took it like a true Queen. These two together are explosive and burn up the pages. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you captivated from beginning to end. I love seeing the characters from previous books and how welcoming they are towards Elena. They instantly love and accept her. Family is family right? This was a must read for me!!
Profile Image for Katja.
475 reviews
November 3, 2021
I really liked this book and mostly it was because of Elena. I really liked her and I wish I could be her friend. About Matteo. I was curious about him on previous books and I wanted to read his story. I have to say that it took some time to really warm up to him but I did liked him at the end. Maybe he just had to realized that showing your feelings wasn't weakness and having someone in your life made you stronger. I think Elena was good for him.




An ARC was provided in exhange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jessica.
382 reviews102 followers
December 11, 2023
This just went downhill for me. There was so much potential there, but it just didn't make it to the finish line. No real connection between the main characters.

Matteo was definitely cruel. Great in theory but not on paper when you want win over the so-called love of your life. The woman that's supposed to be your "light ' and blah, blah, blah. I think there was finally some feeling at like 90%. Literally towards the end, only pages before the book ended, did he finally admit his "feelings " and even then it fell flat. As for Elena, she was not my favorite heroine. She was Walmart copy of Ella Lopez (Of you watched the show Lucifer, you'll know this reference).

The only reason I kept reading was because I wanted updates on Luca and Cassie. The rest, I can do without.

What I'm really interested in is a side character. Whatever happened to Massimo aka Max?!? Poor guy got played and needs a good partner in his life after the sh*tshow he went through with that heartless cousin of his.
Profile Image for Sarah♡books  .
413 reviews107 followers
December 4, 2023
3/5 ⭐️

🤍 Lovers to enemies to lovers
🤍 Second chance
🤍 Mafia
🤍 Curvy FMC
🤍 Kind of forced marriage
🚩no cheating or sharing, no OW/OM


This was okay 👀
I expect more but I won't complain 🙈
Luca and Cassie were everything and I loved every single scene with them 😍

To be honest I felt like Elena wasn't a really 'special' heroine. She was soo confusing and did the same thing over and over again 😬

It was really annoying how hot and cold it was and how abruptly they said I love you to each other 😵‍💫🤡
2,293 reviews91 followers
October 27, 2021


Both of the previous books in this serious had me hooked straight away and totally absorbed in the story. This book did too, it was very different to what I imagined but oh so much better than what my mere mind could conjure.

Matteo Genovese truly was the Cruel King, the Capo dei capi of all mafia bosses. His unemotional approach to rules and life certainly cemented this title, as we’d seen in the two previous books. Yet, then there was Elena, a small thorn in his side perhaps. I loved this niggle of uncertainty even if he was an absolute sod at times with her, he might have been misdirected with his handling but he knew he had to do something. I found Matteo to be quite a complex man and extremely intriguing.

Elena I liked straight away, my heart went out to her immediately and that was it. I loved how she gained some backbone throughout the story and went against the tide. She wasn’t the classic mafia princess fit to be a queen, according to the strict rules—who needs a rule book anyhow?

There were some interesting developments that I didn’t see coming and one that I pondered a tiny bit but still was surprised
with the twist. Betrayal in many forms is highlighted and in this world of the mafia, a dangerous situation for sure.

I found Cruel King to be an exciting story filled with plenty of emotions and drama, all to delight readers. I can’t recommend this book, all three of them actually, enough.
Profile Image for Bookiechick  Reviews.
725 reviews24 followers
November 7, 2021
Every book in this series has blown me away and I’m obsessed with them all!

I love this book. I love Matteo so hard I couldn’t put this down! This isn’t your typical second chance romance, there’s so much angst, spice, swoon, drama and so much more.

I love how each book blend in with the next even though each follow a different couple, it makes for a seamless read and I love it. I was surprised Matteo was a lot more funnier than I thought he’d be. But maybe that’s just me but his sarcasm had me giggling at times and it was a welcome surprise. He is definitely what you imagine a capo to be but then underneath there’s also a lot of things you wouldn’t expect. Elena definitely brought out all of that and they compliment each other so well. It was amazing watching these polar opposite characters navigate their obstacles and situations. Their chemistry was undeniable and they are definitely a couple you can’t help but cheer for.

I didn’t want this book to end. I need more. I love this world. I love the twists and turns, the plot is amazing and is very easy to read. It’s written in a way that makes it easy to follow and inspires vivid imagery. There’s so much detail and I love it. This gave me all the feels and I love when a book can do that.

Definitely a mafia book worth reading, absolutely loved it.
Profile Image for Rebecca Carsley.
534 reviews8 followers
November 3, 2021
Even A Cold Cruel King Can Love ❤️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review

Matteo Genovese is an absolute Alphahole and beyond frustrating. Cruel, cold-hearted and manipulative he is the absolute definition of a Cruel King. But the man he is when he lets his heart defrost and his walls crumble for the love of one woman makes him a redeemable Cruel King. Elena was eighteen when the Mafia King broke her heart and she has hated him ever since. After the death of her parents and the truth of who she is, she is once again forced to endure that man’s cruelty and judgment. Still absolutely in love with him even after he forces her to accept him and his way of life along with his hand she soon realizes all is not as it seams. This book has a lot of ups and downs and you will spend half the time cursing at Elena and hating Matteo but if you like your cruel brooding alphas, intense mafia life and strong FMC’s then you will enjoy reading this book. There will definitely be some spots where intense feelings will get you and some will leave you shocked. But in the end everyone gets their HEA!! Recommend this book 100%!!
Profile Image for Joy  Avery.
1,309 reviews159 followers
November 4, 2021
☆☆☆☆☆
Cruel King was a finale that packed one heck of an emotional, adrenaline fueled punch. If you love mafia romance like I do, then imagine everything that makes the trope so entertaining and know you will find it in this series and especially this book.
This enemies to lovers, opposites attract romance focuses on the head of the Sicilian mafia capo, Matteo Genovese and Elena, the one person who can prove he does have a heart. When they were teenagers, in order to protect her, he breaks Elena’s heart into many life-altering pieces. He swore to always protect her. Now her parents have been murdered so he brings her to New York and into the loving embrace of his found family. She won’t make it easy for him. But he is King and he needs his queen to step up.
This book kept me fully engaged while my blood thrilled from the final ride this author took me on. There isn’t anything I could think should have been added or done differently. It was simply amazing. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
Profile Image for Rhm.
124 reviews
January 23, 2024
Je suis vraiment mitigée par cette lecture.

J’ai adoré que Matteo soit fidèle à son image de roi sans coeur et cruel car j’aurais trouvé bizarre qu’il devienne doux comme un agneau du jour au lendemain. La scène où il s’agenouille devant Elena est vraiment incroyable et symbolique quand on connaît Matteo et le statut qu’il s’efforce de garder.

Les autres personnages m’ont agacé tout du long à faire la morale à Elena. Cassie et India ont choisi cette vie, pas elle, et ça m’a vraiment énervé qu’on vienne constamment lui dire qu’elle allait s’adapter.

Le « plot twist » n’était pas surprenant, je l’avais deviné dès le T2 et ça m’a plus ennuyé qu’autre chose.

Luca est, je pense, mon personnage préféré de cette saga. Je suis déçue qu’on ait pas vraiment vu le développement de sa relation frère/ soeur avec Elena. Il lui dit que c’est son grand frère puis deux pages après ils disent s’aimer, alors que peu de temps avant ils n’étaient que des inconnus l’un pour l’autre.

Bref, un peu déçue de cette fin de saga mais j’ai quand même apprécié ma lecture.
Profile Image for One Loves Reading .
1,171 reviews30 followers
November 3, 2021
Matteo & Elena love story is a tense and complex one. Elena is a curvy heroine and Matteo is the sarcastic dangerous Capo.

"Matteo was a perfect duality. Part monster, part savior."

First chapter we see a flash back of heartbreak for both characters. Mateo aiming to break her heart and Elena seeing the cruel side of Matteo for the first time...no spoilers

Present time and how they reconnected starts with a death and Elena learns a secret close to home...no spoilers I love their banter together and there is some suspense. I really recommend you read the previous books because you will miss out enjoying the whole story line.

Everything come together. The ending made me tearful especially when it's Elena wedding and not Matteo pain the butt mother !! Forget Bridzilla meet Motherzilla

☆MUST READ ☆
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