Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Cristina

Monsters don’t hide in the dark.

When I met Damian Di Santo in a dark corner of my family home I knew he was a monster.

I was a frightened girl. He was already a man.

Little did I know that night marked the beginning of his twisted countdown.

Marked by dead roses with sharp thorns, eight years passed each bringing me closer to a fate I could not escape.

Until the night he returned to claim me.

Damian

Circumstance put Cristina on my path.
Fate bound her to me.

Cristina and I share a common past. A single night that changed the course of our lives.

The night I first met her, she asked me if I was a monster.
I am.

She’s about to learn I’m her monster.

Because the countdown that began eight years ago has ended.

Her time is up.

On the stroke of midnight, she’s mine.

7 pages, Audible Audio

First published August 25, 2020

580 people are currently reading
2935 people want to read

About the author

Natasha Knight

103 books5,255 followers
Natasha Knight is the USA Today Bestselling author of Romantic Suspense and Dark Romance Novels. She has sold over a million books and is translated into six languages. She currently lives in The Netherlands with her husband and two daughters and when she’s not writing, she’s walking in the woods listening to a book, sitting in a corner reading or off exploring the world as often as she can get away.

Write Natasha here:
natasha@natasha-knight.com

Check out her books here:
https://natasha-knight.com

Sign up for her newsletter here:
https://bit.ly/3heleGN

Connect with her here:
Facebook Page→ http://bit.ly/29q3s4b
Facebook Fan Group → http://bit.ly/2xvnZO5
Instagram → https://bit.ly/2MeoPKk

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,013 (35%)
4 stars
959 (33%)
3 stars
637 (22%)
2 stars
152 (5%)
1 star
62 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 404 reviews
Profile Image for Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾.
2,313 reviews13.7k followers
August 18, 2020
5 STARS
When you run, I will come after you. I will always come after you. You belong to me now, Cristina. For better or for worse.”


Oh.
My.
GOD.

I need the next book immediately!!!! My ovaries shall not survive it! I'm a sucker for a good anti-hero, and no one writes them quite like Natasha Knight. As a matter of fact, Damian Di Santo may be my favorite antihero I've read from her to date! This man was SHIVER inducing.

The pacing of this story was PERFECTION. It gives just enough chemistry to make the progression believable all the while maintaining the dangerous and dark notes of Damian and Christina's relationship.

Christina is only a child when she first gets in Damian's crosshairs. A bloody revenge, secrets and promises bring them back together years later on her eighteenth birthday. I loved that even thought Christina is so young and has the naiveté to go with it, she's not a pushover. She's a fighter. She's not reckless but she's also not a doormat. She's an incredible balance of fierce and vulnerable. As for Damian? GAH. This man. I loved him. He's lethal, cunning, and oozes danger and sexuality. Christina can't accept that she was promised to Damian in a deal that cost her family everything. She'll fight him with everything she is. But there's so much more at play here. There's dark secrets and dangerous plot twists lurking at every turn and I was so here for it.

I DEVOURED this book, y'all. Couldn't stop reading for even a second. It was everything I love in a dark romance and I'm absolutely desperate for the conclusion!

ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review

Find me on:
Follow me on facebook Follow Me on Twitter blog
Profile Image for Rachael*Caribbean*girl*bibliophile.
2,255 reviews517 followers
Read
March 25, 2021
How come nobody just lays shit out in their review😭 like damn tell me if he cheats or has sex with OW rather than how compelling and captivating it was 😂 somebody help me please I just bought this Kindle I don't want to smash it because of a cheater
Profile Image for Bex (Beckie Bookworm).
2,517 reviews1,592 followers
August 26, 2020
Unholy Union Live Now


This is the first book in a duet and I enjoyed it immensely.
I was definitely left wanting more and can’t wait to read the conclusion of this gripping story which I believe is out in September so not long to wait.
This is mafia romance and focuses on Cristina Valentina and Damian Di Santo.
Christina’s brother and mother were killed in an accident when she was a child, her father a year later supposedly taking his own life.
She has since been raised by her uncle that is until the onset of her eighteenth birthday when she learns her whole life up until now has been a lie and she now belongs to Damien in atonement for her father's sins.
Cristina though innocent and ignorant of any wrongdoing herself is now collateral damage and at the mercy of Damien and his criminal family.
Damien himself struggles internally with his emotions regarding the young Cristina.
His need to protect constantly warring with his original intentions to make her pay in blood for her family’s mistakes, mistakes that have cost him dearly.
Damien most definitely isn’t a good man that much was obvious and there are things he regrets deeply, but I do still think that there is some light to be had, shady as it is and Cristina is potentially the only beacon holding him back from that steep edge.
Though I do think she herself is ignorant of this and Damien has managed to keep this well hidden from her.
I think he is afraid that he’s turning into his father whom he hates but I do think that Cristina is the key to stop that metamorphosis.
Cristina, I liked she was just the right blend of defiant without being overly reckless.
She stands up for herself but also seemed to recognize deep down that there are worse enemies than Damien and at least physically he hasn’t hurt her.
She may speak her mind and act out with him but when the chips are down she knows when to zip it tight.
Considering her young age here I was impressed with her resilience and ability to deal with Damien.
I also felt super sad that she had been essentially thrown to the wolves.
So this went where I thought it would in regards to Damiens's intentions and I’m excited to see where this will go next.
This one gets a big thumbs up from me I enjoyed it a lot.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of Unholy Union (Unholy Union #1).

Unholy Union Teaser 3


Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
Profile Image for ⋆Lara⋆.
112 reviews50 followers
September 22, 2020
DNF at 84%

Can't fault me for trying! Because I did try. Hard. But there's a limit up-to which I can tolerate characters with this wooden personality.

Like in every other crime romance where heroine is taken from her family as a debt on her eighteenth birthday and given to a monster hero who, by the way is a big big softy once you get past the exterior (because whatever, right?) and then they spend time together because criminal world? Ah! Hero's self employed so breaking bones can always wait. And then... super duper sex and whaddya know, heroine's a virgin! Viola! cue possessive dialogues. ahem, you're mine now!

Truly speaking, I was ready to buy this too. I totally was. But my god! Both the characters annoyed me to the end!

Heroine - Girl, I already forgot your name but please, either be sassy or badass or meek or whatever, just pick one! This flexible spine ain't working anymore.

Hero - Get some personality .

Story - Get some plot. Original.

Myself - Get some life. Or sleep. Whichever works for banishing this nightmare. Jeez.
Profile Image for Natalie  ~ The Biblioholic.
2,713 reviews1,419 followers
August 24, 2020
Unholy Union is dark, terrifying and delicious! Natasha Knight wrote a truly creepy, chilling, spine-tingling story that swept me away to a realm of secrets, murder, and captivity.

Cristina was just a young girl who had suffered unbearable losses and was trying to find her way. At eighteen, she knows a few things: she's alone in the world aside from her uncle and her cousins; she's enjoying her first year of college; and she'll be receiving a box with eight dead roses for her birthday.



It's been eight years since the night that changed her life. Eight years of being alone, of dealing with her loss, of mourning the memories of those she loved. Her life isn't great, but she never could have expected how much worse it could get. How could she even imagine that the accident that changed her life would continue to change it years later?



Cristina isn't the only one who's had to deal with the fallout of that accident. Damian's family, or what's left of it, has been left in pieces and he was the only one who stuck around to build their empire back up to their former glory. Damian became a man to be feared. He's got soldiers at his disposal, but he loves to get his hands dirty. And when the time comes for him to claim Cristina, to set in motion the revenge his father is looking for, he doesn't hesitate.



I lived for every interaction between Cristina and Damian. Her with her immature reactions, unreasonable stubbornness, and unrealistic expectations. Him with his calm under pressure, his dominance, and utter sex appeal. A huge part of me was hoping the author would push this story a little harder. I wanted Cristina to get hurt. I wanted for one of the times she stupidly ran her mouth, thinking she could get one over on Damian, that he'd really show her who's boss. But alas, it wasn't meant to be. But Damian did find ways to put her in her place and it was insanely fun to witness. I know, I know, it shouldn't be fun, but the author did an incredible job of making it quite enjoyable for me. From the banter to the hot tension to the glimpses of heart I got from this dark hero, I was delighted and I'm on edge waiting for the next part of this duet.

* Review of an ARC (thank you!) and the teasers are from the author *

For this review and more, check out below:
Profile Image for ❤️ Nanda ❤️.
781 reviews421 followers
September 5, 2020
❤️ Follow me on Instagram for my review's Edits 💋

This is a very intense (slow burn) story about a predator and his prey.

Cristina lost everything when she had 8 years old. Unfortunately for her, her daddy's sins put a target on her back. Damien also lost family, but he's the devil who doesn't wants to lose anything, so when Cristina turns 18, he's back to collect what he thinks it's his.

The pace, the angst, the suspense and all the evolution of the story and their intense connection, put me in the edge with this story and I cannot wait to see what's next for this unlikely couple (they're not really a couple).

I'm hoping for a closure as good as the start, and definitely with more steamy scenes.

ARC Reviewer

❤️ Follow me on Instagram for my review's Edits 💋
Profile Image for Mimiorphee.
695 reviews41 followers
August 24, 2020
"I want to look at her face, study it, this girl, this symbol of our hate. This vessel to absorb our rage."

That is the book I was waiting for while on vacation! Once again, Natasha Knight transported me into her magia workd I like so much. 

In Unholy Union, I met Damian, ruthless man set on a revenge mission after the tragedy that bound his and Cristina's families together. I loved the edge there is to him. His personality is as intruguing as compelling. Getting to know him, finding out the kind of life he went through unveiled many answers and shed the light on his dark traits.

"Opposites seem to collide inside him. Hard, then soft. Soothing, then hurting."

When challenged with Valentina's rebellious tone, the sparks are definitely lit, watch for the sexy scenes! Wow...these two main characters share a scorching hot chemistry. I loved reading Mrs Knight' s signature dub-con scenes! Her anti-heroes show no mercy but are also very caring and protective. Damian is the epitome of the tormentor / protector. Will Cristina's sassiness and determination be enough to disarm her abductor?

"It’s in her to fight. And it’s in me to win."

Fast paced, the storyline gripped me all along. I couldn't wait for the outcome of this first opus and at the same time, I didn't want the book to end. The author knows how to keep her readers longuing for more, we are lucky, Unholy Intent is comimg soon. I'll be there, I already can't wait! 


I VOLUNTARILY REVIEWED AN ARC COPY OF THIS BOOK. THANK YOU!!!
Profile Image for Cécile Smits .
1,460 reviews287 followers
August 17, 2020
After Unholy,The Beginning,i knew this was going to be a story i needed.
Seriously. Like my next breath.
Because it’s so delicious,so dark......just my kind of story. Natasha had mercy on me,and saved me by very generously gifting me the paperback ARC of Unholy Union.
A gift i am most grateful for.
Because it showed me it is exactly what i was hoping for,and more,so much more!



The time has come. Christina’s 18th birthday is here and Damian has come to collect what is his.
The man that confirmed all those years ago monsters don’t live in the dark.
Trying to run is useless,she finds that out the hard way.
And when she regains consciousness,she finds herself in the last place she wants to be,his house.
And even though he’s a monster,he warns her there are men even worse than him.
Living in that same house. Monsters that hate her far more than she hates him.
That are determined she’ll pay for the consequences of the car accident she was in when she was 9.....
Damian also explains what her uncle should’ve told her in the years she lived with him and his children,Liam and Simona.
Why her father is dead,and what is due because of him.
Showing glimpses of what the accident meant for him,besides the scars showing on his skin.
She tries to stay strong,tries to resist the feelings he evokes when he touches her.
But it soon becomes clear she won’t be able to resist the man she hates much longer.....and will give him freely what he demands of her.
In the meantime,one of the monsters he warned her about shows her why she should be afraid.
And another one is still out there......
Is Damian really the monster that she should fear most?
Or is he the one that could stand between her and those others that mean to break her? And worse....?
She ís still in one piece,he hás done her no real harm,but how long will it last?
Is there ány hope for her to come out of this alive?
Can Damian be HER monster,HER saviour?
Or will he turn out to be THE monster after all.....

Knowing what i know now,with all that is yet to come,the real question is....
Can i survive the suspense that is already trying to kill me?
Can i make it until september,until Unholy Intent,the final part of this delicious dark duet?

Profile Image for Diana.
690 reviews166 followers
August 26, 2020
goodreads-pic

I Ain't Gonna Hold On To These Monsters Anymore
*arc generously provided by the promo team in exchange for an honest review*

E93-BA481-E2-CB-4825-8-BA5-E62-C2922-F686

What’s this book about? (I'm trying to give as little spoilers as possible)
It's over for Christina. Damian is a monster. And he's the type that doesn't hide in the dark. Her time is up and he is coming to claim what's his.

This must be my third Knight read. And I can say that I liked it the MOST. Very strong start. Relatable characters. A bad guy that you love to hate and hate to love. But. Still. Very. Relatable. The chemistry is intense. The mystery and intrigue is on POINT. The situation is extreme. Their back and forth banter is incredibly entertaining. Their steamy scenes were fuego... And I fear that more is coming in book two. Be prepared.
I recommend this to all the forced marriage lovers, family betrayal seekers and intense chemistry admirers. This couple goes deep mentally and physically. I really liked their first book and I know that book two will be EXPLOSIVE. What a cliffy!

ORIGINAL COMMENT:
This book had bite. Can't wait for the sequel. Review coming soon.

Instagram
Facebook
Goodreads
Bookbub
Amazon
Profile Image for Kay's Blushing Book Reviews.
289 reviews288 followers
August 24, 2020

Once again Natasha has interrupted my household. I could not put Unholy Union down so piles of unfolded washing lay scattered across the dining table and we had takeout for tea AGAIN!

Natasha has a very clever talent of hooking in her reader from the very beginning.
Her anti-hero's walk a dangerously close line of unforgiving darkness, and Damien Di Santo is no exception.
His family is owed a debt, a life for a life. Cristina Valentina is the one that must pay.
Cristina challenges Damien however in ways he had never anticipated. She is stubborn and unaccepting of her circumstances despite the undeniable chemistry and the connection they share.

The mystery behind Damien's family and the secrets they have me very intrigued, I cannot wait to read the second book in the duet to get more answers and see how Damien and Cristina's story ends.
Profile Image for Snow.
2,323 reviews728 followers
September 17, 2020
Natasha Knight knows how to mask and intertwine the danger of unknown and sweet chill the atmosphere in the most darkishly tempting and intriguing way...lol

If you find yourself questioning - what the heck does that mean? - hahahah, yeah, wouldn't you like to know? *wink wink*

I'll tell you what, if you are intrigued by my sentence, then the only answer I have for you is, you should read the book and find out for yourself and have the possibility of being swept away by it as well! *winks once more*
Profile Image for Abstract ♥ Books.
1,281 reviews1,765 followers
August 15, 2020




ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS

line



'Unholy Union' is the first book of the 'Unholy Union Duet' by the best selling author Natasha Knight. Told in dual perspectives , this book was another memorable read by the queen of dark Romance for me!!!

I have read all the book of this author and she fails to stun me surprised by her amazing way of writing these delicious dark Romances. Damian and Christina had such a tale and I was captivated right from the start.

Damian met Christina when she was just 10 years old. The little girl saw the man with a scarred hand and thought that he was there to save her. What she didn't know was that , he was there to buy her as soon as she turned 18. Every year from that day , Christina received a rose from that man on her birthday as a marking of how many years of freedom she had left. I loved the suspenseful aspect of this story and this book had me yearning for more even after the last page!

On her 18th birthday , Christina was forced to go to Damian , who told her that she now belonged to him. He was deliciously dark and had this mysterious vibe about him. He said that he was the one shielding Christina from the true evil in his house , but she didn't know who to believe and Damian's actions stated otherwise. Family rivalry and past mistakes had these two keeping their hands off each other , but it was only for so long that they could deny the amazing attraction these two had between them! The ending of this book was a cliffhanger and I nearly cried at that!!

The ending was so amazing and I would trade anything to get my hands on the second book! A definite recommendation to all the dark Romance lovers out there! It is going to be torture waiting for the next book for a whole month now !!

My-Post-3
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Bookbub | My Blog
Profile Image for Jessica 🔮.
333 reviews314 followers
September 17, 2020
2.75 stars

Don't get me wrong this is definitely a solid dark tale but I can't give it an higher rating because while I was reading it this was my constant thought :
I've already read this story
I haven't read NK entire backlist but I can say that Unholy Union has the same arc/characters/dynamics as
Collateral
Damage
and
Taken
and
Salvatore

18 years old naïve, bratty, sheltered, virgin heroine ✅
Abusive Villains ✅
Italian Mob ✅
Traitorous Body Syndrome ✅
Revenge arc ✅
Family drama ✅

How many times can you read the same story before it gets boring ?

As I said before this wasn't a bad book and the writing was good.. If you usually like NK you'll probably enjoy this one.

PS :

This stretch of forest and mountain has belonged to the Di Santo family for almost four-hundred years.When my ancestor, Benjamin Di Santo, first built the house, it was a much humbler home. Every head of the family since him has added on to it, made it bigger, stronger, made our family more powerful.

The family goes back generations, more than four hundred years. The one in Upstate New York is the seat of the family, but they have several more homes all over the world.

I doubt there were any Italian immigrants living in New Jersey in 1620.
🙄
Profile Image for 25 Readings Or More.
789 reviews164 followers
August 17, 2020
OH. MY. GOD.
I was unbelievably happy when i found out Natasha Knight was about to release a new dark duet; i didn't even read the blurb i just added them on my TBR.
And well i was right: She is a evil little genius and i love her mind!!!

Unholy Union is the suspenseful dark story of Damian and Cristina.
The events of a tragic night linked their lives indissolubly.
That night left them both with deep scars (physically and emontionally).

"𝒲ℯ 𝒶𝓇ℯ 𝒸ℴ𝓃𝓃ℯ𝒸𝓉ℯ𝒹, 𝓈𝒽ℯ 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒾 . 𝒲ℯ 𝓌ℯ𝓇ℯ 𝒷ℴ𝓊𝓃𝒹, 𝒽𝒶𝓃𝒹𝒻𝒶𝓈𝓉ℯ𝒹, 𝓉𝒽ℯ 𝓃𝒾ℊ𝒽𝓉 ℴ𝒻 𝓉𝒽ℯ 𝒶𝒸𝒸𝒾𝒹ℯ𝓃𝓉".

Cristina is the innocent girl, who pays for the sins of her father.
Damian is the monster who seek revenge in his family' name.
Their relationship is complex: they hate each other, or better, they should hate each other but they are so alike; they can read each other like an open book.....
And then there is that invisible bound that keep pushing them together.

"𝒟𝒶𝓂𝒾𝒶𝓃 𝒶𝓃𝒹 ℐ 𝒶𝓇ℯ 𝓁ℴ𝒸𝓀ℯ𝒹 𝓉ℴℊℯ𝓉𝒽ℯ𝓇 𝒻ℴ𝓇 𝓈ℴ𝓂ℯ 𝓈𝓉𝓇𝒶𝓃ℊℯ, ℊ𝓇𝒾𝓂 𝓅𝓊𝓇𝓅ℴ𝓈ℯ".

But Damien is not the only monster she should fear, and at the end he could be her only salvation...
They say the evil you know ...

I really like Cristina because despite her situation she is strong enough to face Damien, but also smart enough to choose her battles.
But Damian is the one i'm in love with!!
He is such a big contraddiction: tough, cruel but also tender, lonely, regretful, vulnerable.
He feels unwanted and his feelings broke my heart.
The romance is a slow burn and the tension between the two of them is unbearable.
The secrets and the enemies lurking in the dark, waiting for the right time to attack, keep you on the edge and glued to the pages of this amazing book.
Profile Image for Jessica Alcazar.
4,394 reviews622 followers
August 25, 2020

HOLY GOD! I mean … H.O.L.Y. God. That was edgy and deliciously sexy and I’m going to need the next book yesterday! This is hands down one of my top dark romance reads this year. I am still a little twitchy (in a glorious way) thinking back to the storyline.

#FunFact: This is my first read by Natasha Knight and I give you permission to punish me for the error of my ways! What is wrong with me?! Also, I just spent a small fortune making sure I devour all her words!! Lol

Listen, this story is intense. It is edgy and dark and lustful and just ridiculously glorious. The story lives in dark shadows where lies and deceit wrap around plot twist after plot twist. I recommend you don’t try and figure anything out and just immerse yourself in the story because it will suck you in and not let go!!

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2DzV7uQ
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/39VJCua
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/31dA0ab
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/33hvyd4
B&N: https://bit.ly/2D8B8Uy
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2D5KBvR
Apple Books: https://apple.co/33lNyCV
Profile Image for Keri Loves Books.
1,247 reviews203 followers
August 10, 2020
This book had me hooked from The Beginning! A dark and twisted tale between a monster and the girl he took to settle a debt.

Cristina was just a little girl the first time she met her monster. Eight years later, the monster will become her reality. She thought the worst was behind her when she lost her family, now she is being forced to pay the price for the sins of her father.

Damian has been plotting his revenge for eight long years. He has a plan and Cristina is at the crux of it. He never expected the little girl he has been watching over for years, to become the beautiful woman he can't resist.

The only problem for Cristina is Damian is not the only monster that wants retribution. It's the devil you know versus the devil you don't. Cristina is not going to make anything easy. She will not just give them what they want. She fights Damian every step of the way, however he is the one she is drawn too. He is her captor, but he is also her protector.

I was completely wrapped up in this story of revenge. Cristina is bold and brave. She will do what needs to be done to protect what family she has left. Damian is intriguing. He has his secrets and a master plan. He is a formidable opponent and always gets what he wants. The sexual tension and chemistry between Damian and Cristina was OFF THE CHARTS HOTTT! He is drawn to her and her to him. The hate she should feel is twisting into something more. Cristina is struggling with her feelings of how she thinks she should act because it no longer feels right.

I enjoyed the back and forth between Damian and Cristina. They are evenly matched because Cristina never backs down. She's ready to fight till the end. I want more!!! I am eager to read the conclusion to this duet. A great foundation has been laid, I cannot wait to find out what's next.
Profile Image for Bookgasms Book Blog.
2,863 reviews1,564 followers
August 25, 2020
Gah! There is something about Natasha Knight's mafia stories that I am OBSESSED with. But her Arranged Marriage stories are by far my favorite. She has a finger on the pulse of what people love. Cristina and Damian were so delicious. Their story was sexy, edgy and full of the dark and decadently delicious chemistry Knight's stories always bring us!! I was consumed from the very first page!!

I absolutely loved this story. Forced to become the property of Damian Di Santo to satisfy a debt, Cristina Valentina's will is taken from her as she is now under Damian's control. But despite being young and inexperienced, she is by no means a pushover. I loved how strong she was and how she stood up to Damian and his dominance. 

Overall this was a fantastic read with a shocking ending. Knight knocked it out of the park with Unholy Union. I look forward to book two and more from this author in the future! Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula 
Profile Image for Lilith  *EUPHORIA_READS_*.
565 reviews197 followers
September 15, 2020
THE REVIEW FOR THE BOOK UNHOLY UNION BY NATASHA KNIGHT




GENRE:CONTEMPORARY DARK ROMANCE.
AUTHOR:NATASHA KNIGHT.
POV:DUAL POV...FIRST PERSON.
TYPE: BOOK #1 OF THE UNHOLY DUET.
MY RATING: 5 STARS.

CRISTINA has her destiny written in stone since she was 10 years old and was met with an accident where she lost her brother and mother. After her father suddenly committed suicide on the very night DAMIAN came to visit him...she had to leave her home to live with his uncle.
Now, on the night of her 18th Birthday, He is back for what he was owed from the start...
Secrets revealed ..hearts get broken...and a forced relation is formed!!


I have been following this author's writing for years...when I read the book SALVATORE, I knew she was going to be one of my favorites.
In this book, DAMIAN and CRISTINA'S RELATION was so breathtaking...The main character gave me the feeling of him being a devil to her...only to protect her from the world.
Every time they encounter, New secrets are revealed which just makes both of their world more complicated than before. Every new chapter brings new twists that will just shake our world.
One  Moment I am hating Damian, the next I am loving him. His character gives such whiplash that we can't help falling in love with him.
The scenes in this book are orchestrated in such a way to gives chills...the mansion scenes are just so spooky...
Overall, I was amazed by the first page until the last...
there is a cliffhanger warning...so move at your own risk!!!
because Cliffhanger just messed with head....but in a good way!!
Profile Image for mariasbookss_.
197 reviews243 followers
August 20, 2020

image: description

𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒚 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘.
𝑅𝐴𝑇𝐼𝑁𝐺:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒓𝒖𝒏, 𝑰'𝒍𝒍 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑰 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒘, 𝑪𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒂. 𝑭𝒐𝒓 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒔𝒆."

This book was yet another masterpiece by the one and only Natasha Knight.

Cristina Valentina was only ten when she met her monster, Damian Di Santo. Linked by a tragic accident that reshaped both their lives, now she is bound to pay for her father's sins and he shall seek revenge in the name of his family.

But Damian is not the only monster she should fear, and he might be as well the only one keeping her safe.

"...𝑩𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒆’𝒍𝒍 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝑰’𝒎 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒋𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒐𝒓, 𝑰’𝒎 𝒂𝒍𝒔𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒍 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒆."

I loved both Cristina and Damian. Cristina is a strong woman despite her young age, she is not stupid or naive. She knows she is in dangerous waters and in order to survive she needs to be smart and brave. As for Damian? SWOON. To say i loved his would be an understatement. He is cunning, lethal and ohh sooo dangerous. But the way he is with Cristina makes me giddy 😍

This book was everything, it was everything i loved and more. I seriously can't wait for the conclusion!
Profile Image for JD (on semi-hiatus).
984 reviews218 followers
September 15, 2020
This contains the prequel and the first volume of what will be an "unholy duet" sung by Cristina and Damian, whose lives were forever linked the night that her father killed his sister in a drunk-driving accident, leaving these two survivors scarred physically and emotionally. A decade after this tragedy, Damian reappears to take her life, Cristina thinks, in exchange for his sister's. But, while that may have been his original intent (the jury's still out on that one), it turns out that he has other plans for her. I do want to warn potential readers that this ends on a cliffhanger just as we discover what those plans are.

If you've ever read a Natasha Knight book before, you will know what to expect. In approximately fifteen books (but who's counting?), Ms. Knight has re-worked the same plot sprinkled with by now hoary tropes (enemies-to-lovers, forced marriage, "dark" mafia romance), featuring the same characters (the large, extended Italian mafia clan riddled with tension between the Oedipal father figure and his son or son-substitutes -- one dutiful, the other an outcast; the very sweet, very naïve, barely post-pubescent girl who, in true Gothic heroine fashion, has no clue why things go bump in the night; and the young, morally upright boy who is her only friend in the world); and set in the same locations (the large -- again Gothic -- mansion filled with locked doors, hidden rooms, and the occasional "madwoman in the attic" -- though it's not always a woman). Indeed, Ms. Knight is more influenced by the Gothic novel tradition than any other writer (and there are many) working in these sub-genres today.

So, if only the names have been changed (and just barely since they're all Italian), why do I bother reading endless iterations of the same book? Because the writing is strong enough to pull you into all the melodrama and excess (I'll add that "soap opera" is another large influence on these books): it is addicting.

In this particular duet, however, Ms. Knight does have her work cut out for her. For one thing, though she often includes D/s scenes in her books (her third major influence) as her H and h have a lot of "angry" and "make-up" sex, there's none here, so readers might be disappointed (I'll imagine she'll make up for this later). The second -- and for me, far more serious -- problem is that I spent the entire book wondering why Cristina didn't just kill herself and actually really hoping she would. I mean, seriously, what exactly does she have to hope for? or even live for? Her entire family is either dead, exiled, or perfidious; she's forced into a relationship with a man who helped kill her father (which she hears about in excruciating detail) and engages in illegal arms deals; she's told that she'll be killed after her year of "penance" elapses; and she's coerced into being the "face" of a corrupt charity that enables crooked politicians. I'll add that this last is what bothers me the most: perhaps it's the times that we live in, but that would have been the proverbial straw for me. Once you've lost your good name and enabled criminal activity that actively harms entire populations, then exactly what do you have to live for, much less "get wet" for?

So, I would say that if you like all the sub-genres I list above; don't mind cliffhangers; and feel invested in an H and h who fall into the usual push-pull pattern common in these generic books, you may enjoy this (newsflash, authors, your heroines don't fight as hard as you think they do). Certainly, I'll read the second, but I can already tell you exactly what will happen.

2 1/2 stars. On the one hand, I appreciated that Damian didn't rape Cristina; on the other, this contained one of my top pet peeves: the heroine is punished for reasonably objecting to being kidnapped ("How dare you fight me while I'm trying to carry you off?" is how this goes) -- in this case, the fact that Christina actually regretted defending herself was beyond ludicrous. And, finally, Damian is a complete failure as a so-called Alpha male: he was too inexplicably subservient to his father; it's suggested that he ; and any adult who sends a package of blood and dead roses to a child is simply a bully.

Just out of curiosity, I wonder if Ms. Knight has ever read Taylor Caldwell, whose depiction of hopelessly ruthless Darwinian societies is the fourth influence I see in her books.
Profile Image for Aղցela W..
4,518 reviews320 followers
September 4, 2020
This was book 1 in the "Unholy Union" duet. We first met Damian Di Santo and Cristina Valentine in the prequel to this series she was 10 years old he has waited 8 years to take her. I liked this book Cristina has lost her whole family her mother and brother died in a car accident that also injured members of the Di Santo family and the father wants revenge he was a mean nasty old man. This book read like a full length prequel. I liked that although Cristina is a virgin and naive she didn't know that he father was doing shady dealings and that Damian was paying her uncle to keep her safe. I liked her cousin Liam he had more backbone than his father. This book was long with no sex scenes in it. This book left off on a cliffhanger. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book.
Profile Image for Tai Nelson-Barnes.
2,833 reviews75 followers
September 3, 2020
27034655-SX540-png

Unholy Union is Natasha Knights' latest story and I have to say it is one of my favorites. Although it brought a few surprises forward. Unholy Union is a dark read with monsters hiding in every corner but the question is do you know who the real monster is?

Cristina is innocent in all of this. And you really feel for her. There is nothing about Cristina you won't like. She is sweet and doesn't understand why her life is being turned upside down on the whim of a man like Damian.

Damian and his family are pure evil. But Damian truly believes he is the lesser of his family and that he must continue to follow in the footsteps set for him so that things will not be so bad for Cristina. But what happens to these two when things are taken out of both of their hands? Will they be able to handle the consequences of their choices?

I can not wait for the next book Unholy Intent!
Profile Image for Melissa Crump.
631 reviews75 followers
July 1, 2020
Hello dark, dangerous and delicious!!!! What a story! Holy cow! This book is woven so perfectly with threads of darkness, possessiveness, and power. Dark and divine. Man this book was everything. I cannot wait for the conclusion.
Profile Image for Christine B.
554 reviews102 followers
July 31, 2021
Eight years ago Cristina was bonded to me by one devastating crash. Now the Valentine's owe the Di Santo their lives because of the mistake her father made that day. Exactly one year later the Di Santo family comes to collect their debt. However, Joseph Valentina makes a sacrifice to give Cristina his only living daughter eight more years "Are you a monster". Now Cristina belongs to Damien Di Santo and she will learn I am her monster.
Profile Image for Rhonda Ziglar.
4,389 reviews41 followers
August 25, 2020
5 HOLY SMOKES STARS!! Holy smokes....this book through me On my head....in a good way. I can't get enough of Cristina and Damian....I was addicted to their story. Dark and delicious, I NEED MORE. Natasha Knight know how to do it.....and she did it RIGHT. This author is one of my favorites and always a one click for me.
Profile Image for MissPetiteBrunetteBookBlog.
1,403 reviews262 followers
August 25, 2020
On Cristina Valentina’s 18th birthday, her life as she knows it will change forever. A debt for her father’s crime is what’s owed and she is the prize for Damian Di Santo. The name Di Santo causes fear all around but Cristina can’t let him see it in her. He wants revenge and Cristina wants answers. Her life was a lie...but can she make it right? Can these enemies ever become more? They both have tragic pasts that intertwine and both are stubborn to the core. What an outstanding enemies to lovers dark romance! Damian is what we all want in a dark, mysterious lead! This story drags you in from the very first page and doesn’t let go! I loved every second of this gritty romance but it does end a cliffhanger so get ready! Told in dual POV

Teaser
📸 Teaser Collage by Miss Petite Brunette Book Blog
Profile Image for Debra Johnson.
11k reviews179 followers
March 24, 2024
3.5
Sorry, but after reading the last book in this duet, I have to bring my rating down just a bit. That will also cause it to go to 3 stars instead of 4.

I'm a little disappointed. I expected things to move faster and more time to pass.
I love Damian & I like Cristina.
There is a lot of Mystery, Crime & Intrigue.

It is interesting but the steam is virtually non-existent. Very little in that area happens.
Slow paced & repetitive in a few areas. This read more like a very long 'Introduction' to the characters etc.

I am going to read the 2nd book, Unholy Intent. There is a lot that seems to be going on and I want to know the answers to my questions.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 404 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.