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Underworld Kings #17
Cruel God
My name is Rex Cain…but you can call me god.
I am the ruler of the Cain empire—a legacy built from the blood and bone of others. Here in my kingdom, only the strongest survive, and only the wicked can thrive.
That’s why I took my father’s life before he had a chance to take mine. But my life doesn’t flow through my veins. It flows through hers, the girl he tried to take from me. The woman I’ve stained my hands in blood for.
My most prized possession.
My weakness.
My butterfly.
She thinks I’m her savior, and I’ll burn kingdoms to the ground to keep it that way.
While she waits for me on her knees, I’m a king who reigns without mercy. While she obeys my every command, I’m a dictator who starts wars. And while she breathes, I’m a man with something to lose.
My name is Rex Cain, and she is my Hope.
❉ Authors Note: Cruel God is a dark romance not intended for sensitive readers. If you’re looking for a romance with a hero who has redeemable qualities and a strong heroine who rises from the ashes, then this book is not for you. Cruel God is a standalone romance with a happily-ever-after ending for flawed and broken characters. But if you expect a HEA with declarations of love topped with unicorns and rainbows, then again…this book is not for you.
I am the ruler of the Cain empire—a legacy built from the blood and bone of others. Here in my kingdom, only the strongest survive, and only the wicked can thrive.
That’s why I took my father’s life before he had a chance to take mine. But my life doesn’t flow through my veins. It flows through hers, the girl he tried to take from me. The woman I’ve stained my hands in blood for.
My most prized possession.
My weakness.
My butterfly.
She thinks I’m her savior, and I’ll burn kingdoms to the ground to keep it that way.
While she waits for me on her knees, I’m a king who reigns without mercy. While she obeys my every command, I’m a dictator who starts wars. And while she breathes, I’m a man with something to lose.
My name is Rex Cain, and she is my Hope.
❉ Authors Note: Cruel God is a dark romance not intended for sensitive readers. If you’re looking for a romance with a hero who has redeemable qualities and a strong heroine who rises from the ashes, then this book is not for you. Cruel God is a standalone romance with a happily-ever-after ending for flawed and broken characters. But if you expect a HEA with declarations of love topped with unicorns and rainbows, then again…this book is not for you.
237 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 22, 2021
212 people are currently reading
1360 people want to read
About the author
Bella J.
57 books2,049 followersBella J. is an International and Amazon top 100 bestselling author.
Writing DARK ROMANCE with twists, Bella has an affinity for the ruthless men of the MAFIA world and weaves tales that will leave you breathless and questioning your own moral compass.
When she's not busy creating worlds where danger and romance dance a tango, you can find Bella soaking up the sun in the vibrant city of Cape Town, South Africa. Her writing lair is occasionally invaded by her husband, two kids, and a basset hound who reigns supreme.
A firm believer that laughter is the best medicine, Bella infuses her fictional dark worlds with some wit and humor that peppers her novels.
So buckle up for a thrilling ride through the shadows of romance where happily ever afters have a dark side.
Writing DARK ROMANCE with twists, Bella has an affinity for the ruthless men of the MAFIA world and weaves tales that will leave you breathless and questioning your own moral compass.
When she's not busy creating worlds where danger and romance dance a tango, you can find Bella soaking up the sun in the vibrant city of Cape Town, South Africa. Her writing lair is occasionally invaded by her husband, two kids, and a basset hound who reigns supreme.
A firm believer that laughter is the best medicine, Bella infuses her fictional dark worlds with some wit and humor that peppers her novels.
So buckle up for a thrilling ride through the shadows of romance where happily ever afters have a dark side.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
November 10, 2023
i don’t want to talk about it; i don’t even want to think about it.
by some godawful miracle, though, i couldn’t for the life of me stop reading until i, albeit still in a trance-like state, realized i had somehow gotten to the end of the novel. in all transparency, one of my all-time favorite novels is categorized by the author herself as not even just a dark romance, but rather a dark erotic novel, because, yes, there is a difference, in her author’s note/at the beginning of the novel. so, going on off of that, to label this, cruel god, a dark romance, when its content is arguably worse than that of my aforementioned favorite novel’s? i’m not even a particularly sensitive reader, and i’m a seasoned dark romance reader, but to be reading a novel so audaciously brimful of the following triggers, and not only label it dark romance, but to romanticize it? i can count on one hand how many of my reads have made me sick to my stomach, and this one is one of them.
trigger warning: child abuse, child trafficking, dub con, kidnapping, non con, psychological abuse, violence, and more.
by some godawful miracle, though, i couldn’t for the life of me stop reading until i, albeit still in a trance-like state, realized i had somehow gotten to the end of the novel. in all transparency, one of my all-time favorite novels is categorized by the author herself as not even just a dark romance, but rather a dark erotic novel, because, yes, there is a difference, in her author’s note/at the beginning of the novel. so, going on off of that, to label this, cruel god, a dark romance, when its content is arguably worse than that of my aforementioned favorite novel’s? i’m not even a particularly sensitive reader, and i’m a seasoned dark romance reader, but to be reading a novel so audaciously brimful of the following triggers, and not only label it dark romance, but to romanticize it? i can count on one hand how many of my reads have made me sick to my stomach, and this one is one of them.
trigger warning: child abuse, child trafficking, dub con, kidnapping, non con, psychological abuse, violence, and more.
dnf-nope
November 26, 2021Not safe at all.
DNF 27%
She was abducted when she was little, maybe 13 years old something like that.
She was kept in a house with more slaves, she was beaten,raped multiple times.
We have our hero, son of the monster that started this legacy of master and submisive trainings of slaves.
He hated his father methods but he is also forced to some tests by his father to prove him self, mind you, he was like around 14 when he started to see what his father do.
Up to this point i was ok, i mean, it's dark, the abuse was mostly off page, the parts where the hero needed to prove himself he talked the h trough it, and they both had a connection and a trust, he protected her the way he could, until finally he ''won '' her as his alone , and killed his father...
Here is where this story started to bother me other than the obvious things i didn't like from above but whatever, if you give me a good H that is devoted to the h no matter the ugly circumstances i can like a story like this BUT HE fucking let other submissives PLEASURE HIM, because it was his duty as a master to let them show him their submission. I FUCKING GAGGED ! i could've somewhat get over it if he did that to still prove himself for his father BUT NOT AFTER!!! he could've just let those go! i don't care if he enjoyed only the h, and wanted only the h, for me is cheating even if their relationship wasn't out of love, he was indeed her master too, all the book.
So nope, i closed and fucking DNF'd it.
I didn't give a rating also because the author indeed said what we get our selfs into. And to not have hopes about a perfect HEA, perfect relationship ( there isn't even a relationship or connection other than master and sub...) so yeah.
DNF 27%
She was abducted when she was little, maybe 13 years old something like that.
She was kept in a house with more slaves, she was beaten,raped multiple times.
We have our hero, son of the monster that started this legacy of master and submisive trainings of slaves.
He hated his father methods but he is also forced to some tests by his father to prove him self, mind you, he was like around 14 when he started to see what his father do.
Up to this point i was ok, i mean, it's dark, the abuse was mostly off page, the parts where the hero needed to prove himself he talked the h trough it, and they both had a connection and a trust, he protected her the way he could, until finally he ''won '' her as his alone , and killed his father...
Here is where this story started to bother me other than the obvious things i didn't like from above but whatever, if you give me a good H that is devoted to the h no matter the ugly circumstances i can like a story like this BUT HE fucking let other submissives PLEASURE HIM, because it was his duty as a master to let them show him their submission. I FUCKING GAGGED ! i could've somewhat get over it if he did that to still prove himself for his father BUT NOT AFTER!!! he could've just let those go! i don't care if he enjoyed only the h, and wanted only the h, for me is cheating even if their relationship wasn't out of love, he was indeed her master too, all the book.
So nope, i closed and fucking DNF'd it.
I didn't give a rating also because the author indeed said what we get our selfs into. And to not have hopes about a perfect HEA, perfect relationship ( there isn't even a relationship or connection other than master and sub...) so yeah.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2021
4.5 stars
Intense and soul-searing
“I want everything you have to give. I want your body, your mind, your soul, your memories. I want your happiness and your sorrow, your joy and your pain. I want you to be nothing without me.
Do you understand the magnitude of that? Of what it means when I say I want. Every. Thing?”
-Rex Cain
While her brother Colton studies rather watch his sister, on that defining fateful day Hope Riggins is abducted along with best friend Lily. They are raised and trained as part of a human trade. Rex Cain is drawn to Hope, and seemingly she to him soon, but he must earn her, become the darkness that lurks inside him, as well as overcome other malignant power plays.
Uncharacteristic and creative, this story is relayed in almost exclusively Rex’s, the antihero’s perspective, his thoughts, his feelings, and his megalomania. He is god in this world and revels his authority. Simultaneously, he must have complete control over his butterfly, Hope, his obsession, his light with whom he maintains a D/s relationship. She is equally, blindingly beholden to him.
With the exception of a few character scenes — Hope’s brother, Colton and pet Piper portraying the most; Xander, Rex’s head of security; and Anatoli and Lilith in the trade society, primary character development is largely Rex’s, and told from his point of view in a series of past and present scenes which alluringly colored the story. I got a flavor is his often unbalanced but cooly controlled, unapologetic behavior — dark vs light, indulgent vs punishing. Though he doesn’t realize it, you come to recognize a man fiercely, obsessively and protectively in love with his butterfly. Hope’s PoV is surprisingly strong and unwavering in her devotion and love toward her master, Rex and softly balances Rex’s more dominating, crazy tone.
A fair amount of steam of the bdsm variety and the story was fairly progressive if a bit too mired in Rex’s inner dialogue, the expression of which sometimes conveying as repetitive thoughts. I attribute that partly to style and partly to Rex’s being solitary when not with Hope or Colton (after his arrival), and in some ways it embellished his god-like mentality.
Stockholm syndrome? Butterfly effect? We are right now who we’ve become from our life experiences that we cannot change. A gutting thought and a moving story especially in light of Hope's decisions, it was creatively written, stylistically unique, two souls whose dynamic inherently matched. Some unanswered questions remain, and the ending was rather abrupt. I want to read move about Rex and Hope. What of the business? Who was Hope’s father? Did Colton and Piper love each other?
A psychologically and, I dare say, spiritually, dark book with the emotional pull of tragedy, I am left some kind of way after having read it: disturbed but quietly, uncomfortably joyful.
“I want to own the light inside you, Butterfly. I want you to breathe me. I want to be your *** sun and moon. Your King.”
- Rex Cain
Intense and soul-searing
“I want everything you have to give. I want your body, your mind, your soul, your memories. I want your happiness and your sorrow, your joy and your pain. I want you to be nothing without me.
Do you understand the magnitude of that? Of what it means when I say I want. Every. Thing?”
-Rex Cain
While her brother Colton studies rather watch his sister, on that defining fateful day Hope Riggins is abducted along with best friend Lily. They are raised and trained as part of a human trade. Rex Cain is drawn to Hope, and seemingly she to him soon, but he must earn her, become the darkness that lurks inside him, as well as overcome other malignant power plays.
Uncharacteristic and creative, this story is relayed in almost exclusively Rex’s, the antihero’s perspective, his thoughts, his feelings, and his megalomania. He is god in this world and revels his authority. Simultaneously, he must have complete control over his butterfly, Hope, his obsession, his light with whom he maintains a D/s relationship. She is equally, blindingly beholden to him.
With the exception of a few character scenes — Hope’s brother, Colton and pet Piper portraying the most; Xander, Rex’s head of security; and Anatoli and Lilith in the trade society, primary character development is largely Rex’s, and told from his point of view in a series of past and present scenes which alluringly colored the story. I got a flavor is his often unbalanced but cooly controlled, unapologetic behavior — dark vs light, indulgent vs punishing. Though he doesn’t realize it, you come to recognize a man fiercely, obsessively and protectively in love with his butterfly. Hope’s PoV is surprisingly strong and unwavering in her devotion and love toward her master, Rex and softly balances Rex’s more dominating, crazy tone.
A fair amount of steam of the bdsm variety and the story was fairly progressive if a bit too mired in Rex’s inner dialogue, the expression of which sometimes conveying as repetitive thoughts. I attribute that partly to style and partly to Rex’s being solitary when not with Hope or Colton (after his arrival), and in some ways it embellished his god-like mentality.
Stockholm syndrome? Butterfly effect? We are right now who we’ve become from our life experiences that we cannot change. A gutting thought and a moving story especially in light of Hope's decisions, it was creatively written, stylistically unique, two souls whose dynamic inherently matched. Some unanswered questions remain, and the ending was rather abrupt. I want to read move about Rex and Hope. What of the business? Who was Hope’s father? Did Colton and Piper love each other?
A psychologically and, I dare say, spiritually, dark book with the emotional pull of tragedy, I am left some kind of way after having read it: disturbed but quietly, uncomfortably joyful.
“I want to own the light inside you, Butterfly. I want you to breathe me. I want to be your *** sun and moon. Your King.”
- Rex Cain
November 26, 2021
Actually this wasn't a fulfilling experience like I have expected, well hoped, it would be...
It missed the mark with the whole notion of "connection", for me, it lacked the palpable sense of it, it needed smth more than the words written about the actual connection, I simply didn't feel it...at least not in the shape (love) that it was insinuated...
For me, that was NOT love, or maybe it was...*shrugs* who am I to judge...
I felt all the other things, though, LOL..it was dark, deprived, devious, lustful, sexually challenging and conniving yet deceiving, a hard mental fuck too...LOL
All in all, well written, I just disagree with the emotional notion presented, I would much rather have it dark to the fullest with Stockholm sindrom as such without romantisizing it at all...
It missed the mark with the whole notion of "connection", for me, it lacked the palpable sense of it, it needed smth more than the words written about the actual connection, I simply didn't feel it...at least not in the shape (love) that it was insinuated...
For me, that was NOT love, or maybe it was...*shrugs* who am I to judge...
I felt all the other things, though, LOL..it was dark, deprived, devious, lustful, sexually challenging and conniving yet deceiving, a hard mental fuck too...LOL
All in all, well written, I just disagree with the emotional notion presented, I would much rather have it dark to the fullest with Stockholm sindrom as such without romantisizing it at all...
November 20, 2021
Dark romance is rarely so painfully beautiful, depraved and captivating as Cruel God by Bella J. This is a story of unashamed need, overwhelming darkness and beyond filthy passion. Rex Cain is a monster with unapologetic cruelty and dominance and he is so much more complex than an antihero. My heart is a mess and I can definitely say my heart loves all the broken perfection in this story.
.
This story is told almost exclusively with Rex Cain's POV and that was absolutely stunning. Rex has inherired his sick father's empire of sex slaves and human trafficking even after he hated his father venomously. Because of his butterfly. Hope Riggs. The brown eyed and brown haired innocent beauty he owns and kept away from everyone else. Till the right time comes to show her to the world. The pawns are in place.
.
Please read the description and warning in the blurb before you start because it deals with really sensitive and triggering situations and circumstances. Don't venture lightly because you like dark romance. Because trust me, I have read a lot and yet, the author had me questioning if my heart and mind is sane enough. Because there should be nothing romantic in the way Rex keeps Hope secluded and captured and how he enjoys playing with her body and mind. Here is the thing: the author brought out the complex brutality so so perfectly here. Their dynamics is not only a master and a pet. Rex needs her light to keep his monsters in control and he needs her to let his demons unleash at the same time. And Hope needs his darkness, his torture and his tenderness like a drug. It's a fascinating and depraved connection where the power is not one sided. The lies and secrets and deceptions kept me on the edge of the seat. The author takes you directly in head of an antihero who is prisoner to his own destructive desires. The top alpha. Feared by everyone. Corrupt. Vile. Powerful. And completely addictive. You need to experience it yourself to look into the layers of a dark hero. And that ending was no less than a fairytale..in the most twisted way.
.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
.
This story is told almost exclusively with Rex Cain's POV and that was absolutely stunning. Rex has inherired his sick father's empire of sex slaves and human trafficking even after he hated his father venomously. Because of his butterfly. Hope Riggs. The brown eyed and brown haired innocent beauty he owns and kept away from everyone else. Till the right time comes to show her to the world. The pawns are in place.
.
Please read the description and warning in the blurb before you start because it deals with really sensitive and triggering situations and circumstances. Don't venture lightly because you like dark romance. Because trust me, I have read a lot and yet, the author had me questioning if my heart and mind is sane enough. Because there should be nothing romantic in the way Rex keeps Hope secluded and captured and how he enjoys playing with her body and mind. Here is the thing: the author brought out the complex brutality so so perfectly here. Their dynamics is not only a master and a pet. Rex needs her light to keep his monsters in control and he needs her to let his demons unleash at the same time. And Hope needs his darkness, his torture and his tenderness like a drug. It's a fascinating and depraved connection where the power is not one sided. The lies and secrets and deceptions kept me on the edge of the seat. The author takes you directly in head of an antihero who is prisoner to his own destructive desires. The top alpha. Feared by everyone. Corrupt. Vile. Powerful. And completely addictive. You need to experience it yourself to look into the layers of a dark hero. And that ending was no less than a fairytale..in the most twisted way.
.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
November 22, 2021
GET READY FOR A PITCH BLACK DARK RIDE AHEAD 😍😍
Undoubtedly Bella J is one of my favorite authors and I've read all her books. BUT I'D BEEN WAITING FOR REX'S STORY FOR YEARS after reading that crazy twist at the end of Shattered Duet & YET I NEVER WOULD HAVE EXPECTED TO BE TAKEN ON A RIDE SO DARK & TWISTED I DIDN'T KNOW IF THE HERO COULD EVEN BE REDEEMED.
Rex is such a Twisted and complicated and complex man. He's dark, yes, but also charmingly laid back, self assured and does twisted things as if you would a mundane task.
I had no hope for him because LET ME TELL YOU IT WAS MORE THAN DIFFICULT TO EVEN LIKE SUCH A DRASTIC PERSONALITY. To justify his wickedness and mind games.
BUT OH MY FREAKING GOODNESS.. DOES BELLA J THREW CURVEBALLS.
Very brilliantly interspersed within the chapters is Rex of today and his cruelty and Rex of the past, a completely different person.
And we get to see How a person like Rex became what he is today by losing a piece of his soul every day for years under his father's brutality.
As much as I hated what he was today, I also felt horribly and cried for the beautiful human who's very essence was burned in the fire of his past hell.
THIS ONE WILL PUSH YOU BEYOND YOUR LIMITS BUT IS SUCH A BRILLIANTLY WRITTEN DARK READ THAT NOT ONLY TESTED ME BUT BEHOLD MADE ME FEEL FOR A LIVING, BREATHING DEVIL FORM, REX.
Also let's talks about his obsession with his most precious. It was truly fascinating, Rex and Hope, the twisted and unconventional relationship they have. But the heat between them.. Oh my.. 🌶️🌶️🌶️😲🔥🔥🔥
Also the many mind games that Rex plays with Colton and then there is Piper.
AHH.. What a challenging, absolutely twisted and dark read this one was. Loved loved this one. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Undoubtedly Bella J is one of my favorite authors and I've read all her books. BUT I'D BEEN WAITING FOR REX'S STORY FOR YEARS after reading that crazy twist at the end of Shattered Duet & YET I NEVER WOULD HAVE EXPECTED TO BE TAKEN ON A RIDE SO DARK & TWISTED I DIDN'T KNOW IF THE HERO COULD EVEN BE REDEEMED.
Rex is such a Twisted and complicated and complex man. He's dark, yes, but also charmingly laid back, self assured and does twisted things as if you would a mundane task.
I had no hope for him because LET ME TELL YOU IT WAS MORE THAN DIFFICULT TO EVEN LIKE SUCH A DRASTIC PERSONALITY. To justify his wickedness and mind games.
BUT OH MY FREAKING GOODNESS.. DOES BELLA J THREW CURVEBALLS.
Very brilliantly interspersed within the chapters is Rex of today and his cruelty and Rex of the past, a completely different person.
And we get to see How a person like Rex became what he is today by losing a piece of his soul every day for years under his father's brutality.
As much as I hated what he was today, I also felt horribly and cried for the beautiful human who's very essence was burned in the fire of his past hell.
THIS ONE WILL PUSH YOU BEYOND YOUR LIMITS BUT IS SUCH A BRILLIANTLY WRITTEN DARK READ THAT NOT ONLY TESTED ME BUT BEHOLD MADE ME FEEL FOR A LIVING, BREATHING DEVIL FORM, REX.
Also let's talks about his obsession with his most precious. It was truly fascinating, Rex and Hope, the twisted and unconventional relationship they have. But the heat between them.. Oh my.. 🌶️🌶️🌶️😲🔥🔥🔥
Also the many mind games that Rex plays with Colton and then there is Piper.
AHH.. What a challenging, absolutely twisted and dark read this one was. Loved loved this one. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
November 23, 2021
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
My name is Rex Cain...but you can call me god. I'm the ruler of the Cain empire-a legacy built from the blood and bone of others. Here in my kingdom, only the strongest survive, and only the wicked can thrive. That's why I took my father's life before he had a chance to take mine. But my life doesn't flow through my veins. It flows through hers, the girl he tried to take from me. The woman I've stained my hands in blood for . My most prized possession. My weakness. My buttI aerfly. She think I'm her savior, and I'll burn kingdoms to the ground to keep it that way. While she waits for me on her knees, I'm a king who reigns without mercy. While she obeys my every command, I'm a dictator who starts wars. And while she breathes, I'm a man with something to lose. My names in Rex Cain, and she is my Hope.
Cruel God is a dark romance. It will hold some triggers for some readers and you need to heed the warnings before diving in to this book.
I am going to start this review off by saying that I am a dark romance loving girl and I read a lot of them. I love that they push my boundaries and I love that they make me work for it at times to get to the end. But, with that said I know this is Bella J's darkest romance to date. I have read ever single one of her books and this one is just breathtaking. This is the story of Rex Cain and his Hope. Rex is a man who in an unapologetic cruel dominant man but he is a really complex antihero at the same time. He's an antihero that is going to steal your heart. That is a fact. I loved too that this book was told mainly from Rex's point of view. I love when we get the man point of view because it is so rare that the men tells the story. This is a man who has inherited his father's sex slave empire even thought he really couldn't stand his father with a passion. But he has a butterfly and girl that has been with him and he has hidden from everyone. Hope Riggs. His brown eyed brunette that he would burn the world for it he needed to. Or at least that is what I think. But he can't keep her hidden forever and now all the pawn or in place the time has come.... I could talk about this book all day long but I do not want to ruin it for anyone else. I loved this book so much and I am still in book hangover mode and will be for a few days I am sure. If you love your books very very dark then you do not want to miss this one.
My name is Rex Cain...but you can call me god. I'm the ruler of the Cain empire-a legacy built from the blood and bone of others. Here in my kingdom, only the strongest survive, and only the wicked can thrive. That's why I took my father's life before he had a chance to take mine. But my life doesn't flow through my veins. It flows through hers, the girl he tried to take from me. The woman I've stained my hands in blood for . My most prized possession. My weakness. My buttI aerfly. She think I'm her savior, and I'll burn kingdoms to the ground to keep it that way. While she waits for me on her knees, I'm a king who reigns without mercy. While she obeys my every command, I'm a dictator who starts wars. And while she breathes, I'm a man with something to lose. My names in Rex Cain, and she is my Hope.
Cruel God is a dark romance. It will hold some triggers for some readers and you need to heed the warnings before diving in to this book.
I am going to start this review off by saying that I am a dark romance loving girl and I read a lot of them. I love that they push my boundaries and I love that they make me work for it at times to get to the end. But, with that said I know this is Bella J's darkest romance to date. I have read ever single one of her books and this one is just breathtaking. This is the story of Rex Cain and his Hope. Rex is a man who in an unapologetic cruel dominant man but he is a really complex antihero at the same time. He's an antihero that is going to steal your heart. That is a fact. I loved too that this book was told mainly from Rex's point of view. I love when we get the man point of view because it is so rare that the men tells the story. This is a man who has inherited his father's sex slave empire even thought he really couldn't stand his father with a passion. But he has a butterfly and girl that has been with him and he has hidden from everyone. Hope Riggs. His brown eyed brunette that he would burn the world for it he needed to. Or at least that is what I think. But he can't keep her hidden forever and now all the pawn or in place the time has come.... I could talk about this book all day long but I do not want to ruin it for anyone else. I loved this book so much and I am still in book hangover mode and will be for a few days I am sure. If you love your books very very dark then you do not want to miss this one.
November 20, 2021
Cruel God (Underworld Kings Series) by Bella J. Rex is a product of a ruthless father whose business is the sex trade. As he teaches Rex the ways of the family business, Rex turns into his father except for Hope. Snatched off the street at 12 years old she catches the eye of Rex. Throughout his time learning the family business Hope has always a hold on him. Rex will kill anyone who gets in his way of having Hope for himself. Initially I had a had time with this story and Rex. Yes, this was definitely a dark story and is not for the faint of heart. Reading about what Rex endured growing up with his father and the family business was more than ruthless at times. His father was a sick depraved monster. Rex struggled with how he felt about Hope but that didn't stop him from acting how his father taught him. Rex's actions had me cringing at times. I continued reading the story hoping my feelings for Rex would change or he would get his in the end. Boy was I surprised by how this story ended. The ending was everything for me. A fabulous conclusion to a dark and depraved story. 4 stars for me.
November 22, 2021
Oh my, this is a dark dark read, but oh so delicious, especially if you like dark reads. Take the warning in the blurb. There is definitely no rainbows or unicorns in this read. Rex is one delicious anti-hero that I loved. This read os dark, twisted, and I loved it. Bella took me on one heck of a ride with the twists and turns. Rex and Hope’s story is filled with darkness,torment, twisted scenes, tragedy, hurt, lust, some suspense, and some hot af scenes. You can see and feel the connection that the Master has with his submissive. Rex will do whatever it takes to keep his Butterfly. I don’t want to say too much and give something away, but if you like dark dark reads, snap this right up. If you are squeamish about the darkness, then you should pass this one up.
““Butterfly wings have an iridescent glow that have the power to captivate the eye of the most hardened man. The way it flaps its wings, it stirs serenity with a beauty that has no place in this ugly world.” I leaned down, barely touching her lips with mine. “You are the beauty in my ugly world.””
““Butterfly wings have an iridescent glow that have the power to captivate the eye of the most hardened man. The way it flaps its wings, it stirs serenity with a beauty that has no place in this ugly world.” I leaned down, barely touching her lips with mine. “You are the beauty in my ugly world.””
November 19, 2021
OMG OMG OMG
Cruel God is the darkest, most intense read of the year!!!!!!!
Yes there are trigger warnings, so be sure this type of book is for you before you open it.
Because once you do, you can't come back. You will be sucked into Rex's world and you (like everyone else) won't be able to leave.
Rex is not a nice man. He doesn't give a shit, either. There is one thing that motivates him to do every little thing he does, and that is his pet, Hope.
He is a protector and lover in his own screwed up way.
And I freaking loved every filthy bit of it.
Cruel God is the darkest, most intense read of the year!!!!!!!
Yes there are trigger warnings, so be sure this type of book is for you before you open it.
Because once you do, you can't come back. You will be sucked into Rex's world and you (like everyone else) won't be able to leave.
Rex is not a nice man. He doesn't give a shit, either. There is one thing that motivates him to do every little thing he does, and that is his pet, Hope.
He is a protector and lover in his own screwed up way.
And I freaking loved every filthy bit of it.
May 27, 2022
WTF Did I just read?!
Girl gets kidnapped at the age of 10, with her best friend to be trafficked. Now a decade or so later; she is one of the trafficker's pet; while her bff is also his side piece - but they don't know or remember one another?
This shit was so unbelievable it had me chuckling - then the author decides to just end the book in the middle of it, rushed it, and bam you have a 1-star review.
The brother scenario was far-fetched, someone who spent so long looking, to just give up so quickly? Yea, not worth it.
Girl gets kidnapped at the age of 10, with her best friend to be trafficked. Now a decade or so later; she is one of the trafficker's pet; while her bff is also his side piece - but they don't know or remember one another?
This shit was so unbelievable it had me chuckling - then the author decides to just end the book in the middle of it, rushed it, and bam you have a 1-star review.
The brother scenario was far-fetched, someone who spent so long looking, to just give up so quickly? Yea, not worth it.
November 22, 2021
Omg this book was sooo damn good I couldn't put it down the whole time. Man talk about dark & freaking intense I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop between Colton and Rex this lil cat and mouse game they were playing and in the middle is Hope. I'm not going to give things away you just need to read this book and yes there are triggers, so if you have any you need to skip this book.
November 22, 2021
Wow this book. For the first time I can think of this book is told mostly in the man's pov. This book is intense and please read the triggers. I could not put this book down it was so good.
November 30, 2021
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
Star Rating : 4/5 Stars
POV : Dual
Cliffhanger : None
Hero : Rex
Pace of the story : Moderate
Angst Rating : 5/10
Heat Rating : 6/10
Triggers Involved : Kidnapping , Slave Training , S & M , Past Trauma
Review :
Rex Cain is here! Damn, I have been waiting for this man for a very very long time. The book was as crazy as I expected it to be. There were so many freaking triggers and lots of wtf moments but the book definitely kept me hooked till the very end.
Rex is what you would call the master of games. There is nothing the man does not know or cannot interpret. Crossing him would be a crime worse than death and there is only person who sees him for more than the monster he is. But his past makes him more twisted than anyone and now his little butterfly is stuck with him. She won't be going anywhere until he is done with her and there is no way he will let anyone take her from him. He will kill that person. Even if that person was her own brother.
Okkkk. So this book was a huge dose of crazy for me. I am warning you guys, if you like a strong heroine who fights back and a hero who eventually realises the error of his ways, DO NOT READ THIS BOOK. The hero in this book was crazy but that didn't surprise me as much as the craziness the heroine of this book had!! It was just… I have no words lol. They both are and perfect for each other and I pity anyone who comes in their way.
Definitely recommending this book to all the dark romance loving people out there. This one has a lot of triggers like Kidnapping, S and M, crazy hero and so much more!
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March 6, 2022
As always, Bella J. brings her best with this mafia story. Cruel God is part of the Underworld Kings, and Bella keeps the theme going with alpha men and hardcore women that don't take their crap.
If you have ever read any of Bella J's stories, you will know to take precautions with this story. It is dark, gritty, and hot. Rex is part of a sex trafficking ring that his father started. Rex has been trained from a very young age (a little too young for me) but hates everything about it. But that doesn't stop Rex from finding the love of his life. She happens to be someone that is trafficked into his family.
Hope/Butterfly is an amazing woman in this story. After everything she has been through since a young child, she still finds love with the son of a monster. I never knew if I should feel sorry for her or be so proud that she has become such a strong and independent woman. Not sure if that makes me a good person or not.
As part of the Underworld Kings series, I am not skipping authors. However, this book is dark and not written for everyone.
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If you have ever read any of Bella J's stories, you will know to take precautions with this story. It is dark, gritty, and hot. Rex is part of a sex trafficking ring that his father started. Rex has been trained from a very young age (a little too young for me) but hates everything about it. But that doesn't stop Rex from finding the love of his life. She happens to be someone that is trafficked into his family.
Hope/Butterfly is an amazing woman in this story. After everything she has been through since a young child, she still finds love with the son of a monster. I never knew if I should feel sorry for her or be so proud that she has become such a strong and independent woman. Not sure if that makes me a good person or not.
As part of the Underworld Kings series, I am not skipping authors. However, this book is dark and not written for everyone.
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Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/fantasylandblog
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November 24, 2021
This book… THIS BOOK. It deserves EVERYTHING and it owes me NOTHING. This book deserves an Oscar, Grammy, Pulitzer, and the Nobel Peace Prize. That is how much I loved it. Definitely a top 5 of all time for me. A submissive h who was SUBMISSIVE submissive, can’t live/breathe without you submissive. Didn’t care for anything but the H and the codependency, my Gawd, I never even knew what I needed until Bella J showed me.
This was my first book by this author but I will definitely be getting more if they are all this good.
Looking for something with an h that’s stands on her own and doesn’t need a man, don’t look at this book.
This was my first book by this author but I will definitely be getting more if they are all this good.
Looking for something with an h that’s stands on her own and doesn’t need a man, don’t look at this book.
November 20, 2021
This book took me completely by surprise. It's about two people who are so fractured, I'm not sure if they can be put back together. When Bella J said this is a dark story, believe her, it is. Rex is the heartless King who rules ruthlessly. If he has a weakness, it's Hope. You will be captured from the first page and then "you" will be Rex's hostage. I've read enough books that I can usually figure out how it will end. But not with this one. Be prepared for non stop reading until you finish the last page, the last word in this gripping story.
November 20, 2021
This is the best I could do on the rating, FULL REVIEW as always on my REVIEW BLOG -> CLICK HERE
November 22, 2021
totally intense
This is probably the darkest book I have ever read. It was so well written and definitely a good read. However, it was very twisted.
There are no redeeming qualities about our anti-hero. He is definitely obsessed with Hope/Butterfly. She is incredible broken and so is he. There is a happy ending but not one that is typical.
If you have triggers, this book is probably not for you. If you don't, then dive on in!
I received an advanced copy, but my reviews are my own
This is probably the darkest book I have ever read. It was so well written and definitely a good read. However, it was very twisted.
There are no redeeming qualities about our anti-hero. He is definitely obsessed with Hope/Butterfly. She is incredible broken and so is he. There is a happy ending but not one that is typical.
If you have triggers, this book is probably not for you. If you don't, then dive on in!
I received an advanced copy, but my reviews are my own
November 22, 2021
This story utterly captivated me!
Despite his proclivities, every single one of them, Rex, dark Rex felled me! I fell in love with him! I know! I question myself!
Maybe it was due to his Hope! Rex is not a good man, really but Hope needs him to fill a void in herself. Conditioned to be this way? Maybe.
I absolutely love her name it fits so very well with this story!
This author had me turning dark page after glorious dark page!
Despite his proclivities, every single one of them, Rex, dark Rex felled me! I fell in love with him! I know! I question myself!
Maybe it was due to his Hope! Rex is not a good man, really but Hope needs him to fill a void in herself. Conditioned to be this way? Maybe.
I absolutely love her name it fits so very well with this story!
This author had me turning dark page after glorious dark page!
November 20, 2021
Wow! Wow!! Holy Moly! Bella J has truly outdone herself! Cruel God was such a delicious dark dark read! It’ll definitely satisfy a depraved mind! Erotic and intense! Obsession at its finest! Raw and gritty with an all consuming love! Incredible!!
November 27, 2021
Wow I was not prepared for this book but it was so up my alley in dark and twisted. It had me consumed from start to finish. Hope is not the delicate victim as it appears and all is not as it seams. I enjoyed this book
November 19, 2021
When you enter the dark world of Cruel God you are entering a place that is cruel, twisted yet hypnotic and seductive all at the same time. A story like none other that has come before or that will come after....well unless at the pen of Bella J.
This is not going to be a long review, because I am not sure where one can start with Rex and Holly's story anything I write will give away this couples unique yet intricate relationship. If you have read Bella J before you know she is a dark romance boundary pusher, and Cruel God DOES push many boundaries. Because it is a story of the mind, the body and the soul and gives us the reader another side of what being held captive could be like. You will need to come into Rex and Holly story as well as the supporting cast with an open mind, but if you can do that, you will be blown away, as I was by this truly unique step into unchartered waters.
C𝐑𝐔𝐄𝐋 𝐆𝐎𝐃
ʀᴇʟᴇᴀꜱɪɴɢ ɴᴏᴠ 22ɴᴅ - 𝚁𝚎𝚡 𝙲𝚊𝚒𝚗 𝚒𝚜 𝚐𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚠𝚛𝚎𝚌𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚍𝚕𝚎𝚜!
➡️ 𝘗𝘙𝘌𝘖𝘙𝘋𝘌𝘙 𝘕𝘖𝘞: https://geni.us/CruelGod
➡️ 𝘈𝘋𝘋 𝘛𝘖 𝘎𝘖𝘖𝘋𝘙𝘌𝘈𝘋𝘚 𝘛𝘉𝘙: https://bit.ly/3mI1NeC
➡️ 𝘉𝘓𝘖𝘎𝘎𝘌𝘙 & 𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘚𝘐𝘎𝘕𝘜𝘗: https://bit.ly/CruelGodTours
I shouldn't like Rex, but by the end of the book I did, and I truly believe that Holly is the one that holds all the power.
December 2, 2021
Cruel God is the pure definition of a dark romance; it's dark, raw, and oh so twisted but in the best possible way. When the author says you won't find any rainbows or unicorns, she absolutely means it. This is a beautiful story full of pain and heartbreak; Cruel God doesn't disappoint. This story sucked me right in by the first couple of pages. This book has significant trigger warnings, so check those out before reading this book.
“Oh, my beautiful Butterfly. You tempt me in the most delicious ways.”
All little Hope wants to do is go outside and play, but she isn't allowed to unless her older brother Colton goes out with her. Colton is too busy in his room studying because he needs the scholarship to be able to go to college. He tells Hope if she doesn't tell mom, she can go outside and play. Hope is playing with her best friend Lily when a van approaches, and they are kidnapped, raised, and trained for sex trade.
"This was what made her my most prized possession—her fight and her surrender so beautifully combined."
Rex Cain becomes infatuated with Hope and wants to save her. He has to prove to his father that he can earn Hope; if Rex proves himself to his father, he gets to keep Hope, and she will be his first submissive. Cruel God is mainly told in Rex's POV, but you get POV from Colton and Hope. The spice between Rex and Hope, oh my lord, it is so good! They are perfect for each other in their own messed up, twisted, broken way, and you see why as the story unfolds. Rex will do anything, and I mean anything, to keep Hope. Until later, he doesn't realize how much power Hope has over him. Rex loves to play games, and oh boy, does he play them with Colton and Piper. This book takes you on one hell of an emotional ride; with this book, you will feel for every single character because of what they went through from children to adults. Bella throws a major curveball at the end, but she gives Rex and Hope the best possible ending.
“You have no idea the things I had to do to keep you. The blood I’ve spilled to make sure no one took you from me.”
Both the writing and the story were excellent. If you enjoy dark, twisted romances, you will love this book!
“Oh, my beautiful Butterfly. You tempt me in the most delicious ways.”
All little Hope wants to do is go outside and play, but she isn't allowed to unless her older brother Colton goes out with her. Colton is too busy in his room studying because he needs the scholarship to be able to go to college. He tells Hope if she doesn't tell mom, she can go outside and play. Hope is playing with her best friend Lily when a van approaches, and they are kidnapped, raised, and trained for sex trade.
"This was what made her my most prized possession—her fight and her surrender so beautifully combined."
Rex Cain becomes infatuated with Hope and wants to save her. He has to prove to his father that he can earn Hope; if Rex proves himself to his father, he gets to keep Hope, and she will be his first submissive. Cruel God is mainly told in Rex's POV, but you get POV from Colton and Hope. The spice between Rex and Hope, oh my lord, it is so good! They are perfect for each other in their own messed up, twisted, broken way, and you see why as the story unfolds. Rex will do anything, and I mean anything, to keep Hope. Until later, he doesn't realize how much power Hope has over him. Rex loves to play games, and oh boy, does he play them with Colton and Piper. This book takes you on one hell of an emotional ride; with this book, you will feel for every single character because of what they went through from children to adults. Bella throws a major curveball at the end, but she gives Rex and Hope the best possible ending.
“You have no idea the things I had to do to keep you. The blood I’ve spilled to make sure no one took you from me.”
Both the writing and the story were excellent. If you enjoy dark, twisted romances, you will love this book!
November 30, 2021
Bella J just completely went for it with this release, and I respect that. It’s always the nice authors that write the most twisted, dark stories. This is what it is-literally there’s a warning before you start, this book is dark. Essentially she’s basically telling you you’re going to have a hard time liking the male lead-and people still go crazy over the fact that this book is dark and they didn’t like she was kidnapped.
The book to its very core is completely haunting. It really is a scary scenario-stuff that happens everywhere in the world, but no one really acknowledges. If you have any kind of triggers-don’t even attempt to read this one. It was such a twisted plot-but it was done so methodically I have to applaud this authors writing. Everything fit together perfectly, and though the main character did not have it easy in one bit, we’re taken through her own journey of what happened to her and how she has coped with everything. I can totally respect this author for going so far into the deep end of dark romance, and it was a fantastic for that category.
The book to its very core is completely haunting. It really is a scary scenario-stuff that happens everywhere in the world, but no one really acknowledges. If you have any kind of triggers-don’t even attempt to read this one. It was such a twisted plot-but it was done so methodically I have to applaud this authors writing. Everything fit together perfectly, and though the main character did not have it easy in one bit, we’re taken through her own journey of what happened to her and how she has coped with everything. I can totally respect this author for going so far into the deep end of dark romance, and it was a fantastic for that category.
November 25, 2021
I don’t read too many dark erotic romance but the blurb from this one caught my attention. I was intrigued something fierce. It turned out to be a 6 star page turner that I couldn’t put down.
All that’s good in Rex’s life is Hope. He was born and brought up in a very dark world that he was moulded into at a young age. Upon laying eyes on Hope, she was his light in a dark world.
This is a very dark suspenseful romance. But not your traditional romance but the kind that consumed one person. And they love the only way they know how. I was kept on the edge of my seat throughout this amazing story that put me through the ringer. It was highly addicting and intriguing. A masterpiece of dark consuming romance. The characters were perfectly created for this story. What I enjoyed the most was the view into Rex’s past, it helped me understand him better. Bottomline this is a must read.
Told in mostly Rex’s POV with an HEA. I strongly recommend this story.
All that’s good in Rex’s life is Hope. He was born and brought up in a very dark world that he was moulded into at a young age. Upon laying eyes on Hope, she was his light in a dark world.
This is a very dark suspenseful romance. But not your traditional romance but the kind that consumed one person. And they love the only way they know how. I was kept on the edge of my seat throughout this amazing story that put me through the ringer. It was highly addicting and intriguing. A masterpiece of dark consuming romance. The characters were perfectly created for this story. What I enjoyed the most was the view into Rex’s past, it helped me understand him better. Bottomline this is a must read.
Told in mostly Rex’s POV with an HEA. I strongly recommend this story.
March 28, 2022
Part of the standalone series The Underworld Kings. No other books in the series need to be read.
If you are expecting a tale based on love and redemption, then this book is not for you. The hero Rex has no redeeming qualities. He was raised to be ruthless.
Told mainly in Rex's POV besides the first and last chapters are Hope's POV.
Hope was kidnapped when she was 12 years old and has been in captivity for 12 years. She was taken to be trafficked in the sex trade.
Rex has been obsessed with her since the moment he set eyes on her. His father abused him most of his life. Trying to make him deserve his empire.
This is a dark read with lots of triggers.
Style: Dark
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Enjoyment: 4/5
Dark Level: 5/5
Sexual Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: Yes
Violence: yes
Pacing: fast
Series: standalone
Cliffhanger: no
HEA: sort of
KU: No
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
If you are expecting a tale based on love and redemption, then this book is not for you. The hero Rex has no redeeming qualities. He was raised to be ruthless.
Told mainly in Rex's POV besides the first and last chapters are Hope's POV.
Hope was kidnapped when she was 12 years old and has been in captivity for 12 years. She was taken to be trafficked in the sex trade.
Rex has been obsessed with her since the moment he set eyes on her. His father abused him most of his life. Trying to make him deserve his empire.
This is a dark read with lots of triggers.
Style: Dark
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Enjoyment: 4/5
Dark Level: 5/5
Sexual Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: Yes
Violence: yes
Pacing: fast
Series: standalone
Cliffhanger: no
HEA: sort of
KU: No
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 23, 2021
OMG !! I literally just finished this amazing book this afternoon . It’s beyond phenomenal, my mind is still reeling , I’m not sure I even have the right words to truly express how much I absolutely loved every second of this story . Cruel God is part of the ( Underworld Kings Series ) and when I say that it is not only truly addictive but deliciously dark In the best way possible ( I sincerely mean it ) Bella has truly outdone herself once again . Cruel God is Raw , Intense , Erotic , romantic , emotional, it is the type of story that will have you on the edge of your seat the entire time your reading . Anticipating from one moment to the next what will happen . So I started this amazing story late last night and I cannot even tell you how must sleep I lost ( it’s impossible to stop reading once you start it really is . It’s simply true perfection In every way
February 19, 2022
This story is Dark with a capital D!! When Hope gets abducted she is forced into a submissive slave hood, Rex's father trained them and he will grow and take his place following his fathers footsteps but Hope catches his eye, their connection grows but she is still a slave, can Rex become the man his father wanted or overtake his empire and have his Hope restored? This story will take you to the darkest parts imaginable, is their a chance for redemption? Rex is a man on a mission and doesnt care who gets hurt along the way, the story grabs your attention and holds you in its twisting grip till the end. Please heed the trigger warnings!
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.
November 22, 2021
Holy Wow Bella J wrote her most twisted and dark book to date and I truly loved every second of Cruel God.
For me Rex Cain is a very complex, egotistical and messed up character and he's so relaxed even in the most darkest of scenes it's like it just oozes of of him and that makes him heartless until Hope steps into his world and now his focus is on his muse and boy do they spark! I absolutely loved it.
It's brilliantly written and it's great to have Rex's story and seeing how his past shaped his future.
Cruel, depraved, ruthless and sexy this is literally all I could as for from a Bella J book.
For me Rex Cain is a very complex, egotistical and messed up character and he's so relaxed even in the most darkest of scenes it's like it just oozes of of him and that makes him heartless until Hope steps into his world and now his focus is on his muse and boy do they spark! I absolutely loved it.
It's brilliantly written and it's great to have Rex's story and seeing how his past shaped his future.
Cruel, depraved, ruthless and sexy this is literally all I could as for from a Bella J book.
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