She was the means to an end, a debt to be repaid. She was never meant to tempt me…
Melody Sterling’s the daughter of a dead socialite and a power hungry business man turned mob boss. And not a very good one. If he was he wouldn’t have owed me in the first place, would he?
Using her was supposed to be simple.
She was a beautiful face to wear on my arm and make me look more normal, human even. Someone to dazzle and distract the unsuspecting, while I hunt for the mole in our organization before all of the carefully laid plans are blown to smithereens. If I fail then I won’t be the only one facing a firing squad. Melody will too, and that’s something I can’t allow.
My hands are stained with enough blood that I have no right to touch someone like her. Yet I can’t seem to stay away. With eyes the color of the ocean and curves like seaside waves I can’t decide if she’s going to save me or watch me drown as the enemy closes in.
If you love the suspense of L.J. Shen and the steam of Sophie Lark, then you'll love Sinners' Secrets
USA Today bestselling author Helen Scott spends her time alternating between fantasy and reality. She likes to think she’d be sorted into Hufflepuff and would have been a Physical Kid from Brakebills. Her days are fueled by tea and cuddles from her four-legged kids and amazing husband in their home in the Chicago suburbs.
When not reading or writing, Helen can be found baking, enjoying a walk in the woods, crafting, or playing video games. She’s a lover of sushi and K-Dramas and is convinced there is magic in the world if you know where to look.
Whether paranormal or contemporary, Helen loves writing sassy, kick-butt heroines and drool-worthy love interests. She's the author of the House of Wolves and Magic series, the Cerberus series, and the Of Demons and Dragons series.
When I was asked if I wanted a review copy of this book I almost said no. Mostly because I don't really enjoy contemporary novels. Also because Mafia novels are not really my thing either. And then I noticed the name Melody Sterling. I recognized that name. And that's the moment I realized this is a spin-off of an amazing series by these authors. Luckily I realized it in time to accept my arc from this book with pleasure.
It's quite clear that Melody is nothing like her sister. Melody seemed a little softer, a little shyer and also more emotional. And that somehow made Melody easier to identify with and therefore easier to root for. It however DOESN'T make her any weaker than her sister. Melody is smart, Melody is strong, Melody knows what she wants. She just also has a healthy dose of fear and didn't have her feelings beat out of her. And especially that combination works so well!
I personally kinda missed Dante's point of view in this book. I can imagine what he has been thinking throughout the book, I can imagine how he enjoys seeing that Melody is more than the pretty doll he bargained for, I can imagine he likes her fire and that even when she's afraid she still finds a way to fight back. I personally would have loved to also read it. I think it would have made a lot of moments even more intense.
Since this book is mostly about Melody and Dante finding out how to make their marriage work, the plot is not really prominent. However, it's quite clear that in the end we get to see that there is more to come, that there is danger to come, that there is darkness to come and that we will also get to see more of the Mafia world. I'm really looking forward to it! Especially because I think Dante and Melody make a truly amazing team together!
In this book we get to see what happens to Melody after the end of the sweetest revenge series. She is still selfish and childish, blaming everyone but herself for her problems. Dante is ruthless and cruel. His world is about to change them both. Enemies are coming for them and they must work together to come out alive. I do like how Melody grows in this book. Great start to a new series.
I gasped on her behalf when she was going through her tantrum - the consequences were definitely hot! Dante is different that I thought he would be based on the other series and I was glad to see this side to him. I can’t wait to find out who-done-it and what other trouble Melody can find.
Melody is forced into an arranged marriage to Dante Leonardi, a cold and heartless crime boss, as a way to repay a debt imposed on her family. Afraid that her little is over, she contemplates her options. But on her wedding day, she is given a stiff warning to obey her husband and do what he says. And when she looks into the eyes of her betrothed, she can't decide if she sees a monster in a cage or a man just looking for someone to spend his life with.
I LOVE mafia romances. I religiously read authors like Luciani, Shaw, and Khan that publish them. They are my absolute favorite in the genre. I seek them out when looking for a punch in the romance book department because they are always scorchin' when it comes to a good story. And when done right, the flow of these novels is like a well-rehearsed symphony. They start seemingly quiet and deadly, with stanzas, ebbs, and flows of rampant movement every couple of chapters. And then, when the orchestration reaches its peak and crescendo, the reader is lulled into a false sense of contentment with the end, only to find out there is some more to the piece. Ugh! It's a marathon that feels like an actual physical journey.
I want to start by saying I think "Savage Hate" had a great premise initially. However, I was unaware at the novel's beginning that it was part of a series of books (the dreaded cliffhanger!). So, I feel the author took a breath to tell a great story, but we didn’t get to hear it. It’s hard to give my complete opinion.
There are several aspects to the story that I did love, though, despite the lack of an ending. Melody was an absolute BADA$$. It is rare in mafia thrillers to see a mafia bride with skills other than being forced into marriage to a cold-blooded killer. The authors laid an excellent foundation for the storyline with her and her new husband. Although they made him out to be an absolute monster in the beginning, he becomes very protective of her towards the ending, specifically explaining that he does not find the idea of a kept woman appealing.
This book is in the same world as the authors Sweetest Revenge series. I think the story is better understand and appreciated if you read that series first.
This is Melody and Dantes story. Dante is the head of the family and small spolier for the Sweest Revenge Melody is traded in her twin sisters Lyric place to Dante. Melody agree because of wrongs and guilt she has that you discover in that series and is talked about in this one. She has a tough past at a harsh school and family. As well as living off the grid after faking her own death.
So while this is a choice that makes sense for her she struggles with it at first. Dante was very likeable in the Sweetest Revenge series. I felt like we get to see a side of him in power mode. So was excited for their story. The authors are tasked with making kind of redeeming and making us understand Melody after that series. As well as trying to give background to those who who haven't read. This leads the story to be repetitive espeically the first chapters. I think its only being from Melody POV is different as well. So the authors writing the same character perhaps. And some conflicting thoughts for the fmc.
However the second half of the story picks up and seems more streamed line. i enjoyed that part and I really want to read the rest of the story. I feel this first book has great potential if it was gone over just a little more. Its a bit short i think if some of the repetition was taken out and the next part of the story was added it would feel more full. But I do feel the second half found it footing. And I truely look forward to the second book. It was an easy read, easy to get into. I like that Dante was tough but likeable. He didn't have an enemies to lovers with Melody. He wants it to work. I liked him a lot in it. I also like his Dom vibe. I think by the end melody is on her way eith her joe and im intrigued to see where the story/plot goes and get more of them together. Wasn't too much of a cliffy more of a set up for the next one. Also sad to see it not on KU hoping it comes on there for people who read the Sweetest Revenge series on there. 3.5 star
First of all, I want to give a warning for the people like me. This series is a spin off from the Sweetest Revenge Series. I've only read the first two books from that series and was planning on the reading the rest later, but this book takes place after the end of the Sweetest Revenge Series and gives very big Spoilers. So if you are planning on reading that series, or if you haven't finished it yet; read that one first. That series is an RH btw.
You can read this series without reading the previous one. Some things are a bit confusing but I have the feeling that that is supposed to be the case.
This book was very different than I expected. After reading the previous series and because of the title (cruel kiss), I was expecting this one to be a bully romance or something like that. I have to admit that I wasn't really in the mood for that (I was sick when I read the book), but I really wanted to read something that I knew would be good. I know these writers (having read other books from them), so I know their writing is good. I was definitely not disappointed.
We have Melody Sterling, born into a rich and 'powerful' family. Her dad was pretty evil, living in an evil world, with evil connections. I think her father loaned money from Dante. Now that her father is dead, Dante wants what was due. But not with Melody, with her sister Lyric. He wants a wife and I'm guessing an heir. They don't really tell you (yet) what the reason is. Melody has previously done something nasty to Lyric, so Lyric decides to basically sell Melody to Dante. And that's where the book starts, with Melody's wedding to a man she has never seen before. All she knows about Dante are the horrible things she has heard from all his men. Like I said before, I was expecting a bully romance and it was a real surprise that it wasn't. I found the book actually really sweet. They both have certain views of each other, and of what the other might want from them, and they slowly realise that they might need to adjust those views. As Dante gets to know Melody he finds that she could be more than just a wife, she could also be a business partner.
Soo I went in totally blind... I didn't know this was a series that was linked to another series by these authors.
In this first book of the sinners secrets series, We meet Melody on her Wedding Day. She's about to marry Dante, the head of the Leonardi Family. #forcedmarriage They don't know each other, Melody never even saw him before. Her sister basically sold her to Dante to clear a debt.
The essence of this book is basically how Melody learns slowly to trust Dante and gets over her prejudices. Her freak out was very childish and I wanted to give her an a$$ kicking a few times in the beginning of the book just because she was so set in her thinking regarding Dante that she just disregarded how he treated her. It's a me problem tho. I'm sure, I have issues with the thought process of fmcs in general. Dante is really really sweet! I'd have married him too, def husband material and the smut was HOT.
We learn a bit about Dante's and Melody's pasts, but as it's the first book, it's not plot heavy, even tho the ending promises a very action packed second book. Dante has a mole in his organization. And Melody has some self taught skills with which she tries to help find that mole. As Dante is also ruling the organization differently to his father he includes Melody in his business and wants her to "reign" alongside him. This raises ire in his inner circle mainly directed at Melody.
Sooo all in all a solid read, and just go be clear, it wasn't dark. I enjoy the dark reads very much and I mean dark, not mainstream dark. This is an easy read. Tho there is violence, it's a mafia book after all. Dante seems to be the sweetest at least regarding Melody, he's one of the good guys. He has his little darker sides but that's just builds delicious tension. I enjoyed it very much and I'm excited to find out more in Book 2. While I wait I'll just catch up with the first series in this world 😁.
I went through a phase a while back where I was sucked down the rabbit hole of arranged marriage mafia romances. And if I can be blunt, frankly grew bored of the virginal damsels who finally swoon over some non-con brute of a mafia Don. So...I picked up Cruel Kiss with a bit of trepidation regarding the tropes, but a confidence in Helen and Zoey's writing style. I'm glad I did.
Melody and Dante start off with the typical mafia romance tropes and angst. If you want the cold commanding husband, terrified wedding night jitters, and requisite punishment scene, you've got it. But you also have what a lot of mafia books miss. And that's a heroine who actually has skills she brings to the marriage, trauma inflicted upon her by others and herself, and the agreement to participate in the marriage of her own free will. A choice, when so many other books leave no choices. Suddenly, I am excited for this trope again. Dante is the tall dark mob boss that makes us shift in our seats with low growls and possessive claiming words and actions. But he's equally considerate of Melody's plight. He wants a queen, not a doll. Dante is justified and clear headed when most mafia Dons are treating their new wives like children content to spit out babies and simply desiring to be dominated.
Dante's humanity and ability to SEE Melody leads us to our plot which kicks off with a lot of mystery. Her skills and talents blend her into the intrigue and mystery rather than leaving her as an unseen figure digesting scraps and pieces of conversations. It's obviously part of a much bigger plot that will unwind, and while I adored the ending gave us a dose of happy, there are still a million questions and directions for this series to go, which will keep me coming back for more.
This is the first book I have read from these authors and I have to say I am intrigue with what they have written! I do have to say though, that it felt like a few of the pages were repetitive (same thing just saying it a different way). I also need to go back and read the Sweetest Revenge Series to get more backstory into why Melody Sterling is actually doing this whole marriage thing to pay off a debt.
This is the story of Melody Sterling and Dante Leonardi (head of the Leonardi mafia family). Melody is promised to Dante as part of a debt repayment from her twin sister Lily. While Melody is only doing this because she needs to atone for what she did to her family, she only wants her freedom. Things start off on rocky footing as Dante and Melody navigate this new relationship. One thing is for certain, Dante will not take being disrespected in front of his family and his men.
Dante might seem to be someone who is ruthless and doesn’t care, but all he wants is to make sure that Melody is safe and protected. Melody can be a bit immature at times (but again, she is only 19 and from what I have been able to figure out from this book, she didn’t have the best experiences), but she does seem to be trying to help make the marriage work and also help protect her husband at the same time.
Threats, deception, lies, secrets fill this story up and will make it hard to put the book down. And the cliffhanger at the end will make you think! I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Hidden Gems ARC’s and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was SO amped for this book, after finishing the Sweetest Revenge series, I couldn't wait for Melody's story to be told. After what she did I am glad that Lyric (her sister) was able to figure out how to repay the debt they had with Dante Leonardi without it being herself. Side note: if you haven't read that series, I definitely recommend it! You won't be totally lost, but it'll help as to WHY Melody was forced into this marriage, because it's not the typical way.
Melody is not happy at all that she's forced to marry Dante Leonardi, a known heartless and cold crime boss. She tries to figure out how to get out of this arrangement, but she's warned to obey her husband and do as he says. She's on the fence about what Dante is really looking for with this marriage but she knows she is stuck.
It’s a very rocky start to their relationship, Dante will not stand for disrespect in front of his family or men. Melody has not had an easy childhood, dealing with the loss of her mother from a young age, her father who was… a bastard (to put it lightly), and all of the other things she’s been through. If you haven’t read the other series I don’t want to spoil it for you. So she’s been sheltered and thrown into situations that usually she can work her way out of them, but not this time.
We learn about Dante and that even though he rules his mafia with an iron fist he truly wants to protect Melody. There’s a lot of threats, deceit & secrets that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat with this book. And the cliffhanger will make you question everything.
I’m excited to see where Helen & Zoey take Melody & Dante’s story next.
"This wasn’t a love match. It was a debt, and I was the payment."
Dive into the exciting world of Melody Sterling....soon to be Melody Leonardi. This is a spinoff from the thrilling and oh so dark and twisty SWEETEST REVENGE series about her identical twin sister Lyric.
"There was no other option. This was the moment I atoned for my sins, for the things I had done to my family."
"I was a murderer and soon I would become wife to a monster, because I had no doubt my union to Dante Leonardi would be as far from happy as it could get. At least my life of misery should satisfy Lyric. She hated me almost as much as I hated myself for what I’d done."
"Running wouldn’t solve anything. There was nowhere I could run where they wouldn't find me. Nowhere to go. This was my destiny. Mrs. Melody Leonardi was my fate."
And what a delicious and exciting fate it is indeed!!!! Melody flourishes like a phoenix and finally starts becoming who she was always meant to. Who knew a marriage based on a debt may have been the best thing for her? This is a wonderful start to the series where we lay the groundwork to the relationship between Melody and her husband Dante. There's danger, betrayal, blood, sexy time, intrigue, and sweet sweet revenge within these pages....and yes a cliffhanger so hold on tight! All in all it was an excellent read. Although it is a spinoff from her sister's series, one doesn't necessarily need to have read Lyrics series first. HOWEVER this reader *strongly* recommends doing so for backstory purposes- plus the series is just plain awesome!
First, I am awaiting book 2. This is an excellent start to a new series. The characters are realistic. At first, I did not like the (h) she was just too naive and immature. But then I realized that there was a reason for her behavior. Towards the end of the book, she started to mature. There is plenty of emotional ups and downs, a plethora of action of words and deeds. The (H) was amazing. He was in control until he was not. He believed in justice and went after those who had done some serious wrong. Now the (h)'s story is interesting as she felt guilty about a life she took and yet all through the story it was not revealed until the end. She did not have to say much about it as the (H) already understood what really happened and he did not blame her. I do not understand why the (h)'s sister hates her so much. There is the surprising action of the (H) as he asks the (h) if she wants to be involved in his legal and illegal activities. He has been considerate, fair and thoughtful and wants her to be his partner not just at home but at work too. Not all his men favor this and they put up a strong dislike of his decision. When the (h) tries to help the (H) locate a mole her efforts provide some information but then he gets a ghost message taunting him that they will never find the mole. Great reading. I highly recommend it. You will not be disappointed.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book via Hidden Gems and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reasons I enjoyed this book: Action-packed Haunting Page-turner Realistic Scary Steamy Twisted Unpredictable
Wow! This series is actually related to the Sweetest Revenge series, which I would recommend reading for better insight into Melody’s relationships with her sisters. This book provides just enough detail that you don’t need to read that series since her sisters are not the main characters here, but I would still read it because it’s just that good!
So we have Melody in an arranged marriage with Dante, the don of a Leonardi mafia family. The two of them have a rocky start to the relationship, with Dante exerting his control and wanting to make sure others think he is not someone to take lightly and Melody wanting to have her freedom but also hoping to atone for her past. She knows when to back down in this cat and mouse relationship too, which I found refreshing as she is intelligent (she’s a master hacker) and for the most part rationale in how she approaches her newfound circumstance. I found her actions reasonable though when it came to Dante’s suits and watches lol. Dante also seemed ruthless but deep down wants to protect Melody and make this marriage work. I found their relationship to be the perfect balance of slow burn but not too slow burn as they got to understand each other over time and grow closer as a couple.
Along with their relationship, we learn about a threat to the Leonardi family, and the characters try to address this issue. Be forewarned that the book ends on a cliff hanger though! Overall, this book kept me reading. I look forward to the next one!
I was very excited to read thisbook, especially as it was compared to one of my favourite authors. Unfortunately I was very disappointed and found it lacking in many ways.
The first 55% of the book was constant repetition. How Melody was sold to her husband and she hated both him and her sister (who hated her) for it, but she did it for her family to atone for her sins. Nothing else happened plot wise or story wise. There was also constant references to her past, what she had done and abuse she had suffered, however this wasn't revealed until 90% into the book and by then felt like it had been built up to more than it needed.
I also felt no personality from either main character, which made their 'love story' not believable. I found Melody to be very childish both in thought and actions. Dante was spoken about as dangerous and feared etc, however none of his actions or scenes really portrayed those characteristics.
I felt like this book took all the right ingredients for a good mafia/dark romance and put them together, unfortunately they didnt connect or flow well enough together to make an engaging story.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a honest review.
I have to say that Melody is not my favorite character. I really, really did like her in the Sweetest Revenge series. She has always been self centered and aloof. She blames everyone else for problems but doesn’t look at herself while lying to everyone. She refuses to even make an effort with Lyric. We now see her again in Cruel Kiss. Again she is childish and only thinks of herself. She feels like her past is more hurtful than anything else that anyone else went through. Now Dante, I loved him from Sweetest Revenge series. I was always curious about him and his story. Even though I loved Lyric’s guys I really thought he was a perfect match her Lyric. In this story we see another side to him that only adds to mystic. The way he handles Melody and her tantrums is beautiful. The story itself is extremely well written and developed. As with all the other stories between Helen Scott and Zoey Shelby you can not tell where one author ends and the next begins as they seamlessly wrote the story. It is packed with drama and mystery. It will have you on the edge of your seat with anticipation. I am seeing growth in the characters and the makes the story so much more enjoyable. This is definitely a must read and doesn’t disappoint.
Interesting spin off 😀 This is an M/F arranged marriage mafia romance in single - POV and veryyy different from their previous work! We have previously met Melody as Lyrics twin sister from the Sweetest Revenge series so although a shared world this is an entirely different storyline 👍🏻 Not knowing what to expect of what essentially is a business deal to a mafia mob boss known as a monster Melody is rightly apprehensive! Yet Dante is not at all what he seems 😃 in public he is absolutely a don and expects obedience, but otherwise he allows Melody to become her own person!!They actually build a really heartfelt connection and he is definitely possessive and protective 🥰🥰🥰 he also introduces her to whole new awakening 🔥 there’s a lot of action and betrayal in this one which is what will be picked up in the next book! The only only only thing is that having read Lyrics series first it is difficult to see Melody in an endearing light after everything she’s has done and the continuous referrals to her finishing school 🙈 so it may be better to read this one first! 3.5 ⭐️ Overall a good story and will read the next one 👍🏻
This first book in the Sinners' Secrets series is a dark mafia arranged marriage romance created by the masterminds of Zoey Shelby and Helen Scott that is a spin off of their fabulous Sweetest Revenge series, and I was so dang excited for Melody’s story!!!
After what happened in the previous series Melody has given her life for her sister to fulfill her debt by agreeing to marry Dante Leonardi. Filling like she needs to pay for her sins and her crimes, she agrees to become a wife to a supposed monster. But what she finds is so much more.
The heat and chemistry between these two characters was instantaneous and off the charts and I loved their explosive need for each other and the bond that they form. I love how Dante’s darkness pulls out melody’s inner tigress and how fiery and dietary she proves herself to be. When enemies start to infiltrate their inner circle, melody proves she’s much more than a trophy wife and I love how Dante encourages her bloodthirstiness and will do anything to prove be his love and devotion to her!
Overall this is a fun quick read into a dark bloodthirsty, danger filled ride and utterly enthralling and I can’t wait for more of this story!
"Sinner's Secrets" is a spin-off series following the "Sweetest Revenge" series, describing what happens to Melody once she enters an arranged marriage to Dante. I really loved the Sweetest Revenge series, and I was a bit anxious to start this one, because Melody didn't leave a very good impression to me in that series. For me, it helps how this series starts, with Melody looking back at her past and how she feels about the decissions she made. It's still clear she misses a bit of maturity, but I can see how the relationship between her and Dante can work and how she can grow up as a person throughout this series.
Savage Hate starts a bit slow, and it took a while to find out what the story was actually going to be (besides the arranged marriage trope). Once that part was introduced and starting to become an integral part of the storyline, I started to like this book, and there seems to be promise for the rest of the series. It didn't grip me the same way as "Bloody Princess" did, but I'm invested enough in these characters to see what will happen next.
I had mixed feelings diving into this book! I absolutely loved the original series that this spins off from and I was eager to start this series. My issue was my mixed feelings about Melody . While we didn't get to know her all that well in the original series, what I had seen really left me torn . But that also made me excited to read this one and learn more, because you KNOW that there was so much more to her story, her history than what we had a glimpse of. She is nothing like her sister and that was something that was very clear early in her story but that didn’t change the fact that she is a strong, fierce woman in different ways that I quickly came to appreciate.As she grows in this book we start to see that strength .This book does a great job setting us up for what I know is going to be another wild ride. These two authors have created some really well done characters combined with an intriguing story , you know you are going to be wholly invested in Melody and Dante’s story.
Melody Sterling is supposed to be the means to pay a debt, a trophy wife to Dante Leonardi, head to a powerful mafia family. There is no room for emotions, control, or freedom. One simple yes makes her a property of Dante, and there is nothing she could do. Well, that's not entirely true.. smart, stubborn, and always underestimated Melody knows how to play political games and toe the line, thanks to her upbringing and survival of difficult situations. The opening book in the series sets up a precedent of power play, extraordinary chemistry, and clashing personalities learning how to coexist. The way the relationship between Melody and Dante develops is pure fire, raging like an inferno in every possible direction, be it attraction or rage. Both of them are strong individuals used to certain way of life, and the presence of the other leaves a significant impact. The dangerous world of violence, crime, and mafia ties has alluring vibes, and I flew through the pages so fast I am now blinking my eyes where did it all go. Definitely need more now.
First, I think I should start by saying this new series, Sinner's Secrets is a spin-off series following the Sweetest Revenge series by this author duo. I have not read the Sweetest Revenge series and while I think it would have given me some back story that would have been helpful, I still thoroughly enjoyed this read and am definitely looking forward to more. Our main characters are Melody and Dante and we start off meeting them on their wedding day - which happens to be an arranged marriage where Melody is paying off her family debts to the head of the Leonardi Family. I love the character growth in Melody and Dante is - well my stars he is fantastic. Loved the steam factor in this one as well. Overall I'll say this is a great start to a new series that I am eagerly awaiting more of and will have to watch out for these authors as idk how I've missed out of them until now!
This book was given to me for fee at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
I've been waiting for this story since reading the Sweetest Revenge series. There was a hint at the end of that series that we would get the story for Melody and here it is. After what happened in the previous series Melody, twin sister of Lyric had two choices. Marry a mob boss, or die. Of course, Melody wanted to live. She's only heard stories of her soon-to-be husband and that alone is enough to terrify her.
I really wasn't a fan of Melody in the Sweetest Revenge series, there was just something about her that really annoyed me but I wanted to see what happened to her after Lyric found out the truth. Honestly, she changed my opinion of her in Savage Hate and I actually grew to like the character. I love the interactions between her and Dante, as well as the epic meltdown she has and the consequences that follow.
It's a great little story and I can't wait to see what more is to come in the Sinners' Secrets series.
Sinners’ Secrets series is off to an intriguing start with book one. This maybe the start of a series but it is a spin-off of the Sweetest Revenge series. Melody and Dante’s story can be read as a stand-alone but I recommend reading the previous series first. You get more of the back story on Melody and her sisters that way. I went into this book not a fan of Melody from the previous series and I have to tell you I still am not a fan. I like her a little better because the author did a good job at showing how Melody was human, had made mistakes, and was trying to make the best out of her situation. Dante was not as cruel as you would expect. He keeps Melody in their mansion for the first part of the book as they begin to get to know and trust each other. They both want a partnership to come out of this arranged marriage and the twists and surprises that this cliffhanger of a story ends in has me hoping it does.
Melody Sterling and Dante Leonardi have an arranged marriage. A marriage of convenience, a payment and a punishment. This story had a great possibility of being a good story and I really wanted to like this book but I found myself hoping for more while I was reading it. More meat, more action, more background story and less about her time stuck at home. The wedding was brief, the family introductions were very short, we barely understand the inner workings of Dante’s underworld and they only hinted at Melody’s action that resulted in her being married off. If there was less focus on Melody at home, or even just toning it down a bit, I think I would have enjoyed the book more. Overall, while I didn’t hate the book, it’s also not my first choice. I think this story could be improved on and it’d be a total hit for me.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
This book is the first in a series spin off from the sweetest revenge series. While it can be read alone, you will understand a lot more about the backstory if you read that boom first as much of it is not detailed here. The story begins on the day Melody is forced to Marry Mafia boss, Dante Leonardi. It focuses a lot ob Melody's inner dialogue as she is stuck in the mansion after the wedding until Dante begins to trust her. There is a lot to tension, though the steam doesn't start till later in the book. This makes sense though as it takes a bit for their relationship to develop to that point. There is only a little bit of Mafia action and I was really hoping for some chapters from Dante's POV, but I did enjoy getting to know more about him I this series. It does end on a cliffhanger, but not a bad one at all
Not sure if one is included, but a trigger warning may be useful for some readers. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that dark or bad, but abuse is alluded to. What I liked: this story was interesting, and I enjoyed the premise of it - generally speaking. I liked Melody and Dante together. I really like Dante, he’s not as cruel as one would imagine. There is a lot of potential! What I didn’t like so much: Melody is really young and naïve. She does have some fire in her, but, yeah, personally, I prefer older FMCs but I get that her young age is part of the plot. I didn’t really like the pace of the story, though that is a personal preference too. It felt like I needed to know the previous events in the previous series, so that put me off a bit (this was the first book from these authors. I think this is a spin-off series?) The story is good, but it can be better.
It was a good book. I finished it in one day. It’s a Mafia book and I love Mafia stories. I feel like the characters are from other books. I felt like I was missing information. Did that stop me from reading it? Nope it did not. Will I have to go and look to see what I might have missed? Yes I most definitely will. If you like stories where the heroine is “sold” or traded as a payment of a debt then this one’s for you. Also if you like stories where they both start to fall for each other later on in the story then it’s also for you. Melody doesn’t know what to expect when he’s married off to Dante. Things start out rocky between them. They get better as the story progresses. Melody is smart and kinda sassy. Dante is your typical mob boss. He’s only sweet when it comes to Melody. Join Melody and Dante on their journey to see where their story goes.
What an amazing start to what I can already tell is going to be a phenomenal new series . Helen Scott and Zoe Shelby are two audits who are not only on my list of Faves but together they make such a amazing duo . Cruel Kiss is the first installment in their brand new ( sinners secrets Series) and trust me when I say it’s a emotional rollercoaster in every sense of the word !!! Arranged marriage , dark mafia , suspenseful , steamy , emotionally charged, twists and turns, secrets, second chances , action packed, off the charts chemistry, family , friends, heartbreaking, heartfelt , and two main characters who are so likable, relatable, unique and extremely multi layered. There really are no perfect words to express what a phenomenal book this is , so do yourself a favor , run as fast as you can and download it right away . Loved loved loved 💜💜💜💜💜
Cruel Kiss (formally known as Savage Hate) is the first book in the Savage Secrets series. This is also a spin-off of the Sweetest Revenge series. While it's not required I would highly recommend reading the first series to get the full experience. The events takes place AFTER the completed series and there's many spoilers from the first book.
Ah yes, good old mafia, arranged marriage. Normally, I have to be in a mood to fully enjoy this...luckily I was. Melody, Lyric's sister finds herself in a predicament, where she was basically sold by her sister, and was forced to get married to a cruel, "heartless" mob boss, Dante. I had a bit of mixed feelings about Melody in the beginning. She eventually grew on me and she really became a badass. Dante, mmmm yummy Dante. I would have loved to see his POV, but still this story was quite entertaining!
Out of respect for the authors I read this book and I am both glad I read it and disappointed at the same time. Let me clarify. The book was good but not nearly as good as Lyrics books. Melody is tough I will give her that but she also weak and wines soooo much. Omg I almost stopped reading this book. There are only so many times I can read about how miserable her life is and how could her sister sell her to Dante blah blah. It made it very hard to sympathize with her. After everything she did to Lyric and her sister it was hard to like her as a character. I honestly think Dante deserves better. Also, what was up with the editing in this book. There were some mistakes and all I kept thinking was what happened to the quality of the story in compared to Lyrics series. The spice was good which is basically the only reason I finished this book. Dante is king!