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Brutal Winter #3
Cruel Summer
I thought I was in hell, then summer came.
I never saw the truth coming.
And when it did, it destroyed the last piece of humanity I had left.
The Costa family have tormented me for months.
They’ve manipulated every shred of the person I once was.
They’ve turned me into their favorite play toy.
And now that I know the truth…
Come death or worse, I’ll destroy the Costa Family.
I never saw the truth coming.
And when it did, it destroyed the last piece of humanity I had left.
The Costa family have tormented me for months.
They’ve manipulated every shred of the person I once was.
They’ve turned me into their favorite play toy.
And now that I know the truth…
Come death or worse, I’ll destroy the Costa Family.
377 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2022
103 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 5, 2025
Even though the series is entertaining thus far, I’m glad people bullied her into adding some romance into the story cause sis was on a mission to deprive us😂
July 15, 2022
Cruel Summer is the third book in the Brutal Winter series and even though it's number three already it doesn't mean that I loved it any less than the first two. If anything these books just keep getting better and I keep being obsessed over them and the characters. Quirah Casey continues to amaze and keep me hooked with this very dark series and I'm loving every bit of it!
Winter's character developement grew the most in this book, in my opinion and I'm so here for it. She's definitely not the same girl we met in the first book and it shows with how she reacts on different situation and to Giovanni, Maximo, Enzo and Vito. And I must say, I absolutely love this Winter!
Aside from Winter the stand-out characters in this book were Maximo and Enzo. Or as the author calls them 'Enzimo'. I wouldn't have said it in the first book but I love them, would do anything for them and am obsessed with them. It shows yet again how well Quirah Casey wrote them and how their characterization continues to grow, just like Winter's. Giovanni and Vito were also great (or disturbing...) in the book but Enzimo just took the cake for me.
There was a huge plot twist at the end. I didn't see it coming at all and I'm usually pretty good with these kinda twists but yet again I need to praise the author for doing such a good job with this particular twist because I was definitely shook. And it just makes me want the next book all the more. So far all three books have been five star reads which is something rare for me because I can't remember the last time that happened. Needless to say I'm highly anticipating book four!
Winter's character developement grew the most in this book, in my opinion and I'm so here for it. She's definitely not the same girl we met in the first book and it shows with how she reacts on different situation and to Giovanni, Maximo, Enzo and Vito. And I must say, I absolutely love this Winter!
Aside from Winter the stand-out characters in this book were Maximo and Enzo. Or as the author calls them 'Enzimo'. I wouldn't have said it in the first book but I love them, would do anything for them and am obsessed with them. It shows yet again how well Quirah Casey wrote them and how their characterization continues to grow, just like Winter's. Giovanni and Vito were also great (or disturbing...) in the book but Enzimo just took the cake for me.
There was a huge plot twist at the end. I didn't see it coming at all and I'm usually pretty good with these kinda twists but yet again I need to praise the author for doing such a good job with this particular twist because I was definitely shook. And it just makes me want the next book all the more. So far all three books have been five star reads which is something rare for me because I can't remember the last time that happened. Needless to say I'm highly anticipating book four!
July 6, 2022
Struck!
I remain speechless on how much I loved this book 3 of the Brutal Winter series. The story appealed to all the dark themes my heart desired among three very different antiheroes, some lovable -- well as much as one could love these guys -- to straight villain: Vito, Enzo, Maximo, and Giovanni. Wow, I did not foresee some of the twists in this plot.
In this story, Winter begins to gain confidence, learns more of her purpose with the Costa mafia family, and cultivates relationships with strong women: assassin Lucia Costa, co-worker and clandestine Amarie, and famiglia friends Daria, and even Isabella. She also seems in control of her sexuality with the guys though there was moments where I took pause, happy pause. The Maximo-Enzo dynamic was straight fire and always with Maximo's special brand of crazy. This book was quite spicy.
This story was also dark -- it went there in a very delicious way. At the same time, it was a slow burn (that was spicy) and very much a plot-driven. There was richness to the story, sub-arcs creating a very complex world and hopefully future spin offs.
I loved the character development, their evolution, their alliances and foes. The story depicted an excellent diversity of characters too. I was happy to read the people of color, the celebrated beauty of dark skin, full figure, natural hair.
Overall some shocking developments that make me on edge for the next book. What can I say? Loved it!
I remain speechless on how much I loved this book 3 of the Brutal Winter series. The story appealed to all the dark themes my heart desired among three very different antiheroes, some lovable -- well as much as one could love these guys -- to straight villain: Vito, Enzo, Maximo, and Giovanni. Wow, I did not foresee some of the twists in this plot.
In this story, Winter begins to gain confidence, learns more of her purpose with the Costa mafia family, and cultivates relationships with strong women: assassin Lucia Costa, co-worker and clandestine Amarie, and famiglia friends Daria, and even Isabella. She also seems in control of her sexuality with the guys though there was moments where I took pause, happy pause. The Maximo-Enzo dynamic was straight fire and always with Maximo's special brand of crazy. This book was quite spicy.
This story was also dark -- it went there in a very delicious way. At the same time, it was a slow burn (that was spicy) and very much a plot-driven. There was richness to the story, sub-arcs creating a very complex world and hopefully future spin offs.
I loved the character development, their evolution, their alliances and foes. The story depicted an excellent diversity of characters too. I was happy to read the people of color, the celebrated beauty of dark skin, full figure, natural hair.
Overall some shocking developments that make me on edge for the next book. What can I say? Loved it!
September 20, 2022
love hate relationship
It’s clear to me that I am a masochistic. If you read the dedication know that I am in both camps. Make no mistake this is not a love story. This is the story of all the “bad stuff,” the fmc goes through in other books before she gets her HEA. Quirah is a menace to society, an evil genius, and the villain in all the stories she writes. She really should rename this series Stockholm. Being reminded that Winter is only 21 is so necessary and I’m glad she did. If you’ve somehow gotten a hold of this book without reading the others please know she is NOT playing about the triggers this book is dark and malicious. There are no good guys. This ride is just dark and twisted and I’ll be back for the next part. Heaven help me.
It’s clear to me that I am a masochistic. If you read the dedication know that I am in both camps. Make no mistake this is not a love story. This is the story of all the “bad stuff,” the fmc goes through in other books before she gets her HEA. Quirah is a menace to society, an evil genius, and the villain in all the stories she writes. She really should rename this series Stockholm. Being reminded that Winter is only 21 is so necessary and I’m glad she did. If you’ve somehow gotten a hold of this book without reading the others please know she is NOT playing about the triggers this book is dark and malicious. There are no good guys. This ride is just dark and twisted and I’ll be back for the next part. Heaven help me.
August 15, 2022
EVEN more jocular than the last 😭 winter still unserious, maximo you will never be loved, Enzo...whatever, Vito you will never be loved, Gio you know I hate you. None of these men are worthy crine like tffffff😭😭😭😭
I giggled while reading though
LUCIAAMARIE BISEXUALS WE LOVE YOU
ALSO AMARIE BEING THE DRAKE AND LUCIA KNOWING IT WAS HER WHO BOMBED THE CAR THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO KILL GIO AND SHE LIED OH SHE LOVES HER ITS TRUE IDC ALSO DIAMOND AND WINTER BEING SIBLINGS AND COUSINS BECAUSE HIS DAD WAS A SISTER FUCKER 😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫
I giggled while reading though
LUCIAAMARIE BISEXUALS WE LOVE YOU
ALSO AMARIE BEING THE DRAKE AND LUCIA KNOWING IT WAS HER WHO BOMBED THE CAR THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO KILL GIO AND SHE LIED OH SHE LOVES HER ITS TRUE IDC ALSO DIAMOND AND WINTER BEING SIBLINGS AND COUSINS BECAUSE HIS DAD WAS A SISTER FUCKER 😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫
July 2, 2022
Poor little lamb
I love this series!!! Its like I want this book to never end its so good. The twist that was revealed about Dox I never saw coming omg poor winter, I hope this doesn't cause her to spiral into depression! I both love and loathe the Costa men for their treatment of winter. I hope Lil mama can finally find someone to love and care for her one day. I hope the next book can give our girl what she deserves!! I can't wait until the next book in the series!!
I love this series!!! Its like I want this book to never end its so good. The twist that was revealed about Dox I never saw coming omg poor winter, I hope this doesn't cause her to spiral into depression! I both love and loathe the Costa men for their treatment of winter. I hope Lil mama can finally find someone to love and care for her one day. I hope the next book can give our girl what she deserves!! I can't wait until the next book in the series!!
November 27, 2022
I think out of all 3 books, this one is my least favorite. Ms. Casey is an incredible, remarkably gifted storyteller and writer. She crafts such compelling tales and has an uncanny way of making the scenes come to life. I like Winter. I appreciate that the author took a chance on creating a character who was more meek, uncertain and vulnerable than one who ended up being more aggressive and scarier than the actual mob bosses. I’d say almost 99% of books I read boast a MFC who is the very opposite of Winter so I’m really enjoying this refreshing tale of a young woman who is simply trying to survive. The male leads are true alphas, degenerates, psychopaths and there seems to be little to no redemption for them, which is also kind of refreshing. I do have a qualms with the book that made me actually remove it from my Kindle with no intention of continuing the series only to pick up again, unable to resist the temptation.
1) The assassination of Giovanni’s character. Ms. Casey clearly hates Giovanni and it seems she wants readers to do the same. I liked Giovanni in books one and two; and it seemed he was at least mildly interested in protecting Winter. I loved the dynamic between them- he the psychotic and detached head of a crime family and she his determined, unwilling ploy. I was expecting and hoping for more of a slow burn romance between them. I didn’t want him to do a 360 and become the good guy, but I didn’t expect him to become the antichrist either. In this book, from out of nowhere, he seems to absolutely loathe the very idea of Winter as he comes up with the cruelest and most unusual ways to inflict pain and humiliation on her. I liked him because he’s not your typical marshmallow alpha. He calls the shots at all times and doesn’t allow anyone, Winter included, to control or dominate him. He’s willing to go to the extremes to get things done without remorse. In most dark “romance” novels involving mafia, the male lead is usually vicious to everyone except the female lead who can trash-talk and even assault him! This series is different because Giovanni sticks to his guns no matter what. But in this book 3, unfortunately, the cruelty was just over the top and Ms. Casey seemed to want to make him as dislikeable as possible. All intimate scenes with him were plain awful and painful to read, while Winter somewhat enjoyed being with the others. I get that he’s a bad guy, but I was expecting more to develop between them and now there’s 0 chance of that happening. I can’t understand the purpose in making readers hate Giovanni.
2) Shoving Winter-Enzo-Maximo down our throats. The fact that she’s drawn to them most seems to come from out of nowhere and just doesn’t make any sense to me. Of all the men, Vito is the one who consistently shows up for her and he seems little more than an after-thought. I think she has the greatest chemistry with him (and ironically Giovanni) but their dynamic is least explored, which I think is a really wasted opportunity. I’d rather read about the three of them and wish we could have gotten more. The sudden desire she has for Maximo and Enzo takes more away from the story than it adds because it seems so forced given the way she was so terrified of Maximo but now has the hots for him. I just couldn't get into them.
3) Maximo-Enzo drama. I literally skipped through all the scenes involving Maximo and Enzo and was tired of reading about them every other page. I have no interest in their relationship at all and their scenes seemed to dominate the book. I wish the author would have decided to write all their scenes in a separate novel that I could have skipped entirely because I could absolutely care less about their twisted romance.
4) There was too much focus on secondary characters. I could care less about Daria, Polo, Frances, Isabel and all the others from the second crime family. I found myself skipping through all those scenes too.
This series started out strong and I couldn’t wait for the release of each new novel. Ms. Casey is one of the best writers I’ve come across so I’m really hoping she can craft a satisfying end to this story.
1) The assassination of Giovanni’s character. Ms. Casey clearly hates Giovanni and it seems she wants readers to do the same. I liked Giovanni in books one and two; and it seemed he was at least mildly interested in protecting Winter. I loved the dynamic between them- he the psychotic and detached head of a crime family and she his determined, unwilling ploy. I was expecting and hoping for more of a slow burn romance between them. I didn’t want him to do a 360 and become the good guy, but I didn’t expect him to become the antichrist either. In this book, from out of nowhere, he seems to absolutely loathe the very idea of Winter as he comes up with the cruelest and most unusual ways to inflict pain and humiliation on her. I liked him because he’s not your typical marshmallow alpha. He calls the shots at all times and doesn’t allow anyone, Winter included, to control or dominate him. He’s willing to go to the extremes to get things done without remorse. In most dark “romance” novels involving mafia, the male lead is usually vicious to everyone except the female lead who can trash-talk and even assault him! This series is different because Giovanni sticks to his guns no matter what. But in this book 3, unfortunately, the cruelty was just over the top and Ms. Casey seemed to want to make him as dislikeable as possible. All intimate scenes with him were plain awful and painful to read, while Winter somewhat enjoyed being with the others. I get that he’s a bad guy, but I was expecting more to develop between them and now there’s 0 chance of that happening. I can’t understand the purpose in making readers hate Giovanni.
2) Shoving Winter-Enzo-Maximo down our throats. The fact that she’s drawn to them most seems to come from out of nowhere and just doesn’t make any sense to me. Of all the men, Vito is the one who consistently shows up for her and he seems little more than an after-thought. I think she has the greatest chemistry with him (and ironically Giovanni) but their dynamic is least explored, which I think is a really wasted opportunity. I’d rather read about the three of them and wish we could have gotten more. The sudden desire she has for Maximo and Enzo takes more away from the story than it adds because it seems so forced given the way she was so terrified of Maximo but now has the hots for him. I just couldn't get into them.
3) Maximo-Enzo drama. I literally skipped through all the scenes involving Maximo and Enzo and was tired of reading about them every other page. I have no interest in their relationship at all and their scenes seemed to dominate the book. I wish the author would have decided to write all their scenes in a separate novel that I could have skipped entirely because I could absolutely care less about their twisted romance.
4) There was too much focus on secondary characters. I could care less about Daria, Polo, Frances, Isabel and all the others from the second crime family. I found myself skipping through all those scenes too.
This series started out strong and I couldn’t wait for the release of each new novel. Ms. Casey is one of the best writers I’ve come across so I’m really hoping she can craft a satisfying end to this story.
July 25, 2022
Winter knows the truth about her mother, or what she thinks is the truth. More wars are waged as Winter faces off with Giovanni's fiancé, and manages to make new enemies. Maximo continues with his sadistic, €rotic assault on her, and Enzo is a willing participant. Maximo is all for Winter and Enzo hooking up as long as it is his idea and he is there to orchestrate the whole thing. But what happens when Maximo sees feelings growing between them that he doesn't like? Nothing good, that is for sure. Giovanni becomes more of a monster in this book, and nearly drowns Winter. He shows no remorse and I'm still trying to find out what his endgame is involving Winter. I mean, he shattered her ideas about what happened with her mom and her family, but to what end?
Vito is falling in love with her and he and Giovanni know it won't end well, because Giovanni has a brutal end planned for her. But, what is it??? This is the big question that I just can't wrap my head around. How does she factor into his revenge on the Seven quad?
Winter has feelings for all the men, except for Giovanni, and that is twisted since none of them have ever been truly nice to her. She has dubcon relations with the men and an instance of s€xual assault when she is kidnapped, so this book is still pretty dark.
We finally find out who The Drake is and I kind of suspected that one. Even though there is a hit out on Winter, The Drake will not be fulfilling it. Lucia is very interested in Winter's friend Amarie, and Lucia is aware that she helped Winter during the attack at the club.
It looks like the last book should hopefully be out by the fall, maybe Christmas, so I will have to wait impatiently until then.
Vito is falling in love with her and he and Giovanni know it won't end well, because Giovanni has a brutal end planned for her. But, what is it??? This is the big question that I just can't wrap my head around. How does she factor into his revenge on the Seven quad?
Winter has feelings for all the men, except for Giovanni, and that is twisted since none of them have ever been truly nice to her. She has dubcon relations with the men and an instance of s€xual assault when she is kidnapped, so this book is still pretty dark.
We finally find out who The Drake is and I kind of suspected that one. Even though there is a hit out on Winter, The Drake will not be fulfilling it. Lucia is very interested in Winter's friend Amarie, and Lucia is aware that she helped Winter during the attack at the club.
It looks like the last book should hopefully be out by the fall, maybe Christmas, so I will have to wait impatiently until then.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2022
1.5 stars for this installation of the Brutal Winters Saga. If you thought Winter was one of the worst female protagonist you’ve ever happened upon, buckle up because she only gets worse. This story could have easily been 4/5 stars if the author had not included Winter in this book at all. This book had everything!! Love, murder, betrayal, attempted murder. Lucia’s bad ass, and some very steamy scenes that Winter was in but could have arguably been swapped out with another gorgeous character or a random hookup type of situation and you wouldn’t really miss anything.
The author is very talented but she really needs a better editor and she really needs to give Winter a spine that grow every other chapter just to be non existent 5 minutes later. Winter comes off as annoying, useless and bird brained in this third installation and it’s disheartening. A character who started off brave, charismatic and selfless has turned into a sniveling, whiny brat with no real direction or change in her character one way or the other leaves this story flat and serves as a disservice to the character.
Winter wants revenge, but has no real idea of how to seek or go about collecting any information to verify what she’s found out. She just believes what Diamond’s ass tells her and runs with it. Winter wants revenge, but forgets about her hate and revenge as soon as she’s thoroughly f**cked by a Casto 🙄🙄. Winter want revenge and doesn’t even know how to properly sneak around to getting her ass caught up every time.
I honestly wish Winter’s chapters were cut short and we were given more from the current turmoil going between Giovanni/Vito and Maximo/Enzo as well as more background about Amerie.
The author is very talented but she really needs a better editor and she really needs to give Winter a spine that grow every other chapter just to be non existent 5 minutes later. Winter comes off as annoying, useless and bird brained in this third installation and it’s disheartening. A character who started off brave, charismatic and selfless has turned into a sniveling, whiny brat with no real direction or change in her character one way or the other leaves this story flat and serves as a disservice to the character.
Winter wants revenge, but has no real idea of how to seek or go about collecting any information to verify what she’s found out. She just believes what Diamond’s ass tells her and runs with it. Winter wants revenge, but forgets about her hate and revenge as soon as she’s thoroughly f**cked by a Casto 🙄🙄. Winter want revenge and doesn’t even know how to properly sneak around to getting her ass caught up every time.
I honestly wish Winter’s chapters were cut short and we were given more from the current turmoil going between Giovanni/Vito and Maximo/Enzo as well as more background about Amerie.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2022
It has always been very hard for me to rate this series. It's a series that's difficult to hate despite the story dragging cos of all the characters and their twisted motivations. So I end up giving an average rating 4.5 just because i was hooked from beginning to end. I was hoping this would be the final book in the series but then again I was met with another cliff hanger. Three books in and we STILL do not know what Giovanni's motivations are regarding Winter and Vito is another elusive character as well. Also the writing clearly shows who the Authors favourite characters are which are Enzimo, specifically Maximo, and so it skews the focus of the reader a bit. Alot should have been wrapped in this book if some needless scenes had not been there especially those scenes at her workplace. And that final kidnapping? Absolutely unnecessary. I enjoyed the book, don't get me wrong, but there were too many filler scenes which could have been replaced with the fleshing out of more important characters. I'm hoping the final book touches more on the relationships and things are properly resolved.
October 26, 2022
Cruel, Cruel, Summee😰😱🥵
This series is darker than dark and I freaking love it😉. If you happen to stumble upon this book note that the are two prior ones and I suggest you read them first. When I say there are triggers⚠️ best believe it will get you and if you can deal with it you will be entranced in the story👍🏽.
The Costa men a certifiably brutal in how they treat Summer, they make “bad” seem tame😬. Summer for all that she’s endured has a fighting will so strong that in the end I know she will get out of this nightmare on top💪🏽🙌🏽. There were scenes in the book where I wished I could knock some of the guys out for her so she could escape😜. As cruel as they are Vito and Enzo do their darndest to give Summer some semblance of normalcy🥰😘. I also enjoy seeing Summer spending time with Darla and Lucia. Oh, and the bombshell at the and has my fingers itching to get book 4 now.
Is this a love story, hmmm🤔 Summer has feelings for the men in a twisted Stockholm syndrome kind of way. This is not for the faint of heart but if you can handle the dark triggering stuff I believe you’d enjoy this crazy story❤️.
This series is darker than dark and I freaking love it😉. If you happen to stumble upon this book note that the are two prior ones and I suggest you read them first. When I say there are triggers⚠️ best believe it will get you and if you can deal with it you will be entranced in the story👍🏽.
The Costa men a certifiably brutal in how they treat Summer, they make “bad” seem tame😬. Summer for all that she’s endured has a fighting will so strong that in the end I know she will get out of this nightmare on top💪🏽🙌🏽. There were scenes in the book where I wished I could knock some of the guys out for her so she could escape😜. As cruel as they are Vito and Enzo do their darndest to give Summer some semblance of normalcy🥰😘. I also enjoy seeing Summer spending time with Darla and Lucia. Oh, and the bombshell at the and has my fingers itching to get book 4 now.
Is this a love story, hmmm🤔 Summer has feelings for the men in a twisted Stockholm syndrome kind of way. This is not for the faint of heart but if you can handle the dark triggering stuff I believe you’d enjoy this crazy story❤️.
July 15, 2022
this series is so crazy good…
Here we are on Book 3 of Brutal Winter. I honestly love this story so much, and I LOVE all the characters too. But I’ve become a little sadistic with this amazing series because— well, now I want Winter to un-alive them all. (lol) I just want her to win. I don’t know why. This author has made me blood thirsty. (lol) But this is a “why choose” so at least three of the four must live, if not all four main men. I’d actually be happy too if Winter just trapped the guys in the basement and returned the awfulness they’ve dished out to her over the seasons then released them. (lol) But this is a romance, so I know it won’t end this way. I’m sure whatever this author writes will be amazing, but as a reader, I can still wish for Winter to have mind-blowing intimacy with each guy then blow their head off as they climax. I can still want that, right? (lol) Just so she can see the shock in their eyes? (lol) *kidding* I’m looking forward to the fourth book. Highly recommend this series.
Here we are on Book 3 of Brutal Winter. I honestly love this story so much, and I LOVE all the characters too. But I’ve become a little sadistic with this amazing series because— well, now I want Winter to un-alive them all. (lol) I just want her to win. I don’t know why. This author has made me blood thirsty. (lol) But this is a “why choose” so at least three of the four must live, if not all four main men. I’d actually be happy too if Winter just trapped the guys in the basement and returned the awfulness they’ve dished out to her over the seasons then released them. (lol) But this is a romance, so I know it won’t end this way. I’m sure whatever this author writes will be amazing, but as a reader, I can still wish for Winter to have mind-blowing intimacy with each guy then blow their head off as they climax. I can still want that, right? (lol) Just so she can see the shock in their eyes? (lol) *kidding* I’m looking forward to the fourth book. Highly recommend this series.
December 12, 2025
Winter is exhausting
Finally we get a real scene with Winter & Vito this book and he showed Winter his true feelings HIS WAY. It's about dang time. All the men in here horrendous, but if I had to choose one that is the most tolerable, it would be Vito. What Giovanni did to Winter in the pool made me hate him more than Maximo. (And I truly hate Maximo) Winter does stupid stuff and how can she keep falling for the men who abuse her constantly? She fought back this time when she was kidnapped but she is always getting busted in the head. Winter keeps putting herself in harmful, stupid situations in the knowing/hopes that one of the Costas is going to save her. They save her after she gets beat up and concussed, every time!!! Winter needs to start saving herself or just let them put a bullet in her already. I am ready for this to be done. And the information Giovanni told Winter at the end.....I had already figured it out when he said Diamond doesn't have all the facts.
Finally we get a real scene with Winter & Vito this book and he showed Winter his true feelings HIS WAY. It's about dang time. All the men in here horrendous, but if I had to choose one that is the most tolerable, it would be Vito. What Giovanni did to Winter in the pool made me hate him more than Maximo. (And I truly hate Maximo) Winter does stupid stuff and how can she keep falling for the men who abuse her constantly? She fought back this time when she was kidnapped but she is always getting busted in the head. Winter keeps putting herself in harmful, stupid situations in the knowing/hopes that one of the Costas is going to save her. They save her after she gets beat up and concussed, every time!!! Winter needs to start saving herself or just let them put a bullet in her already. I am ready for this to be done. And the information Giovanni told Winter at the end.....I had already figured it out when he said Diamond doesn't have all the facts.
July 2, 2022
Well, Damn!
Cruel Summer, indeed. This book picks up a month or so after the end of Ruthless Spring. Winter is both shattered to know the truth about her mother's death and the role the Costas played in it but at the same time is inspired to make them pay some how. I found myself cheering for Winter, then a few pages later crying for her and at points wanting to shake some sense into her. Giovanni's facade slips showing more of the monster he is, Vito is finding out harder to hide his feelings for Winter, and Maximo shows again that there's o depth to his depravity and Enzo makes a stand. There are lighter moments, especially with Lucia and Daria. The ending will leave you speechless. Highly recommend.
Cruel Summer, indeed. This book picks up a month or so after the end of Ruthless Spring. Winter is both shattered to know the truth about her mother's death and the role the Costas played in it but at the same time is inspired to make them pay some how. I found myself cheering for Winter, then a few pages later crying for her and at points wanting to shake some sense into her. Giovanni's facade slips showing more of the monster he is, Vito is finding out harder to hide his feelings for Winter, and Maximo shows again that there's o depth to his depravity and Enzo makes a stand. There are lighter moments, especially with Lucia and Daria. The ending will leave you speechless. Highly recommend.
June 7, 2025
This is the first book that has captured my attention in awhile and I read all the at up into book three before I started losing interest. Honestly the scenes are becoming too repetitive and I’m not easily phased but the rape scenes were becoming way too much. I’m kind of tired of authors labeling books like this “dark romance” there is no romance…with Vito yes maybe but it’s one sided. I found it hard to really like ANY of the characters because they all either knew or partook in the rapings of winter. Especially Enzo he really pissed me off to the extent sleeping with a rapist multiple times tbh I feel like his character was unnecessary.
January 24, 2024
The Saga Continues …
Seriously, how much can that girl take, my goodness… Giovanni is one horrible, ruthless as*@*le , he is even worse than Maximo, at least he doesn’t hide. That pool scene with Giovanni… what a sicko. And Maximo and his pole, geez !!!
At least Vito has a little humanity left and I love the connection that Enzo and Winter developed… 🙌 . well Maximo, deal with it !
Anyway, too many twists and turns … you need to read it yourself and trust me you are not going to be disappointed.
BTW, I suspected that Amarie was … lol. 😉 wouldn’t want to know. lol
Seriously, how much can that girl take, my goodness… Giovanni is one horrible, ruthless as*@*le , he is even worse than Maximo, at least he doesn’t hide. That pool scene with Giovanni… what a sicko. And Maximo and his pole, geez !!!
At least Vito has a little humanity left and I love the connection that Enzo and Winter developed… 🙌 . well Maximo, deal with it !
Anyway, too many twists and turns … you need to read it yourself and trust me you are not going to be disappointed.
BTW, I suspected that Amarie was … lol. 😉 wouldn’t want to know. lol
June 14, 2024
'I'd kill for someone to love me so much that they care more about my happiness than their own.' -Winter Thoughts is heartbreaking.
If I could give five stars for writing such reprehensible characters where you wish a firing squad would shoot them to death after their eyes had been plucked out and their body was tortured beyond recognition I would but I'm giving this stars as a whole book. Again we see Maximo with no regard for anybody except what he wants as well all the rest of the men. The way Maximo talks about Winter I'm surprised he even wants her in any capacity. It's like she's less than dirt under his shoe. I'm confused how Enzo can fixed his mouth to say he is jealous of Winter with the way Maximo treats her and they all know that Gio end game is to kill winter because she's Maddox daughter/niece. Gio is just as fucked up as Maximo. I'd dare to say more so. These two brothers are two sides of the same. Both rapist pos with no morales.This story is fucked two ways from Sunday. But as Stockholm syndrome as Winter is and the fact that's it's brutal to watch her soak up any little fake crumb of affection as if someone was giving her the keys to paradise, I still root for her to get it the fuck together and get her revenge and leave all this fucked up murderers in the dust.
If I could give five stars for writing such reprehensible characters where you wish a firing squad would shoot them to death after their eyes had been plucked out and their body was tortured beyond recognition I would but I'm giving this stars as a whole book. Again we see Maximo with no regard for anybody except what he wants as well all the rest of the men. The way Maximo talks about Winter I'm surprised he even wants her in any capacity. It's like she's less than dirt under his shoe. I'm confused how Enzo can fixed his mouth to say he is jealous of Winter with the way Maximo treats her and they all know that Gio end game is to kill winter because she's Maddox daughter/niece. Gio is just as fucked up as Maximo. I'd dare to say more so. These two brothers are two sides of the same. Both rapist pos with no morales.This story is fucked two ways from Sunday. But as Stockholm syndrome as Winter is and the fact that's it's brutal to watch her soak up any little fake crumb of affection as if someone was giving her the keys to paradise, I still root for her to get it the fuck together and get her revenge and leave all this fucked up murderers in the dust.
July 5, 2022
I don’t know what to say
I loved this book. I’m really hating Giovanni right now. Winter is really trying to take as much control of her life as she can. Maximo is getting on my nerves with how he treats Enzo and Winter. He loves Enzo and cares for Winter but can’t bring himself to admit it. And Vito is in love with Winter. I can’t wait for the fourth book to see who saves her or if she’s gonna save herself
I loved this book. I’m really hating Giovanni right now. Winter is really trying to take as much control of her life as she can. Maximo is getting on my nerves with how he treats Enzo and Winter. He loves Enzo and cares for Winter but can’t bring himself to admit it. And Vito is in love with Winter. I can’t wait for the fourth book to see who saves her or if she’s gonna save herself
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November 28, 2022This is the darkest book I’ve ever read. Do NOT take this as an endorsement. I do not recommend book 3 but like Winter I am in a chokehold by Quirah Casey and experiencing Stockholms syndrome. This book is toxic af but griping. Ugh! I’m too deeply invested to quit. Spare yourself.
The brutality can be too much but the drama with the other mafias are just right. I really need Winter to burn down the little corner of their world and leave NOTHING standing. Let it all FALL. (Pun intended)
The brutality can be too much but the drama with the other mafias are just right. I really need Winter to burn down the little corner of their world and leave NOTHING standing. Let it all FALL. (Pun intended)
February 6, 2023
Omg
Well that cliffhanger is interesting can't wait to see how this all comes to an end. Winter has a moment of trying to be fierce but then gets broken somewhat it really is somewhat dark, not very but still enjoyable.. Enzo and Maximo seems to have more intimate scenes than Winter, I guess that's how the author wanted it to be It would be nice to see how the relationship between all 5 of them evolves into something less dramatic but more passionate
Well that cliffhanger is interesting can't wait to see how this all comes to an end. Winter has a moment of trying to be fierce but then gets broken somewhat it really is somewhat dark, not very but still enjoyable.. Enzo and Maximo seems to have more intimate scenes than Winter, I guess that's how the author wanted it to be It would be nice to see how the relationship between all 5 of them evolves into something less dramatic but more passionate
April 22, 2023
I need it to get to the point
This book was okay. I'll admit that I had skip certain parts of this book. With the exception of sex scenes with Vito and Enzo it was a rough read again. I gave 4 stars this time just for the small happy moments Winter got to experience with Daria, Isabella and Lucia.
I hope the last book can bring the answers to light and I truly hope that the brothers get their comeuppance
This book was okay. I'll admit that I had skip certain parts of this book. With the exception of sex scenes with Vito and Enzo it was a rough read again. I gave 4 stars this time just for the small happy moments Winter got to experience with Daria, Isabella and Lucia.
I hope the last book can bring the answers to light and I truly hope that the brothers get their comeuppance
July 17, 2023
I dont where to begin with this third book. Only book four can beat in its darkness. Winter is still dancing in hell, with the Psycho R Us gang barely making it. With death threats and attempts coming from every direction and among the gang, her body and sanity are walking a very fine line. Plus it doesn't help that everyone seems to be catching feelings that are contrary to the supposed outcome of the situation.
November 15, 2023
🔥 🍆 👀 💦
When I tell you that this book is all that and a bag of chips too… I have literally read almost all five of the books in the series in the span of one week. I just can’t put them down. So much action, combustible sex scenes, crazy characters/scenarios…Love, love, love these books. Gonna be sad when they finally end, but I can’t wait for Winter to destroy them all and take back her life.
When I tell you that this book is all that and a bag of chips too… I have literally read almost all five of the books in the series in the span of one week. I just can’t put them down. So much action, combustible sex scenes, crazy characters/scenarios…Love, love, love these books. Gonna be sad when they finally end, but I can’t wait for Winter to destroy them all and take back her life.
July 2, 2022
Wtf
I love this book just as much as the other 2 but dragging them out is there in the back of a tad a new way. Like just get to the end of the story all right this woman has been through so much I was trying to feel her pain. I might need to start A hashtag free winter. Lol Great story as always.
I love this book just as much as the other 2 but dragging them out is there in the back of a tad a new way. Like just get to the end of the story all right this woman has been through so much I was trying to feel her pain. I might need to start A hashtag free winter. Lol Great story as always.
July 6, 2022
Simply 😳😟🤭😧😮😵💫😵 Floored
I gave book two in this series a poor rating, but I must apologize. You have to get through it, because it lays the foundation for the delightful devastation that is Cruel Summer. ⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️ Please heed all the trigger warnings. This book 📖 was so good, but definitely not for the faint of heart!
I gave book two in this series a poor rating, but I must apologize. You have to get through it, because it lays the foundation for the delightful devastation that is Cruel Summer. ⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️ Please heed all the trigger warnings. This book 📖 was so good, but definitely not for the faint of heart!
July 19, 2022
Winter #3
This was a good read. I was put off by the scene with the pole. For me that was more of a "rape". Even if Winter attempted to fight back, Max would have forced her anyway based on previous scenes. Only true psychopaths would do that to a woman. That's my take on that part. Glad Sheffield got his in the end. Can wait to see what happens next with all of them.
This was a good read. I was put off by the scene with the pole. For me that was more of a "rape". Even if Winter attempted to fight back, Max would have forced her anyway based on previous scenes. Only true psychopaths would do that to a woman. That's my take on that part. Glad Sheffield got his in the end. Can wait to see what happens next with all of them.
July 25, 2022
Explosive!
One word. Wow! Part 3 kept me on the edge of my seat. The chronicles of Winter and the Costas plus Enzo continue. Winter is getting stronger and braver as she searches for the truth of why she was brought to the Costas in the first place. Savagery, torture, kidnappings, passion all come together in this epic and well-written story. Loved it!
One word. Wow! Part 3 kept me on the edge of my seat. The chronicles of Winter and the Costas plus Enzo continue. Winter is getting stronger and braver as she searches for the truth of why she was brought to the Costas in the first place. Savagery, torture, kidnappings, passion all come together in this epic and well-written story. Loved it!
August 3, 2022
Need book 4 ASAP
Listennnnn...when I say I anticipate every book in this series! Oh my word...I'm grotesquely wrapped in this story of Winter. That poor girl have been through it all and this ending lets me know it's only going to get worse before it gets better for her. I need book 4 rhet now!
Listennnnn...when I say I anticipate every book in this series! Oh my word...I'm grotesquely wrapped in this story of Winter. That poor girl have been through it all and this ending lets me know it's only going to get worse before it gets better for her. I need book 4 rhet now!
August 5, 2022
Eu me senti assistindo uma série Netflix com esse book, quando abria já via os personagens na cabeça. Se era o objetivo da autora, ela conseguiu. Apesar de todas as distorções, que acredito que seria assim se a máfia estivesse envolvida. Tudo neste livro é bom, ah como espero que possa ler muito sobre essa turma. Se tivesse 10 daria 100. Perfeito. Dea XOXO.
December 20, 2023
book was great until….
Not going to giveaway the ending on this one. Pisssed though. Author said she didn’t phone it in but it seemed lazy and like she just wanted to leave some type of cliffhanger. She could have come up with a better one. Doesn’t mean I won’t read the next one though. I’m invested now lol
Not going to giveaway the ending on this one. Pisssed though. Author said she didn’t phone it in but it seemed lazy and like she just wanted to leave some type of cliffhanger. She could have come up with a better one. Doesn’t mean I won’t read the next one though. I’m invested now lol
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