Cruel Saint

Vicious Empire #1

by Luna Kayne

HE WAS HER FIRST FOR EVERYTHING.
NOW HE’S DETERMINED TO BE HER LAST.

RYDER SAINT
Amara is my dark obsession. She was promised to me in a deal she knows nothing about.
Four years ago, I sent her away to protect her from the life I live as the son of a crime lord.
Now her brother—my best friend—is dead, and though I wasn’t there for him in the end, I intend to look after his little sister.
I should stay in the shadows, let her live the life her brother wanted for her, but she’s in trouble in more ways than one, and I’m the only one who can save her…but I’ll have to break her first.
Good girls keep their promises, and it’s time Amara came home—to me—where she belongs.

AMARA SCOTT
As far as I’m concerned, Ryder let me go four years ago, and I never looked back.
Now he shows up demanding I come home, and I have no choice but to return when he forces my hand.
The Saints never pay for their crimes. They take what they want and discard the rest. Like me…
But I’m not a weak girl anymore, and I’m packing some secrets of my own.
I’ll use my time to find out who killed my brother…then I'll destroy them.
Even if that man is Ryder himself.

* Cruel Saint is the first book in the Vicious Empire dark romance family saga series.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Romance, Second Chance, BDSM, Mafia Romance, Contemporary

339 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 20, 2022

About the author

Follow Luna on BookBub for the latest on sales and new releases: bookbub.com/profile/luna-kayne

Luna Kayne is a multi-genre romance author located in Canada. She writes dark romantic suspense with a hint of humor and a heaping dose of angst. Her men are dominant and often stubborn, and her women are often underestimated.

Luna enjoys gardening, dislikes long winters, and she doesn’t understand how commas work (thankfully, her editor does).

Reviews

[Melluvsbooks]

DNF @ 25% - this h is even too much of a doormat for *ME* 😂 -

baby girl, if a man leaves you with ugly words and betrayal after taking your v card and shows up out of the blue 4 years later… maybe ask some questions? Maybe demand some respect and groveling? Maybe don’t open your legs to him even though you think he’s engaged to someone else and had a child with that person? I like a submissive heroine. I really do. But we have to start from a place of basic self respect. At least make him TAKE it, if he’s not gonna provide you with some major explanations. Don’t just roll over and give it to him. Love yourself. Just a little.

And dude? Why the eff aren’t you telling the love of your life what’s up?? Why would you allow her think you impregnated your best friends girl?? Why make her move into your house just to torture her and then PUNISH her when she lashes out. What kind of piece of sh*t would do that?? 😐


We’ll just set aside all the other issues I had with the H’s POV sounding like no heterosexual male I’ve ever known… and the fact that they had been lovers not that long ago but addressed each other as if they’d been separated for 20 years and were now both married with families. So formal. So weird. Not to mention how the h is described as someone closer in age to mid thirties rather than very early 20s… she’s basically running a company. Give me break.

🙄😵‍💫🙄😵‍💫🙄😵‍💫🙄😵‍💫🙄😵‍💫🙄😵‍💫

This one wasn’t for me. 🤡

[Samantha (bookgramsaga reviews) · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️

''She consumes my darkness like it's her lifeline''

Safety warnings:
- No cheating
- No OM drama
- OW drama
- Violence/d*ath
- Loss of loved ones
- Abandonment
- BDSM
- HEA (couple)
- Cliffhanger (plot)

SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️

SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️

SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️

SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️

So, this had the recipe for everything I would like in a dark romance, but it fell short in my eyes, and I was disappointed with a few things that I think diminished the value of the romance and growth of the actual relationship. I also figured out a bunch of the ''twists'‘, so it did not make an impact on me at all.

Amara has been engaged to Ryder for a few years and they are secretly in love, the marriage is an arranged one but actually her family sold her off to his family. His father pushed him to accept the marriage but he reality he never needed pushing as he is in love with her and being with her is effortless. Fast forward to when her father dies, and her mother wants the engagement annulled and moves her away and Ryder (in order to protect her from being a pawn) lets her go and Amara believes he never cared, and they are separated for 4 years.

Almost 2 years after that day, Amara's brother Grayson (Ryder's best friend) has been murdered and nobody knows who did it. This murder mystery is the main plot for the series and each book will eventually leave you to figure out who did it and a few other mysteries.

Fast track to two years later and Ryder forces her back to the same town and his home where she finds out that Ryder is engaged to Grayson's former gf Sloane and now Ryder/Sloane has a son named Henry. She is distraught to find out about this development but honestly if you realize the kids age and how Ryder loved Grayson you figure out right away their engagement is fake, and the kid is Grayson's and not Ryder's. It was obvious BUT Amara does not find out about these two important points until Chapter 27 and it is way past the point where he should of told her.

SHE BELIEVES Ryder is cheating on Sloane with her and she doesn't feel guilty about it and they keep cheating but it's not cheating. We also find out Ryder has been celibate since he let Amara go BUT Amara has not, she has been going once a month into a BDSM club (each time with different guys) and despite the fact it was never specifically told by her POV (Ryder finds out after digging into her life) we are left to believe she slept with so many men during their separation, all the while she wasn't over him. I understand some people might not have an issue with this but I did, more specifically with why she was doing it....She never fell out of love with Ryder and the whole sex club situation was just glossed over too quickly for me, it was never fully discussed and Ryder focused on the wrong thing. It made me feel like Amara spent years being with different men only to feel empty from it? It was not the proper way to heal, and it shows in the book.

Another thing I found tedious was how Ryder would treat her after she moved into the house, he would basically BULLY her for what? It made no sense to me, and this was done before he ever finds out about the sex club she frequented. He was just doing all this shit because he believed it was keeping her in line and keeping in line would keep her safe? Made no sense.

I also felt like we needed more backstory about how their LOVE developed because all we got from the flashbacks was sexual. I wanted to read about them falling in love, but I don't think we really did.

Also, I saw Nash's betrayal coming a mile away, especially when he was the one always having meetings with Ryder's dad to update him on business (like Ryder wanted him to). It was so obvious that he was going to be the traitor.

I don't need to read on to figure out the two mysteries about the series:
Who killed Grayson? Ryder's father - no doubt in my mind.
Who is the heir they are searching for? My money is either one of the brothers or Sloane.

Will I continue the series? I'm not so sure but we will see!

[Anksita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy Crap. Addicting read.
This is a dark romance interconnecting standalone series. Involves 4 brothers, their love lives and one unsolved murder which affects them all.
It was a very engaging fast paced read.

Tropes
👉 Murder mystery
👉Alpha Hero (OTT) possesive/obsessive
👉 Strong FMC (with very interesting secrets)
👉 Power exchange well written (FYI that office room scene will forever live rent free in my mind)
👉 Second chance romance
👉 Crime family

I loved the writing. The flow of the story was flawlessly executed. Never did I feel there was a plot hole or something was left unexplained (unintentionally that is).
I cannot wait for the other brothers time to shine. Especially Lennox. I'm definitely hooked. Ps the way the first book ended and the sneak peek for the 2nd book...... 👁️👄👁️

An ARC was given to me for free and I an leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to the author.

[Cécile Smits · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this one for free on Apple Books,and after reading it,i can say i’m glad i didn’t spend any money on it.
The idea was good,don’t get me wrong,the execution was less than i’d hoped for.
Amara and Ryder were childhood sweethearts,and engaged to be married until they weren’t.
Amara’s mother took her away after the death of her father,and Ryder let her.
Her brother,and his best friend,Grayson was killed a few years later,and if the loss of her father and her fiancé didn’t already destroy her,this did….
And then he buys the company she works at and forces her to come back with him.
Where she finds out he’s engaged to her late brother’s fiancée…..
Still,she doesn’t manage to resist him,in fact he gets her to give into him every time.

Then there’s the mystery of who killed her brother.
It turns out Ryder and his brothers have been searching for the killer all these years,and think it had to be someone close.
Only,the one person they suspect is their brother Lennox,who spends his time glaring at Ryder’s fiancée.
Because it turns out they have feelings for eachother…..but he turned her down,and she then got engaged to the other man she loved,Grayson.
With no evidence to suggest he’s the killer,they still keep him out of their investigations.
All that while the father is obviously a much more likely candidate…..and his actions/words show it.

Anyway,there’s bullying Amara into opening up without giving her the truth of the situation.
Ryder keeps telling her he’s keeping her,but what about his fiancée?
She’s supposed to be strong,to stand up to him,but she fails every time.
And then,finally,he reveals everything to her.
After she goes public with her intentions of finding her brother’s killer.

I’ve read it,i even finished it,but i don’t think i will read the rest.

[Susan · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a new author for me and while I liked the premise of this book, I honestly didn't care for either character. Amara was way to weak and submissive in my opinion. She let Ryder pretty much tell her what to do at every move. Yet, she tried to act strong in the beginning - it was a total joke in my opinion. Ryder, on the other hand, pretty much had no redeeming qualities in my book. He was a total alpha hole. I like my heroines strong, sassy and independent and that is so not Amara. While I totally understand her loss, I just expected so much more from her and it never happened. I probably wouldn't waste my time on this one. I received an advanced copy and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

[Grace · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oddly addicting and compelling read, though it's not a great book...
Premise is good, execution is lacking. I might continue with the series though. The wider plot is still ongoing and it is actually really interesting. The part that really suffers is the actual romance component. And this is a romance book 🙃 lol

[Katie Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did I just read this book in one sitting? Yes. Why you may ask? Because I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN.

This is the first book I have read from this author and may I saw WOW. I was absolutely hooked from the prologue.

This book follows Ryder & Amara specifically but their story is apart of the Saint brothers story - which I am excited to read about in the future.

The book begins where Ryder lets Amara leave with her mother to protect her only to show up years later to bring her home. Amara’s brother is murdered and Ryder wants to solve the mystery.

I was on the edge of my seat reading this book: the chemistry between Ryder & Amara, the plot twists, the tension, the spice this book had it all.

Second chance romance✔️
Badass FMC✔️
Alpha MMC ✔️
Standalone book in an interconnected series✔️

All I can say is I need Cole’s book like NOW.

Thank you to the author for providing this book for my honest review.

[Elle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cruel saint by luna kayne
*vicious empire ( book 1 )
*can be read as a stand-alone ( but the plot continues throughout the series with different couples)
*i recommend to read it in order

Rating: 4⭐️
Date finished: Oct 28,2022

*i liked this book very much, i liked how ryder and amara loved each other even after any obstacles that comes between them. Ryder is not your typical mafia men, he is soft and dominant at the same time.
*i love all the mafia vibe, dark romance
*4 brothers ( each gets their own book) trying to figure out how their friend was killed, ( murder mystery)
*i really enjoyed the writing, cant wait to read lennoxs book.
*the thing i didnt like is how much of a pushover she was, she did everything he said even after the things he did to her.

* no cheating
* No om drama
* No third act breakup
* Some ow drama( but it’s resolved quickly )
* Separation ( both mcs hasn’t been with anyone while separated)
* HEA

❗️ check tw ❗️

[Kiana McGowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amara is promised to Ryder when she is in her teens, but with her father’s death the arranged marriage is cancelled. Amara does what she can to protect herself from the pain caused then emotionally as well as physically after her brothers death a few years later. Four years go by and Ryder shows up wanting to pick up where they left off, but Amara has different plans. Will Amara give in to old feelings? Can Ryder convince Amara that she can let go of control? Can they work together to find her brother‘s killer? This book does leave on a cliffhanger. Only reason for the 3.5 rating is the ending I was left with too many question, but the book is well written and great I just prefer more answers with my books even with cliffhangers.

[Kylie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first read by this author and I DEVOURED it. This is book 1 in the new series, Vicious Empire. Ryder and Amara have loved one another since they were young, but circumstances, unbeknown to Amara, has separated them. Ryder comes for her years later, no matter what, he will have her. These two went through so much while apart and to work their way back together. There were times I wanted to smack Ryder.
The chemistry between them was off the charts, you could really feel the connection between them. The author did a great job with the story and character development. I loved how the author alternated each chapter between the main characters, it really helped me connect with the characters .
There were so many secrets in this book, and they kept coming until the very end.
These two had a very dark romance between them, but their HEA showed Ryder’s soft side, which melted my heart.
Absolutely loved this and definitely recommend !
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Trac · Rating 1 out of 5]

Another doormat , pathetic h. Apologize to him for his assholery ? Or, why don’t u grow some pride and walk off? Stupid. FMC that are doormat seem like children trying to play dress up.

[Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cruel Saint is the first in the series with a continuing storyline that will follow through the rest of the books, but this particular story focused on the love interests between Ryder Saint and Amara Scott.

Ryder and Amara have a lot of unique twists wrapped up in their second chance love. Amara was sold into an arranged marriage with Ryder, but they were already in a secret relationship before either one of them discovered this news. However, their contract was dissolved when her father died and she actually moved away crushing them both. Now it's a few years later and Ryder is back to claim the woman who has always been his, but Amara doesn't feel quite the same.

There are a whole lot of secrets and twists wrapped up in Ryder winning her back and that is only part of the story. On top of this romance battle there is an ongoing investigation into her brother's murder which is also part of the series continuation plot, but there is also mystery surrounding members of their own family. I have to say I loved the intrigue and trying to unravel who could potentially be behind all of the upcoming plot twists.

Within this first book we do get to meet, on some sort of level, all of the Saint family members, along with Amara's family. There are also a few additional people sprinkled in that give extra twists to this angsty book which I'm already loving. Have we meet everyone who could be a suspect yet? I'm not entirely sure, but I love trying to unravel all the leads that could lead me to the possible killer.

I'm anxiously awaiting the next book, which will focus on another Saint brother and his fall into love, but will also continue this ever evolving plot into the intriguing mystery.

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

OMG! Wow what a fantastic book, I was exhilarated from the start and the characters were sensational. Ryder Saint and Grayson were best friends for years, then he became Ryder's right hand man when he took over part of the family business. Grayson had a younger sister Amara and both boys protected her no-one was aloud near her. Grayson and Amara kept a secret from everyone, Just before her eighteenth birthday her parents sold her so Amara was promised Ryder. When her father died her mother wanted the deal terminated and not pay the money back. The mother ended up moving and taking Amara, Amara wanted Ryder to fight for her to stay while he told her to go that she I better off if she goes. I loved the twist and turns, action, suspense, violence, dominants, submissive, fear, courage, strength, killings, secrets, arguing, pain, sorrow, lost,betrayal, lies,protection, healing, sorrow, lust, passion, discipline, romance and maybe love. This was one fantastic story I will be reading again. I do highly recommend reading this book you want be disappointed.

[Beyond The Covers Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot, steamy, and dangerous, Cruel Saint by Luna Kayne is the first book that I have read by this author, and it won’t be the last. I was pulled in and could not put this book down. Tortured would not begin to describe the pain and turmoil that unfolds from the very first page to the last. With lots of twist and turns and an underlying mystery that will keep you in the grips of speculation this book is an incredible read. Luna Kayne has authored a remarkable story that is unique and mind-blowing and will no doubt be a best seller. This story is book one of a series and leaves off on a cliffhanger, I can’t wait for book two. 5-stars for Cruel Saint by Luna Kayne

Ryder Saint has a powerful family and deals are made on a regular basis. Ryder’s arranged marriage to his best friend Grayson’s little sister was just one of those many deals. But deals can be broken, and so can hearts. Four years ago, Ryder and Amara’s family called off the arranged marriage and Amara was sent away. Amara is in danger and it’s time for Ryder to bring her home. Things have changed and Amara’s walls have been up since she left and were built even higher after the death of her brother. Ryder is determined to win Amara back and keep her safe. Amara is determined to find her Grayson’s murder. Can the two work together or will it end in more bloodshed and heartbreak?

 

[Miakoda · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬 𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙮.


This book was beautiful. Luna Kayne has definitely gained a new fan for sure.

This book was beautifully written, I mean it shattered my expectations in the best way. Originally while reading the first 1/3 of the book I was grappling on who to like, which character not to trust and so on and so forth. There was also the fact I couldn't wrap my head around Ryder's behavior.

The book kept me on my toes not only with the great plotline and execution but the twists and turns of the plot that answered some questions but left you begging and curious for more. I'm more than ecstatic that I took my time to read this book because it was truly stunning. I hope my review and the others like mine spur the author to keep writing because I can't wait to see the rest of the Saints story.

I'm trying desperately not to spoil anything, but as the first book of the series it did a splendid job. I will be back to make a better review when it's published. 😩

[Keza Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was utterly thrilling. I was INVESTED completely until the end.
My very first book by this author and a ARC copy provided by the author via Booksirens.
It all started as an arranged marriage years earlier only to be called off.
But their hearts still belonged to each other completely. Neither one have fully been able to move on.
Ryder is making his move to bring His girl home, he plans on doing it anyway he can.
Amara is thrust back into a world that is the same but has completely turned upside down and nothing makes sense.
Ryder is determined to keep Amara but he made promises that he intends to keep while keeping everyone safe.
This book was dark, dangerous, sexy and utterly delicious and Amara and Ryder were absolutely made for each other.
I cannot wait for the next Saint to have his story in Brutal Saint. I will be looking forward to reading that.
Cruel Saint is definitely a book I would recommend.

[Shawna Jimenez more.books.forever · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down!!! Holy crap Ryder and Amara are freaking fire!! While Ryder ticked me off in the beginning of this book I get why he did what he did but I was still mad but you seriously cannot deny the leg that he would go to for Amara. The chemistry these two have is off the charts explosive. The push/pull the alpha dominance from both of them is sexy AF. Ryder has to put in the work to break through these sky high walls that Amara has built up around her heart and Ryder is the only one to blame for that but as you continue reading you can clearly see that the feeling these two have never disappeared. This book will keep you on your toes and is filled with drama, secrets, lies not to mention the suspense and murder mystery. Definitely a fantastic read and I cannot wait for the next book!

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "CRUEL SAINT"
This is my book by this author in this new Vicious Empire series its full of murder, mystery, suspense, intrigue, danger, tension, steam, action, drama, deceit, secrets,angst, twists that kept you reafing up the end.
Ryder Saint son of a Crime Lord his BF was murdered he wants to find out who did it he regrets not being there, but made a promise to protect his sister Amara Scott so 4yrs ago he sent her away she was in more danger than they thought.
Amara Scott is not impressed when Ryder shows up after 4yrs he let her go he's now demanding she come home with him she not the same weak girl he let go she's has secrets of her own she'll use her time to figure out who killed her brother & then destroy them.
I definitely recommend to get this well written story the chemistry between Saint & Amara is off the charts hot, can they get their HEA after that but of a shocking ending in a cliffhanger I can't wait for next book to see what's going up happen looking forward to Lennox story.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥

“You’re my absolute, Amara. I should have never let you go, and I want you back.”

This is the first book in the Vicious Empire series. This is my first time reading this author and I will definitely be reading her again. This book had me at the blurb.

Amara and Ryder were arranged to be married but after the death of her father, her mother decides to end their deal and take Amara away. Four years laters, Amara is has built walls to protect herself after Ryder let her go, not to mention the death of her brother. Ryder has always had an obsession with Amara but he let her for her safety but now he back to take what’s his and bring her home. Amara is determined to find her brother’s murderer and Ryder is determined to win Amara back and find out what happened to his best friend.
They had a lot of sexual tension, chemistry throughout the book. The office and library scenes are definitely some of my favorite scenes. This book has a bit of everything drama, secrets, mystery, romance, twist, and murder. This book leaves off on a cliffhanger.

I can’t wait for the rest of the books in the series.

I would recommend if you like:
🖤 Dark romance
❤️ Second chance
🖤 Best Friend’s little sister
❤️ Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Steamy scenes 🔥

Thank you Candi Kane PR for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cruel Saints is the first book in the Vicious Empire series. It follows Ryder Saint and his rise through his family’s business of organized crime. He had to send away the love of his life to protect her and now she’s back, she’s in more danger than what he had thought.

This book took me way too long to finish. I should have finished this in a day… day and a half max and it took me 4 days. I’m not saying this book was bad, it wasn’t. I enjoyed the plot/storyline, but it read slow for me. Maybe there was tooo much character development or story development, I don’t know.

Hoping the next book, reads a lot faster with more action! It ends on a cliffhanger and I need to know how it ends!!!

Rating:3.5/5
Spice: 2/5
Trope: Romantic suspense/mystery/Contemporary Romance/Dark romance (with consent)/mafia/crime world family saga/lovers to enemies to lovers/forced proximity/Action adventure/best friend's little sister/arranged marriage/BDSM (very minimal) / dominance / punishment elements

***ARC received for an honest review***

[Booklvr89 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story hooks you from page 1. I felt for both of the main characters, they were both so misunderstood. And that dad… ugh! Talk about frustrating!

The book is full of drama, angst, and who done is guessing. Then of course there is a whole ton of smexy smexy times!!

If you like Mafia stories, this one is worth a read. I cannot wait to get the rest of the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Alaa AB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alright, I just finished the book and I'm actually shocked by this ending, it's like a punch in the face for me lol

But apart from that, I loved the book so much, I'm not regretting reading it with the ending scene

Ryder isn't your typical Mafia man, he has more to his personality than this, and dare I say, he's actually cute :D not in a bad way, he's just a mix of everything you'll want in a Mafia man, the crul and brutal, the love an care, he's a whole world himself

Amara, I love her name, but the character is pretty much strong by herself, she does what she has to do to get what she wants, but at the same time, she has a big heart -as Ryder says- and although she doesn't know when to stop, she actually stops when someone else is danger

The whole book is awesome all together, I love the whole family, the brothers are perfect together

I'm really waiting for Lennox to know everything about him

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[HaleyJo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The broken butterfly. 

Ryder and Amara are truly magnetic characters. Our history has a way of sticking with us and these two prove that. Even though it was Ryder who set this path of destruction for himself and Amara, it damaged him just the same. Amara made herself hide the broken pieces so well until they shattered once again, at the hands of the man who broke her before. Rebuilding after all the secrets, the lies, and hurt proves to test them both. 

"I know you try to control everything around you so that nothing can control you. "

This story has it all. Gripping characters who work their way into your heart seamlessly. The Saint family is not to be underestimated. These alpha males and head strong females will keep you guessing and leave you wanting more and more. 

[bobbiann · Rating 5 out of 5]

An ARC was given to me for free and I a leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to the author.
This is a dark romance. This is book 1 of 4. Involves 4 brothers, their love lives and one unsolved murder which affects them all. It was a very enraging fast paced read.the steamy scenes are everything 🥰
9/10 definitely recommend

[Bookwormtvaddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars, 5 steamy kisses
ARC COPY REVIEW

forced proximity, mafia, dark romance, BDSM, enemies to lovers, suspense, best friends little sister, family saga

the steamy scenes were steamy that you may need a shower afterward 😉, the past between the two leads is as tragic and sad as the common factor of what will be bringing them together or breaking them apart.

[No Book Behind · Rating 4 out of 5]

4★/5
4🌶/5
⭑Arc Review⭑

Ryder and Amara’s story captivated me from the start, I got my heart broken at the very beginning, just to be put back together piece by piece, at the same pace as Amara’s one. To find her way home throughout all the secrets, mysteries and untold stories surrounding the way to. To find her control, comfort and right set of mind thru dark sexual desires filled with raw and rough need, lust and passion. To finally find back her one true love with the second chance they got, fighting together against all odds and getting closer to solve the murder case.
Cruel Saint is the first book in the Vicious Empire Series by Luna Kayne. Dark, second chance romance, bdsm, spiced up with so much sexual tension and chemistry, suspenseful, angsty. Captivating plot, murder, secrets, mysteries, deceits, unexpected twists and turns, that gives hints, but yet not clear answer to all the questions.

[Amanda Felton · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this book had me hooked from the first couple of pages. I loved the characters and how Ryder changed for the good throughout the book. I also loved that Amara came out of her shell and lowered her guard. I laughed some. I shed some tears at some parts for sure. I can’t wait to read the others in this series !! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this review.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryder made Amara leave 4 years ago he did it to protect her but now her brothers dead and she wants answers and revenge, so shes back and Ryder will have to do his all to protect whats always been his. well written steamy strong headed h and protective H, an engaging read from the start

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new to me author and I think I've hit the jackpot! Cruel Saint is the story of
Ryder Saint and Amara Scott. Ryder is every bit the sexy, harda*^, tough as nails alpha and Amara is a fierce, independent woman who takes nothing from anyone. Their past is one of heartache and betrayal. Tragedy hits Amara's family and she's taken away. Ryder did nothing to stop it and left both of them heartbroken. Now it's time for Ryder to reclaim what's his and nothing will stop him this time around.

[Mary Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I need to find me a Saint Man! Ryder and Amara love story is tragic but beautiful. This is a dark romance but not extremely dark. Ryder has BDE and the D to match. Amara is a strong but closed off. Amara knows what she is doing but in the same since she doesn’t. Ryder is her balance.

Characters: 10/10
Trope: Alpha, Second chance
Triggers: yes blood and kidnappings
Smutt: 10/10

Favorite quote from Main Characters:

Ryder: “ Who do you belong to?”
Amara: “ I love you, Mr.Saint”