Brutal Saint

Vicious Empire #2

by Luna Kayne

HARLOW IS HUNTING HER SISTER’S KILLER.
AND COLE IS HUNTING HER.

COLE SAINT
The woman my family is looking for is the one-night stand I can’t get out of my head, and her life depends on me getting to her first.
Harlow is sunshine and light.
I live in the shadows, among the dark and the damned, but there’s something about Harlow that makes me want to take care of her.
I can protect her from what’s coming, but first I need to find her, and I’m closing in.
I learned my lesson the first time, and I won’t give her the chance to get away from me again.

HARLOW STINTON
What are the chances that the man I shared a toe-curling, name-screaming, raging hot one-night stand with is part of the crime family that’s after me because I saw something I shouldn’t have?
One hundred percent. The chances are one hundred freaking percent.
At least I wasn’t stupid enough to give him my real name.
Now I’m on the run with everything I own stuffed into a tattered backpack.
I never thought I would see Cole again, but I was wrong, and we’re no longer strangers who shared a night.
Now we’re on opposite sides of a war that threatens to tear our worlds apart.

* Brutal Saint is the second book in the Vicious Empire dark romance family saga series.

**A portion of this book was first published as a 5,000 word novelette titled, Missed Me which is no longer available.

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance, Dark, Mafia Romance

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 11, 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

[Katie Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

CAN I JUST SAY WOW-

This book is Cole & Harlows story and is the second book in this interconnected series.


From the moment I finished Cruel Saints I was ITCHING to get my hands on Cole’s book and it did not disappoint. This book leaves us off a bit before where Cruel Saints ends we get to read about how Harlow and Cole first met. Harlow has found her sister murdered and is on the run and Cole is traveling to meet his brothers. Both decided to rent a cabin for a night but both were unaware the cabin was double booked. Flash forward to the events of the end of Cruel Saints and we find out that Harlow is the girl Cole is looking for and he hunts her down..

The night in the cabin was STEAMY😅 I absolutely adored the chemistry that was between Cole and Harlow from the get go and Cole left me speechless a few times, I mean my highlights say it all on my kindle..

Overall, this series just gets better and better with each book and we get deeper and deeper into the mysteries of this series. I already know the next two books will have me stunned. I also cannot wait to read Dagan’s story!

Crime family✔️
Murder mystery✔️
Suspense/plot twists✔️
Possessive MMC✔️

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

[Keza Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cole and Harlow's story was gripping from the beginning.
Not only was there a common connection neither one were aware of when they first met the chemistry between them was literally OFF. THE. CHARTS. HOT!

After sharing a explosive night together Harlow is gone by morning.
Little does she know Cole will come find her soon enough.

This couple are fantastic.
I love them.
Cole is gone for her and she is for him.

But it's not just the couple that make this book so good. It's the mystery and intrigue of who is behind the danger looking for Harlow and the mysterious murderer of Grayson.... Ryder's bestfriend and Amara's Brother.

Honestly This book is so good but it's best if you read book one first Cruel Saint.

I can't wait to read Dagen and Lennox book.

ARC Review.

[HaleyJo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cole and Harlow come from different worlds. The chance meeting was all they needed to never stop thinking about each other. As their paths continue to cross, they realize they needed each other more than they ever could have known.

"We don't choose our family. We choose who we love and make them our family."

As this series continues, I'm finding myself more and more immersed with their world, their lives and the connections that bring them together. There are several heart stopping moments in this one that make you want to jump out of your chair and scream out loud. I love the banter that flows so easily between all of them, even with the danger of so many lives hanging in the balance. Alpha men and strong women with big hearts who stop at nothing to protect what is theirs. I'm shameless addicted to the Saints.

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brutal Saint is Cole and Harlow's story. It's quite an interesting journey these two have in finding each other. It would seem they have much more in common than they initially thought and that only proves to bring them closer together. The Saint brothers find themselves in the middle of trouble in a huge way and from a person they least expect. It demands your attention just like Cruel Saint did and there's no way you can put it down until you're done. This series gets better and better and I can't wait for the next book.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harlow is a girl who has been through the fire in her life with ending up in foster homes, being separated from her siblings, and yet, she's still a girl with all sunshine & light to her soul. She ends up seeing something she shouldn't have with regards to the sister she's trying to get out of dodge, and it lands her on the run as some dangerous folks are after her. She ends up at a remote cabin when she meets Cole, and they hit it off instantly & spend a hot night together, then she's gone before he wakes up. He can't get her out of his head, but turns out, his family is looking for her so Cole ends up finding her again, and takes her with him. The heat these two generate is super HOT which leads to sexy times that you'll need a fan for. Of course there's still the fact that more dangerous folks are after her so the twists are coming in hot with her family & his family intertwined in crazy ways. I didn't get all my questions answered of course since the suspense plot is going through the series, so now I CANNOT WAIT for the next book as it seems like it will be a doozie! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Stacey Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

One intense night of passion leads to a whole mess. Harlow has a one-night stand with a man she'd never see again, right? Wrong. She's trying to find her sister's killer while running away from a family who's after her. The one-night stand, Cole, knows this. He needs to get to her first. All this drama and mystery is very entertaining. It had me on the edge of my seat.

[Erin Trump · Rating 4 out of 5]

We pick up a little bit before the ending of book 1 & does it start off with a bang.
The chemistry between Harlow & Cole is amazing!
We finally get some life altering answers, but are left with some more unanswered questions. I can’t wait to see what will happen with the next Saint brother.

[nanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rate: 4,5


Brutal Saint it was my first contact with Luna Kayne's writing and I loved it the way she wrote and developed these story. Luna has a fluid, cohesive and coherent writing, I had a really good time while I was reading.

Brutal Saint plot was developed in a incredible and coherent way, everything made sense while I was reading. She talked about every important detail of the story, creating, at the end, something brilliant.

Heather is an amazing character, she is so strong and intelligent. Luna developed her in an amazing way, I understand her fully and all of her actions and thoughts.

Cole is an amazing character as well, he is so strong, beautiful and protected Heather with his life the whole book. His relationship with his brothers is the most beautiful thing in the world.

Cole and Heather's relationship were amazing to read. I loved all of their moments together. They have so much chemistry between them and they love each other very much.

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

I absolutely loved reading this book I was mesmerised from the start, the story was exhilarating and the characters were sensational. This is book Brutal Saint (Book 2 in the Vicious Empire series) and this story is about Harlow and Cole. Harlow is the youngest sibling in her family when their mother died they were put into foster together, her sister protected her from the horrible things getting done around her and then James protected his sisters, they were then separated and didn't get out of the system until they turned eighteen years old. Harlow got a phone call from her sister she wanted to come home and she needed help doing this. Harlow pleaded with her sister not to worry about her belongings to just leave, but her sister had to drop something off and the ex won't even look for her. Harlow is on the run now she booked a night at a place for the night she didn't expect someone to be there when a man answered the door, it was an instant attraction she gave him a false name but ended up calling her Socks, and she met him as Cole and they were heading in opposite directions so the passion they shared was only a one time thing. Harlow was up and out the door before he woke up except he woke up just as she was leaving that was when he seen her car. Cole Saint received a phone call from one of his brothers he needed to get home they needed his expertise in finding someone he booked a place that was halfway mark and that is when he met Niki and he ended up calling her Socks they had a connection a hot and steamy connection, he was disappointed when she was not laying down with him for another romp in bed before they went their own way. He finally made it home to his brothers and was told to go to the office he was handed paperwork so he can find her and get the drive that her sister had, Cole looked and couldn't believe what he was looking at. He read what he needed kept her photo and handed the paperwork to his brother, Cole got up to leave and start his search for his Socks he claimed her, he didn't have to wait till he finished his family job then search for her like he thought the two were the same. Cole's last name is well-known in the Mafia world but so is the other mafia family. I absolutely loved this book the story, it was so emotional it was like a rollercoaster.

[Brooke (darkcoffeedarkerreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ 4🌶️

The Saint brothers just keep getting better. I absolutely loved this one from start to finish–it picked up a touch before Cruel Saint ended, giving us Cole and Harlow’s perspectives leading up to the previous cliffhanger, and was full of action and suspense throughout. The story just keeps getting deeper and as secrets are revealed and questions answered, more sprout up and keep me desperate for more.

I listened to this one via Audible and the narrators were again top notch. I’ve never heard anything from Eric Micahel Summerer or Summer Morton before but they were absolutely excellent and brought Cole and Harlow right to life. I loved the range of emotion they gave these characters and their performance really brought a little something extra to Luna’s already fantastic writing.

“I love a challenge, and as soon as I finish this job, I’ll track her down. I’m good at tracking things. It runs in the family. Especially things that belong to me, and I recall her claiming she did somewhere between her first and last orgasm.”

I was enthralled with Cole and Harlow from the very beginning and just kept falling harder as the story progressed. Their chemistry was off the charts and I loved how their relationship had such a full range of emotion–from the punishing spice to the need to protect one another to Cole’s sweet and goofy nickname for Harlow, they really built a full relationship. While it developed at warp speed, it didn’t feel like instalove and still had so much depth. Harlow was a fantastic FMC. She’s full of spitfire, independence, and rounded off with a vulnerability of craving someone to care for her that was perfectly complemented by Cole’s protective and possessive nature.

“I have a feeling that once we find Nyla, Dagen will be more than happy to be the one to go and retrieve her, and I can’t wait to see how that shitstorm plays out.”

I’m glad we saw a return of our favorite characters from Cruel Saint and got the benefit of some added bonus characters in James and the bigger role Lennox played in this one. It was unexpected but such a perfect tie in and resolution to the angst we first felt. I loved the continued intrigue regarding the heir’s identity and all the added questions we had as this came to a cliffhanging close. It was such a perfect lead up to Wild Saint and I can’t wait to get my hands on Nyla and Dagen’s story next.

[Franjessca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full Review posted at A Book Lovin' Mama's Blog

Brutal Saint is the second book in Luna Kayne’s Vicious Empire series. All four books are interconnected, so you must read them in order. After being introduced to Cole Saint in Ryder’s Book, Cruel Saint, I was anxious and excited to read his book. After reading it, it’s all Luna Kayne’s fault that I’m now adding Cole to my long list of book boyfriends. I already have a ridiculous amount of fictional book boyfriends; what’s adding one more to the mix? Let’s hope none of the others get jealous of Cole. He can hold his own against all of them, though. 😊

If you read Cruel Saint, there was a cliffhanger at the end of it. No spoilers from me because I want everyone to read Ryder’s book so they can read my boyfriend Cole’s book next. I love how Luna Kayne has interconnected the Saint brothers’ books, and they are trying to figure out who unalived Ryder’s best friend and Amara’s brother, Grayson. The truth is revealed in this book about who was behind it, which was a shocker. There are even more shocking things to come to light towards the end of this book, too. I’m just glad these men are finding the love of their lives, even if those women make the men chase after them.

I enjoyed the suspense and romance in this book even more than in the first one. I know it’s due to my boy, Cole. I love me, an over-protective alpha male. He even knows he’s more overbearing with Harlow than any other woman he’s been with in the past. He doesn’t know why either, but I know why. She is his kryptonite, and she’s perfect for him. He also has the cutest little nickname for her, ‘Socks.’ You’ll find out why when you read the book.

I devoured Brutal Saint when I read this book, giving it five stars. Now, I’ll patiently count down to Dagen’s book, which is next in the series. His little lady will give him a run for his money, and I can’t wait to read it.

Would I recommend this book? Yes. I recommend this book to readers that like to read interconnected family saga Dark Mafia Romance books. Each book follows new characters, but the storyline continues in each one.

Favorite Quote(s): “Do you think you deserve to be fucked like a dirty little girl here on the floor?” His words shock me for a fraction of a second before my entire being switches on and responds to him. “Yes, I want to be yours. Fuck me harder, Cole. I need to come.”

“Can it wait until after dessert?” Harlow licks her lips. Maybe my little hellcat has a sweet tooth just like me. “No, I plan on licking my dessert off your naked body. You’ll be too sticky and exhausted to care about anything later.” I rise, clearing out plates and winking at her.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

COLE SAINT
The woman my family is looking for is the one-night stand I can't get out of my head, and her life depends on me getting to her first. Harlow is sunshine and light. I live in the shadows among the dark and the damned, but there's something about Harlow that makes me want to take care of her. I can protect her from what's coming, but first I need to find her, and I'm closing in. I learned my lesson the first time, and soon I won't give her a chance to get away from me again.
HARLOW STINTON
What are the chances that the man I shared a toe-curling, name-screaming, raging hot one-night stand with is part of the crime family that's after me because I saw something I shouldn't have? One hundred percent. The chances are one hundred freaking percent. At least I wasn't stupid enough to give him my real name. Now I'm on the run with everything I own stuffed into a tattered backpack. I never thought I would never see Cole again, but I was wrong, and we're no longer strangers who shared a night. Now we're on opposite sides of a war that threatens to tear our worlds apart.

This is the second book in the Vicious Empire Series which is a family saga series.
Cole and Harlow couldn't be from more opposite worlds. But they have a chance meeting that turns into a one night stand that was one that left them thinking about each other constantly. However she is in big trouble and he knows that his family is hunting for her. He is more than determined to find her again before they can to keep her safe. After all these two have a connection that can't be denied and have a lot more in common than they ever could have known. I don't think that I can tell you much more about this story and not give away something huge. However I will tell you that this book will have you one the edge of your seat with your heart racing. It is so good that you will not be able to put it down. I loved every single second of this book and so can not wait for the next one to come out.

[Booksta · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖 𝕖𝔸ℝℂ ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 📖

· · • • • ✤ • • • · ·
𝙏𝙞𝙩𝙡𝙚: 𝘉𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘚𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘵
𝙎𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨: 𝘝𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘌𝘮𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬 2
𝘼𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧: 𝘓𝘶𝘯𝘢 𝘒𝘢𝘺𝘯𝘦
𝙂𝙚𝙣𝙧𝙚: 𝘋𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘮𝘢𝘧𝘪𝘢 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦
𝙋𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙨: 330
𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5
𝙎𝙤𝙣𝙜: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘰𝘮𝘴 - 𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘠𝘰𝘶

· · • • • ✤ • • • · ·

*** Thank you to the author @lunakayne and @candikanepr for giving me a change to read this book.***


__________💭𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜💭___________


"𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮, 𝘴𝘰 𝘐'𝘮 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘸𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴."


𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩:
✔️ Mafia Romance
✔️ Crime Family
✔️ Family Saga
✔️ Dominant MMC
✔️ Punishment Elements (Orgasm Denial, Spanking)
✔️ One Night Stand
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Protective Alpha MMC towards his FMC


𝘽𝙧𝙪𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙎𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙩 is the second book in the 𝘝𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘌𝘮𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘦 dark romance family saga series, and it is a story about Cole and Harlow. All four books in this series are interconnected, so you must read them in order.

Cole and Harlow couldn't be from more opposite worlds. But they have a chance meeting that turns into a one night stand that was one that left them thinking about each other constantly. However she is in big trouble and he knows that his family is hunting for her. He is more than determined to find her again before they can to keep her safe. I loved how the plot unfolded, not only between these two, but also as a whole. While the Saint family continued to search for information on Grayson's killer, Harlow was caught in the middle of that investigation.

“𝘋𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘥𝘪𝘳𝘵𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘳?”

Overall, I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Romance Suspense and Mafia vibes. This story is so easy to read, a page-turner and full of delightful characters so go and grab yourself a copy, sit back, relax and have yourself a delightful time reading.


"𝘋𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘳 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘺 𝘴𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘰 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦." - 𝘓𝘜𝘕𝘈 𝘒𝘈𝘠𝘕𝘌



⚠️ TRIGGER WARNINGS: ⚠️
✔️ Profanity
✔️ Sex
✔️ Violence

[Samantha (rain.books.and.tea) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ 4🌶️ 5🎧

I loved this book so much! I was anxious to start this book after the cliffhanger of the first book and dove in as soon as possible. The Saint brothers did not disappoint! I was hooked from the beginning and binged the book in one sitting. I listened to the audiobook and the narrators Eric Michael Summerer and Summer Morton did an amazing job of bringing Cole and Harlow to life.

The way that Harlow and Cole met had me grinning like a fool. Their chemistry was off the charts from the beginning and I loved how they gave into it thinking they would never see each other again.

I thought that I liked Ryder but Cole has quickly become my favorite brother. As the enforcer of the family you would think he would be all rough edges but that couldn’t be further from the truth. He was such a doting and caring guy outside of the bedroom. But in the bedroom, or outside against a tree, he was a patient and stern dom who wasn’t afraid to punish Harlow when she disobeyed. I don’t blame Harlow for disregarding his orders a time or two. I loved how he was all in with Harlow, he had no doubts about wanting her to be in his life.

I loved Harlow. She was such a kind, strong, and loving person who wanted to protect Cole when she thought he was a random guy. I love how she challenged him and how she felt so safe enough with him to let her guard down and to hand control over to him. She was smart, she wanted to learn to defend herself and was able to help the brothers on their quest to find the heir.

We learned so much about the mysteries that the Saint Brothers were trying to unravel including who was behind Amara’s brother’s murder and what their motivation was. I wouldn’t say that this book ended on a cliffhanger but it definitely left me wanting to find out what happens next. I can’t wait for Dagen’s book, I loved how he got under Cole’s nerves and can’t wait to see him face off against his rival.

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

Instant spark, chemistry and total fire!! I loved Brutal Saint from beginning to end. 

I admit, the title of the book is a bit duplicitous. Cole's role within the Saint family is an enforcer, so his nature of how to be brutal is known wide and far, but when he's not working his personality is completely opposite of that man. Cole's softer side is all about pleasure and taking care of those he cares about and boy did I envy Harlow multiple times throughout this book. The two sides of his personality come together where he's commanding and dominant, but it all revolves around pleasure and making sure Harlow is well taken care of. Yes, please!!!

Harlow easily slipped into submission, without even knowing she was doing it. Her life has never been easy, so to have someone take over and instantly take care of all of her needs, it was like the best vacation she'd never been able to take before with the hottest man alive. Trying to fight Cole...why bother, am I right? Kidding, Harlow is an amazing character, independent with spirit, but also a huge heart. I loved her!!! These two are my absolute favorite, so the last two Saint boys have a lot of catching up to do to kick them out of the top spot. 

From the very beginning of the book these two were fire and also involved in the ever evolving plot without realizing it. I loved how the plot unfolded, not only between these two, but also as a whole. While the Saint family continued to search for information on Grayson's killer, Harlow was caught in the middle of that investigation. As the twists kept coming and I was gobsmacked over how it all unfolded Harlow fit in perfectly by Cole's side through the entire story.

This book ends on another great cliffhanger with the continuing mystery moving on and the next brother on deck. It's getting tense and I can hardly wait to find out more.    

[Tina Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The beginning dragged on and on, the middle was really good, and the end was bad. It just finished and it felt like it was in the middle of the book.

That has to the most roller coaster of a book that I’ve ever read. The beginning was so boring and it dragged on and on, that I nearly gave up. Then I read a review and she said that it gets a lot better, and it did, until the end of the book.
The middle was really good, if confusing. I couldn’t grasp what everyone was doing, and it didn’t make sense in parts.

Then there’s Harlow and Cole’s relationship. I absolutely loved how he made her see what an idiot she had been, when she did the usual woman thing of idiotic self sacrificing. 😡 According to a lot of authors, (Including this on.) women are really stupid at times, and make idiotic decisions. It’s annoying!

Some of the book is really well written, then there’s the other parts that are annoying. Harlow never used the bathroom, never has periods, they have sex without condoms and she’s not on any contraception. They say that she’ll go on contraception but she doesn’t.
The sex scenes were okay, a bit blah, and really unrealistic. If a man is on top of a woman, how does he reach her parts and stroke them? 😂😂😂 Answer he doesn’t! Harlow has a few clothes that she carries in her rucksack. They never wash any of her clothes, so what is she wearing??? The same clothes day after day?? He rips a couple of pairs of her knickers, so does she have any left?

I did enjoy it but not sure that I want to read anymore.

[Katelynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured Brutal Saint in a few hours! This could be a standalone but I would defintely recommend reading cruel saint first for the optimal backstory of these 4 brothers and the two major mysteries that are the catalyst for both books. This book focuses on Cole Saint. He rents a cabin where he runs into the mysterious Harlow. The two feel an instant chemistry and he feels a connection to her. Harlow is equally enchanted and yearns for how he takes care of her. This won't be their only encounter though as their journeys are more entwined than either could imagine. That's about as much recap as I can give without spoilers for either books. I love a good mystery and this series so far has two significant ones that have kept me on the edge of my seat. In this book we get some clarity on one of them so I didn't feel like this has been unnecessarily dragged on but there's still secrets to be uncovered! Besides that portion this series is steamy and this book didn't disappoint. The biggest compliment of all though is so far I've really liked all the characters. Harlow is deeply attached to her siblings as Cole is to his. Cole is extremely possessive of his newfound woman and doesn't do a lot of questioning about his feelings...just accepts it and moves forward. I loved these two together and found myself laughing at various scenes. Honestly I just can't wait for the next book and I'm dying to read about Lennox when it's his turn!

[BooksToTheGrave · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do Harlow Stinton and Cole Saint have in common? A cabin in the middle of nowhere and a murder. No, don't worry. This ain't that kind of book.

Harlow's sister Genie was murdered and now the target is on her. Cole wants to find out who killed a friend and Genie had information he and his family needs.

One day, Harlow and Cole met at a secluded cabin. Since they weren't supposed to see each other again and the chemistry was palpable they got involved. But the next day, Cole found that Harlow is the mystery woman they were after. So his wishes to find more information align with his wishes to see and be with that woman again.

This is a great continuation of Cruel Saint. The story is good, the characters we get to know are interesting, and Harlow and Cole's dynamic is entertaining. I dived into this book and am in need to read the next one. And the last one after that, I bet...

One thing I like in this series is that although the main story will presumably stay open until the last book, we get smaller parts that give us some kind of partial endings while keeping us hooked.

While I keep thinking the dynamics of the main couples are a bit weird, I like them. And enjoyed more reading about what drives Cole to have his reactions than I did when reading about Ryder.

This is a very interesting series that will keep us on our toes until the end.

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

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most enjoyable books I've read in a long time. Its the second book in the Vicious Empire Series. What an uplifting book! Its often when series start dark and dramatic it stays that way throughout the series.

Not this one! You will want to laugh and giggle along with Cole and Harlow. No, it's not all fun and games. The book will still keep you guessing and on your toes when every action occurs and unpredictable turns, with funny and steamy romance scenes, and who murdered who and why or who is trying to murder who. Oh ya, who is the legal heir? What am I taking about? You will need to read the book because the plot thickens.

Cole and Harlow mentioned are the couple this book is mainly about. It's their story so don't miss it. You'll find it entertaining and be glued to the book while turning the pages. I was sorry to see the book end because I wanted more. I can hardly wait to see what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book for an honest review. I would recommend this book to anybody who enjoys Romance Suspense and Contemporary Romance Fiction books and Series. So, This book is easy to read, a page-turner and full of delightful charcters so grab yourself a copy, sit back, relax and have yourself a delightful time.

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

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "BRUTAL SAINT"
WOW!!! What a rollercoaster ride of intense emotional turmoil, suspense, intrigue, mystery, deceit, angst, betrayal, secrets, lies, lots of steam, murder, trust issues, twists you never saw coming.
Harlow Stinton goes with her sister Genie to drop off something & gets killed Harlow sees something she shouldn't have her brother James trys to help her but to protect him she needs to get off the radar of people after her.
Cole Saint needs some peace & quiet goes up to an out of the way Cabin when Harlow shows up on his doorstep they end up spending a scorching hot night together but when he wakes she's gone he needs to find her.
Harlows at her brother James bar when Cole shows up he needs to protect her from what's coming, his family wants her because she has something they want, he has to save her from his family, she's done something to him he won't let her go she's his after their night together.
I definitely recommend to get this extremely well written story so much happens, secrets revealed about family, Harlow & Coles journey is a wild crazy ride trying to figure out who's after her besides his family.
I definitely can't wait for the next book in this amazing "Vicious Empire Series" up next "Wild Saint" this is "Dagen Saint & Nyla Jensen's story you'll love all the characters they pull you right into all the chaos. PHENOMINAL RIVITING ROMANCE!!

[Brandi-Lynn Weiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

As more layers of the story are revealed, more secrets come out. Brutal Saint picks up from where Cruel Saint has left off. In book 2 we get Cole and Harlows story.
After her sister is murdered, Harlow runs. She ends up booking a cabin for the night, but it’s also been booked for the night by someone else. Yep, Cole! After having one incredible night together, Harlow sneaks out the next morning. Cole isn’t happy she’s run, she was more than just a one time thing and he felt something with her. After he arrives later to meet his brothers and is informed of a woman they’re looking for that may have witnessed the murder of a woman who had evidence they needed, he learns the mystery woman is his girl! Now he’s tasked with finding her before the wrong people do.
This was really good from start to finish and I can’t wait to see how it ends. I’m already guessing that either Harlow is tied to the Elias family or Greyson was. I had a huge feeling from book 1 that Mr. Saint was involved in everything. I really like how each book is about a different couple, but the storyline continues. I can’t wait to read Dagen’s story next, I love his humor. But I’m most excited about Lennox’s story! I think his is going to be emotional and full of angst.

[Annabelle Donnelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saints, Swoons, and Steamy Surprises

Hold onto your hearts and your Kindles, because this sequel does not mess around. First off, major props to the author for rewinding just enough to jog my memory from book one—because let’s be honest, some of us need a little recap now and then. Can this book stand alone? Not really. But as a continuation? Absolutely fabulous.

Where book one simmered, this one exploded with action. The intrigue cranked up to eleven, the pacing was a straight-up adrenaline rush, and putting it down was not an option. But let’s talk about Cole, because Ryder has officially been dethroned as the Saint brother MVP. That man had me weak the second he whispered, “Let me take care of you,” to Harlow. Excuse me while I swoon. He’s protective, possessive, and oh-so-secretly dominant. Harlow went from the foster system to this guy? Talk about a Cinderella glow-up.

And can we take a moment for the Saint family? Their instant love and acceptance of Harlow and her brother hit me right in the feels. This isn’t your typical dark mafia drama—it’s more of a swoony mafia romance that’s equal parts action, heart, and heat. Whether you're a die-hard mafia fan or just dipping your toes into the genre, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥.5

“We don’t choose our family. We choose who we love, and we make those people our family.”

This is the second book in the Vicious Empire series and I’m obsessed with this series. I couldn’t put this book down. This series keeps getting better and better.

This book picks up little bit before cruel saint left off where we see how Cole & Harlow first met each other. They share a steamy night at in a cabin and then she is gone in the morning. These two have instant chemistry and connection when they first met. Harlow has witness something that she shouldn’t have, now she is on the run and the only person who can protect her is someone she never thought she see again. Harlow goes through so much throughout the book and she needs someone to take care of her, Cole step into take role for her. They are each other’s complete opposite but they are somehow they are perfect for each other. This book has a bit of everything drama, secrets, mystery, romance, and twist. We find out so many things in this book but we are still left with so many questions that the other books will answer.

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

I would recommend if you like:
🖤Dark romance
♥️Romantic Suspense
🖤Cat & Mouse
♥️Forced Proximity
🖤Steamy scenes 🔥

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

[Stacey Foss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is addictive and captivates you from the first chapter. I absolutely love how each book introduces us to the next main character and their love interest even though they end with cliff hangers. Harlow is on the run and is scared she is leading danger to her only relative left. When she meets Cole, she gives in to her lust for him feeling like she will never see him again. Then we get the twists that cause these two to cross paths again. Cole is determined to make her his and will burn the world down to get her back and protect her. I love the way these two are together. She has never had anyone take care of her it's always been her doing the caring so when he takes over it is so sweet. He wants to care for her in every way but the Dom in him comes out when she puts herself in danger. We are starting to get some answers to questions from the first book but still have much more to find out. I loved the twists and turns and suspense the mystery is giving us and that horrific family betrayal what else can these brothers find out and when do we get more answers. I can't wait to find out. I was given this book as an ARC for my honest review.

[Miakoda · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

From the moment I finished the first book, I knew book 2 would be great, but not this great. This book had me on the edge of my seat, not only did I absolutely love Cole & Nikk- I mean Harlow's interactions but just the fact the book is interconnected with the others makes me swoon.

Countless scenes within the book, made me squeal, giggle, laugh, sigh and even go "OH MY GOSH I FUCKING KNEW!" Overall the book gave me a large dose of serotonin that has me wanting more. The relationship between the two MCs, the uncovering of secrets and still the mention of the other siblings was immaculate.

The book was beautifully written, and I am definitely a fan of Luna Kayne. The book/series that this author has made has been heart wrenchingly mesmerizing. Keeping you engaged from start to finish. I'm more than happy I found this series and gave it a chance because I do not regret it one bit.

NOW ONTO DAGEN & NYLA'S BOOK 🥳

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fantastic second book in the Vicious Empire series and the action picks up right from the start with Cole finding out that his recent one night stand may have information relating to the brutal murder of his brother’s best friend Grayson years before. Now the hunt is on to find the fleeing Harlow, but Cole isn’t the only one hot on her heels. Other factions want the information she might possibly have including the murderer and these pursuers might not be so nice if they find her before he does.

Cole and Harlow make a great couple together. There’s plenty of steamy chemistry between them with a strong dominant vibe but overall they give the impression that they have fun when they’re together. With a strong background story full of suspense and more on the underlying ‘who killed Grayson’ plot line, Brutal Saint wasn’t as dark as the first book but it was still every bit as enjoyable but from the teaser at the end of this book, Wild Saint featuring Dagen’s story just might become my favourite.

[Eugenia M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am hooked.

I was so excited when I found out this one was going to focus on Cole! After reading Cruel Saint I feel in love. Cole falls hard and fast and I love that. He is so protective, in the best way of Harlow and his family. I loved learning everything about Cole.

I love Harlow. She been through a lot. Having to deal with what happened to her at the beginning of book. (Trying not give too much away but you have to read Cruel Saint to understand this one). You can really tell she loves those around her and she will do anything for them.

The banter between the brothers continues and it is the best. I always enjoy when they hang out and make fun of each other.


The spice in this one is amazing. The bathroom scene when they get to the island is amazing! Goodness Cole.

So much is dropped in this one. They are getting closer to finding out answers but what fun would it be if we had all the answers. I can’t wait for the next one.

[Jocelyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the amazing Vicious Empire Series, a Dark Romance, and family saga. I love this entertaining ongoing series! The plot is well crafted, and enthralling. Harlow and Cole's story is suspenseful, action packed, and entertaining, filled with mystery and twists and turns. The characters are well developed, and interesting. Harlow is such a wonderful character, strong, smart, caring, and faithful. Cole is enigmatic, handsome, dominant, and protective. They share a sizzling chemistry. The supporting characters are great, and they have an important part in the story. I loved to see again the characters from the first book. The storyline is engaging, and captivating. The ongoing plot is captivating! Eric Michael Summerer and Summer Morton did an excellent job bringing this story to life. I enjoyed it. Looking forward to listening to Wild Saint, the next book in the series, to know what happens next. I highly recommend this series.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Cole and Harlow were smoking hot. I loved Cole's possessiveness with Harlow because he's fallen as hard as Ryder predicted.
We also learn why their older brother Lennox has been distant for most of their lives, who attacked Cole years ago, and who is responsible for Grayson's death.


After the death of her sister, Harlow is laying low until she is finally able to leave Seattle. On her way out of town, she books a secluded cabin to spend the night. But she finds it occupied by a very good-looking man who is also renting the cabin rather than send her away he invites her in and they spend the evening getting well acquainted with one another. She manages to slip away in the morning.

While investigating who the dead woman was from the warehouse, Cole learns the woman he had a one-night stand with is someone they need to find. He needs to protect her from her sister's killer and from the other people looking for her. He won't let her slip away this time because this time he plans on keeping her.

Thank you so much to the author and Candi Kane PR for this ARC to review.

[Amy [Book Addict Reviews] · Rating 5 out of 5]

This entire series has me completely hooked! The mystery, the suspense, I can’t get enough of it.

The chemistry between Cole and Harlow…it is off the charts. These two are heating up the pages, especially when it comes to their first meeting. There were complete strangers. However, they are a connection that neither of them knew about until later…

I love Cole. I love that he is the enforcer of his family and brutal, but also has a softer side that comes out when he isn’t all about business. I also really love Harlow. She has been through a lot, but she is so caring and love. Her and Cole really balance each other and I couldn’t get enough of them.
This book is not a standalone, make sure you read book one in the series first.

If you’re looking for a dark, mafia, romantic suspense this is one to check out.