Savage Gods

Reign & Ruin #2

by Natalie Bennett

A queen is said to be the most powerful piece on the board, but no one ever mentions that she’s maneuvered by the king.

I gave myself to a monster to save the ones who betrayed me.
I let myself be crowned queen of a world I didn’t understand, making me not only a prisoner, but the perfect pawn.

Judas Barron is even more lethal than I could have ever imagined.
A savage god in a league of his own.

I thought he could grow to love me.
I thought wrong.

There’s a mutual hatred between us and it grows stronger by the day. As does the sickeningly toxic need we have for one another.

He’s taken me away from everything I’ve ever known.
He wants me to shatter so he can collect all the pieces.
He thinks he can tear my world apart without consequence.
But what if the queen were to kill the king and take his empire for herself?

Genres: Dark, Dark Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Enemies To Lovers, New Adult, Ebooks

247 pages, Paperback

Published May 31, 2022

About the author

Lover of all things pǝʇsıʍʇ & unusual.

I write unconventional 'romance' with strong elements of horror.

Find all my links here!
linktr.ee/AuthornatB

Reviews

[Ꮗ€♫◗☿ ❤️ ilikebooksbest.com ❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!



The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💛🖤🤍❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📒
World building: 🌎🌍🌏🌎
Character development: 👩🏻🧔🏻👩🏻‍🦱🧑🏻‍🦱🧔🏻‍♀️

The heroine: Rhiannon Clermont - she just found out her parents have been lying to her. She grew up in a middle class home with two loving parents and she had pretty much guessed that she was adopted due to her coloring but she now knows it goes much deeper than that.

The Hero(es): Judas Barron - from the richest family around, he and the people he hangs out with are mafia and they kill whomever they have to in order to protect the famiglia. Judas saw Rhiannon years ago and has kept tabs on her ever since. He wants her to be his queen even though she comes from a family that is enemies with his.

The Story: Judas put things in place so that Rhiannon would go to his school and ever since he has put on the full court press (uber dominant version) in order to maneuver her exactly where he wants her.

Judas was hard to pin down in this one. He was so dominant, possessive and overbearing at times, even controlling. Yet other times he was endearing. He didn’t have any issue in declaring what he felt for Rhiannon. He admitted how obsessed with her he was and he was definitely much more of a giver than a taker in the bedroom. How can you not like that kind of enthusiasm? Judas isn’t one to play those jealousy games that so many anti-Heroes play. He told her earlier on that she was it for him.

Though there were a ton of secrets and things going on that we weren’t getting the full picture about. Judas definitely does some shady things when it comes to Rhiannon. I like how the reader is only let in on a little bit more than the heroine so the mystery and suspense is increased and we find out some of the answers right along with Rhiannon.

I definitely couldn’t put the book down. The story was good, the romance was excellent, the Hero was a sociopath but he kept me interested. I alternately loved him and hated him throughout the entire book. I also really liked the ending and I hope the next book, Vicious Dynasty is as good as it sounds at the end of this book.

I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.

Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub

[Ana Manjić · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our King & Queen are back!
She did it again!
Natalie Bennett, you are truly amazing!



What can I tell you except to read this deliciously dark story!
This is book 2 in the series and begins where #1 ends so it's a must-read, #3 is coming soon.
Lawless Kingdom and Savage Gods were meant to tell two halves of Judas and Rhia’s back story. LK brought them together and SG shows what unfolded before Vicious Dynasty. Judas was always going to be a villain, but Rhia was shaped into one. I love who she’s grown into and in VD, you’ll see it too. These two will not have a sweet and fluffy relationship. VD is substantially darker than the first two books in this trilogy so if you wish to see it through till the end, please be advised that the third book contains various explicit content/subject matter some may find objective and a list of triggers. HEA is subjective, but all questions will be answered! - note from the queen itself!

Welcome to the madness!
God save our souls!

[Darlene I read WAY to many books · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finally got around to reading book 2 and I have to say.. sometimes books should just be standalone why make it 3 books when you hardly get more info.

Judas once again is keep secerts and he thinks it's for Rhain own good. Which I love but it's getting annoying.. when is he going to be open with her tell her all.. but I guess that's how it is. As for Rhain I'm glad she was asking and fighting back as much as she can and near the end chose herself (for the moment) I'm hoping something moves forward in book 3. Because like I said above sometimes just make a boom big instead of pushing 3 books.


Low angst, no ow/om drama, No cheating, drama, secondary charas, sexy times, no virgins

Recommend-maybe
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶

Slowburnish
Push away from h
Violence
Dubishcon
Murder
No condom
Cliffhanger

[NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books} · Rating 4 out of 5]

***4 "Chaotic mess!!!" stars***

AVAILABLE!!!



"Hearts were always broken in a rise to power."

To tell you I'm not frustrated as hell after finally reading the second book of this crazy trilogy, I will blatantly lie to you...
Things were complicated and they became even more complicated than before...
Judas and Rhia made me crazy and after this ending, I'm truly wondering what Natalie Bennett has in store for us...

"My protector and my villain were one in the same."

In true Natalie Bennett fashion, the second installment was intense, dark, shady and with so many potentials...
The intensity between Judas and Rhiannon had passed on another level...
These two are having a strange, kind of toxic relationship...
They are loving each other fiercely, while their hatred runs too deep...
Still... They can not seem to stay away from the other!!!
Is there hope for this toxicity to become something far more greater and permanent???

"The way we were going wouldn't lead us to a happily-ever-after. It would lead us to a brutal ruin."

At the same time, the dark, full of sinister lies and secrets atmosphere is making you craving for more...
I need some freakin' answers on questions that I might not have yet!!!
Things are pretty fucked up and honestly, I don't know where the author will lead us...
The only sure thing is that Judas and Rhia are a wreckage in the making and I can not wait to witness the madness that is their lives!!!
I can not wait for "Vicious Dynasty"!!!

"This isn't over, principessa. I'll come for you."

**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**

[The Romantic Rush Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delicious continuation of the Reign and Ruin series- I have been waiting to long to see what happens with devious Judas and Rhia. We still have so many secrets to unpack and discover- and prepare to be frustrated right alongside Rhia as we try to get to them.

Judas is still so intoxicating- and HOT, despite his depravity. And just what is Rhiannon willing to do to be the queen to the king? Chaos and darkness are brewing.

If you are a Natalie lover like me, you’ll find the darkness, depravity, and grotesqueness that is the undercurrent of her twisted stories is much lighter here than normal, thought still dark and and more brutal than the first. I can’t wait for Book 3 and the tangled, depraved, toxic web that is the story of Judas and Rhiannon. No one does toxic, dark, and depraved relationships like Natalie- SO excited for the finale!

[Kirsty Parkinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is this book getting published late? I can't find it anywhere?

[Abstract ♥ Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS



Star Rating : 4/5 Stars

POV : Dual

Pace of the story : Moderate

Angst Rating : 5/10

Heat Rating : 7/10

Review :
I remember signing up for this book like about a year ago and it was so worth the wait! This is Judas and Rhiannon's story and it's amazing.

Both of the main characters are pure fire. Especially Judas. The man is one of the best heroes I have ever read and he is everything I ever want in my dark romance heroes. All Judas wanted was to control Rhiannon. She had everything until a monster took it from her. And now he is keeping her with him. Judas wants Rhiannon's full devotion and he is willing to do everything for that. But Rhiannon is not that easy to pin down. She will fight with everything she has and only time will tell who will be the survivor of this battle these two have going on between them.

I Will definitely recommend this book to all dark romance loving people! This one has a crazy heroine and a full on possessive hero. I absolutely loved it!

Website | Bookstagram | Facebook Page | Newsletter

[Kim Whitehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a twisted yet mysterious story! Natalie Bennett takes you on a wild but peculiar journey. I wasn’t sure what Judas was up to. Trying to fit all the puzzle pieces together and all the weird things that were going on! Riddles and being a pawn in a masterful game.Savage Gods Reign and Ruin Two was an amazing and unusual book!

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was I the only one expecting this to be an actual full length novel? It read more like an unedited novella full of grammar errors, with no real conflict towards the end, and a real fast wrap up of an ending. Sucks because I know so many people were waiting for this to come out and it doesn’t feel like a polished product imo.

[Mandyloves2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

We finally get book two of Judas and Rhia’s story and holy shit are these two toxic ! We get more manipulation more heartbreak more lies and secrets but one things for certain the feelings these two have for each other are intense it’s quite obvious they are in love with each other and they cannot keep their hands off one another but there’s just too many secrets kept from Rhia and she is definitely not happy that ending shocked me in true Natalie Bennett fashion she ends this story with a killer cliffhanger but I’m so excited to see where she takes us next with these two , will they eventually get their HEA ?

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

I gave myself to a monster to save the ones who betrayed me. I let myself be crowned queen of a world I didn't understand making me not only a prisoner, but the perfect pawn. Judas Barron is even more lethal than i could have ever imagined. A savage god in a league of his own. I thought he could grow to love me. I thought wrong. There's a mutual hatred between us and it grows stronger by the day. As does the sickeningly toxic need we have for one another. He's taken me away from everything I've ever known. He wants me to shatter so he can collect all the pieces. He thinks he can tear my world apart without consequences. But what if the queen were to kill the king and take his empire for himself?

This is a dark romance. You need to heed the warning in the beginning of the book because it will contain some triggers for some readers. This is also the second book in the Reign and Rule Series. You have to read Lawless Kingdom first or you are going to be lost.

I can finally shout it that we got another book in the Ruin and Rule series. Lawless Kingdom released in March of 2020 and I had to go back and skim the entire book to remember what all had went on in that book so I could dive in to Savage Gods. We pick back up with Rhia and Judas. I think that Judas makes one heck of an antihero!! He might just be the perfect example of how an antihero should be written really. The guy is controlling, in charge of everything at all times, very cryptic and he loves his Rhia. Like love loves her. Rhia though has a lot of questions that she is not getting answers too because Judas will not tell her a darn thing. But he feels like he is protecting her from what all is going on if he keeps her in the dark. Poor Rhia really goes though it in this book too. The poor girl is really having a hard time believing who Judas told her her parents are. She just can not get how her "real" family isn't who she thought they were. But they are in a very dangerous situation and Judas really needs to bring out the darkness that he can see living in Rhia. She is going to need that darkness to fight the battle they about to be engaged in. Then there might just be the little problem of Judas falling in love with the enemy. He sure never saw that coming. But it's happened and he knows the promise he made when his family was destroyed. He would wipe Rhia's family from the face of the earth like they never even existed. There are so many things going on in this book and I have about fifty two million questions really about all that is happening. We don't get all the answers by a long shot and I hope that comes in the third book and I sure hope we don't have to wait over a year for the answers. Now that I have dove back into this world i want to know what I need to know right now.

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lawless Kingdom is book one of Reign and Ruin. You must read book one first to get the most out of this story. Yet again this author has blown my mind with her unique flair of words. The storyline is everything I want/ crave and more. I’m mentally applauding the author on an epic read.

I absolutely loved this dark story and devoured it in one sitting. I’ll wait rather impatiently for the third and final book in this trilogy.

[✰ Charlie ✰ Chisholm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natalie Bennett has done it again

This book picks up right where Lawless Kingdom had ended. Every time you read once of this authors books you always want more, She has such a way with words that just have you hooked from the start till the end. This story no different it is twisted it a wild rollercoaster of a ride so jump on in and enjoy the ride, Can't wait for next book.

[Tia Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love me some twisted mindfuckery and Judas is all about the mystery! Yet is honest and blunt when he feels like it lol. Definitely am excited for the 3rd book and to see all the secrets come to light!
Definitely still noncon dubious concent going on as well as possessive stalkerish alpha male our Rhia craves all those things only Judas can give her/make her feel. It's kinda romantic in a twisted fucked up type of way only those who enjoy this type of alpha male would enjoy LOL.
I love all of Natalie Bennett books though I do wish the books were longer. I read this one within like a few hours.
I received an Arc for my honest review.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

“You can thank the devil himself that I want you alive more than I want you dead because I have the sudden urge to throw you out of my car and run you over.”

God I love him. He is a psycho.
He is everything I love, dominant, possessive, overprotective and a manipulator. His personality is on another level. He was too much but in the best way.

Savage Gods carries on from Lawless Kingdom. You must read Lawless Kingdom first.

I absolutely loved Lawless Kingdom. I actually couldn’t stop thinking about it days after I had finished it. I was left screaming at myself because I didn’t check to see if the next book was out lol. You’re left wanting so much more. And in this book you get it. All the unanswered questions from the first book. All the secrets finally get revealed. Was I shocked… no. I found the plot to be a bit flat compared to the first book, the first book had so much mystery. I expected the plot to have more of an impact on me but it didn’t. It was still great. Judas made this book for me, he is now one of my favourite men ever. They way he’s speaks to Rhia 🔥 🔥 it’s so nasty 😆

•A little about the book.
Rhia has just found out her parents are lying to her and have been her whole life. She not who she think she is. It all one big lie. The only person who can tell her the truth is Judas. And man he has a way of telling her.
Judas works for the familigia. He’s a very rich man doing anything he can to protect his mafia family and the world that will one day be his. In reality Rhia is the enemy but he likes her, he likes her a lot.

IMO this book isn’t a mafia romance. There is some crime and killing but it’s not mafia really. I hope more of that world comes out in the next book. Overall great easy read. I really enjoyed it.

Also I have to mention Hayley and Gavin. He’s coming across a bit of a psycho too 😆 and I love it. I need there story.


IG ef_reads

[TheBookPlatypus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Judas Barron. I don’t hate him. I was worried with Natalie Bennett’s writing that she would make me hate the antihero of this series however, I really don’t. Lol.
Judas is. Cryptic, possessive, demanding, and LOVES.
The man LOVES Rhia.
And while he’s not giving her any answers as to what’s going on, he feels like he’s doing it for her well-being.

“If she stayed here, she was bound to suffer the worst fate. Someone would snatch her up and use her as leverage over the family that wanted their hidden heir back.”

Rhia is lost in her own mind. She’s having trouble believing that her parents are who Judas is saying they are. There are so many layers to the story that we don’t truly understand. Like her “real” family.
Judas is trying to bring out the dark side of her because this game they’re about to play, she needs to be strong mentally.
“Rhia need someone dirtier and more wicked than she was to provoke the part of her she’s been keeping her in a way. She needed this tragedy and all the pain it would bring. That’s how the best of villianesses were made.”

Judas never anticipated falling in love with the enemy. It was Rhia’s family that did horrible things and his family, mainly sister, and they want to see it wiped from the face of the earth. But he knew that she had nothing to do with it.

“ The promise I made to a girl to destroy her world would be fulfilled. Her family wouldn’t have a choice but to swear she’d be mine.”

[Mandyloves2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark toxic and twisted!

We finally get book two of Judas and Rhia’s story and holy shit are these two toxic ! We get more manipulation more heartbreak more lies and secrets but one things for certain the feelings these two have for each other are intense it’s quite obvious they are in love with each other and they cannot keep their hands off one another but there’s just too many secrets kept from Rhia and she is definitely not happy that ending shocked me in true Natalie Bennett fashion she ends this story with a killer cliffhanger but I’m so excited to see where she takes us next with these two will they eventually get their HEA ?

[Alyssa · Rating 1 out of 5]

⭐️: 1.5
🌶️:2

This was an entire book about…. nothing 😩.
I was looking forward to a big drop or some major revelation but I feel like the plot is basically Rhia talking in circles…. to herself. Nothing happened, and when it finally did… it felt disconnected or lacked feeling.

Judas is now weird AF and still keeping secrets about everything lol. Rhia is just dumb at this point with no character development. Both of them lacked depth in this book and the storyline wasn’t as fluid as Lawless Kingdom.

Audrey…. Um why is Rhiannon’s dad worried about her? What is Gabby Dawsons point in the story. Who are all these characters? Lmao

I’m sad.. this series had a lot of potential!

[Stacey Ostrander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met a girl when I was young. She was supposed to be someone I felt nothing for. A single night was the catalyst that ensured she would always be mine.

From the very first page to the very last one my heart & emotions were taken hostage. This second book only gets darker & darker as Judas does exactly what he told her he'd do by to destroy her world & everything she thought she knew.

My protector and my villain were one in the same.

As small pieces began to be revealed Rhiannon finally sees her parents for who they really are but there are still so many secrets to unravel as her life spiral out of control. She is so torn by both her love & hate of Judas, you can really see it ripping her apart. There relationship is so dark, twisted & toxic but their chemistry & feelings are so strong & to powerful making it oh so PHENOMENAL!

Love. Hate. It had all started to feel the same.

The storyline is fantastic & dark, full of mystery, lies, secrets & betrayals & I cant wait for the next book!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Brandalyn Curry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhiannon is still caught in this place of what is real and what isn’t, and there are a few people who hold her secrets but the question remains will they tell her the truth she doesn’t realize she needs? Judas never apologizes for what he does or for who he is and no matter what he’s supposed to do once he’s gotten his hands on Rhiannon there’s no chance he’s going to let her go, after all she’s his favorite chess piece The Pawn. This story is only a part of this couples sordid, chaotic, dark love story and there was even more questions left at the end than answers…..however it’s all those questions and wondering what other chess pieces that have yet to be revealed that keep me on the edge of my seat for the next book. Natalie Bennett is wonderful at telling dark sordid love stories that are full of violence, chaos, death, mayhem, hot sex and always love even if it’s twisted! So what else could be revealed in the next installment of the Reign & Ruin series???? What I can say is once I started his book I couldn’t put it down until I finished it, it’s a page turner and deeply and beautifully twisted!

[Siobhan (Bookish Vibes) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savage Gods is yet another addictive read from the amazing Natalie Bennett. I was drawn in from the very first page and needed to know everything!!

In Lawless Kingdom we were introduced to Judas and Rhia and now in Savage Gods we find out a little more about their history and their crazy, f*cked up relationship. Judas is all kinds of possessive and completely overbearing at times but he also isn't afraid to make sure Rhia and everyone else knows that she is it for him. There are no silly games or unnecessary drama when it comes to their relationship. However, Rhia spends most of this book angry and frustrated by all of the secrets being hidden from her and readers find out new information as she does so expect to be frustrated too :P

I flew through this book in one sitting and still I need more! I can't wait for Vicious Dynasty and all of the pieces coming together. I just know it is going to be explosive!

[Nikkole Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ Review ✨

Savage Gods by @authornataliebennett

Oh Hell Yes. Listen people if you haven’t met Judas and Rhia yet you are missing out. They have a fucked up relationship beyond measure.

Savage Gods picks up right where Lawless Kingdom ended. Let me tell you I was definitely left with more questions than answers but one thing is clear, Judas has created a vicious woman, one who loves him but hates him all the same. Will he regret what he has turned her into? Can he keep her by his side or will they both burn in the aftermath of their destruction? Judas and Rhia are the definition of toxic but the chemistry is electrifying and when it comes to the steam they create, you will melt. I can guarantee that by the end of the book you will love to hate Judas and hate to pitty Rhia. There is no HEA here, both are villains in this story. The question is, who is the biggest and who will ruin who first?

Savage Gods is not as gory or horrifying as some of Natalie’s other works, but trust me it is building, and I think Vicious Dynasty is going to be one hell of a bloody ride.

[Amanda Anderson (Beauty.and.the.bookies) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book just rocked my entire world. It made me MISS Judas and Rhia so so much. AND Gavin and Aubrey too. I cannot wait for book 3. It is going to be SO dark and HOT. If anyone can make a book dark and demented, Natalie can do it! I love the no nonsense act Judas had for Rhia. No matter what she did, her attitude or her mouth, he knew what she really wanted and he gave it to her regardless of what she said. And the fact that he was SO entirely ruthless and carnal but he was SO obsessed and in love with HER. That is the kind of possessiveness that all of us women want. Also, can we talk about Evie? Can she die already? I love love love this one click blind auto author FOREVER. She brings out EVERY SINGLE EMOTION out of me!!!

[Mimiorphee · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Rhia needed someone dirtier and more wicked than she was to provoke the part of her she’d been keeping hidden away."
Ahhhh, I am so disappointed in this second installment.
Do I like the atmosphere? Absolutely, An atmosphere doesn't define a book though. Mrs. Bennett handles gore and ultra violence with brio, as always. This series is not her darkest in that register, and it left me wanting for things that haven't been delivered (yet?).
As we get some answers, the storyline drags, and the relationship between Rhia and Judas doesn't evolve either. The books are short but it doesn't mean they should be shallow. The characters' development is lacking depth, or lacking altogether. The toxicity that is regularly mentioned doesn't evoke the strong emotions I am looking for.

[MJ's Book Blog and Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review by: Jennifer
(4 stars)

Lawless does need to be read before this story, that is the beginning of Judas and Rhiannon's story. Savage Gods is the middle, Rhiannon trying to come to terms with everything from book one, and trying to figure out what needs to happen next. Problem is, Judas is going to make sure that what happens is what he wants to happen. Will Rhiannon be able to cope with everything that she is learning and with what Judas wants? This was actually a bit shorter than what I was expecting, but it was still a very good middle part of the story. I give this 4 stars.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been wanting to continue this series for a while now and finally had the opportunity to dive in. Bennett didn't disappoint with this sequel. I was transported right back into Rhia and Judas' world of dark secrets. I was hooked on their push-and-pull chemistry and on the edge of my seat waiting to see how everything would play out between them as more was revealed. The ending was a jaw-dropper and left me with some very important questions. Bennett said all would be revealed in book three, so I can't wait to dig into it!

[Dirty Little Secret Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhh Judas Barron is back.. Damn that man does things to me a fictional character shouldn't.
Savage Gods continues where lawless kingdom left us. Judas has dragged Rhia deeper into his world, a world Rhia is still finding hard to come to terms with... or is she? Some of our questions are answered in this book but it has also opened up a whole new set of questions that have left us thinking WTF.
Incase you can't tell, I absolutely loved this sinfully dark read installment. - Tania

[Kenia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I first read Lawless Kingdom I KNEW I would be obsessed with Rhia and Judas’ story. And boy is it a story full of love, hate and ruin.

What started off as little red chasing after the big bad wolf at a Halloween party ends up being a whole new world that Rhia could not anticipate. The twists and turns this book takes will have you pulling an all nighter to read and it’ll be worth the pots of coffee you down the next day to feel alive.

[Evalyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still abit hazy on the story line, but it's entertaining to read so am gonna go with it!

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savage Gods by Natalie Bennett

I Give this Book a 4/5 Star Rating.

No Spoilers, if I give too much I’ll just end up giving it all away.
Cliffhanger: Yes, This is a Trilogy. I don’t want to spoil the cliffhanger, so I’m just going to confirm that there is another book after this 😆
Relationship Type: MF
Dark: Please understand I’m an avid Dark to Extreme Dark Reader, so this book may be darker for others. 2.5/5, but it is stated that the next book will be much darker.
Pacing: While it is Mid pace for me, This was quite a fast read and I didn’t expect that to be honest, paced well but reads fast.
Heat: 4/5
Romance: how about.. it’s ‘Under Construction’? 😆
Drama: 4/5
Suspense: 4.5/5