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Cruel Black Hearts #1
Cruel Black Hearts
A Dark Why Choose Romance.
My name is Stella, and I am empty. I am broken. I am nothing.
The only thing I enjoy about my life is my job at the Tribune. My focus in both my editorial and my personal writing involves serial killers. Even my best friend doesn’t understand my obsession with them. No one does.
Until I meet them.
Until Lincoln and Edward come crashing into my life, setting a fire inside me and awakening parts of me I never knew existed. Lust, desire, total submission. Together, they make me feel alive. Almost whole.
Instantly I realize they’re both hiding something from me. Edward and Lincoln are not who they pretend to be—there’s a darkness inside of them, and it’s just like mine. Beasts waiting to emerge.
But their darkness is not the only thing stalking my thoughts. There’s a killer on the prowl, making his victims pray to their gods after he kills them. I call him the Angel Maker—and I, I just might be his next angel.
This is a why choose dark romance intended for 18+ readers.
***TW: This is a dark, psychologically twisted tale involving violence, stalking, and other topics some readers might find triggering. 18+ Be warned.***
My name is Stella, and I am empty. I am broken. I am nothing.
The only thing I enjoy about my life is my job at the Tribune. My focus in both my editorial and my personal writing involves serial killers. Even my best friend doesn’t understand my obsession with them. No one does.
Until I meet them.
Until Lincoln and Edward come crashing into my life, setting a fire inside me and awakening parts of me I never knew existed. Lust, desire, total submission. Together, they make me feel alive. Almost whole.
Instantly I realize they’re both hiding something from me. Edward and Lincoln are not who they pretend to be—there’s a darkness inside of them, and it’s just like mine. Beasts waiting to emerge.
But their darkness is not the only thing stalking my thoughts. There’s a killer on the prowl, making his victims pray to their gods after he kills them. I call him the Angel Maker—and I, I just might be his next angel.
This is a why choose dark romance intended for 18+ readers.
***TW: This is a dark, psychologically twisted tale involving violence, stalking, and other topics some readers might find triggering. 18+ Be warned.***
217 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 18, 2019
791 people are currently reading
6060 people want to read
About the author
Candace Wondrak
116 books1,847 followersHey guys! I'm a writer, an office worker, a wife, a mother to two dogs and two cats, and half of a strange pair of young adults who flip the houses they're living in with the goal of having no mortgage (so that I can eventually focus on my writing career!). Needless to say, I'm busy.
Still, I somehow find time to write, to read, and to enjoy life. Wish there were more hours in the day, really!
If you're active on Goodreads and have similar interests, friend me. I don't bite. Or if you'd rather follow my reviews, you can do that, too.
Happy reading!
Link to newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dppf_v
Still, I somehow find time to write, to read, and to enjoy life. Wish there were more hours in the day, really!
If you're active on Goodreads and have similar interests, friend me. I don't bite. Or if you'd rather follow my reviews, you can do that, too.
Happy reading!
Link to newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dppf_v
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 391 reviews
November 15, 2019
I consider myself to be a minion of the dark and the depraved. I love books that push the boundaries, challenge social norms and explores humans’ darkest and deepest desires to be twisted and perverted. But this depravity, in any genre, has to be presented in a way that makes sense; is plausible; and feels natural. Nothing makes sense or feels plausible or natural about this story.
There were so many other things that irked me in this book but these are the top of my list and I won’t go into details with the others but there was quite a lot. I wanted to give up right from the start, but I have been doing a lot of abandoning books lately, so I decided to endure and make it to the finish.
My plan was not to continue with the series after this book, but with that ending how could I not. I hate it when this happens because this book is crap and I don’t really have much hope for the next one. Just that ending, and not the one that was obvious, the other one. Candace, I will give it to you, you got the last laugh.
I have never been so depressed and yet so looking forward to start the 2nd instalment, I feel I have no choice. I am really hating on Candace right now.
There were so many other things that irked me in this book but these are the top of my list and I won’t go into details with the others but there was quite a lot. I wanted to give up right from the start, but I have been doing a lot of abandoning books lately, so I decided to endure and make it to the finish.
My plan was not to continue with the series after this book, but with that ending how could I not. I hate it when this happens because this book is crap and I don’t really have much hope for the next one. Just that ending, and not the one that was obvious, the other one. Candace, I will give it to you, you got the last laugh.
I have never been so depressed and yet so looking forward to start the 2nd instalment, I feel I have no choice. I am really hating on Candace right now.
December 5, 2022
3.5 stars
This story did not go in the direction I thought it would... it was very dark, twisted, and intense. Not sure how else to classify it other than that. The h (Stella) has some very dark tendencies and fascinations (that her roommate and only actual friend, Callie, expresses her concerns about regularly), the primary of which are serial killers. She is basically obsessed with them and writes about them in her blog and for her part-time local newspaper. What do those writings attract? Serial killers. Specifically, Edward who started out killing neighborhood pets then ran away to live on the streets only to be groomed by a contract killer family. Edward's curiosity about her blogs and columns leads him to seek Stella out, though he makes it appear as though it is a chance meeting.
Meanwhile, his "brother" (not biologically related, but he is one of the members of this contract killing group) Lincoln, has his doubts. Edward and Lincoln share EVERYTHING, especially women, but they usually kill them after they have their fun. Lincoln is not a fan of Edward's idea to add Stella to make their psychotic duo into a trio. But Lincoln cannot seems to keep his hands off Stella and he thinks about her constantly. (Side note - Lincoln is a cop, so he has ways to hide their "murderous habits" and places to dispose of the bodies.)
In addition, Stella's boss is trying to make the moves on her after a couple of epic f-ups where he made an ass of himself after drinking too much. And on top of all of that, Stella has coined the name of the newest serial killer: The Angel Maker. Her obsession with his crimes rub Edward and Lincoln the wrong way as they look at it as competition and think that Stella might choose him once his identity is revealed.
What will happen when all of these worlds collide? Will Stella become The Angel Maker's latest victim or his ideal woman and partner in crime? Would Edward and Lincoln ever let Stella go? And is Stella as innocent as she seems?
There are NUMEROUS triggers in this story - even though the h starts off a virgin, ALL of the sex involves bondage, rough/using behavior, and/or dominance. There are deaths described in detail, and there are some mental health issues.
NOTE THAT THIS STORY ENDS ON A CLIFFHANGER.
Plot --- 3.5/5
Writing Style --- 3.5/5
Main Characters --- 3/5
Supporting Cast --- 3/5
Steam Level* --- 4.5/5 (sex early and often; no anal or M/M)
Violence --- yep
Triggers --- abundant
Language --- lots
POV --- Multi (Mostly Hs & h but also h's boss & the serial killer)
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild (nothing descriptive); 2/5 - 3rd base action/1 home run; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere (a couple of full-on steamy scenes); 4/5 - yes please! (erotica territory); 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
This story did not go in the direction I thought it would... it was very dark, twisted, and intense. Not sure how else to classify it other than that. The h (Stella) has some very dark tendencies and fascinations (that her roommate and only actual friend, Callie, expresses her concerns about regularly), the primary of which are serial killers. She is basically obsessed with them and writes about them in her blog and for her part-time local newspaper. What do those writings attract? Serial killers. Specifically, Edward who started out killing neighborhood pets then ran away to live on the streets only to be groomed by a contract killer family. Edward's curiosity about her blogs and columns leads him to seek Stella out, though he makes it appear as though it is a chance meeting.
Meanwhile, his "brother" (not biologically related, but he is one of the members of this contract killing group) Lincoln, has his doubts. Edward and Lincoln share EVERYTHING, especially women, but they usually kill them after they have their fun. Lincoln is not a fan of Edward's idea to add Stella to make their psychotic duo into a trio. But Lincoln cannot seems to keep his hands off Stella and he thinks about her constantly. (Side note - Lincoln is a cop, so he has ways to hide their "murderous habits" and places to dispose of the bodies.)
In addition, Stella's boss is trying to make the moves on her after a couple of epic f-ups where he made an ass of himself after drinking too much. And on top of all of that, Stella has coined the name of the newest serial killer: The Angel Maker. Her obsession with his crimes rub Edward and Lincoln the wrong way as they look at it as competition and think that Stella might choose him once his identity is revealed.
What will happen when all of these worlds collide? Will Stella become The Angel Maker's latest victim or his ideal woman and partner in crime? Would Edward and Lincoln ever let Stella go? And is Stella as innocent as she seems?
There are NUMEROUS triggers in this story - even though the h starts off a virgin, ALL of the sex involves bondage, rough/using behavior, and/or dominance. There are deaths described in detail, and there are some mental health issues.
NOTE THAT THIS STORY ENDS ON A CLIFFHANGER.
Plot --- 3.5/5
Writing Style --- 3.5/5
Main Characters --- 3/5
Supporting Cast --- 3/5
Steam Level* --- 4.5/5 (sex early and often; no anal or M/M)
Violence --- yep
Triggers --- abundant
Language --- lots
POV --- Multi (Mostly Hs & h but also h's boss & the serial killer)
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild (nothing descriptive); 2/5 - 3rd base action/1 home run; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere (a couple of full-on steamy scenes); 4/5 - yes please! (erotica territory); 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
April 1, 2021
So, this isn't a romance story. I'd actually say it's more of a 'what happens when a bunch of people with antisocial personality disorder are thrown into a room together'
I don't think it is possible for these characters in particular to feel love. Interest sure, lust too. But not love. I commend the author for their research. They nailed a few key symptoms of people who have this. Namely lack of remorse, lack of empathy, sometimes narcissism, and wearing a mask for communicating with people. Oh and the rape, murder, fucked up shit they do.
This isn't a romance story. It's a dark, dark, dark story with so much fucked up shit. This is literally the worst book I have ever read, and shifted my perspective on other books I've rated low. Knowing that I have read the absolute worst book possible, and that nothing can be worse than this, I'm able to enjoy everything else so much more.
I sincerely, a year later, still use this book as a base to rate my other books. Nothing can ever be worse than this. Period.
Never, ever, ever again.
I don't think it is possible for these characters in particular to feel love. Interest sure, lust too. But not love. I commend the author for their research. They nailed a few key symptoms of people who have this. Namely lack of remorse, lack of empathy, sometimes narcissism, and wearing a mask for communicating with people. Oh and the rape, murder, fucked up shit they do.
This isn't a romance story. It's a dark, dark, dark story with so much fucked up shit. This is literally the worst book I have ever read, and shifted my perspective on other books I've rated low. Knowing that I have read the absolute worst book possible, and that nothing can be worse than this, I'm able to enjoy everything else so much more.
I sincerely, a year later, still use this book as a base to rate my other books. Nothing can ever be worse than this. Period.
Never, ever, ever again.
July 14, 2022
That ending though wtf !!!!
December 28, 2019
"My curiosity was morbid and my acceptance was final. These two, psychos as they might be, were mine just as much as I was theirs."
Ok, just give me a moment and let me catch my breath! *breathes deeply and tries to regain composure*......... Lorde, this book took my soul!! Take it and do whatever you feel like with it. I don't care. It's worth it. This book is not your average romance book. It's a dark romance. It's so twisted, naughty and intriguing! This is the kind of book where if you read it and adore it like myself you're left wondering 'What the hell is wrong with me?!' But I adore it. I do. I do. I do. It sucked me in from the very beginning. Gripped me with it's claws and wouldn't let me go. When I say the adrenaline was pumping, it was PUMPING!
"She craved the darkness. She craved it and didn’t even realize it. Luckily for her, I was here now, and I would show her just how beautiful and unrelenting the darkness could be."
Stella is a girl who works for the newspaper writing about serial killers. She is OBSESSED with them. Unfortunately..... no, fortunately her blog attracts 2 serial killers who end up being obsessed with her. At the same time, a new serial killer had come to town and Stella has landed on his radar as well. That's all I'm going to say. You need to read and find out the rest for yourself if you love taboo things as much as I love them.
Ok, just give me a moment and let me catch my breath! *breathes deeply and tries to regain composure*......... Lorde, this book took my soul!! Take it and do whatever you feel like with it. I don't care. It's worth it. This book is not your average romance book. It's a dark romance. It's so twisted, naughty and intriguing! This is the kind of book where if you read it and adore it like myself you're left wondering 'What the hell is wrong with me?!' But I adore it. I do. I do. I do. It sucked me in from the very beginning. Gripped me with it's claws and wouldn't let me go. When I say the adrenaline was pumping, it was PUMPING!
"She craved the darkness. She craved it and didn’t even realize it. Luckily for her, I was here now, and I would show her just how beautiful and unrelenting the darkness could be."
Stella is a girl who works for the newspaper writing about serial killers. She is OBSESSED with them. Unfortunately..... no, fortunately her blog attracts 2 serial killers who end up being obsessed with her. At the same time, a new serial killer had come to town and Stella has landed on his radar as well. That's all I'm going to say. You need to read and find out the rest for yourself if you love taboo things as much as I love them.
June 4, 2020
Stella has found her calling! (Spoilers!)
Morbid and depraved. This has me questioning my own sanity for thinking this is a perfect story. Probably the darkest book I have read and boy did I love it! It is the darkest reverse harem book I have read. I loved it so much that I will be starting the next one tomorrow.
Story revolves around Stella, Lincoln, and Edward mostly, but also some minor characters that are mentioned in such a way that maybe in the next book they will have time to tell more about them.
Stella is a journalist/blogger who writes about serial killers and has many followers...some of which are murderers or serial killers themselves.
We meet Lincoln and Edward. And she's not freaked out by it. Not even when one of her guys decides to murder her. Luckily it all works out.
Some green eye guy is watching her at a coffee shop a couple times. Angel Maker is kidnapping and taking her to his crime scene after she did a call out to him on her blog.
There are no good guys in this story maybe. Or maybe there are but this focuses on the darker side....murderers or serial killers falling for a morbid journalist blogger
Morbid and depraved. This has me questioning my own sanity for thinking this is a perfect story. Probably the darkest book I have read and boy did I love it! It is the darkest reverse harem book I have read. I loved it so much that I will be starting the next one tomorrow.
Story revolves around Stella, Lincoln, and Edward mostly, but also some minor characters that are mentioned in such a way that maybe in the next book they will have time to tell more about them.
Stella is a journalist/blogger who writes about serial killers and has many followers...some of which are murderers or serial killers themselves.
We meet Lincoln and Edward. And she's not freaked out by it. Not even when one of her guys decides to murder her. Luckily it all works out.
Some green eye guy is watching her at a coffee shop a couple times. Angel Maker is kidnapping and taking her to his crime scene after she did a call out to him on her blog.
There are no good guys in this story maybe. Or maybe there are but this focuses on the darker side....murderers or serial killers falling for a morbid journalist blogger
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
dnf-d
May 13, 2021DNF @ 11%
The writing was just not working for me. Also, the character was a journalist and referred to the page designer or pagination team as a “paper formatter” for the print and web editions of the newspaper. (Not the e-edition. This person designed the website too)
The former journalist in me said no.. just no.
The writing was just not working for me. Also, the character was a journalist and referred to the page designer or pagination team as a “paper formatter” for the print and web editions of the newspaper. (Not the e-edition. This person designed the website too)
The former journalist in me said no.. just no.
October 23, 2024
Series Review (Book 1 and 2)
Rating: Book 1: 2 stars, Book 2: 1 star.
Edit: A dark romance, but not the sexy kind. Everyone was just F*cked up, and not in a hot way. More in a seriously disturbing way where you just go and kill innocents for sh*ts and giggles
I honestly don't know how to rate this series.
The good; it is well written. The characters are complex and well developed. The mystery and situations are interesting. However this book was just not my cup of tea, it crossed some lines that made me uncomfortable, and made it too dark.
The bad; I originally thought this would be more like Mind F*ck, where the main character is a killer but she is doing it for a reason, for revenge. In this book the main characters are not doing this for any particular reason. They are not assassins ridding the world of bad people, they are not even mercenaries that do it because they need the funds and are only killing "fair game", they are not seeking revenge. They honestly are just serial killers that enjoy murdering people, and go after the innocent, just to satisfy their killing/sexual urges. They are psychopaths and mentally deranged in many ways, and they enjoy inflicting pain, suffering, and death.
The ugly; some boundaries were crossed, which made reading this very uncomfortable, because how can you like a character that has no morals, no goodness, no redeeming qualities? I feel like this was a train wreck you just can't look away until you see the really gory parts and then you are just too disgusted to continue looking. Which is unfair to the author, since she wrote it so well to the point of making me feel so uncomfortable and evoking some real visceral feelings of disgust.
I finished the first book in one night, and read 66% of the second one, but the second book got to a point that I just could not continue. I could not stomach what the main characters were doing, like I said some lines were crossed and I did not enjoy it.
This series is definitely a proceed with caution, expect many triggers. I do not recommend it. I honestly don't understand the fixation that we have as a society with portraying serial killers and psychopaths as the "heroes", and why so many shows and books have sprouted up about them recently putting them as the main characters, and not necessarily portraying them in a negative way. So while the books were readable, I just feel like the content was too much, it pushed the envelope too far, and I would be concerned if you did not feel uncomfortable reading the scenes described.
Rating: Book 1: 2 stars, Book 2: 1 star.
Edit: A dark romance, but not the sexy kind. Everyone was just F*cked up, and not in a hot way. More in a seriously disturbing way where you just go and kill innocents for sh*ts and giggles
I honestly don't know how to rate this series.
The good; it is well written. The characters are complex and well developed. The mystery and situations are interesting. However this book was just not my cup of tea, it crossed some lines that made me uncomfortable, and made it too dark.
The bad; I originally thought this would be more like Mind F*ck, where the main character is a killer but she is doing it for a reason, for revenge. In this book the main characters are not doing this for any particular reason. They are not assassins ridding the world of bad people, they are not even mercenaries that do it because they need the funds and are only killing "fair game", they are not seeking revenge. They honestly are just serial killers that enjoy murdering people, and go after the innocent, just to satisfy their killing/sexual urges. They are psychopaths and mentally deranged in many ways, and they enjoy inflicting pain, suffering, and death.
The ugly; some boundaries were crossed, which made reading this very uncomfortable, because how can you like a character that has no morals, no goodness, no redeeming qualities? I feel like this was a train wreck you just can't look away until you see the really gory parts and then you are just too disgusted to continue looking. Which is unfair to the author, since she wrote it so well to the point of making me feel so uncomfortable and evoking some real visceral feelings of disgust.
I finished the first book in one night, and read 66% of the second one, but the second book got to a point that I just could not continue. I could not stomach what the main characters were doing, like I said some lines were crossed and I did not enjoy it.
This series is definitely a proceed with caution, expect many triggers. I do not recommend it. I honestly don't understand the fixation that we have as a society with portraying serial killers and psychopaths as the "heroes", and why so many shows and books have sprouted up about them recently putting them as the main characters, and not necessarily portraying them in a negative way. So while the books were readable, I just feel like the content was too much, it pushed the envelope too far, and I would be concerned if you did not feel uncomfortable reading the scenes described.
May 28, 2022
I gave this book a shot. I got about 50 maybe 60% done and had to give it up.
I didn't see the plot at all. It was kind of boring. It's called a reverse harem. But how? At the very most it's a threesome.
Having several different guys interested in you does not make it a reverse harem. And the fact that she's only had a sexual encounter with two people, makes it a threesome not a reverse harem.
I honestly think that the author should have done research before categorizing this book as a reverse harem.
I kept waiting for more to happen. The description of the book made me think that it would be a lot more interesting than it actually was.
I really wish that I could see what the other readers have seen to make this book interesting. Because it really wasn't.
There were a couple scenes I got my attention but then she had to go and draw on and on about her blog. Sharing the blog posts. Just on and on it was annoying. And then you have Lincoln in his forever monologue about how much he hates this girl but does nothing about it. It's boring. And I'm done with this book. I will not be finishing this series. And no I would not recommend it to my friends.
And for anyone who's going to argue with me that reverse harem could be just an interest in the girl, I'll put it to you this way, she has no personal experience with two of the people. She hasn't even met one of them yet and the other one is her boss. And she has absolutely no interest in her boss whatsoever. So again I put it to you this was not a reverse.
I didn't see the plot at all. It was kind of boring. It's called a reverse harem. But how? At the very most it's a threesome.
Having several different guys interested in you does not make it a reverse harem. And the fact that she's only had a sexual encounter with two people, makes it a threesome not a reverse harem.
I honestly think that the author should have done research before categorizing this book as a reverse harem.
I kept waiting for more to happen. The description of the book made me think that it would be a lot more interesting than it actually was.
I really wish that I could see what the other readers have seen to make this book interesting. Because it really wasn't.
There were a couple scenes I got my attention but then she had to go and draw on and on about her blog. Sharing the blog posts. Just on and on it was annoying. And then you have Lincoln in his forever monologue about how much he hates this girl but does nothing about it. It's boring. And I'm done with this book. I will not be finishing this series. And no I would not recommend it to my friends.
And for anyone who's going to argue with me that reverse harem could be just an interest in the girl, I'll put it to you this way, she has no personal experience with two of the people. She hasn't even met one of them yet and the other one is her boss. And she has absolutely no interest in her boss whatsoever. So again I put it to you this was not a reverse.
April 28, 2019
The story itself was pretty interesting.
The heroine was an inexperienced cliche. Why authors feel the need to alway make the heroine’s awkward virgins, then turn them into b*tches in heat for the hero after meeting once... the world will never know.
March 1, 2020
IFL when psychopaths find love and kill together. I’m going to hell.
July 10, 2019
- Heard this was about a poly relationship between serial killers so naturally I picked it up because love that for us.
- Meet Stella. Stella’s got a thing for serial killers with big energy.
- Which, whatever girl you do you if dyings your kink then cool
- She works in a newspaper and runs a blog about serial killers which eventually attracts the attention of one or two
- And I guess that’s fine Bc the serial killers both look like Zac Efron playing Ted Bundy.
- Another MC who thinks she’s oh so average and plain but everyone is obsessed with her. Thanks, I hate it.
- the writing was repetitive and simple. every other paragraph is talking about how “different” Stella is by every male character or Stella herself
- “Not like other girls girl” Bc she is obsessed with serial killers like every other white Girl on the internet
- Her articles are included in the novel and not particularly insightful or well written. Basically, there’s nothing about them that would garner the type of attention the novel frames her to have.
- The mentioning of her Hetechromia is constant and how special and different she is because her eyes don’t match
- Problematic talk of the main character’s weight and how thin she is, men saying she needs to gain weight
- MC falls into the trope of “the virgin” who becomes an experienced nymphomaniac over night for the love interest. In this essay I will..
- Also, I predicted the ending basically from when the novel began.
- Meet Stella. Stella’s got a thing for serial killers with big energy.
- Which, whatever girl you do you if dyings your kink then cool
- She works in a newspaper and runs a blog about serial killers which eventually attracts the attention of one or two
- And I guess that’s fine Bc the serial killers both look like Zac Efron playing Ted Bundy.
- Another MC who thinks she’s oh so average and plain but everyone is obsessed with her. Thanks, I hate it.
- the writing was repetitive and simple. every other paragraph is talking about how “different” Stella is by every male character or Stella herself
- “Not like other girls girl” Bc she is obsessed with serial killers like every other white Girl on the internet
- Her articles are included in the novel and not particularly insightful or well written. Basically, there’s nothing about them that would garner the type of attention the novel frames her to have.
- The mentioning of her Hetechromia is constant and how special and different she is because her eyes don’t match
- Problematic talk of the main character’s weight and how thin she is, men saying she needs to gain weight
- MC falls into the trope of “the virgin” who becomes an experienced nymphomaniac over night for the love interest. In this essay I will..
- Also, I predicted the ending basically from when the novel began.
November 20, 2019
Definitely one of the darkest romances I’ve read, and I was immediately sucked in. Also did NOT expect that one twist at the end. Not the obvious twist...the other one...*downloads book 2*
May 15, 2021
“She craved the darkness. She craved it and didn’t even realise it. Luckily for her, I was here now, and I would show her just how beautiful and unrelenting the darkness could be”.
4/5⭐️
3/3🔥
25 year old Stella doesn’t fit in. She doesn’t feel like everyone else, she’s different. She lacks emotion, she only has one friend, and her one and only interest is serial killers. So much so, that she works for the local paper and when her boss told her she could write about whatever she wants, naturally she chose to write about them. Alongside this, Stella also writes a blog about serial killers in her own time. She lives a seemingly boring life, that is until her writing starts to attract some of the very people she seems so interested by.
This was a very dark reverse harem story involving serial killers, if you don’t think that sounds like your type of thing then it probably won’t be. If it sounds intriguing to you, definitely give this one a go! It’s absolutely not your typical love story and at least in this first book there wasn’t a massive amount of typical romance per se, more obsession. However, this was a very unique story and it completely sucked me in. All of the characters are very interesting and complex, definitely not your typical heroine or heroes. This ends on a cliffhanger and I NEED to know what happens next!
tw: murder, death, serial killers, bondage, knife play
4/5⭐️
3/3🔥
25 year old Stella doesn’t fit in. She doesn’t feel like everyone else, she’s different. She lacks emotion, she only has one friend, and her one and only interest is serial killers. So much so, that she works for the local paper and when her boss told her she could write about whatever she wants, naturally she chose to write about them. Alongside this, Stella also writes a blog about serial killers in her own time. She lives a seemingly boring life, that is until her writing starts to attract some of the very people she seems so interested by.
This was a very dark reverse harem story involving serial killers, if you don’t think that sounds like your type of thing then it probably won’t be. If it sounds intriguing to you, definitely give this one a go! It’s absolutely not your typical love story and at least in this first book there wasn’t a massive amount of typical romance per se, more obsession. However, this was a very unique story and it completely sucked me in. All of the characters are very interesting and complex, definitely not your typical heroine or heroes. This ends on a cliffhanger and I NEED to know what happens next!
tw: murder, death, serial killers, bondage, knife play
June 27, 2019
One of the darkest books I’ve ever read! I went into this book not at all expecting what I got. And I’m not mad about it! I enjoy reading dark romances and this one literally had me hooked.
Our main character is obsessed with serial killers and finds one of her own in her hometown to write about in her blog and the newspaper she works part time for. All the while attracting the attention of two other killers... yeah things get quite interesting from there!
Our main character is obsessed with serial killers and finds one of her own in her hometown to write about in her blog and the newspaper she works part time for. All the while attracting the attention of two other killers... yeah things get quite interesting from there!
November 6, 2019
I really enjoyed this book! Such a dark, twisted romance and I would have given it five stars if it wasn't for the fact that it could've used an editor. The twists at the end definitely amped it up from like a 3.5 to a 4.5 star read. I am so excited to see what happens next! With this being a reverse harem romance with serial killers I'm being purposefully vague. If it sounds interesting to you though, I recommend it!
January 8, 2020
"Friends were just people who you gave the opportunity of disappointing you. It was the sad truth I’d learned in my life."
I was honestly a little bored with this book. I felt the characters were lacking and the story was sort of predictable. I had a hard time getting into the story until the end. I am not sure if I am going to continue on with the series but it is a possibility.
I was honestly a little bored with this book. I felt the characters were lacking and the story was sort of predictable. I had a hard time getting into the story until the end. I am not sure if I am going to continue on with the series but it is a possibility.
December 30, 2019
Did not like it. Didn't like the characters. Found the characters lacking. I do like dark stories, but this was just senseless. And the males (in their thirties) behaved like hormone driven teenagers and abused women just because they could. I think they were bored.
February 24, 2020
Reviewed by PussnBooks.net
Review by Puss’n’Books. Reviewing the darkest, most erotic and taboo books we can find. Click HERE for your next disturbingly sexy read.
Okay, so I’m ashamed to admit that I had never heard of Candace Wondrak before I picked up this book. But I am extremely glad that I have now found her.
I love Reverse Harem books but only when they’re done right-like this one was!
It’s a genre that can go cheesy really quickly, lol, but Cruel Black Hearts was so feckin’ good!
STELLA
Och, this girl! She has just been going through the motions her whole life. Feeling kinda like, “Is this it? This is life? What’s the big deal?”. And I can relate to that on a personal level so much.
Nothing moves her, nothing phases her. She finds it extremely hard to connect to anyone. She’s a loner and never feels like she fits in. She’s been numb her whole life.
The only thing that piques her interest is serial killers. She’s a little on the obsessed side (and really, who isn’t?) and has a blog on the topic as well as a part-time job at the local paper writing about them.
Then one day she meets Edward (and in turn, Lincoln) and all of the feelings that she had only ever heard about start coming to life.
It’s one of those meetings that you feel on a soul-deep level. Something you can’t walk away from, be it healthy or not.
But he’s a little off too...is she crazy for not caring that he might be dangerous? Maybe...but it’s the first time she’s actually felt stuff so she’s like, who cares?
EDWARD & LINCOLN
Lol, these two had me from the second I realised how fucked up they both were. They’re like brothers and they share everything. And I do mean everything.
Ed is obsessed with Stella and stalks her until he meets up with her and brings her home but Lincoln? Well, he seems to hate her, lol.
To the point where he too seems obsessed with her but at the opposite end of the scale.
Lincoln is sooo arrogant but it seems he can afford to be because, damn is he hot! Extreme alpha vibes here peeps!
And Edward has that boyish charm to hook you with but then a strong manly body to keep you busy for hours. Damn...now I’m wet again.
Yeah, these two have a lot in common wich includes their need to kill people. A desperate yearning to take a life.
And usually, that’s what they do when they’re done with a girl.
But will they disagree when it comes time to get rid of Stella?
SEX SCENES
Och, in the name of the wee man! This was so dark and twisted.., and hot...and taboo...I could go on but I won’t, lol.
My hand moved along her, and she started to move her hips along with me, despite the blade on her thigh. I supposed I could put the switchblade away—but where was the fun in that? “You want more?” I asked, my voice the kind of low it only got when I knew I was about to screw someone’s brains out. She nodded against my chest, which was good; stopping would be far too hard now. The hand holding the switchblade returned to her face, pressing the flat edge of it against her cheek, turning her head to the side as I finger-fucked her glorious hole. “Good,” I murmured, “because you’re getting more. You’re getting it all.” My words, combined with my finger working her, pushed her over the edge. Stella shook in my hold, letting out a cry of pleasure. I held her up, kept her in place with the switchblade, my finger sliding out of her as I went to put my all focus on the little mound of swollen flesh at her apex. My dick throbbed, and I wanted to be selfish, to make her please me, but for some bizarre reason, I was feeling generous tonight. Maybe because I came here with the intent of killing her.
FINAL THOUGHTS on CRUEL BLACK HEARTS by Candace Wondrak
There was not a single part of this book that I did not like! It had everything I loved in it: Dark and twisted characters, taboo sex, Reverse Harem, serial killers and an amazing story that kept me hooked all the way through!
And that ending!!! Holy crap! That is one of the BEST cliffhangers I have ever read. It just came out of nowhere and was like, “Bam!, suck it!”
5 Stars
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March 23, 2021
I’ve read worse. If I’d read this one before the omegaverse, prison, experimentation and bully trends, then I guess I’d be more shocked and a little horrified. I guess its because none of the bad stuff happens to Stella or the guys, that it feels like an almost normal read.
Its sick and twisted but it’s also interesting and there is the ongoing question of why Stella is as she is, because Lincoln is definitely right and she is hiding something. Stella herself is a confusing character with likely a psychological condition of some sort. She feels nothing for normal people, is attracted to serial killers and doesn’t fear death. Aside from her addiction, she comes across as a boring outcast with shiny eyes.
Then you’ve got the guys. Edward, Lincoln and Killian. It doesn’t feel like a reverse harem just yet. Edward and Lincoln are killers and a package deal. Killian is the boss that got drunk one party. It doesn’t feel like a typical romance either. Ed is obsessive, Lincoln is in denial and Killian you almost want to feel sorry for. At this point it just feels like lust, obsession and the need for a kindred spirit.
Then you’ve got the Angel maker, Stella’s new obsession. I question why she’s allowed to post essentially a serial killer lover letter as a job. I am curious what’s going to happen next, with Killian’s discoveries, with the guys knowing they have competition and Stella’s future. I think Callie was the one thing I didn’t see coming. Contains sex, rough sex, spur of the moment knife play and stalking. Death, threats of torture, death by strangulation, murders taken as religious and Lincoln taking his dick out of a dead woman.
Its sick and twisted but it’s also interesting and there is the ongoing question of why Stella is as she is, because Lincoln is definitely right and she is hiding something. Stella herself is a confusing character with likely a psychological condition of some sort. She feels nothing for normal people, is attracted to serial killers and doesn’t fear death. Aside from her addiction, she comes across as a boring outcast with shiny eyes.
Then you’ve got the guys. Edward, Lincoln and Killian. It doesn’t feel like a reverse harem just yet. Edward and Lincoln are killers and a package deal. Killian is the boss that got drunk one party. It doesn’t feel like a typical romance either. Ed is obsessive, Lincoln is in denial and Killian you almost want to feel sorry for. At this point it just feels like lust, obsession and the need for a kindred spirit.
Then you’ve got the Angel maker, Stella’s new obsession. I question why she’s allowed to post essentially a serial killer lover letter as a job. I am curious what’s going to happen next, with Killian’s discoveries, with the guys knowing they have competition and Stella’s future. I think Callie was the one thing I didn’t see coming. Contains sex, rough sex, spur of the moment knife play and stalking. Death, threats of torture, death by strangulation, murders taken as religious and Lincoln taking his dick out of a dead woman.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2021
first off i just wanna say i HATED this book i couldn’t wait to finish it .. but somehow i made it through it . i rated this book a 1/5 ☝🏽, which was definitely in my opinion , a well deserved rating . this was definitely one of my most disappointing reads .. i wanna point out the only thing i kinda liked abt it was that surprising thing that happened at the end of the book . part of me thinks i sabotoged myself by saying "i rlly hope i don't like this book, so i won't have to buy the rest of the books in the series. i didn't rlly like it from the beginning 😐 . i was so bored i could barely bring myself to highlight. i was so excited to be reading the male's pov's but i was utterly BORED & dissapointed. istg if i could highlight majority of the book using the turquoise color (the color i use for all embarrassing/lame parts) I COULD everything was just to fast- some of ed's dialogue during smut scenes was good, but it was lame to me just because it come from him . it was giving me MAJOR "the twins & me" (it’s a book from wattpad) flashbacks everytime they mentioned how much they share w/ eachother. my very LEAST favorite thing abt this book is how majority of the book was spent talking about how 'different' & skinny she was. (how she's different? i have no clue) this book had me asking why & how sm it's crazy . i definitely didn’t rlly care for the writing style 👎🏽 . it’s clear she was out of place when it comes to sex & being shared by 2 males .. because whenever they’d be touching on her or fucking on her she would barely react she was just there like a damn statue🧍🏽♀️. stella was rude to her ONLY friend when her friend was being generous . also, i rlly started skimming through the book once i got to page 200 .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2023
I need to stop impulse reading and finish my currently reading list
Also what was this....
Also what was this....
March 31, 2019
Wow, this is by far my favorite out of all of Candace’s books! I do love reading really dark and fucked up books from time to time and this book had me intrigued from the blurb. This is a dark romance that deals with serial killers and our h who has an obsession with them. Little does she know she’d get two of her own! There’s also a different killer on the loose and Stella is on his radar, will she be his next angel? I highly recommend going into this book blind but I know there’s a couple things that might be triggers for some.
Things to be aware of before reading this book, there was an ow scene with one of the guys and where he had another woman’s juices still on his member before plunging it into the h. I did have to skip over that part in the book. Again, this book is not for everyone but if you love dark romances and can get pass the minor stuff, give this book a try because it was really good. I’m anxious for book two, that twist at the end!
Things to be aware of before reading this book, there was an ow scene with one of the guys and where he had another woman’s juices still on his member before plunging it into the h. I did have to skip over that part in the book. Again, this book is not for everyone but if you love dark romances and can get pass the minor stuff, give this book a try because it was really good. I’m anxious for book two, that twist at the end!
March 30, 2019
Wow. Was definitely not expecting that ending. I won't give any spoilers but I knew it!!! Ok most of it. Some parts did surprise me. But wow I need the next book. I want to see what happens next. Freaking awesome!!! Loved loved this story. Can't wait for next book!!!
April 2, 2019
Stella lives a life that is what some would consider boring. Her one true enjoyment out of life is her newspaper job at the Tribune and her blog. There she can focus on her fascination with serial killers. That is until Edward and Lincoln come crashing into her life. They are a whirlwind of lust, desire and they demand her total submission. She freely gives it, not even realizing that they are what she needed to feel alive. There is a darkness in them that calls to her. Dare she say, calls to her own darkness. One she has tried to keep locked up. But they are not the only thing taking up my thoughts. There is a serial killer out there that she has dubbed the Angel Maker. And she has not just caught the attention of Ed and Lincoln, someone else watches her. Wants her. Desires her.
Okay, I will say that I was warned that this was a dark book. I enjoy the darker reads very much. Usually what other people consider dark, I do not. And you know, this lives up to it. I fell in love with this dark and twisted read that had me all over the place. The characters are so real feeling. To get inside their minds and to see what they think, how they think. Was just so fascinating to me.
Stella is such a complex character. Right when you think you know her. Yeah, you don't. She was so beautifully written. The guys, Edward and Lincoln. Wow, what can I say but that they are so very dark, unapologetic, cunning, practiced, and both are so dark. You don't know if you want to steer clear of them or become what they are fascinated with. Then there is the Angel of Death, I cannot wait to find out more about what happens with him.
Loved the different point of views, it helped to understand the characters better. You really get the sense of what and who they are. This is a dark read, so if you are sensitive about certain things, I would be wary. Having said that though, if you love a good, real dark read. This is so it!!!
Okay, I will say that I was warned that this was a dark book. I enjoy the darker reads very much. Usually what other people consider dark, I do not. And you know, this lives up to it. I fell in love with this dark and twisted read that had me all over the place. The characters are so real feeling. To get inside their minds and to see what they think, how they think. Was just so fascinating to me.
Stella is such a complex character. Right when you think you know her. Yeah, you don't. She was so beautifully written. The guys, Edward and Lincoln. Wow, what can I say but that they are so very dark, unapologetic, cunning, practiced, and both are so dark. You don't know if you want to steer clear of them or become what they are fascinated with. Then there is the Angel of Death, I cannot wait to find out more about what happens with him.
Loved the different point of views, it helped to understand the characters better. You really get the sense of what and who they are. This is a dark read, so if you are sensitive about certain things, I would be wary. Having said that though, if you love a good, real dark read. This is so it!!!
September 9, 2021
Omg.... I must be crazy in the head for enjoying such a twisted book! It was fan-bloody-tastic! And let's be honest, if I'm crazy for liking it then Candace is crazy for writing it but we all know the best people are crazy!!!
I was hooked from the start! I love a dark story and this is as dark as they come!! I love Killian!!! She will definitely love him..... Very mysterious!!! And the ending!!! I love a plot twist!!!! Omg!! I cant wait for book 2 now... please say its soon!!!
I'd also like to add that I'm a fan of her eyes.... I too have Hetrochromia and it's pretty much the same!!
I was hooked from the start! I love a dark story and this is as dark as they come!! I love Killian!!! She will definitely love him..... Very mysterious!!! And the ending!!! I love a plot twist!!!! Omg!! I cant wait for book 2 now... please say its soon!!!
I'd also like to add that I'm a fan of her eyes.... I too have Hetrochromia and it's pretty much the same!!
April 2, 2019
I’m left speechless after reading Cruel Black Hearts but in a very good way. This book was seriously amazing I highly recommend it for someone who doesn’t mind a twisted dark RH. When you think you have things figured out plot twist it keeps you wanting more. Sucks you in and doesn’t let go. I can’t wait to read book 2.
March 31, 2019
This is another fantastic book written by Candace! Her stories draw you in and paint such a vivid world. This book is a much darker read but if you don't mind delving into the minds of serial killers and those who are draw in by those minds this is definitely one you will want to read! A great plot that leaves you awe-struck the entire way through!
April 1, 2019
What a dark twisted ride! Stella has a unique voice that is intriguing. I loved the switches of POV which made the story seem whole. Just when you think you couldn't fall any farther down the rabbit hole you get to the last few chapters. So many unanswered questions, book 2 is much anticipated by this reader.
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