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Cruel Black Hearts #2
Cold Dark Souls
A Dark Reverse Harem Romance.
My name is Stella, and after twenty-five years of living, I am finally starting to understand what it means to be alive.
Edward and Lincoln have taken my life and made it a whirlwind of sex, pain, and blood. They show me things I never would’ve imagined, made me feel real, genuine emotions for the first time in my life. I owe them everything.
There is a darkness inside of me, one I never knew existed until Edward and Lincoln, and together our beasts collide and make something truly new and terrifying. We are alike in more ways than one.
But the Angel Maker draws closer with each passing day. When he reveals himself to me, when he finally sheds his mask and steps into the light…what will I do? What can I do? I am drawn to him just like I’m drawn to my two psychopaths.
Whatever happens, you know it’s going to be bloody.
This is a dark, why choose romance intended for 18+ readers.
***TW: This is a dark, psychologically twisted tale involving graphic scenes of violence, stalking, and other topics some readers might find triggering. 18+ Be warned.***
My name is Stella, and after twenty-five years of living, I am finally starting to understand what it means to be alive.
Edward and Lincoln have taken my life and made it a whirlwind of sex, pain, and blood. They show me things I never would’ve imagined, made me feel real, genuine emotions for the first time in my life. I owe them everything.
There is a darkness inside of me, one I never knew existed until Edward and Lincoln, and together our beasts collide and make something truly new and terrifying. We are alike in more ways than one.
But the Angel Maker draws closer with each passing day. When he reveals himself to me, when he finally sheds his mask and steps into the light…what will I do? What can I do? I am drawn to him just like I’m drawn to my two psychopaths.
Whatever happens, you know it’s going to be bloody.
This is a dark, why choose romance intended for 18+ readers.
***TW: This is a dark, psychologically twisted tale involving graphic scenes of violence, stalking, and other topics some readers might find triggering. 18+ Be warned.***
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2019
365 people are currently reading
1091 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
December 5, 2022
3 continued fuckery stars
Note that this book is the second on the series and is NOT a standalone; book 1 should be read before this one.
In Cruel Black Hearts, we are introduced to the main female character: Stella. Stella works part-time for a newspaper where she focuses her attention almost exclusively on serial killers. She also has a blog where she further explores the same topic. It's honestly a little hard to differentiate which is which because she speculates more than she reports even when writing for the paper. She is clearly fixated on killers and their subjects, and now she is in the cross hairs of the latest serial killer, a man she has dubbed The Angel Maker because of the way he has posed the bodies.
In this book, the identity of the killer is revealed, and I have to admit to being a little disappointed because it does not seem consistent with the way this character has been described to this point. The counter to that is he is hiding his murderous persona beneath the daily facade, but it just seems like we are missing a lot of information about how he became a killer. With Edward and Lincoln, we know how and why they started killing and what their motivations are; with The Angel Maker, we don't really know any background, though maybe that will follow in the subsequent books.
Edward decides it is time to test whether or not Stella is the right woman for him and Lincoln, so he sets up a "surprise" for her that Lincoln assists in delivering. Meanwhile, the "romantic" element (in quotations bc it is mostly rough sex and dominance) gets more interesting as The Angel Killers determines that he wants Stella all to himself and seeks to eliminate the competition.
This story gets even darker in this installment of the series, and there are graphic details of torture and violence that some readers may find disturbing (really, all readers would find it disturbing, so it is more the tolerance a reader has for this subject matter). There are also some mental health issues with regards to Stella that are discussed and managed in secretive manner, and there are plenty of twists and turns as the story continues to unfold.
Will Stella prove to be the missing ingredient in Edward and Lincoln's psycho sandwich? Will The Angel Maker win Stella over or will he pursue the idea of eliminating his "competition"? What is happening in Stella's mind that leads to her manifestation of conversation and events that do not actually take place? And if her possible psychosis is treated, will it change who she fundamentally is?
NOTE THAT THIS STORY ENDS ON A CLIFFHANGER.
Plot --- 3/5
Writing Style --- 3.5/5
Main Characters --- 3/5
Supporting Cast --- 3/5
Steam Level* --- 4.5/5 (MFM; 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
Note that this book is the second on the series and is NOT a standalone; book 1 should be read before this one.
In Cruel Black Hearts, we are introduced to the main female character: Stella. Stella works part-time for a newspaper where she focuses her attention almost exclusively on serial killers. She also has a blog where she further explores the same topic. It's honestly a little hard to differentiate which is which because she speculates more than she reports even when writing for the paper. She is clearly fixated on killers and their subjects, and now she is in the cross hairs of the latest serial killer, a man she has dubbed The Angel Maker because of the way he has posed the bodies.
In this book, the identity of the killer is revealed, and I have to admit to being a little disappointed because it does not seem consistent with the way this character has been described to this point. The counter to that is he is hiding his murderous persona beneath the daily facade, but it just seems like we are missing a lot of information about how he became a killer. With Edward and Lincoln, we know how and why they started killing and what their motivations are; with The Angel Maker, we don't really know any background, though maybe that will follow in the subsequent books.
Edward decides it is time to test whether or not Stella is the right woman for him and Lincoln, so he sets up a "surprise" for her that Lincoln assists in delivering. Meanwhile, the "romantic" element (in quotations bc it is mostly rough sex and dominance) gets more interesting as The Angel Killers determines that he wants Stella all to himself and seeks to eliminate the competition.
This story gets even darker in this installment of the series, and there are graphic details of torture and violence that some readers may find disturbing (really, all readers would find it disturbing, so it is more the tolerance a reader has for this subject matter). There are also some mental health issues with regards to Stella that are discussed and managed in secretive manner, and there are plenty of twists and turns as the story continues to unfold.
Will Stella prove to be the missing ingredient in Edward and Lincoln's psycho sandwich? Will The Angel Maker win Stella over or will he pursue the idea of eliminating his "competition"? What is happening in Stella's mind that leads to her manifestation of conversation and events that do not actually take place? And if her possible psychosis is treated, will it change who she fundamentally is?
NOTE THAT THIS STORY ENDS ON A CLIFFHANGER.
Plot --- 3/5
Writing Style --- 3.5/5
Main Characters --- 3/5
Supporting Cast --- 3/5
Steam Level* --- 4.5/5 (MFM; 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
October 23, 2024
Series Review (Book 1 and 2)
Rating: Book 1: 3 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: 3 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.
November 14, 2019
So I reluctantly went on to read the 2nd book because I just had to find out what the hell was that ending all about. And I must say, I think the ridiculousness that is this series has grown on me, who new. The writing is still not good, its still as repetitive as ever. The annoying characters are still as annoying. The vain and the egotistical (**coughs Lincoln**) still thinks he is a God’s gift to both men and women (his words). I find myself desensitized to all the things that made me want to quit book 1. Don’t get me wrong I still don’t like the characters, I still feel there is no justification to the madness, mostly anyway. But I also still want to know how this end. If I am being honest, I enjoyed this one better than the first, despite it having the same shortcomings.
June 27, 2019
Good Second Installment!
I have found myself sucked into this world as soon as I picked it up. Some of the things I guessed about but I’m looking forward to what is to come!
I have found myself sucked into this world as soon as I picked it up. Some of the things I guessed about but I’m looking forward to what is to come!
January 1, 2020
"Call me sick, call me twisted, call me cruel and cold, but it was the truth. Death got me going like nothing else. My inner darkness was showing; Edward and Lincoln had fostered it, helped it bloom into a flower of everlasting blackness."
This is only book 2 in the Cruel Black Hearts mini series but this has easily become one of my favorite series of 2019. Its definitely in my top 5 favorites reads of this year. Candace Wondrak is becoming one of my new favorite authors. She knows how to write a villain/psychopath!
In Cold Dark Souls, she upped the ante and more secrets get discovered. The sex is steaming. And the killing is shocking. A great book to the first one in this trilogy! Cant wait to see how it all ends!
This is only book 2 in the Cruel Black Hearts mini series but this has easily become one of my favorite series of 2019. Its definitely in my top 5 favorites reads of this year. Candace Wondrak is becoming one of my new favorite authors. She knows how to write a villain/psychopath!
In Cold Dark Souls, she upped the ante and more secrets get discovered. The sex is steaming. And the killing is shocking. A great book to the first one in this trilogy! Cant wait to see how it all ends!
July 22, 2024
YOOOOOOOOOO
This series is all kinds of fucked upppppp…
And I’m freakin’ lovin’ it!!!!!
This series is all kinds of fucked upppppp…
And I’m freakin’ lovin’ it!!!!!
August 14, 2024
This story seems to be a lot more telling than showing, which did happen in the first book as well, but felt worse somehow in this one. I read on to the third purely to get some answers but there was some definitely skimming by the end.
May 14, 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.
I must warn you that this one is waaaaay more dark, sick, twisted and gory than the first one. Okay?
Okay. That’s my good deed for the day.
Och. My. God!
This series is sweeping me off of my feet!
Seriously, I can not get enough!
I have never in my life enjoyed a cliffhanger quite like the one at the end of book 1 (HERE).
I mean, who likes cliffies?
Me, that’s who (yes I’m a sick wee puppy).
Yup. If it’s done right then it just adds to the story.
And Candace Wondrak knows how to do a cliffy!
STELLA
Okay, when book one ended, we learned who the Angel Maker was and we learned that Stella is...well, she’s not very well.
In the head.
Yeah, we figured that but what she had done was such a huge surprise, I’m still trying to process it!
However, in this one? OMFG!
Shit gets even darker and I find I’m loving how Stella explores her newfound emotions and cravings. (did I mention I’m a sick puppy?)
So much going on here.
I wanna tell you everything right now, but I also don’t want to ruin the surprise!
The struggle is real!
God damn, I have never wanted someone to start torturing another person as much as I wanted it in this book, lol.
I love Stella. I really do.
She is so fucked up and gives zero fucks. Life goals, peeps, life goals. Minus the killing I suppose. *sighs* society’s rules are so harsh.
LINCOLN & EDWARD
First of all...is Lincoln ever going to either stop jizzing on the bathroom wall or maybe even clean it up once in a while?
Anyway, he is still lying to himself that he’s not seriously falling for Stella. And, to be honest, it’s kinda cute for such a huge, dark and serious guy to be left uncomfortably taken with such a tiny girl.
He and Edward get together to give Stella a ‘gift’.
A rather unhappy and scared gift, if you catch ma drift? And from this point on, shit gets real.
I feel it’s my duty to warn you here: If you are squeamish and not into violence then this is not the book for you.
It is, however, a book for me :-)
These two men are seriously fucked up and delicious at the same time.
They love her and they’ll do whatever it takes to keep her.
Unfortunately, that includes lying to her...and almost killing someone else she has the feels for.
THE ANGEL MAKER
I’m not going to name this guy yet, just in case you haven’t read book one.
But I will say this. At the beginning of this book, I wasn’t his biggest fan. Also, Stella is super pissed off with him.
Now though...well, he has potential.
I’m still a bit ‘meh’ about him but I’ll give him a chance to win me over.
As long as it’s with violence and skilled fucking.
SEX SCENES
I’m torn here. Part of me wants to share with you one of the darkest and most violent sex scenes I have ever read...and part of me wants to share the hottest scene in the book.
Och, whatever, I’m gonny do both :-)
The first one goes like this:
I am desperate for the RH to be formed!! I need it now!
Looks like I’ll have tae wait until book 3 though.
In the meantime, I have these scenes to keep me wet and wanting.
“Hold her arms.” I went to grip her wrist, pulling them up by me as he positioned himself between her legs, pushing inside her without so much as a warning. Stella breathed out a sigh as Ed filled her up. And then Ed became the animal we all knew he was, wild and untamed, rough every which way. His thrusts were deep and hard, his expression one of anger and need. He needed to be inside of her, needed to fuck Stella like the world itself depended on it. In a way, I supposed it did, because it seemed Stella was his world now, which meant she was mine. Stella. Fucking Stella. Ed’s back arched, and I watched him squeeze his eyes shut. I knew his body almost as well as I knew my own, so it didn’t take me long to recognize the signs of his impending orgasm. He raked his fingers down her chest, grabbing Stella right beneath her breasts, holding onto her ribcage as his thrusts became desperate, practically begging her cunt to milk him dry. He let out a sound that was like music to my ears. Hearing Ed have his way with her was…stimulating, but now wasn’t the time for more sex. I had a feeling that would come later. What I wanted was to introduce her to Destiny.
Which leads us into the next amazingly disturbing, dark and erotic scene.
If you are squeamish, look away now.
Edward had stuck two fingers inside of me. “That’s so fucking hot,” Lincoln muttered, dark eyes on me, on Edward, on the both of us.
I kept cutting, and Edward kept rubbing, pumping me with his fingers as I sawed through her bone. Once the bone saw was through the bone, the rest came apart with ease. The severed hand fell from the restraint, smacking the floor with a loud, squishy thump. Destiny herself sagged forward, her head held back by Lincoln. Her whimpering had stopped, her eyes blinking slower. Edward’s other hand crept up, cupping one of my breasts, tweaking my nipple as he continued to finger-fuck me and his lips roamed my neck. I could feel his hard-on behind me, and I arched my back, running my ass along him, gripping the bone saw tighter. I took the bloodied bone saw to her inner thigh, barely able to keep my concentration thanks to Edward. I knew what was coming, and yet I fought it. I fought the pleasure as much as I could, because I wanted to hear Destiny scream one more time before death took her. I wanted to cut her in half and watch as she bled out—and then I wanted both Edward and Lincoln to take me in the blood. I was more fucked up than I realized before. No normal person had thoughts like that—no normal person wanted to be fucked while lying in someone else’s blood.
FINAL THOUGHTS on COLD DARK SOULS by Candace Wondrak
Wow. This one was so sick and twisted that even I had to stop for a moment now and then. But you know what? I loved it. I know some of you will be out there like, “Wtf?”, but the rest of you? The rest that ‘get’ me? You are my tribe. I feel no shame :-)
5 Stars
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October 25, 2019
Plot twist!
This is explicit and gory. It's disturbing and depraved. It is absolutely morbid and so very twisted. Yet, I love it.
Some of the twists I figured out ahead of time, but one huge one really surprised me. She has Lincoln and Edward wrapped around her finger, and her Angel Maker.
This story is not for those who like happy go lucky stories full of smiles and cuddles. This story is beyond morbid, so perfectly imperfect in it's execution that it awes, and mermeserizingly spellbinding in a way that makes me feel guilty for loving it.
Stella is something. I don't know how to adequately express how her character is a paradoxical mess of fragility and strength. I can't see what these guys feel for her but my heart breaks for her as much as it can knowing something isn't quite right there.
When psychopaths question one's sanity, should he or she worry?
I can't wait to start the next book. It's such a compelling work of art that I just cannot stop myself.
This is explicit and gory. It's disturbing and depraved. It is absolutely morbid and so very twisted. Yet, I love it.
Some of the twists I figured out ahead of time, but one huge one really surprised me. She has Lincoln and Edward wrapped around her finger, and her Angel Maker.
This story is not for those who like happy go lucky stories full of smiles and cuddles. This story is beyond morbid, so perfectly imperfect in it's execution that it awes, and mermeserizingly spellbinding in a way that makes me feel guilty for loving it.
Stella is something. I don't know how to adequately express how her character is a paradoxical mess of fragility and strength. I can't see what these guys feel for her but my heart breaks for her as much as it can knowing something isn't quite right there.
When psychopaths question one's sanity, should he or she worry?
I can't wait to start the next book. It's such a compelling work of art that I just cannot stop myself.
March 23, 2021
Not as much of an impact as the first book, not with the guys anyway. No real surprises either. Stella for the most part went from adoring fan to fanatical cult worship over the Angel maker, then there is the hallucinations and the wedding preparations. I'm kinda hoping for a murder wedding and not a show up with three guys and smile thing.
I felt a little sorry for Killian, up until the end he was a little pathetic and the most desperate. Out of the three guys he has the least to offer and the jealous meeting was a kids' fight. The half knowledge was awkward too.
Compared to Killian, the other two feel more in control and seem to have settled. I mean they still want to kill and do weird things during sex, but they're also focused on Stella. It helps that she's already with them. There were a few moments that made me recoil but they're definitely the most logical of the group.
At this point I feel I could stop and not continue with the next book. It feels like that would be enough. Stella is being drugged with her meds, the guys have decided she needs them all and vice versa. But there's the issue of Callie and her brother, as well as that last blog post. Why do people let her write? Its gonna be open and shut for the FBI. Contains sex, rough sex, Lincoln being gentle and Stella slicing up Destiny. Literally.
I felt a little sorry for Killian, up until the end he was a little pathetic and the most desperate. Out of the three guys he has the least to offer and the jealous meeting was a kids' fight. The half knowledge was awkward too.
Compared to Killian, the other two feel more in control and seem to have settled. I mean they still want to kill and do weird things during sex, but they're also focused on Stella. It helps that she's already with them. There were a few moments that made me recoil but they're definitely the most logical of the group.
At this point I feel I could stop and not continue with the next book. It feels like that would be enough. Stella is being drugged with her meds, the guys have decided she needs them all and vice versa. But there's the issue of Callie and her brother, as well as that last blog post. Why do people let her write? Its gonna be open and shut for the FBI. Contains sex, rough sex, Lincoln being gentle and Stella slicing up Destiny. Literally.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2019
Could the heart grow any darker.Yes it can as more blood is sacrificed to sate the souls of an ever growing harem of beasts.Our twisted goddess is slowly drawing monsters towards her like a temple of night pulling in like minded worshippers.
December 30, 2019
I read (skipping so many pages) this book only to find out who the 3rd male would be. I had my suspicions and they were confirmed. So disappointed. I find him creepy and heroine want's to discover her "feelings" for him. So with this I end this series completely.
December 31, 2019
I loved the plot in this book: psychopaths falling in love. But nothing much happens in this book besides a LOT of detailed sex scenes. I like a good smut, but it was a little bit too much for me - it was kind of boring.
December 4, 2019
i want more blood
January 15, 2020
Wowzers!
Once again another stunning write from candace. I'm not sold by a long shot on killian, but time will tell. I'm a little in love with ed. The complexity of the characters is astounding, Candace must have a very dark twisted mind to be able to come up with them. As always a brilliant write and an awesome story.
Once again another stunning write from candace. I'm not sold by a long shot on killian, but time will tell. I'm a little in love with ed. The complexity of the characters is astounding, Candace must have a very dark twisted mind to be able to come up with them. As always a brilliant write and an awesome story.
October 7, 2019
Better than the first! Stella got some agency, and things got SUPER gory and messed up.
January 4, 2020
Can't Put It Down
This book just rolls on from the previous and brings even more shock and element of surprise to the story. I am hooked.
This book just rolls on from the previous and brings even more shock and element of surprise to the story. I am hooked.
June 14, 2020
I was torn, 4 stars for the writing and world building, but lots of stars for such horror?
I don't recommend this for people with triggers, or in general, since its such a dark story about enjoying murder, but thats where I put it. As a "story" and I kept reading.
I don't recommend this for people with triggers, or in general, since its such a dark story about enjoying murder, but thats where I put it. As a "story" and I kept reading.
December 10, 2021
Oooooo
We’re learning so much about Stella and the guys. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.
We’re learning so much about Stella and the guys. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.
February 21, 2021
DNF at 30%. Ok fellow readers I reached my limit on the creep factor. My desire to find out what happens was outweighed by the legit description of the FMC torturing and murdering someone. Won’t be finishing this series 😂😂.
November 24, 2019
Omg what a book
There are twist that I did not see coming.
Cannot wait for the next book
Really loved this on
There are twist that I did not see coming.
Cannot wait for the next book
Really loved this on
February 18, 2020
It was just way too dark for me - and I enjoy some dark reads.
January 20, 2023
Oooooook.
So this one we're getting a little more insight into the MC's lives.
Ed and Lincoln are taken quickly with Stella. Especially after her reaction to their "gift" in the basement.
Their relationship is based very much around sex and Stella's submission, which seems to work well for them. It's easy to forget that's its just one week since book one, but aleady Ed is wanting her to move in.
The Angel Maker has decided to also make his move, to show who he is. But first tries to get rid of Ed who's home alone, not realising he's going up against another killer. Luckily Lincoln also comes home and weirdly they all have a "chat".
After looking around Stella's home, it's clear somethings not quite right... Her friends room, Callie, has a stale air smell, a layer of dust, a charged phone with hundreds of unanswered calls and texts...
One toothbrush, one towel.... Some medication for a mental health illness that haven't been taken in over 12months.
When questioned Stella is genuinely honest in her answers which worries the boys. They decide to try to get her meds to her during his meals, but they also worry.
What if this part of Stella is the part that lives their monsters? Will this change everything? How will she react if she finds out their plan??
Add into the mix the Angel Maker decides to reveal himself to her and the reaction is strange....
This book has a little more concern running thru it. Concern for Stella who clearly isn't taking care of herself. And once Ed and Lincoln decide to try and start getting her meds into her without her knowledge or consent (which irl would be a little worrying but I digress) what will happen?
Callie has died that's clear. Was it Stella as is presumed? If it was, how is she going to get to grips with killing her friend?
I'm a little... Disappointed? At how all of a sudden Killian is attractive to her. Is it the attention she likes? The things he's done to get her attention? Because him as her boss she had no time for but suddenly now...? Hmmm.
Lincoln is a beast in the sheets, Ed being only slightly less so, even when he ties her to the bed, but Stella has finally found her sexual Awakening after years of not caring, so if this is what she likes, have at it girl....
Its getting darker folks! I will warn you!!
I'm. In two minds to carry on but I am intrigued.... So I think I will...!!
So this one we're getting a little more insight into the MC's lives.
Ed and Lincoln are taken quickly with Stella. Especially after her reaction to their "gift" in the basement.
Their relationship is based very much around sex and Stella's submission, which seems to work well for them. It's easy to forget that's its just one week since book one, but aleady Ed is wanting her to move in.
The Angel Maker has decided to also make his move, to show who he is. But first tries to get rid of Ed who's home alone, not realising he's going up against another killer. Luckily Lincoln also comes home and weirdly they all have a "chat".
After looking around Stella's home, it's clear somethings not quite right... Her friends room, Callie, has a stale air smell, a layer of dust, a charged phone with hundreds of unanswered calls and texts...
One toothbrush, one towel.... Some medication for a mental health illness that haven't been taken in over 12months.
When questioned Stella is genuinely honest in her answers which worries the boys. They decide to try to get her meds to her during his meals, but they also worry.
What if this part of Stella is the part that lives their monsters? Will this change everything? How will she react if she finds out their plan??
Add into the mix the Angel Maker decides to reveal himself to her and the reaction is strange....
This book has a little more concern running thru it. Concern for Stella who clearly isn't taking care of herself. And once Ed and Lincoln decide to try and start getting her meds into her without her knowledge or consent (which irl would be a little worrying but I digress) what will happen?
Callie has died that's clear. Was it Stella as is presumed? If it was, how is she going to get to grips with killing her friend?
I'm a little... Disappointed? At how all of a sudden Killian is attractive to her. Is it the attention she likes? The things he's done to get her attention? Because him as her boss she had no time for but suddenly now...? Hmmm.
Lincoln is a beast in the sheets, Ed being only slightly less so, even when he ties her to the bed, but Stella has finally found her sexual Awakening after years of not caring, so if this is what she likes, have at it girl....
Its getting darker folks! I will warn you!!
I'm. In two minds to carry on but I am intrigued.... So I think I will...!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2023
I wasn’t like most people, and I didn’t mean it in the typical i’m-not-like-other-girls way. I was different, broken and shattered, anything but whole.
.
.
Stella after her 25 years of living she is finally understanding the meaning of living. Edward and Lincoln showed her things she could never imagined, made her feel real and genuine emotions for the first time in her life and she owed them everything. Their beasts collided and made something truly new and terrifying. The Angel Maker draws closer everyday when he reveals himself to Stella and finally steps into the light, what will she do? What happens when all three have her at their will…
The good things I have about this story was that it was actually really well written and I really enjoyed the characters, Edward and Lincoln in this book, I think they had a really good character growth from book one(which you have to read before this one as this is a complete series). However, I felt like this book had way to many plots going on at once and it started to get really confusing during the middle of the book. I feel like you could have split the two plot lines up, had two different series and it would have worked way better I think they have the potential to be really strong storylines by themselves. Also, this book I really couldn’t stand Stella she came off really annoying and I had no way to really connect with her character she just seemed to continue to repeat the same phrases over and over. I’ll be honest I don’t know where the series goes from here it feels like this could of been the end and it would make sense.
.
.
Stella after her 25 years of living she is finally understanding the meaning of living. Edward and Lincoln showed her things she could never imagined, made her feel real and genuine emotions for the first time in her life and she owed them everything. Their beasts collided and made something truly new and terrifying. The Angel Maker draws closer everyday when he reveals himself to Stella and finally steps into the light, what will she do? What happens when all three have her at their will…
The good things I have about this story was that it was actually really well written and I really enjoyed the characters, Edward and Lincoln in this book, I think they had a really good character growth from book one(which you have to read before this one as this is a complete series). However, I felt like this book had way to many plots going on at once and it started to get really confusing during the middle of the book. I feel like you could have split the two plot lines up, had two different series and it would have worked way better I think they have the potential to be really strong storylines by themselves. Also, this book I really couldn’t stand Stella she came off really annoying and I had no way to really connect with her character she just seemed to continue to repeat the same phrases over and over. I’ll be honest I don’t know where the series goes from here it feels like this could of been the end and it would make sense.
March 8, 2021
That escalated quickly
Stella, Stella, Stella. What happened to you?
Have you ever stared into a mirror and said, "Who the heck is this?" Like the person you thought you were isn't who you are? Stella is coming to some truth in this book. It's a gruesome truth. Her mask is slipping, but her relationship with Edward and Lincoln is growing in several directions.
And then there's the Angel Maker, the new serial killer in town. Oh, he's got his eyes on Stella and she's really excited by it...when will he reveal himself? Will his revelation ruin things with her two men?
I felt dirty reading this and yet I continued ploughing through it, because I'm sick in the head. That's the only answer I can come up with. It's made me look in the mirror, too, reevaluating my own chemistry. Perhaps we're closer to being monsters than we realise? I'm not a murderer and I don't sympathise with serial killers at all, but I am interested in why people make certain decisions and wonder if people are born with darkness inside them or if they learn it through experience. That whole nature versus nurture argument.
That's what this book is about to me. If we are filled with darkness, what stops us from being like the Angel Maker? Impulse control? Who knows? I'll never know. This book has really done a number on me and though I'm thinking about reading something sweet now and coming back to this series later...I'm not gonna. Come on, bring on more darkness Candace Wondrak. I'm ready to get dirtier.
Stella, Stella, Stella. What happened to you?
Have you ever stared into a mirror and said, "Who the heck is this?" Like the person you thought you were isn't who you are? Stella is coming to some truth in this book. It's a gruesome truth. Her mask is slipping, but her relationship with Edward and Lincoln is growing in several directions.
And then there's the Angel Maker, the new serial killer in town. Oh, he's got his eyes on Stella and she's really excited by it...when will he reveal himself? Will his revelation ruin things with her two men?
I felt dirty reading this and yet I continued ploughing through it, because I'm sick in the head. That's the only answer I can come up with. It's made me look in the mirror, too, reevaluating my own chemistry. Perhaps we're closer to being monsters than we realise? I'm not a murderer and I don't sympathise with serial killers at all, but I am interested in why people make certain decisions and wonder if people are born with darkness inside them or if they learn it through experience. That whole nature versus nurture argument.
That's what this book is about to me. If we are filled with darkness, what stops us from being like the Angel Maker? Impulse control? Who knows? I'll never know. This book has really done a number on me and though I'm thinking about reading something sweet now and coming back to this series later...I'm not gonna. Come on, bring on more darkness Candace Wondrak. I'm ready to get dirtier.
May 22, 2019
Twisted and Oh So Dark
I absolutely loved this book. It’s so dark, morbid, and twisted yet I can’t get enough but I’m still questioning my sanity. Just like in the first book, I find myself rooting for the bad guys, AKA the serial killers, Assassins, and murderers. I couldn’t wait for Stella to see her present from Lincoln and Edward in the basement and was truly hoping she would react the way Edward hoped. Maybe I should be on psych meds? 🤷🏻♀️ I shouldn’t love this twisted and macabre story as much as I did but that just means the author did an awesome job right?
We learn more about Killian and The Angel Maker in this book. We are able to read chapters from their POV. I was super excited when Stella found out who the Angel Maker really was but her reaction wasn’t quite what I had expected.
We also learn a little bit more about Stella and why she is the way she is. I knew this story would lead to the mental health topic but wasn’t sure how it would all play out. I’m still wondering about the direction the author will go with Stella and her mental illness in the next book.
The sex scenes are steamy, dirty, and depraved (occasionally). I noticed a majority of them were told from either Lincoln’s or Edward’s POV which I enjoyed because I could read what they were thinking in those moments where emotions tend to run high.
I cannot wait to see what happens next in this series. Another fantastic book by Candace!!
I absolutely loved this book. It’s so dark, morbid, and twisted yet I can’t get enough but I’m still questioning my sanity. Just like in the first book, I find myself rooting for the bad guys, AKA the serial killers, Assassins, and murderers. I couldn’t wait for Stella to see her present from Lincoln and Edward in the basement and was truly hoping she would react the way Edward hoped. Maybe I should be on psych meds? 🤷🏻♀️ I shouldn’t love this twisted and macabre story as much as I did but that just means the author did an awesome job right?
We learn more about Killian and The Angel Maker in this book. We are able to read chapters from their POV. I was super excited when Stella found out who the Angel Maker really was but her reaction wasn’t quite what I had expected.
We also learn a little bit more about Stella and why she is the way she is. I knew this story would lead to the mental health topic but wasn’t sure how it would all play out. I’m still wondering about the direction the author will go with Stella and her mental illness in the next book.
The sex scenes are steamy, dirty, and depraved (occasionally). I noticed a majority of them were told from either Lincoln’s or Edward’s POV which I enjoyed because I could read what they were thinking in those moments where emotions tend to run high.
I cannot wait to see what happens next in this series. Another fantastic book by Candace!!
February 7, 2023
What am I doing reading this! Lol!!!
Some of these scenes are really really difficult to read, even for me. I'm honest when I say I not only love dark, twisted romances, especially well written reverse harems, but I devour them. This should, at times be difficult to get through so instead of being so upset I didn't continue I decided to embrace my difficult emotions and continue. I figured out it is so brutally honest when the " murdering, torture scenes are described because there's nothing about these scenes that are a turn on. Except in the thoughts of those inflicting the torture. Just when I'm thinking it's too much Candace pulls me out and gives me a small reprieve. It's gone from me thinking I knew who a character was, to doubting I was correct, and then back to knowing but how I really underestimated their connection to Stella. Oh then there's Stella?!!!? So complex and so bat crap crazy that one minute I hate her then I find I have empathy for her. So far she's the only character I see her whole nature verses nurture dynamic from. Listen this is not for everyone.. Its true crime shows on steroids.. But for those of us who are drawn into the darkness and feel the burn of it more than most, then this is an experience you'll want to read!
Some of these scenes are really really difficult to read, even for me. I'm honest when I say I not only love dark, twisted romances, especially well written reverse harems, but I devour them. This should, at times be difficult to get through so instead of being so upset I didn't continue I decided to embrace my difficult emotions and continue. I figured out it is so brutally honest when the " murdering, torture scenes are described because there's nothing about these scenes that are a turn on. Except in the thoughts of those inflicting the torture. Just when I'm thinking it's too much Candace pulls me out and gives me a small reprieve. It's gone from me thinking I knew who a character was, to doubting I was correct, and then back to knowing but how I really underestimated their connection to Stella. Oh then there's Stella?!!!? So complex and so bat crap crazy that one minute I hate her then I find I have empathy for her. So far she's the only character I see her whole nature verses nurture dynamic from. Listen this is not for everyone.. Its true crime shows on steroids.. But for those of us who are drawn into the darkness and feel the burn of it more than most, then this is an experience you'll want to read!
July 15, 2022
Oh God... This series keep getting better per book. The first book of the series was Cruel Black Hearts which I rated 2 stars. I was confused abt what I should rate. But here it is. The reason I rated 3 stars for this book because there was such a great twist with stella. Stella was progresses into being a serial killler herself.
To all the readers who are planning to read this series, please remember to focus on plot and not the romance or smut. The romance and smut of this book is well..... not convincing. I felt very less emotional intimacy between Lincoln and stella and even less with Edward. The smut or conversations with Edward, who is her stalker was so shallow. I only remember him saying, " I am so obsessed with her. I will tie her up". That's what I remember when I think abt him.
So please read this book keeping in mind the plot and twists and not romance and smut.
Even the threesome scene wasn't upto my expectation.The reason I am still into this book is due to Angelmaker and the suspense with Callie.
To all the readers who are planning to read this series, please remember to focus on plot and not the romance or smut. The romance and smut of this book is well..... not convincing. I felt very less emotional intimacy between Lincoln and stella and even less with Edward. The smut or conversations with Edward, who is her stalker was so shallow. I only remember him saying, " I am so obsessed with her. I will tie her up". That's what I remember when I think abt him.
So please read this book keeping in mind the plot and twists and not romance and smut.
Even the threesome scene wasn't upto my expectation.The reason I am still into this book is due to Angelmaker and the suspense with Callie.
Read
August 3, 2022DNF @ 45% / 100pgs
I was really mixed on book 1 and knew it was a toss up on how book 2 would go for me. I was so intrigued by the ending of Cruel Black Hearts as far as the plot goes and really wanted to get some answers. It became clear that I wasn't going to get the cliffhanger payoff that I wanted coming out of book 1 and jumping straight into book 2. Unfortunately nothing else in this was working for me. I pushed through the basement scene and that was pretty much the nail in the coffin for me. And it had nothing to do with the dark elements. I can read about a fictional couple who wants to get it on after offing someone. By all means, more power to them. But I need some kind of reason that they are killers. I need some kind of substance or character building in the story. Something. This just was not it. I read a few pages past debating a dnf and ultimately I didn't care about getting plot answers enough to keep going.
I was really mixed on book 1 and knew it was a toss up on how book 2 would go for me. I was so intrigued by the ending of Cruel Black Hearts as far as the plot goes and really wanted to get some answers. It became clear that I wasn't going to get the cliffhanger payoff that I wanted coming out of book 1 and jumping straight into book 2. Unfortunately nothing else in this was working for me. I pushed through the basement scene and that was pretty much the nail in the coffin for me. And it had nothing to do with the dark elements. I can read about a fictional couple who wants to get it on after offing someone. By all means, more power to them. But I need some kind of reason that they are killers. I need some kind of substance or character building in the story. Something. This just was not it. I read a few pages past debating a dnf and ultimately I didn't care about getting plot answers enough to keep going.
May 22, 2019
book 2 in the cruel black hearts series a dark RH book. this book is even better than the first book Stella is with Edward and Lincoln who have a very special present in there basement just for Stella and they are hoping that she will react how Edward wants her to and that is to join them in killing and she does and she enjoys inflecting plain and making what she thinks is her first kill of a person. but then we have the Angle Maker who we find out is her boss Killian but he wants stella all to himself and wants to get rid off Lincoln and Edward so he can make her his. the book is very twisted and dark story and i loved it am not sure how i feel about Killian as i love the relationship between Stella Lincoln and Edward. Candace Wondrak has done an amazing job of the story line and i can wait to see what happens between the four of them next
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