What do you think?
Rate this book
Cavalieri Della Morte #6
A Cruel Love
As a hitman for hire, Percivale is no stranger to violence.
From the moment he saw Blossom Jaymes through the window of her bakery, he knew he was in too deep. Not only was she as sweet as her perfectly crafted treats, but she was a soft-spoken, golden-haired angel that shone like a bright beacon in his dark world. And Percivale didn’t deal in angels. He dealt in death and crime. The even bigger issue? Percivale’s next hit is on said sweet little baker who doesn’t seem to realize how much danger lurks around her with each passing day.
If he doesn’t get the job done, who will?
When Percivale has to decide what’s more important to him—the life of a woman who may very well be innocent or getting his revenge on the men who murdered his family—the lines become blurred. Morals are twisted and a deathly chase ensues that can only result in one thing—Blossom buried six feet under.
Or can it?
Can Percivale let his lust for revenge go in order to save Blossom from the bounty on her head, or will the power she unknowingly holds over him be what gets her killed?
From the moment he saw Blossom Jaymes through the window of her bakery, he knew he was in too deep. Not only was she as sweet as her perfectly crafted treats, but she was a soft-spoken, golden-haired angel that shone like a bright beacon in his dark world. And Percivale didn’t deal in angels. He dealt in death and crime. The even bigger issue? Percivale’s next hit is on said sweet little baker who doesn’t seem to realize how much danger lurks around her with each passing day.
If he doesn’t get the job done, who will?
When Percivale has to decide what’s more important to him—the life of a woman who may very well be innocent or getting his revenge on the men who murdered his family—the lines become blurred. Morals are twisted and a deathly chase ensues that can only result in one thing—Blossom buried six feet under.
Or can it?
Can Percivale let his lust for revenge go in order to save Blossom from the bounty on her head, or will the power she unknowingly holds over him be what gets her killed?
454 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 9, 2019
120 people are currently reading
1427 people want to read
About the author
S.M. Soto
24 books2,471 followersS.M. Soto was born and raised in Northern California where she currently resides with her son. Her love for reading began when she was a young girl, and has only continued to grow into adulthood. S.M. lives for reading books in the romance genre and writing novels with relatable characters. She refers to herself as a bit of a romance junkie. S.M. loves to connect with readers and eat copious of donuts that will surely lead to her demise (carbs are life).
Follow links:
Instagram.com/authorsmsoto
Twitter.com/AuthorSMsoto
Facebook.com/romanceauthorsmsoto
Follow links:
Instagram.com/authorsmsoto
Twitter.com/AuthorSMsoto
Facebook.com/romanceauthorsmsoto
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
May 11, 2019
2 STARS
I hate myself a little right now as I write this review. Because here's the thing; I really REALLY wanted to lovethis book. The blurb and the cover hooked my attention right away, and I was SO ready for a gritty and dark mafia romance. Sadly, that's not what I got. And you know what? It seriously sucks being the black sheep that didn't enjoy a book that so many others clearly did. Le sigh.
Now look, if you haven't read very many mafia or even dark romance books before, I have a feeling you'll really enjoy this. As for me? I've read enough to be extremely picky. And A Cruel Love was rough for me from start to finish. My first clue should have been that I had no problem putting it down. As a matter of fact, I stopped reading it at 5% originally. Then I picked it back up and stopped at 30%. Then I decided to try and power through it, while that annoying inner voice of mine kept screaming "I told you so" the entire freaking time.
The story and the characters were one giant cliche after another. None of it made sense to me. The characterization was so inconsistent that it made my head spin. Here you have a mousy, introverted, scared out of her whits heroine that gets kidnapped by a stranger after shooting a man that tried to rape her point blank in the head in front of her. Said man is also a mafia hit man that was sent by his boss to kill her because she's been asking too many questions about her missing (actually now dead) neighbor. So this heroine then goes from crying hysterically, trying to make a run for it, being threatened to die by our hero at every turn, crying hysterically, having odd sassy outbursts that revert just as suddenly back to her crying outbursts, to lecturing the man threatening to kill her about his motel room choices and second hand smoke.
Oh and through all this, and Percivale's constant hot and cold behavior, cruel treatment of her, shackling her to the bed and leaving her for hours on end, and constant reminders that he'll kill her if she so much as steps out of line, she still can't help but be sexually drawn to him. I just didn't buy it. Here's a woman that's basically been shying away from anything sexual since a terrible assault in high school, yet a man that's killed several people in cold blood in front her get her engine revving.
Through all this, Percivale's characterization is incredibly inconsistent as well. I couldn't help but feel he was just one giant dark romance cliche. The constant cigarette smoking, the smirks, the reminders of his cruelty and darkness. And then he also discloses to Blossom what happened to his family years ago to make him into who he is today. At a point of the story where it made absolutely ZERO sense for him to disclose such a hugely personal and private detail. He also uses the term "seed". *shudders* I didn't buy the reasons for the hit on Blossom. It was weak and hard to believe. I also struggled to connect to them as a couple since I feel like that wasn't as developed as it could be. It struck me as being very sudden.
There's too much necessarily obvious descriptions when it comes to the darkness of this book. Like this:
And way too many things that are so far out of the realm of believability that I struggled to keep reading. Like a point of the story where Percivale gets stabbed in the stomach and then proceeds to fight in 5 back to back fights to the death. I mean....yeah.
I get that it's fiction and I should suspend my disbelief somewhat. But there still has to be a hint of SOME believability for me to buy it and connect to it. And sadly this book skated on the skirts of it until finally skating right out of the rink entirely.
The characters were such extremes that it felt cliche. The sweet, somewhat innocent, good heroine that lectures a hit man about second hand smoke and hasn't seen the right end of a razor in her female area for years. The extremely dark, super violent and cruel hitman with a penchant for chain smoking. It was all just too much for this reader.
I wanted to love this book, guys. I really, really did. But sadly, I'm just way too picky when it comes to my mafia and dark romances, that I spent the majority of the book picking apart almost everything. It's a problem. I know. But I just couldn't help myself.
Do I think the majority of readers would enjoy this book? Absolutely. I'm just a picky asshole here. Clearly. So take what I said with a grain of salt and read it and judge for yourself.
Find me on:
I’m going to enjoy breaking you, Blossom. Piece by fucking piece”
I hate myself a little right now as I write this review. Because here's the thing; I really REALLY wanted to lovethis book. The blurb and the cover hooked my attention right away, and I was SO ready for a gritty and dark mafia romance. Sadly, that's not what I got. And you know what? It seriously sucks being the black sheep that didn't enjoy a book that so many others clearly did. Le sigh.
Now look, if you haven't read very many mafia or even dark romance books before, I have a feeling you'll really enjoy this. As for me? I've read enough to be extremely picky. And A Cruel Love was rough for me from start to finish. My first clue should have been that I had no problem putting it down. As a matter of fact, I stopped reading it at 5% originally. Then I picked it back up and stopped at 30%. Then I decided to try and power through it, while that annoying inner voice of mine kept screaming "I told you so" the entire freaking time.
The story and the characters were one giant cliche after another. None of it made sense to me. The characterization was so inconsistent that it made my head spin. Here you have a mousy, introverted, scared out of her whits heroine that gets kidnapped by a stranger after shooting a man that tried to rape her point blank in the head in front of her. Said man is also a mafia hit man that was sent by his boss to kill her because she's been asking too many questions about her missing (actually now dead) neighbor. So this heroine then goes from crying hysterically, trying to make a run for it, being threatened to die by our hero at every turn, crying hysterically, having odd sassy outbursts that revert just as suddenly back to her crying outbursts, to lecturing the man threatening to kill her about his motel room choices and second hand smoke.
Oh and through all this, and Percivale's constant hot and cold behavior, cruel treatment of her, shackling her to the bed and leaving her for hours on end, and constant reminders that he'll kill her if she so much as steps out of line, she still can't help but be sexually drawn to him. I just didn't buy it. Here's a woman that's basically been shying away from anything sexual since a terrible assault in high school, yet a man that's killed several people in cold blood in front her get her engine revving.
Through all this, Percivale's characterization is incredibly inconsistent as well. I couldn't help but feel he was just one giant dark romance cliche. The constant cigarette smoking, the smirks, the reminders of his cruelty and darkness. And then he also discloses to Blossom what happened to his family years ago to make him into who he is today. At a point of the story where it made absolutely ZERO sense for him to disclose such a hugely personal and private detail. He also uses the term "seed". *shudders* I didn't buy the reasons for the hit on Blossom. It was weak and hard to believe. I also struggled to connect to them as a couple since I feel like that wasn't as developed as it could be. It struck me as being very sudden.
There's too much necessarily obvious descriptions when it comes to the darkness of this book. Like this:
And way too many things that are so far out of the realm of believability that I struggled to keep reading. Like a point of the story where Percivale gets stabbed in the stomach and then proceeds to fight in 5 back to back fights to the death. I mean....yeah.
I get that it's fiction and I should suspend my disbelief somewhat. But there still has to be a hint of SOME believability for me to buy it and connect to it. And sadly this book skated on the skirts of it until finally skating right out of the rink entirely.
The characters were such extremes that it felt cliche. The sweet, somewhat innocent, good heroine that lectures a hit man about second hand smoke and hasn't seen the right end of a razor in her female area for years. The extremely dark, super violent and cruel hitman with a penchant for chain smoking. It was all just too much for this reader.
I wanted to love this book, guys. I really, really did. But sadly, I'm just way too picky when it comes to my mafia and dark romances, that I spent the majority of the book picking apart almost everything. It's a problem. I know. But I just couldn't help myself.
Do I think the majority of readers would enjoy this book? Absolutely. I'm just a picky asshole here. Clearly. So take what I said with a grain of salt and read it and judge for yourself.
Find me on:
April 11, 2024
A good addition to the series, enjoyable and gritty. I'm fairly certain it's also the longest story so far.
A Cruel Love was written in a way that made it feel quite dark, although it never really waded any further than the shallows. It's a twisty and fairly action packed story of opposites attracting. And those opposites, Blossom and Percival, have enough chemistry to power a small city.
I really wanted to be able to say I loved this book - it had so many of my favourite things in there. A Cruel Love is a good book, however there were just a few things that held it back from being a great read for me.
First of all several scenes felt very repetitive, we had far too much of Percival blowing hot and cold with Blossom. I got that he was struggling with his feelings verses his job after the first two or three times. I didn't need to be sledge-hammered about the head with it as much as I was.
Similarly we had more than a couple of scenes of the Irish mafia ambushing Blossom and Percival, which resulted in shoot-outs and him killing half a dozen blokes every time, single-handed and with virtually no injury. There's a similar scene at the end that was just too far from the 'shore of reality' . There is a wonderful review by 'Val Shameless' on Goodreads over here - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... - from which I have borrowed this quote...
The repetitive element of the book, at around the 30-40%, resulted in it feeling slow, the plot dragged and I was definitely looking for something to happen. For me personally some scenes could have been cut without really losing anything from the book.
Blossom surprised me with how much I liked her. She was almost too good to be true, but thankfully she never veered into doormat territory. On the surface she might be judged to be naive, but heck who of us would be blase and comfortable in the presence of an assassin and caught up in the world of organised crime.
I really love dark romance and dark erotica, but I did find myself conflicted over Percival. I get that he had to be a bad man, but the fact that he, originally, was willing to kill an entirely innocent woman never sat well with me. I have to say I'm also not sure I believed why she needed to die - she wasn't getting anywhere with her 'campaign' and surely her death would have brought more focus rather than less. Along with his constant hot-and-cold, his very physically cruel treatment of Blossom and his total lack of empathy for the situation he had dragged her into, I found it difficult to warm to him. I like my anti-hero to have some redeeming quality and it took a little too long for me personally to reach that point with Percival.
The sexual tension and chemistry between Percival and Blossom is undeniable, scorching hot and powerful. However, whilst I totally believed in their lust for each other, and it was very well portrayed in the book, I wasn't so convinced of their falling in love. I'm not sure why because I did believe and buy into so many other emotions that were expressed in the book, but I felt more like I was being told they were falling in love rather than shown.
I hate how negative all that sounds, because over all I DID enjoy this book. I had no issues with the style of writing, in fact I found the story really easy to read. If you've been enjoying the series, or are a fan of S.M. Soto, then I'm sure you'll like this one too.
A Cruel Love was written in a way that made it feel quite dark, although it never really waded any further than the shallows. It's a twisty and fairly action packed story of opposites attracting. And those opposites, Blossom and Percival, have enough chemistry to power a small city.
I really wanted to be able to say I loved this book - it had so many of my favourite things in there. A Cruel Love is a good book, however there were just a few things that held it back from being a great read for me.
First of all several scenes felt very repetitive, we had far too much of Percival blowing hot and cold with Blossom. I got that he was struggling with his feelings verses his job after the first two or three times. I didn't need to be sledge-hammered about the head with it as much as I was.
Similarly we had more than a couple of scenes of the Irish mafia ambushing Blossom and Percival, which resulted in shoot-outs and him killing half a dozen blokes every time, single-handed and with virtually no injury. There's a similar scene at the end that was just too far from the 'shore of reality' . There is a wonderful review by 'Val Shameless' on Goodreads over here - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... - from which I have borrowed this quote...
However, when stretching the bounds of what is normal, you either have to go ALL the way outside of the realms of "normal" (think fantasy and paranormal, etc.)....or at least keep the ship close enough to the shore for the reader to think, "Well, it could happen. If I squint."
But, alas, you can only squint so much before you just can't see. And this one just went a little too far with the H for me.
The repetitive element of the book, at around the 30-40%, resulted in it feeling slow, the plot dragged and I was definitely looking for something to happen. For me personally some scenes could have been cut without really losing anything from the book.
Blossom surprised me with how much I liked her. She was almost too good to be true, but thankfully she never veered into doormat territory. On the surface she might be judged to be naive, but heck who of us would be blase and comfortable in the presence of an assassin and caught up in the world of organised crime.
I really love dark romance and dark erotica, but I did find myself conflicted over Percival. I get that he had to be a bad man, but the fact that he, originally, was willing to kill an entirely innocent woman never sat well with me. I have to say I'm also not sure I believed why she needed to die - she wasn't getting anywhere with her 'campaign' and surely her death would have brought more focus rather than less. Along with his constant hot-and-cold, his very physically cruel treatment of Blossom and his total lack of empathy for the situation he had dragged her into, I found it difficult to warm to him. I like my anti-hero to have some redeeming quality and it took a little too long for me personally to reach that point with Percival.
The sexual tension and chemistry between Percival and Blossom is undeniable, scorching hot and powerful. However, whilst I totally believed in their lust for each other, and it was very well portrayed in the book, I wasn't so convinced of their falling in love. I'm not sure why because I did believe and buy into so many other emotions that were expressed in the book, but I felt more like I was being told they were falling in love rather than shown.
I hate how negative all that sounds, because over all I DID enjoy this book. I had no issues with the style of writing, in fact I found the story really easy to read. If you've been enjoying the series, or are a fan of S.M. Soto, then I'm sure you'll like this one too.
May 10, 2019
This one had me all kinds of hot and bothered. He's a bad man. There's no two ways about it.
She's a good girl. The kind of character I get all Mama Bear over.
Together they are explosive and surprising. Their chemistry is some of the rawest I've read and although I know I shouldn't love him (cause you know bad man) I really, really do! Percivale is not for the faint of heart - but then again the dark and damaged ones are often the best...
Get it on your TBR. Trust me.
Beta read
She's a good girl. The kind of character I get all Mama Bear over.
Together they are explosive and surprising. Their chemistry is some of the rawest I've read and although I know I shouldn't love him (cause you know bad man) I really, really do! Percivale is not for the faint of heart - but then again the dark and damaged ones are often the best...
Get it on your TBR. Trust me.
Beta read
May 5, 2019
⭐️ 5 "Dark Knight" Stars ⭐️
What a thrilling ride! A Cruel Love is a dark romance jam-packed with violence, sizzling hot interludes and feelings! I was hooked by this electrifying story and just couldn’t put it down! S.M. Soto shaped a fascinating pair with commanding, cold-blooded assassin Percivale and sweet little baker Blossom. The magnetism between these two is just off the charts and made me combust.
"He makes me want to be bad like him. He makes me want to do bad things."
Percivale has orders from the boss of the Tabella Della Morte to kill Blossom. He’s been spying on her, but there’s just something about the young woman that calls to him and keeps him from executing his mission. He’s undoubtedly an imposing alpha hero. I couldn’t help but fall under his obscure charm. He’s unremorseful, brutal and sinisterly cocky! I enjoyed every facet of Percivale intricate personality. It’s easy to see the monster at first, but over the story he shows a real protectiveness toward Blossom. Yes, he might act viciously, but under all his bad actions hide glimmers of softness. This inexplicable fascination with Blossom only creates an impossible dilemma for him.
Blossom is also an interesting heroine. When she’s introduced, she’s so meek and trying anything to escape from Percivale’s grip. There’s no denying her magnetic pull toward the man though. Being in his presence makes her develop a sudden assurance. She transforms into a defiant and brave woman that had me shocked. She’s not afraid to confront the cruel killer and it only creates friction that makes their interactions explosive! The sexual intensity in this book is scorching hot! These two are fire when they let go of their inhibitions and let the passion talks. Percivale’s possessiveness and dirty talking surely had me blushing and near fainting! Blossom is a lucky girl!
Beyond all the lust and characters’ development, the entire intrigue of this story is so stimulating! There’s plenty of action that you don’t know when the next bombshell will drop. It triggers some unexpectedly gory moments that had me shocked.
"She was a bright beacon, and I was the darkness, consuming all of her, draining her of everything pure she had to offer."
S.M. Soto excels at writing engaging complex characters that ultimately win your heart and creating seducing worlds! A Cruel Love is such a brilliant dark read and a great addition to the Cavalieri Della Morte series! If you’re in search of high sensations and wickedly sexy moments, this novel will provide you a great entertainment!
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review **
July 5, 2019
A little disappointing for me.
I don’t want to do this but SM Soto is one of my favourite Mafia writers and this one A Cruel Love just didn’t work for me. I tried to connect with the characters. I see the dark writing the bloody and even the hot make out s3x but although in the end I just thought this felt a little flat for me and it’s why I’ve given it 3 stars.
I don’t want to do this but SM Soto is one of my favourite Mafia writers and this one A Cruel Love just didn’t work for me. I tried to connect with the characters. I see the dark writing the bloody and even the hot make out s3x but although in the end I just thought this felt a little flat for me and it’s why I’ve given it 3 stars.
June 2, 2019
2,5
Percivale é um assassino em uma missão: Observar Blossom e encontrar o momento perfeito para matá-la e eliminar a ameaça que ela significa para o chefe dele e sua máfia. Ele tem um passado sombrio que o moldou como é hoje e executa muito bem as atividades que é designado, até Blossom entrar em sua vida e o deixar fascinado e irritado.
Blossom é uma confeiteira solitária e pacata que está em busca de notícias de sua vizinha desaparecida. Sua insistência em descobrir o paradeiro da amiga está incomodando as pessoas erradas e é aí que Percivale entra em sua vida. Ela também tem um passado traumático e talvez por isso sua atração pelo cara misterioso que apareceu em sua confeitaria tenha a deixado tão intrigada.
O problema então surge quando novos indivíduos surgem na vida de Blossom ameaçando a integridade física da moça, fazendo então com que Percivale decida se é mais fácil deixá-la morrer, matá-la ou salvá-la...
Primeiro livro dark da S.M.Stoto que leio mas não foi o que esperava. A sinopse é bem interessante e essa capa é maravilhosa, mas a forma como ela conduziu esse casal e tudo que eles passaram não me agradou tanto.É um livro incomodo mas pelos motivos diferentes que eu gostaria, rs
Primeiro faltou a química entre eles, depois faltou passagem de tempo para essa explosão que sentem um pelo outro ser mais crível (pode até ser que o jeito insano de Percivale justificasse o jeito intenso, e os diálogos dele, mas não curti); e por último faltou a crueldade ir até o fim, rs. Depois da metade do livro os fatos e situações mudam e vira um romance onde o vilão não é mais tão vilão, os obstáculos se tornam mais maleáveis de ultrapassar...
Esse livro integra a série Cavalieri Della Morte na qual cada livro é escrito por uma autora diferente.
Arc cedido pela autora e Inkslinger PR. Obrigada
Percivale é um assassino em uma missão: Observar Blossom e encontrar o momento perfeito para matá-la e eliminar a ameaça que ela significa para o chefe dele e sua máfia. Ele tem um passado sombrio que o moldou como é hoje e executa muito bem as atividades que é designado, até Blossom entrar em sua vida e o deixar fascinado e irritado.
Blossom é uma confeiteira solitária e pacata que está em busca de notícias de sua vizinha desaparecida. Sua insistência em descobrir o paradeiro da amiga está incomodando as pessoas erradas e é aí que Percivale entra em sua vida. Ela também tem um passado traumático e talvez por isso sua atração pelo cara misterioso que apareceu em sua confeitaria tenha a deixado tão intrigada.
O problema então surge quando novos indivíduos surgem na vida de Blossom ameaçando a integridade física da moça, fazendo então com que Percivale decida se é mais fácil deixá-la morrer, matá-la ou salvá-la...
Primeiro livro dark da S.M.Stoto que leio mas não foi o que esperava. A sinopse é bem interessante e essa capa é maravilhosa, mas a forma como ela conduziu esse casal e tudo que eles passaram não me agradou tanto.É um livro incomodo mas pelos motivos diferentes que eu gostaria, rs
Primeiro faltou a química entre eles, depois faltou passagem de tempo para essa explosão que sentem um pelo outro ser mais crível (pode até ser que o jeito insano de Percivale justificasse o jeito intenso, e os diálogos dele, mas não curti); e por último faltou a crueldade ir até o fim, rs. Depois da metade do livro os fatos e situações mudam e vira um romance onde o vilão não é mais tão vilão, os obstáculos se tornam mais maleáveis de ultrapassar...
Esse livro integra a série Cavalieri Della Morte na qual cada livro é escrito por uma autora diferente.
Arc cedido pela autora e Inkslinger PR. Obrigada
Read
May 30, 2019After I finished reading chapter 7, I decided to put it aside. Although S.M. Soto’s writing is fantastic, I found it hard to connect with the characters.
May 9, 2019
➳ Rate: 4.5/ 5 stars
Let me start off by saying that I loved both character's names so much, they are both so rare and out there, I just really liked them aha.
Percivale and Blossom have an unconventional love story but one I loved so much nevertheless. I feel like I'm finding the dark side in me again lately... I have been really feeling these dark/mafia romances and that is a pretty big deal for me. So you know, if you're a fan of them, don't miss this one. It's Elsa approved for sure!
Percivale is absolute fire. I lovedddd him and boy is he filthy and I just gah want me some of that. Blossom is the typical good girl but she feels a connection with Perc as soon as they lock eyes, it's inexplicable. Even knowing how dark he is and what he does for a living, that connection and attraction she feels for him never goes away, in fact it only grows stronger the more and more time they are locked together.
I really enjoyed watching Perc fall in love with Blossom and realising he was never gonna fulfil his mission, and he was okay with it if it meant she'd live the life she deserved to live. At one point my heart really hurt for both of them and I was hanging on by a thread waiting to see what would happen to them. Arthur, Perc's boss, wasn't that bad after all, and my man Percivale was strong as heck and he survived it all! Wooh! And when Blossom, that fierce, brave and amazing woman came to get her man, I was all for it! You get it girl, tell him who's boss!
Gah, I just really really enjoyed this one. I am so digging this falling for you captor vibe going on lately, give me more cuz I want! S. M. Soto wrote another winner for me and I love how she can rock any trope she ventures into. I'm excited to read more of her past releases and experience all the things.
A Cruel Love was filled with so much heat, action, suspense, and just so many hot sexy times in the middle of all the bloody scenes. Muy caliente indeed. Highly recommend.
➳ARC kindly provided by author, in exchange for an honest review.
➳ It's live!!! Order at: Amazon UK ⁕ Amazon US
➳ Follow me on: Blog ⁕ Instagram ⁕ Facebook ⁕ Twitter
Let me start off by saying that I loved both character's names so much, they are both so rare and out there, I just really liked them aha.
Percivale and Blossom have an unconventional love story but one I loved so much nevertheless. I feel like I'm finding the dark side in me again lately... I have been really feeling these dark/mafia romances and that is a pretty big deal for me. So you know, if you're a fan of them, don't miss this one. It's Elsa approved for sure!
Percivale is absolute fire. I lovedddd him and boy is he filthy and I just gah want me some of that. Blossom is the typical good girl but she feels a connection with Perc as soon as they lock eyes, it's inexplicable. Even knowing how dark he is and what he does for a living, that connection and attraction she feels for him never goes away, in fact it only grows stronger the more and more time they are locked together.
I really enjoyed watching Perc fall in love with Blossom and realising he was never gonna fulfil his mission, and he was okay with it if it meant she'd live the life she deserved to live. At one point my heart really hurt for both of them and I was hanging on by a thread waiting to see what would happen to them. Arthur, Perc's boss, wasn't that bad after all, and my man Percivale was strong as heck and he survived it all! Wooh! And when Blossom, that fierce, brave and amazing woman came to get her man, I was all for it! You get it girl, tell him who's boss!
Gah, I just really really enjoyed this one. I am so digging this falling for you captor vibe going on lately, give me more cuz I want! S. M. Soto wrote another winner for me and I love how she can rock any trope she ventures into. I'm excited to read more of her past releases and experience all the things.
A Cruel Love was filled with so much heat, action, suspense, and just so many hot sexy times in the middle of all the bloody scenes. Muy caliente indeed. Highly recommend.
➳ARC kindly provided by author, in exchange for an honest review.
➳ It's live!!! Order at: Amazon UK ⁕ Amazon US
➳ Follow me on: Blog ⁕ Instagram ⁕ Facebook ⁕ Twitter
May 5, 2019
Oh. My. Gawd! This book! A Cruel Love is a phenomenal must read by the immensely talented S.M. Soto. This book, just like all of her others, reeled me in from the very start. It's dark, gritty, dangerous and extremely intense. This unconventional romance was absolutely captivating and addicting. It's hard to put into words just how much I loved it!
Percivale is a man with a dark past who's void of all emotion except for when it comes to Blossom. She is the light to his darkness, and he is drawn to her like a moth to a flame. He can't seem to stay away from her even when he knows this puts his life on the line. He cares for her and is very protective of her, which he doesn't quite understand. These feelings are all new to him. He is the ultimate bad guy and she is the sweet and innocent type. The two couldn't be any more different, but for them it worked. It was a bit bumpy at times, but Blossom was fierce, brave and fought tooth and nail for what she wanted. I loved her!
A Cruel Love was masterfully written and told in dual points of view. It was fast paced and flowed really well. The story was filled to the brim with so much heat, action, suspense, and I was truly sad to see it end. And the sexy times... Whew, were they hot! *fans self* I absolutely loved these characters and the dark and twisted world in which they lived! Their love was hard fought, all-consuming and steamy hot. S.M. Soto is a brilliant storyteller, and I can't wait to see what she has planned for us next! ♥
Percivale is a man with a dark past who's void of all emotion except for when it comes to Blossom. She is the light to his darkness, and he is drawn to her like a moth to a flame. He can't seem to stay away from her even when he knows this puts his life on the line. He cares for her and is very protective of her, which he doesn't quite understand. These feelings are all new to him. He is the ultimate bad guy and she is the sweet and innocent type. The two couldn't be any more different, but for them it worked. It was a bit bumpy at times, but Blossom was fierce, brave and fought tooth and nail for what she wanted. I loved her!
A Cruel Love was masterfully written and told in dual points of view. It was fast paced and flowed really well. The story was filled to the brim with so much heat, action, suspense, and I was truly sad to see it end. And the sexy times... Whew, were they hot! *fans self* I absolutely loved these characters and the dark and twisted world in which they lived! Their love was hard fought, all-consuming and steamy hot. S.M. Soto is a brilliant storyteller, and I can't wait to see what she has planned for us next! ♥
July 29, 2020
DNF.
The writing is a bit awkward. The hero’s j/p behavior feels forced. I did not care for the hero. I was unable to connect with the characters and their behaviors. The reactions to certain situations felt out of place.
I loved the premise, but it did not work for me.
It may work for you. Reading is subjective.
The writing is a bit awkward. The hero’s j/p behavior feels forced. I did not care for the hero. I was unable to connect with the characters and their behaviors. The reactions to certain situations felt out of place.
I loved the premise, but it did not work for me.
It may work for you. Reading is subjective.
June 5, 2019
DNF @12%.
What kind of sleaze bag H watches the h be assaulted and decides to keep watching to see what will happen next?
What kind of sleaze bag H watches the h be assaulted and decides to keep watching to see what will happen next?
May 11, 2019
Jess~
Another winner in this dark and dangerous series.
Percivale found himself being one of Arthur's men because as a young boy he was on a mission, that likely would have gotten himself killed. With his own vendetta still driving him, he also does his thing for Authur. This time his job is an innocent little baker who doesn't know when to give up.
Blossom has made some ill choices in her life, but searching for her friend has probably been the worst of them. Unknowingly she has put herself in death's way and when a dark and dangerous stranger enters into her little shop her life is seriously about to change.
Percivale is a tough nut to crack. He is cold and emotionless, but he can't bring himself to get the job done. He finds himself drawn to the light of Blossom way more than he should. Not completing a job is like signing your death warrant and not to mention there is still danger from the other group of men he has been chancing for years.
Fast-paced, blood pumping, action take you through this nailbiter. Blossom tries to make sense of what her life has turned into. She doesn't understand the crazy attraction that she has for Percivale. Especially with his broody personality and overbearing temperament. Percivale doesn't understand why he can't just get the job done and why his darkness calls to Blossom's lightness. This book is more than blood and fighting, even though there is that aplenty. This book has this crazy and erotic tension to it. The search for one's self and a little bit of this cruel love. I have read this author before and she weaves this delectably dark tale right into this series like it was meant to be. This was a full-length, toe-curling, forget to breathe book, that I loved.
This whole series has checked all of my favorite boxes and I can't wait for what is next to come. This one doesn't quite set you up for the next book, as the last few have, but regardless I can't wait for what is next.
Another winner in this dark and dangerous series.
Percivale found himself being one of Arthur's men because as a young boy he was on a mission, that likely would have gotten himself killed. With his own vendetta still driving him, he also does his thing for Authur. This time his job is an innocent little baker who doesn't know when to give up.
Blossom has made some ill choices in her life, but searching for her friend has probably been the worst of them. Unknowingly she has put herself in death's way and when a dark and dangerous stranger enters into her little shop her life is seriously about to change.
Percivale is a tough nut to crack. He is cold and emotionless, but he can't bring himself to get the job done. He finds himself drawn to the light of Blossom way more than he should. Not completing a job is like signing your death warrant and not to mention there is still danger from the other group of men he has been chancing for years.
Fast-paced, blood pumping, action take you through this nailbiter. Blossom tries to make sense of what her life has turned into. She doesn't understand the crazy attraction that she has for Percivale. Especially with his broody personality and overbearing temperament. Percivale doesn't understand why he can't just get the job done and why his darkness calls to Blossom's lightness. This book is more than blood and fighting, even though there is that aplenty. This book has this crazy and erotic tension to it. The search for one's self and a little bit of this cruel love. I have read this author before and she weaves this delectably dark tale right into this series like it was meant to be. This was a full-length, toe-curling, forget to breathe book, that I loved.
This whole series has checked all of my favorite boxes and I can't wait for what is next to come. This one doesn't quite set you up for the next book, as the last few have, but regardless I can't wait for what is next.
May 5, 2019
This book blew me away. It’s dark, intense and had me on the edge of my seat throughout entire book. S.M Soto writes the most deliciously dark love stories. Percivale and Blossom’s story is dangerous, ugly yet beautiful and as the title suggests, a cruel love. Saying that, I loved every dark moment of it. I was enthralled and addicted from the very first page until the last word and I never wanted it to end.
A Cruel Love is not a typical girl meets boy, falls in love at first sight and live a happily ever after. Absolutely not, this book is so much more. It’s dark, suspenseful, and very, very intriguing.
I am always pushed out of my comfort zone every time I read S.M Soto’s stories, yet I love that I love this even more (if that makes sense!) It's hard to explain this book without giving spoilers but I will say that you will be challenged in every way when reading this story. This book is not about hearts and flowers. It's tough and it's cruel, but it's also a brilliant story. This story and these two characters will definitely stick with me for a while.
A Cruel Love is not a typical girl meets boy, falls in love at first sight and live a happily ever after. Absolutely not, this book is so much more. It’s dark, suspenseful, and very, very intriguing.
I am always pushed out of my comfort zone every time I read S.M Soto’s stories, yet I love that I love this even more (if that makes sense!) It's hard to explain this book without giving spoilers but I will say that you will be challenged in every way when reading this story. This book is not about hearts and flowers. It's tough and it's cruel, but it's also a brilliant story. This story and these two characters will definitely stick with me for a while.
May 8, 2019
Delicious. Dangerous. Dark and Deadly.
I am in complete lust and love over this book!!! WOW guys!! I'm telling you the second this book releases you need to one click! It is perfection in every way. I promise you'll be pulled in from the very first paragraph, it’s so mesmerizing and seductive.
"Heterochromia. One eye is a bright green . The kind of green you’d associate with the forest or grass. But the other eye… that eye is a blend of cornflower blue."
Percivale. Good God, even his name sends shivers down my spine. There is something about him that just captivates you immediately. He's sexy, tall, powerful, strong, tough and hot AF......Oh and then there's just one tiny thing, he's a hitman for hire, he has a seat at the Table of Death. A soulless brotherhood bound by blood. He's apart of the Cavalieri Della Morte, a brethren. Their fates sealed in blood.
"To me, things are more beautiful broken. Anyone can cherish someone or something that is pure and whole."
Perc doesn't show remorse, he doesn't second guess, he doesn't flinch when it's your time to go he won't hesitate to gut you like a fish, light up a smoke and let the ashes fall on your corpse. Did I mention how into the him I am!? *heart eyes* Percivale's fate was sealed as a child when he witnessed the unthinkable happen to his family and now his number one goal is revenge. Always.
His next mark is Blossom Jaymes, a sweet as can be do gooder and bakery shop owner, he's been watching her for days and doesn't understand why instead of killing her like he should be he's wondering things.....things like why her? What could she have possibly done? She looks like an angel. He's hesitating......he's second guessing.
“That’s where you’re wrong, Blossom Jaymes . You were mine the second I laid eyes on you . You were mine the minute I had my mouth on you. You were mine the second that cunt came all over my dick. Understand that? You are mine."
Once Percivale lays his eyes on Blossom and from their first meeting it's a GO! S.M. came to destroy and ruin you! I can't get this story out of my head and you won't either it's heart ponding, sultry, violent, sensual, emotional, gritty, thrilling, chilling, terrifying, intense AF and ALL-CONSUMING!!!
I am in complete lust and love over this book!!! WOW guys!! I'm telling you the second this book releases you need to one click! It is perfection in every way. I promise you'll be pulled in from the very first paragraph, it’s so mesmerizing and seductive.
"Heterochromia. One eye is a bright green . The kind of green you’d associate with the forest or grass. But the other eye… that eye is a blend of cornflower blue."
Percivale. Good God, even his name sends shivers down my spine. There is something about him that just captivates you immediately. He's sexy, tall, powerful, strong, tough and hot AF......Oh and then there's just one tiny thing, he's a hitman for hire, he has a seat at the Table of Death. A soulless brotherhood bound by blood. He's apart of the Cavalieri Della Morte, a brethren. Their fates sealed in blood.
"To me, things are more beautiful broken. Anyone can cherish someone or something that is pure and whole."
Perc doesn't show remorse, he doesn't second guess, he doesn't flinch when it's your time to go he won't hesitate to gut you like a fish, light up a smoke and let the ashes fall on your corpse. Did I mention how into the him I am!? *heart eyes* Percivale's fate was sealed as a child when he witnessed the unthinkable happen to his family and now his number one goal is revenge. Always.
His next mark is Blossom Jaymes, a sweet as can be do gooder and bakery shop owner, he's been watching her for days and doesn't understand why instead of killing her like he should be he's wondering things.....things like why her? What could she have possibly done? She looks like an angel. He's hesitating......he's second guessing.
“That’s where you’re wrong, Blossom Jaymes . You were mine the second I laid eyes on you . You were mine the minute I had my mouth on you. You were mine the second that cunt came all over my dick. Understand that? You are mine."
Once Percivale lays his eyes on Blossom and from their first meeting it's a GO! S.M. came to destroy and ruin you! I can't get this story out of my head and you won't either it's heart ponding, sultry, violent, sensual, emotional, gritty, thrilling, chilling, terrifying, intense AF and ALL-CONSUMING!!!
Want to read
September 26, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/26/2020)! 🎁
May 9, 2019
What a sexy, gritty read by SM Soto. Her love stories aren't your quintessential hearts and flowers, but that's exactly what makes them engaging! Once again we are engrossed with characters you can't help but fall in love with. Honest, heartfelt writing that has you wanting more. You're guaranteed a roller coaster of a ride ❤️
May 14, 2019
I’m no stranger to S.M. Soto’s dark romances, so I was ready for the messed up situations and dark circumstances that the hero and heroine would have to face at the hands of potential enemies, sadistic bastards, and even one another.
The world that Percivale introduces Blossom to is not one she would ever choose to be a part of, but it’s one she now must try to venture through and to endure because she is forced to face situations that test her boundaries, test her strength, and test her trust in a man who was supposed to kill her and now can’t seem to let her go.
Blossom is innocent to the darker/harsher sides of life but that does not mean she’s weak. She definitely has a backbone; she challenges him and doesn’t back down and this is shown throughout the story. And, despite her breakdowns, which who wouldn’t have them based on the world she was thrust into, this is the kind of woman Percivale needs - one who can go toe-to-toe with him even if they are on opposite sides.
The man and killer that Percivale becomes seems fitting. What he endured as a child is something that cannot be forgotten, and it makes sense that it’s a driving force in shaping who he is. Revenge is what drives him at the beginning…it’s what pushes him…what feeds his darkened soul…what helps to stymie the fractures that have been a part of him since he watched the life leave those he loved
It’s necessary that they question their attraction to each other because their values, their views on life and how it’s supposed to be lived are on opposite sides. But ultimately, fighting their bodies’ need for one another gets to a point where it can no longer be denied, which means they’ll have no choice but to give into their need for each other. And regardless of their hot and cold interactions, the push and pull of their connection, and the fact that it is an extremely bad idea to give into their desire, they can’t give each other up even if Perc’s initial mission was to kill Blossom.
S.M. Soto clearly illustrates that Percivale and Blossom’s love is a cruel one. There’s nothing easy about the love they share, not only because of Percivale’s dark tastes and his chosen profession but also due to how different their lives were before she found herself under Percivale’s command and, at times, protection. There are many things that Blossom will have to face in order to remain by Perc’s side, and while there were a few parts along the way, especially at the end, where I needed a bit more explanation and insight about Perc and Blossom’s words and actions, when the story ended, I felt good about where these two ended up and accepted the fact that their time apart was necessary for both of them to determine just what they wanted for themselves and from each other.
Beta Read
4.5 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
The world that Percivale introduces Blossom to is not one she would ever choose to be a part of, but it’s one she now must try to venture through and to endure because she is forced to face situations that test her boundaries, test her strength, and test her trust in a man who was supposed to kill her and now can’t seem to let her go.
Blossom is innocent to the darker/harsher sides of life but that does not mean she’s weak. She definitely has a backbone; she challenges him and doesn’t back down and this is shown throughout the story. And, despite her breakdowns, which who wouldn’t have them based on the world she was thrust into, this is the kind of woman Percivale needs - one who can go toe-to-toe with him even if they are on opposite sides.
The man and killer that Percivale becomes seems fitting. What he endured as a child is something that cannot be forgotten, and it makes sense that it’s a driving force in shaping who he is. Revenge is what drives him at the beginning…it’s what pushes him…what feeds his darkened soul…what helps to stymie the fractures that have been a part of him since he watched the life leave those he loved
It’s necessary that they question their attraction to each other because their values, their views on life and how it’s supposed to be lived are on opposite sides. But ultimately, fighting their bodies’ need for one another gets to a point where it can no longer be denied, which means they’ll have no choice but to give into their need for each other. And regardless of their hot and cold interactions, the push and pull of their connection, and the fact that it is an extremely bad idea to give into their desire, they can’t give each other up even if Perc’s initial mission was to kill Blossom.
S.M. Soto clearly illustrates that Percivale and Blossom’s love is a cruel one. There’s nothing easy about the love they share, not only because of Percivale’s dark tastes and his chosen profession but also due to how different their lives were before she found herself under Percivale’s command and, at times, protection. There are many things that Blossom will have to face in order to remain by Perc’s side, and while there were a few parts along the way, especially at the end, where I needed a bit more explanation and insight about Perc and Blossom’s words and actions, when the story ended, I felt good about where these two ended up and accepted the fact that their time apart was necessary for both of them to determine just what they wanted for themselves and from each other.
Beta Read
4.5 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
May 9, 2019
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book*
5 “Sinfully Delicious” Stars!!!
If there is one thing that is most certain, its S.M.’s ability to keep me wanting more. Y’all, she’s done it again. I don’t know what’s gotten into me lately, but my dark heart has awakened and it’s craving for dark romances has been unsustainable. And honestly, I’ve got to keep her happy and feed her what she wants and that’s all the darkness.
Blossom is good in all sense of the word. She’s sweet and innocent. She’s also completely unaware of the danger that surrounds her. And of the danger that’ll walk into her bakery.
Percivale, oh my, just saying his name makes my spine tingle. He is most definitely everything ruthless and dangerous. He had a tragic childhood that’s left him hungry for revenge which has also left him running rampage without a care in the world. And in turn has the head of the Cavalieri Della Morte taking him in and is now a hired assassin. And when he’s hired to eliminate a problem he’s very good at his job. But when his next hit comes in the form of a sweet innocent baker, this time it’s not that easy to eliminate the problem.
Blossom and Perc are scorching hot. Their chemistry is just off the charts. I mean, you have a hitman who falls for his prey and a heroine who falls for her would-be murderer. How can this possibly be? Oh, trust me, it is every bit tantalizing. Blossom’s sweet and Percivale darkness are a match made in heaven and hell.
A Cruel Love is a dark romance that’ll keep you thoroughly entertained. It’ll have you turning the pages lightning fast. Filled with suspense, action, intensity and so much steam. My dark heart and I were very much satisfied. Definitely recommend!
5 “Sinfully Delicious” Stars!!!
If there is one thing that is most certain, its S.M.’s ability to keep me wanting more. Y’all, she’s done it again. I don’t know what’s gotten into me lately, but my dark heart has awakened and it’s craving for dark romances has been unsustainable. And honestly, I’ve got to keep her happy and feed her what she wants and that’s all the darkness.
Blossom is good in all sense of the word. She’s sweet and innocent. She’s also completely unaware of the danger that surrounds her. And of the danger that’ll walk into her bakery.
Percivale, oh my, just saying his name makes my spine tingle. He is most definitely everything ruthless and dangerous. He had a tragic childhood that’s left him hungry for revenge which has also left him running rampage without a care in the world. And in turn has the head of the Cavalieri Della Morte taking him in and is now a hired assassin. And when he’s hired to eliminate a problem he’s very good at his job. But when his next hit comes in the form of a sweet innocent baker, this time it’s not that easy to eliminate the problem.
Blossom and Perc are scorching hot. Their chemistry is just off the charts. I mean, you have a hitman who falls for his prey and a heroine who falls for her would-be murderer. How can this possibly be? Oh, trust me, it is every bit tantalizing. Blossom’s sweet and Percivale darkness are a match made in heaven and hell.
A Cruel Love is a dark romance that’ll keep you thoroughly entertained. It’ll have you turning the pages lightning fast. Filled with suspense, action, intensity and so much steam. My dark heart and I were very much satisfied. Definitely recommend!
June 8, 2020
A toxic relationship between a baker and hitman. Cruel Love was not my favourite in the Cavalieri Della Morte series and I think it came down to the main characters who were hard to like.
Percivale is one of the Cavalieri assassins sent to kill a woman who has been asking too many questions and causing problems for the organisation. The problem is he can’t kill her and instead lets his fascination with her take over. Instead of killing her he kidnaps her which puts both their lives at risk. I found Perc to be a truly unlikable character - a chain smoking murderer who struggles to communicate.
Blossom is a baker living in New York. When her friend and neighbour gets involved in the Irish Mafia and disappears Blossom asks too many questions and gets the wrong kind of attention - not something I really think was worth killing her for. I really wanted to like her, she was a good person who was trying to run a business and live her life when Perc decides he’s going to take her instead of kill her. After multiple escape attempts and a lot of crying she ultimately decides to trust her sexual attraction to him over the obvious red flags he throws in her face.
Together they make a pretty toxic pair, she’s willing to overlook the fact that he’s killed in front of her and threatened her life multiple times because he’s a pretty face. He can barely say a nice word to her and nearly rapes her at one point before deciding the only way to keep her is to break her.
Percivale is one of the Cavalieri assassins sent to kill a woman who has been asking too many questions and causing problems for the organisation. The problem is he can’t kill her and instead lets his fascination with her take over. Instead of killing her he kidnaps her which puts both their lives at risk. I found Perc to be a truly unlikable character - a chain smoking murderer who struggles to communicate.
Blossom is a baker living in New York. When her friend and neighbour gets involved in the Irish Mafia and disappears Blossom asks too many questions and gets the wrong kind of attention - not something I really think was worth killing her for. I really wanted to like her, she was a good person who was trying to run a business and live her life when Perc decides he’s going to take her instead of kill her. After multiple escape attempts and a lot of crying she ultimately decides to trust her sexual attraction to him over the obvious red flags he throws in her face.
Together they make a pretty toxic pair, she’s willing to overlook the fact that he’s killed in front of her and threatened her life multiple times because he’s a pretty face. He can barely say a nice word to her and nearly rapes her at one point before deciding the only way to keep her is to break her.
May 14, 2019
I was given an advance readers copy of this book and have decided to write a voluntary honest review. At first when I started this book I thought it was gonna be short but once I got into the story line I was so glad it wasn't. Perc is not your average bad boy he's extra bad lol. He's means and cold hearted not much will make think twice and hardly ever apologizes but that's just him the appeal. Blossom the girl is his complete opposite she's so good hearted even I wanted to say to her it's ok to be bad sometimes and think I'll thoughts but that just wasn't her. Blossom definitely as no clue what she's in for.
May 9, 2019
This one was okay for me, nothing that I haven't read before. I've read so, so many dark romances with the same characters in a sense. It's hard to find one that's fresh, new for me. If you're new to the genre, this one is like a starting point, a beginner's manual. I did love the writing, flowed well. Yet, I kept putting this book down, no urge to finish.
I'd definitely check out the author's other books, like I said the writing was good. But this story has been told too many times to me. Instances I like this, I wish I was new to the genre so I could soak it up. This is a case of, "it's me not you."
I'd definitely check out the author's other books, like I said the writing was good. But this story has been told too many times to me. Instances I like this, I wish I was new to the genre so I could soak it up. This is a case of, "it's me not you."
May 4, 2019
I love when a heroine that seems all meek and quite finds her back bone and tells the man how it's going to be! Percivale is one of those that does all the wrong things for all the right reasons. So that makes it really hard to hate him even when you think that you should. Blossom starts out this story being quite the damsel in distress. There were times in this story that I was not sure how it was going to turn out, or even how I wanted it to turn out. I didn't know if I wanted them to be together or not. There were times when I totally thought that Percivale didn't deserve Blossom, and not for the reasons that he thought he didn't deserve her. If you're looking for a semi-dark romance this is a great one to pick up.... it doesn't go TOO dark but still that level of darkness is there! Great read.
May 9, 2019
4 Stars
I really enjoyed this story, and after finding it was good to see the darker side it is dangerous for SM Soto to come back active. Cruel Love is a story of those that has caught my attention from the beginning. There is a Dark romance , action, and several hot moments!
Blossom and Percivale are characters who have a traumatic past, but each one dealt with it in a way, but when the world of these two collides the attraction is instantaneous and the chemistry explosive.I liked both characters, but I confess that I took a little time to like Blossom, she is the typical good girl, this was at first a little understanding, but little by little she was blossoming and showing that she is a force, courageous girl. Percivale already won me right at the beginning, he's one of those anti heroes that I find difficult not to like, you know.
Although not a very long book A Cruel Love and have a somewhat run-down end I think the author did a good job and delivered an addictive dark romance.
I Received an unreleased copy of this book
I really enjoyed this story, and after finding it was good to see the darker side it is dangerous for SM Soto to come back active. Cruel Love is a story of those that has caught my attention from the beginning. There is a Dark romance , action, and several hot moments!
Blossom and Percivale are characters who have a traumatic past, but each one dealt with it in a way, but when the world of these two collides the attraction is instantaneous and the chemistry explosive.I liked both characters, but I confess that I took a little time to like Blossom, she is the typical good girl, this was at first a little understanding, but little by little she was blossoming and showing that she is a force, courageous girl. Percivale already won me right at the beginning, he's one of those anti heroes that I find difficult not to like, you know.
Although not a very long book A Cruel Love and have a somewhat run-down end I think the author did a good job and delivered an addictive dark romance.
I Received an unreleased copy of this book
September 16, 2019
2.5?
Usually, I adore these kinds of stories and I've heard a lot of good things about this one but it gave me zero feelings. I have no idea what I read. Not gonna explain further Im kinda mad.
Usually, I adore these kinds of stories and I've heard a lot of good things about this one but it gave me zero feelings. I have no idea what I read. Not gonna explain further Im kinda mad.
May 1, 2019
This book blew me away. It’s dark, intense, had me on the edge the entire book! This is my true dark romance book. Percivale is not a good man and Blossom is a sweet, good girl. Percivale has a job to do. Will things change or will the revenge Percivale has thought about daily make him even more willing to end his target? Hands down one of my favorite books this year. The chemistry is so hot damn gives me shivers and goosebumps just thinking about it. I guess I’m a crazy one cause I fell hard for Percivale and his darkness. Blossom I love her attitude and basically the whole time I felt I was her. If I could write a dark romance book this would be it. I don’t even know what else to say besides read it and I hope you love it as much as I do. 10 stars if I could cause this is definitely in my top 2019 5/5 stars
May 9, 2019
5 DELICIOUS CRUEL LOVE STARS!! This author writes the most delicious dark love stories that you have ever read. Percival and Blossom story is ugly, beautiful and Cruel, but you will love every minute of it. I was addicted from the first page until the last word and never wanted it to end. I highly recommend this book, it is so worth the money and time.
September 8, 2019
I'm really conflicted with this story. It started out interesting. There's a lot of action, violence, and some pretty steamy sex scenes. But as the story progressed, more and more things starting cropping up that I wasn't a huge fan of. I wasn't even sure if I was going to like our H Percyville (in fact, I'm still not totally sold on him.) I didn't care that he struggled with weather or not he should take the hit out on the girl, the reason behind that was also very weak and right down ridiculous - but the fact that he could actually That really pissed me off. And this is an attitude that he doesn't shake for a while.
Blossom only got more irritating as the book progressed. She was such a sniveling, whiny baby that I almost wished Perc would kill her just to shut her up. The way she complained about him smoking, or where he kept her in dingy hotel rooms? I mean, this guy has kidnapped you and told you he's going to kill you and you're harping on him for that!? Her back and forth, getting hot and bothered over a deadly killer after having been raped 8 years ago, I dunno, I just didn't buy it. The worst part for me, where I actually decided I hated her and didn't want them to end up together was when Not exactly the forever kind of love is it?
At the end, the H doesn't even let her know that he's okay, and months go by. honestly, I don't blame him, especially after what she did, but I'm not a fan of the woman having to Again, not exactly screaming dying devotion, is it?
The final killer for me happened right at the end of the story, when they're finally together. The scene in her parent's home bathroom where he makes her call him 'daddy' just about made me gag. I know there are people that are into that, that's fine, I'm not judging, but for me, that just hits to close to incest and I've never been a fan, nor will I ever be. The fact that the 'daddy' mentality didn't play a part EVER in this entire story and then was thrown in at the end like that was a total and complete turn-off and finished hammering the last nail in this coffin. When she found out that nearly made my eyes roll out of my head.
What could have been a 4 star book for me, sadly dropped to a 2, and that was mostly for the great sexy scenes.
Blossom only got more irritating as the book progressed. She was such a sniveling, whiny baby that I almost wished Perc would kill her just to shut her up. The way she complained about him smoking, or where he kept her in dingy hotel rooms? I mean, this guy has kidnapped you and told you he's going to kill you and you're harping on him for that!? Her back and forth, getting hot and bothered over a deadly killer after having been raped 8 years ago, I dunno, I just didn't buy it. The worst part for me, where I actually decided I hated her and didn't want them to end up together was when Not exactly the forever kind of love is it?
At the end, the H doesn't even let her know that he's okay, and months go by. honestly, I don't blame him, especially after what she did, but I'm not a fan of the woman having to Again, not exactly screaming dying devotion, is it?
The final killer for me happened right at the end of the story, when they're finally together. The scene in her parent's home bathroom where he makes her call him 'daddy' just about made me gag. I know there are people that are into that, that's fine, I'm not judging, but for me, that just hits to close to incest and I've never been a fan, nor will I ever be. The fact that the 'daddy' mentality didn't play a part EVER in this entire story and then was thrown in at the end like that was a total and complete turn-off and finished hammering the last nail in this coffin. When she found out that nearly made my eyes roll out of my head.
What could have been a 4 star book for me, sadly dropped to a 2, and that was mostly for the great sexy scenes.
December 15, 2019
Damn these guys are bad and so damn hot!! Loving this series!
May 10, 2019
So, if you follow me then you know I’ve been pretty hooked on the Cavalieri Della Morte Series, told in dual POV A Cruel Love is book # 6 but can be read as a standalone. I’ve enjoyed all of the books so far (I have a couple of favorites though!) but A Cruel Love was totally different than the other books in the series so far!
Most of the other guys, once they realized their feelings for the women in their lives they were still total badass assassin BUT they developed a bit of a softer side… not Percivale! He’s an asshole through and through but yet in true S.M Soto fashion, you completely fall for him anyway.
A Cruel Love is Percivale and Blossom’s story.
Blossom Jaymes is the owner of Blossom’s Confectionary Sweets and a very nosy girl… apparently a little too nosy for the Cavalieri’s liking. After Blossom’s neighbor/friend Janet goes missing Blossom begins to ask a little too many questions and since the Cavalieri are responsible for the girl going missing, Arthur needs Blossom to stop poking around and asking questions. So he sends one of his men out to “handle” her.
Percivale is a man fueled by his lust for vengeance. After growing up in the Italian mob and watching his father and brother brutally slain in front of his mother and him as a small child, he’s declared revenge on all of the men responsible but working for Author and the Cavalieri fuel his craving for bloodlust.
But now that he’s been watching Little Miss Blossom with the Heterochromia eyes, for some reason, he can’t kill her. The more he watches, the more intrigued by her he is. Blossom just seems too good to be true.
“Defiling this sweet angel was all I could think to do to make it easier. To make killing her easier. But it wasn’t. I could tell myself that over and over, and it still wouldn’t change how I felt about Blossom Jaymes. She was a bright beacon of light, and I was the darkness, consuming all of her, draining her of everything pure she had to offer.”
These two characters couldn’t be more different, Perc is a rough and rugged take no shit type of man, while Blossom is soft-spoken and meek but yet for some reason, right or wrong, they are drawn to one another, and together they both bring out something the other is lacking.
“They say opposites attract, and they’d be right: this man was my opposite in every way. I could tell just by looking at him, just by hearing his voice. He had a certain confidence that I’d lacked my whole life. A self-respect and backbone I could only dream of having.”
No matter how hard he tries to convince himself Percivale just can’t make himself kill her. But he also can’t not follow Arthur’s orders, if he does then they’ll BOTH be killed.
Can Perc get out of killing Blossom without getting them both killed? Or will he FINALLY pull the trigger on Blossom…?
You’ll have to check out A Cruel Love and find out for yourself!
A Cruel Love was much more of a dark read than the other books in the series so far and I absolutely loved it! In the beginning, you will more than likely HATE Perc, I know I did but the more you get to know about him and the more he puts on the line for Blossom, you’ll grow to love him.
Blossom was such a sweet heroine, in the beginning, I wasn’t really sure if I was going to like her, but being with Perc and watching her grow because of it… yea she turned into a pretty awesome heroine.
“When I’m around him, there’s another side of me I’ve never known was there. I’m not just sweet little Blossom Jaymes. I’m Blossom Jaymes, the one with a backbone. With an insatiable desire to feel this dangerous man’s hands on my skin. With a penchant for darkness. I’m different.”
I absolutely love all things S.M Soto so I’m not surprised in the least that she blew this book out of the park! It’s dark, gritty, and HOT all at the same time. It’s mind blowing how she can take characters and make you feel one way about them and then over the course of the book change your entire opinion.
An absolutely wonderful addition to the Cavalieri Della Morte Series and again you can totally read it as a standalone and not feel that you are a missing anything.
Highly recommend checking this one out!
Blog|Facebook|Instagram|Goodreads|BookBub|Amazon 
May 10, 2019
˜*❈*🌹 A Love so cruel, a heart so strong 🌹*❈*˜
When I picked this book to read, I didn’t realise until the end that it is part of a multi-author series about a group of assassins who belong to the Cavalieri Della Morte. Each is a stand-a-lone, and there are some well-loved names amongst them, and in spite of my natural avoidance of dark reads, I’m coming to appreciate S.M. Soto’s writing very much.
This is one type of story I struggle with. Kidnapping yet falling in love with your captor. I have only read a couple before because it’s not a story I would normally pick up. I’d chosen to read them because I’d loved other books from the authors, and, like this book from Ms. Soto, I’d thoroughly enjoyed them due to the sheer talent of the writing.
S.M. Soto has a way of redeeming a hero who would write ‘Hitman’ in his Census Job Description. What started out as do-or-die revenge for witnessing the gruesome murder of father and brother as a youngster, had morphed into a career, and our man’s latest job file contained a face that tugged at his heart in a way that nothing ever had before. And that there was also what I personally struggled with during this story. He was hired to do a job, and she was it. In all other ‘hitmen’ books, the marks had deserved their fate, but she didn’t. Even though he couldn’t complete the job, the mere fact that he was prepared to undertake it was a small step too far for me. In the end, in spite of himself, she’s fast becoming a pain in his backside, and taking up residence inside a part of him thought blackened forever.
Dual POV is also my favourite, and it works here. For me it’s vital even. He knows it’s a job that he has to complete, or someone else will finish it for him. Blossom can see her end result in his eyes, but she’s survived violence before, and she’s resolute to find a way out.
I loved Blossom and our man together. Despite what she’s been through, Blossom has a backbone. She also second guesses herself often too, not understanding how the dangerous man forcing her on a road trip with him, actually makes her feel like she wants to be in his company, and want to know what’s in his head. Plenty of fodder here for wanna-be students of psychology!
S.M. Soto does not write happiness and light. It’s hard and heavy matter, along with the reality of remembered dates gone badly wrong for so many unfortunate young ladies who’ve trusted the wrong boys, just as Blossom did. She’s balanced this with a heavy dose of steam and dirty erotic language fit for our characters, and just up the right alley for those who love reading this type of book. Oh, and I can’t forget the love and sacrifice. After all of this, I ended up crying with the emotion that even I surprised myself with!!
Enjoy people. I certainly did, even with my slight misgivings at how our man managed to secure himself this young lady as his company. I’m also going to be checking out some of the other authors in this 13 book series. 4.5 Stars.
When I picked this book to read, I didn’t realise until the end that it is part of a multi-author series about a group of assassins who belong to the Cavalieri Della Morte. Each is a stand-a-lone, and there are some well-loved names amongst them, and in spite of my natural avoidance of dark reads, I’m coming to appreciate S.M. Soto’s writing very much.
This is one type of story I struggle with. Kidnapping yet falling in love with your captor. I have only read a couple before because it’s not a story I would normally pick up. I’d chosen to read them because I’d loved other books from the authors, and, like this book from Ms. Soto, I’d thoroughly enjoyed them due to the sheer talent of the writing.
S.M. Soto has a way of redeeming a hero who would write ‘Hitman’ in his Census Job Description. What started out as do-or-die revenge for witnessing the gruesome murder of father and brother as a youngster, had morphed into a career, and our man’s latest job file contained a face that tugged at his heart in a way that nothing ever had before. And that there was also what I personally struggled with during this story. He was hired to do a job, and she was it. In all other ‘hitmen’ books, the marks had deserved their fate, but she didn’t. Even though he couldn’t complete the job, the mere fact that he was prepared to undertake it was a small step too far for me. In the end, in spite of himself, she’s fast becoming a pain in his backside, and taking up residence inside a part of him thought blackened forever.
Dual POV is also my favourite, and it works here. For me it’s vital even. He knows it’s a job that he has to complete, or someone else will finish it for him. Blossom can see her end result in his eyes, but she’s survived violence before, and she’s resolute to find a way out.
I loved Blossom and our man together. Despite what she’s been through, Blossom has a backbone. She also second guesses herself often too, not understanding how the dangerous man forcing her on a road trip with him, actually makes her feel like she wants to be in his company, and want to know what’s in his head. Plenty of fodder here for wanna-be students of psychology!
S.M. Soto does not write happiness and light. It’s hard and heavy matter, along with the reality of remembered dates gone badly wrong for so many unfortunate young ladies who’ve trusted the wrong boys, just as Blossom did. She’s balanced this with a heavy dose of steam and dirty erotic language fit for our characters, and just up the right alley for those who love reading this type of book. Oh, and I can’t forget the love and sacrifice. After all of this, I ended up crying with the emotion that even I surprised myself with!!
Enjoy people. I certainly did, even with my slight misgivings at how our man managed to secure himself this young lady as his company. I’m also going to be checking out some of the other authors in this 13 book series. 4.5 Stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews