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Cruel, Cruel Boys
They bought me, broke me, and they’re still hungry for more.
Brett, Chaz, and Dorran are the epitome of evil.
They breathe it, live it, and it seeps from their pores like irresistible cologne.
The cruel, cruel boys of Reighton Preparatory Academy think they own me.
It’s more of a reason to slip into the night and get out of here.
But my mother didn’t raise a chump; she trained a warrior.
Even if the same thing happened to her.
I’ll stay and fight.
They can have my body, but they’ll never get all of me.
But having my body will come at a price.
They just better hope they’re ready to pay it.
I know I am.
No matter what happens.
***Cruel, Cruel Boys*** This is book two and does end in a cliffhanger. This is a bully/enemy-to-lovers, #whychoose, new adult contemporary romance, full-length novel. *Recommended 18+ due to mature language, adult situations, and sensitive content. This book does have moments that can be triggering, so enter at your own risk. In some instances, it does get dark and can play with your mind. You’ve been warned.
158 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2019
459 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Belladona Cunning
15 books200 followersBelladona Cunning enjoys long walks on the beach ... Ha, yeah, right! While she does love the beach, she loves smutty, steam worthy paranormal romance even more. When she's not in her writing cave, you can find her running around with her two hellions and Mr. Cunning wreaking havoc on society.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
March 13, 2020
Ok, so this is where everything falls apart and a mediocre piece of fiction sinks even lower. Ari has discovered that the boys have a vendetta against her mother, who worked for Boy 1's family and had sex with all of them. They hate her. They also hate Ari's dad. Ari's dad has sold her to Boy 1 for a million. The 3 Boys now own Ari, but why though?
This book very rapidly turns to unreadable mush. The author does not know much about words and how to use them. Most of what's on the page is whatever drivel is running through Ari's head. Ari's mental framework is:
1. I'm not like other girls
2. Those boys are hot
If she can't apply not being like other girls or wanting to have sex with one of the boys to her immediate circumstance, she's lost.
The boys have determined that ownership means Ari lives in Boy 1's room now, and has to wear clothes he supplies, display good posture, and shut the hell up. She doesn't want to do any of those things. Those things are for other girls. For Christmas break, they lock her in an animal cage in a bare room. She can't stand up straight. She has a sheet and a bucket. For 2 weeks, a bodyguard feeds her 3 meals a day and swaps out the bucket. The treatment has no immediate or lasting physical effects. The treatment may have a minor psychological effect, but only when not in direct conflict with the need to demonstrate 'I'm not like other girls.'
A lot of stupid stuff happens. E.g. the bodyguard is Ari's twin brother, that she never knew she had. Probably there's more stupid stuff but I've either skipped it or don't think it's worth mentioning.
This book very rapidly turns to unreadable mush. The author does not know much about words and how to use them. Most of what's on the page is whatever drivel is running through Ari's head. Ari's mental framework is:
1. I'm not like other girls
2. Those boys are hot
If she can't apply not being like other girls or wanting to have sex with one of the boys to her immediate circumstance, she's lost.
The boys have determined that ownership means Ari lives in Boy 1's room now, and has to wear clothes he supplies, display good posture, and shut the hell up. She doesn't want to do any of those things. Those things are for other girls. For Christmas break, they lock her in an animal cage in a bare room. She can't stand up straight. She has a sheet and a bucket. For 2 weeks, a bodyguard feeds her 3 meals a day and swaps out the bucket. The treatment has no immediate or lasting physical effects. The treatment may have a minor psychological effect, but only when not in direct conflict with the need to demonstrate 'I'm not like other girls.'
A lot of stupid stuff happens. E.g. the bodyguard is Ari's twin brother, that she never knew she had. Probably there's more stupid stuff but I've either skipped it or don't think it's worth mentioning.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2020
This is a tough, tough read and is going in a shocking direction, but I cannot help but want to know what the hell happens. Our heroine had a backbone, had sass and spirit and that was missing a little in this book. I do feel that she is playing the long game, but the threads have already been sewn for her to fall for the three of her tormentors. This is no Stockholm syndrome either, this is her, wanting to understand the people that are doing unmentionable acts and treating her like shit. She had already fallen for them before this all happened, but if this was me, in her situation, I would want to murder them, especially Brett. Chaz and Dorran are more observers at this point. The biggest villain though in this book is her father, and boy do I hope karma comes and bites him on the arse.
December 5, 2019
Omg, what can I say about Cruel, Cruel Boys, except if you thought book one these boys were bad, wait until this one. Brett, Chaz and Dorran will throw you for a loop here. Of course Brett has just gotten colder and more cruel. Chaz and Dorran will go along with whatever Brett says. If you think one will show Ariyal an ounce of softness think again. And if they do, watch out, something bad is about to happen. But what does that say about me that I am so totally in love with these guys???!!!
In Cruel, Cruel Boys we have just learned the news that Little Plaything left us with. I will not be giving away any spoilers just in case you haven't read it yet. So I would highly recommend reading book one first to better understand CCB. That being said, poor Ariyal has been through so much. She has learned some pretty hard truths. She is a smart girl, so she is trying to figure out her options. Let me tell you, she is a fighter. Pretty sure I would have given in to these boys along time ago. There is a lot that happens in this book, you will be left with a bunch of questions. Yes we get some answers, yes new things come to light. This book is going to mess you up, and yes we do a very big cliff hanger that will leave you saying,...What!!!! Nooooo!!!! I need to know what happens next!!
In Cruel, Cruel Boys we have just learned the news that Little Plaything left us with. I will not be giving away any spoilers just in case you haven't read it yet. So I would highly recommend reading book one first to better understand CCB. That being said, poor Ariyal has been through so much. She has learned some pretty hard truths. She is a smart girl, so she is trying to figure out her options. Let me tell you, she is a fighter. Pretty sure I would have given in to these boys along time ago. There is a lot that happens in this book, you will be left with a bunch of questions. Yes we get some answers, yes new things come to light. This book is going to mess you up, and yes we do a very big cliff hanger that will leave you saying,...What!!!! Nooooo!!!! I need to know what happens next!!
December 5, 2019
I am very confused
The first book roped me in. I really liked the mc at the beginning. She was feisty and didn't take any crap. I know authors like to put the mc through hell but there is only so much plot twisting and inner dialogue about processing said hell you can do before you just lose the reader totally.
The first book roped me in. I really liked the mc at the beginning. She was feisty and didn't take any crap. I know authors like to put the mc through hell but there is only so much plot twisting and inner dialogue about processing said hell you can do before you just lose the reader totally.
December 13, 2019
What did I just read!! This is one heck of a twisted and dark story if you have a problem with those things you shouldn't read this but if you don't this is absolutely amazing work by the author. After book one I wasn't sure if things could get much or a but they have for Ariyal and the way she's being treated but I have to say she definitely is determined to hold it together and not let them completely turn her into nothing. The story is full of twists and turns that you don't expect and in the end he left with a Holy s*** moment and wondering how it's even possible but why things have turned the way they did? I know I can't wait to find out what happens in the next book and I hope with everything that Ariyal gets her revenge because she definitely deserves to be able to do that. Her life has been one messed up moment after another. This other never seems to fail to amaze me with her writing skills and ability to trap me with her words. This is another book I couldn't put down until the end and you will definitely enjoy it if you enjoy dark themed books.
December 5, 2019
Once more with feeling...
OMG Are you kidding me?
This series is getting under my skin!
I devoured this book in record time. Let me just say, these guys, particularly Brett, I just want to kill them.
Doesn't matter how bad the father is, Brett really takes the cake.
I don't want to do any spoilers, I just can't see how the heroine in the book could EVER fall in love or even like these guys. I'm not the type to want violence, but seriously? I would inflict the worst physical pain possible with my own hands lol
Personal feelings aside, I can't believe I need to wait longer after another oh so delicious cliffhanger.
Hats off to the author. You are amazing!!!
OMG Are you kidding me?
This series is getting under my skin!
I devoured this book in record time. Let me just say, these guys, particularly Brett, I just want to kill them.
Doesn't matter how bad the father is, Brett really takes the cake.
I don't want to do any spoilers, I just can't see how the heroine in the book could EVER fall in love or even like these guys. I'm not the type to want violence, but seriously? I would inflict the worst physical pain possible with my own hands lol
Personal feelings aside, I can't believe I need to wait longer after another oh so delicious cliffhanger.
Hats off to the author. You are amazing!!!
December 19, 2019
Honestly, I wasn't sure what to rate this book, so I settled on 2 stars. I just don't think this was my cup a tea, it crosses too many lines for me and quite a few times I thought I just wouldn't be able to finish it, some of the things I read made me very uncomfortable. The guys had absolutely no qualms about physically hurting the main female character, beating her and strangling her, there wasn't one ounce of care about her well being. The main guy is the absolute worst for it, and in my eyes in completely irredeemable, the way he treats her at times is sickening. The only reason I carried on reading was in the hope that she would get out of this horrendous situation and get revenge, hopefully by sticking a knife in their necks, but alas, it doesn't seem to be going that way, yes she's apparently now playing the long game to get revenge, but also she is somehow starting to like them??? Why??? She's wanting to understand them better, get them to open up?? WTF?? Honestly makes me believe she's a fucking idiot! Not sure if I'll read the next book, I would if I was 100% sure she was going to get revenge and then find happiness in the arms of someone deserving, but I have a dreadful feeling she'll end up falling in love with them, god knows how! If that does happen then I will have absolutely no sympathy or respect for her.
December 18, 2019
I got so lost GPS couldn't help
I'm not even sure what I read. The first book was not great. This one, the author spent so much time using inner thoughts to build the story I got bored and lost by the time I was a quarter of the way through the book. This read like a rough draft, rather than a finished product. There were so many instances of the incorrect word being used, i.e. decimal instead of decibel. The concept was different and dark. There was very little backstory, just a vague flashback to when the FMC was 11 years old and already had a boyfriend who wanted to marry her? Normally I can forgive a few grammatical/spelling errors, but when extra words are thrown into a sentence and don't even make sense it makes things difficult to read. I got so lost trying to comprehend what I read and lost the plot entirely. The author tried to make what should have been 1 book into a trilogy. It's clear the book was rushed and very little editing was done other than spell check. For these reasons, I didn't finish the book. With some editing for content, grammar and continuity, this book could be better.
I'm not even sure what I read. The first book was not great. This one, the author spent so much time using inner thoughts to build the story I got bored and lost by the time I was a quarter of the way through the book. This read like a rough draft, rather than a finished product. There were so many instances of the incorrect word being used, i.e. decimal instead of decibel. The concept was different and dark. There was very little backstory, just a vague flashback to when the FMC was 11 years old and already had a boyfriend who wanted to marry her? Normally I can forgive a few grammatical/spelling errors, but when extra words are thrown into a sentence and don't even make sense it makes things difficult to read. I got so lost trying to comprehend what I read and lost the plot entirely. The author tried to make what should have been 1 book into a trilogy. It's clear the book was rushed and very little editing was done other than spell check. For these reasons, I didn't finish the book. With some editing for content, grammar and continuity, this book could be better.
January 28, 2020
Twisted boys with twisted demands
Brett, Chaz, and Dorran there really are no words to discibe there depravity and lies and the twisted mind games they play with Ariyal I mean how much more crap can one person take and the cliffhanger at the end well it definitely tops the last one you never know what's coming next. It's true the richer you are the more skeletons you have in your closet there is a sinister sickness a hate hate lust relationship and deep seated rage boiling just under the surface of these boys and Ariyal hopefully she can keep quiet long enough to get revenge and save herself and at what cost will she pay will she loose herself in the process. This book is a trainwreck of cruelty and Devine madness wrapped in a pretty package of lies and deceit.
Brett, Chaz, and Dorran there really are no words to discibe there depravity and lies and the twisted mind games they play with Ariyal I mean how much more crap can one person take and the cliffhanger at the end well it definitely tops the last one you never know what's coming next. It's true the richer you are the more skeletons you have in your closet there is a sinister sickness a hate hate lust relationship and deep seated rage boiling just under the surface of these boys and Ariyal hopefully she can keep quiet long enough to get revenge and save herself and at what cost will she pay will she loose herself in the process. This book is a trainwreck of cruelty and Devine madness wrapped in a pretty package of lies and deceit.
December 10, 2019
Holy hell
OK here is where I wanna put a disclaimer if you are not in to romance books where there is a twisted element of violence and slavery this book is not going to be for you. This is what is known as a Dark Romance. These boys are used to getting their way and they are gonna do everything they can to break her will.
There are no butterflies, candies or flowers in this type of romance novel. What there is though, is a cage. And if you're really bad, they'll string you up and beat you.
Oh my God the 1st book was awesome in its dark twisted way. This second installment by far beats out the darkness-twisted mindset of these CRUEL CRUEL boys. Author Belladonna you blew me away and yet had me gripping my phone wanting more.
OK here is where I wanna put a disclaimer if you are not in to romance books where there is a twisted element of violence and slavery this book is not going to be for you. This is what is known as a Dark Romance. These boys are used to getting their way and they are gonna do everything they can to break her will.
There are no butterflies, candies or flowers in this type of romance novel. What there is though, is a cage. And if you're really bad, they'll string you up and beat you.
Oh my God the 1st book was awesome in its dark twisted way. This second installment by far beats out the darkness-twisted mindset of these CRUEL CRUEL boys. Author Belladonna you blew me away and yet had me gripping my phone wanting more.
December 8, 2019
No storyline
I really wanted to like this series. It had some good reviews but I just can't. I haven't even finished the book I got 30% through and that's all I could manage. There is no storyline so far it's supposed to be a dark high school bully romance. The school has gone out the window if you read you will see what I mean. It's supposed to be a romance and it's just pure abuse there is no romance. I'm sorry but I won't be continuing with the book I skipped a lot and still couldn't finish. If your not into abusive people then I would avoid this series
I really wanted to like this series. It had some good reviews but I just can't. I haven't even finished the book I got 30% through and that's all I could manage. There is no storyline so far it's supposed to be a dark high school bully romance. The school has gone out the window if you read you will see what I mean. It's supposed to be a romance and it's just pure abuse there is no romance. I'm sorry but I won't be continuing with the book I skipped a lot and still couldn't finish. If your not into abusive people then I would avoid this series
December 11, 2019
Interesting
This book will suck you right in. I read the first and second books in about 5 hours; I just had to know what happened next. I feel so bad for Ariyal for what she endures by those boys.... but by the time she gives into Brett, I am thinking this may be a good turn of events. Still leaves you questioning why her parents made the choices they did, and why Alaric wont speak to her. The cliff hanger at the end was not something I seen coming and I cannot wait for the next book to see why they made the choice that they did!!
This book will suck you right in. I read the first and second books in about 5 hours; I just had to know what happened next. I feel so bad for Ariyal for what she endures by those boys.... but by the time she gives into Brett, I am thinking this may be a good turn of events. Still leaves you questioning why her parents made the choices they did, and why Alaric wont speak to her. The cliff hanger at the end was not something I seen coming and I cannot wait for the next book to see why they made the choice that they did!!
December 3, 2019
I read this as an ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
You need to have read Book 1 as this is continued on from there. Ariyal should have run, and all she can think is it too late? Brett, Chaz and Dorran are the three she needs to escape from. More is it at okay than anyone realises. Find out what happens next for Ariyal in this amazing story which is continued. This is a 5⭐️ read that, I’ll be recommending to everyone.
You need to have read Book 1 as this is continued on from there. Ariyal should have run, and all she can think is it too late? Brett, Chaz and Dorran are the three she needs to escape from. More is it at okay than anyone realises. Find out what happens next for Ariyal in this amazing story which is continued. This is a 5⭐️ read that, I’ll be recommending to everyone.
December 6, 2019
I read the first book and it absolutely took me by surprise but this one kept the surprises coming. It pulled me in and wouldn't let me go. I am kind of in love with the male characters. They are so bad but you can see the good in them too. I will admit my utter confusion as to what is going to transpire within the pages of what looks like at least 2 more books but I am already hooked and absolutely have to see how thos ends.
February 4, 2020
Confused
Overall, I think the premise for the story was good but the heroine seems to be all over the place in her thought, which make up a good portion of the actual book. I was confused for most of the book because the scenes didn't seem to connect. You went from one thing to another without a transition or closure. But I'm going back for more. Hopefully the next book will flow better.
Overall, I think the premise for the story was good but the heroine seems to be all over the place in her thought, which make up a good portion of the actual book. I was confused for most of the book because the scenes didn't seem to connect. You went from one thing to another without a transition or closure. But I'm going back for more. Hopefully the next book will flow better.
February 17, 2020
Timeless and harsh
I started this series not knowing what to expect but omg it was worth it. The story is dark and twisted with so many mysteries, lies and secrets. I found all the characters from the main to back ground are Complicated and complex. The story has grows so much from ‘Plaything’ up-to ‘Dirty Little Secret’ every cliffhanger gets me hunger for more. I honestly can’t waiting for (unnamed at this moment) book 4.
I started this series not knowing what to expect but omg it was worth it. The story is dark and twisted with so many mysteries, lies and secrets. I found all the characters from the main to back ground are Complicated and complex. The story has grows so much from ‘Plaything’ up-to ‘Dirty Little Secret’ every cliffhanger gets me hunger for more. I honestly can’t waiting for (unnamed at this moment) book 4.
April 15, 2020
I did not think the guys could get colder but holy dam. This series is unpredictable! I cant stop reading it. And then of course the ending! seriously?! Warning cliff hanger ahead.
The MC Ariyal has had a tough go of things but she is strong and a fighter. She will not back down. Shes beauty and brains and that is a very dangerous combination. She has learned some hard thing this book but I know she will make it though. Now on to book 3. Warning this series will hook you in!!
The MC Ariyal has had a tough go of things but she is strong and a fighter. She will not back down. Shes beauty and brains and that is a very dangerous combination. She has learned some hard thing this book but I know she will make it though. Now on to book 3. Warning this series will hook you in!!
December 6, 2019
Suspense and Dominance!!
I loved the first book and I can tell this one is really setting the scene for the 3rd upcoming book. Brat is under lock and key and trying to break down Bretts’s emotional barriers, bring on the sexy dominance! Can’t wait to watch their relationships develop!
I loved the first book and I can tell this one is really setting the scene for the 3rd upcoming book. Brat is under lock and key and trying to break down Bretts’s emotional barriers, bring on the sexy dominance! Can’t wait to watch their relationships develop!
December 21, 2019
Cruelty knows no bounds
Oh my gosh! This book in the series is even more cruel than the first one. Ariyal is abused badly. Between the locking up and the beating, I don't know how she has the courage to continue. She finds out she has a twin but does not know what happened. Then, obituary? Another cliffhanger ending.
Oh my gosh! This book in the series is even more cruel than the first one. Ariyal is abused badly. Between the locking up and the beating, I don't know how she has the courage to continue. She finds out she has a twin but does not know what happened. Then, obituary? Another cliffhanger ending.
January 18, 2020
Just too much
This series is all over the place. I find the guys have no redeemable qualities yet Ari can't get enough of their cruelty... But she hates... But she loves... So she fights back... Than she submits... It is just too much. Also, the bombshells don't make any sense. The situation with Ari’s parents is confusing, the school term is confusing. Ugh.
This series is all over the place. I find the guys have no redeemable qualities yet Ari can't get enough of their cruelty... But she hates... But she loves... So she fights back... Than she submits... It is just too much. Also, the bombshells don't make any sense. The situation with Ari’s parents is confusing, the school term is confusing. Ugh.
July 6, 2020
Only wish it was longer!
The second book has similar pace to the first but developing plot and tension created a much darker feel to this novel. The revelations in this one have caused so many unanswered questions and the cruelty of Brett has been fully developed. There is a glimmer of hope for is redemption but it's sparse.
The second book has similar pace to the first but developing plot and tension created a much darker feel to this novel. The revelations in this one have caused so many unanswered questions and the cruelty of Brett has been fully developed. There is a glimmer of hope for is redemption but it's sparse.
December 5, 2019
Great
I have been waiting for this book to be released I didn't like the cliffhanger at the end to then see that book 3 doesn't have a release date. I hope where not waiting long. Great author
I have been waiting for this book to be released I didn't like the cliffhanger at the end to then see that book 3 doesn't have a release date. I hope where not waiting long. Great author
December 12, 2019
Absolutely loved this book!
Omg, what can I say except this book was amazing! The characters blow me away. My heart is broken for her with everything they do to her. But she stays strong. Can't wait for the next book!👍
Omg, what can I say except this book was amazing! The characters blow me away. My heart is broken for her with everything they do to her. But she stays strong. Can't wait for the next book!👍
December 14, 2019
Wow
Talk about a shock... Why would they do that to her.. Man the things Brett did to Ariyal I was heartbroken for her.. Talk about an emotional roller coaster ride, I just can’t wait to see what happens next.. You got me hooked..
Talk about a shock... Why would they do that to her.. Man the things Brett did to Ariyal I was heartbroken for her.. Talk about an emotional roller coaster ride, I just can’t wait to see what happens next.. You got me hooked..
January 4, 2020
WHAT?!
The story is picking up more. I still do not like the fact that it’s such a slow burn. Where you go from one month till it’s already five months later gives you whiplash. When the female main character stays out of her head the story moves along better. That ending?!
The story is picking up more. I still do not like the fact that it’s such a slow burn. Where you go from one month till it’s already five months later gives you whiplash. When the female main character stays out of her head the story moves along better. That ending?!
January 6, 2020
Omgggggg
This was amazingggg!!! Truly feel for Ari’s character throughout the series I love her fighting spirit. I cannot believe I have to wait for the next book I am addicted to this series.
This was amazingggg!!! Truly feel for Ari’s character throughout the series I love her fighting spirit. I cannot believe I have to wait for the next book I am addicted to this series.
January 20, 2020
So many twists and turns
This book had me working hard to keep up or figure out what was going to happen. And I love that. Kept me on my toes and I swallowed this book down in leas than a day. The ending...wow. I'm still wondering now what's going to happen
This book had me working hard to keep up or figure out what was going to happen. And I love that. Kept me on my toes and I swallowed this book down in leas than a day. The ending...wow. I'm still wondering now what's going to happen
January 26, 2020
Awesome book
It’s very intense and sad, what brett does to her how he treats her is crazy, but still wanting you to want to read to know what will happen, the Cliffhanger was crazy and can’t wait to read book 3 to know what is next. Definitely recommend it.
It’s very intense and sad, what brett does to her how he treats her is crazy, but still wanting you to want to read to know what will happen, the Cliffhanger was crazy and can’t wait to read book 3 to know what is next. Definitely recommend it.
February 5, 2020
YardieBookFanatic
I HAD to skip pages to get through a lot of the same rumination of A royal. Oh please, the brutality and the incohesiveness of this book is truly painful. And a BOOK 3. Sorry but no.
LOVETOREAD
I HAD to skip pages to get through a lot of the same rumination of A royal. Oh please, the brutality and the incohesiveness of this book is truly painful. And a BOOK 3. Sorry but no.
LOVETOREAD
May 24, 2020
Wow....
Same title as my review for book 1. I feel completely thrown into a washing machine or something. I cried a bit, felt horrified, laughed, cried again. This story is throwing me all over, but i couldn't put it down.
Same title as my review for book 1. I feel completely thrown into a washing machine or something. I cried a bit, felt horrified, laughed, cried again. This story is throwing me all over, but i couldn't put it down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews