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Doubeck Crime Family #4
Bound to Cruelty
I’m the shadows that reach out and take a bite. No one sees me coming, which is why I’m sent to do the things even our fearless leader won’t touch.
After months of watching our enemies it’s time to take them out. I’m ready to feel their blood on my hands, their worthless lives ground to dust.
But I don’t get the chance, when a dark haired beauty comes crashing into my plans, seeking sanctuary from our enemies. Now I’m stuck on guard duty, babysitting a mafia princess.
As tensions rise, the flames of desire flicker between us. We shouldn’t cross that line.
I’m too dark, cruel, and sinister for her.
I swear I’ll watch over her, protect her from her anyone and anything but there’s one thing I can’t protect her from: me.
This is a complete standalone within the series and contains dark themes, not suitable for all readers.
After months of watching our enemies it’s time to take them out. I’m ready to feel their blood on my hands, their worthless lives ground to dust.
But I don’t get the chance, when a dark haired beauty comes crashing into my plans, seeking sanctuary from our enemies. Now I’m stuck on guard duty, babysitting a mafia princess.
As tensions rise, the flames of desire flicker between us. We shouldn’t cross that line.
I’m too dark, cruel, and sinister for her.
I swear I’ll watch over her, protect her from her anyone and anything but there’s one thing I can’t protect her from: me.
This is a complete standalone within the series and contains dark themes, not suitable for all readers.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 12, 2022
272 people are currently reading
929 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Beck
237 books7,157 followersJ.L. Beck is the USA Today Best Selling author of unapologetic romance. She lives in WI with her husband, two kids, and four dogs. She enjoys writing and recently starting a literary agency to help represent authors in the industry.
To learn more about her books or interact with her go here: https://linktr.ee/jlbeckbooks
J.L. Beck xoxoxo
To learn more about her books or interact with her go here: https://linktr.ee/jlbeckbooks
J.L. Beck xoxoxo
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
July 16, 2022
In the previous books in this series i kind of always skipped a bit on the council parts, because i didn't care TBH.
In this case i needed a little bit of that,because i was confused about it...
I needed ASAP both of their pasts developed more! there are many stuffs i wish to know.
Now..
Mikhail deserves 5 stars..
Selena? 2.5; i didn't love her..but i didn't hate her either..i just wasn't invested in her character at all, that's why i needed more about them in the past, we jump right into the middle of it, i don't even know what happened to her prior to make her be in danger.
Heck i don't even know how old are they..
Over all? the story was ok.
In this case i needed a little bit of that,because i was confused about it...
I needed ASAP both of their pasts developed more! there are many stuffs i wish to know.
Now..
Mikhail deserves 5 stars..
Selena? 2.5; i didn't love her..but i didn't hate her either..i just wasn't invested in her character at all, that's why i needed more about them in the past, we jump right into the middle of it, i don't even know what happened to her prior to make her be in danger.
Heck i don't even know how old are they..
Over all? the story was ok.
July 12, 2022
***RECEIVED FREE ARC FOR HONEST REVIEW***
Selena and Michail were ice and fire.
Both of them are strong and just different, but they are each other's equal and not afraid to push each other.
Selena was introduced in the previous book and she is no damsel. She is powerful and she knows it. Unfortunately, her life is now in danger and she needs protection.
Michail has been forced to babysit Selena, something he is not too pleased about.
Both of them are forced to face each other until Selena is safe.
The beginning of the book was a little boring but it picks up later on. I liked Selena, she is complicated and misunderstood. Michail was everything, I love that he was sensitive but strong when needed.
Overall, this was a good read. The characters were likeable and I liked the storyline.
Selena and Michail were ice and fire.
Both of them are strong and just different, but they are each other's equal and not afraid to push each other.
Selena was introduced in the previous book and she is no damsel. She is powerful and she knows it. Unfortunately, her life is now in danger and she needs protection.
Michail has been forced to babysit Selena, something he is not too pleased about.
Both of them are forced to face each other until Selena is safe.
The beginning of the book was a little boring but it picks up later on. I liked Selena, she is complicated and misunderstood. Michail was everything, I love that he was sensitive but strong when needed.
Overall, this was a good read. The characters were likeable and I liked the storyline.
July 8, 2022
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
Star Rating : 4/5 Stars
POV : Dual
Cliffhanger : None
Hero : Micheal
Heroine : Selena
Pace of the story : Moderate
Angst Rating : 5/10
Heat Rating : 6/10
Overall Opinion :
The last thing Micheal should be doing is babysitting a spoiled princess. But orders were orders. Being bear Selena was a tough task because she was as cold as the queen people called her to be, but when she gave in to the fire she had? She was irresistible. And he could not give to that temptation, hence the struggle. Selena never had an easy life. She didn't choose to be this way and never had anyone to tell her tales too. Hell her own brother kept her at such a vast distance but now it was time. Time for all the secrets to come to light. If only she didn't feel so much for the one man she should ignore at all costs. He would not be paying the cost of being close to her.
I loved this one ! I have been following this series and have met Selena before. I have seen her in her all cold glory because damn she was ruthless so reading her romance tale was an anticipated event for me. Definitely recommending this to all dark Mafia romance lovers out there. This is a good one time read for you all.
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July 12, 2022
I have been a big fan of the Doubeck Family series since the beginning and Michail and Selena’s story has been a great addition to it. It is always much more investing for the reader when the underlying plot continues on through out the series even when the couples and their journeys vary. The evil council has been at it again in Bound to Cruelty and a new betrayal surfaces under Selena’s nose. Michail is sent to protect her by Kai but the fire between them could not be contained to a mere job. My only complaint was that I needed a little bit more interaction between them, maybe a few more incidents where they back and forth before they realize their feelings. It felt a little less authentic than Kai’s and Adrian’s stories. That said, I am still looking forward to reading next in the series whether it will be about Andrea or Alexei or…
July 12, 2022
I have been intrigued by these characters after the previous books and this story was a doozy. While there are some things that didn't add up or left me confused, I enjoyed their chemistry and their back and forth. They discover each other in ways others hadn't which adds to the allure of the story.
July 12, 2022
Bound to Cruelty is another suspenseful, steamy addition to the Doubeck Crime Family series. Mikhail and Selena are thrown together and the sparks fly as they clash against each other. This enemy to lovers story is so twisted and emotional. I really loved the evolution of this couple. This was another great story in this series.
September 28, 2023
This is book 4 in the Doubeck Crime Family. In this episode they work with the FBI unknowingly at least not by Adrian. This was the best written so far in this series. This book focused on human trafficking and child pornography.
Quotes:
Doubeck Crime Family Book 4
Selena Aquila
I’ve been negotiating with people like this man for years. It’s what my parents trained me to do. Kai learned computers and guns. Julia learned knives and secrets. I learned people and power.”
Selena Aquila(Kai’s sister)
You might know that if you weren’t a virgin.”
Mikail ( one of Adrian Doubeck’s 5)
“A virgin, huh?” he says. I risk his wrath and nod, unsure of where this is going. What he doesn’t need to know is that I’m also a virgin. I definitely don’t have any experience. Not with kissing, or with any of it. Hell, I haven’t even had a proper orgasm before. So I can’t mock him. Not that I volunteer any of this information.
He puts his hand over my pussy. Straight grabs me, his fingers toward my opening and his wrist toward my clit. “For a virgin, I seem to have at least gotten you all hot and bothered.” I sputter with my words. “It’s not like that?”
Mikail
“Admit it?” “What?” I whisper, then clear my throat. “Admit what?” He leans in so his mouth is almost against mine. “Admit that you’d let me fuck you right now. Admit that me kissing you got you so turned on, you ran to find an outlet that wasn’t riding my cock.”
Selena ( Chicago Councilwoman)
“I want you, okay? Is that enough to appease your ego, or do you need more?”
Mikail
“Test me again and I swear I’ll fuck you so hard, you won’t have a single ounce of your own free will left. If that’s the only way to keep you under control, I’m not above it. So, don’t push it.”
The Five & Adrian
“Adrian, the monster. Kai, the playboy.” She makes a disgusted face at Kai’s descriptor. “You are the mystery, and Ivan is usually called the animal or the crazy one, and…” “And what?” I’m curious what her society set calls the twins. “They call Andrea and Alexei fire and ice. Him being the one who runs hot and angry and well, slutty. Her vengeance is colder and more calculated.
Funny Michail and Selena
I’m still hard from kissing her earlier, so it’s nothing to ensure the table is covering us both as I unbuckle my pants. I gently remove my fingers from between her lips and use both hands to get my aching dick out. “Now, be a good girl and suck it.” Her eyes blaze as she stares up at me from the darkness around my legs. “You have got to be kidding me?”
The light is low, but I take a moment to stare at him. He’s thick in my grasp, long and hard, with a slight bend at the tip. Even his damn cock is gorgeous. Figures.
Selena doesn’t let anyone in
Every single person, save my family, has betrayed me in some way. They see me as a commodity. My body, my position, my power. It’s all to buy, sell, or trade.
How she feels about Michail
There are maybe a handful of people I actually trust, and with the way Michail looks at me, I can’t allow him to join that list. Not when I already want him to take all of me. To keep all of me. For once in my life, I don’t want to be alone, and yet I have no frame of reference for what such a thing even looks like.
First Sex together Two Virgins
She narrows her eyes and digs her nails in harder. “Will you fuck me, please?”I duck my head and kiss her hard. “That’s my girl.” Then I let myself go. I release myself to the feeling, allowing whatever movement, action, or direction feels good. Soon, I’m slamming into her, and she’s raising her hips to meet me. Every single one of my nerve endings feels like it’s on fire, and I’d rather burn for eternity than stop. She comes first, and I can’t help the groan of satisfaction that rushes out of me. I fucking did that. No one else will make her come like that except me. Her cunt clenches in a rhythm I try to match with each thrust, and all too soon, my balls are tight, and I fall over the cliff myself. One minute I’m coming, and the next, I’m staring down at her like I blacked out for a second. The rush of sensation crashes into me, obliterating any hope I had of letting her go again.
I nod and press off her to roll onto my side. Fluid follows me out of the hold of her body, and I glance down to make sure she’s ok. Red smears over her thighs, and I test it with my finger. Blood. There’s blood mixed with my cum, and I shift to look at her face. It’s red from the fucking, but there’s a telltale patch high on her cheekbones when she blushes. “I guess I should have told you I was a virgin too,” she whispers. I roll on my side to look at her easier. “What? How is that possible? I could have sworn you rubbed my nose in being a virgin.”
❤️ Selena feels
Somehow, in all the fear, pain, and anger… I fell in love with Michail. I’ll never breathe a word of it, since it would put us both in danger, but I’m a little stunned at the revelation. I’ve never been in love…not like this.
Michail observes Selena Chicago Councilwoman
knowledge of how Selena’s mind works. In fact, I can see now how much she wants this. How much her council seat means to her. It’s not because she thinks it’s her legacy. It’s because she worked hard to earn her position and enjoys taking care of her people. How original. Many of the Five have learned the hard way that councilmembers can’t be trusted. Not even Selena.
Selena ( Wonders about her life choices and how truly alone she is)
haven’t allowed myself to want friendship from anyone in a very long time. I guess seeing how devoted Adrian’s Five are to him, and how they also serve my brother, not only serve but love him, I crave those kinds of connections too. Hell, my entire world fell apart, and I didn’t have anyone to turn to except my brother. And even then, I felt like he helped me more out of familiar obligation than actual desire. I haven’t exactly been an angel, nor gone out of my way to help him in the past. The brush with his councilwoman was my first attempt at making things right between us, and even then, he still only saw me as the power-hungry sister who would step on her family to reach her goals.
Michail needs help. Kai and Selena talk
“Help me get him back, Kai. I know I don’t deserve your help.” I kept the details of my arrangement with that damn bitch councilwoman, Henrietta, to myself. She was supposed to free him, let him get on with his life. I took her word as the head of her council, and I learned my lesson the hard way. Tears are falling again, and I tilt my head back and look up, trying to stifle them. “I don’t deserve your help, but I need it. I need my family. I can’t lose him, Kai.”
Michail with Margery ( she is the one who enslaved Michail when he was 16 and who was attempting to kill Selena and take her position as head councilwoman in Chicago)
Margery runs her hand around from the back of my neck over my shoulder. I’ve had enough of people touching me without my permission. Enough of women thinking they own me because I happen to be good looking and it’s their right. I give the empty doorway one more longing glance and face Margery. She’s smiling now, completely focused on me. In her mind, she’s already won, and Selena isn’t a threat. In her hubris, she’s forgotten who I am…even though she knew all along that I’m a member of the Five.
I’m the shadows which reach out and take a bite when you least expect it. I’m the one Adrian sends when subtlety and finesse have gone out the window. Margery reaches up to wind her arms around my neck, and I’m already moving, angling my hands to either side of her head like I might kiss her. She’s been waiting, hinting about kissing me all evening. It never occurs to her I have other plans. She closes her eyes, and I’m almost at the right angle to snap her little twig neck when hands land on my shoulders, pulling me off.
Michail and Margery ( Holding Michail captive)
Michail
“Once upon a time, about eight years or so ago, you went for a little shopping trip. Do you remember what you bought?”
“You bought a scared, scrawny, starved sixteen-year-old boy in a cage. Do you remember that?” Her eyes fly wide. “But…you’re dead.
They told me you died.” I meet her eyes and spit in her shocked face. “I did die that day. Trust me. Everything in that boy is gone now, thanks to you and your friends.”
Declaration of love
“I love you, Selena. I have since the moment you didn’t argue with me in the elevator the first time. You slipped into that mask so beautifully, and every time after. You’re incredible.” I’m not sure what to say to that. “I love you, too. But I don’t want masks, or acts, between us. I want just us, but if that’s what you need, then I’m here for you. Any way. Every way you’ll let me be.” He kisses the top of my head, and it’s enough. There’s not a doubt in my mind he knows how hard it is for me to admit how much I need him.
Quotes:
Doubeck Crime Family Book 4
Selena Aquila
I’ve been negotiating with people like this man for years. It’s what my parents trained me to do. Kai learned computers and guns. Julia learned knives and secrets. I learned people and power.”
Selena Aquila(Kai’s sister)
You might know that if you weren’t a virgin.”
Mikail ( one of Adrian Doubeck’s 5)
“A virgin, huh?” he says. I risk his wrath and nod, unsure of where this is going. What he doesn’t need to know is that I’m also a virgin. I definitely don’t have any experience. Not with kissing, or with any of it. Hell, I haven’t even had a proper orgasm before. So I can’t mock him. Not that I volunteer any of this information.
He puts his hand over my pussy. Straight grabs me, his fingers toward my opening and his wrist toward my clit. “For a virgin, I seem to have at least gotten you all hot and bothered.” I sputter with my words. “It’s not like that?”
Mikail
“Admit it?” “What?” I whisper, then clear my throat. “Admit what?” He leans in so his mouth is almost against mine. “Admit that you’d let me fuck you right now. Admit that me kissing you got you so turned on, you ran to find an outlet that wasn’t riding my cock.”
Selena ( Chicago Councilwoman)
“I want you, okay? Is that enough to appease your ego, or do you need more?”
Mikail
“Test me again and I swear I’ll fuck you so hard, you won’t have a single ounce of your own free will left. If that’s the only way to keep you under control, I’m not above it. So, don’t push it.”
The Five & Adrian
“Adrian, the monster. Kai, the playboy.” She makes a disgusted face at Kai’s descriptor. “You are the mystery, and Ivan is usually called the animal or the crazy one, and…” “And what?” I’m curious what her society set calls the twins. “They call Andrea and Alexei fire and ice. Him being the one who runs hot and angry and well, slutty. Her vengeance is colder and more calculated.
Funny Michail and Selena
I’m still hard from kissing her earlier, so it’s nothing to ensure the table is covering us both as I unbuckle my pants. I gently remove my fingers from between her lips and use both hands to get my aching dick out. “Now, be a good girl and suck it.” Her eyes blaze as she stares up at me from the darkness around my legs. “You have got to be kidding me?”
The light is low, but I take a moment to stare at him. He’s thick in my grasp, long and hard, with a slight bend at the tip. Even his damn cock is gorgeous. Figures.
Selena doesn’t let anyone in
Every single person, save my family, has betrayed me in some way. They see me as a commodity. My body, my position, my power. It’s all to buy, sell, or trade.
How she feels about Michail
There are maybe a handful of people I actually trust, and with the way Michail looks at me, I can’t allow him to join that list. Not when I already want him to take all of me. To keep all of me. For once in my life, I don’t want to be alone, and yet I have no frame of reference for what such a thing even looks like.
First Sex together Two Virgins
She narrows her eyes and digs her nails in harder. “Will you fuck me, please?”I duck my head and kiss her hard. “That’s my girl.” Then I let myself go. I release myself to the feeling, allowing whatever movement, action, or direction feels good. Soon, I’m slamming into her, and she’s raising her hips to meet me. Every single one of my nerve endings feels like it’s on fire, and I’d rather burn for eternity than stop. She comes first, and I can’t help the groan of satisfaction that rushes out of me. I fucking did that. No one else will make her come like that except me. Her cunt clenches in a rhythm I try to match with each thrust, and all too soon, my balls are tight, and I fall over the cliff myself. One minute I’m coming, and the next, I’m staring down at her like I blacked out for a second. The rush of sensation crashes into me, obliterating any hope I had of letting her go again.
I nod and press off her to roll onto my side. Fluid follows me out of the hold of her body, and I glance down to make sure she’s ok. Red smears over her thighs, and I test it with my finger. Blood. There’s blood mixed with my cum, and I shift to look at her face. It’s red from the fucking, but there’s a telltale patch high on her cheekbones when she blushes. “I guess I should have told you I was a virgin too,” she whispers. I roll on my side to look at her easier. “What? How is that possible? I could have sworn you rubbed my nose in being a virgin.”
❤️ Selena feels
Somehow, in all the fear, pain, and anger… I fell in love with Michail. I’ll never breathe a word of it, since it would put us both in danger, but I’m a little stunned at the revelation. I’ve never been in love…not like this.
Michail observes Selena Chicago Councilwoman
knowledge of how Selena’s mind works. In fact, I can see now how much she wants this. How much her council seat means to her. It’s not because she thinks it’s her legacy. It’s because she worked hard to earn her position and enjoys taking care of her people. How original. Many of the Five have learned the hard way that councilmembers can’t be trusted. Not even Selena.
Selena ( Wonders about her life choices and how truly alone she is)
haven’t allowed myself to want friendship from anyone in a very long time. I guess seeing how devoted Adrian’s Five are to him, and how they also serve my brother, not only serve but love him, I crave those kinds of connections too. Hell, my entire world fell apart, and I didn’t have anyone to turn to except my brother. And even then, I felt like he helped me more out of familiar obligation than actual desire. I haven’t exactly been an angel, nor gone out of my way to help him in the past. The brush with his councilwoman was my first attempt at making things right between us, and even then, he still only saw me as the power-hungry sister who would step on her family to reach her goals.
Michail needs help. Kai and Selena talk
“Help me get him back, Kai. I know I don’t deserve your help.” I kept the details of my arrangement with that damn bitch councilwoman, Henrietta, to myself. She was supposed to free him, let him get on with his life. I took her word as the head of her council, and I learned my lesson the hard way. Tears are falling again, and I tilt my head back and look up, trying to stifle them. “I don’t deserve your help, but I need it. I need my family. I can’t lose him, Kai.”
Michail with Margery ( she is the one who enslaved Michail when he was 16 and who was attempting to kill Selena and take her position as head councilwoman in Chicago)
Margery runs her hand around from the back of my neck over my shoulder. I’ve had enough of people touching me without my permission. Enough of women thinking they own me because I happen to be good looking and it’s their right. I give the empty doorway one more longing glance and face Margery. She’s smiling now, completely focused on me. In her mind, she’s already won, and Selena isn’t a threat. In her hubris, she’s forgotten who I am…even though she knew all along that I’m a member of the Five.
I’m the shadows which reach out and take a bite when you least expect it. I’m the one Adrian sends when subtlety and finesse have gone out the window. Margery reaches up to wind her arms around my neck, and I’m already moving, angling my hands to either side of her head like I might kiss her. She’s been waiting, hinting about kissing me all evening. It never occurs to her I have other plans. She closes her eyes, and I’m almost at the right angle to snap her little twig neck when hands land on my shoulders, pulling me off.
Michail and Margery ( Holding Michail captive)
Michail
“Once upon a time, about eight years or so ago, you went for a little shopping trip. Do you remember what you bought?”
“You bought a scared, scrawny, starved sixteen-year-old boy in a cage. Do you remember that?” Her eyes fly wide. “But…you’re dead.
They told me you died.” I meet her eyes and spit in her shocked face. “I did die that day. Trust me. Everything in that boy is gone now, thanks to you and your friends.”
Declaration of love
“I love you, Selena. I have since the moment you didn’t argue with me in the elevator the first time. You slipped into that mask so beautifully, and every time after. You’re incredible.” I’m not sure what to say to that. “I love you, too. But I don’t want masks, or acts, between us. I want just us, but if that’s what you need, then I’m here for you. Any way. Every way you’ll let me be.” He kisses the top of my head, and it’s enough. There’s not a doubt in my mind he knows how hard it is for me to admit how much I need him.
July 12, 2022
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
I'm the shadows that reach out and take a bite. No one sees me coming, which is why I'm sent to do the things even our fearless leader won't touch. After months of watching our enemies it's time to take them out. I'm ready to feel their blood on my hands, their worthless lives ground to dust. But I don't get the chance, when a dark haired beauty comes crashing into my plans, seeking sanctuary from our enemies. Now I'm stuck on guard duty, babysitting a mafia princess. As tensions rise, the flames of desire flicker between us. We shouldn't cross that line. I'm too dark, cruel, and sinister for her. I swear, I'll watch over her, protect her from her anyone and anything but there's one thing I can't protect her from: me.
This is a standalone in the Doubeck Crime Family Series. You do not have to have read the first three books to read this one. It is a dark romance and will contains triggers for some readers. You need to heed the warnings in the beginning of the book.
This is the story of Elena and Michail. Selana is know in certain circles as the Ice Queen. She doesn't really mind that because she likes to keep the mask she wears like a second skin never letting anyone see her with that mask not in place. She is a girl who has never ever had an easy life and even has a brother who has done any and everything he can to push her away.
Michail is ordered to watch Selena when all he wants to do is get revenge and take out their enemies. He is after all the man that his boss sends in to take care of things that he wouldn't even have the stomach to take care of himself. And now he is tasked with watching after Selena. However it isn't long before he can see the fire inside the Ice Queen. He does everything in his power to to fight the temptation that she is but it is a losing battle and soon feeling between Michail and Selena are flying all over the place. However there are still secrets that will be revealed and feeling that come to light everything you think you know and believe will change in the blink of an eye. This book is so good. I loved these characters and the edge of your seat story that they had to tell.
I'm the shadows that reach out and take a bite. No one sees me coming, which is why I'm sent to do the things even our fearless leader won't touch. After months of watching our enemies it's time to take them out. I'm ready to feel their blood on my hands, their worthless lives ground to dust. But I don't get the chance, when a dark haired beauty comes crashing into my plans, seeking sanctuary from our enemies. Now I'm stuck on guard duty, babysitting a mafia princess. As tensions rise, the flames of desire flicker between us. We shouldn't cross that line. I'm too dark, cruel, and sinister for her. I swear, I'll watch over her, protect her from her anyone and anything but there's one thing I can't protect her from: me.
This is a standalone in the Doubeck Crime Family Series. You do not have to have read the first three books to read this one. It is a dark romance and will contains triggers for some readers. You need to heed the warnings in the beginning of the book.
This is the story of Elena and Michail. Selana is know in certain circles as the Ice Queen. She doesn't really mind that because she likes to keep the mask she wears like a second skin never letting anyone see her with that mask not in place. She is a girl who has never ever had an easy life and even has a brother who has done any and everything he can to push her away.
Michail is ordered to watch Selena when all he wants to do is get revenge and take out their enemies. He is after all the man that his boss sends in to take care of things that he wouldn't even have the stomach to take care of himself. And now he is tasked with watching after Selena. However it isn't long before he can see the fire inside the Ice Queen. He does everything in his power to to fight the temptation that she is but it is a losing battle and soon feeling between Michail and Selena are flying all over the place. However there are still secrets that will be revealed and feeling that come to light everything you think you know and believe will change in the blink of an eye. This book is so good. I loved these characters and the edge of your seat story that they had to tell.
March 20, 2023
I used the audio book and I think it lost a star purely for the female narrator, she didn't really narrate as she just read the part and it ruined Samantha parts. I did read it as a stand alone and I was able to follow along.
July 11, 2022
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5
Spice: 🌶🌶
Written in first person
POV switched from FMC and MMC
In the very first chapter, I felt like I was thrown into a plot, and was missing quite a few key things. This was supposed to be a standalone in an interconnected series though, so I assumed I wouldn’t feel so lost by the end. Even though the plot had great potential, it me wanting more information to fill in some blanks.
I’ll be honest I wasn’t the largest fan of most of the characters. My less favorite was the FMC, Selena. I found her lacking.. She was supposed to be a leading figure, but was way to clueless, trusting, emotional, unprepared, and unorganized. My thought was if you are being put into a position to lead in a mafia like setting, you need to be a little bit ruthless and cunning to get the things you need or want. Selena had no idea how fight, which totally threw me. I thought that would have been something she needed to learn first, next to how to lead her people in the best way. She basically faked her way, and that bothered me. The rest of the characters didn’t really accept Selena, not even really her brother. I would have assumed because Michail fell in love with her, she would have been pulled into their little group more. Maybe this will be shown more in the following books?
The saving grace was definitely Michail. He was exactly how I needed him to be. He took what he want, when he wanted, and didn’t let anyone get in his way. He was passionate in all the right ways. He carried the 🌶🌶 fully for me. I wish I could have more of him in any way possible.
I might read the other books in the series to understand the people more. Sometimes seeing the bigger picture will change my prospective on things.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Spice: 🌶🌶
Written in first person
POV switched from FMC and MMC
In the very first chapter, I felt like I was thrown into a plot, and was missing quite a few key things. This was supposed to be a standalone in an interconnected series though, so I assumed I wouldn’t feel so lost by the end. Even though the plot had great potential, it me wanting more information to fill in some blanks.
I’ll be honest I wasn’t the largest fan of most of the characters. My less favorite was the FMC, Selena. I found her lacking.. She was supposed to be a leading figure, but was way to clueless, trusting, emotional, unprepared, and unorganized. My thought was if you are being put into a position to lead in a mafia like setting, you need to be a little bit ruthless and cunning to get the things you need or want. Selena had no idea how fight, which totally threw me. I thought that would have been something she needed to learn first, next to how to lead her people in the best way. She basically faked her way, and that bothered me. The rest of the characters didn’t really accept Selena, not even really her brother. I would have assumed because Michail fell in love with her, she would have been pulled into their little group more. Maybe this will be shown more in the following books?
The saving grace was definitely Michail. He was exactly how I needed him to be. He took what he want, when he wanted, and didn’t let anyone get in his way. He was passionate in all the right ways. He carried the 🌶🌶 fully for me. I wish I could have more of him in any way possible.
I might read the other books in the series to understand the people more. Sometimes seeing the bigger picture will change my prospective on things.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
August 2, 2022
Bound To Cruelty by JL Beck and Monica Corwin is the fourth book in the Doubeck Crime Family series. This time we had Kai’s best friend Michail and Kai’s sister Selena. I had enjoyed the earlier books and was interested in finding out more about the rest of the FIVE but was disappointed
because this one just didn’t do it for me .
Michail finds himself having to protect Selena after his best friend Kai orders him to keep her safe after an attack on her life. He hates her because she let them down when Kai was in danger and they asked her for help. Selena is a spoiled brat and so determined to regain her seat as councilwoman in Chicago, that she not only seemed obvious to what was happening but didn’t take her safety into consideration.
Selena is a handful and Michail deals with her the only way he knows how. The Five work hard to find out who is behind the Council takeover and help comes from an unusual but familiar source.
They both were good at pretending and playing the part needed to survive. They both wore masks to cover their real feelings and Michail was an expert in this department. Neither had experienced a proper relationship so found it extremely difficult to communicate and admit what they were feeling. The hate for each other over-ruled their true feelings and obligations for a long time.
I felt we never really got the whole background to either main character. Both had so much baggage from their childhoods that their adult lives were totally affected by what they had gone through. My heart went out to Michail because he had obviously suffered so much from a young age up to when Adrian finally rescued him. I never felt Selena was good enough for him. I get that she probably understood some of his problems and their banter was good as they pushed each other buttons, but she’s a hard person to like.
The intrigue over who was out for Selena didn’t grab me and I felt it ended up being very similar to the last book. We do find out some more about her involvement in Kai’s story but I still had so many questions about it. The twist at the end was clever and enlightening after all that happened. It leads nicely into what will be the next book about Andrea and Emmanuelle.
Merged review:
Bound To Cruelty by JL Beck and Monica Corwin is the fourth book in the Doubeck Crime Family series. This time we had Kai’s best friend Michail and Kai’s sister Selena. I had enjoyed the earlier books and was interested in finding out more about the rest of the FIVE but was disappointed
because this one just didn’t do it for me. The intrigue over who was out for Selena didn’t grab me and I felt it ended up being very similar to the last book. We do find out some more about her involvement in Kai’s story but I still had so many questions about it.
Michail finds himself having to protect Selena after his best friend Kai orders him to keep her safe after an attack on her life. He hates her because she let them down when Kai was in danger and they asked her for help. Selena is a spoiled brat and so determined to regain her seat as councilwoman in Chicago, that she not only seemed obvious to what was happening but didn’t take her safety into consideration.
Selena is a handful and Michail deals with her the only way he knows how. The Five work hard to find out who is behind the Council takeover and help comes from an unusual but familiar source.
They both were good at pretending and playing the part needed to survive. They both wore masks to cover their real feelings and Michail was an expert in this department. Neither had experienced a proper relationship so found it extremely difficult to communicate and admit what they were feeling. The hate for each other over-ruled their true feelings and obligations for a long time.
I felt we never really got the whole background to either main character. Both had so much baggage from their childhoods that their adult lives were totally affected by what they had gone through. My heart went out to Michail because he had obviously suffered so much from a young age up to when Adrian finally rescued him. I never felt Selena was good enough for him. I get that she probably understood some of his problems and their banter was good as they pushed each other buttons, but she’s a hard person to like. The twist at the end was clever and enlightening after all that happened. It leads nicely into what will be the next book about Andrea and Emmanuelle.
because this one just didn’t do it for me .
Michail finds himself having to protect Selena after his best friend Kai orders him to keep her safe after an attack on her life. He hates her because she let them down when Kai was in danger and they asked her for help. Selena is a spoiled brat and so determined to regain her seat as councilwoman in Chicago, that she not only seemed obvious to what was happening but didn’t take her safety into consideration.
Selena is a handful and Michail deals with her the only way he knows how. The Five work hard to find out who is behind the Council takeover and help comes from an unusual but familiar source.
They both were good at pretending and playing the part needed to survive. They both wore masks to cover their real feelings and Michail was an expert in this department. Neither had experienced a proper relationship so found it extremely difficult to communicate and admit what they were feeling. The hate for each other over-ruled their true feelings and obligations for a long time.
I felt we never really got the whole background to either main character. Both had so much baggage from their childhoods that their adult lives were totally affected by what they had gone through. My heart went out to Michail because he had obviously suffered so much from a young age up to when Adrian finally rescued him. I never felt Selena was good enough for him. I get that she probably understood some of his problems and their banter was good as they pushed each other buttons, but she’s a hard person to like.
The intrigue over who was out for Selena didn’t grab me and I felt it ended up being very similar to the last book. We do find out some more about her involvement in Kai’s story but I still had so many questions about it. The twist at the end was clever and enlightening after all that happened. It leads nicely into what will be the next book about Andrea and Emmanuelle.
Merged review:
Bound To Cruelty by JL Beck and Monica Corwin is the fourth book in the Doubeck Crime Family series. This time we had Kai’s best friend Michail and Kai’s sister Selena. I had enjoyed the earlier books and was interested in finding out more about the rest of the FIVE but was disappointed
because this one just didn’t do it for me. The intrigue over who was out for Selena didn’t grab me and I felt it ended up being very similar to the last book. We do find out some more about her involvement in Kai’s story but I still had so many questions about it.
Michail finds himself having to protect Selena after his best friend Kai orders him to keep her safe after an attack on her life. He hates her because she let them down when Kai was in danger and they asked her for help. Selena is a spoiled brat and so determined to regain her seat as councilwoman in Chicago, that she not only seemed obvious to what was happening but didn’t take her safety into consideration.
Selena is a handful and Michail deals with her the only way he knows how. The Five work hard to find out who is behind the Council takeover and help comes from an unusual but familiar source.
They both were good at pretending and playing the part needed to survive. They both wore masks to cover their real feelings and Michail was an expert in this department. Neither had experienced a proper relationship so found it extremely difficult to communicate and admit what they were feeling. The hate for each other over-ruled their true feelings and obligations for a long time.
I felt we never really got the whole background to either main character. Both had so much baggage from their childhoods that their adult lives were totally affected by what they had gone through. My heart went out to Michail because he had obviously suffered so much from a young age up to when Adrian finally rescued him. I never felt Selena was good enough for him. I get that she probably understood some of his problems and their banter was good as they pushed each other buttons, but she’s a hard person to like. The twist at the end was clever and enlightening after all that happened. It leads nicely into what will be the next book about Andrea and Emmanuelle.
July 8, 2022
What an incredible continuation of the Doubeck Crime family series and storyline that will keep your heart pumping and on the edge of your seat till the very end.
The chaos of Kai's captivity by the councilwoman is over, now he is home to rest and recover with Rose by his side. But not everything is calm when it comes to the Society especially since it's open season once again. Selena- Kai's sister is calling requesting sanctuary (protection) because she is marked by death in a bid to takeover her head council seat. Even though she failed to protect him when he sought sanctuary he honors his promise and returns the favor.
Michail is less than thrilled to be the one sent to protect her especially after what happened to his friend. His opinion of her is she's a "spoiled brat who doesn’t know how good she has it.”
What an emotionally intense, dark, dirty, dangerous and sexually charged rollercoaster ride we go on with Michail and Selena. He is struggling to deal with his dark broken past and her with her lack of trust and the need to be at the top while navigating their budding feelings all the while keeping a step ahead of the Society.
Another amazing storyline from these two authors.
I received an ARC from the authors and I'm voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Five+🖤🔥⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The chaos of Kai's captivity by the councilwoman is over, now he is home to rest and recover with Rose by his side. But not everything is calm when it comes to the Society especially since it's open season once again. Selena- Kai's sister is calling requesting sanctuary (protection) because she is marked by death in a bid to takeover her head council seat. Even though she failed to protect him when he sought sanctuary he honors his promise and returns the favor.
Michail is less than thrilled to be the one sent to protect her especially after what happened to his friend. His opinion of her is she's a "spoiled brat who doesn’t know how good she has it.”
What an emotionally intense, dark, dirty, dangerous and sexually charged rollercoaster ride we go on with Michail and Selena. He is struggling to deal with his dark broken past and her with her lack of trust and the need to be at the top while navigating their budding feelings all the while keeping a step ahead of the Society.
Another amazing storyline from these two authors.
I received an ARC from the authors and I'm voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Five+🖤🔥⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 21, 2022
I recently read ‘Bound to Cruelty’ by JL Beck & Monica Corwin. The last fifth of the book or so? Stars 5/5! The first four-fifths though? For me, it was an overall Stars 2.5/5 + Spice 2/5.
•
We meet Selena who has called on her brother, Kai, for help as she has been usurped from her council seat within the crime networks. Unfortunately for her, she is sent of the Adrian’s shadow man, Michail. They are incredibly mismatched as Selena brings up terrible memories of Michail’s past & the treatment people in her circle has transgressed upon him. Meanwhile, she thinks he’s way too far up in her brother & their boss Adrian’s business. We follow the push & pull that happens between them as Michail tries nothing more than to keep Selena safe while they try to figure out how the seat was taken & who was behind it. Majority of the book, I was struggling to make it through & finish it. The last eight or so chapters, I was GLUED. It’s action filled. There’s some leeway on the “Will they? Won’t they?” but I won’t tell you which way it goes. Two huge surprises that were enjoyable & unexpected! I loved learning more about this world, overall!
•
We meet Selena who has called on her brother, Kai, for help as she has been usurped from her council seat within the crime networks. Unfortunately for her, she is sent of the Adrian’s shadow man, Michail. They are incredibly mismatched as Selena brings up terrible memories of Michail’s past & the treatment people in her circle has transgressed upon him. Meanwhile, she thinks he’s way too far up in her brother & their boss Adrian’s business. We follow the push & pull that happens between them as Michail tries nothing more than to keep Selena safe while they try to figure out how the seat was taken & who was behind it. Majority of the book, I was struggling to make it through & finish it. The last eight or so chapters, I was GLUED. It’s action filled. There’s some leeway on the “Will they? Won’t they?” but I won’t tell you which way it goes. Two huge surprises that were enjoyable & unexpected! I loved learning more about this world, overall!
July 12, 2022
Kai has asked his friend Michail to protect his sister Selena and to help find out who is out to eliminate her and take her councilwomen place in Chicago. Selena is a strong self assured women who does not want to depend on anyone but herself. Michail is a tortured soul who has been through so much to get to were he is. He is a proud man who never wanted to be in a relationship but he knows what it means to sell everything for protection. When these two are pushed together they like to push each others buttons and feed off each others emotions. The closer they get the line between them starts to fray and new emotions are forming. Like the other books in the series you get to see some dark, twisted and crazy action and secrets from the past are shown. You will fall in love with the protective side of Michail and when Selena truly see's how much she loves him she will burn the world down to protect him. I would absolute recommend this series its a good one. I was given this book as an ARC for my honest review.
July 13, 2022
Bound To Cruelty by JL Beck and Monica Corwin is the fourth book in the Doubeck Crime Family series. While it is not necessary to read the first three books, it does help to understand certain details in this series. This time we had Kai’s best friend Michail and Kai’s sister Selena.
What a fantastic read! It was packed with action, emotion, drama and darkness! This was a hate to love story and it was so good. The last thing Micheal should be doing is babysitting a spoiled princess. But it was an order. He was the man that his boss send for a task and now his job was to watch after Selena. Selena was handful and a brat (I'm annoyed with her sometimes)
In this book I fall in love with the protective side of Michail. While Michail works to keep her safe, they begin forming an attraction to each other. The chemistry between Mikhail and Selena is a very good enemy to lover.
I enjoyed reading this book! What a ride it was.
Thanks to Candi Kane Pr for the review copy!
What a fantastic read! It was packed with action, emotion, drama and darkness! This was a hate to love story and it was so good. The last thing Micheal should be doing is babysitting a spoiled princess. But it was an order. He was the man that his boss send for a task and now his job was to watch after Selena. Selena was handful and a brat (I'm annoyed with her sometimes)
In this book I fall in love with the protective side of Michail. While Michail works to keep her safe, they begin forming an attraction to each other. The chemistry between Mikhail and Selena is a very good enemy to lover.
I enjoyed reading this book! What a ride it was.
Thanks to Candi Kane Pr for the review copy!
July 14, 2022
5 STARS for Bound to Cruelty
WOW is this a great book and series !
This is Michail and Selena’s story ! I was into this story from the first Chapter.
What I loved :
Cover and Book Blurb - great visual of Michail
Great characters
Storyline I wasn’t expecting the plot twists
Loved that characters from other books in the series are making appearances
Some funny very snarky humor
Sizzling off the charts chemistry
Bodyguard and strong heroine always at odds in the beginning
Happily ever after
The dialog between Michail and Selena is laugh out loud funny. So intense is their chemistry - should they or shouldn’t they cross that line - oh , yes please do !
Michail thinks Selena is a spoiled brat - princess - I just love when she hits him with this quote “ No ones life is perfect. Stop assuming you’ve put together the entire puzzle just because you found the corners “
So good I really loved these characters and hope we see them again !
Highly recommend this book and series
WOW is this a great book and series !
This is Michail and Selena’s story ! I was into this story from the first Chapter.
What I loved :
Cover and Book Blurb - great visual of Michail
Great characters
Storyline I wasn’t expecting the plot twists
Loved that characters from other books in the series are making appearances
Some funny very snarky humor
Sizzling off the charts chemistry
Bodyguard and strong heroine always at odds in the beginning
Happily ever after
The dialog between Michail and Selena is laugh out loud funny. So intense is their chemistry - should they or shouldn’t they cross that line - oh , yes please do !
Michail thinks Selena is a spoiled brat - princess - I just love when she hits him with this quote “ No ones life is perfect. Stop assuming you’ve put together the entire puzzle just because you found the corners “
So good I really loved these characters and hope we see them again !
Highly recommend this book and series
July 17, 2022
I've been looking forward to this for a while now after reading the blub I knew I'd love it.
The main characters Selena and Michail were just 🔥 together, both strong and both just know when to push each other and rub each other up the wrong way. Selena is no pushover she's very strong and doesn't give a damn, in her world she's known as the Ice Queen, but unfortunately her life is now in danger. Michail has been forced to babysit her and boy he isn't very happy about it lol.
These two become enemies to lovers and the push and pull, back and forth from these two is constant. I love how Michail lights the fire within the Ice Queen and boy is there some chemistry between these two. It's quite slow moving at the beginning but it does get moving and when it does I couldn't put it down. This book is a spin off from another series but you don't really need to read that series to get the story.
The main characters Selena and Michail were just 🔥 together, both strong and both just know when to push each other and rub each other up the wrong way. Selena is no pushover she's very strong and doesn't give a damn, in her world she's known as the Ice Queen, but unfortunately her life is now in danger. Michail has been forced to babysit her and boy he isn't very happy about it lol.
These two become enemies to lovers and the push and pull, back and forth from these two is constant. I love how Michail lights the fire within the Ice Queen and boy is there some chemistry between these two. It's quite slow moving at the beginning but it does get moving and when it does I couldn't put it down. This book is a spin off from another series but you don't really need to read that series to get the story.
August 6, 2022
Bound to cruelty (Doubeck crime family 4)
This is the fourth book in this series by these authors. This is the story of Mikhail and Selena, these two are thrown together but the chemistry is definitely hot between them. This story is suspenseful, packed with action, drama filled and of course hot and steamy. This is more of an enemies to lovers story in this series. These books can be read as stand alone reads or as part of the series. This story is a dark romance at its best from these authors. This is a fantastic addition to this series from these authors.
I was given an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my honest review
Release date - 12 July 2022
Print length - 234 pages
www.obsessedbookreviews.com
July 9, 2022
I cant get enough of this series!!!
Bound to Cruelty is book #4 in the Doubeck Crime Family series. Its a mafia, series of interconnected standalones. Make sure to check the trigger warning.
Selena and Michail are 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥!!!!
Selena is known as the Ice Queen. She keeps that mask in place and never lets it drop. She hasn't had an easy life and has been pushed away by her own brother. When she starts to grow feelings for Michail, she doesn't know what to think.
Michail is ordered to watch Selena. He knows her reputation, but he is drawn to her inner fire. She is pure temptation, and he fights it as hard as he can. When secrets are revealed, feelings come to light and things change.
I love this series so much!! I loved seeing a different side to Selena and i love her and Michail together!
Go read this series if you haven't yet!
Bound to Cruelty is book #4 in the Doubeck Crime Family series. Its a mafia, series of interconnected standalones. Make sure to check the trigger warning.
Selena and Michail are 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥!!!!
Selena is known as the Ice Queen. She keeps that mask in place and never lets it drop. She hasn't had an easy life and has been pushed away by her own brother. When she starts to grow feelings for Michail, she doesn't know what to think.
Michail is ordered to watch Selena. He knows her reputation, but he is drawn to her inner fire. She is pure temptation, and he fights it as hard as he can. When secrets are revealed, feelings come to light and things change.
I love this series so much!! I loved seeing a different side to Selena and i love her and Michail together!
Go read this series if you haven't yet!
July 23, 2022
I loved this story. Michail and Selena just lit my kindle up. These two butt heads from the first moment they meet and it keeps going. Selena is Kai’s sister and has called him for help. He sends Michail to protect her. This is the last thing he wants to do. She is a spoiled brat and the head councilwoman in her city and she was attacked. It’s open season, which means pretty much anything goes in their world. Michail hates the council and hates Selena even more. He blames her for what happened to Kai. He definitely has his hands full with Selena. They push each other’s buttons and know exactly how to drive the other crazy. There is a suspense, secrets, action, surprises, shocks and twists. I love this series and can’t wait for the next one. These two authors are doing a fabulous job with all the characters and their stories.
January 5, 2024
Ehhh not my cup of tea
This wasn't the best... the story was very choppy at times. I'd be reading then feel like I missed something and would have to backtrack only to find out I hadn't. For instance, one minute selenas being told to get ready and the next shes in the elevator. It was just like that, but with bigger situations throughout the entire book.
Besides that I didn't like Selena. I loveeee her name but didn't like her character. She was too snobby for my liking. She acted childish, always had something to say. It was annoying. I love books where the guys an alpha bad a** but also secretly caring and loving. And I love female characters to be independent, strong minded and caring as well. With Selena I got none of that because of her attitude towards everyone around her.
This wasn't the best... the story was very choppy at times. I'd be reading then feel like I missed something and would have to backtrack only to find out I hadn't. For instance, one minute selenas being told to get ready and the next shes in the elevator. It was just like that, but with bigger situations throughout the entire book.
Besides that I didn't like Selena. I loveeee her name but didn't like her character. She was too snobby for my liking. She acted childish, always had something to say. It was annoying. I love books where the guys an alpha bad a** but also secretly caring and loving. And I love female characters to be independent, strong minded and caring as well. With Selena I got none of that because of her attitude towards everyone around her.
July 10, 2022
I loved reading this book Michail is alittle of a tortured soul being used as a teen for the soul purpose of surviving In a cruel mob like world until his finds his family with Adrian and the rest of the 5.
Serena strives to be the best council woman she can against a male dominated world trying to weed out the bad only she becomes the target and with her brother Kai's protection he send Michail to look out for her.
This book had me rooting for Michail he was just so intriguing with his overall constant change in demeanour and who wouldnt with the life he has led.
Serena took some getting used to she was so wishy washy that the constant emotional changes just has me disliking her till the end lol.
Serena strives to be the best council woman she can against a male dominated world trying to weed out the bad only she becomes the target and with her brother Kai's protection he send Michail to look out for her.
This book had me rooting for Michail he was just so intriguing with his overall constant change in demeanour and who wouldnt with the life he has led.
Serena took some getting used to she was so wishy washy that the constant emotional changes just has me disliking her till the end lol.
July 14, 2022
卂𝘳ᥴ 尺ꫀꪜ𝓲ꫀ᭙
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - Michail
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 - Selena
3 𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐞𝐥𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝐁𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐞𝐥𝐭𝐲 𝐁𝐲 𝐽.𝐿. 𝐵𝑒𝑐𝑘 & 𝑀𝑜𝑛𝑖𝑐𝑎 𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑤𝑖𝑛
Selena, when threats are made to her life and the power she has...she calls her brother for help.
What she doesn't expect is for him to send a man like Michail (brooding, hot, and dangerous) to protect her.
The storyline involving who was trying to take Selena's power had me turning the pages to find out. Add in a possessive hero✓ and some
Jaw dropping moments✓
Unfortunately, I didn't like the h at all, her thoughts, decisions and the way she acted overall especially when she was the one who wanted help, frustrated me so much!!!
Ratings
Hero ♥️♥️♥️♥️
Heroine 💋
Chemistry 🔥🔥
Plot 📚📚📚
Emotional Level 💧
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - Michail
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 - Selena
3 𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐞𝐥𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝐁𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐞𝐥𝐭𝐲 𝐁𝐲 𝐽.𝐿. 𝐵𝑒𝑐𝑘 & 𝑀𝑜𝑛𝑖𝑐𝑎 𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑤𝑖𝑛
Selena, when threats are made to her life and the power she has...she calls her brother for help.
What she doesn't expect is for him to send a man like Michail (brooding, hot, and dangerous) to protect her.
The storyline involving who was trying to take Selena's power had me turning the pages to find out. Add in a possessive hero✓ and some
Jaw dropping moments✓
Unfortunately, I didn't like the h at all, her thoughts, decisions and the way she acted overall especially when she was the one who wanted help, frustrated me so much!!!
Ratings
Hero ♥️♥️♥️♥️
Heroine 💋
Chemistry 🔥🔥
Plot 📚📚📚
Emotional Level 💧
July 19, 2022
Bound to Cruelty, book four in the Doubeck Crime Family series follows head of the Chicago council, Selena Aquila who is Kai Aquila's sister, and one of 'The Five', who is her current bodyguard, Michail. After the events of book three, Selena finds herself under attack from one of her own council members, and her brother Kai offers to help her until they can discover who wants to kill her. Michail can think of a million things he could be doing, and playing babysitter to a spoiled mafia princess isn't on his list, a sentiment that Selena agrees with. What starts off with the pair constantly fighting, turns into more when the sparks between them is lit and they turn from enemies to lovers. Now Michail will stop at nothing to keep Selena safe, even if that means putting himself at risk
July 26, 2022
We first met our heroine, Selena, in her brother, Kai's story, Bound to Darkness. She's supposed to be the mafia head of the crime family in Chicago, but someone has overthrown her authority, and she seeks protection assistance from Kai until she can re-claim her thrown. Much to his dismay, Michail finds himself enlisted to keep her safe until they can figure out who betrayed her. Selena's used to calling the shots so she doesn't take too kindly to Michail's methods of protection. They continue to play a risqué version of cat and mouse with one another which eventually leads to neither one of them being able to deny the chemistry between them. Their taunting banter and barbs at one another raised the intensity level until the inevitable happened. Loved the power dynamic they shared.
October 27, 2022
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. This is the 4th book in the Doubeck Crime Family series. Each book can be read as a standalone.
Selena’s place on the council has been threatened. She turns to her brother for help and he sends one of Adrian’s five to protect her but he just wants to keep her locked up in a hotel and doesn’t seem interested in helping her figure out who is after her.
Michail hates that he is the one sent to babysit the spoiled princess. He’s just trying to do his job and keep her from getting killed but she is always fighting him on everything. Until he finds the perfect way to shut her up and her tough act melts for him.
I really am enjoying this series and can’t wait to read the next book.
Selena’s place on the council has been threatened. She turns to her brother for help and he sends one of Adrian’s five to protect her but he just wants to keep her locked up in a hotel and doesn’t seem interested in helping her figure out who is after her.
Michail hates that he is the one sent to babysit the spoiled princess. He’s just trying to do his job and keep her from getting killed but she is always fighting him on everything. Until he finds the perfect way to shut her up and her tough act melts for him.
I really am enjoying this series and can’t wait to read the next book.
December 13, 2022
This book has a lot of emotion in it with Mitchael and Selena have been thrown together in other to save her life on behalf of her brother. Mitchael has gone through a lot of pain in his life and wants to try to hide it that way no one will find out when he meets Selma, he and her butt heads in the hardest times they have ahead of them. Selana has come to find out that Mitchael is more a man than the other men she has meet, and with the fact that they have to be forced together for her safety. In end Mitchael and Selan will find that their head butting comes a twist where they find out that their head butting is more than it might just be love. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book of this series .
July 4, 2022
Doubeck Crime Family book 4 Bound to Cruelty is a interconnected standalone. Each story can be read as a standalone as each character's journey is explored more with each book.
Michail and Selena have both hidden behind the masks they show others. Both of them hide there past traumatic experiences and project whats expected of them. I enjoyed reading more about these characters.
When Michail is sent by Kai to protect his sister Selena from the council. His orders from Kai was clear. Protect her only. Nothing more.
This book whilst at times overwhelming, there is also plenty of light to balance such darkness.
The Council
Michail and Selena have both hidden behind the masks they show others. Both of them hide there past traumatic experiences and project whats expected of them. I enjoyed reading more about these characters.
When Michail is sent by Kai to protect his sister Selena from the council. His orders from Kai was clear. Protect her only. Nothing more.
This book whilst at times overwhelming, there is also plenty of light to balance such darkness.
The Council
July 7, 2022
Bound to Cruelty is book 4 in the Doubeck Crime Family series. It focuses on Mikhail when he is given the babysitting job of looking after Selena - Kai's sister. Who we met in the book before this one - Bound by Darkness book 3.
Michail and Selena certainly have a love/hate relationship. They love to hate one another and they cant seem to stop rubbing each other up the wrong way. Theres a fierce sexual tension thats a constant throughout this book. One which neither of them want to ignore but have too because of Kai and its that that kept me gripped. Action packed, fast paced with characters i loved. It was one hell of a read
Michail and Selena certainly have a love/hate relationship. They love to hate one another and they cant seem to stop rubbing each other up the wrong way. Theres a fierce sexual tension thats a constant throughout this book. One which neither of them want to ignore but have too because of Kai and its that that kept me gripped. Action packed, fast paced with characters i loved. It was one hell of a read
July 9, 2022
I think to all the half way, I find Selena as a biatch and a brat like Mikhail said.
First of all, I don't understand why she is so determined to be in the council and society full of pedos. Just because she doesn't know what she will be if she doesn't become council woman?
I still don't understand why up until the end.
That's why her action in prooving she's all tough but at the end proved stupid and childish are not fun to read in a grown woman character who claimed she's the queen.
The chemistry between Mikhail and Selena is a very good enemy to lover. Sizzling with fire, this double V card suprise me.
First of all, I don't understand why she is so determined to be in the council and society full of pedos. Just because she doesn't know what she will be if she doesn't become council woman?
I still don't understand why up until the end.
That's why her action in prooving she's all tough but at the end proved stupid and childish are not fun to read in a grown woman character who claimed she's the queen.
The chemistry between Mikhail and Selena is a very good enemy to lover. Sizzling with fire, this double V card suprise me.
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