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tabberz77's review
4.0
Oh Penn! and oh Linde! Once again the queen of angst delivered.
You have to meet Natalie and Penn. This couple has chemistry to spare. I love their love/hate relationship (the hate is mostly one-sided). I love their banter and I love when they come together. These two have a nice depth to them and are not your typical couple from opposite sides of the track. They have a history that is hinted at for a bit and you wait to find all the truths from their first time around (And if you want to read that story you can read One Cruel Night, which is free). This second chance that is given to them in a unexpected way is so much fun to watch unravel. You feel the tension in both good and bad ways and you wonder where this will go, if anywhere. I loved reading it unfold.
I loved Totle, who is my favorite character in the whole book. How a dog can be so expressive and lovable makes me want to get my own (would if I could).
The other supporting characters were fun to see interact with these two. The friends and family from both characters were interesting and brought out new sides to them. There's always the one character you keep your eye on because you know bad things always follow and in this book their "villain" was unlikable in the best way. You just wanted to yell, "RUN!", every time she entered a scene. But the best friends for both characters were great. They were supportive and had great interactions.
Since this is part of a 3-book series you know that this would not be a Linde novel without a cliffhanger. And oh what a cliffhanger it is! I am anxious and expectant for the next book and to see where she's taking out characters. It is a small time-jump so we will probably get to see what they were up to in the interim and see what will happen next.
And as I mentioned earlier in my review, there is a prequel book, One Cruel Night, that is currently free and it's a great read to get to know our characters a little more but not necessary to read this book. There is enough coverage of those events in this book that you get the gist of what happened BUT I think that read was also excellent and really enhances this read. So pick that up too.
Overall...Why do I need to wait so long for the next book!?!?!?!?!?
You have to meet Natalie and Penn. This couple has chemistry to spare. I love their love/hate relationship (the hate is mostly one-sided). I love their banter and I love when they come together. These two have a nice depth to them and are not your typical couple from opposite sides of the track. They have a history that is hinted at for a bit and you wait to find all the truths from their first time around (And if you want to read that story you can read One Cruel Night, which is free). This second chance that is given to them in a unexpected way is so much fun to watch unravel. You feel the tension in both good and bad ways and you wonder where this will go, if anywhere. I loved reading it unfold.
I loved Totle, who is my favorite character in the whole book. How a dog can be so expressive and lovable makes me want to get my own (would if I could).
The other supporting characters were fun to see interact with these two. The friends and family from both characters were interesting and brought out new sides to them. There's always the one character you keep your eye on because you know bad things always follow and in this book their "villain" was unlikable in the best way. You just wanted to yell, "RUN!", every time she entered a scene. But the best friends for both characters were great. They were supportive and had great interactions.
Since this is part of a 3-book series you know that this would not be a Linde novel without a cliffhanger. And oh what a cliffhanger it is! I am anxious and expectant for the next book and to see where she's taking out characters. It is a small time-jump so we will probably get to see what they were up to in the interim and see what will happen next.
And as I mentioned earlier in my review, there is a prequel book, One Cruel Night, that is currently free and it's a great read to get to know our characters a little more but not necessary to read this book. There is enough coverage of those events in this book that you get the gist of what happened BUT I think that read was also excellent and really enhances this read. So pick that up too.
Overall...Why do I need to wait so long for the next book!?!?!?!?!?
korry_tza's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This was an easy 3-star read.
The story was okay. I can't say that it was something unheard of or something so intriguing that I could not stop reading. I could... easily. But what kept me coming back to reading it was the well-written dialog between the characters.
I am not much of a "love to read about all the drama" person, and the progress of the story felt predictable but it was the dialog that was so well written that I enjoyed seeing it resolve its way to the end.
So if you love some drama, this is right up your alley, if not, maybe skip this one.
I know it was enough drama for me but I will probably give the next book a try... Maybe it will bring something new and original to the table.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Alcohol
cassire's review
5.0
There is a FREE prequel, One Cruel Night, that I would suggest reading first. It takes place in Paris. The hero and heroine spend a amazing night together. Most of Cruel Money takes place in The Hamptons. It is there that they meet again. I believe that there is going to be two more books in the series.
I enjoyed Cruel Money. It kept me guessing about what was going to happen. I definitely got a Gossip Girl vibe. He comes from money and she doesn’t. I think the question of can you grow up filthy rich and still be a good person is seen throughout the book and I’m guessing the series. The end left me hanging in the best way and counting down the days until I can get my next fix. Cruel Money is the perfect guilty pleasure read.
I voluntarily read an early copy.
I enjoyed Cruel Money. It kept me guessing about what was going to happen. I definitely got a Gossip Girl vibe. He comes from money and she doesn’t. I think the question of can you grow up filthy rich and still be a good person is seen throughout the book and I’m guessing the series. The end left me hanging in the best way and counting down the days until I can get my next fix. Cruel Money is the perfect guilty pleasure read.
I voluntarily read an early copy.
bookwife's review
4.0
Another fantastically angsty book by Linde. I loved this story. Natalie is a writer and she has a job house sitting for a rich family that has a house on the beach. So she thinks it's the perfect place to write... until the owners son and his friends show up. She had a one night stand with Penn 6 years ago and he doesn't remember her. This is how the book starts and it had me laughing. She is all madd and he has no idea why.
They are from different worlds but want to make it work. I love them. I am anxiously waiting for the next book!
They are from different worlds but want to make it work. I love them. I am anxiously waiting for the next book!
michellesantiago's review
3.0
Originally posted on Undeniably Book Nerdy book blog:
I went into Cruel Money without know much about it, only the synopsis we're given and once I started reading it I knew there's a lot more to the story...
Our heroine Natalie Bishop never stays in one place long. She house sits for the all over the world for the rich and famous while trying to pen her next novel. She's currently housesitting for a politician in the Hamptons when she's hit with a blast from the past in the form of our hero Penn Kensington, a philosophy professor and the son of a prominent politician--whose house Natalie happened to be housesitting. Penn and Natalie had a one-night stand in Paris six years prior to the start of the story. Completely charmed by Penn, Natalie thought it was the start of something more, but after their night together, she never saw or heard from him again. Until now.
Then, we immediately meet Penn's crew--Lark (daughter of a famous handbag designer but works in public relations and involved in a lot of charities), Lewis (a hedge fund manager), Katherine (a socialite), Rowe (a tech genius who designed a very popular social media platform Crew)--and the story takes off from there...
I don't want to give away anything because I think it's best if you go into Cruel Money blind--much more fun and delicious that way. However, if you like a lot of drama, secrets and lies, angst, scandals, and wicked games where you don't know who is a friend and who is an enemy, you're going to enjoy Cruel Money. Add to that the piping hot chemistry between Penn and Natalie and the turn-up-the-AC level of steam, you're in for a good time.
I do have to say that there were some eye-rolling moments at times, especially when it came to Natalie. I liked that she had spunk and she didn't let the rich people intimidate her--at least on the outside. But there were times when I wanted to shake her she was being extra dense. This book does end in a pretty big cliffhanger so just beware, but book two is coming out in a few months (April possibly?) so it's not a long wait.
If you want to be entertained a la rich people drama filled with scandals and secrets, look no further than Cruel Money.
I went into Cruel Money without know much about it, only the synopsis we're given and once I started reading it I knew there's a lot more to the story...
Our heroine Natalie Bishop never stays in one place long. She house sits for the all over the world for the rich and famous while trying to pen her next novel. She's currently housesitting for a politician in the Hamptons when she's hit with a blast from the past in the form of our hero Penn Kensington, a philosophy professor and the son of a prominent politician--whose house Natalie happened to be housesitting. Penn and Natalie had a one-night stand in Paris six years prior to the start of the story. Completely charmed by Penn, Natalie thought it was the start of something more, but after their night together, she never saw or heard from him again. Until now.
Then, we immediately meet Penn's crew--Lark (daughter of a famous handbag designer but works in public relations and involved in a lot of charities), Lewis (a hedge fund manager), Katherine (a socialite), Rowe (a tech genius who designed a very popular social media platform Crew)--and the story takes off from there...
I don't want to give away anything because I think it's best if you go into Cruel Money blind--much more fun and delicious that way. However, if you like a lot of drama, secrets and lies, angst, scandals, and wicked games where you don't know who is a friend and who is an enemy, you're going to enjoy Cruel Money. Add to that the piping hot chemistry between Penn and Natalie and the turn-up-the-AC level of steam, you're in for a good time.
I do have to say that there were some eye-rolling moments at times, especially when it came to Natalie. I liked that she had spunk and she didn't let the rich people intimidate her--at least on the outside. But there were times when I wanted to shake her she was being extra dense. This book does end in a pretty big cliffhanger so just beware, but book two is coming out in a few months (April possibly?) so it's not a long wait.
If you want to be entertained a la rich people drama filled with scandals and secrets, look no further than Cruel Money.
syndi3's review
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Hmmm... Cruel Money is more Cruel Intention with heavy on romance. I have to admit the writing, the idea, the drama is good.
I want more on the drama. More twist.
The chemistry between Penn and Natalie is hot. Super hot. They met once during ONS in Paris. Penn left without a trace. Then they were given second chance when Natalie babysits Penn's parent house.
There is issue with social status since Penn is coming from elite status while Natalie is nobody. There are drama on the story but I want more.
Overall a satisfy read for my weekend.
I want more on the drama. More twist.
The chemistry between Penn and Natalie is hot. Super hot. They met once during ONS in Paris. Penn left without a trace. Then they were given second chance when Natalie babysits Penn's parent house.
There is issue with social status since Penn is coming from elite status while Natalie is nobody. There are drama on the story but I want more.
Overall a satisfy read for my weekend.
fsmeurinne's review
5.0
This is 6 years later, when Penn and Natalie meet again after their night in Paris. They have a past, their present is different, but this story is full of angst that will start you on a journey you never thought you would find yourself in.
smbmar's review
5.0
This book is AH MAZ ING!!! Almost a take on Cruel Intentions. I am in love with the characters and the storyline. It does leave you hanging so wait a bit if you don't like cliffhangers. I can't wait to read the next installment!!!
kricketland's review against another edition
4.0
TITLE: Cruel Money
GENRE: Romance
AUTHOR: K. A. Linde
TROPE: Second Chance, Enemies-to-Lovers
TYPE: Series (Cruel Book 1)
POV: Dual POV
MY RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
GENRE: Romance
AUTHOR: K. A. Linde
TROPE: Second Chance, Enemies-to-Lovers
TYPE: Series (Cruel Book 1)
POV: Dual POV
MY RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
amandabnolan's review
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.25