Scan barcode
kaydanielsromance's review
5.0
Instant spark, chemistry and total fire!! I loved Brutal Saint from beginning to end.
I admit, the title of the book is a bit duplicitous. Cole's role within the Saint family is an enforcer, so his nature of how to be brutal is known wide and far, but when he's not working his personality is completely opposite of that man. Cole's softer side is all about pleasure and taking care of those he cares about and boy did I envy Harlow multiple times throughout this book. The two sides of his personality come together where he's commanding and dominant, but it all revolves around pleasure and making sure Harlow is well taken care of. Yes, please!!!
Harlow easily slipped into submission, without even knowing she was doing it. Her life has never been easy, so to have someone take over and instantly take care of all of her needs, it was like the best vacation she'd never been able to take before with the hottest man alive. Trying to fight Cole...why bother, am I right? Kidding, Harlow is an amazing character, independent with spirit, but also a huge heart. I loved her!!! These two are my absolute favorite, so the last two Saint boys have a lot of catching up to do to kick them out of the top spot.
From the very beginning of the book these two were fire and also involved in the ever evolving plot without realizing it. I loved how the plot unfolded, not only between these two, but also as a whole. While the Saint family continued to search for information on Grayson's killer, Harlow was caught in the middle of that investigation. As the twists kept coming and I was gobsmacked over how it all unfolded Harlow fit in perfectly by Cole's side through the entire story.
This book ends on another great cliffhanger with the continuing mystery moving on and the next brother on deck. It's getting tense and I can hardly wait to find out more.
I admit, the title of the book is a bit duplicitous. Cole's role within the Saint family is an enforcer, so his nature of how to be brutal is known wide and far, but when he's not working his personality is completely opposite of that man. Cole's softer side is all about pleasure and taking care of those he cares about and boy did I envy Harlow multiple times throughout this book. The two sides of his personality come together where he's commanding and dominant, but it all revolves around pleasure and making sure Harlow is well taken care of. Yes, please!!!
Harlow easily slipped into submission, without even knowing she was doing it. Her life has never been easy, so to have someone take over and instantly take care of all of her needs, it was like the best vacation she'd never been able to take before with the hottest man alive. Trying to fight Cole...why bother, am I right? Kidding, Harlow is an amazing character, independent with spirit, but also a huge heart. I loved her!!! These two are my absolute favorite, so the last two Saint boys have a lot of catching up to do to kick them out of the top spot.
From the very beginning of the book these two were fire and also involved in the ever evolving plot without realizing it. I loved how the plot unfolded, not only between these two, but also as a whole. While the Saint family continued to search for information on Grayson's killer, Harlow was caught in the middle of that investigation. As the twists kept coming and I was gobsmacked over how it all unfolded Harlow fit in perfectly by Cole's side through the entire story.
This book ends on another great cliffhanger with the continuing mystery moving on and the next brother on deck. It's getting tense and I can hardly wait to find out more.
kaitbabs's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
pagesinkedinshadows's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
We pick up a little bit before the ending of book 1 & does it start off with a bang.
The chemistry between Harlow & Cole is amazing!
We finally get some life altering answers, but are left with some more unanswered questions. I can’t wait to see what will happen with the next Saint brother.
The chemistry between Harlow & Cole is amazing!
We finally get some life altering answers, but are left with some more unanswered questions. I can’t wait to see what will happen with the next Saint brother.
eugeniareads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
I was so excited when I found out this one was going to focus on Cole! After reading Cruel Saint I feel in love. Cole falls hard and fast and I love that. He is so protective, in the best way of Harlow and his family. I loved learning everything about Cole.
I love Harlow. She been through a lot. Having to deal with what happened to her at the beginning of book. (Trying not give too much away but you have to read Cruel Saint to understand this one). You can really tell she loves those around her and she will do anything for them.
The banter between the brothers continues and it is the best. I always enjoy when they hang out and make fun of each other.
The spice in this one is amazing. The bathroom scene when they get to the island is amazing! Goodness Cole.
So much is dropped in this one. They are getting closer to finding out answers but what fun would it be if we had all the answers. I can’t wait for the next one.
I love Harlow. She been through a lot. Having to deal with what happened to her at the beginning of book. (Trying not give too much away but you have to read Cruel Saint to understand this one). You can really tell she loves those around her and she will do anything for them.
The banter between the brothers continues and it is the best. I always enjoy when they hang out and make fun of each other.
The spice in this one is amazing. The bathroom scene when they get to the island is amazing! Goodness Cole.
So much is dropped in this one. They are getting closer to finding out answers but what fun would it be if we had all the answers. I can’t wait for the next one.
aliciasplendeur's review
5.0
Wow, Cole and Harlow were smoking hot. I loved Cole's possessiveness with Harlow because he's fallen as hard as Ryder predicted.
We also learn why their older brother Lennox has been distant for most of their lives, who attacked Cole years ago, and who is responsible for Grayson's death.
After the death of her sister, Harlow is laying low until she is finally able to leave Seattle. On her way out of town, she books a secluded cabin to spend the night. But she finds it occupied by a very good-looking man who is also renting the cabin rather than send her away he invites her in and they spend the evening getting well acquainted with one another. She manages to slip away in the morning.
While investigating who the dead woman was from the warehouse, Cole learns the woman he had a one-night stand with is someone they need to find. He needs to protect her from her sister's killer and from the other people looking for her. He won't let her slip away this time because this time he plans on keeping her.
Thank you so much to the author and Candi Kane PR for this ARC to review.
We also learn why their older brother Lennox has been distant for most of their lives, who attacked Cole years ago, and who is responsible for Grayson's death.
After the death of her sister, Harlow is laying low until she is finally able to leave Seattle. On her way out of town, she books a secluded cabin to spend the night. But she finds it occupied by a very good-looking man who is also renting the cabin rather than send her away he invites her in and they spend the evening getting well acquainted with one another. She manages to slip away in the morning.
While investigating who the dead woman was from the warehouse, Cole learns the woman he had a one-night stand with is someone they need to find. He needs to protect her from her sister's killer and from the other people looking for her. He won't let her slip away this time because this time he plans on keeping her.
Thank you so much to the author and Candi Kane PR for this ARC to review.
bookaddictreviews's review
5.0
This entire series has me completely hooked! The mystery, the suspense, I can’t get enough of it.
The chemistry between Cole and Harlow…it is off the charts. These two are heating up the pages, especially when it comes to their first meeting. There were complete strangers. However, they are a connection that neither of them knew about until later…
I love Cole. I love that he is the enforcer of his family and brutal, but also has a softer side that comes out when he isn’t all about business. I also really love Harlow. She has been through a lot, but she is so caring and love. Her and Cole really balance each other and I couldn’t get enough of them.
This book is not a standalone, make sure you read book one in the series first.
If you’re looking for a dark, mafia, romantic suspense this is one to check out.
The chemistry between Cole and Harlow…it is off the charts. These two are heating up the pages, especially when it comes to their first meeting. There were complete strangers. However, they are a connection that neither of them knew about until later…
I love Cole. I love that he is the enforcer of his family and brutal, but also has a softer side that comes out when he isn’t all about business. I also really love Harlow. She has been through a lot, but she is so caring and love. Her and Cole really balance each other and I couldn’t get enough of them.
This book is not a standalone, make sure you read book one in the series first.
If you’re looking for a dark, mafia, romantic suspense this is one to check out.
booklovinmamas's review
5.0
Full Review posted at A Book Lovin' Mama's Blog
Brutal Saint is the second book in Luna Kayne’s Vicious Empire series. All four books are interconnected, so you must read them in order. After being introduced to Cole Saint in Ryder’s Book, Cruel Saint, I was anxious and excited to read his book. After reading it, it’s all Luna Kayne’s fault that I’m now adding Cole to my long list of book boyfriends. I already have a ridiculous amount of fictional book boyfriends; what’s adding one more to the mix? Let’s hope none of the others get jealous of Cole. He can hold his own against all of them, though.
Brutal Saint is the second book in Luna Kayne’s Vicious Empire series. All four books are interconnected, so you must read them in order. After being introduced to Cole Saint in Ryder’s Book, Cruel Saint, I was anxious and excited to read his book. After reading it, it’s all Luna Kayne’s fault that I’m now adding Cole to my long list of book boyfriends. I already have a ridiculous amount of fictional book boyfriends; what’s adding one more to the mix? Let’s hope none of the others get jealous of Cole. He can hold his own against all of them, though.
phoeberuth's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Who can resist a MC with a fetish for fuzzy socks?
I loved Cole as the male love interest and found him a much lighter change from Ryder with (seemingly) fewer demons. He is definitely more of a jokester and I enjoyed the lighter moments with both him and Harlow and his brothers. I also liked how Luna Kayne incorporated the controlling, domineering side that all of the Saint brothers seem to have. Despite him being sweeter/gentler than Ryder when his controlling side came out it didn't feel out of place but an extension of his need to care. He reminded me of a gentle giant or a teddy bear and those are my favourite kind of heroes.
Harlow was easy to like and I enjoyed her POVs. Her history of the care system and being split from her siblings made her walls understandable and she felt very rounded as a character. I loved the loyality between her and her siblings and how it mirrored the Saint brothers'. Despite all Harlow has been through she still has a lightness and sweetness that could have easily been stamped out. The chemistry between her and Cole was palpable and they bounced off each other.
I loved Cole as the male love interest and found him a much lighter change from Ryder with (seemingly) fewer demons. He is definitely more of a jokester and I enjoyed the lighter moments with both him and Harlow and his brothers. I also liked how Luna Kayne incorporated the controlling, domineering side that all of the Saint brothers seem to have. Despite him being sweeter/gentler than Ryder when his controlling side came out it didn't feel out of place but an extension of his need to care. He reminded me of a gentle giant or a teddy bear and those are my favourite kind of heroes.
Harlow was easy to like and I enjoyed her POVs. Her history of the care system and being split from her siblings made her walls understandable and she felt very rounded as a character. I loved the loyality between her and her siblings and how it mirrored the Saint brothers'. Despite all Harlow has been through she still has a lightness and sweetness that could have easily been stamped out. The chemistry between her and Cole was palpable and they bounced off each other.
"We don’t choose our family. We choose who we love, and we make them our family."
I am loving the continuing storyline throughout the series and seeing the web unfold around the Saints and the Luccianos. The different alliances. The lies. The bloodlines. It's the kind of tangle that I love in other series about crime families and one of the reasons I love the trope.
I did like that we got more of Lennox and got to understand why he was so withdrawn. Seeing Cole's analysis of the relationship between him and Ryder also helped with context for Cruel Saint. Sloane explaining her history with Lennox has made me really excited for their story in the future.
I am so looking forward to the 1st November when I can read Dagen's story in Wild Saint.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder and Violence
dawnsdiary's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
This is the second book in the interconnected Vicious Empire series and it follows Cole and Harlow. I was really interested in Cole as a character while reading Cruel Saint because the banter between him, Ryder and Dagen. I couldn’t wait to read more about him. I recommend that the books be read in order.
After witnessing something she shouldn’t have, Harlow is on the run. While travelling, she books a cabin for the night. Upon arriving, however, it turns out that Cole also booked the cabin, who is travelling to meet with his brothers. The two feel an instant chemistry, and this meeting turns into an explosive night. in the morning, however, Harlow is gone. However, their paths are more intertwined than any of them could have imagined.
I thoroughly appreciated the progression of the series' main plot and Cole and Harlow's relationship. Since Cole serves as the Saint family's enforcer, people are aware of his reputation for brutality, yet when he's not at work, he's the total antithesis of that man. Cole has a sensitive side that is all about enjoyment and looking out for the people he loves most. His controlling and domineering behavior combines the two facets of his nature, but it all centers on Harlow’s pleasure and taking care of her .
Harlow’s life has never been simple. Cole, wanting to take care of her and fulfill all of her needs, made her discover it was something she had always desired but lacked for most of her life. Harlow is a wonderful character who has both a big heart and an independent personality. Her love for her siblings was beautiful, and it reminded me of Cole's love for his.
The main storyline also changed considerably, leaving me wanting more and on the edge of my seat due to plot twists. The book was written beautifully, with a great balance between the romance and the murder mystery plot. I thoroughly loved this book and am eagerly awaiting the next.
I received the ARC from CandiKanePR in exchange for an honest review.
After witnessing something she shouldn’t have, Harlow is on the run. While travelling, she books a cabin for the night. Upon arriving, however, it turns out that Cole also booked the cabin, who is travelling to meet with his brothers. The two feel an instant chemistry, and this meeting turns into an explosive night. in the morning, however, Harlow is gone. However, their paths are more intertwined than any of them could have imagined.
I thoroughly appreciated the progression of the series' main plot and Cole and Harlow's relationship. Since Cole serves as the Saint family's enforcer, people are aware of his reputation for brutality, yet when he's not at work, he's the total antithesis of that man. Cole has a sensitive side that is all about enjoyment and looking out for the people he loves most. His controlling and domineering behavior combines the two facets of his nature, but it all centers on Harlow’s pleasure and taking care of her .
Harlow’s life has never been simple. Cole, wanting to take care of her and fulfill all of her needs, made her discover it was something she had always desired but lacked for most of her life. Harlow is a wonderful character who has both a big heart and an independent personality. Her love for her siblings was beautiful, and it reminded me of Cole's love for his.
The main storyline also changed considerably, leaving me wanting more and on the edge of my seat due to plot twists. The book was written beautifully, with a great balance between the romance and the murder mystery plot. I thoroughly loved this book and am eagerly awaiting the next.
I received the ARC from CandiKanePR in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
More...