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annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review
4.0
When I was asked if I wanted a review copy of this book I almost said no. Mostly because I don't really enjoy contemporary novels. Also because Mafia novels are not really my thing either. And then I noticed the name Melody Sterling. I recognized that name. And that's the moment I realized this is a spin-off of an amazing series by these authors. Luckily I realized it in time to accept my arc from this book with pleasure.
It's quite clear that Melody is nothing like her sister. Melody seemed a little softer, a little shyer and also more emotional. And that somehow made Melody easier to identify with and therefore easier to root for. It however DOESN'T make her any weaker than her sister. Melody is smart, Melody is strong, Melody knows what she wants. She just also has a healthy dose of fear and didn't have her feelings beat out of her. And especially that combination works so well!
I personally kinda missed Dante's point of view in this book. I can imagine what he has been thinking throughout the book, I can imagine how he enjoys seeing that Melody is more than the pretty doll he bargained for, I can imagine he likes her fire and that even when she's afraid she still finds a way to fight back. I personally would have loved to also read it. I think it would have made a lot of moments even more intense.
Since this book is mostly about Melody and Dante finding out how to make their marriage work, the plot is not really prominent. However, it's quite clear that in the end we get to see that there is more to come, that there is danger to come, that there is darkness to come and that we will also get to see more of the Mafia world. I'm really looking forward to it! Especially because I think Dante and Melody make a truly amazing team together!
It's quite clear that Melody is nothing like her sister. Melody seemed a little softer, a little shyer and also more emotional. And that somehow made Melody easier to identify with and therefore easier to root for. It however DOESN'T make her any weaker than her sister. Melody is smart, Melody is strong, Melody knows what she wants. She just also has a healthy dose of fear and didn't have her feelings beat out of her. And especially that combination works so well!
I personally kinda missed Dante's point of view in this book. I can imagine what he has been thinking throughout the book, I can imagine how he enjoys seeing that Melody is more than the pretty doll he bargained for, I can imagine he likes her fire and that even when she's afraid she still finds a way to fight back. I personally would have loved to also read it. I think it would have made a lot of moments even more intense.
Since this book is mostly about Melody and Dante finding out how to make their marriage work, the plot is not really prominent. However, it's quite clear that in the end we get to see that there is more to come, that there is danger to come, that there is darkness to come and that we will also get to see more of the Mafia world. I'm really looking forward to it! Especially because I think Dante and Melody make a truly amazing team together!
la_vampiresa's review
4.0
Cruel Kiss (formally known as Savage Hate) is the first book in the Savage Secrets series. This is also a spin-off of the Sweetest Revenge series. While it's not required I would highly recommend reading the first series to get the full experience. The events takes place AFTER the completed series and there's many spoilers from the first book.
Ah yes, good old mafia, arranged marriage. Normally, I have to be in a mood to fully enjoy this...luckily I was. Melody, Lyric's sister finds herself in a predicament, where she was basically sold by her sister, and was forced to get married to a cruel, "heartless" mob boss, Dante. I had a bit of mixed feelings about Melody in the beginning. She eventually grew on me and she really became a badass. Dante, mmmm yummy Dante. I would have loved to see his POV, but still this story was quite entertaining!
Ah yes, good old mafia, arranged marriage. Normally, I have to be in a mood to fully enjoy this...luckily I was. Melody, Lyric's sister finds herself in a predicament, where she was basically sold by her sister, and was forced to get married to a cruel, "heartless" mob boss, Dante. I had a bit of mixed feelings about Melody in the beginning. She eventually grew on me and she really became a badass. Dante, mmmm yummy Dante. I would have loved to see his POV, but still this story was quite entertaining!
lunarbookwyrm's review
5.0
Please read TW/CW because this book isn't for everyone and contains darker themes. So if it's not for you, it's not for you. ⚠️⚠️⚠️
OMG, I have wanted to read this book after the SWEETEST revenge series. I couldn't resist. Like omg. It was everything and it definitely was an easy 5-star read. Dante was a broody HOT AF man. This is a spin-off of the book from the series.
There was supposed to be a deal to be made and a bride was sold into this marriage. Melody Sterling, I never thought I'd grow to like her, but damn. I wouldn't be happy being sold to a powerful mafia boss, but here we are walking down the aisle to an attractive, dark, handsome, delicious AF man.
The character development and the chemistry between these too are just hot, sexy, and ah yes so delicious. She just had to be bratty and of course, he had to show her who is the boss. She was just supposed to be a trophy wife, but of course, she had other hidden talents.
When someone tries to betray Dante, this is where Melody's talents are put to use. But she hates him so we shall see about that. The tension grows slowly and they are just electric together.
OMG, I have wanted to read this book after the SWEETEST revenge series. I couldn't resist. Like omg. It was everything and it definitely was an easy 5-star read. Dante was a broody HOT AF man. This is a spin-off of the book from the series.
There was supposed to be a deal to be made and a bride was sold into this marriage. Melody Sterling, I never thought I'd grow to like her, but damn. I wouldn't be happy being sold to a powerful mafia boss, but here we are walking down the aisle to an attractive, dark, handsome, delicious AF man.
The character development and the chemistry between these too are just hot, sexy, and ah yes so delicious. She just had to be bratty and of course, he had to show her who is the boss. She was just supposed to be a trophy wife, but of course, she had other hidden talents.
When someone tries to betray Dante, this is where Melody's talents are put to use. But she hates him so we shall see about that. The tension grows slowly and they are just electric together.
belindaclemons_123's review
5.0
OMG Melody and Dante are so awesome. Their relationship starts out as her being the debt owed from her father to Dante. And it grows along the way with them trying to figure out who the mole in his Syndicate is. On another note This is actually a spin off of this fantastic duos Sweetest Revenge Melody is actually Lyrics twin sister.
ellesbellesreads's review
5.0
I was SO amped for this book, after finishing the Sweetest Revenge series, I couldn't wait for Melody's story to be told. After what she did I am glad that Lyric (her sister) was able to figure out how to repay the debt they had with Dante Leonardi without it being herself. Side note: if you haven't read that series, I definitely recommend it! You won't be totally lost, but it'll help as to WHY Melody was forced into this marriage, because it's not the typical way.
Melody is not happy at all that she's forced to marry Dante Leonardi, a known heartless and cold crime boss. She tries to figure out how to get out of this arrangement, but she's warned to obey her husband and do as he says. She's on the fence about what Dante is really looking for with this marriage but she knows she is stuck.
It’s a very rocky start to their relationship, Dante will not stand for disrespect in front of his family or men. Melody has not had an easy childhood, dealing with the loss of her mother from a young age, her father who was… a bastard (to put it lightly), and all of the other things she’s been through. If you haven’t read the other series I don’t want to spoil it for you. So she’s been sheltered and thrown into situations that usually she can work her way out of them, but not this time.
We learn about Dante and that even though he rules his mafia with an iron fist he truly wants to protect Melody. There’s a lot of threats, deceit & secrets that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat with this book. And the cliffhanger will make you question everything.
I’m excited to see where Helen & Zoey take Melody & Dante’s story next.
Melody is not happy at all that she's forced to marry Dante Leonardi, a known heartless and cold crime boss. She tries to figure out how to get out of this arrangement, but she's warned to obey her husband and do as he says. She's on the fence about what Dante is really looking for with this marriage but she knows she is stuck.
It’s a very rocky start to their relationship, Dante will not stand for disrespect in front of his family or men. Melody has not had an easy childhood, dealing with the loss of her mother from a young age, her father who was… a bastard (to put it lightly), and all of the other things she’s been through. If you haven’t read the other series I don’t want to spoil it for you. So she’s been sheltered and thrown into situations that usually she can work her way out of them, but not this time.
We learn about Dante and that even though he rules his mafia with an iron fist he truly wants to protect Melody. There’s a lot of threats, deceit & secrets that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat with this book. And the cliffhanger will make you question everything.
I’m excited to see where Helen & Zoey take Melody & Dante’s story next.
nessan651's review
5.0
I'm starting to enjoy mafia books more and more and I loved this one.
Melody and dante they absolutely loathe each other but they have to get married.
I loved Dante he may act like a hard boss man but he loves and protects what's his.
Melody I actually started of disliking her as she was so spoiled and bratty
Loved this book and can't wait to see what comes next
Melody and dante they absolutely loathe each other but they have to get married.
I loved Dante he may act like a hard boss man but he loves and protects what's his.
Melody I actually started of disliking her as she was so spoiled and bratty
Loved this book and can't wait to see what comes next
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