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Cocky Hero Club
Cruel Beloved
Sign on the dotted line…
I, Carla Star, agree to marry you, Corton Whiskey, on the date supplied in the attached contract. In signing this document, I agree that I shall not, by any means, try to break this contract. I understand that if I do, the envelope held in escrow will be released to the parties identified within the contract, and I shall forfeit my right to the privacy currently afforded to me by the aforementioned Mr. Corton Whiskey.
Aubrey Bateman
Lawyer acting on behalf of Mr. Whiskey
I received this contract, hand-delivered, and I’m now staring at it in disbelief. Me, the daughter of a senator, is being bribed by a one-night stand.
If he thinks he can blackmail me with his perversions, he can damn well think again.
I, Carla Star, agree to marry you, Corton Whiskey, on the date supplied in the attached contract. In signing this document, I agree that I shall not, by any means, try to break this contract. I understand that if I do, the envelope held in escrow will be released to the parties identified within the contract, and I shall forfeit my right to the privacy currently afforded to me by the aforementioned Mr. Corton Whiskey.
Aubrey Bateman
Lawyer acting on behalf of Mr. Whiskey
I received this contract, hand-delivered, and I’m now staring at it in disbelief. Me, the daughter of a senator, is being bribed by a one-night stand.
If he thinks he can blackmail me with his perversions, he can damn well think again.
312 pages, Paperback
First published May 27, 2020
145 people are currently reading
960 people want to read
About the author
T.L. Smith
81 books6,138 followersUSA Today Best Selling Author T.L. Smith loves to write her characters with flaws so beautiful and dark that you can’t turn away from. Her books have been translated into several languages. If you don’t find her in her home town of Queensland, Australia you can usually find her travelling around the world to sitting on a beach in Bali, to exploring Alcatraz in San Francisco or walking the streets of New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews
May 16, 2020
Unpopular opinion alert!!
Yikes, I didn’t love this one, sorry guys! I know Carla and Whiskey have been a big hit with most readers so far, but I really struggled to find any connection with them.
Yikes, I didn’t love this one, sorry guys! I know Carla and Whiskey have been a big hit with most readers so far, but I really struggled to find any connection with them.
June 3, 2020
3 stars
okay i was really excited when i got this one. blackmailing, forced marriage, enemies to lovers kind of romance. however, i struggled to really connect with Whisky, AND i had huge issues with some parts. spoiler alert guys
that being said, T.L Smith did a good job in keeping the plot suspenseful, not revealing Whisky's secret until the end. i just wish to see more grovelling!! (esp Whisky and her parents).
anyway, those are just my thoughts, please don't let this 3 star stop you from reading! 😅
okay i was really excited when i got this one. blackmailing, forced marriage, enemies to lovers kind of romance. however, i struggled to really connect with Whisky, AND i had huge issues with some parts. spoiler alert guys
that being said, T.L Smith did a good job in keeping the plot suspenseful, not revealing Whisky's secret until the end. i just wish to see more grovelling!! (esp Whisky and her parents).
anyway, those are just my thoughts, please don't let this 3 star stop you from reading! 😅
May 25, 2020
Cruel Beloved was a book that should have been perfect for me. I love a good revenge story, and I had hoped this would provide me with all the goodness such stories have to offer. Unfortunately, this one did not work for me.
At first, I was curious about this one. If nothing else, the side characters won me over. Sadly, the more I read the less I enjoyed. In the end, I was skimming to get the details of what was happening. I did not feel the connection between the characters, I did not like the characters, and I just wanted an explanation.
When the explanation came, it was a disappointment. Add in the fact that everything was wrapped up far too neatly after – to the point where it seemed like people had personality transplants – and this one didn’t work for me.
I’m sure it’ll work for some, but Cruel Beloved was not for me.
At first, I was curious about this one. If nothing else, the side characters won me over. Sadly, the more I read the less I enjoyed. In the end, I was skimming to get the details of what was happening. I did not feel the connection between the characters, I did not like the characters, and I just wanted an explanation.
When the explanation came, it was a disappointment. Add in the fact that everything was wrapped up far too neatly after – to the point where it seemed like people had personality transplants – and this one didn’t work for me.
I’m sure it’ll work for some, but Cruel Beloved was not for me.
May 12, 2020
This super sexy, forced marriage romance between the senator's daughter and a billionaire out for revenge will keep you enthralled!
Corton Whiskey has an agenda. Unfortunately for Carla, she's just collateral damage.
They met in a bar. Carla decided to let loose one time in her life and it comes back to bite her. A year later and that one night stand is going to lead to a little blackmail and a whole lot of sexual tension.
Whiskey wants her as his wife for one year, then they can divorce and go their separate ways. He won't tell her why, but he has no problem forcing her to do it.
She may hate Whiskey for what he's done to her, but her body did not get the memo. Regardless of how much she tells herself she hates him, she can't help but want to tear his clothes off. They just need to survive the year and not catch feelings. The only problem is, Whiskey never expected Carla to be irresistible.
The chemistry is off-the-charts HOTTTT! The sexual tension is at max level!! These two are incendiary. The hate makes for an explosive union, but it doesn't take long for hate to turn into so much more. Whiskey and Carla both evolve throughout the story. Carla finds the strength to stand up for herself and obtain the life she wants. Whiskey makes peace with the past, so that he can embrace a future with the woman who stole his heart. The obstacles they overcome to be together make their HEA even sweeter. LOVED IT!
Corton Whiskey has an agenda. Unfortunately for Carla, she's just collateral damage.
They met in a bar. Carla decided to let loose one time in her life and it comes back to bite her. A year later and that one night stand is going to lead to a little blackmail and a whole lot of sexual tension.
Whiskey wants her as his wife for one year, then they can divorce and go their separate ways. He won't tell her why, but he has no problem forcing her to do it.
She may hate Whiskey for what he's done to her, but her body did not get the memo. Regardless of how much she tells herself she hates him, she can't help but want to tear his clothes off. They just need to survive the year and not catch feelings. The only problem is, Whiskey never expected Carla to be irresistible.
The chemistry is off-the-charts HOTTTT! The sexual tension is at max level!! These two are incendiary. The hate makes for an explosive union, but it doesn't take long for hate to turn into so much more. Whiskey and Carla both evolve throughout the story. Carla finds the strength to stand up for herself and obtain the life she wants. Whiskey makes peace with the past, so that he can embrace a future with the woman who stole his heart. The obstacles they overcome to be together make their HEA even sweeter. LOVED IT!
June 4, 2020
hmmm...
what worked for me here was initiated lust betweeen the characters BUT the whole "enemies to lovers" trope was basically pent up on the word "enemies" - these two truly hated each other and there was no love between them...so, the sex part was just that - a pent up angsty steam release - nothing more...
And honestly, I didn't realize WHEN the LOVE factor appeared in the story cause there were no signs visible. I didn't feel that the hate turned into smth more, we were told though, in a sentence or two, but the actions speak louder than words and I didn't catch that love is in the air....
So, angty sex, YES, love - hmmm...I'd need more pages for that one to appear in full force
what worked for me here was initiated lust betweeen the characters BUT the whole "enemies to lovers" trope was basically pent up on the word "enemies" - these two truly hated each other and there was no love between them...so, the sex part was just that - a pent up angsty steam release - nothing more...
And honestly, I didn't realize WHEN the LOVE factor appeared in the story cause there were no signs visible. I didn't feel that the hate turned into smth more, we were told though, in a sentence or two, but the actions speak louder than words and I didn't catch that love is in the air....
So, angty sex, YES, love - hmmm...I'd need more pages for that one to appear in full force
June 5, 2020
⭐️⭐️4.5 stars⭐️⭐️💔
Cruel beloved by T.L. Smith is one of the books featured in the Cocky Hero Club by Penelope Ward and VI Keeland.
From the moment that I started this book I was engrossed by the cocky hero and his sassy heroine. This is Whiskey and Carla’s Story.
It all started a year ago when these two met and hit it off. That night resulted in a one night stand. Fast forwarded a year later and Carla is being bribed by her one night stand. Bribed is putting it nicely more like blackmailed.
From something that starts off as a contract binding marriage simply in the ends turns out to be something neither of these two expected. They didn’t expect to find love out of this situation.
This is where the games begin, along the way, lines are blurred and feelings become involved. Hate is starting to turn a bit more into love and these two don’t know what to do about that.
Being raised as a senators daughter, isn’t easy for Carla. She’s not just the rich girl who has everything handed to her. She’s a girl with parents who couldn’t give a shit, as long as she lives up to their standards.
She’s different from the people who raised her. Whiskey can definitely see it when his around her. She really is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen and be can’t wait to pull back every layer there is of her.
The one thing I loved the most out of this book was the banter that these characters had. It was a push and pull relationship that was building each time they were near. The chemistry and connection was so intense that I felt like I was going to combust out of my seams. When they really get together, it’s an explosion of electricity that was just waiting to be sizzled together.
“Whiskey is nothing I wanted, but everything I need.
“Carla’s like ice, she’s too beautiful too touch for fear of the cold and too hard to crack.
But lucky for me, I have an ice pick. And I plan to use it on every inch of her.”
The mystery was there of why Whiskey was blackmailing her and along the way we learn small pieces of the puzzle of why. I could sort of piece it together before the secret came out but the author added her twist to it that I didn’t see coming.
I don’t want to give too much of the story as from the blurb you can sort of see where this book is going to go. Although as you read, it’s not as straight forward as you think. Prepare yourself for the unexpected. The unexpected parts are always the best parts.
This was a book I could not put down, for me it was a fast paced yet addicting and consuming book. You simply just can’t help yourself but love all aspects of this book, the thing I loved the most was the characters and of course the storyline but the characters are what I lived for.
If your into enemies to lovers with a cocky hero hiding a secret and his sassy and fiery heroine who takes no crap then this book is for you.
Be sure to check it out on the 31st of May 2020!
Cruel beloved by T.L. Smith is one of the books featured in the Cocky Hero Club by Penelope Ward and VI Keeland.
From the moment that I started this book I was engrossed by the cocky hero and his sassy heroine. This is Whiskey and Carla’s Story.
It all started a year ago when these two met and hit it off. That night resulted in a one night stand. Fast forwarded a year later and Carla is being bribed by her one night stand. Bribed is putting it nicely more like blackmailed.
From something that starts off as a contract binding marriage simply in the ends turns out to be something neither of these two expected. They didn’t expect to find love out of this situation.
This is where the games begin, along the way, lines are blurred and feelings become involved. Hate is starting to turn a bit more into love and these two don’t know what to do about that.
Being raised as a senators daughter, isn’t easy for Carla. She’s not just the rich girl who has everything handed to her. She’s a girl with parents who couldn’t give a shit, as long as she lives up to their standards.
She’s different from the people who raised her. Whiskey can definitely see it when his around her. She really is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen and be can’t wait to pull back every layer there is of her.
The one thing I loved the most out of this book was the banter that these characters had. It was a push and pull relationship that was building each time they were near. The chemistry and connection was so intense that I felt like I was going to combust out of my seams. When they really get together, it’s an explosion of electricity that was just waiting to be sizzled together.
“Whiskey is nothing I wanted, but everything I need.
“Carla’s like ice, she’s too beautiful too touch for fear of the cold and too hard to crack.
But lucky for me, I have an ice pick. And I plan to use it on every inch of her.”
The mystery was there of why Whiskey was blackmailing her and along the way we learn small pieces of the puzzle of why. I could sort of piece it together before the secret came out but the author added her twist to it that I didn’t see coming.
I don’t want to give too much of the story as from the blurb you can sort of see where this book is going to go. Although as you read, it’s not as straight forward as you think. Prepare yourself for the unexpected. The unexpected parts are always the best parts.
This was a book I could not put down, for me it was a fast paced yet addicting and consuming book. You simply just can’t help yourself but love all aspects of this book, the thing I loved the most was the characters and of course the storyline but the characters are what I lived for.
If your into enemies to lovers with a cocky hero hiding a secret and his sassy and fiery heroine who takes no crap then this book is for you.
Be sure to check it out on the 31st of May 2020!
June 3, 2020
5 RICH GIRL STARS!! So much love for this one!! Whiskey and Carla hit all my emotion buttons...I loved how feisty Carla was and how Sexy Whiskey is, but I would not expect anything less from T.L. Smith. I know when I pick her books up, I will get a 5 star read. Go ahead and 1-Click you will not be sorry.
May 10, 2020
You will not be able to put this one down! When a senators daughter, Carla Star, receives quite the contract In the mail, well shock would be a mild reaction. Always trying to please her father she decides on a wild night for herself but who knew that would change her path a year later. She is sent a contract to be married to Corton Whiskey, but why? Who is the mystery man she met the year prior and what does he really want? Corton thought he knew what he was getting into until this feisty red head changed that thought process. When secrets, lies, blackmail and high running emotions combine, sometimes it just might be the right recipe to finding yourself. This is absolutely fantastic from page one to the very end! Corton Whiskey is delicious and I loved how strong Carla is. Inspired by Cocky Bastard, this is part of the cocky hero club world, a collection of stories based off of the books by Keeland & Ward. A must read enemies to lovers !Told in dual POV
📷 Teaser by Miss Petite Brunette Book Blog
📷 Teaser by Miss Petite Brunette Book Blog
June 1, 2020
The story, the cover, the blurb … all #winning!! Guys, that’s a unicorn. When the paperback arrives at my house, I will be holding a unicorn!!!
Let’s have a little chat about Corton for a second. This effin guy, amirite?! But here’s the thing, he’s supposed to be that guy. The story doesn’t work any other way. He’s the guy you want to throat punch while at the same time wanting to fuck him against the wall! He’s the douche of douches. What are you gonna do?! LOL Honestly, I think this author did an exceptional job with him. I mean, yeah, I wanted to rip him to shreds but I loved him on the flip side of all that … *shrug* And listen, Carla is no simpering flower. She’s a perfect match to push back on him. I’m telling you, these two were ridiculously perfect. Now let’s talk about this cover for a second. That covers promises something, amirite? It’s screaming ”yeah, I’m an asshole, but you love it so whatever”, right? Right? You know I’m right … and it delivered!! #win
So yeah, I love every single choice this author made for this particular story. All the sass and the passion and the secrets and the twists … ALL.OF.IT.
I’m new to this author but I ‘ve now got three full series downloaded to my kindle and I cannot wait to dive in!
Let’s have a little chat about Corton for a second. This effin guy, amirite?! But here’s the thing, he’s supposed to be that guy. The story doesn’t work any other way. He’s the guy you want to throat punch while at the same time wanting to fuck him against the wall! He’s the douche of douches. What are you gonna do?! LOL Honestly, I think this author did an exceptional job with him. I mean, yeah, I wanted to rip him to shreds but I loved him on the flip side of all that … *shrug* And listen, Carla is no simpering flower. She’s a perfect match to push back on him. I’m telling you, these two were ridiculously perfect. Now let’s talk about this cover for a second. That covers promises something, amirite? It’s screaming ”yeah, I’m an asshole, but you love it so whatever”, right? Right? You know I’m right … and it delivered!! #win
So yeah, I love every single choice this author made for this particular story. All the sass and the passion and the secrets and the twists … ALL.OF.IT.
I’m new to this author but I ‘ve now got three full series downloaded to my kindle and I cannot wait to dive in!
June 2, 2020
This book is - IMO - not a very typical T.L. Smith story. However, it's enemies to lover at it finest. You'll find witty, feisty and bossy characters with great side-kicks.
When a book gives you so many mixed feelings (like anger, sadness and the need to scream or to punch something), that means to me the book got through to you. So, yes, it got me. It took some time to get used to the characters and to feel their chemistry/attraction, but once I got there, I couldn't stop reading.
For my liking, this book could have been a little darker. Whiskey could have been a touch more cruel, even though he did a pretty good job to do this book title justice.
And I loved that you have been guessing, why Whiskey did what he did until the very end. T.L. Smith did a pretty good job here in keeping you captivated and dedicated to the story and its characters.
Cruel Beloved is a spicy, edgy and suspenseful drama that you surely don't want to miss out!
When a book gives you so many mixed feelings (like anger, sadness and the need to scream or to punch something), that means to me the book got through to you. So, yes, it got me. It took some time to get used to the characters and to feel their chemistry/attraction, but once I got there, I couldn't stop reading.
For my liking, this book could have been a little darker. Whiskey could have been a touch more cruel, even though he did a pretty good job to do this book title justice.
And I loved that you have been guessing, why Whiskey did what he did until the very end. T.L. Smith did a pretty good job here in keeping you captivated and dedicated to the story and its characters.
Cruel Beloved is a spicy, edgy and suspenseful drama that you surely don't want to miss out!
May 17, 2020
After a one-night stand they had Carla is convinced that she will never see Whiskey again but one year later he is back in her life blackmailing her to marry him.
Honestly I wouldn’t like this book at all if it wasn’t for Carla. I loved her. No matter what Whiskey did to her she never let him walk all over her. She gives as good as she gets, sometimes even more. After reading about so many heroines that for some unknown reason can’t fight their attraction towards Heroes, even when they treat them like sh*t, Carla’s character was so refreshing. I had some problems with Whiskey’s character but I didn’t hate him.
Emma and Barry, their best friends, were adorable together! I thought that some dialogue seemed forced and that this book was really fast-paced but still I enjoyed reading it. 2,5⭐️
Honestly I wouldn’t like this book at all if it wasn’t for Carla. I loved her. No matter what Whiskey did to her she never let him walk all over her. She gives as good as she gets, sometimes even more. After reading about so many heroines that for some unknown reason can’t fight their attraction towards Heroes, even when they treat them like sh*t, Carla’s character was so refreshing. I had some problems with Whiskey’s character but I didn’t hate him.
Emma and Barry, their best friends, were adorable together! I thought that some dialogue seemed forced and that this book was really fast-paced but still I enjoyed reading it. 2,5⭐️
May 25, 2020
*possible spoilers*
So yeah. Sadly, this didn't really work for me. I disliked the hero, Corton Whiskey, through the WHOLE BOOK. He was a grade A butthead who could have still have gotten his "revenge" if he'd gone about it another way. He never made amends and damn sure didn't grovel enough. I liked Carla a bit more, but she needed to stand up for herself, not just with Whiskey, but her parents as well.
So yeah. Sadly, this didn't really work for me. I disliked the hero, Corton Whiskey, through the WHOLE BOOK. He was a grade A butthead who could have still have gotten his "revenge" if he'd gone about it another way. He never made amends and damn sure didn't grovel enough. I liked Carla a bit more, but she needed to stand up for herself, not just with Whiskey, but her parents as well.
September 7, 2020
4 stars!
AUDIOBOOK
I loved this forced marriage/enemies to lovers romance between Carla Star, the senator’s daughter and Corton Whiskey a sexy bad boy billionaire. Carla is feisty and fiery. She is unapologetic in her strong mindedness and I loved that about her. The two met a year ago in a bar and they have one night of too many drinks and a hookup neither one of them has forgotten about. Now one year later Whiskey is back with a little blackmail and a ton of sexual tension and a proposition Carla cannot turn down. Carla wants to push him away and hate him but her body doesn’t get the memo and is soon giving in to her attraction to him. Whiskey is the ultimate bad boy. I had a hate to love relationship with that man! For the entire book I was frustrated with him one minute and the next I couldn’t get enough of him. The chemistry and tension and was next level. So steamy and hot and the hate vibe going on between them makes for some seriously explosive bedroom scenes! Aubrey and Chance (from Cocky Bastard) are back in this story which I loved.
Teddy Hamilton and Desiree Ketchum were the perfect narrators for this story. Their voices are rich and sexy and complimented each well.
AUDIOBOOK
I loved this forced marriage/enemies to lovers romance between Carla Star, the senator’s daughter and Corton Whiskey a sexy bad boy billionaire. Carla is feisty and fiery. She is unapologetic in her strong mindedness and I loved that about her. The two met a year ago in a bar and they have one night of too many drinks and a hookup neither one of them has forgotten about. Now one year later Whiskey is back with a little blackmail and a ton of sexual tension and a proposition Carla cannot turn down. Carla wants to push him away and hate him but her body doesn’t get the memo and is soon giving in to her attraction to him. Whiskey is the ultimate bad boy. I had a hate to love relationship with that man! For the entire book I was frustrated with him one minute and the next I couldn’t get enough of him. The chemistry and tension and was next level. So steamy and hot and the hate vibe going on between them makes for some seriously explosive bedroom scenes! Aubrey and Chance (from Cocky Bastard) are back in this story which I loved.
Teddy Hamilton and Desiree Ketchum were the perfect narrators for this story. Their voices are rich and sexy and complimented each well.
May 29, 2020
Yeah wasn't crazy about this one. I felt for Carla the one time that she lets loose ends up biting her in the butt, and a year later to boot. So we Whisky who is blackmailing her to marry him for a year, I didn't like him and didn't feel like he really redeemed himself. I liked Carla way better because she wasn't a pushover and that I respect. him not so much
rcvd an ARC at no cost to author...voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions.
rcvd an ARC at no cost to author...voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions.
May 17, 2020
The blurb hooked me. I was intrigued and couldn't wait to read it . Loved the character of Whiskey he was your typical asshole with a soft side and was great to read Carla's story who we met in the original Cocky Bastard. I wasn't fully committed to Carla's character but I did love the storyline. Another great story from TL with the usual explosive chemistry between the main leads that TL does so well! Loved this spin on the Cocky Hero World.
Solid 4.5 stars.
Solid 4.5 stars.
June 6, 2020
4.5 STARS
Adult Contemporary Romance, Enemies-to-Lovers
First Person, Dual-POV
This book is part of the Cocky Hero Club: original works from various authors inspired by Keeland and Ward's New York Times bestselling Cocky Bastard series.
Carla's like ice, she's too beautiful to touch for fear of the cold and too hard to crack.
But lucky for me, I have an ice pick. And I plan to use it on every inch of her.
by Whiskey
As a follower of Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward's work, I've truly enjoyed the idea of this collection.
I love enemies-to-lovers trope and I also love arranged marriage stories. This one didn't disappoint. In fact, this was one of my favorites.
I loved this book!!! It was so so so good, I couldn't let go. The chemistry was explosive, the love/hate relationship was intense and both characters were very lovable. Hate/Love Romance!!!
31.5/35 STARS – 4.5 STARS (between 31.5 stars and 33 stars)
Addictiveness: 5 Character: 5 Cover: 3.5 Freshness: 4 Plot: 4.5 Romance: 4.5 Writing Style: 5
Action 2/5 Angst 2/5 Darkness 0/5 Humor 3/5 Romance 5/5 Suspense/Mystery 3/5
Would I recommend? Yes, if you like enemies-to-lovers romance!
Would I re-read this book/series? Yes!
Would I read more from the author? I'm looking forward to reading more from her.
Addictiveness: 5/5 This was a fast-paced read that kept me on the edge of my seat from the first page of the book. As addictive as chocolate!!!
Character: hero 4.5/5, heroine 5/5, secondary characters 5/5, growth 5/5, real 4/5 Multifaceted characters with lots of layers to them and well written descriptive background.
Carla was a kick-ass heroine!!!! I really loved her. She got caught on a horrible situation, but she never allowed Corton to walked all over her. She gave him tits for tats and made him sweat.
Corton Whiskey was a good hero. Yes, he as a jerk. But I usually likes bad boys that reform themselves. His evolution during the story is big and he grew a lot from beginning until the end of the story. He was also really really hot!!!!
Secondary characters I love their best friends and I hated her parents. So, I can say the author wrote really good secondary characters, since I felt all the emotions.
Villain/antagonists ... there are a few antagonists in this story, I'm not sure if I would call them villains though.
All characters were lovable, easy to connect and understand.
Freshness: 4/5 That was nothing out of the world original here, but there was a very unexpected twist that made the story fresh and unique. As fresh as mint mentos!!!
Plot: believable 5/5, conflict 4/5, dialogue 5/5, ending 5/5, enjoyment 5/5, opening 5/5, pace 5/5, setting 5/5, subplots 5/5, twists 5/5 Great opening and exciting ending. Believable plot, with sexy dialogues and great pace. Good setting, interesting subplots with unexpected twist. High level of enjoyment!
I've loved the concept for this plot and all the twists and turns that it took. Cohesive writing without meaningful loopholes.
Romance: believable 5/5, chemistry 5/5, description 5/5, development 4.5/5, steam 5/5 Holy smoke! This was intense and explosive. The couple couldn't be in closer proximity that the combusted. Amazing descriptive smut and hot romance!
Writing Style: 5/5 I loved the writing. Multidimensional characters, with well written plot, wonderful pace, intense romance, superb dialogues... everything in a cohesive, clean writing style. Work of a wordsmith!!!
Cover: art 3.5/5, title 5/5, color-font 5/5, buy 4/5 I’m obsessed with book covers. I love to find snippets of the stories within the art. This one was ok. Too generic for me. What really attracted me was the title. I love an enemies-to-lovers tale and that title told me that. I would probably buy this book by its cover, but I had to read the blurb.
Also I would like to mention that I didn't like how problems with the parents were solved by the end of the book. Too fast, too soon, too unreal!
You MAY read this because you love the original series; you SHOULD read this because you enjoy the author; you MUST read this because of the kick-ass heroine!!!
June 12, 2020
This book had me sad for the majority of it. It was a story of arranged-marriage and revenge. It was a nice read from a new to me author and honestly the story hand me feeling all the feels. The struggle, the raw emotions, the love-hate dynamic between the characters.
I REALLY wanted to maim the Hero and b***ch slap the Heroine. But their passion was so addictive, I just wanted them to make it work. The sexy time scenes were hot. But unfortunately, when the secrets came out and everything exploded in their faces I would have liked for the groveling to be more intense and more in general. It seemed like the conflict resolved quite quickly and there seemed to be no aftermath that shook their foundation.
All in all, Cruel Beloved was a nice addition to the Cocky Hero Club.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*
I REALLY wanted to maim the Hero and b***ch slap the Heroine. But their passion was so addictive, I just wanted them to make it work. The sexy time scenes were hot. But unfortunately, when the secrets came out and everything exploded in their faces I would have liked for the groveling to be more intense and more in general. It seemed like the conflict resolved quite quickly and there seemed to be no aftermath that shook their foundation.
All in all, Cruel Beloved was a nice addition to the Cocky Hero Club.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*
May 25, 2020
The first time in her life Carla lets loose and has a one night stand. But this one night stand seemed to have come back one year later to bite her in the ass.
Now she is being blackmailed by the man she had the one night stand with and he wants one year of her being his wife. But clearly not for the reason that many people get married for. Now the man she had the best sex of her life with is trapping her and she has no way out.
Whiskey has a secret and he needs Carla to help him with a little problem he has. He will do anything to sort out this problem even using her to get what he wants. And even though he is doing everything in his power to make her hate him even more than she does, he can't help but what more than hate from Rich Girl.
I actually enjoyed this one. Some parts I thought that Whiskey was a real douche. But as you read you can't help but be captured into this love/hate relationship that the two of them have. They have freaking explosive chemistry and one way or another they are going to blow each other up. Definitely another good one added to this series.
Reviewed on behalf of
Fay's Corner
Now she is being blackmailed by the man she had the one night stand with and he wants one year of her being his wife. But clearly not for the reason that many people get married for. Now the man she had the best sex of her life with is trapping her and she has no way out.
Whiskey has a secret and he needs Carla to help him with a little problem he has. He will do anything to sort out this problem even using her to get what he wants. And even though he is doing everything in his power to make her hate him even more than she does, he can't help but what more than hate from Rich Girl.
I actually enjoyed this one. Some parts I thought that Whiskey was a real douche. But as you read you can't help but be captured into this love/hate relationship that the two of them have. They have freaking explosive chemistry and one way or another they are going to blow each other up. Definitely another good one added to this series.
Reviewed on behalf of
Fay's Corner
May 21, 2020
First of I am giving this s 3.5 stars! My full review on my BLOG -> CLICK HERE
May 19, 2020
Cruel Beloved (Cocky Hero club series) by T.L. Smith Whiskey and Carla had a one night stand a while ago. When she sees him a year later the attraction is still there till she gets a CD and a note. Carla finds herself being blackmailed into a marriage of one year to Whiskey. The CD is of their night they shared. Her options are none considering her father is a important political figure and the indiscretion could have devastating consequences. Regardless to the fact her parents are cold and rigid she still wants to please them. Yes she ends up agreeing to Whiskey's demands. This made for a highly comical and entertaining story. Especially since the sex they had last year was the best for each and the sexual tension between the two of them is thick enough to cut with a machete which keeped we hooked till the very end. I was quite shocked at the reasoning for the blackmail. The love/hate relationship between Whiskey and Carla had each one acting if they were bi-polar. I hated to see thier story end but was left with a smile on my face. A real HEA. 4.5 stars for me.
May 19, 2020
3.5 stars
This is enemies to lover at it finest. Blackmail from a one night stand. Why? I liked Carla she’s feisty, he’s got his work cut out for him. I didn’t feel their chemistry right away. Their besties Emma and Barry are so cute together, funny moments there. All in all this is a good read.
This is enemies to lover at it finest. Blackmail from a one night stand. Why? I liked Carla she’s feisty, he’s got his work cut out for him. I didn’t feel their chemistry right away. Their besties Emma and Barry are so cute together, funny moments there. All in all this is a good read.
June 1, 2020
Carla and Whiskey (Colton) were so dang hot! They both wanted to hate each other but their bodies and hearts kept getting in the way. Their story was tumultuous and arousing and made for a quick read.
May 16, 2020
I need me some Whiskey STAT!!!!
Oh how I fell in love with this story right off the bat!!
Of course I wasn't so certain about Corton but once again T.L Smith made it impossible NOT to fall in love with him!!
Carla is the epitome of a hard a$$…. until it comes to standing up to her father then she begrudgingly follows every order even if it is with tons of reluctance.
When Carla is pressured into marrying Corton, she tries to resist him in every way but she can't deny the chemistry between them and when feeling start to get involved, all bets are off!!
I couldn't get enough of these 2 characters and the banter between other characters made the reading experience that much MORE!!
Oh how I fell in love with this story right off the bat!!
Of course I wasn't so certain about Corton but once again T.L Smith made it impossible NOT to fall in love with him!!
Carla is the epitome of a hard a$$…. until it comes to standing up to her father then she begrudgingly follows every order even if it is with tons of reluctance.
When Carla is pressured into marrying Corton, she tries to resist him in every way but she can't deny the chemistry between them and when feeling start to get involved, all bets are off!!
I couldn't get enough of these 2 characters and the banter between other characters made the reading experience that much MORE!!
May 24, 2020
Amount of sex 3.5 / 5
How explicit are the sex scenes 4 / 5
Story 5 / 5
Overall: 5 / 5
Fabulous!
Cruel Beloved is a steamy enemies-to-lovers romance written by author TL Smith. This story is part of the Cocky Hero Club, which are stories that have been influenced by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward’s Cocky Bastard book series. Each book has been written by a different author and can be read as a standalone romance.
Cruel Beloved grabbed me from the very beginning and would not let me go. I just loved Carla Star from the very beginning. She’s the daughter of a senator, and she’s grown up in a wealthy household that was often cold and uncaring. Carla often had to dress up and portray the good girl, but she liked to go out and have fun. One evening she met Corton Whiskey, and they had a very steamy one-night stand. Then, one year later, Carla received a hand-delivered letter, and everything changed.
I wasn’t a big fan of Corton at the beginning, but he did grow on me. Throughout Corton and Carla’s story, my fingers were gripping my Kindle tightly. I seriously could not put it down, and read late into the night!
Another amazing story from author TL Smith!
Voluntarily Reviewed an Advanced Copy
How explicit are the sex scenes 4 / 5
Story 5 / 5
Overall: 5 / 5
Fabulous!
Cruel Beloved is a steamy enemies-to-lovers romance written by author TL Smith. This story is part of the Cocky Hero Club, which are stories that have been influenced by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward’s Cocky Bastard book series. Each book has been written by a different author and can be read as a standalone romance.
Cruel Beloved grabbed me from the very beginning and would not let me go. I just loved Carla Star from the very beginning. She’s the daughter of a senator, and she’s grown up in a wealthy household that was often cold and uncaring. Carla often had to dress up and portray the good girl, but she liked to go out and have fun. One evening she met Corton Whiskey, and they had a very steamy one-night stand. Then, one year later, Carla received a hand-delivered letter, and everything changed.
I wasn’t a big fan of Corton at the beginning, but he did grow on me. Throughout Corton and Carla’s story, my fingers were gripping my Kindle tightly. I seriously could not put it down, and read late into the night!
Another amazing story from author TL Smith!
Voluntarily Reviewed an Advanced Copy
April 6, 2021
DNF @33%
May contain spoilers
...
I don't understand why he waited one whole year to blackmail the heroine (and I don't even care), and in the meantime started a relationship with some girl if he knew he was gonna marry someone else. I stopped reading when the girl he was in a relationship with came into his office while the heroine, his future wife, was there and she saw that these two had feelings for each other. And of course, the heroine wasn't with anyone else the year they were apart. And during the year that they're supposed to be married, she wasn't allowed to be with anyone else, but he can be with whomever he wants. Just no.
May contain spoilers
...
I don't understand why he waited one whole year to blackmail the heroine (and I don't even care), and in the meantime started a relationship with some girl if he knew he was gonna marry someone else. I stopped reading when the girl he was in a relationship with came into his office while the heroine, his future wife, was there and she saw that these two had feelings for each other. And of course, the heroine wasn't with anyone else the year they were apart. And during the year that they're supposed to be married, she wasn't allowed to be with anyone else, but he can be with whomever he wants. Just no.
July 10, 2020
Doormat city
Ugh..I can’t believe I finished that. I just want to throw up now. All can be forgiven because he has a great disco stick to ride on...REALLY!!! Can you lower the IQ of a woman any further? Between her father and Whiskey she has enough tread on her back to last a life time. She is ranking up there in the TSTL category. Whiskey is so unlikeable it is not even funny. There is no redeeming him and he didn’t do anything to be redeemed for anyway! Oh yeah he flew to go get her, that clears everything up.
I think I am done trying out the books from this series. I know they are by different authors but I think I am done. Just plain awful.
Ugh..I can’t believe I finished that. I just want to throw up now. All can be forgiven because he has a great disco stick to ride on...REALLY!!! Can you lower the IQ of a woman any further? Between her father and Whiskey she has enough tread on her back to last a life time. She is ranking up there in the TSTL category. Whiskey is so unlikeable it is not even funny. There is no redeeming him and he didn’t do anything to be redeemed for anyway! Oh yeah he flew to go get her, that clears everything up.
I think I am done trying out the books from this series. I know they are by different authors but I think I am done. Just plain awful.
April 24, 2024
Gotta love an enemy to lovers romance and what a premise... blackmailed after a one night stand, forced into a marriage that was a game only one person knew the rules to. Colton Whiskey, was a dominant, cruel but oh so hot alpha male who was after one thing.. but what he didn't count on was how feisty and strong Carla was and that before he knew it, it would be his heart on the line as well. A fast paced, highly entertaining story of family, betrayal, money and love.
June 1, 2020
Carla is the daughter of a senator who has known that since she was a child that appearances are everything. Spending one night with a man is not ideal but when that same man resurfaces a year later and is coercing her into marriage with the threat of exposure hanging over her head things are about to get a lot more complicated.
Whiskey is a man with secrets who has his own agenda when it comes to his marriage with Carla. What starts out as a business arrangement starts to become personal when not only the chemistry escalates between them.
The more time they spend together and truly get to know each other the closer they become so what started out as a relationship with an imbalance of power may see a shift that neither was prepared for. The chemistry between them may be off the charts but the connection between them exceeds far beyond the physical.
Whiskey is a man with secrets who has his own agenda when it comes to his marriage with Carla. What starts out as a business arrangement starts to become personal when not only the chemistry escalates between them.
The more time they spend together and truly get to know each other the closer they become so what started out as a relationship with an imbalance of power may see a shift that neither was prepared for. The chemistry between them may be off the charts but the connection between them exceeds far beyond the physical.
May 31, 2020
Cruel Beloved by T.L. Smith is a part of the Cocky Hero Club Series but can be a standalone book. This is the story of Corton Whiskey and Carla Star. Carla is a senators daughter whose parents only cared about Carla keeping up appearances. They was nothing loving or helpful about her parents but Carla didn't turn out like them, she is a beautiful women inside and out. The one time she lets herself have a little freedom was the night she spent with Corton. Now that one night has come back to haunt her when he blackmails her to marry him. Corton has his reason for what he is doing but the more time he spends with her the more he starts to want something more and to work toward a future not his past. Enjoyed their story.
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