Alpha (noun): 1) Having the highest rank in a dominance hierarchy 2) The most powerful man in a group3) Liam BlackHe was a stranger to me, a dark and dangerous presence who materialized from the shadows one rainy night to save me from a vicious attack. I didn’t know his name or where he was from. All I knew was that the only place I’d ever felt safe was in his arms. But safety is an illusion. And …
But safety is an illusion.
And not every savior is a hero.
And—as I’d soon find out—having an alpha save your life comes with a price.
Liam Black wanted something from me in return.
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Loved it, and can’t wait to read more.
I loved, loved, loved this story! A closed off Irish gangster. A quiet, but fierce waitress. A pull so strong neither can deny. An arrangement for one month. This was such a unique, budding romance. It was sexy as all get out. It was romantic. And the twist at the end was perfect! Another hit by this crazy, talented author! On to Killian’s story!
4.5 Stars for the escapism it provided. It started out well and had me hooked through 50% of the read, but from thereon, it got a little over the top for my taste and didn’t leave me as satisfied as I had expected I would be. Overall, it’s a good book that is worth reading.
5 stars for Liam and 3 stars for Tru. So this one is going to get a 3.75-4 stars for me. This was an extremely easy read. I think my review is a little lower because I was really looking for something a little “darker” maybe a little more “stalkerie” going on (yes I made that word up).
The writing was great. The age gap was perfect. Liam was awesome. He has the perfect amount of alpha, stalking, bossiness, and hello sexy mouth. Oh and I love an accent.
But Tru had her moments for me. I think her wishy-washy feelings kinda got to me a little. And she was supposed to be this shy introvert in the beginning, but she wasn’t. She was defiant, and talked back quite a bit, which is actually my favorite kind of character. So why was this a problem you ask? Because if that is what you are going to write, just make her a little bada** from the beginning. You can be a bada** and just really like being alone and not like being in crowds. Now that aside. She was a great character. She was hilarious, especially when she talked about her past. I did find it weird that she had no friends. I mean she had the girl she worked with, but I wouldn’t consider them “friends” and her room was sort of a friend, but more of a girl you lived with and got along with.
This was technically a mafia book, but there was not a whole lot of the mafia world involved. This book was primarily the couple together, especially starting at about 40%. There were some twists in it, that I surprisingly didn’t see from the starts, so cheers to JT for that.
I don’t think there were really any “triggers” in this, and like I said, it was a dark book in my mind. Then again, I’m not the best judge since I don’t think my brain even knows what a trigger is.
All in all it was a solid read, for being a quick read (under 8 hrs is a quick read for me). Will it be a 4 star for everyone, nope but really what is. If you can go into a book with no expectation and just enjoy what is happening you will like this. If you are going in expecting you next epic read, you will be greatly disappointed.
came across this book by chance. Someone posted a raving review for the second book, on a whim, I picked this one up to see what the yelling was about. I never heard of this author or series. Goodreads can be good for the book soul sometimes.
SO FREAKIN’ GOOD! I must’ve been in need for something just like this. A mafia romance, but so different in comparison to others, refreshing and the writing was smooth like butter, character driven, the author had me hooked by the first chapter. I kept thinking to myself, this can’t be happening, it’s hard for me to love a book at first glance, but alas, I couldn’t stop reading. A mysterious man rescues a waitress, revealing a uncontrollable need. Including hilarious banter, the herione was a breath of fresh air.
“Hoping he’ll give me some clue as to how he came to be proficient in the ass-beating, neck-snapping, and life-ending sciences, I prompt, “I mean, you didn’t even need to use a gun.”
“I hate guns,” he says instantly, his voice hard. “And stop sounding so impressed.”
“Sorry, but I am. I can’t even twist the top off a pickle jar without help.”
The “anti-hero” was absolute perfection. Sometimes I like my alphas on the softer side and Liam was exactly what I didn’t know I needed. The story isn’t full of drama, the characters were honest, upfront, and the chemistry was off the charts. A less serious more steamy mafia romance. I really enjoyed this one. I’m glad I gave this author a chance, I’ll definitely be checking out other books.
My favorite from this author
This book, in a nutshell, was perfect. From the first page to the last I was all in. Truvy was one of my favorite characters ever. Her rambling funny stories, sharp wit, and empathy made it easy to love her. Liam and his Irish brogue lay it all on the line, and devotion to Tru was mesmerizing. Their connection, chemistry, and banter were perfect. Add in a few twists and turns and humor it was even better.
I hope with everything that Killian gets a book and also Ellie. My favorite from this author and one of my favorites of 2020. Highly recommend.
I love this author and her books and this one didn’t disappoint at all.
Liam is dark, enigmatic and keeps to himself so much that anyone is attracted like a magnet to him, he’s always the quiet one and his impenetrable stance won’t allow anyone coming to close. All-in alpha man, possessive, strong and dark.
Tru is one of the best heroine that I’ve ever read. She knows what she wants and works hard for it, she’s sassy, independent and strong and doesn’t let anyone telling her what to do and how. And oh boy, did Liam had it coming
The chemistry is there at all times, the banter, the suspense and smart replies, all of them are adding up to for a great romantic suspense story
I absolutely loved this book. The story had me hooked from the beginning with the mysterious tall, dark tattooed incredibly handsome man visiting the diner for the past 11 months without conversation. When he finally spoke to Tru I loved how she just rambled on as she was so nervous and she was attracted to him there and then. The chemistry between her and Wolfie (Liam) was undeniable with some steamy sex too. It was great to have a character like Tru who was as badass as Liam but in a different way, and one who didn’t bow to his every demand, although she did like some of his dominant ways. The characters were written so well and I was fully invested in them and how their story was going to pan out. I certainly wasn’t expecting the twist towards the end. A thoroughly great read and I’m looking forward to reading Killians story next.
Also, I’m not sure everyone reads the acknowledgements at the end, but these are a must read too as I loved what was written as to the first reason the book was delayed, it brought a tear to my eyes.
Beautifully Cruel by J.T. Geissinger wasn’t what I expected from the cover and blurb. I went in thinking it will be dark romance but it’s actually a steamy contemporary romance. So that got me off balance and it took some time to set this aside. That’s why 4 stars.
Because when I read it as a passionate and intense love story between an alpha billionaire and simple yet sassy girl , it was an enjoyable read. Liam Black is a powerful man with notorious reputation and dangerous vibes. And someone vibrant, lively, happy, honest, kind, sweet and adorbale like Tru shouldn’t be with him. But he cannot resist him and neither can she. Liam keeps on warning her and pushing her away at the same time keeps on chasing her and intimidating her. Tru is ambivalent about him and his secretive lifestyle but at the same time intrigued and attracted to him. They have an amazing hotter than hell chemistry. And I loved the alpha controlling infuriating Liam. I did expect him to be a lot more twisted and cruel. The ending seemed a bit rushed as too many things unravelled too quickly and I felt the couple wasn’t given enough time to process.
I loved the sweet steamy romantic feel of the story even though that’s not what I bargained for. It was my first book by J. T. Geissinger and I am looking forward to reading more!
This should be a four star book for the brooding alpha but still fun hero, the feisty heroine, and their chemistry. Geisssinger hits all the spots which doesn’t explain why it took me a week to read it and another three to four weeks to review it.
Seriously a case of it’s me, not you.
One of the best books I’ve ever read!! Tru and Liam were so perfect for each other. Though it took a while for Liam to figure it out, the journey was well worth it! I’m sure I’ll read this one again!!
The chemistry between Liam and Tru is crazy hot from the first page. Think smoldering. The story itself was so intriguing, but coupled with their story, I just couldn’t put the book down once I started reading.
Liam is the intense, brooding alpha that keeps trying to stop himself from sitting in the diner Tru works to just gaze at her for months. He has all my favorite elements in such a character – protective, indulgent, mysterious, resourceful and shows the sweet side to his woman. Tru is feisty, funny, honest and loyal. She makes a difficult decision about whether to risk spending time with Liam. How her decision plays out is one of the things that will keep you reading.
4 1/2 Loved it.
“Don’t mistake me for something I’m not, Tru.”
Truvy is a law student who works as a waitress to support herself. In the past few months, a particular customer has caught her attention. A handsome man always dressed in expensive suits, who asks for coffee and sits watching her without saying anything. A mysterious man, whom she is attracted to and whom she named Wolf.
But after a failed attempt at conversation, she is sure she will never see him again. Until an extreme situation puts him as her savior.
Liam exudes confidence and danger. In a dangerous world like his, bonds and feelings are weaknesses that can be used against you. But moving away from Truvy, who clearly does not belong to his world, will not be an easy task. Not all of his self-control will be able to keep him away.
As this peculiar relationship develops, Truvy begins to discover who Liam really is, which can put her in danger. Noticing that everyone around her fears this man and that his fame is known throughout the city, she realizes that her Wolf is more dangerous than she imagined.
Explosive and intense chemistry. A totally different couple. A new feeling that may be the answer that both were looking for. Or their downfall.
The book exceeded my expectations. With each page, you try to decipher the mystery that surrounds Liam and I can say that his secret didn’t even cross my mind. This mafia novel is different from the traditional one, which was a good hit.
The book is very good
What does it feel like when your soul meets your mate but, inconveniently, you’re the head of one of the largest crime syndicates in the world? Apparently frustrating, distracting and consuming are good words if Liam Black’s actions are to be believed. For someone who doesn’t get told no, who strikes fear just by breathing his name, it was so much fun to watch him fight against something he had no chance of winning.
Truvy was just the most exasperating and lovable character. She insists that she’s an introvert but once she really warms up to Liam, not that she had much choice, she is a firecracker. He wasn’t expecting so much push back but it seems to make him want her, desire her all the more. Their chemistry is straight up fire!
The title lead me to believe that this was going to be a dark mafia/mob book. It has it’s dark moments but it never truly went dark enough to engender “cruel”. If the story wasn’t as well written and the dialogue so spot on and actually funny in parts, I might have been disappointed. But I wasn’t. Not in the least, not really.
The story takes a clever turn at the end that has my fingers crossed that there are more Boston Irish mob stories coming from this author. Naturally Killian needs to meet his match but I would really love to see someone take down Declan just for kicks.
The author built in a crazy heart wrenching back story for Liam. I knew from clues that it had to have been bad but that doesn’t even begin to describe it. It made him finding his HEA all the sweeter a reward.
Readers who love a growly Alpha male matched with a sharp witted queen bee, should give this one a read. There’s so much heat and fire when these two come together, be prepared to burn right along with them. Really good story!
So happy, I’m speechless! I stepped out of my comfort zone of RomCom’s and picked up this alpha male story. So stinking happy that I did!! I was pulled in from the very beginning. It may be that I’m a little naive to this Alpha world but I didn’t see a lot of the twists coming.
Tru is the perfect character. Strong-willed, sassy, doesn’t take crap from ANYONE – quite literally. She’s not one of those naive damsel in distress types either. She’s a strong woman who is able to stand on her own two feet but has Liam to also lean on if needed. And the fact that she’s truthful with her answers and thoughts… just made her real to me. She may be ranked as one of my favorite heroines.
We do also get a few chapters that are in Liam’s point of view that makes you understand why things are the way that they are. You appreciate that beautiful man even more!
The dry humor that they both have, had me cracking up more than a regular rom com book would! With Liam always trying to be in control, he pushes her and she pushes right back. Their banter is perfect. They’re each other’s ying and yang.
I was so happy for their happily ever after. It was the perfect ending that fit both of their personalities. The epilogue didn’t feel rushed at all, but tied up any and all loose ends. And of course, I’m thankful I read the acknowledgments so I got the very last tidbit of information that I knew to be true, but had the confirmation.
If you’re looking for a controlling alpha male romance with a sassy heroine that can stand her ground, with a surprise at the end, you should pick up this beautifully cruel happily ever after!
I love a story with an intelligent heroine and an alpha hero with an unexpected softer, emotional side.
“…it’s like he wants to crawl inside me. Like he wants to break me apart. Like he’s breaking apart, and the only thing that can save him is surrender.”
Be prepared to be completely wrapped up when reading this book from start to finish. I couldn’t put it down.
“All I know is that I believe… in all his darkness and beautiful light—and it feels like something sacred to me, even though it might just be insanity.”m
This book is filled with obsession, loyalty, control, alpha and steamy goodness, independence, heartache, redemption and much more.
“Word to the wise? Don’t get too attached. Sooner or later, men who live their lives with one foot in the grave fall all the way in.”
Gahhhh, what can I say about this book other than Liam, Liam, Liam.
I absolutely adored everything about this book. It was suspenseful, witty, edgy, awesome heroine, jealous/possessive hero.
I highly recommend you pick up Beautifully Cruel now! You’ll regret waiting.