He’s no fairy tale king.LeviHere, little princess. I’m your king.You have three rules. Bow. Break. Bend the knee.Fight me all you want, but soon enough, you’ll be chanting long live the king.AstridOne day I’m Royal Elite School’s small fly, the next I’m hunted and left to die.He doesn’t only shred my life to parts, but he’s also coming after my heart.He thinks he broke me, but the new princess … also coming after my heart.
He thinks he broke me, but the new princess will bring the king to his knees.
Aside from the previously published book, this version contains a never-published-before bonus scene.
Cruel King is a complete standalone in Royal Elite world. No book should be read prior to this.
Disclaimer: This is a mature new adult romance, and contains dubious situations that some readers might find offensive. If you’ve been looking for a hero, then you won’t find it in Royal Elite. If you, however, have been itching for anti-heroes and villains, then welcome to their royal court.
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King of my heart! 5 stars
Another amazing book by Rina Kent! This book is labelled 0 in the Royal Elite World, but I read it after Elsa and Aiden’s 3 books. Astrid and Levi had an immediate connection with Levi looking at with wicked intent, and I couldn’t wait to see their relationship explored! I won’t be talking about plot as I wouldn’t want to divulge spoilers. Astrid was a free spirit who loved art and wanted to be invisible, but Levi changed everything. Her mom taught her to be herself and never quell her fire, and I loved Astrid and her mom for that! Levi loved her fire even though he wanted to destroy her. She had fire and fight, but sometimes she just surrendered to fear and weakness. I cried for her at those times, because it was so relatable. My heart broke for her several more times throughout this book. Levi can be cold, merciless and the devil in disguise, and he fascinated me! Once we start to see different sides to him, I was riveted to the page. He became obsessed with her but once truths come out, will the past rule them or can they have a future? Read this book that became king of my heart and find out, because I highly recommend it!
*Read through Kindle Unlimited.*
Astrid has endured a lot in her life, and she thrown into a socialite life that she wants no part of and doesn’t belong. Levi is king of the school, the athletic golden boy comes from a rich family has tons of power but no one sees the real him and the things he is put through or has endured. Astrid is accidentally thrown into a situation that isn’t her fault, but it ends with her being in an accident. This book was so good, it had so much angst and drama I couldn’t put it down. Levi and Astrid start out as enemies who love to fight against each other but shortly Levi comes to realize he LOVES the fight within Astrid, and she is now his. These two go through so much to be together and secrets from the past come up but can their new relationship last or will it go up in flames? The author wrote the perfect enemy to lovers’ trope that had a little bit of Romeo and Juliet vibes thrown in. This has easily become one of my favorite bully type reads.
I am addicted to Levi King. I love him. He is cruel, arrogant, untouchable, dominant & the school king. Astrid doesn’t bow her head in front of the school king. I liked her attitude. Oh, and I loved that her best friend is a boy and also how Levi would envious of him. Oh my God, I totally loved their ferris wheel/movie date, the pranks he used to pull on her, how his obsession, possessiveness didn’t falter towards her. The way he calls her “Princess”. Intriguing & mysterious. Smoking hot.
4.5/5
“If you’re a mistake, I’ll still make it every fucking time.”
This my first Rina Kent book and I am sooo glad I discovered this gem! Rina definitely has a way with words and it has got me mesmerized. Let me get this straight, I HATED dark romance. Absolutely hated it. Most dark romances deal with pretty sensitive topics and some authors, no matter how hard they try, can’t get it right. If you’re not picking up what I’m putting down, Rina Kent can. Her books are realistic–well, as realistic as an HEA romance can be–and beautifully crafted. She got me into Dark Romance, which I thank her for everyday, because that’s all I read now. Her books are also extremely character driven. I love, love, LOVE that. Her characters aren’t two dimensional and all had different personalities.
As for Cruel King, Astrid and Levi were so well written, I felt like I was in the book. Like I was the narrator in Astrid’s head. As a writer, I felt inspired. Astrid is what I aspire to be, sweet, and kind and fishnet stocking wearing. I love her! And Dan. Freaking Dan the is BFF I never had. He is kind and if I had his sense of humor, I’d do stand up comedy. As for Levi, I love a tortured hero and he is just that. Levi lost his parents at a young age and is living with his cousin and uncle. He he wants one thing and that just happens to be Astrid Clifford. Their families are like the Montagues and Capulets in this scenario. They hate each other, but Astrid and Levi are star-crossed lovers. This book, I felt combined a lot of cliches but it is NOT to be mistaken for one.
What I didn’t like, however was the expected happening. I’m writing this after I’ve read almost all of Rina’s books and in all of them, there was a twist. And ending that nobody could’ve seen coming. This book lacked that, I feel. Some of us could’ve guessed what was going on However, Levi and Astrid’s story is meant to be told this way, so I’d never change it. Overall, this book ended with a bang, just not as hard as I would’ve liked–and no, that’s not an innuendo–.
TL;DR – If dark, gritty romance with teeth and claws doesn’t scare you, this book will be your best nightmare. If you don’t like dark romances, I’d suggest you not read it, but it might change your view on the genre!
I’ve read this series not in order. But the chemistry between Levi and Astrid was so on point as to follow the rest of the series. Astrid was the most sassy and baddy of the all the girls from RES. Levi was probably the second most…possessive of the guys. The suspense, the secrets the twists and turns were all there. They push and pull each other and I was living for all of it. The audio is different from the rest of the series, but I enjoyed it all the same. I volunteered to listen and review a complimentary copy of this. All opinions are my own.
Whew. Someone get me a King, stat. Their tangled web was intriguing, and kept me entrapped the entire time. Levi was beyond a classic alpha male, and it definitely worked for him. I cheered this couple on the entire time.
Levi is an all star football captain who doesn’t care about anyone, until Astrid comes along. When he lays eyes on her, she is his and no one, not even her can change that. Astrid was invisible until Levi noticed her, and then it all went downhill when he staked his claim. No one else could have her. Or even talk to her without him becoming territorial. And she tries to fight against him, but it does no good. He keeps coming back harder until she realizes resisting is worse and giving in is much better.
I discovered this book after receiving a recommendation for Deviant King. Upon seeing there was a Book 0 in the introduction, I jumped into Cruel King first. I’m so glad I did!
I expected this book to be a whole lot darker, but it is such a sweet, strong storyline regardless. I couldn’t help but be drawn in to the characters and their realistic development. I’m always sappy for obsessive men who are loyal and gloriously flawed. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for me in the following books.
I went into Cruel King after already reading the Royal Elite series and as mad as I am at myself for not reading this sooner but also a little thankful because I was able to spend some time with all my Royal Elite guys.
Levi and Astrid had a connection the moment they met followed by a growing intensity in every interaction from that point on. This had a bit of a different feel than the books about the four-horsemen. Levi fits as a bully anti-hero to a degree, although he undeniably shared some traits with his uncle and cousin he was certainly his own version of men in the “King” family. Astrid was on a course of remaining invisible for the remainder of her time at Elite which ended abruptly when Levi King set his sights on her.
I really loved the pace of this story the build of intensity between Levi and Astrid along with the little bits of information that are woven in the pages that make your mind race with all the possibilities of what they are leading up to. Racing heart and feeling a lump in my throat from the intense ups and downs as this at times heartbreaking story played out.
Levi and Astrid hit my feels hard making some tears leak out. There was pain in their pasts that had fatefully connected them to their souls.
Levi is THE KING of the school! All bow down to him, and when he chooses to go after Astrid all must back away.
Levi and Astrid’s relationship is so full of torment, and hurt that it is a wonder they can make it through. Astrid is strong, and stands up when all others would stand down. She is the yin to Levi’s yang, and that is the only way their relationship will ever work. She is definitely his Queen in all aspects!
Omg!! Cruel King was brutal and intoxicating! These Royals don’t play around and Oh My Vikings! It was Hott! I loved this bully book so much! Astrid and Levi were Epic! Doomed from the start, born to be enemies with scorching passion! Secrets and lies are everywhere and some things are not as they seem! This was a Read full of thrilling suspense! 5 stars in my book! I was addicted from the start and couldn’t pull myself away from the pages. Originally, back in September, I read this book when it was released as a part of the Nobel Savages anthology collection! I loved it them and just did a re-read before I start the Royal Elite series! It was on better the second time around! This was a fantastic book full twists and turns at every corner and so much passion between these characters! This was definitely a page-turner and a book I recommend! I love Astrid and Levi so Hard! I can’t wait to find out the other guys story!
Cruel King by Rina Kent is the full-length introductory book in her Royal Elite series. The story of Levi King and Astrid Clifford, two seniors at the Royal Elite academy in London whose family’s are enemies and they are under strict instructions to stay away from each other. But when Astrid ends up at a party, accidentally drugged and in Levi’s presence she is no longer one of the invisibles at RES, she is on his radar big time. When her refusal to back down from him snags his attention in a way no one ever has before things go from hate to possession in a heartbeat. Emotional, angsty, powerful. Be warned, this is a bully romance, the guys are anti-heroes and can be real jerks but they end up on the right side and doing the right things, albeit with a lot of testosterone and alpha-ness involved. Some of the author’s turns of phrase felt off to me and this has continued throughout the series. I don’t know if there is a language or regional barrier where these are correct, and that was somewhat off-putting at times, enough that I feel the need to mention it, but not enough that I would rate the book lower. This hit all the buttons on taboo and dark for me and I absolutely devoured this book. Enjoy!
I’m a real sucker for hate to love stories and on my hunt for my next book fix I stumbled upon author Rina Kent and Cruel King
I’m really speechless! I loooove her writing style and devoured this book within a day. She’s becoming one of my favorite authors right away.
Cruel King is about Levi and Astrid.
They both go to the same school but are not in the same circle. He’s the star athlete and she’s a sort of outcast.
Astrid recently went through a loss and now she’s living with her father and his new hateful family. But Astrid is strong, fierce and loyal either way.
I loved how she didn’t let Levi mess with her and stood up to him.
Levi is rebelling against his guardian and gets into a lot of trouble.
Because of some parental issues they were told to stay away from each other. That was never a problem until one fateful night, when they met at a party.
Gonna say it again: this book was absolutely amazing!
If you’re into enemies-to-lovers books that are set in high school… This is a must read
And the best thing is, that it’s the start of a series! So better start right away
Love Levi
“Ask yourself, are you living for the past or for the future?”
I wanted Levis story and I was not disappointed!
He seemed so laid back , like he had it all together
Nothing could have been further from the truth
“See that’s your problem princess you need to stop thinking about afterwards”
Astrid was always living in the next moment. A great thing in a game like chess or when you’re taking on a King.
But when it comes to matters of the heart not so much.
Astrid gave as good if not better when it came to ‘returning’ the favor. Some of her stunts had me rolling.
I think her ability to meet King head on was a good thing.
Not just in the sense she didn’t just roll over and accept defeat – even when she was pummeled pretty ruthlessly – but idk, it opened something -maybe exposed is a better word – in Levi.
He saw past his anger
I’m so in love with this world that Rina Kent has made for us. She knows how to write the perfect bully and make us fall over ourselves for him. The chemistry that sizzled off my kindle between Levi and Astrid was dynamic. I love everything about this book. How steamy it is, the banter, and all the tension. The Royal Elite have moved to the top favorite of bully romances for me.
OMG Astrid and Levi! So many twists and turns and secrets that I just did not see coming. My poor heart was almost beating out of my chest; but it was so worth the anxiety. These two were an explosive whirlwind with all the feels. This is the must read first book to read in the Royal Elite Series and definitely one of my favorites!
Cruel King – Rina Kent
I Give this Book a 5/5 Star Rating.
Formats Read: Audiobook & Ebook
HEA(?): Absolutely! I love the bonus Epilogues!
Romance: 5/5
Heat: 4-4.5/5
Drama: 4/5
Pacing: Mid
Relationship Type: MF
Suspense: 4/5
Dark(?): 1/5
This is a Part of the Royal Elite Series, this is Essentially Book 1, can be read as a Standalone.
Levi & Astrid are most definitely my favorite couple of the series without a doubt, and they are the very first couple I read, before the other books to the universe came out.
I read their story in the Noble Savages Box Set, then I Read the Book when it came out on its own, and then I listened to it the moment the audiobook was released.
I don’t think I’ll ever stop rereading this book
Audiobook Rating: 5/5 Loved it!
I was shocked the moment I heard Kylie Stewart, she sounds exactly like Emma Watson and I personally loved it. I was so absorbed into the story cause I was able to picture someone that could easily fit Astrid (to me lol).
Aaron Sherlock sounds just like Cary Elwes, and that wasn’t to bad actually, the longer you listened the voice really fit with Levi.
The Narration/Performance: 5/5
Story: 5/5
Quality: there were a few long pauses and an odd sound or too, but it didn’t take away from the audiobook at all.
Loved this book and it is one you NEED to READ—you won’t regret it! This book surprised me because it was not what I thought it was going to be—instead, it is twisted and suspenseful with the right amount of danger. It is a tangled mess of lies and secrets and whodunit. The story has a revenge plot, outlined to make you question everything. Just when you think you have it all figured out, it takes a new turn making you realize just how wrong you were. It literally has you second guessing motives and characters—deep and troubled main and secondary characters until the very end. I was flipping the pages in wonder. Levi King is arrogant, handsome and sexy as sin as well as captain of the football team and crowned ‘king’ of the school—no one talked back to Levi King and he usually gets what he wants. The King family owns half the country and politicians. Astrid Clifford is very shy and she considered herself invisible by not causing any problems and definitely not mingling with the popular kids at school until she runs into Levi at a party—then her problems start with the Kings! Levi and Astrid have a unique—I love to hate you relationship. They push and pull through the entire book making you question everything. Their chemistry is off-the-charts. They will fascinate you and frustrate you at the same time. I was sucked in from the beginning—the angst, the drama, the love/hate relationships, the violence—all made my heart speed up. I wasn’t expecting the turn this story took; it has quite an unexpected revelation that may leave you flabbergasted but it is jaw-dropping good! Rina Kent you did it!! You delivered an addictive, intriguing, suspenseful bully romance story that totally blew me away!
I really enjoyed this story. Levi and Astrid are both complex characters and you can’t help but root for them. A phenomenal book from start to finish.
Cruel King by Rina Kent.
I love how she can create a story with so many twists and turns that you never know what is coming next.
Secrets and Power
Everyone has secrets and those secrets have to power to destroy you and those you love.
Astrid
Still dealing with the death of her mom and having to move in with her dad, stepmother and stepsister. All she want is to be an artist and stay invisible. Her father had a rule, stay away from the King’s. Well we all know when someone tells you not to do something it be comes impossible not to do it.
Levi
King not just a last name but a social status. He leads the football team, gets all the girls, one fateful night he comes face to face with the quiet invisible Astrid. He was warned to stay away from her.
The secret past they don’t know they share is so bad it can tear them apart for good.
Throw in Astrid’s male best friend, Levi’s party loving friends and evil step relatives and you get one hell of a book.
Be prepared to not be able to put it down until you finish this book. 5 stars.