A new second chance billionaire romance set in the dark and glamorous underbelly of the Upper East Side from USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde.Natalie Bishop was just supposed to be a one night stand. Until she steps out of the ocean at my summer home in the Hamptons completely naked.The minute I see her, I know I can’t walk away.She claims that she’s just here to watch the house while it … just here to watch the house while it undergoes renovations. That she has no interest in rekindling our fire. But every weighted glance says it’s a lie.
I don’t care that I’m Manhattan royalty and she’s the help.
Only that she’s living in my summer home. With me.
And I want more.
more
Hands down this is an absolute favorite of 2019!
So much drama, sizzling chemistry and characters that will make you think, are they who they portray themselves to be?
I devoured this story that centers on Natalie and Penn!
Natalie is house sitting as a job and is a budding writer! Penn is the one that got away 6 years ago, or is he?
There was so much to love about this story that I was riveted to my seat/couch!
Needless to say the dilemmas surrounding Natalie, Penn and friends as well as family will make you laugh, feel heated, sigh and get angry at characters when they do something so incredibly disheartening you don’t know what to think!?
I feel rung out to be quite honest! I feel like I could have read so much more!
I loved how Natalie stood her ground, told it like it is and I especially loved that when push came to shove she fought for herself!
Penn was a very likable guy but underneath, is what side hes showing Natalie his true self ? I just cant begin to tell you how this book made me feel! All the things, all the feelings, all the love, hurt and betrayal ! But when it truly matters, who do you believe??
The characters in this story enthralled me! They captivated me and I felt that I wanted to shake some of them for how they treated a character!
Im overjoyed how it ended but at the same time Im absolutely desperate for more, I cannot wait for more of this series! The author has nailed the story and I cannot wait to see how things progress!!
Cruel Money is a great entertaining read. The story is full of drama, secrets, and emotions. The boy Penn comes from money, and the girl Natalie doesn’t. They were completely opposite of eachother, but I liked them together. Secondary characters were good too. This read reminded me of gossip girl, and I loved that tv show. It kept me guessing to what was going to happen. I enjoyed the story, and I’m looking forward to read the next book in this series.
Natalie was just trying to exorcise her past and let go of all the bad vibes that has been happening to her recently, when someone from her past suddenly arrives. She didn’t really expect to see the man she met in Paris six years ago. The one who took her virginity and ran off. The man who first broke her heart is standing right in front of her. And telling her he owns the beach house that she was house-sitting.
Penn is Manhattan Royalty. He’s rich, but prefers to live low-key and enjoys his job as a Philosophy professor. He’s rich, intelligent, and sexy – a dangerous trifecta right there. Who wouldn’t succumb to him? But his charms wouldn’t work on Natalie – she hates him so much, she couldn’t stand to be in the same room with him.
But a bet had made him spend more time with Natalie. Learning new things about her all over again, and realizing that she really is special. Now, problem is, how to back out from the bet his friends made him do and he agreed?
Natalie is living the dream with Penn and his friends. She wasn’t comfortable taking charity from anyone, especially from them. But she tries to enjoy it as much as she can. But what happens when everything is based on a lie?
I like Natalie. She grew up an army brat, and that’s really tough. Her sister is perfect, and she has to live with it. But she’s living her life house sitting from one lovely vacation house to another, and trying her best to write her book. Hoping to make it to the publishing world. As for Penn, he’s a lovely man, but I hate him at times. He couldn’t just tell the truth for the love of god. It would have saved us all the pain and heartache.
I enjoyed reading Cruel Money. It wasn’t such a drag – the pacing was all right. The characters were amazing and complex, and I get to meet one interesting characters right after the other with their own stories to tell. The surprises were both shocking and just heartbreaking. This book is WOW. And one thing is for sure, I’m all grabby hands for the next one in the series.
K.A.Linde sure knows how to keep a woman mad after so many years with Nat. There are two sides of Penn Kensington in this book that just boggles my mind. Natalie is not your typical woman bent on revenge but seeing Penn again is bringing up feelings she has not felt in a long time. I loved the whole-i hate-you-but-want-you more than my next breath between these two. The chemistry is still there and K.A. Linde ending it with a cliffhanger was brilliant for readers will want more of Penn.
“I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.”
KA Linde has brought us a new series to become addicted to. Its filled with money, privilege, angst, drama and steam. If you loved Gossip Girl then you will love this.
Cruel Money picks up 6 years after One Cruel Night (the preqel novella). Natalie is trying to follow her dream of being a writer whilst she travels around house sitting for the rich and famous. Seeing Penn again was not something she ever expected.
Penn Kensington is part of the Upper East Side Elite, total contrast to Natalie. Even though she tries to resist him the spark between them is undeniable and its only a matter of time before she gives in.
This book is flawlessly written with secrets, lies and deceit going on along side the love and passion that you will become 100% hooked. I was kept on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next.
This book does end a cliffhanger which now has me wanting the next book NOW. Can’t wait to see what book 2 brings.
I love a good romance, alpha male, drama romance. K.A. Linde wrote just that with Cruel Money. There is romance, there is an alpha male, and there is drama. This is a story of a privileged man meeting a woman in Paris, leaving her without a goodbye, and then randomly meeting up with her again in the US.
Penn is that privileged man. I didn’t like him. He was selfish, he felt like he was someone who deserved more than he got, and he was weak. He let his friends walk over him, pushing him to do things that he knew would turn out poorly, and then covering for him when they did. He also let his family put him down, not giving him credit for the hard work he put in to get where he is in life. Yet, when he was with Natalie he changed. I could feel him become comfortable with himself. He treated her with respect and won her over with his heart. He cared for her, protected her, and loved her entirely. The Penn who was with Natalie is someone I could respect and like.
Natalie works hard to live a life that she can enjoy. She house sits for the wealthy and uses her time working on writing a book. I feel like her self-esteem was low and Penn was the perfect person to build her up. Yet, at every turn, she was doubting herself and doubting Penn. From the beginning it was obvious to me that their relationship could move past the casual affair it started out as without her learning to trust herself. I was looking for her to figure out how to do that. There were many times that I cheered for her when she questioned someone’s reasoning for saying, doing, or acting like they were.
I enjoyed this story, I liked that these were not easy characters. Each one had their own history and a future that they were trying to build. They were real, they had feelings, and they had struggles. K.A Linde wrote a book that had the steamy scenes I love, the feelings that I look for, and the storyline that wasn’t always easy. I look forward to more in this series. I need to know what the future holds for Penn and Natalie.
The queen of angst has done it again with this addicting new series. She pulled in me in from One Cruel Nights (the free prequel) to wanting more with Cruel Money. I loved every minute.
This book takes place 6 years after One Cruel Night. Natalie is living the life working and traveling all over the place. She is a writer and is getting paid to house sit. She is really enjoying herself at the new house she is staying at for a while until someone from her past shows up. She was not expecting to see Penn again.
Penn has come to his family’s house to stay with some friends. He leads a very different life than Natalie. She wants nothing to do with him although she can’t stop thinking about their one night together.
These characters will pull you in and have you turning the pages as fast as you can. If you are an angst lover you need to read this book. I need the next book asap!
4.5 stars
This story was so so so addictive! I practically devoured it in one sitting. I was left needing more of Penn and Natalie. This book has all the things I love about reading: romance, drama, steamy and sexy scenes that will keep you hooked since page one.
The story starts right where it was left on the prequel ONE CRUEL NIGHT (now free on all retailers). Penn and Natalie met 6 years ago, they had just one night together but for Natalie it was a night she couldn’t forget. Now 6 years after, they meet again, and all the feelings Nat thought were buried deep are now coming to the surface. They’re from different worlds, but this won’t stop the attraction they feel. But of course, this won’t be easy for them.
I don’t want to give you more details but that’s where the drama starts!!! The story is amazing and it will captivate you until the very last page
I loved both characters. Natalie is amazing! She’s an amazing woman, she’s so feisty and I loved how she dealt with all that happened in the story. Penn is Penn and he needs to choose better friends. You’ll understand when you read this book.
You will love this couple and just like me you’ll want so much more once that they get their HEA. I highly recommend this book, but don’t forget the saying, keep your friends close and your enemies closer
Oh Penn! and oh Linde! Once again the queen of angst delivered.
You have to meet Natalie and Penn. This couple has chemistry to spare. I love their love/hate relationship (the hate is mostly one-sided). I love their banter and I love when they come together. These two have a nice depth to them and are not your typical couple from opposite sides of the track. They have a history that is hinted at for a bit and you wait to find all the truths from their first time around (And if you want to read that story you can read One Cruel Night, which is free). This second chance that is given to them in a unexpected way is so much fun to watch unravel. You feel the tension in both good and bad ways and you wonder where this will go, if anywhere. I loved reading it unfold.
I loved Totle, who is my favorite character in the whole book. How a dog can be so expressive and lovable makes me want to get my own (would if I could).
The other supporting characters were fun to see interact with these two. The friends and family from both characters were interesting and brought out new sides to them. There’s always the one character you keep your eye on because you know bad things always follow and in this book their “villain” was unlikable in the best way. You just wanted to yell, “RUN!”, every time she entered a scene. But the best friends for both characters were great. They were supportive and had great interactions.
Since this is part of a 3-book series you know that this would not be a Linde novel without a cliffhanger. And oh what a cliffhanger it is! I am anxious and expectant for the next book and to see where she’s taking out characters. It is a small time-jump so we will probably get to see what they were up to in the interim and see what will happen next.
And as I mentioned earlier in my review, there is a prequel book, One Cruel Night, that is currently free and it’s a great read to get to know our characters a little more but not necessary to read this book. There is enough coverage of those events in this book that you get the gist of what happened BUT I think that read was also excellent and really enhances this read. So pick that up too.
Overall…Why do I need to wait so long for the next book!?!?!?!?!?
BAH!! Oh, Penn. Do I love him? Do I hate him? I think I kinda love him… I want to strangle him a bit but I think that’s okay. I also think it’s completely okay to feel this way about a completely fictional character. I love the charisma and the chemistry between these two. I love the complexities of Penn’s different “sides”. Book one was one awesome roller coaster and I can’t wait to see how their story plays out!
Penn and Natalie met each other years ago and didn’t leave on the best of terms. They’ve each went on with their lives but haven’t forgotten about each other. Imagine their surprise when fate seems to throw them together.
They have a lot working against them will they be able to put it all aside and talk through the past? Will they have the time to get to know each other again and see where they can go from there?
Loved that Natalie told him how she felt years ago and didn’t make it easy on him. She has a mind of her own and isn’t afraid to use it. Penn isn’t afraid to go after what he wants but has made mistakes in the past.
The chemistry between these two is smoking hot! I knew it was part one of a trilogy so I was expecting the CH (and what a CH it is!!!!) I can’t wait for the next book to see what happens!
I liked most of the side characters but there was one that I was definitely giving the side eye to. Once you read it, I’m sure you’ll know who I’m talking about.
This book was amazing!!! Imagine Gossip Girl, on a grander scale.
Natalie was a heroine who I could definitely see as being an awesome best friend. She’s strong, funny, and just an overall good character.
Penn…. hmm. Where to go with him. It was a love/hate relationship, 100%. There were times when I wanted to just swoon over his actions, and other times I wanted to throat punch him.
The secondary characters were a mix of both awesome and annoying. There was one that I hope karma comes and bites her in the @$$.
This story drew me in from the start and had me sucked in to the very last word! I cannot wait for the next book, and would highly recommend this one!!
Natalie and Penn met on her last day in Paris years ago. It was an amazing night but alas came to an end far to soon. Fast forward years later and the two meet unexpectedly and not sure how to handle the new situation they find themselves in. The two are thrown in to a world of secrets, money, deception and back stabbing at it’s finest. The writing in this book was done pretty well and the plot overall was amazing. The passion these two have, the angst that makes you not be able to stop reading, the secondary characters that make this book even better…you have it all. I would highly recommend.
Oh man. This book. THIS BOOK!!! Gahhhhhhhhhh!!! I’m dying.
If you read the FREE prequel, One Cruel Night, then you kind of know what to expect heading into this book. If you didn’t, you so should, but I don’t think it’s completely necessary to enjoy the book.
We start off with Natalie as she’s about to start a new assignment. Honestly, her job sounds like a dream! I’m jealous. LOL!!! She’s just received some rather spirit-crushing news and is in the midst of trying to cleanse her soul when she gets an unexpected surprise.
Penn… Gawd. He’s… Conflicted? I don’t know if that’s the right word. But he’s struggling with being who he wants to be and who he thinks he really is. He has a close-knit group of friends, and he can get himself into some sticky situations with them. This being one of those situations. Basically, he’s being dumb. LOL! But he’s so swoony and he almost redeems himself.
Natalie is a firecracker and truly intends to stand her ground with Penn. But her walls eventually crumble under the weight of his charms.
This book is full of drama and backstabbing b*tches and secrets and sex and OMG I couldn’t put this book down. It’s a trilogy, so you know what that means. And I seriously cannot wait for the next book! I’m totally rooting for Penn and Natalie. This is a definite must read!
Wow!! Ok so if you like your books full of angst, lies, secrets, betrayal and a heavy dose of hope, then this should be your next book. I will warn you that it ends with a crazy cliffhanger and having to wait a few months for the next one sucks and I may not survive the wait but I hope it goes by fast because I’m ready to dive back into Natalie and Penn’s story.
Penn is your typical trust fund guy who wants more than what is laid out at his feet but the games that his “crew” play are not normal at all. All of them play their games regardless of the consequences but when he comes face to face with the girl from years ago that makes him want to change he is unsure if he can…
Natalie is a military brat who has never felt like she has a home. She is struggling to survive the same way her parents always have but at least she is getting paid to travel…or house sit… She never expected her newest job to come with a blast from the past.
These two have a past filled with hurt but a future full of potential, will they be able to lay it all out before they lose each other for good??
This book was so good. I absolutely loved the main characters and the name of this book definitely fit the story. It was angsty and drama filled. I didn’t want it to end and I can’t wait for more from this book. I kept flipping pages hoping it wasn’t over. This author words definitely amazed me and I can’t wait for more from her.
I’m a 90s chick through and through, and this story SCREAMED cruel intentions to me. I LOVED it. Penn and Natalie have such a great push and pull story-and the burn was so worth it. I did not read the novella of their tryst, and I think I liked the mystery of what happened that night. It kept me completely interested and really had me falling in love with the characters while the story happened.
I’m of course going to go back because I love them that much and I want to see if my imagination can do their Paris night any justice.
I’m so excited for this next book-I know Natalie is a strong, independent woman that will be able to pick herself up after anything that comes her way, but I’m so eager to see how Penn is involved in the future. I’ll be on pins and needles waiting for the next part of their journey!
So, normally when a book hits my e-reader, I might not jump in right away. That wasn’t the case with this book. I’d gotten to the third chapter when I learned about the prequel (One Cruel Night, it’s free on Amazon!) that gives the backstory on what happened years ago between the main characters, and why she’s so angrivated with him. Then I had to do a bit more digging because his name was familiar when I realized which book series he was in prior to this trilogy (so happy my gray matter works well enough to remember these details lol).
This first book of the trilogy is just this side of angsty; I’m not sure what’s worse:
(1) getting caught skinny dipping or
(2) getting caught skinny dipping by your one night stand or
(3) the one night stand’s recollection of you
Once our intrepid heroine realizes exactly who he is, she’s ready to hightail outta there (can you blame her though?)
Despite her intense reservations, his “Crew” of friends seemingly embraces her into their small group and that’s when things really begin to ramp up; she’s the exact opposite of the “Crew”, yet somehow she blends in with them. The tension and chemistry are still there between our daunting couple, and I love seeing the changes he’s trying to make in his life, despite his family’s name and vast amount of wealth. I can’t wait to see how their story is gonna play out over the next two books.
OHMYGOD!!! I have to say I wasn’t expecting that at all!! After reading the first few pages of Cruel Money I was already head-over-heels in love with Penn and Natalie. They captured my heart immediately. The tension between those two is just over the charts. And OMG how much I loved Penn!!!! He may be an a** sometimes but deep inside I fell totally in love with him. And damn how much I loved the interactions between him and Natalie. They were both just such unique characters.
The story was definitely something I didn’t see coming. Everything was totally new and unique. I loved the world K.A. Linde created in Cruel Money. The intrigues, affairs, arranged marriages, money, and so much more – simply put “the lifestyle of the rich and famous”.
I also loved the dynamic of Penn’s (rich) friends and reading about their rich life and how Natalie fit, or rather didn’t fit, in.
Cruel Money is definitely something different and I’m anxious to read the next book in this series.
This was soooo good!!! Let me say that Natalie is a bada$$ towards the ending and I love it!!!!!!!! Penn and Natalie shared a night together then went their separate ways. Fast forward 6 years and she’s sort of like the help and she finds out that he’s New York royalty. Completely different worlds. Penn has a group of close friends that are just as wealthy as him and they call themselves the “crew”. Their nickname is the “cruel crew” which at first I thought it was absurd but then the way things played out the name suited them just right.
Penn and Natalie after all the yelling picked up where they left off BUT things were interesting. And this is where the story gets super super good that I don’t want to spoil it!!! I must say that I seriously loved how the author made Natalie to have a backbone in the last chapters and surprise that ending.
I need the following book in this series ASAP!!