They say New York City is the Devil’s Playground.They’re wrong.This city belongs to me.And so does Aislinn Granville. She is a pampered politician’s daughter.A decorative ornament, raised to smile and nod and do what she’s told.Except… she doesn’t. Not with me. Ever.In this city full of thugs and thieves, I’ve kept Aislinn safe.From my enemies.From me.Until now.
OMG! This was hypnotic, seductive, intoxicating and alluring! I usually don’t read dark romance stories and wasn’t sure that I would like this one. But this was everything I crave in a romance story and so much more. I was blown away by these characters, the plot and the pull of this story. I just couldn’t step away from it or even stop squirming in my seat, from the riveting, sinful, sexy words as well as the scorching chemistry and heat of these characters, that radiates through this phenomenal story. I need more!! So much more!! Grab this story right now. You will be so glad you did. I Loved it!!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced review copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Tara Leigh really shows her edgier side in this book. I loved this book and the characters are so unique in this story! She shows that she can write sexy romance and still keep you on the edge of your seat through the whole book. I can not wait until the next book. This is must read!!
With each of Tara Leigh’s books I read, it gets better and better. Cruel Sanctuary is dark, sexy and intriguing. Damon is a ruthless man who knows what he wants and he wants Aislinn. Great story, I can’t wait for the next book.
Review copy was received for a honest opinion.
CRUEL SANCTUARY (Wages of Sin Duet Book1)
By Tara Leigh
4.5
Release Date March 25
Tara Leigh is phenomenal. This dark romance has everything you would want in this genre. Damon King, hot alpha-blooded male, arrogant, demanding, sexy as sin and Aislinn Granville, sassy, feisty, stubborn, a don’t fck with me kind of woman. Talk about a match made in heaven/hell.
“…no one — not even the devil himself — will clip my wings.”
Beneath Damon’s hard exterior, he has a soft spot only Aislinn, pure of heart could see.
“…I see the light in you. And it’s beautiful.”
The chemistry between the two is so sexy, hot and is pure fire!
“It is sustenance and sanctuary. It is the wages of sin, the hand of god.”
Cruel Sanctuary is filled with violence, corruption, betrayal and is super intense, it will have you on the edge of your seat. Corrupt Savior can’t come quick enough! I need answers!
“I am a monster, the devil to her angel.”
Cruel Sanctuary is dark and gritty with just a hint of love and sweetness hidden beneath the depths of corruption and darkness.
“Damon King is my lord and liege. My captor and savior.”
Tara has gone and done it. Got me hooked like a drug addict feening for their next hit. I can’t wait for book 2 as Tara leaves us hanging with that cliffy. Hurry up and give me my fix! Lol
“I don’t love. I destroy.”
OMG! This book had off the charts chemistry and a plot that was amazing. I felt the characters were so real. Each story different but also a lot alike. It also had surprises that I never saw coming. I was screaming at the end! You don’t want to miss this one!
OMG !!!!!!
I love this moments when author amaze me again, just like the first time when I fall for him or her writting style …..
I don’t like this moments when I feel ashamed by myself…. why ??? I was sure, that this author won’t suprise me, that she just show again “it’s only another great book”…. BUT Sweet Baby Jesus, I should stand in the corner for a long, long time for thinkg like that about Cruel Sanctuary… How much wrong I was !!!! MrsLeigh didn’t write just a book… she created… truly Sanctuary where’s she’s the Goddess and Damon is her King… Bravo for Mrs Tara Leigh – standing ovation is what You should recieved for writting this masterpiece!
Everything was PERFECT!!!!! The story line, the characters…. Cruel Sanctuary is truly paige turner !!! It was hot and very intense, from first paiges I couldn’t put this book down.
Aislinn and Damon…. It’s hard for me find words to describe how wonderfull company they are!!! Chemistry between them could seriously burn to ashes…. Every woman have no choice when she’ll meet them…. It’s only one way in this relationship… Damon’s way to fall in love with him and Aislinn from the begining!!!! They came from different worlds, but they match so good together. Mrs Leigh couldn’t create them more perfect.
I’m not big fan of duets but this time I’m happy thay I’ll have more of them in Corrupt Savior !!!!
Highly Recomended TITLE!!!!
Without a doubt Cruel Sanctuary is the best book Tara Leigh wrote! It’s definitely more intense due to the mafia plot, what adds spice to the whole story. The hero is the perfect candidate for the next book boyfriend and with the heroine we instantly want to be friends. The story drawed me in from the first page and I didn’t want this book to end! The sexual tension was tangible and I couldn’t wait for the events between the characters to play out. At the very thought I have blush on my face!
Damon is the type of the dominant character, whose very presence screams ‘alpha’. Ruthless, bossy, devilishly sexy and his dirty talk makes you lightheaded. The walking wet dream of every red-blooded woman. I’m completely in love with him! In relation to Aislinn he’s patient and supportive, although at times also repulsive (however, it has its own background). Their banter is saturated with sexuality. Aislinn is a strong and independent woman who has good head on her shoulders. In spite of Damon’s position and reputation, she doesn’t allow to walk all over her. Unfortunately, there are many secrets in her life that she has no idea about and that exposes her to danger. These two, despite coming from two different worlds, is the perfect match. Chemistry is off the charts, attraction is magnetic and as a reader you support them with all your strenght! I can’t wait to learn more about this couple.
Tara Leigh was a brilliant author for me before but she beat all the records with this book! I couldn’t put away this story. Each twist and turn accelerated the beating of my heart and the intimate scenes between the characters raised the pressure. I’m completely captivated by Cruel Sanctuary and I can’t wait for the continuation in Corrupt Savior! I crave more of Damon King!
Cruel Sanctuary is the first installment in Tara Leigh’s The Wages of Sin duet, and it is a wickedly sexy romance with an unpredictable and engrossing plot. Explosive and dangerous revelations have just turned Aislinn’s life upside down, and she’s thrust into the arms of the mysterious and powerful Damon King. Although she doesn’t want to like Damon or be attracted to him, she cannot deny that they have chemistry in spades, but Damon has his own dark secrets that could threaten any future they might have together. The second book, Corrupt Savior, releases on May 13, and you need this duet in your life.
Recommendation appeared on Frolic on March 24, 2019.
ARC provided, but this review was voluntarily and honestly written.
Turned up the heat scale to scalding!
This isn’t my first rodeo with Tara Leigh. She’s got a writing style that absolutely captivates her readers, and one hell of a fiery creative mind. Much like her other books, you never quite know what to expect when you turn the first page, but one thing is always certain – you will not be able to put it down! Anyone familiar with Leigh – be prepared for a turn of events, because if it’s even possible, Cruel Sanctuary is even grittier, darker and sexier then anything she’s previously written – and that really is saying a lot. Leigh’s turned up the heat, and it’s absolute FIRE!
Lies, sex, secrets, corruption, hidden agendas, scandals, murder… you’ll find it all wrapped up in a pretty little bow, that you will not be able to put down until you’ve mastered every single page.
**FULL REVIEW ON BLOG** https://www.wanderingpagesandplaces.com/post/cruelsanctuary-bookreview
What have i read?
This book is much darker, better, greater or amazing than anything I’ve read from the author till now and i was speechless by the end of the last sentence.
Tara has created a new world ,a new duet with characters that you won’t expect , and a story that will keep you up till you finish reading because it’s full of feelings and actions that will make you wonder what is going on in the best way, and you’ll want to find out how everything’s going to solve out.
In the middle of one of the most beautiful and visited cities in the world, the author has created a love story between two characters that are so different in the way they know life and how they grow up, but as usual, opposites attract and the chemistry between Aislinn ( i love this name) and Damon it can be felt all the times when they are in together.
Aislinn is a sexy young woman who is independent and will stand her ground as also will choose what is right in life and get away from her father’s political schemes.
Damon King is another story, he builds a kingdom for himself and although is known for the underworld people as ruthless and cruel, in private and especially near Aislinn he is so worth swooning, sexy, assertive, paying attention to everything that means Aislinn (even if he is a jerk at times but you’ll understand why when you read the book). I can’t wait to read the second book in this duet because there are so many questions that i have and need answers.
This story is darker and sexier and amazing as Tara Leigh has used us with her words
Oh my so you want something that has meat to it and take you deep then this is the stop for you. This author this times changes up and gives us Damon to secretly crave but he could be naughty. He is a charmer and very much alpha. His eyes are on Aislinn with already pulled to the edge seeing just where that will get him. Power will seep from his pores making you sweat as you see how he handles things. She seems to be the only one whom sees that there is more and scare he does not. What she fills this one up with we suck it all down panting for more. Can you wait for the more?
An intense and gritty read. I started this book and did not want to put it down. It’s dark and addictive with twists and turns you do not see coming. Damon King is hot and the sexual tension between the characters is off the charts. I need book two ASAP to find out what happens next.
Cruel Sanctuary is a dark and addicting read with plenty of suspense, mystery and deliciously hot chemistry between Damon and Aislinn. I fell in love with their story and the book. The cliffhanger ending killed me, I can’t wait until the next book.
Rate: ++5/ 5 stars
I may say this a lot. But if there’s a writer I’ve followed from the start and have noticed how much their writing has gotten better with every book? Then Tara is definitely it! Her writing is more astonishing with every release, her words more beautiful and poetic even. And if I loved her past characters, you best be sure I’m gonna love the news ones even more. Damon and Ash, my god these were so different from each other and from the characters Tara usually writes but they were truly magnificent and made for each other and I simply cannot wait to get more of them and see where Tara takes their story next.
Damon was corrupt in almost every sense of the word but he’s definitely one of those anti-hero you can’t help but love to pieces. He was filthy and boy did I love that. I swear some of the things he said left me breathless. Most of the quotes I highlighted were from him because I just really loved Damon King. He might be a corrupt and do bad bad things but he has a heart and he slowly, very slowly gives it to Aislinn piece by piece. What he doesn’t give her is all the information about what’s going on. There is so much Aislinn doesn’t know about what’s happening and about her past. She just found out a major truth aout her father that completely changed her life upside down but there’s still so much she doesn’t know. I don’t think it will be pretty once the whole truth comes out.
Aislinn is a very strong heroine. So although the truth will shake her, I know it won’t knock her down and she will stand tall and even fiercer than before. I love how she fights Damon. He is used to getting his way, to people following his orders and bowing down to him but Aislinn doesn’t give in to his demands, not like he expected her to. She fights him. She might give him her body and her heart but she will not give up her will or common sense.
She is a queen and queen’s rule alongside their king, they don’t bow to him (only in private (; ).
I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book. So much is on sidelines, just waiting to burst into the field. I can’t wait to see it all unfold and to see how Aislinn will react to everything. And to see how she and Damon are gonna rise through all the chaos about to be set to flames.
Amazing! Everything about this story is amazing! Aislinn and Damon have it all! There is so much chemistry, tension, and angst in this story – and I loved every second! I cannot wait for the next book!
I have to start this review by saying that this is one of my favorite arc’s that I have had a pleasure of reading this year. What an incredible story. I got sucked right in. I almost finished it in one reading. I read late into the night and had to go to sleep because of work. But then I finished it during a breakfast.
Aislinn is an amazing woman, very strong, confident and knows what she wants. She has an amazing career until her shitty father decided that he needs her working by his side.
Damon is a damaged devil in disguise. He never promised her anything and yet he opens up to her like he didn’t to anyone ever before.
I have to admit that the ending was expectable, but only because I knew that there will be sequel coming out soon.
Tara you did an incredible job. I loved this book and can’t wait to start reading the sequel. I am very glad that am a part of your review team. I got this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
Holy twisty book that makes you want more! I found once I started I could not put this book down and devoured it in half a day! The concept alone that Tara Leigh brought forth with this book was amazing as well as the flow of the story made it unforgettable. That being said, please know this is a duet and you are gonna wanna DIE for the second part!
When it comes to Damon, I love his drive and the reasoning of why he is the way he is. It comes from a unique and heartfelt place all bet executed in the wrong way at times! I loved Aislinn’s character too! She has a backbone and sass and gives Damon a run for his money. These two together is completely explosive! There are so many secrets that will implode more, which makes it even more twisty and suspenseful!
Overall, I am in love with this book and the characters that Leigh created. I am excited to see what will happen next, especially with how this one ended. Between the sizzling chemistry, epic banter and unique storyline, this book is one of a kind and I highly recommend snagging this one up!
Cruel Sanctuary is the first book in Tara Leigh’s Wages of Sin Duet, and it was such a thrilling, heat- and tension-filled romantic suspense that will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. There were so many secrets you’ll want to unearth, riddles you’ll want to solve and piece together… every twist and turn of the book just intrigued the hell out of me and had me wanting so much more.
“Damon King is a ruthless bastard. A dark warrior with the soul of a savior. A cruel, corrupt savior… who believes himself beyond redemption.”
As the plot continued to thicken and the deeper I got into the story, the more I became invested in everything going on. Reading this was like putting together an elaborate puzzle that’s beyond worth it and rewarding in the end; while at the same time, you’re just relishing in the way Damon and Aislinn’s relationship grew and evolved into something none of them expected.
“Be my monster tonight, Damon. Prove to me that giving up control isn’t the same as having it taken away.”
These two were complete fire together. They just scorched my e-reader with the amount of heat and steam and blazing chemistry they had all throughout. Damon and Aislinn were really like the devil and angel clashing together—where darkness met light or the negative converged with the positive. Looking from the outside, they couldn’t be more different from the other… but on the inside, not so much. Both of them held skeletons in their closet, making them even more jaded and broken than they truly realized.
“Darkness is where I thrive. Dark minds. Dark rooms. Dark hearts.”
Tara Leigh has certainly introduced us to a heroine who’ll surprise you with her strength and bravery at every turn—who continued to prove that she’s so much more than meets the eye, her last name and her father’s position; and a hero who’ll bring you to your knees with every layer you peel off of him—who will make your toes curl and your spine tingle from hardcore swooning over him.
“I will be her monster. The kind she need not fear. Ever. Whether in the blackest dark or the brightest light, I will keep Aislinn safe.”
Cruel Sanctuary vaguely reminded me of Meghan March’s Mount trilogy—mainly because of the anti-hero aspect of the story and finding similarities between King and Mount—so if you love books within those lines, I guarantee you’ll dig this one for sure. You’ll just want to meet this Corrupt Savior. And now you can wait with me with bated breath for Aislinn and Damon’s finale!
Cruel Sanctuary Book 1 Wages of Sin
5+++++ Stars
Oh my words!! This is sooooo AMAZING!! There are soo many twists and turns! Kept me at the edge of my seat! I never wanted it to end!! Very well written!
“A cruel, corrupt savior… who believes himself beyond redemption.”
“I assure you, my blackened soul will only stain your squeaky-clean hands. My dark will suffocate your light.”
Very highly recommend!! Can’t wait until the next book!
Damon is the ultimate alpha that will have what he wants when he wants. Aislinn is a politician’s daughter but is no push over for Damon. These two were so hot and the banter between them was so enjoyable. This is one of those stories that will stick with you. Excellent and recommended read.