RyleyDon’t trust the fairy tales. They trick you into believing true love will appear on the back of a white horse, in the form of a perfect, handsome Prince Charming. Most of the time Prince Charming turns out to be even more deceptive and evil than the wolf himself. I thought I’d met my soul mate at high school. Turned out my Mr Wright was so very wrong. JacksonI live in a cruel and unforgiving … cruel and unforgiving world. I learnt from an early age how vicious life can be, but I’m a survivor. Life may have dragged me down to the depths of hell, but I know how to dance with the devil. Sometimes bad things happen to good people for no other reason than to remind us that this life is cruel. Sometimes good people are pushed to do very bad things to right the wrongs of another. But when all is said and done, we need to ask ourselves… how far would you go to protect the ones you love?
Ryley thinks she has her whole life mapped out. Her happy ever after with her high school sweet heart Justin is already planned down to the very last detail. But life doesn’t always work out the way we expect it to, and when demons from Justin’s life threaten to destroy everything they’ve built up, Ryley finds herself thrown into a world of deception, lies and confusion. Truths get twisted, love and hate walk a dubious thin line and the enemy you think you know isn’t always what they seem.
This book serves as a reminder that the first Prince Charming to cross your path isn’t always the hero in your happy ever after.
An enemies to lovers, second chance novel. Although this story isn’t a dark read, there are elements of darkness within, so please take note of the trigger warnings. There are cameos from Luca’s story in this book. However, you don’t have to have read Luca to enjoy this, it can be read as a standalone.
*Warning: 18 years + recommended reader age due to sexual content. This story also contains scenes of drug abuse, suicide and sexual violence that may be upsetting to readers. Please proceed with caution.
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Yes!!!! OMG you guys!!! I’ve finished This Cruel Love story and I’m emotionally wrecked. Author nailed it with this book. It was an enemies to lovers trope, real cruel love, full of angst and unexpected twists and turns. It was a wild ride, total rollercoaster. I’ve got a huge hangover after reading it.
Do you believe in destiny?? Do you believe that everything in your life has a purpose, strong meaning that will affect your whole life??
Ryley Emerson was a young and beautiful woman. Happy in a long lasting relationship with her high school sweetheart. When she was coming back home after collage and was planning future with Justin, she didn’t expect that her world will break apart.
Suddenly the ruthless and dangerous Jackson Caine appeared in her life, turned it up side down, sucked her into agreement where there was not much she could’ve done to save herself at that point of her life. Or at least that’s what she thought so!
Jax was an owner of the night club. He was an alpha male full of self-confidence, rough and arrogant attitude. He was also a very private man, didn’t allow people to come to close to him.
Author had totally surprised me with this character. When I dove deeper into the story, I’ve notice his hidden nature but you need to read it to understand real Jax.
Together they were like fire and gasoline.
Sometimes I wanted to shake them so badly out of their behavior. At times I wanted to throw my Kindle against the wall when I didn’t see the way for their HEA.
I couldn’t predict what’s coming next. All twists and turns in their story lead me trough the maze of unknown and I was craving more and more. Book was getting better with every next chapter. Author accelerated a pace in the second part of the book and put some amazing surprises that from that moment on I couldn’t put it down.
I was so emotionally touched with the ending that few lonely tears slid down my cheeks.
I highly recommend this heartbreaking but beautiful romance story.
This Cruel Love by Nikki J. Summers
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Book: This Cruel Love
Author: Nikki J. Summers
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person – Dual
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: 3 Stars!
Age: Ryley – 23; Jackson – 31.
Warning: Spoilers Ahead.
Three – Ways that I will have my revenge. It’s been a long time coming. Too long.
Two – People you have wronged and you will pay.
One – Way this is going to end, and that will be in my favour.
Zero – Fucks will be given when you finally crash and burn”
‘This Cruel Love’ is my first book from Nikki J. Summers. It’s a story about revenge, hurt feelings, betrayal and finding love amongst all this chaos. I really enjoyed the first half of the book. It had my on the edge of my seat right from the get go. I had no idea where the plot was going to lead. I loved the relationship that grew between Ryley and Jackson. Their playful banter had me grinning from ear to ear. They go from can’t-stand-each-other-enemies to can’t-be-without-each-other-lovers. Jackson was so freaking hot. I just loved his sweetness, even when he didn’t realize he was being adorably sweet. I also loved the secondary characters, especially Cillian. I wouldn’t mind reading more about him.
“She made everything else in my life seem irrelevant. She was my everything, and she didn’t even know.”
Ryley was a mixed character for me. She started out really strong and fierce. She was willing to do anything for her boyfriend. But she started to annoy me from the second half. One instance that I found meaningless was the night when she was molested by Mason. She knew Mason was a sleazebag. She knew his history with women. She knew that he was after her. And YET, she still accepted a drink from him when she was alone with him. She didn’t even give it a second thought even when she knew that Mason should be avoided. She specifically told this herself to her friends. I knew she found out Justin was cheating on her but this is no excuse for her stupid behavior. She was weary of Mason from the starting so it just didn’t make any sense for me.
“He really was my dark knight in well-worn armour. Imperfectly perfect for me and all my fucked up baggage.”
Another instance was when her cheating drug-addict of a boyfriend called her to come talk to him at his friend Liam’s house who, btw, was also a sleazebag. Liam also hit on her whenever he was around. He made it known he didn’t care about her when he failed to inform her that Justin was cheating on her. He also recorded Justin cheating on her. She knew there was someone after her. Someone who wanted to harm her. And she STILL agreed to come to his house to talk. She didn’t even tell Jackson where she was going ’cause she feared he would lose his shit. Even Jackson knew better but she still went and nearly got herself killed. That was another stupid decision that I couldn’t ignore. I docked this book a star because of her.
He was my kryptonite and I loved it. I loved him. So fucking much.
Apart from Ryley’s idiotic decisions, I really enjoyed the overall storyline of this book. The mini war they had going on at the beginning was hilarious ’cause they both were heavy-headed and stubborn. There were many good steamy parts too. I could totally see how they both complemented each other. The pace of the book wasn’t rushed and the story wasn’t too dark except for some violence and murder. I wouldn’t really consider it a mafia book but more like gangsters. Anyway, for lovers of a good enemies-to-lovers-trope, I would recommend this book.
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This story is perfect. I finished it late last night and I am still reeling over it; so sad it’s over. I could go for more Jackson and Ryley. I honestly tried to take my time with this story and read it real slow, but I couldn’t put it down. The author does an outstanding job captivating her audience with her story-line and twists along the way. Her characters both male and female are strong and fierce. I adore Jackson and was immediately cheering for him when he entered the story.
It is an enemies to lovers and second chance romance story. It follows two characters with a connected past. Ryley has no recollection of Jackson ever being in her life, but he does. She has always been his saving grace growing up, the one person he felt he needed to protect, she was his “home”. Ryley is such a sweet and strong girl. She has a lot of fire in her to help those that she loves. After returning home from college, she finds her fiance, Justin, is in a dark place and has been keeping secrets. She approaches Jackson and hopes to workout an agreement to help Justin out. She agrees to his terms, and later learns of the secret life Justin has been living. She learns that trusting people, even those she has known for so long, can be hard and that there are very few people in her life that she can turn to. Ryley may have originally seen Jackson as the devil himself, but the more time she spends with him and gets to know the real Jackson the more human he appears. Her world seems to be spiraling out of control at times, but she can only count on one man to help her.
Jackson may have had a rough past, but if it wasn’t for his choices, good and bad, they wouldn’t have led him back to her. Jackson has had a rough childhood and after losing his father. He was left to the streets where he learned to take care of himself and create his empire. He learned that you can’t trust anyone other than yourself (& the very few people he has let into his life). Jackson may be out to take revenge on the Emerson family, but that all changed when Ryley stepped into his office. He had no intentions on falling for her, but he couldn’t help it. She has always been his saving grace, keeping him at peace, calm, and giving him a reason to live. To have found her again and have her in his life, has been life changing.
I am so excited to add this author and her other books to my list. She is a very talented author, with an innate ability to create an easy to read story, filled with wonderful characters, romance, and great world building. Make note the author does mention triggers in this story, so be sure to read the trigger warning before you dive in.
I absolutely love Nikki’s words.
This is the second book I’ve read by her and I’m totally kicking myself that it’s took me this long to read this book and meet Jackson and Cillian.
Nikki has such a way with words and the story always drags you in and doesn’t let you go.
Jackson and Ryley are absolutely perfect together. The soft to his hard, the smooth to his rough.
Jackson was amazing, he was brooding and downright sinful at times but i loved him.
Ryley damn she was fiesty and i liked it! I love how she stood up for herself and gave the sass aswell it made it easy to like her.
Don’t even get me started on Cillian. We don’t have enough time in the day for me to say how much i love that man.
I’m so looking forward to his book!
What would you be willing to do for the person you love? Would you sacrifice yourself to the devil to try and save their soul? This dark enemies to lovers story is filled with lies, manipulation, revenge, and the ultimate betrayal, but sometimes things aren’t always what they seem. These characters are dynamic and engaging and their chemistry ignites a fire within. I absolutely loved Jackson and Ryley’s unique love story.
This Cruel Love by Nikki J. Summers was absolutely amazing! It was intricate and beautifully written, and I already want to read it again! Unapologetically real, raw, and intensely sexy – this book has had me swooning for days! I thoroughly enjoyed the journey from hate to love with the perfect amount of suspense mixed in.
Author Nikki J Summers infused so much emotion into this read. I wasn’t expecting the strong connection I felt to the characters. It was almost like I was there, living the story through them. Her books continue to get better and better, and I cannot wait to read what comes next!
If you find yourself craving an enemies to lovers romance filled with banter and heat, then look no further than This Cruel Love! One click this captivating and emotional romance today!
This book is not for the faint at heart…
However, if you like a twisted, anguishing rollercoaster ride of a story this one is right up your alley.
Ryley has had a good upbringing, although she has kept on rose-colored glasses where some things in life are concerned, she also is too trusting.
Jackson didn’t have a good upbringing, his life was filled with darkness and then the unthinkable happened and he lived his life based on that.
When these two meet it’s like fire and ice, secrets are between them, and as each one starts to fall apart it only enables the heart to grow stronger.
This book will rip your heart out and then give it back all neat and tied with a bow.
Amazingly good story.
This was an impressive book. One filled full of suspense, angst, hope, lust, passion, despair, and love. Ryley and Jackson’s story toom me on a Rollercoaster of a ride and I loved reading every single page of it.
I picked this book up, and six hours later it had never left my hands. I was instantly hooked.
Jackson is a delicious combination of Lucifer Morningstar and Massimo from 365 Days, and I was all for it.
Total page turner that had me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book. The first part had me laughing so hard from the chemistry between the two main characters. I rooted for them from the first page to the last.
LOVED this book!
This Cruel Love by Nikki J. Summers
I am voluntarily reviewing this ARC.
Love, betrayal, action, fated soul mates and the ultimate happily ever after, all can be found in this beautiful love story.
Ryley is kind and good but sharp and no nonsense. I loved her right away. Jackson loved her from the time he could remember, but life was cruel to him. Dispite his challenges, he becomes a man worthy of her. This story moves at a beautiful pace. I was so pleased that where Ryley and Jackson were concerned, there were no misunderstandings, no long and painful times of stupidly hanging on to the past and not trusting. It was refreshing and beautiful. I loved this book!
I am so glad i got to read this amazing story! Jackson is definitely added to my book boyfriend list Dark, Moody, and Mysterious but also so strong and courageous even though life wasn’t easy he became a better man from it.
Ryley wow she was also a great character, feisty, fun and flirty i loved everything about her
Amazing… what can i say… I loved this book. I couldnt put it down. Its a captivating story…
Jackson is an overprotective alpha male that sets his sights on Ryle.
Ryle is fresh out of uni and a shit load of problems fall at her feet… They come together with a deal and the sparks fly.
This book had drama, tension, chemistry and true love. Twist and turns…
Nikki J Summers I can’t wait to read what you write next and I’ll be hitting the stores for Luca soon…
An amazing job hun.
This Cruel Love is about the road to love being more than a little bit rocky.
This story had me devouring the pages, non-stop.
Ryley has a boyfriend named Justin at the beginning of this book. They have been together for several years, but Justin has secrets and he has hidden some dirty habits from Ryley.
Ryley seemed weak with Justin. A pushover and always willing to do Justin’s bidding for him. Well, let me just say that Ryley absolutley smashes that perception to pieces when she meets Jackson Caine.
On meeting him she turns into this witty, fiery, independent woman, and I absolutley loved her.
What can I say about Jackson Caine other than he had my heart from the moment that he appeared. Even when he’s trying to be an ass, there is this magnetic pull towards him.
Ladies, Jackson Caine is going right up there with my ultimate book boyfriends. Seriously hot!
Ryley and Jackson certainly don’t have an easy time of it. There’s drama, uncertainty, upset, heartbreak and an absolute rollercoaster of emotions to be had on this ride. These characters are written perfectly, and there isn’t one thing I would change about them.
This is my FAVOURITE book written by Nikki J so far.
It’s going to stay with me for a long time, and for fans of her previous book Luca, you are in for an absolute treat
This gets the whole 5 stars.
Total package!
This book! I absolutely loved it
This was such a great story that was so engaging, had a kickass heroine and a hero that will swoop you up and leave you wanting more and more of his sexy smouldering ways.
Ryley, I don’t think I’ve read a strong level headed heroine in a long time. She’s smart, doesn’t let her emotions rule her and is loyal to a fault, giving too many chances to those who don’t deserve them.
Ryley has returned home from university to her fiancée (Justin) and quickly discovers that while she has been away he now has a drug habit and a mountain of debt. She wants to fix this and goes straight to the dragons lair to make a deal.
Jackson (sigh) has my heart and is such a worthy hero. I loved him from his first icy stare . To wipe Justin’s debt, they agree to a secret deal, 3 months of Ryley staying with him and acting as his date to help his image and that he will sent Justin to rehab. Although Ryley doesn’t want to do this, to help Justin and their future she agrees.
Ryley doesn’t like Jackson, but over time she starts to see the real man behind his big boss persona. Their story is sensual, slow burn, full of angst and steamy at all the right parts. There’s secrets and lies and twists and turns that had me devouring the pages, I could not put this read down trying to second guess what would happen next and when the drama went down, I loved that it was female power!
Summers is a new author to me and I will definitely be checking out her other books as well as future ones, especially Cillian, who’s character I loved in this book!
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Overall Ratings;u2063
First Sex Scene – 54%
POV – Duel
Hero –
Heroine –
Story –
Angst –
Steam –
Chemistry –