Monsters don’t often look like monsters on the outside. Forced to marry a man I should hate, I’m now bound to Damian. I sometimes wonder what he sees when he looks at me. Deer in headlights, I guess. What I see is clear.Darkness.Desire.Carnal want.A man with too much experience.The day he took me he told me I belong to him. On our wedding night he proved I did. And I believe him when he says … wedding night he proved I did. And I believe him when he says he’ll keep me safe because he won’t let anyone touch what’s his.
But I can’t forget what he is. Can’t forget the things he’s done.
And no matter what, I can’t let myself fall in love with him.
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UNHOLY INTENT is the second instalment in Natasha Knight’s contemporary, adult UNHOLY UNION dark, erotic, romance duet focusing on eighteen year old Cristina Valentina, and Damian Di Santo. UNHOLY INTENT should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events and cliff hanger of book one UNHOLY UNION.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers.
SOME BACKGROUND: Eight years earlier, Christina’s father sacrificed his life in an effort to protect his daughter but his sacrifice was for naught when a newly turned eighteen year old Christina would find herself the captive of Damian DiSanto, a captive meant to repay a debt.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Damian and Cristina) UNHOLY INTENT follows in the aftermath of Cristina Valentina’s eighteenth birthday. Payment for the sins of her father, Cristina is to become the wife of criminal Damian DiSanto, a position that is meant to both protect our heroine, as well as control but all is not well in the DiSanto family when Damian’s twin brother Lucas returns seeking something Damian refuses to let go. What ensues is the building but acrimonious relationship between Damian and Cristina, and the potential fall-out as Cristina becomes an unwilling pawn in a game between two families, and Damian’s empire takes a hit in a war between two brothers.
The relationship between Damian and Cristina is fraught with secrets and lies; threats and aggression; domination and power. Cristina is an unwilling captive; a guarded and guided wife but a woman who quickly falls for the man that now controls her life. Our heroine’s issues of trust are well-founded as there appear to be more than two sides to the story about the who, how and why. The $ex scenes are aggressive and intense, and not without some questionable consent but I struggled with the use of a certain four-letter word I dislike in my romance (including dark) story lines.
Damian’s twin brother Lucas returns to upset the balance of power, as well as their sister Michela who struggles to find a place in the family; Cristina’s cousin Liam is the sole source of support and remaining family member on our heroine’s side, as her uncle Adam sets into motion a dangerous game between the two families.
UNHOLY INTENT is a story of power and control; betrayal and vengeance; secrets, lies, heart break and love. The premise is haunting, dark, edgy and raw; the romance provocative; the characters are tragic, broken and impassioned. The epilogue fast forwards the story line four years. Here’s hoping the author has plans for Cristina’s cousin Liam.
The continuing story of Cristina and Damian did not disappoint! Monsters are at every turn and Cristina is the pivotal pawn in every action. Everyone wants their due and vengeance is the underlying theme but for Damian, the story has flipped and his every action is with the intent to protect Cristina and not hurt her. There is a fine line between love and hate and both Damian and Cristina are dancing on that sharp edge. This was an adrenaline inducing story that I couldn’t put down. The events leading to the end are shocking and heartbreaking but I was happy with the finale.
“Even as I hate myself. I cling to him, my enemy. This monster who doesn’t hide in the dark. The one in whose bed I’ll sleep. My monster.” ~Cristina
Christina is forced to be married to a man who had her kidnapped and trapped in a terror-inducing mansion filled with people who would rather see her dead than alive. But, no matter how much she denies it, Damian is the only one standing between her and death…even though no one can protect her from his version of tortures. But, now a new individual has entered their life which just made Christina see a new side of Damian which she hates to love and loves to hate…
Damian has given a choice …betray his family for his Christina or just get on with the horrors he has planned for her from the beginning.
Run. Run. But I can’t run. I meet a monster at every turn. One standing behind me. The other holding me.
Oh .my .gosh. This duet has wrecked my heart. Ever read an Antihero who has done such unredeemable things to the heroine but the author successfully manages to make us fall in love with him? Yes, That’s Damian for me. A perfect man who is not afraid to get his hands dirty and crosses every freaking line…A perfect dark romance duet.
The cliffhanger in the last book Unholy Union was just so mind-boggling. After finishing that book I just needed a few moments to compose myself. But if that book screwed you over than you have no idea what’s coming for you.
Even as I hate myself for it, I cling to him, my enemy. This monster doesn’t hide in the dark. The one in whose bed I’ll sleep. My monster.
Damian and Christina’s was a freaking disaster… It just gives you goosebumps to read the scenes in this book. One time you are guessing what’s going to happen, then the author throws you off the track. It was just a bumpy ride to read this book…But it was all worth it in the end.
The steamy scenes between them were just full of hotness… so so sensual. Their chemistry can burn your kindle down and you won’t feel a thing as you are soooo engrossed in the story.
The main villain of the story…now that guy…I couldn’t get myself to hate him…there was something with him that I sympathize with till the end.
Amazing conclusion to the story…Don’t worry no matter how ugly the ride through this book becomes …the ending was beautiful….. Natasha Knight will leave you wanting for more and more…
A perfect duet to binge read for all the dark romance lover who loves an Alpha possessive hero and a strong-willed heroine who will not break no matter how much she goes through!!!
What an amazing conclusion to this dark, intriguing duet. This book keeps the reader on the edge of their seat until the very last page. This story is packed with suspense, intrigue, deception and betrayal. My head was spinning trying to figure out what was going on, who was lying and which characters could be trusted. In short, no one. This was a great duet and I can’t recommend it enough.
Unholy Intent by Natasha Knight. 5 stars
The conclusion of Damien and Christina’s story. I’ll be completely honest some parts in this book were hard to get through. Brother against Brother was heartbreaking. That soft spot Damien has for Christina shines bright but it takes him a good long time to realize the life he’s as supposed to have and the life that he wants. Cristina grew into a woman who would not be used or dismissed and realized the true feelings in her heart. I did not think there would be a HEA but Natasha came through on that and made me love this story all the more for it.—-Carolyn for Book Haven Book Blog
Things are not what they seem in the Di Santos house. Cristina is surrounded by monsters and she doesn’t know who to trust. With so many people warning her against Damien she’s in confusion. Everyone seems to have a hidden agenda when it comes to her. Damien is torn between his role in the family and his wife, Cristina. He is constantly trying to keep her safe from his enemies but there’s one enemy he didn’t see coming. The return of his twin, Lucas, things are getting out of control and Damien is bent on protecting what is his. What do you when you have to choose between your spouse and your family? That is something Damien will have figure out.
I enjoyed this book. The twists and turns kept me guessing who is friend and who is foe. I could feel the chemistry and tension change between the characters. Sometimes I would get annoyed with Cristina but she didn’t break when so many would have. I would definitely recommend this book to others to read. It kept me engaged and I finished it in two sittings.
HOLY DARKNESS!!! With Unholy Intent, the conclusion to the Unholy Union Duet, Natasha Knight has written another compelling, gripping, sometimes chilling and UTTERLY UNFORGETTABLE story that will stay with me for a long, loooooooong time!
After finishing the first book (and Cristina coming face to face with Damian’s brother, Lucas) this one picks up right where we left off….and the twists and turns that had my heart beating with anticipation never STOPPED!!!! I was completely riveted! I couldn’t put this book down if you paid me to!
Ms. Knight has such a knack of creating characters that, even though they seem evil, they have such redeeming qualities that you fall head-over-heels in love with them…..even AGAINST your will!!! Damian Di Santo is one of THE BEST!!! You WANT to hate him for some of the things he does to sweet Cristina (who grows soooooo much in this story!) but you simply CAN’T!!! In the end, we discover just who these two REALLY are, and I LOVED IT!!!
The epilogues that finish this EPIC story finished it off perfectly! I can’t WAIT to see if maybe we get more from some of the secondary characters in this duet! I wouldn’t hate reading about Liam (Cristina’s cousin) or Michela (Damians’ sister)! Sign me up for whatever comes next from this author!!!
Unholy Intent was the second and last book in this Unholy Union Duet. I was a little worried that there was going to be another cliffhanger because we were getting close to the end of the book and there was so much happening. Natasha Knight pulls out a fitting ending in a fantastic way!
Damian and Cristina’s story continues but now there is the added twist of Damian’s twin, Lucas. This book starts where Unholy Union ended.
Who can Cristina trust? Her new husband. Damian marries Cristina to keep her safe. Lucas the very damaged brother of Damian or her Uncle that raised her?
Unholy Intent is sexy, suspenseful & a little twisted. The best kind of book and as always whenever I see that Natasha Knight has written a new book I grab it because I know it is going to be a good read!
The conclusion to Damian and Cristina’s story is full of lies, half-truths, and subterfuge. The things that are clear, concise, and without doubt, are the feelings between Damian and Cristina. The love that makes him feel, and the love that she fights so hard against. There is pain, worry, and hurt, but it forges them closers together even as it sometimes tears them apart. In the end, it comes down to their own choices, and good or bad, they own their lives, and they choose each other <3
This is the concluding part of the unholy duet and oh my gosh what a ride this has been! I feel like I need a time out to recover!
At the end of unholy union a blast from the past resurfaced. Damons brother Lucas.
He was the man who walked away from the empire leaving Damon to pick up the slack and rule the roost as their father became unable to.
Lucas is an enigma with a very good game face. He walks the walk, avoids the talk and loves the devastation he creates.
I couldn’t see past the wall he erected around himself, he was like a fortress. I couldn’t get close enough to “see” him, but I felt his black heart.
Damon became the brother I stood behind. Even after everything he had said and done.
He might be dark, deadly and dangerous. His words might skim the true issues and his answers might leave you with more questions, but there’s just something about him that plays havoc with your insides!
Christina was piggy in the middle of the two brothers. She didnt know if she could trust anyone and that must truly be a scary thing.
I felt quite sorry for her. She was like a lamb in a field of wolves *shudders*.
A fantastic suspenseful climax to a duet that really deserves an orange bestseller banner!
Picking up right at the cliffhanger from the first book, Unholy Intent will take you on a wild and twisted ride.
Action packed and full of drama, suspense and back stabbing, this winding tale of darkness and deceit will have you on the edge of your proverbial seat, making this book a complete page turner.
A brilliant end to a great duet.
5 stars and a rose
“Even as I hate myself for it, I cling to him, my enemy.”
This is why we simple girls keep falling for the devil. I blame Natasha Knight for bringing her A game and writing stories where the villains are the devil you wish to marry.
The lost son has returned to take what’s his by right, Lucas is back; and he is ready to take all that entitles the first born of the Di Santo family; Damian is doing everything to keep his legacy intact but there’s nothing that can change his true nature, he is the villain of the story and the perks of being a monster is that you’re alone and there’s nothing to care for…that is until the monster suddenly grows a heart. An arranged marriage, a life already sold to the villain, Cristina now belongs to Damian, but the pull she has towards him is something she can’t avoid and she’s not sure she wants to resist it. The roses are red, the thorns do not sting anymore…does that mean the monster finally has found his heart??
Tragic, vulnerable and enticing. This story wrecked me in the most delicious and lustful ways!
This end to the Unholy Union duet was an explosion of emotion and so suspenseful it will lead you to hanging on every word.
You find yourself holding your breath throughout scenes in this book hoping everything comes out ok for these two characters. Loyalty’s are tested, and Cristina must learn who to trust before everything crumbles around her.
This dark romance is full of suspense, mystery and twists that will keep you guessing till the end. Many pawns are on the chessboard, and one wrong move will mean the end to everything. Christina must fight to learn to stand up for herself and fight for her life.
Get ready for the whirlwind of life in the Di Santo house. You have been warned.
Holy crap! What a conclusion this was. Natasha does it again
Book one left you with so many questions, I couldn’t wait to read this and see how it was all going to play out. I was so not disappointed!!
Secrets and betrayal run amok, who do you believe? Who do you trust?
Liam arriving on the scene threw a curveball.
Cristina being pulled from all sides and doesn’t know where to turn.
Damian is torn and he knows what he started out to do is no longer part of the plan…..but what is?
This is an all the feels read, so much emotion, feisty, with suspense and drama. This is one explosive conclusion.
After reading Unholy Union I couldn’t wait for Unholy Intent! It takes up from where we left off in the first book. It’s mind blowing, intense, dark and totally worth reading every single word! Damian and Cristina will completely embed themselves into your very heart and soul.
Damian is considered a “monster” yet there is something about him that you can’t help but be attracted to. He’s dark, dirty and delicious! And Cristina, while young, really grows up in this second book of the duet. She turns into a strong, spitfire of a woman and I loved her character.
Many events go on in this book that you won’t put it down until completely finished! The chemistry between these two is sizzling to the point the pages could have caught on fire! If you love dark romance, then this book and duet is for you! You will be on the edge of your seat the entire time!!!
What an up and down ride. Unholy Intent is the conclusion to the Unholy Union Duet. It picks up right where Unholy Union ended so make sure you read these books in order or you’ll be lost and not know what’s going on. There is also a free novella prologue available entitled Unholy: The Beginning that provides a little extra background about this story and it’s characters.
I fell in love with Damian’s character when he was first introduced, and that love has continued throughout the series and especially in this story. The arrival of Damian’s twin Lucas was unexpected, and certainly caused problems Damian never could have imagined. We learn about his disturbing past and more about his family and their warped traditions. As head of the family, Damian had many enemies and had to act a certain way. However underneath that harsh exterior was a good man who genuinely wanted to protect Cristina. Would those feelings be enough to stop him from seeking the revenge for his family he’d been waiting for?
“I need to keep my promise. I need to do one right thing.”
Cristina desperately wanted someone that she could count on and someone who had her back. She wanted that person to be Damian, but with so many unanswered questions, and so many warnings, who was Cristina to believe? Who was the safest monster to trust?
“I don’t feel sorry for him or the shape he’s in. I’m not really sure what that says about me, but I’ve buried my head for so long I just can’t anymore. If this is who I am, a woman who knows right from wrong, and who understands that blood doesn’t exempt one from betrayal and looks with eyes wide open on the violence done to a man and doesn’t feel remorse, then that is who I am.”
Will Cristina’s cousin Liam get a book in the future? If so, does that mean we’ll get to see these characters again?
Unholy Intent is filled with secrets, sadness, guilt and family betrayals. It keeps you on your toes trying to figure out who is lying and who is telling the truth. If you like a little dark and some suspense thrown in with your romance, you’ll enjoy this series.
4.5 Stars
I was kindly provided an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Unholy Intent is brilliant! OMG the conclusion to this gripping and suspenseful story had me reading throughout the night. It is totally unputdownable.
Damian and Cristina’s story continues on from that cliffhanger of an ending in Unholy Union. I was desperate to know what was going to happen next, not only between Damian and Cristina but also with the Di Santo and Valentina families.
I really felt for Cristina throughout this story because knowing who she could and couldn’t trust was impossible to work out at times. On top of this she must also have felt confused when she realises that she is developing feelings for the person who she thinks she really should despise.
Throughout the story I thought that Cristina was mature beyond her years and continuously showed us how much strength, determination and spirit she possesses. I desperately wanted everything to work out well for her and so I really felt those heart stopping moments, when they happened.
I was already falling for Damian by the end of the first part of this story and he certainly kept me under his spell during the second. He really intrigued me and I’m certain you will love seeing him dealing with all the twists and turns that this story throws his way.
During Unholy Union I couldn’t deny the sexual chemistry that was sizzling between Damian and Cristina and trust me when I say you are going to need a few cold showers throughout this instalment. I loved witnessing all interactions between Cristina and Damian, and the other characters to be honest. Plus not knowing the true intentions of any of them added to this story perfectly.
This duet is a must read – it is quite possibly my favourite from all of this author’s work that I have read. This story is all about revenge, betrayal, secrets, passion and possession and I enjoyed all the twists and turns and suspense that this story delivered. Told in dual POV, this is a dark and riveting read that you will not be able to put down.
Dark and twisty are the best words to describe this final chapter of the Unholy Duet. Damian and Cristina are back. Hold on to your hats! Again… this darkness is not my cup of tea, but it’s well written and a unique plot. 4
Unholy Intent is the nerve-tingling finale to a thrill ride of a duet. I’ve long been a fan of Natasha Knight and she has surpassed my expectations yet again. As I stated in the review of book one of this duet, there is a palpable tension to these books. It honestly never lets up throughout both stories, at least not until close to the ending when I could finally exhale that long-held breath.
The story continues with Damian and Cristina, both very intelligent people in their own rights, squaring off against each other trying to navigate the maze of dire plots and escalating feelings. I couldn’t figure out who to trust, who to actually believe or be wary of, as Cristina fought so bravely to survive the hellish world she’d been thrust into. It was honestly a devilishly good piece of fiction.
This story takes the reader on a perilous journey into the darkness of evil and vengeful intentions. It was at times nerve-racking, at others erotic, and yet at other times completely satisfying. It runs the gambit of emotions, penned quite expertly by Ms. Knight. As I’ve said, she is one of my favorite authors and she remains high on my list of those who I seek out when looking for good books. As usual, her work comes highly recommended.
Get ready for a wild and twisted ride! We pick up right where the surprising cliffhanger in Unholy Union left off. Damian Di Santo and Cristina Valentina are perfection together. With so much deception and lies can Cristina finally get to the truth of Damian’s past, her father’s lies and the secrets that lie within both families? I don’t want to say to much and give anything away but if you love dark romances, arranged marriages with mystery and suspense then this is a must read duet! So many twists around every corner keep you guessing as who to trust. Told in dual POV