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Cruel #1
Cruel Money
Lose yourself to the dark and glamorous underbelly of the Upper East Side in USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde's new billionaire romance Cruel Trilogy.
She was supposed to be a one night stand.
A way to sate my sexual appetite.
I let her glimpse the man I am. The face that I hide behind my carefully cultivated life. But she ripped open that divide—and there’s no going back.
Now, she’s here. In my city.
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.
She was supposed to be a one night stand.
A way to sate my sexual appetite.
I let her glimpse the man I am. The face that I hide behind my carefully cultivated life. But she ripped open that divide—and there’s no going back.
Now, she’s here. In my city.
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.
340 pages, ebook
First published January 22, 2019
About the author
K.A. Linde
90 books9,662 followersK.A. Linde is the USA Today bestselling author of the Avoiding Series, Wrights, and more than thirty other novels. She has a Masters degree in political science from the University of Georgia, was the head campaign worker for the 2012 presidential campaign at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and served as the head coach of the Duke University dance team. She loves reading fantasy novels, traveling to far-off destinations, and dancing in her spare time.
She currently lives in Lubbock, Texas, with her husband, son, and super-adorable puppy.
Visit her online at www.kalinde.com and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @authorkalinde.
Join her newsletter at www.kalinde.com/subscribe for exclusive content, free books, and giveaways every month.
She currently lives in Lubbock, Texas, with her husband, son, and super-adorable puppy.
Visit her online at www.kalinde.com and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @authorkalinde.
Join her newsletter at www.kalinde.com/subscribe for exclusive content, free books, and giveaways every month.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 493 reviews
January 23, 2019
5 stars!
KA Linde wrote another addicting, angsty, and unputdownable book. Cruel Money was one of those books that hooked me from the start and never let go! I felt like I was transported into a Gossip Girl type world and I loved every second.
Cruel Money takes place 6 years after One Cruel Night (If you haven't read the prequel novella, One Cruel Night, be sure to jump in and read it first (it's a freebie) then get to this). Natalie has her dream job. She writes for a living, and gets paid to house-sit for the rich and famous while she is waiting to catch her big break. Everything is going perfectly until she sees him again. Penn Kensington is a blast from Natalie's past she was never expecting.
Penn is part of the privileged Upper East Side and couldn't be more different than Natalie. For some reason, these two have this connection, this spark that can't be denied. Even though Natalie doesn't want to go there with Penn again, she can't resist. Little does she know there is much more going on behind the scenes of his life than she could imagine. Lies, deceit, and love... it's all there. There's a lot going on.
Natalie is the type of heroine I love. She's strong, has a backbone, and doesn't let those 'above' her walk all over her. She's a genuine person and I loved that about her. Penn I had mixed feelings about for a while, but by the end I felt like I knew him so much better and I really grew to love him. I think the real MVP of this book was Penn's friend Lewis. I adored him!
Yes, this book has a cliffhanger, and I was stressed reading it, but it was so worth it! It had the best angst, the best sexual tension, and loads of passion. It kept me on the edge of my seat waiting to see how things would turn out. There were characters I loved, characters I hated, and characters I loved to hate and hated to love. It was the best kind of book and I'm dying for the next one! Any book that can hook me like this deserves a full 5 stars!
I was Manhattan royalty. She was the help. But I wanted her all the same.
KA Linde wrote another addicting, angsty, and unputdownable book. Cruel Money was one of those books that hooked me from the start and never let go! I felt like I was transported into a Gossip Girl type world and I loved every second.
Cruel Money takes place 6 years after One Cruel Night (If you haven't read the prequel novella, One Cruel Night, be sure to jump in and read it first (it's a freebie) then get to this). Natalie has her dream job. She writes for a living, and gets paid to house-sit for the rich and famous while she is waiting to catch her big break. Everything is going perfectly until she sees him again. Penn Kensington is a blast from Natalie's past she was never expecting.
Penn is part of the privileged Upper East Side and couldn't be more different than Natalie. For some reason, these two have this connection, this spark that can't be denied. Even though Natalie doesn't want to go there with Penn again, she can't resist. Little does she know there is much more going on behind the scenes of his life than she could imagine. Lies, deceit, and love... it's all there. There's a lot going on.
Penn and I were excellent together. I knew that for certain. But difficult was hardly a strong enough word.
Natalie is the type of heroine I love. She's strong, has a backbone, and doesn't let those 'above' her walk all over her. She's a genuine person and I loved that about her. Penn I had mixed feelings about for a while, but by the end I felt like I knew him so much better and I really grew to love him. I think the real MVP of this book was Penn's friend Lewis. I adored him!
Yes, this book has a cliffhanger, and I was stressed reading it, but it was so worth it! It had the best angst, the best sexual tension, and loads of passion. It kept me on the edge of my seat waiting to see how things would turn out. There were characters I loved, characters I hated, and characters I loved to hate and hated to love. It was the best kind of book and I'm dying for the next one! Any book that can hook me like this deserves a full 5 stars!
January 22, 2019
❤❤5 addictive stars❤❤
I devour it in one sitting and now I want more of Penn and Natalie!Cruel Money has it all, drama , angst , original characters and a romance that will keep you on edge!
Natalie and Penn are from different worlds , and they have a past.None of them expected to see each other again!The plot is brilliant and the story captivating !
I loved the romance it has angst, passion and intensity. I’m in love with Penn and Natalie! Both have something unique about them!
Overall it was an amazing story, I’m in love and I need the second book! This new series is going to ruin you! It’s so addictive!
I devour it in one sitting and now I want more of Penn and Natalie!Cruel Money has it all, drama , angst , original characters and a romance that will keep you on edge!
Natalie and Penn are from different worlds , and they have a past.None of them expected to see each other again!The plot is brilliant and the story captivating !
I loved the romance it has angst, passion and intensity. I’m in love with Penn and Natalie! Both have something unique about them!
Overall it was an amazing story, I’m in love and I need the second book! This new series is going to ruin you! It’s so addictive!
January 29, 2019
AW HELL NO! DNF @20%
The book started off fine until I realised the direction it was heading. It feels all too high school-y and for the life of me I am not staying around for the obvious cringe-fest that is to come. So our heroine Natalie is an aspiring writer who house sits for $$$ and as it turns out her current house sitting job is for a guy who she once had a once night stand with in Paris. Natalie is still very hurt cos Penn ghosted her after (which I don’t get, cos hello one night stand?). Rahrahrah Penn is over at the summer house with his mates who come off as shallow filthy-rich kids in a nutshell and very unlikeable. Penn is still interested in Natalie (despite the hostility she is throwing at him) and then next thing you know he makes a bet with his friend, Katherine, that he can get Natalie eating out the palm of his hand by whatever event. UGHHHH. This is where I knew I had to put the book down. I’m sorry, but the friends are introduced as pretty successful people, Penn himself is a philosophy professor??? So tell me why they’re acting like a bunch of teenage idiots. It’s also mentioned that this is not the first time they’ve made a similar bet where Penn had won. So freaking stupid.
Also pissed me off when Penn’s pov is all “I was Manhattan royalty. She was the help”. UMMM WTF she house sits??? Can u not. Adding to that, there is unexplained (but very suss) relation between Penn and Katherine, because if Penn loses the bet he will be Katherine’s for a night. Katherine who is engaged in an arranged marriage?? Everything just spells like a nightmare of a read.
The book started off fine until I realised the direction it was heading. It feels all too high school-y and for the life of me I am not staying around for the obvious cringe-fest that is to come. So our heroine Natalie is an aspiring writer who house sits for $$$ and as it turns out her current house sitting job is for a guy who she once had a once night stand with in Paris. Natalie is still very hurt cos Penn ghosted her after (which I don’t get, cos hello one night stand?). Rahrahrah Penn is over at the summer house with his mates who come off as shallow filthy-rich kids in a nutshell and very unlikeable. Penn is still interested in Natalie (despite the hostility she is throwing at him) and then next thing you know he makes a bet with his friend, Katherine, that he can get Natalie eating out the palm of his hand by whatever event. UGHHHH. This is where I knew I had to put the book down. I’m sorry, but the friends are introduced as pretty successful people, Penn himself is a philosophy professor??? So tell me why they’re acting like a bunch of teenage idiots. It’s also mentioned that this is not the first time they’ve made a similar bet where Penn had won. So freaking stupid.
Also pissed me off when Penn’s pov is all “I was Manhattan royalty. She was the help”. UMMM WTF she house sits??? Can u not. Adding to that, there is unexplained (but very suss) relation between Penn and Katherine, because if Penn loses the bet he will be Katherine’s for a night. Katherine who is engaged in an arranged marriage?? Everything just spells like a nightmare of a read.
Want to read
March 6, 2019
Books in Cruel trilogy should be read in order:
Book 0.5: One Cruel Night - FREE!
Book 1: Cruel Money
Book 2: Cruel Fortune
Book 3: Cruel Legacy
February 27, 2021
Hmmm... Cruel Money is more Cruel Intention with heavy on romance. I have to admit the writing, the idea, the drama is good.
I want more on the drama. More twist.
The chemistry between Penn and Natalie is hot. Super hot. They met once during ONS in Paris. Penn left without a trace. Then they were given second chance when Natalie babysits Penn's parent house.
There is issue with social status since Penn is coming from elite status while Natalie is nobody. There are drama on the story but I want more.
Overall a satisfy read for my weekend.
4 stars
I want more on the drama. More twist.
The chemistry between Penn and Natalie is hot. Super hot. They met once during ONS in Paris. Penn left without a trace. Then they were given second chance when Natalie babysits Penn's parent house.
There is issue with social status since Penn is coming from elite status while Natalie is nobody. There are drama on the story but I want more.
Overall a satisfy read for my weekend.
4 stars
April 21, 2021
Cruel Money is my first book by K.A. Linde and didn't disappoint and now I'm kicking myself for waiting so long to jump on the bandwagon.
CRUEL MONEY:
*a trilogy
*rich boy / poor girl
*dual pov
*a bet gone wrong
*angsty
*New York’s Upper East Side
*a cliffhanger
All those things thrown together make for a fun, angsty read. Since it left off on a cliffhanger I'm off to start book 2.
CRUEL MONEY:
*a trilogy
*rich boy / poor girl
*dual pov
*a bet gone wrong
*angsty
*New York’s Upper East Side
*a cliffhanger
All those things thrown together make for a fun, angsty read. Since it left off on a cliffhanger I'm off to start book 2.
Audiobook source: Hoopla
Narrator: Stephen Dexter & Virginia Rose
Length: 8H 58M
January 30, 2019
Think Gossip Girl or Cruel Intentions and you have Cruel Money—a second chance romance set within the glitz and glamour of New York’s upper class society. It is devious and abundant in delicious drama, characterised by deceitful personalities brimming with lies and scandalous propositions.
Delightfully addictive, without doubt compelling and unputdownable, Cruel Money, with an insurmountable level of intrigue and intensity, will have you invested throughout. It doesn’t just have angst and drama, it also contains seduction dripping with manipulation, deception flowing with tension and sweet lies coated in deviousness.
Our worlds didn’t connect. Our lives were so far from normal. I didn’t want to want this. I didn’t want to want him.
Penn Kensington and Natalie Bishop’s romance is twisted, yet fascinating—a train wreck of malicious intentions and inescapable heartache that you can’t turn away from. I became so engrossed in this narrative of cruel words and vicious actions that everything else faded away.
However, I couldn't fully fall in love with these characters. Natalie does have some positive qualities—she's confident, determined and she has serious backbone, but she's also dense and unobservant, despite being a writer with certain qualities. Penn is an undeniable gorgeous, enigmatic figure, but there's something missing.
Penn Kensington had gotten under my skin. He crawled beneath the surface and there was nothing I could do about it.
I know I will fall in love with this series. Cruel Money is filled with some of my favourite tropes combined into this enticing series. If you're searching for something brimming with deception; a narrative with characters you'll love to hate, or hate to love; the glamorous, lavish lifestyle of upper New York, this series will grip your attention.
I'm more than ready for Cruel Fortune (sadly, months away!)
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March 18, 2019dnf @ 9%
what i read of this book was not bad and the premise is kind of cruel intentions-y. but i'm just not in the mood for this sort of romance at the moment and i really don't like that the male protagonist can't remember that he took the heroine's virginity.
might revisit this one day, just not today.
what i read of this book was not bad and the premise is kind of cruel intentions-y. but i'm just not in the mood for this sort of romance at the moment and i really don't like that the male protagonist can't remember that he took the heroine's virginity.
might revisit this one day, just not today.
January 29, 2019
4,5.
Não achei que ia gostar tanto desse livro como gostei. No início achei tudo muito fácil e surreal , parecendo uma reunião de adolescentes com aquela aposta maluca.
Mas no decorrer da leitura, me deparei com o verdadeiro eu do personagem principal: inseguro, irresponsável e sem querer sair da sua zona de conforto. Sem comentários...
Agora, a personagem principal é realmente de tirar o fôlego, vai atrás do que quer e não tem medo de falar o que acha que não é certo. Não sei se o que aconteceu há 6 anos a moldou do jeito que ela é, I sim com toda sua criação.
Gostaria de que a história nos próximos livros se desenvolvessem de uma outra maneira, desse uma reviravolta na história.
Não vou torcer pelo personagem principal, totalmente sem meu apoio.
Quem sabe?
Vale a leitura.
Não achei que ia gostar tanto desse livro como gostei. No início achei tudo muito fácil e surreal , parecendo uma reunião de adolescentes com aquela aposta maluca.
Mas no decorrer da leitura, me deparei com o verdadeiro eu do personagem principal: inseguro, irresponsável e sem querer sair da sua zona de conforto. Sem comentários...
Agora, a personagem principal é realmente de tirar o fôlego, vai atrás do que quer e não tem medo de falar o que acha que não é certo. Não sei se o que aconteceu há 6 anos a moldou do jeito que ela é, I sim com toda sua criação.
Gostaria de que a história nos próximos livros se desenvolvessem de uma outra maneira, desse uma reviravolta na história.
Não vou torcer pelo personagem principal, totalmente sem meu apoio.
Quem sabe?
Vale a leitura.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Shelved as 'nope'
January 30, 2019Trilogy?? 🙄🙄🙄🙄 Seriously? 😒
And Wow.. did the author really went this road? Someone should tell the fmc (the author)the meaning of ONS 🤔 And the bet thing was wrote so many million times. And “the help” and Manhattan royalty?! 🤷🏻♀️ 🤦🏻♀️.. thanks for the heads up from the reviewer bellow
Besides, I agree with her, this will be a huge cluster fuck. And the ow drama is as predictable as ridiculous.
Oh!! Let’s not forget CLIFFHANGER 🙄🙄🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
And Wow.. did the author really went this road? Someone should tell the fmc (the author)the meaning of ONS 🤔 And the bet thing was wrote so many million times. And “the help” and Manhattan royalty?! 🤷🏻♀️ 🤦🏻♀️.. thanks for the heads up from the reviewer bellow
Besides, I agree with her, this will be a huge cluster fuck. And the ow drama is as predictable as ridiculous.
Oh!! Let’s not forget CLIFFHANGER 🙄🙄🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
May 6, 2019
Oh man...
This was just like that After book by Anna Todd, only here, the somewhat adults are doing the same kind of shitty game to fuck up other people's lives, only to have them develop the real feelings in the process...BUT it's too late, now, is it?
why would people do that? really?!
and how naive one must be to NOT see the scheme of a piling shit in front of her...gah
This was just like that After book by Anna Todd, only here, the somewhat adults are doing the same kind of shitty game to fuck up other people's lives, only to have them develop the real feelings in the process...BUT it's too late, now, is it?
why would people do that? really?!
and how naive one must be to NOT see the scheme of a piling shit in front of her...gah
March 17, 2019
“We shouldn’t.”
“Why not?”
“It’s... a bad idea,” I whispered.
“It’s not.”
“We end in flame.”
“Burn with me.”
This book was ok, excepting the ending. I didn’t agree with the last chapter, especially considering the fact that the main female character has been through a lot of bad things along the story...
Also, I didn’t feel the connection between the two main characters as powerful as I expected. At least the 0.5 book was better. There I could feel the connection... the lust and passion. However I hope the next book will be different (in a good way, of course).
“Why not?”
“It’s... a bad idea,” I whispered.
“It’s not.”
“We end in flame.”
“Burn with me.”
This book was ok, excepting the ending. I didn’t agree with the last chapter, especially considering the fact that the main female character has been through a lot of bad things along the story...
Also, I didn’t feel the connection between the two main characters as powerful as I expected. At least the 0.5 book was better. There I could feel the connection... the lust and passion. However I hope the next book will be different (in a good way, of course).
March 2, 2019
★5 Stars! Cruel Money… Is a book that will suck you into the world of betrayal, romance, rich, wealthy and callous and have you so desperately begging for more!
One of my favorite of books or 2019!
“Penn Kensington had gotten under my skin.
He’d crawled beneath the surface, and there was nothing I could do about it”
One of my favorite of books or 2019!
“Penn Kensington had gotten under my skin.
He’d crawled beneath the surface, and there was nothing I could do about it”
Shelved as 'seriesnfmaa'
August 8, 2019Spoilers
Note to self
Book1- H and h
Book 2 -H and OM(H has OW)
Book 3- H and h
Note to self
Book1- H and h
Book 2 -H and OM(H has OW)
Book 3- H and h
January 4, 2019
Gossip Girl meets Cruel Intentions! If you're a fan of either you need to pick up this book!
Penn and Natalie are a couple to root for! They share a past--and not a good one--so I appreciated that Natalie held her ground. But how could she completely resist the allure of one Mr. Penn Kensington?
This book is filled with intrigue, sexy times, backstabbing and frenemies galore. Everything you need to have you binge reading about this crew's particular brand of debauchery. Once you do, you'll be hooked!
I'm so eager for the next book in this trilogy to see how things shake out!!!
Penn and Natalie are a couple to root for! They share a past--and not a good one--so I appreciated that Natalie held her ground. But how could she completely resist the allure of one Mr. Penn Kensington?
This book is filled with intrigue, sexy times, backstabbing and frenemies galore. Everything you need to have you binge reading about this crew's particular brand of debauchery. Once you do, you'll be hooked!
I'm so eager for the next book in this trilogy to see how things shake out!!!
March 18, 2019
***** 4,5 stars *****
The fuck Kyla? Now you make me wait till the next one till April after how you ended this one? Just CRUEL woman, just CRUEL.
The fuck Kyla? Now you make me wait till the next one till April after how you ended this one? Just CRUEL woman, just CRUEL.
January 22, 2019
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Excuse me while I squeal over K.A. Linde’s latest release, Cruel Money. If there was ever an addictive, angsty, passionate and OMG story that you would want to read, then buckle up because this book had it all. It was young, fresh, and had that Gossip Girl TV show that you know you couldn’t help but be drawn to. With strong characters and sexual tensions, readers could feel the palpable chemistry brewing between Penn and Natalie. Since this is one of those books I inhaled in one sitting, I won’t say much but just know this book ends in a juicy cliffhanger. A must read for all you angsty fans.
Excuse me while I squeal over K.A. Linde’s latest release, Cruel Money. If there was ever an addictive, angsty, passionate and OMG story that you would want to read, then buckle up because this book had it all. It was young, fresh, and had that Gossip Girl TV show that you know you couldn’t help but be drawn to. With strong characters and sexual tensions, readers could feel the palpable chemistry brewing between Penn and Natalie. Since this is one of those books I inhaled in one sitting, I won’t say much but just know this book ends in a juicy cliffhanger. A must read for all you angsty fans.
January 8, 2019
Gah!! This story was outstanding!!! Penn and Natalie have a past filled with hot sexy times but a present filled with nothing but drama and secrets. After a chance reconnection after a one night stand years ago, Natalie and Penn must travel a road filled with hot sexual tension, resentment, lust and a connection they can't avoid. He is an uber elite member of the crém de la crém of society and she is "the help" but their different stations in life would not be able to stop the freight train of drama coming straight towards them. And when I say drama I mean allllllll the drama and angst where you need to grab the "Oh $hit bar" and hold the eff on.
I FLOVED this story. I was hooked from the start and just loved Natalie so much. She was real, blunt and to the point. She gave as good as she got and had no qualms about giving you a piece of her mind. Penn likewise was sexy af and the playboy hero you equally hate to love and love to hate. And believe me, YOU WILL HAVE ALLLLL THE FEELINGS!! He sets his sights on Natalie and will not slow down in his pursuit of her, past mistakes, secrets and scandals be damned.
All in all, I seriously can't wait for the next book in the series because that ending?! OMFG. Linde definitely did the damn thing with getting me so hooked that I'm dying for book two. Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
I FLOVED this story. I was hooked from the start and just loved Natalie so much. She was real, blunt and to the point. She gave as good as she got and had no qualms about giving you a piece of her mind. Penn likewise was sexy af and the playboy hero you equally hate to love and love to hate. And believe me, YOU WILL HAVE ALLLLL THE FEELINGS!! He sets his sights on Natalie and will not slow down in his pursuit of her, past mistakes, secrets and scandals be damned.
All in all, I seriously can't wait for the next book in the series because that ending?! OMFG. Linde definitely did the damn thing with getting me so hooked that I'm dying for book two. Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
January 23, 2019
Love, strife and all the secrets…
One Cruel Night was a sexy, angsty prequel to this, a love-infused, even sexier (because there is more of them) glimpse into Natalie and Penn’s relationship. Read the prequel – it’s fantastic – and sets the stage completely for this journey. And what a trip it is! Anger and confusion was the stage when Natalie and Penn meet again after a not so sweet parting. The feelings that consumed them years ago have not gone away but the secrets that drove them apart are no less real this time around…
Natalie and Penn are characters to instantly connect with. Natalie is open and honest with humour and sarcasm to spare and an unhealthy attachment to icing when things get rough. And things definitely weren’t smooth sailing as her unexpected reunion with Penn reopened never healed wounds. Penn is still an enigma though his handsome, brooding persona gives way to irresistible charm when Aristotle joins the mix.
So many things going on, cloaked in unsaid truths and unspoken lies, that this read was mesmerizing from the first angry exchange of words… There’s a cliffhanger that I may have said unkind words to because I must wait for more. Their story is not finished – not at all…
January 31, 2019
Natalie and Penn... what a pair! If you have read Linde's books you know what to expect. If you have not, then I advise you to buckle up. Cruel Money is spectacular. Its angsty, emotional, and it will definitely piss you off. You may even want to throw the book across the wall. If you are reading a kindle then I would strongly advise against any throwing or temper tantrums.
On a serious note, you will love the storyline. Linde has a talent to deliver nothing but outstanding characters. They will pull you in, and then they will leave you speechless with their shanannigans. Dont expect and HEA and dont expect flowers and sunshine coming out of a unicorns butt. That's not Linde's style. You can expect to add this to your favorites list.
On a serious note, you will love the storyline. Linde has a talent to deliver nothing but outstanding characters. They will pull you in, and then they will leave you speechless with their shanannigans. Dont expect and HEA and dont expect flowers and sunshine coming out of a unicorns butt. That's not Linde's style. You can expect to add this to your favorites list.
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January 28, 2019DNF at 50%. I am not a romance reader so DNFing romance book is very common for me. Up until 50%, it was okay then everyone started doing stuff without thinking which I think kind of also common in romance genre. Not my cuppa but I did enjoy 0.5 of this series.
January 22, 2019
4.5 stars!
What’s worse than running into the one-night stand that ruined you six years ago? Sharing a house with him for two months!
Cruel Money is a deliciously twisted and emotionally captivating start to the Cruel Trilogy . I immediately became invested in the characters, was mesmerized by the story, and couldn't put it down.
Natalie and Penn shared a passionate night together in One Cruel Night and then Penn vanished and they haven’t seen each other since. It was a mind-blowing experience and one from which Natalie hasn’t quite recovered. She thought that she left the past behind her but when she and Penn are thrown back together, all of the feelings she’s pushed aside resurface. It’s a shock and totally awkward when they run into each other again but the obvious connection they had before is still there and it’s impossible to deny.
And burn they do!! They are smoking hot together and even though they try to keep it casual, there was no chance they weren’t going to fall again. As they progress into more the feels really bubble over and I loved the angst, drama, and emotions that come with being with Penn.
Natalie and Penn are well-developed characters that have more layers than we could have imagined. Natalie has a big heart and is full of goodness but she is more than the sweet girl she shows the world. She is strong and I love that she doesn’t let people walk all over her.
On the outside Penn seems just like his privileged friends but I can see a more sensitive side hidden just below the surface and Natalie had a way of pulling it out. I loved watching them open up to each other and the connection they share.
With Penn comes “the crew” and Natalie is pulled into the Upper East Side surrounded by the ultra wealthy. They like to play games and the lies and secrets are wicked, the scandals are twisted. One in particular is a train wreck waiting to happen. When everything goes down it is a heartbreaking disaster. Gah! I knew there was a cliffhanger and I knew it would hurt, I just didn’t know it would hurt this much. Now, I am left questioning everything and am desperate for the next book!!
*Note: Though One Cruel Night is a fantastic prequel to the Cruel Trilogy that wonderfully sets the stage for Cruel Money, it does not need to be read first to enjoy Cruel Money. However, be it before or after, do yourself a favor and read it too because it gives you more of everything the series promises, and I loved it all!
*ARC generously provided by the author and Inkslinger PR in exchange for an honest review*
What’s worse than running into the one-night stand that ruined you six years ago? Sharing a house with him for two months!
Cruel Money is a deliciously twisted and emotionally captivating start to the Cruel Trilogy . I immediately became invested in the characters, was mesmerized by the story, and couldn't put it down.
Natalie and Penn shared a passionate night together in One Cruel Night and then Penn vanished and they haven’t seen each other since. It was a mind-blowing experience and one from which Natalie hasn’t quite recovered. She thought that she left the past behind her but when she and Penn are thrown back together, all of the feelings she’s pushed aside resurface. It’s a shock and totally awkward when they run into each other again but the obvious connection they had before is still there and it’s impossible to deny.
The last three weeks had been some kind of slow torture of wanting him so desperately and knowing I shouldn’t. “Penn…”
“Natalie…”
“We shouldn’t.”
“Why not?”
“It’s…a bad idea,” I whispered.
“It’s not.”
“We end in flame.”
“Burn with me.”
And burn they do!! They are smoking hot together and even though they try to keep it casual, there was no chance they weren’t going to fall again. As they progress into more the feels really bubble over and I loved the angst, drama, and emotions that come with being with Penn.
I couldn’t get enough. There would never be enough. It was like falling, falling, falling with no end in sight. Just spiraling through this abyss and never coming up for air. No hope of landing. At least, not successfully. Because it wasn’t really a landing if all you did was crash and burn.
Natalie and Penn are well-developed characters that have more layers than we could have imagined. Natalie has a big heart and is full of goodness but she is more than the sweet girl she shows the world. She is strong and I love that she doesn’t let people walk all over her.
On the outside Penn seems just like his privileged friends but I can see a more sensitive side hidden just below the surface and Natalie had a way of pulling it out. I loved watching them open up to each other and the connection they share.
With Penn comes “the crew” and Natalie is pulled into the Upper East Side surrounded by the ultra wealthy. They like to play games and the lies and secrets are wicked, the scandals are twisted. One in particular is a train wreck waiting to happen. When everything goes down it is a heartbreaking disaster. Gah! I knew there was a cliffhanger and I knew it would hurt, I just didn’t know it would hurt this much. Now, I am left questioning everything and am desperate for the next book!!
*Note: Though One Cruel Night is a fantastic prequel to the Cruel Trilogy that wonderfully sets the stage for Cruel Money, it does not need to be read first to enjoy Cruel Money. However, be it before or after, do yourself a favor and read it too because it gives you more of everything the series promises, and I loved it all!
*ARC generously provided by the author and Inkslinger PR in exchange for an honest review*
January 22, 2019
I. NEED. MORE! This book was soooo incredibly good, I gobbled it all up in one sitting. It’s just better than anything I’ve read from K.A. Linde. I can’t even help but think how this is so much like Gossip Girl, but with her own unique twist. Extremely addictive and completely unputdownable, Cruel Money just has the kind of intrigue and intensity that was up the wazoo. It wasn’t only packed to the brim with angst, drama, tension and seduction, but it was also dripping with manipulation, deception and lies.
Penn Kensington and Natalie Bishop’s tale was so twisted, yet fascinating—like a train wreck of betrayal and heartache waiting to happen, and you just can’t help but stare. I was so engrossed in reading this story that I felt everything around me fade away and morph into the world of “the crew”. Once I was sucked in, there was no chance of getting out until I read that last page. And even then, I’m left wanting more—like I was about to pull all my hair out the moment I realized I’d actually have to wait for months before I got the next part of this sexy and riveting tale.
If you’re itching for a read that will swallow you whole right off the bat... a read that will make your emotions go haywire... one that has you so consumed, you’ll barely come up for air... or a story with characters you’ll love to hate and vice versa... then you need to pick this book up, stat. This series is definitely quickly shaping up to be my newest obsession, and we’re not even halfway there. I’m more than ready for Cruel Fortune, that’s for sure!
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Our worlds didn’t connect. Our lives were so far from normal. I didn’t want to want this. I didn’t want to want him.
Penn Kensington and Natalie Bishop’s tale was so twisted, yet fascinating—like a train wreck of betrayal and heartache waiting to happen, and you just can’t help but stare. I was so engrossed in reading this story that I felt everything around me fade away and morph into the world of “the crew”. Once I was sucked in, there was no chance of getting out until I read that last page. And even then, I’m left wanting more—like I was about to pull all my hair out the moment I realized I’d actually have to wait for months before I got the next part of this sexy and riveting tale.
Penn Kensington was a game changer. I knew it. And was helpless to the fact.
If you’re itching for a read that will swallow you whole right off the bat... a read that will make your emotions go haywire... one that has you so consumed, you’ll barely come up for air... or a story with characters you’ll love to hate and vice versa... then you need to pick this book up, stat. This series is definitely quickly shaping up to be my newest obsession, and we’re not even halfway there. I’m more than ready for Cruel Fortune, that’s for sure!
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January 22, 2019
4.5 Stars
A promising start to the new series by author K. A. Linde. This book is simply addictive and once I started reading I couldn't stop until the last page.
Cruel Money tells the story of Penn and Natalie, two characters who have a story already, and one that did not end well for both years ago. I confess that when I read the prequel of these characters I imagine a different story, but the author surprises me and surpassed my expectations with this story.
This story is full of drama, anguish, sexual tension, revelations, secrets that will leave you hooked on this story and desperately waiting for April to arrive soon to know what will happen to these characters after that end.
I Received an unreleased copy of this book.
A promising start to the new series by author K. A. Linde. This book is simply addictive and once I started reading I couldn't stop until the last page.
Cruel Money tells the story of Penn and Natalie, two characters who have a story already, and one that did not end well for both years ago. I confess that when I read the prequel of these characters I imagine a different story, but the author surprises me and surpassed my expectations with this story.
This story is full of drama, anguish, sexual tension, revelations, secrets that will leave you hooked on this story and desperately waiting for April to arrive soon to know what will happen to these characters after that end.
I Received an unreleased copy of this book.
January 22, 2019
Cruel Money is like a does of cruel and usual punishment, and I mean that in the fondest of ways! If you read any of the Wright Brothers series you will have already meet Penn Kensington, but if you have't don't worry, this story is all you will need to get to know Penn! And boy did we ever!
This book sort of reminds me of the movie Cruel Intentions, you know the one... If not, it's a must see. But the way that Penn and his friends play with lives and feelings reminds me a little of that movie, but at least they were kids, these are spoiled rich adults who can find nothing better to do than pray on an innocent woman's heart.
So we have our lovely and wonderful heroine Natalie. She's been through a lot in her young life, and is just trying to become a successful writer, which hasn't been an easy road for her. She's getting by finding time to write while house sitting for the rich and famous. She's a bit jaded in seeing how the other half lives, simply because she's never had it easy where money was concerned. Natalie has just landed a great job at the beach, overseeing a renovation and she cannot wait to get to work, and to dive into her next book. What she doesn't realize is that past and present are about to collide in the most embarrassing way possible.... And her temper is about to get the best of her!
Penn Kensington our hero? And I use that as a question because that remains to be seen yet. He sure does have a tough road to climb to get me to love him... But if anyone can do it K.A. Linde can! So back to Penn. He's a spoiled rich kid, yes, but he's so much more than that. He's smart, sexy and wise beyond his years. But it's hard to break out of those upper crust social norms when your friends are still clinging onto the life. Penn has worked hard to break away from his family's legacy and he's become a professor just like he wanted to, but it's not easy to uphold the life he wants when his mother is such a wretched woman. But when Natalie crosses Penn's path again, after so many years, he finds himself at a new crossroads in life.
I cannot tell you enough how much this book lifted me up and gutted me at the same time. Complete with everything you'd expect from these socialites with the conniving, cunning and outright cruel behavior, they twist and turn this story up into one heck of a knot! I was surprised at the ending and didn't see it going where it did. To say that I cannot wait to see what K.A. Linde does with book two is an understatement. I fear for Natalie's emotions and wellbeing as some of the characters seem to stop at nothing to get their wicked way. This book was everything that you could want and more. I loved it beginning to end and I cannot wait to see what's in store for our heroine next! Notice I didn't say hero, yeah, cause I'm quite angry with him still... Pick this one up today and find out why!
This book sort of reminds me of the movie Cruel Intentions, you know the one... If not, it's a must see. But the way that Penn and his friends play with lives and feelings reminds me a little of that movie, but at least they were kids, these are spoiled rich adults who can find nothing better to do than pray on an innocent woman's heart.
So we have our lovely and wonderful heroine Natalie. She's been through a lot in her young life, and is just trying to become a successful writer, which hasn't been an easy road for her. She's getting by finding time to write while house sitting for the rich and famous. She's a bit jaded in seeing how the other half lives, simply because she's never had it easy where money was concerned. Natalie has just landed a great job at the beach, overseeing a renovation and she cannot wait to get to work, and to dive into her next book. What she doesn't realize is that past and present are about to collide in the most embarrassing way possible.... And her temper is about to get the best of her!
Penn Kensington our hero? And I use that as a question because that remains to be seen yet. He sure does have a tough road to climb to get me to love him... But if anyone can do it K.A. Linde can! So back to Penn. He's a spoiled rich kid, yes, but he's so much more than that. He's smart, sexy and wise beyond his years. But it's hard to break out of those upper crust social norms when your friends are still clinging onto the life. Penn has worked hard to break away from his family's legacy and he's become a professor just like he wanted to, but it's not easy to uphold the life he wants when his mother is such a wretched woman. But when Natalie crosses Penn's path again, after so many years, he finds himself at a new crossroads in life.
I cannot tell you enough how much this book lifted me up and gutted me at the same time. Complete with everything you'd expect from these socialites with the conniving, cunning and outright cruel behavior, they twist and turn this story up into one heck of a knot! I was surprised at the ending and didn't see it going where it did. To say that I cannot wait to see what K.A. Linde does with book two is an understatement. I fear for Natalie's emotions and wellbeing as some of the characters seem to stop at nothing to get their wicked way. This book was everything that you could want and more. I loved it beginning to end and I cannot wait to see what's in store for our heroine next! Notice I didn't say hero, yeah, cause I'm quite angry with him still... Pick this one up today and find out why!
January 24, 2019
This was good overall. I’m giving it 4 out of 5 stars. This review is for an ARC, and reflects my honest opinion.
I read the prequel before reading this, and I’m glad I did; it gave me a little more insight into these characters before diving right into the present. This was dual POV, but to be honest, at least 90% of the book was Natalie’s POV. I liked her as a main character since I could see a lot of myself in her (especially the writer parts), but based on the summary, I was expecting most of the book to be Penn’s POV. I can’t be alone in that mindset, right??
Without going into much detail, I was conflicted about Penn. I liked him most of the time, but he hadn’t fully won me over. He had some stupid, jack*ss moments for lack of better words. I’m 99% sure he’ll redeem himself, but we shall see. The ending was a bit of a cliffhanger, so I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in the trilogy, Cruel Fortune.
Regarding the side characters…on the one hand, there were some that drove me nuts, and then there were ones I thought were okay such as Lewis, and Amy. I loooved Aristotle (Totle). He was so beyond cute! I’ve noticed that all of this author’s books (at least the ones I’ve read) feature a kind of tormented hero, so I guess that’s her thing. I’ve enjoyed the brooding, flawed men so far, so I’m here for it!
I read the prequel before reading this, and I’m glad I did; it gave me a little more insight into these characters before diving right into the present. This was dual POV, but to be honest, at least 90% of the book was Natalie’s POV. I liked her as a main character since I could see a lot of myself in her (especially the writer parts), but based on the summary, I was expecting most of the book to be Penn’s POV. I can’t be alone in that mindset, right??
Without going into much detail, I was conflicted about Penn. I liked him most of the time, but he hadn’t fully won me over. He had some stupid, jack*ss moments for lack of better words. I’m 99% sure he’ll redeem himself, but we shall see. The ending was a bit of a cliffhanger, so I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in the trilogy, Cruel Fortune.
Regarding the side characters…on the one hand, there were some that drove me nuts, and then there were ones I thought were okay such as Lewis, and Amy. I loooved Aristotle (Totle). He was so beyond cute! I’ve noticed that all of this author’s books (at least the ones I’ve read) feature a kind of tormented hero, so I guess that’s her thing. I’ve enjoyed the brooding, flawed men so far, so I’m here for it!
January 17, 2019
Wow! Wow! Wow! K.A. Line has completely outdone herself with this amazing angst filled read. This would have to be one of the best books I have read in a long time and would have to be one of my top reads for the year. This story is filled with secrets, twists and drama all the way through the story creating an epic read. There was not a dull moment throughout the book creating a one of a kind read.
Natalie was the strong and independent heroine of the story who is a house sitter while she follows her passion of being writing. I admire the way that she does not give up her dream of becoming a writer and the way that she did not hold back what she was thinking during the story.
Penn was the sexy professor that I absolutely loved throughout the story. He was trying to become a better person from the one he use to be, but at the same time he falls back to his old ways during the story It is obvious in the story that he cares about Natalie and the relationship he has with her unexpectedly develops into something more.
Cruel Money was a heated read that had incredible intriguing characters within he story known as the crew. I found some of the member of the Crew to be cruel and treated the main character as beneath them. But this made the story much more dynamic and the addition of a very adorable Aristotle created some really humorous parts. The way the story ended has me eagerly awaiting for the next book in the series.
Natalie was the strong and independent heroine of the story who is a house sitter while she follows her passion of being writing. I admire the way that she does not give up her dream of becoming a writer and the way that she did not hold back what she was thinking during the story.
Penn was the sexy professor that I absolutely loved throughout the story. He was trying to become a better person from the one he use to be, but at the same time he falls back to his old ways during the story It is obvious in the story that he cares about Natalie and the relationship he has with her unexpectedly develops into something more.
Cruel Money was a heated read that had incredible intriguing characters within he story known as the crew. I found some of the member of the Crew to be cruel and treated the main character as beneath them. But this made the story much more dynamic and the addition of a very adorable Aristotle created some really humorous parts. The way the story ended has me eagerly awaiting for the next book in the series.
January 21, 2019
I have only recently discovered K.A. Linde and honestly, I am not sure what rock I was living under. I completely devoured Cruel Money. It was full of angst, emotional and all kinds of steaminess. There is a prequel available that you do not have to read, but it is free, so good and sets a foundation, so go one click One Cruel Night now!
Cruel Money tells the story of Penn and Natalie. They shared one unforgettable night years ago and now they are once again face-to-face. On the night they met, they were on equal footing, but now, we know Penn is from the best of families in New York with responsibilities and expectations. Natalie finds herself working where he is spending his summer. But their attraction and chemistry is still undeniable.
I could not stop reading Cruel Money by K.A. Linde. I loved how strong and determined Natalie was, no matter what others thought of her. Penn was everything! I loved him, even if it times, I wanted to hit him. A great start to this series and I cannot wait for the next book!
Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
Cruel Money tells the story of Penn and Natalie. They shared one unforgettable night years ago and now they are once again face-to-face. On the night they met, they were on equal footing, but now, we know Penn is from the best of families in New York with responsibilities and expectations. Natalie finds herself working where he is spending his summer. But their attraction and chemistry is still undeniable.
I could not stop reading Cruel Money by K.A. Linde. I loved how strong and determined Natalie was, no matter what others thought of her. Penn was everything! I loved him, even if it times, I wanted to hit him. A great start to this series and I cannot wait for the next book!
Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
January 29, 2020
Wow what shallow writing, characters and story. If you like reading books that shove class stereotypes down your throat, paint the rich as always calculating and looking to make others feel beneath them, while also playing into the "not like other girls" toxic mentality... then this book is for you!
The heroine seems to start off as a woman who doesn't take shit and has a good head on her shoulders but then she just turns into an insecure girl who only sees black and white in a world of grey. She became more immature as the book went on as did most of the characters. There was your classic pretty girl who only exists to try and ruin the heroine and take her man, a heroine who literally called everything in the beginning of the book and then failed to communicate while also turning a blind eye to all of the warning signs and red flags from all other characters, and a male how wasn't well developed and all he wants to do is fuck.
This book was trite.
The heroine seems to start off as a woman who doesn't take shit and has a good head on her shoulders but then she just turns into an insecure girl who only sees black and white in a world of grey. She became more immature as the book went on as did most of the characters. There was your classic pretty girl who only exists to try and ruin the heroine and take her man, a heroine who literally called everything in the beginning of the book and then failed to communicate while also turning a blind eye to all of the warning signs and red flags from all other characters, and a male how wasn't well developed and all he wants to do is fuck.
This book was trite.
January 25, 2019
As always, a K.A Linde book is a fun and fast paced read.
Cruel Money was reminiscent of her Glitter series with high society rich young up and comers. And anyone that has read a Linde book knows that her characters with money make for a wild, evil and fast-paced ride filled with high fashion, decadent living and a whole lot of drama.
I enjoyed Penn and Natalie's chemistry and not just between the sheets. They are equals in their ambition-- another classic characteristic of a Linde book-- and their drive to be more than society, family or otherwise has set out for them.
What I enjoy most are Linde's antagonists. In this case, Katherine. She has the world at her feet and yet she is searching for something else-- something money can't buy.
Overall, Cruel Money was a quick and easy read. There's passion, a little bit of angst and ton of drama and signature Linde style.
D 4/5
Cruel Money was reminiscent of her Glitter series with high society rich young up and comers. And anyone that has read a Linde book knows that her characters with money make for a wild, evil and fast-paced ride filled with high fashion, decadent living and a whole lot of drama.
I enjoyed Penn and Natalie's chemistry and not just between the sheets. They are equals in their ambition-- another classic characteristic of a Linde book-- and their drive to be more than society, family or otherwise has set out for them.
What I enjoy most are Linde's antagonists. In this case, Katherine. She has the world at her feet and yet she is searching for something else-- something money can't buy.
Overall, Cruel Money was a quick and easy read. There's passion, a little bit of angst and ton of drama and signature Linde style.
D 4/5
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