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Luna Kayne
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Cruel Saint (Vicious Empire Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Luna Kayne (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 685 ratings
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I LET HER GO BECAUSE I WASN'T STRONG ENOUGH TO PROTECT HER THEN.
I AM NOW—AND I'M COMING FOR HER.

RYDER SAINT
Amara is my dark obsession. She was promised to me in a deal she knows nothing about.
Four years ago, I sent her away to protect her from the life I live as the son of a crime lord.
Now her brother—my best friend—is dead, and though I wasn’t there for him in the end, I intend to look after his little sister.
I should stay in the shadows, let her live the life her brother wanted for her, but she’s in trouble in more ways than one, and I’m the only one who can save her…
It’s time Amara came home—to me—where she belongs.

AMARA SCOTT
As far as I’m concerned, Ryder let me go four years ago, and I never looked back.
Now he shows up demanding I come home, and I have no choice but to return when he forces my hand.
The Saints never pay for their crimes. They take what they want and discard the rest. Like me…
But I’m not that naive little girl anymore, and I’m packing some secrets of my own.
I’ll use my time to find out who killed my brother…then I'll destroy them.
Even if that man is Ryder himself.

* AUTHOR NOTE: Cruel Saint is the first book in the completed Vicious Empire crime family romance saga series.

Previous page
  1. Book 1 of 4
    Vicious Empire
  2. Print length
    350 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publication date
    September 20, 2022
  6. File size
    1742 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  10. See all details
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From the Publisher

I was her first for everything, and I will be her last image
Cruel Saint book quote
Vicious Empire Book Series
ABOUT LUNA KAYNE
Step Darkly cover Phoenix Cover Controlling Interests cover
STEP DARKLY CODE NAME: PHOENIX CONTROLLING INTERESTS
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Customer Reviews
4.2 out of 5 stars
414
4.4 out of 5 stars
208
4.4 out of 5 stars
1,238
Price $4.99 $4.99 $5.99
MORE BOOKS BY LUNA KAYNE When Emilia Connor returns to face the man she ran away from five years earlier, she's determined to cut him out of her life for good but things have changed. This time Joshua Darkly is holding all of the cards and he's got other plans. Hunted from both sides of the law, Jessa is a hacker in hiding in this intense, action-packed romantic suspense that ignites on the first page and never lets up. Once the secrets come out, not everyone will end up on the same side they started on. When Jayne takes a new job, she has her eyes on one prize but her two dominant bosses have decided they want something of their own—her—and it could cost her everything.
SERIES Ravenous Cypher Black Ops
STANDALONE ✓ ✓ ✓
KINDLE UNLIMITED ✓ ✓ ✓
TROPES billionaire romance, enemies to lovers, guardian / ward, forbidden, ex stepbrother, bully romance, slow burn, forced proximity military romance, protector romance, first love, lost love, second chance, amnesia, action, suspense reverse harem romance, office romance, forbidden romance, steamy contemporary romance, blackmail

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0B3NDZH97
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kayne Publishing (September 20, 2022)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 20, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1742 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 350 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 685 ratings

About the author

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Luna Kayne

Luna Kayne

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LUNA KAYNE is a multi-genre, published romance author with story lengths from novelettes to full length novels and series. Genres include urban fantasy, dark romance, suspense, humour, action and adventure.

Writing from her home on an acreage in Manitoba, Canada, she enjoys gardening, dislikes long winters, and doesn't understand how commas work (thankfully, her editor does).

Want to talk about a series? There's a group for that...join us:

𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗢𝗨𝗦 𝗘𝗠𝗣𝗜𝗥𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦: https://www.facebook.com/groups/viciousempire

𝗥𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ravenousseries

𝗖𝗬𝗣𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cypherblackops

Newsletter:

𝗚𝗘𝗧 𝗔 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗘𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞 and be notified of new releases, contests, beta reviewer call outs and more by signing up at https://BookHip.com/RMGCWCB

Thank you for your support.

LunaKayne.com

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
685 global ratings
I couldn’t put this down!
5 Stars
I couldn’t put this down!
4.5⭐️ 4🌶️- M/F- Brother’s best friend- Second chance- Enemies to lovers- D0m/subI loved this book so much! Where have the Saint brothers been all my life? This book had it all! Compelling characters, angst, spice, kïnk, and a murder mystery. I listened to this book on audible and binged it in a day. I could not put it down. I am a huge fan of Stephen Dexter and Charlotte North and loved their dual narration.Four years ago Amara’s life was turned upside down. Her father passed away and her mother forced her to move away from everyone she knows and loves including her brother and her secret boyfriend Ryder. She was crushed when Ryder didn’t fight for her and has used the time since then to focus on her career and building emotional walls to prevent her from ever being hurt this way again. Then Ryder walks back into her life determined to win her back and break down her walls. When he brings her back to his family home there are more than a few surprises waiting for her. Now she is even more hurt, confused, and facing moral dilemmas.I loved Amara! She was so broken but holding herself together with the force of her will alone. She worked so hard to build a safe and stable life for herself and Ryder just came in and shattered all her hard work. My heart ached for her because she was trying so desperately to protect her heart from Ryder but couldn’t stay away.I alternated between loving Ryder and wanting to shake him. He was such hot and d0minant guy but he made his life so much harder by not being up front with Amara from the beginning. I don’t really feel like he has a good reason to keep as much from Amara as he did. His ego was wounded because she didn’t jump him the moment he walked back into her life and punished her for it.The chemistry between the two of them was off the charts but they were constantly struggling for dominance despite knowing who the dom in the relationship was. The two of them just really needed to get out of their own way so they could be happy together!I loved how this book ended but that cliffhanger was rough and I can’t wait to start the next book. I’m so glad it is out already and I don’t have to wait!
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Top reviews from the United States

Kindle Customer C📲📱🔖📚📖
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic story
Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2024
Verified Purchase
This is a pretty good story. It is amazing entertainment. The sizzling drama, the emotion, and the action. The misunderstanding, the characters are marvelous. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
One person found this helpful
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Deborah R.
4.0 out of 5 stars Ryder & Amara
Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2023
Verified Purchase
MF, no cheating/sharing, low heat, HEA
3.5 stars. I liked this story, but there was something about it that just didn't for me. I think it was it felt like important parts were missing - how they started their relationship, what happened when her father died, why was she so upset when he wasn't really part of her life, what happened when her brother died - that the H didn't keep up with her while they were separated, but he supposedly always planned on getting her back. Still I liked the story and am looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
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Sylvia Maritza
5.0 out of 5 stars Popped My Luna Cherry
Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2023
Verified Purchase
This is the first time I read one of Luna's books. What a ride it is. I cannot say enough about this book, but I am going to try First, the story is top notch. Talk about creating a great beginning to a new series. Hands down one of the top ten I have read this year. Second, the chemistry between the two main characters is sizzling. Third, the sexy scenes are temperature risingly swoon worthy. Fourth, I want to read more and find the answers to the many questions the cliffhanger left us with. Lastly, the writing is impeccable. Luna, you have me captivated and make me feel a range of emotions. Enjoy.
One person found this helpful
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HeyHelloHowdy
3.0 out of 5 stars (Dark) BDSM Romance and Some Suspense
Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2024
Verified Purchase
I've been sitting on this book for a while and I'm kicking myself for waiting so long to listen to it. I think it's because this story is labeled as a dark romance and I wasn't quite ready for anything "dark" at the time. Now, I don't honestly think this is nearly as dark as it could have been, because the main elements of "darkness" are more implied rather than explicitly described. Though there are lots of bully elements (and in my opinion bully does not necessarily equal dark) and if you aren't a big fan of that, just skip like the first two thirds of this story (but don't actually because you will be missing so much).

Amara has not had the greatest of lives, first her father passed suddenly, next her secret boyfriend dumps her, then her mom moves her away from the only home she's ever known, and finally her brother is murdered. So she takes to guarding her heart and not letting anyone close. She closes herself off, but she's not a weak character. I loved how she opened herself up to Ryder (not necessarily by her choice, but Ryder can be stubborn, too) and seeing her transform from a shell of herself to a strong young woman, who will fight her own battles. I also like how she didn't make it easy for Ryder either, because he did definitely dump her and she made him work for it.
Ryder was a little hard to like because he would be so caring in his chapters, but his actions would be the complete opposite for the most part and I kind of got tired of it after a while, like please just decide dude because the whiplash is getting tedious. Apart from that, he offered a great foil to Amara, pulling her from her stasis, kicking and screaming and not allowing her to go back to her closed off self. I loved his tenacity of going for what he wants, but he could use some pointers on healthy communication in relationships.

Overall, this is an entertaining story. I feel like the suspense is kind of small in comparison to the whole story because it's left open ended and to be continued with in the next books in the series. Sloan's character grew on me as the story goes on and I eagerly await listening to her book (which is unfortunately the last one), and my only comment for her is that when she told Amara that Ryder wasn't the only one suffering came off weird to be because Ryder has just been mean to Amara (and not telling her things, then blaming her for the things she didn't know about) and it came off a little like gaslighting to her, but I do know that wasn't the intention.

This story has some bully elements, BDSM kink, violence (descriptive, but minimally occurring), swearing, and generally terrible parents.

I enjoyed the narrators! They were both new to me and I liked their styles. Each voiced their characters well and differentiated the narrating voice to the talking voice to all the other character voices well, too. I listened at 1.2x speed.
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Amy [Book Addict Reviews]
5.0 out of 5 stars captivating and addicting from the very first page
Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2022
Verified Purchase
Cruel Saint is captivating and addicting from the very first page. I couldn’t put this book down and was completely wrapped up in the story.

Ryder and Amara have a history with each other. Everything was great between them, until it wasn’t and now years later they are back in each other’s lives. Ryder is doing everything he can to protect his family. Amara lives a very controlled life, but when all that changes her focus shifts to finding out who is behind the death of her older brother.

The chemistry between Ryder and Amara….it is off the charts. I love their chemistry and I love the tension between them. Ryder is protective and such an alpha male. Amara is a BA. She can give as good as she gets. The two of them are truly what each other need and so perfect together.

This story does end on a cliffhanger, but the Ryder and Amara do have an HEA. I can’t wait to return back to this world and see the story continue!!

If you’re looking for a dark, romantic suspense, anti hero, second chance romance this is one to check out.
One person found this helpful
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Kindle Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Good read
Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2024
Verified Purchase
Good story, strong, loyal characters looking for happiness, and I look forward to read their books. Four stars because there are unnecessary sex scenes, hey the books is attention grabbing without explicit content.
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Eugenia
5.0 out of 5 stars From the beginning in was hooked
Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2023
Verified Purchase
Yes! From the very beginning of this book I was hooked.

Ryder is the guy you want to hate for everything he has done and says but once you get into the story you find out why and you can help but fall for him.

Amara is a person you can tell is hurt from the moment you meet her but she tries her hardest to hide it. The stuff she goes through she definitely has the right to be but after you see what she has done in the years away from Ryder to help herself you can see she is so much stronger than she gives off.

This one is spicy. Absolutely loved every moment of Ryder and Amara together. The build up was amazing. It doesn't take away from the plot. My favorite has to be the interaction in the office. Goodness!

I love the side characters too. Luna Kayne does a great job with making you fall for them as well. I love Cole and his banter with Ryder. He made me laugh. Sloane is an amazing character the stuff she deals with you feel for her. I love her at the end.

If you like second chances with a hint of darkness you will enjoy this one.

I listened to this on audiobook and it was amazing. The narrators brought the story to life and they did an excellent job. You could feel the dialogue between the characters and feel what they were going through. Highly recommend the audio book.
5 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Becca C.
5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding And A Must Read Dark Romance
Reviewed in Canada on September 28, 2022
Verified Purchase
From beginning to end this story has you in tears, laughter, love, passion, feeling the drama and suspense, on what will happen next for Ryder and Amara. There are not enough words to express this phenomenal story as I was hooked all the way through this beautifully told dark romance. Luna Kayne has out done herself with the start of the Saint series! I am excited to read more on what will happen next for the other Saint brothers!
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Evangel
3.0 out of 5 stars Cruel Saint (Vicious Empire Book 1)" - A Dark and Captiva
Reviewed in France on January 9, 2024
Verified Purchase
"Cruel Saint (Vicious Empire Book 1)" appears to be a novel that delves into the world of Vicious Empires, promising a dark and captivating journey. Such books often explore themes of power, intrigue, and moral ambiguity within a complex and morally ambiguous world.

Dark and captivating stories often attract readers who enjoy morally complex characters and intricate plotlines. They can provide a deep dive into the human psyche and the motivations behind characters' actions, making for a compelling reading experience.

In conclusion, "Cruel Saint (Vicious Empire Book 1)" is likely to be a thrilling read for those who enjoy dark and morally ambiguous tales set within complex and intriguing worlds. Dive into this captivating journey and discover the secrets and machinations of the Vicious Empires.
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Catherine Ward
5.0 out of 5 stars Secrets, danger and promises
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 11, 2023
Verified Purchase
Ryder had to let her go... then. But now he wants her back, because he should never have let her go in the 1st place.
Nothing is as it seems, Amara has changed, a shadow of her former self. Can she now find the answers by giving in to Ryder or has she traded 1 hell for another. Who would have thought that these answers would put them all in danger.
So many twists and turns, so many possibilities .... I can't wait to read the final outcome!!!
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Kindle Customer
3.0 out of 5 stars Good read
Reviewed in Australia on January 31, 2023
Verified Purchase
It was an okay read but I felt that Amara could have been stronger. She should have able to fight back against Ryder seeing she spent so many years away from him and built a wall around herself. I didn’t like her just being walked over and made to bow down.
I would have loved to see her have a scene in a club without Ryder and see how he reacted to someone else being with her.
She should have not been so weak it made me only read half of the book even though I purchased it.
The storyline was good but lacked strength from Amara which would have the first instalment of this series set it up for the rest of them.
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Edith
5.0 out of 5 stars Book review
Reviewed in Canada on May 22, 2023
Verified Purchase
Fantastic action/love book that keeps you on the edge for what’s to come next. I thoroughly enjoyed the read.
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