Sweet Cruelty: Ruthless Obsession

Fantastic page turner. I couldn't put this book down. If you're into dark, scary Russian mafia men and beautiful, innocent women then this is the book for you. A complete sex fest from start to finish.This author takes writing to the next level and has produced another work of art. Kudos Zoe!

A good romantic read it is fairly light for a Mafiosa story there are some very hot and heavy sexual scenes and a very Alpha controlling male but on the whole Dimitri and Emma's story is an enjoyable not to heavy read. A strong controlling male and an innocent young woman coming together in an unusual way.

This is my first book by this author. I love dark romance so it called to me to read it. I wasn't disappointed. Emma was a sweet but witty character, her love for the classics made me love her more. Mary was a funny character, who bolstered Emma and grounded her. Dmitry was savage in his obsession for his little librarian. Taking her and punishing her in the most depraved and sometimes public places. I was drawn into their crazy world and couldn't put thus story down.

This book was too much and not enough.The steamy scenes were too dark in the sense too much punishment for nothing really. Too much belting with the MFC a snivelling wreck. I read someone else’s review where she said it was more like rape. I thought she was maybe being a bit dramatic and overreacting but I have to agree with her as very few of the sexual scenes in the first 3/4 of this book seem consensual with the MFC “sobbing “. Now I do normally like a bit of darkness as who likes things that are sickly sweet. I enjoy other authors such as Tate James and Amelia Hutchins. But with this, all I could think was that this was not a romance ( dark or sweet) there was no love here, just over the top “punishment “, he was no “book hero” as the MFC liked to refer to him as. This book had too much fluff, padding and dare I say it punishment. The storyline seemed absent until 85% in then it is like the author thought that she better put some sort of storyline in so rushed through a kidnapping and rescue. At 90% into this book I thought “ ooh storyline, this must be duet as she can’t possibly run this in less than 10% of the book “. Alas no, she managed to wrap it up in 5% followed by a half hearted random short epilogue. It was also far too stereotypical. It was like she wanted to add in as many Russian traditions as possible.There was not enough storyline, not enough character development, not enough supporting characters, not enough imagination. Not enough of any of the important qualities to make this an enjoyable read let alone a stand out book. It stood out for all the wrong reasons.The only reasons that this is a 3* not a 2* is that I did finish it and the writing itself is ok. Yet another author who needs to focus on STORY not substandard sex scenes or fluff. The writing quality is there but story, story, story!

Dimitri is now my favourite book boyfriend. I loved reading this book. The author really did a great job and I can't wait to get book 2

So enjoyable and very steamy!! Emma and Dimitri have set my kindle on fire that's for sure!! I like the way the author focuses on the feelings and relationship itself, rather than putting too much detail into the mafia storyline.I admit Emma was annoying at times but Dimitri was quick to get her back in line 😂!! There is definitely something to be said for the dominating alpha in the bedroom!!

I absolutely love this book, have re-read it a million time and still adore it like its the first! Zoe Blake is for sure one of my top favourite authors, so glad I have found her. Currently got another one of hers on my TBR list, never disappointed ❤️😍😭

Another good story in this series

I loved this for what it is. I loved the seeet moments and the dark ones equally. I especially enjoyed Emma’s struggle to embrace and accept her darkest desires and not view them as ‘wrong’ but as a part of herself to explore safely. Loved these characters and enjoyed every chapter.

I love mafia romance with no owd and an ott protective J/P hero!Emma is a graduate student who needs to ask for money from her benefactor in order to not be kicked out of college. The problem is that when she goes to the door of her “benefactor,” someone else opens the door- a huge, muscular, tattooed man with a shaved head, facial hair, and an intense penetrating look.Dimitri ordered an escort/call girl; when he opens the door, he’s greeted with a demure, innocent college girl- good, because he’s ready to play, and she’s the perfect person to play the innocent, virginal card with. Except that she really IS a virgin and she really IS innocent- it’s all a misunderstanding and mistaken identity 😬. He figures out, in the most… um… primitive way… that she wasn’t lying 😅 but by then, he’s already taken her as his 😉.The opening interaction starts off noncon… she tries to fight but it’s no use- when Dimitri wants something, he’s going to get it. Even when she tries to stay away, he won’t let her. Once he realizes the type of person she is, he claims her and becomes overprotective and possessive.The chemistry was 🔥 right away! Oh sweet Jesus and a bag of beans, their connections was intense. Yes, it started off in a questionable way (😬😅😉🥵), but they quickly go from 0-60 with no preamble. Dimitri is older and knows what he wants- and he wants Emma 👏🏻. Although Emma is a virgin in many aspects, she was drawn to Dimitri from the get go.What I liked- I loved how dedicated Dimitri was, how possessive and obsessed he was (no other women anywhere 👏🏻), how protective and sweet. I mean, he actually dates her (swooooon🥰) and listens to her (like when he kidnaps her towards the end of book 🥰❤️). He’s educated, even though he does questionable/illegal things 😬. I also didn’t mind Emma’s doubts, because, shoot, I’d be having the SAME doubts!What I wanted more of- I wish Emma didn’t always give in (especially after he punished her). Standing her ground more would’ve been great. She tries, but continually fails, and then melts whenever he’s around. I mean, she could’ve slapped him or maybe pushed him around (😂I love that stuff). That’s just my preference. I dislike when the h’s don’t have a backbone- Thank god Emma wasn’t an h like that. Buuut more of a push/pull adds to the tension and that’s what I crave. I still loved it all.There are some triggers, but I enjoyed it all.⚠️ safety squad⚠️-no cheating omd/owd-there is a scene where a worker tries flirting with the H, but he didn’t even notice, care and quickly shut her down by showing everyone that the h is the type of woman he wants-the first scene between the H and h is noncon-there are noncon/dubcon scenes throughout the book-there some spanking/punishment scenes-people get killed- not too graphic though (which I wouldn’t have minded considering who they were 😑)

I was looking for an authentic russian mafia romance where the guy is all alpha and swoony while our heroine is innocent and shy but not naive (oh yeah I am done with those heroines). And Oh my god, Dmitri and Emma are everything and more for me.So if you are looking a fast-paced romance, this is the one. If you're looking for mind-shattering vibes, this is the one. If you're looking for dirty talking heroes, this is the one for you!!5/5 for sure!

I really enjoyed the book. It was funny, hot and the male character sexy as hell. Loved everything about it.

Possessiveness, Alpha, Dangerous and Dominate Russian (Dimitri) finds his innocent, quiet, bookish, virginal librarian when Emma mistakingly knocks on his door…now what goes on next can be upsetting for some but for me it was dark and steamy and an addictive read and a great start to this series..