Cruel Idols

Sorcha Black

Save:

Who Would Like This Book:

If you love your romance with a seriously dark, kinky edge and crave dynamic MMF (male/male/female) pairings, this is one wild ride you shouldn’t miss. The chemistry is off the charts, the writing is whip-smart, and you’ll find yourself both shocked and spellbound as horror-writer brains and twisted desires collide. Expect a spicy mix of primal play, consensual non-consent, and all the gritty, taboo kinks your dark romance-loving heart could wish for. If you’re a fan of knives, mind games, or just want something hotter and scarier than your average romance, add this to your TBR. Dark romance veterans and adventurous smut connoisseurs will eat this up!

Who May Not Like This Book:

This book is definitely not for the faint of heart or those sensitive to triggers. There’s minimal plot compared to the sheer amount of kink, and some scenes can cross from titillating to downright uncomfortable for some readers. If you prefer romance with strong emotional growth, a lighter touch with BDSM or less extreme kinks, or if you want a heroine who fully holds her own, you might find yourself frustrated or skimming. Definitely check content warnings - there’s brutal play, some heavy emotional baggage, and dubious consent themes that aren’t for everyone.

Utterly filthy, deliciously depraved, and unapologetically bold - if you like your romances dark, kinky, and boundary-pushing, Cruel Idols is a must-read. If not, proceed with caution (and maybe a safe word).

About:

In "Cruel Idols" by Sorcha Black, the story revolves around Vandal and Zero, two successful horror book authors who find themselves secluded in a cabin with a young woman named Sadie. The book delves into themes of dark romance, fear, pain-based kink, and twisted love. The plot unfolds with a mix of triggers and intense scenes, blurring the lines between love and hate, while exploring the dynamics of a complex relationship among the characters. The writing style is described as sensually scary, well-crafted, and engaging, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and mind games.

Characters:

The characters are multifaceted, with Vandal embodying a dominant archetype, Zero offering support, and Sadie exploring her desires in a complicated relationship.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is engaging and intense, effectively capturing the emotions and tension of the storyline while maintaining a darkly humorous undertone.

Plot/Storyline:

The storyline revolves around a young woman forced to stay with two horror authors, leading them to explore their kinks while helping each other with their creative endeavors.

Setting:

The secluded cabin setting serves as a backdrop for the intense interactions between the characters, amplifying themes of isolation and psychological depth.

Pacing:

The pacing is inconsistent, creating a challenge in tracking character growth and the progression of relationships throughout the story.

Irritated and sweaty, I leaned my bike against a tree and examined the pretty two-storey cottage. The place looked like a children’s book of fairytales come to life—warm gray stone and happy blue shut...

Notes:

Vandal is a complex character, described as both an alpha male and someone the reader may want to thump.

Zero is Vandal's best friend and serves as a perfect contrast to him, enhancing the story's dynamic.

The book involves a dark romance theme, specifically exploring a taboo kink of consensual non-consent (CNC).

Despite its dark themes, the book avoids gratuitous violence outside the consensual scenes.

The storyline follows a fan, Sadie, who is forced to stay with two horror writers for the summer after being suspected of trying to steal a manuscript.

The book blends writing horror with kink exploration as the characters assist each other with research for their stories.

Sadie's character is highlighted as relatable and resilient amidst intense circumstances, triggering feelings of jealousy in readers.

The book includes various kinks, such as fake kidnapping, primal play, and leash/pet play, appealing to readers who enjoy more extreme themes.

The pacing of the book has been criticized, with some readers feeling it limits character growth and relationship development.

The narrative is filled with unexpected twists and deep emotional experiences, making it both thrilling and romantic.

The writing received praise for its ability to grip readers from start to finish despite its controversial content.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Readers should be aware of high content warnings due to the presence of dark themes, BDSM, and triggering content.

Has Romance?

The book features a strong romantic element, with the dynamic between the three characters being crucial to the story.

explicit steam level

From The Publisher:

How can my favorite author be such a suspicious alphahole?

All I wanted was an autograph, but Vandal Stokes is livid when he finds me on his property. The sketchy contract he makes me sign traps me alone with him and his gorgeous friend, Zero, for months.

While we adjust to the awkwardness, Zero volunteers to be my writing mentor and assists me with my unsettling research. Vandal can't resist getting involved, and the tension between the three of us ignites.

Our situation feeds into my most sinister fantasies.

Two against one.

Twisted games.

A dark basement.

No neighbors.

One torrid summer could very well change my life-and me-forever.

*This rough romance contains dark themes, graphic sex scenes, and kink.*

July 2020

•

284 pages

Ratings (18)

Incredible (3)
Loved It (5)
Liked It (4)
It Was OK (5)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (96):

Read It (19)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (51)
Did Not Finish (4)
Not Interested (21)

What can you read after
Cruel Idols?

See the list (100 books)

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.