Mike and Verity know each other, they can communicate without words, they share the love of the game they call "the Crave". At least that is what Mike tells us when we read his take on his relationship with Verity and how he comes to be in a prison cell. But can we trust Mike at his word? He is one unreliable narrator-and what about Verity is she really all she portrays herself to be--I mean her name is another word for truth isn't it?? Mike is a man who looks outwardly normal-he is handsome and muscular and has become financially successful after an abusive childhood with a neglectful mother. We feel sorry for him but do we really know the truth about him or Verity? While reading this book by Araminta Hall I felt quite dazed. She is a wonderful writer and the story she recounts from Mike's perspective is really dark and disturbing and creepy--it is never perfectly clear to me whether or not he is delusional. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading books that are not clear in the direction they are going.. I was surprised a lot and still don't know what I can trust to be reality or not-is it just Mike's reality. Was Verity using him, was he using Verity? They had a secret language that only they could understand didn't they? That ending--hmmmm I am still puzzled and so in closing I just would like to say--"the eagle has landed".

A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read and give an honest review of this book.

Wow and wow again. A sexual game of fantasy that a couple plays in fun. leads to repercussions that neither character sees coming. How much love is too much? Is killing, stealing, betrayal, hate, passion too far to go in loving someone. How do you protect someone that has committed these crimes? How do you save them for yourself?
A dark story, that turns from love to hate to love. The Author has taken great care in developing the main characters, Mike and Versity. Each character is relatable. The storyline is unique and powerful. Strongly recommend reading.
5 Stars

This is the complete opposite of a feel-good novel. Dark and unsettling, it tells a story of obsession and a twisted kind of love that leads to murder. Mike loves Verity more than anything. Surely she must feel the same way, right? But how can a person who grew up in the most horrific circumstances know what it means to care about someone? Verity is not returning his messages, she changed her phone number, blocked his email address... that must surely mean that she wants him to fight for her, right? Man is Mike self-deluded! Yet, in his mind, this is a beautiful love story and there is nothing he won't do for her. Which is where things get even darker. I had to keep reading, even if it felt like a knife twisting in my gut. It's funny how the characters are not really well-defined, but just because we're seeing them through Mike's eyes. Mike, however, is so real that it's hard not to care. You know he's not going to end well but the conclusion of the novel is still so surprising and upsetting, that it wouldn't work if it wasn't so well written.

***Thanks to NetGalley for providing me a complimentary copy of OUR KIND OF CRUELTY by Araminta Hall in exchange for my honest review.***

Mike and Verity (V) play a sexual fantasy game called The Crave. They scout for a victim in a bar, then she hits on him before Mike beats the stranger for kissing his girlfriend. The Crave escalates as a V wants more danger. Two years later, V is engaged to someone who’s not Mike, but he knows it’s all part of The Crave. Or is it?

From page 1, I strongly disliked V and Mike. I don’t care what they did in the bedroom or with other consenting adults, but they created unwitting victims. Mike’s narration of the relationship never felt right and I questioned his reliability.

Araminta Hall has me guessing whether the couple was playing The Crave or if Mike became a stalker. Hall did a wonderful job creeping me out throughout OUR KIND OF CRUELTY. Normally I like creepy novels but I don’t need to, or want to read about stalking or a sex game that creates victims. I didn’t enjoy reading the book, despite great writing Mike being an interesting, complex character. OUR KIND OF CRUELTY is a better book than my enjoyment of it.

If you like domestic psychological thrillers, OUR KIND OF CRUELTY is an excellent choice. I can picture is as a movie as well.

Holy cow, I am totally uncertain of what I just read!! Our Kind Of Cruelty was absolutely amazing! One of the best jaw-dropping psychological thrillers I have ever read! I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough! So dark, and unique! I LOVED it!!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I thought it was a sexy, twisted and disturbing thrill ride.
It was very addictive and I couldn’t stop reading it because I had to see how it was going to end.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading thillers.

Wow. Enter Mike and his longtime girlfriend Verity, who engage in a sexual game called the Crave. When Verity ends the relationship, Mike will stop at nothing to get her back. Does Verity really want to move on, or is this part of the game? How reliable of a narrator is Mike?

This is more than your basic psychological thriller - it’s a realistic portrayal of dependent/dangerous relationships and the double standards that women continue to face in today’s political climate. It was refreshing to read about a rich, attractive, controlling man that gives people the creeps, especially since that type of character is, unfortunately, so popular (looking at you, Fifty Shades of Grey). The third part of the novel is a slower pace than the rest, but where it leads, along with the author’s afterword, makes the story memorable and a much-needed discussion.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy in exchange for an honest review!

wow wow wow

Shocking

This was really good. Mostly told by Mike the main character of his undying, unhealthy love for Verity. This goes way over the edge and I didn't see the most shocking part coming, nor the ending. I am totally shocked. Poor Verity she tried to get away and ended up in it for the long nasty end. I had something like this happen to me and sometimes no matter how far you run they find you. It wasn't anything like this though but some parts were. Should I feel like a jerk for liking this book though? Perhaps yes, perhaps no. I'm glad it's behind me. So you can't say this is a far-fetched story cause it does happen. Probably more than we know. I like how this book did that. It bought the real to a novel and the courtroom part to the finale is the best.

I do recommend this book if you can deal with this kind of content.

On to the next book if I can get this one out of my mind.

Thank you Net Gallery for this great read and the opportunity to review a second book on behalf of you, the publisher, and of course the Author.

Cherie'

This one is a rough one—but I don’t mean that in a negative way. It’s compulsively readable and keeps moving at a fast pace. I will say that this could be a difficult read for anyone with a history of PTSD, child abuse, sexual assault and a multitude of other psychological disorders. Due to that aspect, I couldn’t recommend it with out a trigger warning. However, I very much enjoyed it and think it has the potential to be a hit.

To start with the positives, the book is well-written. There are many clever scenes where, despite the unreliable narrator, we are able to comprehend the reality that he cannot. The book is quite effective in conveying a sense of ‘this is how a crazy person could misunderstand the world around him.’

That said, this book did not work for me. My secondary problem with the story was that in the last third (which I actually enjoyed the most), the author seemed to argue that what was happening was really about “the continued injustices perpetrated against women in our so-called civilized society” (her words, from the Acknowledgements). Yes, bad things happen to the woman in this story. But it’s not because of the patriarchy. It’s because she had the misfortune of falling into the orbit of a crazy man.

My main problem with the story is a feature of it, not a bug. In order to maintain suspense, the entire story is told from one perspective. I like psychological thrillers, but 300 pages in the mind of a crazy person was rather exhausting and a bit repetitive. Judging from the other reviews, I’m in the minority on this one. That’s ok. I’ve been wrong before.

This is one intense book. The first few pages had me thinking, “Nope. This isn’t for me.” When page one begins in a bar with a couple playing sex games and by page two the main characters are already using the F word and performing it, as well as other suggestive activities, it seems fair to imagine that might be the way the rest of the story’s going to go. Luckily, I kept reading, and by page three things had moved to a different, albeit no less compelling, environment. I was hooked. Whew.

The narrator, Mike, tells his story from jail, as he awaits trial for murder, although at this point we don’t know how or why, or even who the victim is. Mike grew up in foster care, after a tumultuous, unstable childhood in poverty with a neglectful, alcoholic mother and her often abusive partners. He finds a loving home with his foster parents, and his life moves on to a much more stable and even lucrative adulthood and career. He and Verity, whom he refers to as V, meet and fall in love and remain together for several years until certain things begin to change their relationship. The reader also finds certain things emerging in bits and pieces that give us glimpses into Mike’s behavior.

What happens when their relationship begins to fall apart is chilling in several respects. Without providing spoilers, I will say that I was, many times during the novel, deeply sympathetic to Mike because of his painful past and how it affected him. By the end of the story, I was angry, certainly at him, but truly angrier at a system that is allowed to manipulate situations in ways that are just wrong. I would say more, but that would give too much away.

This is a gripping and suspenseful story. The author drops little hints throughout as to what to expect, and had me anxious the whole time, wondering exactly what was going to happen. I was angry by the end, and was tempted to rate this as 3 stars. When I read the acknowledgements and found out why the author wrote this as she did, I changed it to 4 stars. Good job.

Thanks to NetGalley and Farrar, Straus and Giroux for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

I don't know if this will be for everyone, (main narrative is not very likeable) but I loved the crazy delusion!

Mike loves Verity. Verity used to love Mike, but she broke up with him after an indiscretion that Mike admits to. Mike apologizes and knows that all will be forgiven, as love like theirs is one in a million.
When Verity announces she is to be married, Mike understands. Verity is just making him pay for his slip up. It's all part of their game, the Crave.

So what could possibly go wrong here?

Is Verity punishing Mike, or has she moved on? Is Mike delusional, or just a pawn in her games?

This is a cleverly crafted web of mystery and suspense that kept me riveted! I think I would have liked a better ending, one with a bit more retribution to it, but all in all this was one entertaining read!

ARC provided by NetGalley

I received an advanced copy of this book and when I did, I quickly finished a previous book just so I could start this one. I was very interested after seeing the description for this book and knew I would love it. I was 100% right! I haven’t read about a crazy, love obsessed, jealous stalker/lover like this before. This story is about Mike and his love for “V”. They play a game called “Crave” a game only the two of them understand. Mike ends up moving to New York and their Long distance relationship works for a while, after something happens, , V wants to move on (just punish Mike) and gets engaged to someone else. Mike is invited to the wedding, which of course he knows is all a part of the Crave game and she just wants to be saved. This was such a good book and I didn’t want it to end. I could have finished it in one day but I wanted to savor it and hold on to the perfect psychological thriller that it was! I have never reread a book, but I honestly crave it and would consider reading it all over.

Well well well! I’ve had my eye on Our Kind of Cruelty for months! My patience was tested because I have had this since December. It sat there... just looking at me.. wanting to be read. Obviously, I gave in and I’m so glad I did!

So what’s it about? It’s a love story. Mike’s love story as the book description says. Mike and Verity had been together for 9 years. They loved to play a game called Crave. It was their special thing, no one would understand it. Mike knows that, no one is like Mike and V.

Mike decided to move to NYC to improve his career but he knew he’d be back in London for V. They made do with their long distance relationship for awhile but ending up calling it quits after something happened. Mike does indeed move back to London. Once he informs Verity that he is back, he is shocked with the news of V marrying someone else. But Mike knows this is part of Crave, their game. He knows V wants him to play and he will.

I honestly don’t want to say too much about this book. I love reading guys like Mike. Obsession, sex, lies, betrayal oooo juicy juicy! I read this within a day. 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️! I recommend.

Thank you to MCD / FSG books for sending me a copy & for providing an ecopy via netgalley!

This was a solid 3.5 rating. Not quite a 4 but I always like to round up.

Our Kind Of Cruelty was at the top of my "to read" list and I didn't know how I would manage to wait 5 months to get my hands on it. I was lucky enough to get a copy from Netgalley.

The relationship of Mike and V begins in a rather promiscuous setting. You'll hear "crave" a lot throughout this story, learning within the first few pages what exactly it entails. It's a creepy, disturbing way of hooking up with each other and “getting off” on the unsettling act of it all. You can tell early on that Mike and V do not have the typical, normal relationship most of us have. Something is off with Mike (obviously) and you see their relationship progress and then end abruptly.

V moves on after their breakup and eventually gets engaged. She invites Mike to her wedding and that's when things become to spin out of control. He's still in love, obsessed, and wonders is this all part of their twisted idea of the crave. Does she really want him back? Are all her subtle hints really code for something more? Is it all wishful thinking?

Some people have compared this book to You, which is my all-time favorite book. To me, You captured the funny/crazy side of Joe Goldberg. I was never truly disturbed by Joe because I found him likable and hilarious as he continued his stalking fantasies. Mike Hayes, on the other hand, is troubled and reveals the psycho aspect of being obsessed with someone. If you thought You was dark and hard to read, you’ll have a difficult time getting through Our Kind Of Cruelty. Mike is deranged, unhinged, and being in his mind is fascinating.

The book is broken up into three parts, and while I did enjoy the book, I found the first part a bit slow. We learned a lot about Mike’s life, personal and work related. I could have gone without some of the info we learned, and I found myself speed reading through the chapters to get to the good parts. Part three definitely stood out. That’s what really solidified this book for being clever and addicting. Without spoiling anything, (you’ll learn early on Mike’s current situation), the entire courtroom story line was digested and read with haste. Araminta Hall is outstanding and the entire trial blew my mind.

Is this book for everyone? No, definitely not. Like I said, it’s dark and disturbing. But if you like that genre, you’ll love Our Kind Of Cruelty.

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

It started with a Shakespeare quote, "I must be cruel only to be kind. Thus bad begins and worse remains behind." that quote was inspiration for a sexual game dubbed, The Crave. The Crave, is not your typical type bedroom kink to which a couple shares privately behind closed doors; no - The Crave was a game far more illicit that only Mike and V were privy to the rules of and the ultimate consequences that it entailed. The game filled them with a hunger only each other could quench. Said best by Mike with, "We are like superheroes together. If sex could save the world, the we would rule the planet."

Our Kind of Cruelty is a twisted, sick spin on a love story that to me, is reminiscent of the dark but at the same time - heartfelt poetry written by Edgar Allen Poe. As with Poe's famous poetry, Our Kind of Cruelty, centers around the creation and ultimate demise of love. As you read, you realize the lengths Mike will go to and the vast amount of sacrifices he is willing to make to obtain his "happy ever after" with V; often in his pursuit sacrificing others in the process.

Our Kind of Cruelty is a chilling, mind blowing tale that deserves 100 stars due to the thunderous emotional onslaught of feelings that you, the reader, are left with when the story and ultimately game the ends. Amazing read!! ❤️

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC!

This was a much different book than I had expected, and while it's not what I would normally read, I am glad I took the time to read it. It had some unexpected areas that were a tad uncomfortable for me to read about, as the relationship was just so crazy, but it was well written and the development of characters kept me enjoying it and wanting to find out what happens. A different kind of thriller, but a great read!

I love reading about the crazies but this lacked direction and made no fucking sense. I am not one to comment on endings because I believe authors live with this book and it's up to them, not me. I absolutely hated this one though, more for reasons that are difficult to discuss without spoiling but I strenuously objected to many serious topics injected into the end chapters with no need or cause. It made me angry because I felt like the author was trying to slip a commentary on the state of women in the world today in in a flip manner that didn't fit. Free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

RATING: 3.5 stars

This may look like your typical love story from the outside. Mike Hayes has done what some view as the impossible; survived a brutal and neglectful childhood to become a successful, charming man and he owes it all to Verity. V helped him become the man he is all the while teaching him that love is the most intoxicating drug. In return, he's dedicated everything to her - to making her happy and creating the perfect life for the two of them. But suddenly things start to go very, very wrong and in a blink of an eye everything has changed. Mike is alone now and Verity is marrying another man...

But Mike knows this is just part of the games they used to play and he is sure V still feels the same way about him as he does her. All he has to do is remind her...

What follows is a story of darkly twisted obsession and the razor thin line between truth and perception.

I enjoyed reading this book very much. Hall illustrates a chilling look into love, lies, rage, jealousy and obsession; mixing this dangerous cocktail until it's a time bomb waiting to detonate (and detonate it does!). I feel like a few of the seams began to show half way through, especially with Verity's character but it pretty quickly found it's footing again before the end. If you like chilling psychological suspense - this is one worth picking up.

This book was SO good. From page 1 on I could NOT put it down. Mike, the main character is in love with his girlfriend Verity, except she dumped him about a year ago. He is seriously psychotic but I had a soft spot for him because he was so lonely and had such a terrible childhood with an alcoholic mom. He loves her so much that he totally disregards the fact that she has moved on with her life. He is convinced that she still wants to be with him. He takes is SO far--this is such a psychologically twisted book . I LOVED it. I will be thinking about it for days and that is the kind of book that I really appreciate. Mike is seriously crazy but in an entertaining way and he is SO in love with Verity that nothing else matters to him. You can't help but dislike Verity because she is so spoiled although she deserves a happy life too... An incredibly insane love story. Great writing and interesting characters. Well worth your time! Thanks GR AND NetGalley for the ARC's!!! Hoping there will be a sequel!