Cunning (Infidelity) MP3 CD – Unabridged, June 7, 2016

“Thanks to my Montague upbringing, when it came to illusion, I was a master.”Cunning is the second book in the brand new series by Aleatha Romig. If you have not yet read Betrayal, that will be 1000% necessary before beginning Cunning. These books are NOT standalones and all of the previous books in the series need to be devoured and obsessed over before beginning the next.“It was wrong. He was wrong. I was wrong.”Cunning begins exactly where we left off; absolutely no time has lapsed since we last saw Nox and Alex (Charli) (Alexandria). Alex has just made a very important decision regarding her future and even though she is uncomfortable with said decision in many ways she had found peace with it that is until she receives a phone call…“I didn’t ask him for help, but just as in Del Mar, he rescued me. Maybe he was Batman.”Betrayal ended in a massive cliff hanger that was to be expected as it was the first book in a five book series, what was not expected was how it would you leave you hanging! Aleatha is Queen when it comes to mysterious and twisty stories, but even after having read her pervious series Consequences I was not prepared for how this new series was going to affect me. The Infidelity series is twisty, mysterious and sexy but it is so much different from her previous work, it’s a fresh start with new characters, a new plot, and new mysteries for all of us to obsess endlessly over. Even the characters in this series are so much different. I found myself totally enamoured with both Nox and Charlie from the very beginning and in Cunning that affection only grew 10 times stronger.“I could listen to her sensuous body tell me bedtime stories for eternity.”This review is going to be extremely vague simply because this series needs to experienced in my opinion without any preconceived notions, you need to form all of your own opinions and theories. When you begin this book be prepared to devote your entire day to it, because once you begin you will not be able to walk away or take a break. Make sure your e-reader is fully charged before you begin, because if the battery dies while you’re in the middle of it, you may lose your mind. I ripped through Cunning in a few hours and when I was finished, I was positive that Aleatha had forgotten pages at the end, I mean really? AGAIN Aleatha? That ending was… NO WORDS. She has once again ensured that there is no way you could possibly read this book and then walk away from the series. Cunning had me totally hypnotized from the moment I began until the moment I finished. My mind raced, my heart pounded, my hands even shook. I had serious amounts of anxiety while reading this one, because I just knew something was coming. I had no idea what, I had theories, but none of them seemed to line up 100%. As I neared the end of the book the anxiety and anxiousness only grew, I mean is this normal to be so intensely affected by a book? Well I was. I got to the end and once again I wanted to launch my kindle across the room, “WHERE ARE THE REST OF THE PAGES?????” GAHHHHHH MASSIVE CLIFFHANGER. AGAIN.“I’m warning you: I’m not a good person, but I’m the only bad I want near you.”Aleatha Romig is notorious for her ability to weave a story so intricately that you cannot ever be expected to figure it out until she allows you to. Reading this series can only be described as feeling like what a junkie must feel like waiting for their next hit. The questions only multiply as you read further into the story, but all of your efforts will be futile, because as soon as you begin to put the pieces together, the author comes along and flips the table all over again! It’s the most delectable kind of torture, and what we have all come to expect from a writer that has mastered the art of building suspense. The writing in Cunning continues to be precise and while the story flows you just continue to fall further down the rabbit hole. It’s like being totally sucked into another world, and you need to continuously remind yourself that it isn’t real, all the while failing miserably. I was twisted into so many knots by the time I was finished, I was breathless, my heart rate was elevated and my face was flushed. Cunning sucks you in from the moment you pick it up and it will hold you in its deceptive clutches until you finish the last word. The characters, all of them, are hiding something and that just makes it even more delicious.“The last thing I wanted was for her to know the power she had or how badly I wanted her.”Nox and Alex had better end up with a HEA after all of this, because if they do not I will not be held responsible for my actions, and if you tell me once more, “It’s just a book!” I’m going to lose my GD MIND! Congratulations Aleatha on outdoing yourself yet again, each time you begin a new series you leave me wanting MORE! May cannot come fast enough, I need answers and even more than that, I need vengeance.“He was right. I hated how well Nox knew me without my telling him. I’d never considered myself transparent. Nevertheless, Nox saw inside of me, into my soul.”

Reviewed by Sharon Thérèse Nuttall4.5 Cunning StarsThe second instalment in the Infidelity Series is a wild pearl which the author has cultured to perfection. Betrayal truly left me bereft and even though waiting for the sequels can be the bane of many readers, fortunately this is not the case in this one. Moreover, the changes in Cunning are carefully mapped out making one sit back and think what on earth is going to happen next. Adoring the male protagonist in Betrayal; how on earth I could have changed my tune regarding him in this read was for me, an excellent ploy on the Ms Romig’s part. I have to say that I would have gladly strangled her for cunningly changing my opinion. Pun not intended! The carrot was masterfully dangled, kept me on tenterhooks and frustrated the pants off this reader who isn’t easily swayed in scenarios such as is the main characters’ pasts. I need reason, emotion and logic. And there is no doubt whatsoever that this follow-up delivers.My heart twisted for Charli - Alexandria Collins. Her southern charisma shines brightly and I couldn't but help fall head over heels for her. Well-bred, her strong-will flourished by being schooled in the life of hard knocks. Nevertheless, her vulnerability towards family’s circumstances would dominate her decisions and complicate matters no end for her. What she did I never once criticised her for as she was caught between a rock and a hard place. When she signed on the dotted-line, never was she or I prepared to see how far coincidences would play its cruel hand in her story. Not knowing what she was up against was not only deceiving, but the injustice she had to suffer by all, I found quite pathetic."Miss Collins, your opportunity to negotiate has passed. It's time for our reunion. I paid handsomely for it."Who knocked me over with a feather was Lennox Demetri! Speaking out loud now; “Shame on you Nox! You did the unheard of in my book. You cheated. Your play was unjust; you didn't give her a chance. It was far too easy for you to discover the truths about the woman who held your heart in her hands. The woman who had no name, the woman who was your silent obsession.” Okay… he’s the bee’s knees and seeps the Alpha male drop your panties like now girlies! But is this really him showing his true colours? He has the means to be one step ahead of her, takes advantage of this and I damn well hated him for it. This is a new concept in him as you will see when you get to know how he ticks. Power rules and he has it ten-fold. I can honestly say that I would have gladly bashed him on his head with my Kindle. Yet, his thoughts showed me that beneath that hard exterior he blatantly flaunts, there is much more be discovered."I'm a selfish bastard. I wanted you. I took the opportunity, and now you know the truth. This is real. You're mine because I want you, not because I bought you."I loved the depth of this story. Underhanded political power struggles, deceptions and twist and turns in every unimaginable corner make this read an unputdownable one. I loved to hate most of the secondary characters and more important as a European reader, the ins and outs of what goes on inside of the minds of certain persons whom presumably have our fate in their hands regarding certain issues, was quite outstanding.One teeny-weeny hiccup in this story for me was Adelaide's story. I know her selfishness was relevant to the flow of the storyline but I just couldn't connect to her whingy ways. She wasn't the damsel in distress here. Quite bluntly, my consideration for her putting herself before her daughter's well-being irritated me beyond my comprehension. Well done to the author here. You managed to bring out the worst in me!"Very few of my life's decisions had been left to me. I was making one."A note for the reader. This series is not about cheating; third parties do not exist. This is simply a collision course taking you on a helter-skelter ride amidst a tremendously heart-rending story. The dialogue is sublime in all accepts; notwithstanding, the scorching hot bedroom banter is guaranteed so get your fan ready for them! We will only know what happens next by reading Deception in May. Five books in all…goodness me, the wait is going to be excruciatingly painful. Bravo to you Ms Romig for a flawless story!

The story continues where book one left us hanging. More twists and turns and secrets are revealed in part two.In usual Aleatha style as one question is answered a whole load more need asking. I think I read this book in a day. I couldn't put it down... it was thoroughly addictive. Flitting between the past & current day we learn a little of the Montague history through Adelaide, Alex's mother... we learn of the future of the Montague Corporation and deals that we're made and put in place when Alex was barely five years old.As the story progresses I love the character of Alex / Charli , I love that she is a strong , independent person wanting to make a life on her own. Being an outstanding student graduating from Stanford with the highest grade possible she is more than determined to leave her family and all it's power and money behind as she continues onto Colombia law to study for her post graduate qualification in becoming a top class lawyer. I love how she is not spoilt or bratty and clearly knows her own mind she is a perfect match for Lennox 'Nox' Demetrie; full of secrets and a past of his own he is still an enigma but there is a clear history that both families are entwined somehow.In true Aleatha fashion we will never know the full extent of those secrets until the last page is turned.!! Thoroughly addictive and on route to a major book hangover...

Unfortunately this story was just going round in circles. Charlie & Nox one second speaking then not, worse than teenagers. As for the parents even worse. Bryce was just as desperate too he didn't move on from first book. All we learnt was that alexis step father was even more ruthless with her trust fund wanting it for his bastard son - Bryce - was Alex and Nox set up to meet without either of them knowing, if so by who? The whole did Nox kill jocelyn, no further moved forward still no clue as ti if was killed by who, do not think Nox, books a bit mixed struggled to get into this one.. Probably 2-3/5 to be fair. I will read bk 3 but not immediately hopefully it will be better than this and pull story back around !!

Have you been Aleatha'd? Yes, many times over.Cunning is the second in the Infidelity series and continues where bombshell at the end of Betrayal left off.Nox or Mr. Demetri owns Alex/Charli. The rules have changed, now that Nox owns Charli she must live by his rules, but rules are made to be broken. Nox is a strong confident dominant business man who knows what he wants and he wants Charli. Charli who has been pushed to the limits by her family into taking her future into her own hands, finds herself at Nox's mercy after their deal at Fidelity. Nox, isn't the same man Charli encountered at Del Mar, he's different or is he?We get a glimpse into their new arrangement, but it isn't easy with both Nox and Charli's families/past coming with dark twisted secrets. Charli's family still want her home to marry a family friend Bryce and Charli still wants to rebel and continue with her plans to study law at Columbia. Nox has his own family troubles along with business worries.Nox and Charli's relationship is hot, sexy and passionate, but they're also trying to build it out of trust. You get the feeling they do really care for one and another, with it verging on love. However, you feel there is danger of interference and with things out with their control.You also get a bit of back story about the Montague family history, giving you an insight into why things aren't always what they seem. We are left with another teasingly cliffhanger. Aleatha wasn't kidding when she said the series leaves you wanting more. I want more and I want it now, May is too far off to wait for Deception.In true Aleatha style we are left with many mind utterly twisting and turning questions. Just when you think you've got something worked out, something else comes and blows that theory wide open. I must applaud Mrs Romig,every book seems to journey into another question and answering of a mind blowing story of infidelity.I was given an Arc in return for my honest opinion.

Well I loved booked 2 & couldn't believe how quickly. Was sucked into the world of Nox (Lennox) & Charli.Charli's family is disgusting, you always know something dark has happened in her childhood which hadn't been disclosed, but the more you see, the more you dispose her mum & utterly loathe her stepdad Alton.In this book Charli finds herself broke, facing her dream of studying Law at Columbia almost lost & being blackmailed to return back to the fa,icky home. Never to be shoe horned , she stands tall yet again & refuses to bend .I hate spoilers , so what I will say is she makes a rash decision in a bid y get money which leads her unknowingly straight to Nox .. And wow what a beautiful bastard he is .So many twists & turns.. Loved the character development & how their relationship faced a few tense times... How trust is earned & not given, how you protect the ones you love & how sometimes you have to face your secrets & your demons to survive .Now I just have to wait .. Albeit it impatiently for book 3

What a totally fantastic storyline. This novel has more twists than a maize. More ups and downs than a roller coaster. Intriguing. Absorbing. Mysterious. Just a few terms to describe the follow on in this series. Charli has sold herself for a year to Nox, someone she felt she wouldn't see or be involved with again. We join the story right where book one finished. I personally would love to throttle Alton, and shake Adelaide, as for Bryce and Suzanne. Turncoat springs to mind. Or worms, snakes, wolf in sheeps clothing. Fortunately CharliAKA Alex has a spine, rebels, even with Alpha male Lennox. Their love is obvious, but each has a passed and not one they want to fully share with each other. Although Alex has to be more open. Oreo Lennox's father may appear to be the devil, but there are others that fit the bill more. A fantastic book. Need to have read first one, as would be very confusing. Great author, in all her books. A must if your interested a little something more sinister than a simple romance. Now have to wait until May for follow on!!!!!!