**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**

Cruel Beginnings is an intense and gripping novel that delves deep into the dark and dangerous world of the main character, Birdie lives in. After finding herself in a terrible predicament, Birdie makes a deal with the devil, and from that moment on, her life spirals out of control. The authors have not held back in creating a very dark and brutal story, which reminded me why Dark Romance is my favorite genre.

The relationship between Darius and Birdie is complex. While I enjoyed the dynamic between Darius and Birdie, I felt that their relationship developed a bit too rapidly. However, given the challenging circumstances that Birdie found herself in, I can comprehend why this might have occurred. The sex scenes are dark and brutal, perfectly fitting the tone of the book. The authors have created a vivid and immersive world that is full of danger. I am particularly intrigued by a few other characters, and I am eagerly anticipating their role in the upcoming books. The writing is sharp and evocative, painting a clear picture of the gritty and violent world in which these characters live.

Overall, Cruel Beginnings is a fantastic start to the Cruel World series that will appeal to fans of dark and gritty romance. The writing is strong, and the plot will keep you engaged from beginning to end. If you're looking for a thrilling and intense read, this is definitely a book worth checking out.