Lexi Blake is one of my favorite BDSM novelist and the absolute best
when it comes to writing erotic stories that are not only off the charts steamy,
but intriguing as well. Yeesh, found within the pages of her books are some of
the sexiest flogger-wielding Alpha-Doms ever. (I freaking love all the
McKay-Taggart hotties in the Masters and Mercenaries novels). When finding out
there was a new series coming along, I jumped at the chance to get my hands on
the first installment, Ruthless.
Even though Riley and Ellie’s romance was a departure from Blake’s BDSM
style that I adore, it was no less captivating. Ruthless had everything I love whenever reading this author’s tales
~ an exceptionally written nail biting story line whose plot twists had me on
edge; An un-be-lievably hot yet romantically sweet hero; a sassy heroine; And a
cast of colorful characters that left me wanting to discover their stories.
From the emotionally heartbreaking prologue that had me all teary-eyed, through
to the last page, Ruthless was an
angst filled passionate read that I consumed in just one sitting.
As children, Riley Lawless and his siblings suffered the horrific
tragedy of their parents’ murder, which was rooted by corporate greed. After
years of plotting and positioning, it was time for those responsible to pay for
their crimes. It was Riley’s responsibility to insinuate himself into Eleanor
Stratton’s company and seduce her. Her firm, StratCast, was founded on stolen
technology and his parents’ blood shed. Regardless of the fact that Ellie
was not directly responsible for the Lawless’ death, she was instrumental in
the grand scheme.
“The sins of
the father were about to be visited on the daughter’s doorstep. Ellie Stratton
would have to pay her father’s debt.”
Using her was just part of the plan. Consumed with vengeance, Riley was
ruthless in his pursuit of bringing down his targets but surprised when the
unthinkable happened… he fell hopelessly in love with Ellie.
“I love you, Ellie. I'm
going to say it until you understand that I mean it. This started out as a job,
as a path I've been on since the night my parents died. But it led me to you,
and though I wish my mom and dad were here with me, I have to be happy that I
found you.”
The chemistry between this couple was scorching. With their whirlwind
insta-romance starting off hot and heavy, but based on Riley’s secrets and
lies, I found myself anxiously holding my breath waiting for everything to unravel
as the story progressed. All the passion and deceits frayed my nerves. On top of all the relationship angst, there
were plot twists, bad guys and circumstances that had me on edge as well. Secrets,
betrayals, murderous plots, unending suspense… with each revelation more
questions arose as I became fully immersed within Riley and Ellie’s story. I just
love when a book is so gripping, each intricate detail has a meaning, and I’m
forced to pay close attention while piecing together the puzzle. Ruthless was exactly that type of read.
Riley was delectably sexy and so tenderhearted, he had me swooning. A
shrewd lawyer with a plan of attack, he was fueled by his family’s need for
justice. I loved the way his character journeyed from the stone cold man solely
focused on revenge, to a true and dedicated hero willing to sacrifice everything
for Ellie. And when her world came crumbling down, it was Riley who came to her
rescue. Desperate for her forgiveness and affections, Riley worked hard to
right the all wrongs that destroyed Ellie, despite his family’s thirst for
vengeance. Once deceptive and later sincere, he won me over with his overly
romantic ways.
Poor Ellie. She was everyone’s pawn and so eager to trust those who were
part of her close circle. Friends, colleagues, family… all took advantage of
her sympathetic heart. A businesswoman with ethics, Ellie found herself surrounded by conniving vipers,
including the man of her dreams. Living a lonely life, she took a chance on
Riley, which in the end shattered her to pieces.
As naive and insecure as she first appeared, Ellie developed a backbone when
her life spun out of control, and I admired the way she stubbornly stood her
ground against those who betrayed her. But above all, Ellie was compassionate
and regardless of her dire circumstances, she opened her heart to the entire
Lawless clan. In the end, her love for Riley was genuine ~ she was the perfect woman to break
through all of his defenses and help heal past heartaches.
Ruthless was an extremely intense novel that had all the feels. I loved the McKay-Taggart
connection and the Lawless family dynamics. Riley and Ellie’s journey was just
the beginning of an intricate story line and I can’t wait for it to continue in
Brandon and Andrew’s romances. Another great read from Lexi Blake and a perfect
choice for lovers of steamy romantic suspense.
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