Billionaires, obsession and revenge all vye for Scarlett's heart in this wickedly tempting dark romance 🖤🔥 'A tale of passion angst and corruption' Jodi Ellen Malpas, #1 New York Times Bestseller I’ve always walked the straight and narrow, following the rules, kept my head down and my record clean.
Then GregoryRyans, billionaire CEO, walked into my office - suit immaculate, smile lethal, morals grey.
It was only supposed to be business, but one brush of his wicked lips against my skin changed everything.
There’s something about him I can’t resist. Something dark. Addictive. And completely dangerous.
I’ll do anything he asks, even help destroy the enemies from his past.
But when tragedy strikes, it threatens to destroy everything we’ve built.
They say love is powerful. But I realise too late - I’ve already fallen.
Ruthless Love features a morally grey MMC, a workplace romance, high stakes and explosive passion, as well as steamy scenes! Perfect for fans of Sadie Kincaid, Sylvia Day, Nicole Fox and Rosa Lucas.
Praise for Laura Carter 'If you love a great alpha male, then Gregory Ryans is going to rock your world!' Alice Raine, bestselling author of The Darkness Within Him
'Those with a passion for white-collar erotic romance will feel the heat rising off the pages' Library Journal starred review
Amazon top 10 and internationally bestselling author of romcoms and sports romance, translated into multiple languages. Exploring relationships and getting under the skin of her characters is Laura’s passion. She takes inspiration from everything she loves from sports to law, from music and books to on screen romances, and from her own friends and family (shhhhhh, don't tell them!). Laura lives in Jersey, Channel Islands and loves nothing more than being active outdoors.
Rep'd by Tanera Simons of Greenstone Literary Agency.
Connect with Laura through Facebook (@lauracarterauthor), Instagram (@lauracarterauthor) and TikTok (@laura.carter.author).
Fabulous steamy read! Gregory and Scarlett were 🔥🔥
"Your body's reactions to me tell me one thing but your words tell me something else. It's...perplexing."
This story was full of tension, passion, emotions, and intrigue. I was pretty hooked! Scarlett was a loving daughter and a great lawyer with a lot of integrity, which she used to fight against her growing feelings for Gregory. However, she also had a lot of empathy, and her attraction and feelings ended up steering her decision to help Gregory. He had a ton of baggage which motivated and kept him on the path he'd set out for himself. They were both strong people with soft hearts. The ending was a killer! Can't wait for the next book!
I’ve read a few of Laura Carter’s romcoms before, so diving into Ruthless Love—the first book in her Billionaires of London series—was a fun and refreshing change. This one leans more into dark romance, and Laura absolutely nailed it.
The story follows Gregory, a billionaire CEO who is very much a closed book, and Scarlett, the sharp, confident M&A lawyer brought in to help him with a high-stakes deal. It’s a classic workplace setup with a twist: tension, power dynamics, and serious chemistry from the very first meeting.
Gregory is the definition of a morally grey MMC—cold, calculating, and mysterious. But Scarlett’s determination and insight start to chip away at his walls, and watching that slow unravel was such a satisfying ride. There’s also a good dose of suspense and darker subject matter, all handled with care and layered into the romance without overpowering it.
It’s a fast-paced, addictive read with a ton of steam and emotional tension—and that cliffhanger at the end?? I NEED the next book ASAP. If you enjoy billionaire romances with depth, heat, and a side of suspense, Ruthless Love should definitely be on your radar.
Trigger Warnings: child abuse domestic abuse parental loss parent with Alzheimer's
Ruthless Love is majority written in the first-person narrative of FMC Scarlett. Scarlett is a lawyer whose job is working in company acquisitions. She meets the CEO of a tech company, Gregory Ryans and her whole life shifts. Not only is she immediately drawn to Gregory, but agreeing to assist him with a hostile takeover sets in motion a series of events that will change her life, and not always for the better. Meanwhile, at home Scarlett and her Nanny-turned-best friend are caring for her father who has Alzheimer's. His health is rapidly declining and it's all Scarlett can do to balance work and home.
I found this story to be fast paced in some parts, and dragging in others. I think the relationship between Scarlett and Gregory could have used more but then there's other parts where she's shopping for clothes, for example, where those scenes could have been way shorter.
I enjoyed the first person narrative of Scarlett. I think the author did a great job of describing the emotions, and the day-to-day life of living and caring for someone with Alzheimer's. This was a huge part of the story... and I think the true love story of Ruthless Love was between Scarlett and her father vs Scarlett and Gregory. It was beautiful and heart breaking. I appreciate the time the author put into describing this relationship.
The book ends on a cliffhanger, which I did not expect! I thought maybe book 2 would be a different FMC and MMC but I believe it's going to have to be a continuation of Ruthless Love. I'm not mad about that. I'm interested to see where the story goes from here. I also really enjoyed the side characters of Sandy and Jackson and do hope we get a book about the two of them!
Scarlett is determined, compassionate, and great at her job. When she's hired by new clients to lead on a company takeover as their lawyer, it comes with some unexpected surprises, and confusing, broody and protective Billionaire CEO Gregory Ryans. It's a slow burn workplace romance with plenty of steamy and tense moments. The forbidden attraction and boss/client conflict adds a fun intensity to the story, alongside the building suspense and danger of the deal they are working on, and dangerous baggage from Gregory's past. It's an emotional read, with high stakes, building tension, and conflict from her evolving relationship with Gregory, and the unexpected consequences of her involvement with him. The ending was fast paced and shocking, and I need to read book 2 asap!
When Scarlett Heath became the lawyer in a new acquisition for Eclectic Technologies, she didn't realize that their CEO Gregory Ryans would become the love of her life. He's cold, ruthless, and morally grey but for her he's trying to change. But can he protect her when his dark part catches up to them? This book was medium paced with plenty of spicy scenes. I liked to see Gregory change and open up to Scarlett and finally get revenge for his past in the explosive ending. I'm looking forward to book 2. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Ruthless Love was a very different read compared to the author’s previous books, and I think that shift in subgenre influenced my experience. While there were moments of genuine tension between the characters, it sometimes wavered between being deep and meaningful, then more surface-level. I also felt that Gregory’s behaviour was too easily forgiven and a little glossed over, which left me wishing for more development and emotional weight. The storyline itself wasn’t always clear, but fans of the author who enjoy a darker, more unconventional romance may still find plenty to love here.
Scarlett Heath is a Mergers and Acquisitions lawyer in London, who lives with her Dad, sadly suffering from Alzheimer's, and their live in assistant, Sandy. She is hired for a job by the enigmatic billionaire CEO, Gregory Ryans, and despite her professionalism, sparks fly. But the takeover deal she's in charge of sealing is darker than it seems, and danger stalks them at every turn.
Scarlett is a determined, driven FMC who has the weight of the world on her shoulders - balancing her flying career with her father's declining health, and dealing with a predator boss. If you're a reader of billionaire romance, you'll know that Gregory Ryans is the epitome of that genre's MMC - sexy, brooding, possessive, detached - yet incredibly loving and generous when it comes to Scarlett. This is a fast paced thriller of a novel, and the suspense is built up brilliantly - even during the tender moments, you know that danger is never far away. The ending could not have come at a worse time - absolute jaw drop moment! It's set up book two very nicely, and I'm absolutely desperate to know the outcome! (The teaser chapter doesn't help at all haha!) This is a great billionaire x dark romance hybrid, with heart and humour to lighten it up a little, I really enjoyed it.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review this book!
The unexpected twists and turns throughout this book had me hooked! Here’s me going into this book thinking it’ll be a steamy workplace romance - I was wrong - it’s to much deeper and complex, there are layers to these characters that are beyond what I expected.
Scarlett and Gregory’s relationship is a little forbidden, he’s a client working with her law firm and Scarlett is his legal advisor, sparks fly at their first meeting and it’s safe to say Gregory is a man obsessed.
There’s lots of family drama building tension throughout, there’s a midway breakup that is tough to get through emotionally, but they find their way back to each other.
The ended is a shocker!!! Why would you do that to us Laura?! Why?!! It’s safe to say I’m invested and I *NEED* book two now please?
I cannot wait to see what happens next to Scarlett and Gregory, and I’m equally invested in William’s and Amanda, and Sandy and Jackson’s relationships too!
Ruthless Love is book one in Laura Carter’s new Billionaires Of London series. It is a slow burn, grumpy / sunshine romance between billionaire Gregory Ryans and lawyer Scarlett Heath. It is also a dark romantic suspense full of drama, danger and tension due to a revenge plot and the past coming back to haunt Gregory.
Scarlett specialises in corporate mergers and acquisitions. She’s smart, strong and a very independent woman who has diligently worked her way up. She is under a lot of stress because at work her immediate boss is misogynist and lazy, and at home she is nursing her sick father. When they bid for becoming the lawyers for Eclectic Technologies, Scarlett is shocked by her reaction to their CEO. She is very attracted to him and he makes her nervous.
Gregory has worked hard to get what he wants because he had a horrendous childhood and experienced a trauma that has never left him. He wants to take over Sea People International and chooses Scarlett to take charge of the deal. He is impressed and very taken with her so is determined she will be his.
There is so much tension between the pair both professionally and personally. She is concerned at the reasons for the deal and has reservations over her involvement. She thinks he’s plotting with his colleagues, Lawrence and Williams so is the deal unethical or illegal. Is it a hostile takeover and if so why? He really affects her with his intensity and confidence. His attitude is slightly mysterious which draws her to him. She knows she can’t fall for a client as it would ruin her career but this deal could do that !!
I loved the fun emails between them as the lines blur and their relationship develops. His need for revenge could put her in danger and he worries she’ll never want to see him again if it backfires. Can he stop letting the past dictate his life and find a way for them to be together.
Amanda is her best friend from university and now a work colleague. She is quite funny but I feel for Williams because it seems he likes her more than she likes him. I liked his mother, she’d gone through so much and tried to protect him. She sees how much he likes Scarlett and is desperate that she doesn’t blame him for things he has no control over. Sandy is a sweetheart and a great friend to Scarlett but the star of the show is Jackson, he’s adorable and his budding relationship with Sandy is so sweet.
When the truth is revealed it is more complicated than she thought. Gregory’s deal has led to a series of events that have disastrous consequences and she has helped him with it. She can’t believe she’s fallen in love with him and how it has affected her life in ways she could never have predicted. How will she react to everything that happens and will that love turn to hate as things escalate and tragedy strikes.
This ends in a terrifying cliffhanger which could cause serious problems for the couple. The story continues in Twisted Love #2. I did find at times the story dragged and their romance was overshadowed by other events but I did think the scenes with her father were very well done.
I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me the privilege of being able to read this book, I truly appreciate it!
That ending! Oh my gosh talk about cliff hanger! I've gotten so wrapped up lately in new book series, where the characters stories are all told in one book and the next is the side characters story, that my mouth dropped when I realized that wasn't happening here So now I'm stuck because I need more! The one chapter at the end from the next book of Gregory and Scarlett's story wasn't enough, I need the second book! I have to know what happens next! If you can tell I really loved this book!
As of right now for the first book in this series, there are a couple of dark moments, and the spice is spicy, but I wouldn't yet call this a book belonging to the dark romance category. A billionaire romance with darkness sprinkled in? Yes. This isn't graphic and gory, or totally twisted, yes there's a twisted man in this book but he's not our MMC like most dark romances. As long as you can handle spice, so far this would be a very good beginner step in towards darker romance stories. That tragedy that's spoken of, well slightly predictable, will completely break your heart.
I absolutely loved the book and all of the characters I did have some issues with them though. Gregory is supposedly in what you read absolutely addicted to Scarlett, to the point of even declaring Scarlett's body his and making her say so, towards the end he's played off as being someone who just plays around, far, but he's still seems completely enthralled with Scarlett. He protects her, and he doesn't want her to get hurt, or to even leave him. But he can't say whether she truly means enough to actually call her his girlfriend despite saying he wouldn't mind at the beginning or be able to tell her whether he really wants her or not. That's rather confusing and it hurt a little with the abrupt change. If these parts were interchanged moved to the beginning rather then to the end I think they would be less abrupt and work a little better. With Scarlett she loves her dad and he means so much to her, but sometimes it seems to only be used as a crutch for the story rather than being something genuine. Despite all of that I did really love them together, and how his friends and hers really intermingled and I really loved the story and where it's going. I honestly can't wait for the next book because I really loved this one and I need to see what happens next!
Thank you so very much again from the bottom of my heart for allowing me the privilege of being able to read this book. I truly loved it!
Scarlett is a lawyer. Her days are filled with work and caring for her sick. father. When she meets Gregory, a wealthy CEO, she doesn't have no idea how her life is going to change.
WHAT I LIKED: The story is set in London which was great.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE: I think the story was unbalanced; I just couldn't understand it how easily Scarlett got over There was too much smut and too little sense for my liking.
And please, let the girl eat her potatoes. (some random shopping advisors have absolutely no right to take potatoes from a girl so she "doesn't bloat.")
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Pov: dual, 1st person Heat: open doors Pacing: slowburnish instalust Communication: secrets, no healthy communication Third act: Ending:
Main characters: * Alpha Hero * Millionaire
What? * Dirty talk * Forced proximity
Where? * London * Workplace romance
Drama? * Difficult past * Family drama
Other vibes: * Dark romance * ”Touch her and die” * ”Who did this to you”
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Ruthless Love. This is the first book in Laura Carter’s Billionaires of London series. I say series because I’m unsure whether this will be a duet or trilogy, or perhaps there will be more than three books published. This novel, however, is Scarlett and Gregory’s story, and it is to be continued into the next book at least.
Told through Scarlett’s POV with a nicely timed chapter from Gregory, Ruthless Love is a suspenseful story. I became quickly hooked and my attention was held throughout. The closing scenes and chapters of this narrative definitely had my heart racing. I love Scarlett’s personality. I handed over my heart to Gregory who is a perfect example of an alpha male. The interactions between the couple are fabulous to witness. They have chemistry. I love this storyline too.
I’m hoping that Scarlett and Gregory’s close circle have their own stories told at some point. I absolutely loved meeting Jackson, Amanda, Sandy and Williams. They each add to the story perfectly, and I would love to know their thoughts and feelings regarding everything that we have learned in this book, and discover what happens next for them all too.
If you enjoy spicy, billionaire romance stories then this book is for you. Plus, for those who love a cliffhanger…. this is a cracking one!! I’m desperate to know what happens next!!
I enjoyed this one and found the characters interesting. They have many complex layers between them and it’s interesting to watch them draw each other out from their shells. Gregory is definitely a tough nut to crack and I’m still not one hundred percent sure on what I think of him, as he gives off a lot of whiplash and I’m trying to figure out what side of him is his true side.. I personally would have liked to have seen a dual POV for this book, as I think it would have added an extra layer to the tension of the plot as well as the relationship between the characters. I did find one of the side characters to be a little bit annoying and when she appeared on the page I would have to brace myself because I found her to not fully respect the FMC and her choices. The plot is interesting, tense and well connected, although I must say again for me personally, I do feel like it is being dragged out a little bit. Obviously I have the second book to read and I’m intrigued to pick it up and see what happens with the characters and the rest of their story, I do have a few inklings into what could happen. The writing in itself was really good and flowed nicely, I was hooked straight in from the start, it literally only took me a couple of sittings to read. I did get emotional at a couple of points and found myself really connecting with Scarlett.
Scarlett and her boss are pitching for legal work for a new client. Meeting the CEO, Gregory Ryans, Scarlett has an immediate and powerful attraction to him which shakes her but managing to summon all her professional calm she makes a successful pitch. Once started on the due diligence she senses something wrong with the deal – why does the CEO want to buy this company only to destroy it? There’s nothing wrong legally with the plans but is it morally the right thing to do? She agrees to carry on with the transaction but then vows to herself that she’ll cut all future contact with Gregory. Difficult though when the aftermath of her decision hits home.
I really enjoyed this book. Romances, of whatever genre, usually follow the route of attraction, misunderstanding, break up and then get back together. This one was refreshingly different as it went along a different path, yes there were misunderstandings and arguments but no real break up. The follow up in the story was completely different and interesting. The main characters were strong and gave as good as they got from each other, but I also really enjoyed the fact that there was a good set of secondary characters with their own storylines.
Little disappointed though with the ending that wasn’t!
If you know me, you know I'm a huge planner of my TBR. But this book wasn't planned. But then I got an invitation to read book 2. I checked and saw it's a trilogy, so it was clear I had to read this one first if I wanted to accept the invitation. Luckily, it just happened I still had KU, so I changed my plan and put it on top. And while you are reading this review right now, it's for sure I liked the book. Although that's not entirely true, I didn't like it, I LOVED it. It's soo good 🤩
I love billionaires, and I love them morally grey even more 😁 So that fits, because Gregory is both. I first didn't know how he could be morally grey because he seemed so "normal". But with every page, it got more obvious. He still is a fantastic man. And luckily, he is fictional, so I can still fall for him even though I'm married 🤣
I cried when his mom told her story. It was so horrible. And Gregory was already such a wonderful person when he was still a small boy 😍 I felt so sorry for both of them 😭
As I said, it's a trilogy, and yes, this book ends on a cliffhanger 🙈 But book 2 will be released on November 24th. Keep an eye open, I'll post my review for it soon 🤩
Okay, I’m not sure what I was expecting when starting this series but h*ly cow!! I m hooked
I really enjoyed this book, the plot and story is written well and has kept me engaged in the story and what is going on. The mystery surrounding Gregory and his secrets is something I’m looking forward to hopefully seeing more of in the series, as we only get one POV of his in this book, so I’m excited to read more of his perspective.
The tension and relationships between Scarlett and Gregory is insaneeee, the way they clicked almost instantly had me giggling and kicking my feet. I love how their connection was written, they are both facing their own struggles but you can feel through the story they when they’re with each other it’s like a breath of fresh air for them both. The way Gregory protects Scarlett and does anything in his power to ensure her safety is so wholesome.
The ending of the book shocked me, I really was not expecting it to end in that way with the cliffhanger.
There are a few things I have questions about with regard to Gregory’s father and his involvement with Scarlett’s father, which I’m hoping will be answered going into the next book. I can’t wait to find out more about both the characters and what secrets Gregory is still hiding.
Ruthless Love starts the Billionaires of London trilogy, featuring Gregory Ryans, a billionaire CEO who has worked tirelessly to fulfil his ambitions. When he decides his company should take over Sea International, he hires lawyer Scarlett Heath as his representative, and he is immediately impressed and captivated by her. So he resolves to make her his.
However, Gregory harbours many secrets, and Scarlett faces immense pressure both at work and at home. So, the last thing she needs is to become involved with a client, especially one like Gregory.
Especially when she begins to suspect that the takeover might not be as legitimate or as ethical as she was led to believe. But as the pair grow closer and boundaries start to blur, Gregory's desire for revenge begins to endanger Scarlett.
Yet, when the truth finally emerges, it proves to be far more complex than Scarlett could have imagined, with this deal triggering a chain of events with disastrous consequences.
And now she finds herself in love with a man who has upended her life in ways she never anticipated, leading to a shocking cliffhanger. And With a high-stakes romance and plenty of spice, this story is a thoroughly enjoyable read.
This is a dark romance with oodles of spiciness! I haven't read anything by this author before but you can be sure I will read more, especially since this is the first in a series, and given that cliffhanger, I need more, now!! At the beginning when we were learning the characters, and the story with the buyover, I thought where can this possibly go, well, it went dark, it got a little heavy at times, I dont usually expect to cry reading a dark romance but I teared up a few times in this! I loved all of the characters, Jackson and Sandy gave me super warm and fuzzies though, they clearly love Gregory and Scarlett and were just generally lovely people. Gregory is an overbearing, powerful man, but somehow its these characters that I always root for the hardest. Scarlett was a super successful woman in her career and had a huge heart. I just adored seeing both of them develop throughout. I thought this was super fast paced and I was gripped from the start, I read it in a couple of sittings over the course of about 18hours, including sleep, I was just hooked! As I mentioned, this ends on a cliffhanger, I have no idea what more is to come but I can't wait to find out!
I have mixed feelings about this one. There were parts that I loved, the chemistry between them was great and although I'm not completely on board with such a controlling main male character, I can go with that. Where I struggled was that the story seemed to be reaching a conclusion, and then we'd have some seemingly irrelevant details thrown in, or I remembered that one area hadn't been resolved. For me, the pacing didn't work; it went from gripping at parts to dragging at other moments. It all became clear to me when the book ended on a cliffhanger. Obviously, the author wanted to make this into a duet, but it really probably shouldn't have been one. In her notes at the end, she mentions that the story is a bit of an indulgence, having worked in this field in her past. Sadly, it was too much of an indulgence, and from a book that I really enjoyed, it just fell short of the mark. So much so, that I really can't be bothered with reading the next in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
Wow! I just finished reading this and I’m shook. It does end on a cliffhanger- I usually don’t like those but this makes me want to read the next book to find out what happens.
There’s a lot that happens in this book. Even before we hit 50%, a huge amount of plot gets revealed. It left me thinking, what more could possibly happen and my, I wasn’t prepared!
What did I like about the book?
I loved the characters and how meaty they were. It’s a trope we’ve seen before - morally grey grumpy mmc & fmc who lives by the rules. However, we got to see what makes them tick, their childhood traumas and how it affects them today in both the literal & figurative sense. The tension in the book was utterly delicious. Not just the sexual tension between the 2 main characters but also the plot.
I felt a lot of things reading this book, it really put me through it. I was able to relate to Scarlett and her feelings around the changes in her life.
I love love so I’m hoping Gregory & Scarlett overcome their demons so they can have their HEA.
If you are a fan of dark romance novels with delectable tension & a great plot, the Ruthless Love is for you!
So this is book one in the London billionaires series. We have Scarlet who is a straightlaced play by the rules lawyer whose only focus is her career and her father who has Alzheimer’s, she doesn’t have the time nor the inclination for anything else. Then we have the arrogant, morally grey billionaire Gregory who is used to getting what he wants when he wants it, and just happens to be a new client at Scarlett‘s law firm. Sparks fly from the very first moment they meet and Scarlett is quickly drawn into Gregory‘s orbit, whether she wants it or not.
I really enjoyed this book, Laura‘s writing style is great, the characters are well developed, and I really liked the way Laura showed the growth of the characters throughout the story. there are lots of great plot twists and the red herring along the way, and oh my God, what a cliffhanger! I certainly wasn’t expecting that. I can’t wait to read the next instalment of the series. This was a great four-star read for me and I would definitely recommend.
Thank you to the Laura Carter, Boldwood Books, NetGalley and LBT for allowing me to tour this read!
I really enjoyed this book, but then I thought I would as I've read previous works by the author before. I've not read any dark romance by her so this is brilliant first in that department as its my favourite type of romance. This story follows Scarlett, the FMC, lawyer + a lady who knows how to stick up for herself, and billionaire CEO Gregory who enlists the help of Scarlett in taking over another company. But all is not quite as it seems and things soon blossom between the pair... that's it, you not getting anymore spoilers! You'll have to find out what happens yourself! There was emotion, insta-lust, tons of chemistry, a hot MMC, and an ending that will having you shouting for the next instalment! So why you still here... get along now, grab your copy of Ruthless Love and go see what all the fuss is about! <3
Scarlett is a corporate lawyer working at a high-profile London firm. She is driven and has reaped the rewards for her dedication. Her meeting with Gregory takes place at a client appointment, and he affects her physically and emotionally. A series of circumstances draws them into a relationship which lets Scarlett escape from watching her father disappear from her life to a degenerative disease. The plot is dark and twisty, and Scarlett questions why she is so attracted to someone who exposes her to corruption and danger. Gregory has many dark secrets, and he likes to be in control. His darkness threatens Scarlett, but he is drawn to her light and cannot let her go. It's a complex, claustrophobic and sensual romance with many vengeful twists. It's addictive reading and ends on a cliffhanger, which makes reading the next book in the series a must. I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
This one didn’t fully land for me, though it wasn’t a bad read.
At times, the romance felt forced, which made it hard to truly feel the emotional connection. The MMC was also tough for me to root for—his behavior often leaned more demanding and controlling than protective. While I appreciated how fiercely he was willing to protect her by the end, it didn’t completely make up for how he treated her earlier on.
I did relate to the FMC’s workaholic tendencies, but I struggled with how easily she forgave and trusted him. I wanted to see her hold her ground more and really make him earn that trust.
That said, the ending was strong and did a great job pulling everything together. It left me genuinely curious about what’s next, and I’m definitely planning to continue the series.
Overall, a solid 3-star read for me—not a standout, but engaging enough to keep me invested.
I loved this, I didn't really read what it was about as I wanted to go in blind and that was the best thing!!
We have forbidden, morally grey mmc, dual pov, off-limits billionaire & workplace romance
Scarlett and Gregory met when she was hired to help him close a deal, as a Lawyer she has a strict no dating the clients rule. But as she starts working alongside Gregory and helping him she falls into his spell and can't help but break this rule! But there's a lot that comes with Gregory and not all of it is good at all!
I loved the relationship and tension so much!! Watching them slowly go from working together to dating was the best, he chipped away at her walls and she let him in and break them down! But she was also slowly chipping away at him too and that was a fascinating watch 💗
I had to read the next one straight after because the cliffhanger?!?! Excuse meeee? I needed to know!!
First off let me just say that I dislike the name Gregory for a love interest but I'm willing to overlook that for this book because Gregory is one hot, morally grey, seductive man. I can 100% see why Scarlett was so into him and I would have been as well. I thought this was going to be mostly smut with a bit of plot, but I'm happy to say that this one, while the spice is plentiful enough, there is enough plot to balance out the story. I thoroughly enjoyed the spicy scenes and also, who doesn't want their love interest to buy them fancy things? Yes. Please. This book is a bit on the darker side and I felt so bad knowing that Scarlett's dad was sick and not knowing how that was going to play out. I absolutely hated Gregory's father and he is a giant pile of dung.
I wasn't aware that this book ended on a cliffhanger so when it ended I was like wait, what? I had to turn the page back to see if I missed something. I'm definitely interested in seeing how the story continues in the next book.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Pub Date: 8/8/25
If you love a darkish billionaire romance this is the book for you! Gregory Ryans is the broody, funny, controlling billionaire we all secretly want. Scarlett is this badass lawyer working her way to the top. She’s strong willed but has a soft side. This book took me a minute to get into but I enjoyed the plot and spice 😂. Who doesn’t want to be taken on your billionaire flings deal where anyone could walk in 😆.
Gregory you poor man. A troubled past is his driving force. Not only in his work but in life. He deeply cares for those in his inner circle, those he love will always be his top priority. This man knows how to spoil a girl!!!
Scarlet, I’m so sorry. She cannot catch a break, but she also understands the get away Gregory provides her. She’s safe and secure while still being strong headed at her job and who she is!
⭐️ ‘You’re not the only one under a spell, Mr Ryans.’ I am 100 per cent besotted with this man. ⭐️
I have to admit. This did start off quite slow for me, but once I got into it, the pace picked up and held my attention.
I would’ve liked to have had more chapters of Gregory’s POV but this doesn’t take away from the story, in fact it adds more mystery to Mr Gregory Ryans. Like why is he so evasive? Why is he not being completely honest?
I liked Scarlett, she is a smart woman, who stands up to Gregory. I think her being a lawyer gives her that edge.
I always love meeting the side characters, it took a little longer for it to explain who Sandy was in the story, which again for me, I like knowing who is who!
That cliffhanger though. Nah. I need the next books already!