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Degenerates and Sin #1
Ruthless Destruction
He’s cold. Cruel. And apparently, I’m his newest present…
Gareth Montgomery was supposed to become my stepbrother when my mom married his legal guardian, but from the moment he locks eyes on me, he decides I’m more than that.
A toy. A plaything he can use however he wants and then discard when he’s bored.
It’s what he says his uncle will do with my mom once he’s done with her. We’re nothing to the Montgomery family, and he tells me I’m only here to entertain him for as long as possible.
What does he want? Depravity. Submission.
My submission.
It doesn’t take me long to find out when Gareth gets bored, people end up dead. I’ll be next if I’m not careful. But if he wants to destroy me, he’ll have to work for it. Death doesn’t scare me.
Gareth’s about to find out he’s never met a girl quite like me.
Ruthless Destruction is the first book in a planned trilogy. This series will end up as RH/Why Choose. Please see author’s note for more details on TWs.
Gareth Montgomery was supposed to become my stepbrother when my mom married his legal guardian, but from the moment he locks eyes on me, he decides I’m more than that.
A toy. A plaything he can use however he wants and then discard when he’s bored.
It’s what he says his uncle will do with my mom once he’s done with her. We’re nothing to the Montgomery family, and he tells me I’m only here to entertain him for as long as possible.
What does he want? Depravity. Submission.
My submission.
It doesn’t take me long to find out when Gareth gets bored, people end up dead. I’ll be next if I’m not careful. But if he wants to destroy me, he’ll have to work for it. Death doesn’t scare me.
Gareth’s about to find out he’s never met a girl quite like me.
Ruthless Destruction is the first book in a planned trilogy. This series will end up as RH/Why Choose. Please see author’s note for more details on TWs.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2023
253 people are currently reading
1071 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 10, 2023
Disclaimer: cover of this book needs to be burnt at the stake, please and thank you. 😀🤭
I absolutely ate this book UP! 5 stars for entertainment.
I've read countless books since my last review, and honestly, I've stopped reviewing them because they often turn out to be quite dull, cyclical.
I love a good trope, but it's important to note that the trope itself shouldn't overshadow the essence of the book. Instead, the book should enhance and enrich the trope. Often it’s the other way round.
But this book? It was an absolute treat! There’s obviously formulaic storylines at play, but it felt unique enough that I was engrossed by the individuality of the characters.
I will admit I am a bit puzzled about who the male lead is at this stage. Honestly, I loved them all. Roll on book 2 and I am WILLING myself not to be disappointed.
Alistair, a man of considerable wealth, holds significant influence over the town, owning a substantial portion of it with all notable high-level officials being under his pay roll. Recently, he made a calculated move by marrying Brianna's neglectful and gold-digging mother, Natalie. It was a strategic ploy to bring Brianna closer to his nephew, Gareth, whom he serves as the guardian of. Alistair's motive in orchestrating this union is to assist Gareth in managing his dangerous impulses and the inclinations that surface when he becomes "bored." He aims to use Brianna as a means to engage, stimulate, and redirect Gareth's formidable bloodlust as he has observed her to be somewhat of an equal to them. Alastair too appears to be a murderer, but exerts more control over his impulse kills and bloodlust unlike Gareth.
Amidst the intriguing mix of attraction, repulsion, and the intricate dance of power between Gareth and Brianna, which doesn't exactly fit the conventional mold of a love story, there's an intriguing lust forming between Brianna and Alistair. It adds another layer of complexity to the story as all three characters attempt to manipulate the others.
Safety: Brianna is a virgin up until she isn’t. Dub con / non con. Probably not everyone’s cup of tea, as it’s definitely a dark “romance”. I wouldn’t necessarily classify it as such, but there are certainly romantic elements and emotional ties being formed between Brianna and Gareth and Brianna and Alistair. Gareth and Alistair exhibit psychopathic tendencies, their personalities characterized by darkness. Brianna possesses a greater degree of introspectiveness as there's an unsettling recognition of similar inclinations and traits that she shares with them. There are graphic scenes of Gareth murdering people. Heroine has sex with Gareth, and later on with Alistair. She compares them intimately. Alistair is likely having sex with Natalie, Brianna’s mother within this sham marriage. Gareth is consumed by Brianna, but would absolutely fxck other woman in a power play against her; he is also extremely possessive over Brianna and her attention, and would lose it if he knew about her and Alistair’s … dalliances. :)
Edit - just finished and Book 2 / 3 were utter disappointments, and cringefests. Lost all momentum, intrigue, intelligence, volatility, and eroticism. Shame. I’ll remember this book fondly, but the series took a nosedive to 1s in rating for me.
I absolutely ate this book UP! 5 stars for entertainment.
I've read countless books since my last review, and honestly, I've stopped reviewing them because they often turn out to be quite dull, cyclical.
I love a good trope, but it's important to note that the trope itself shouldn't overshadow the essence of the book. Instead, the book should enhance and enrich the trope. Often it’s the other way round.
But this book? It was an absolute treat! There’s obviously formulaic storylines at play, but it felt unique enough that I was engrossed by the individuality of the characters.
I will admit I am a bit puzzled about who the male lead is at this stage. Honestly, I loved them all. Roll on book 2 and I am WILLING myself not to be disappointed.
Alistair, a man of considerable wealth, holds significant influence over the town, owning a substantial portion of it with all notable high-level officials being under his pay roll. Recently, he made a calculated move by marrying Brianna's neglectful and gold-digging mother, Natalie. It was a strategic ploy to bring Brianna closer to his nephew, Gareth, whom he serves as the guardian of. Alistair's motive in orchestrating this union is to assist Gareth in managing his dangerous impulses and the inclinations that surface when he becomes "bored." He aims to use Brianna as a means to engage, stimulate, and redirect Gareth's formidable bloodlust as he has observed her to be somewhat of an equal to them. Alastair too appears to be a murderer, but exerts more control over his impulse kills and bloodlust unlike Gareth.
Amidst the intriguing mix of attraction, repulsion, and the intricate dance of power between Gareth and Brianna, which doesn't exactly fit the conventional mold of a love story, there's an intriguing lust forming between Brianna and Alistair. It adds another layer of complexity to the story as all three characters attempt to manipulate the others.
Safety: Brianna is a virgin up until she isn’t. Dub con / non con. Probably not everyone’s cup of tea, as it’s definitely a dark “romance”. I wouldn’t necessarily classify it as such, but there are certainly romantic elements and emotional ties being formed between Brianna and Gareth and Brianna and Alistair. Gareth and Alistair exhibit psychopathic tendencies, their personalities characterized by darkness. Brianna possesses a greater degree of introspectiveness as there's an unsettling recognition of similar inclinations and traits that she shares with them. There are graphic scenes of Gareth murdering people. Heroine has sex with Gareth, and later on with Alistair. She compares them intimately. Alistair is likely having sex with Natalie, Brianna’s mother within this sham marriage. Gareth is consumed by Brianna, but would absolutely fxck other woman in a power play against her; he is also extremely possessive over Brianna and her attention, and would lose it if he knew about her and Alistair’s … dalliances. :)
Edit - just finished and Book 2 / 3 were utter disappointments, and cringefests. Lost all momentum, intrigue, intelligence, volatility, and eroticism. Shame. I’ll remember this book fondly, but the series took a nosedive to 1s in rating for me.
June 5, 2023
Wow!!!!
This author is a one click for me!!! If you’re a lover of dark books like I am this is the series for you!!! Brianna is such an interesting character and I’m thinking her darkness is only going to grow! The guys are sexy as hell but if you’re looking for Prince Charming, he doesn’t live between these pages!!! I can’t wait to read the next book!!!!
This author is a one click for me!!! If you’re a lover of dark books like I am this is the series for you!!! Brianna is such an interesting character and I’m thinking her darkness is only going to grow! The guys are sexy as hell but if you’re looking for Prince Charming, he doesn’t live between these pages!!! I can’t wait to read the next book!!!!
May 8, 2025
You can always depend on Candace to deliver hot as hell, psycho serial killers.
That goddamn cliffhanger though… now on to book 2!
That goddamn cliffhanger though… now on to book 2!
August 20, 2023
How can a book about serial killers be so boring
I give the series 2 stars book was not good enough to keep my attention but i made myself finish the series. Pretty boring and none of the guys stood out as a someone i found attractive in personality or anything just basic serial killers. Not worth reading again.
I give the series 2 stars book was not good enough to keep my attention but i made myself finish the series. Pretty boring and none of the guys stood out as a someone i found attractive in personality or anything just basic serial killers. Not worth reading again.
January 23, 2025
Wondrak did it again. She managed to grab me in her book with a few chapters. This book is a little darker than what I am used to from her and I have read very dark books. But there was something about this one that made me feel like I had never read anything like it before.
Brianna is like many of her other main characters. Strong, determined and with the balls to stand up to psychopathic people and come out the other side victorious.
Although she did make me despair in some scenes, like the fact that she called the police without first thinking that maybe being such a rich man and owning a whole town she would have the police on her hands, she didn't even think about that for two seconds, she just decided to call the police.
Then we have Gareth. Every time I read a scene of his I felt chills because no one thinks like he does, but at the same time I felt like Brianna, unable to resist him as a character. He was so calculating, cold and psychopathic, but he had a tinge of something deeper, like if he was ever able to admit how he felt about Brianna, he would murder every person in the world who could hurt her, which was proven by the end of the book.
Then we have Alistair. God, I can't even begin to describe that man. There were few scenes with him, but the few that there were were hot. I hope to get more of him in the other books, because he will definitely end up becoming one of my favorite characters.
And that ending... Let's just say Brianna can deny it all she wants, but she belongs between those two crazy people. I already want to read the second one, though I'll save that for tomorrow.
I just want to say that this book and in general is not for everyone. There is everything wrong in this world here like: non-consensual, psychological games, psychopaths, serial killers, age difference, power position and many other things wrong. That's how CM is, though. She writes books like this because they work out great for her and you should keep that in mind before reading it, not many will tolerate it.
Brianna is like many of her other main characters. Strong, determined and with the balls to stand up to psychopathic people and come out the other side victorious.
Although she did make me despair in some scenes, like the fact that she called the police without first thinking that maybe being such a rich man and owning a whole town she would have the police on her hands, she didn't even think about that for two seconds, she just decided to call the police.
Then we have Gareth. Every time I read a scene of his I felt chills because no one thinks like he does, but at the same time I felt like Brianna, unable to resist him as a character. He was so calculating, cold and psychopathic, but he had a tinge of something deeper, like if he was ever able to admit how he felt about Brianna, he would murder every person in the world who could hurt her, which was proven by the end of the book.
Then we have Alistair. God, I can't even begin to describe that man. There were few scenes with him, but the few that there were were hot. I hope to get more of him in the other books, because he will definitely end up becoming one of my favorite characters.
And that ending... Let's just say Brianna can deny it all she wants, but she belongs between those two crazy people. I already want to read the second one, though I'll save that for tomorrow.
I just want to say that this book and in general is not for everyone. There is everything wrong in this world here like: non-consensual, psychological games, psychopaths, serial killers, age difference, power position and many other things wrong. That's how CM is, though. She writes books like this because they work out great for her and you should keep that in mind before reading it, not many will tolerate it.
Read
July 9, 2023STORY
---------
Brianna has no good relationship with her mother. So when her mother marries into the rich Montgomery family, she has to deal alone with her new stepbrother Gareth, because her mother don`t care and her new stepfather Allistair, Gareths uncle seems to solve all his problems.
Gareth is cruel. He seems to instantly hate her and make her his toy and when she finds out that Brianna should keep him entertained, because when Gareth gets bored or in other moods, people die.
MY OPINION
------------
I´m not sure, that I liked the book, I think I`ve read the second one only because of the cliffhanger ending.
Brianne and Gareth develope a hate-attraction relationship kind of thing and for me their first time wasn`t consensual, which really wasn`t okay.
The other love interest - yes more - was Allistair, her new stepdad. The bath scene was a bit to abrupt for me. And what she did before - Brianna really seems to be no normal girl. Who would do that?
The third/or first love interest was a fling at the start of the book at the wedding and maybe she meets him again....
---------
Brianna has no good relationship with her mother. So when her mother marries into the rich Montgomery family, she has to deal alone with her new stepbrother Gareth, because her mother don`t care and her new stepfather Allistair, Gareths uncle seems to solve all his problems.
Gareth is cruel. He seems to instantly hate her and make her his toy and when she finds out that Brianna should keep him entertained, because when Gareth gets bored or in other moods, people die.
MY OPINION
------------
I´m not sure, that I liked the book, I think I`ve read the second one only because of the cliffhanger ending.
Brianne and Gareth develope a hate-attraction relationship kind of thing and for me their first time wasn`t consensual, which really wasn`t okay.
The other love interest - yes more - was Allistair, her new stepdad. The bath scene was a bit to abrupt for me. And what she did before - Brianna really seems to be no normal girl. Who would do that?
The third/or first love interest was a fling at the start of the book at the wedding and maybe she meets him again....
August 29, 2023
**Review for the whole series-
If you love dark romance then this is the series for you! I cannot get over these characters…they’re gonna live rent free in my head for the rest of my life. Dark and depraved doesn’t even begin to cover this book…it’s oh so twisted and oh so glorious…the ending of book 2 was a freaking masterpiece. Check your TW before you read…I have none which might explain why I LOVED this series sooo much!
Can I get a book 4 or maybe a 3.5?!? I need to know more!!!
I devoured all three books in less than a day. Did I lose some sleep, yes, I did… Do I regret it at all? Absolutely not!
If you love dark romance then this is the series for you! I cannot get over these characters…they’re gonna live rent free in my head for the rest of my life. Dark and depraved doesn’t even begin to cover this book…it’s oh so twisted and oh so glorious…the ending of book 2 was a freaking masterpiece. Check your TW before you read…I have none which might explain why I LOVED this series sooo much!
Can I get a book 4 or maybe a 3.5?!? I need to know more!!!
I devoured all three books in less than a day. Did I lose some sleep, yes, I did… Do I regret it at all? Absolutely not!
December 16, 2025
Plot: 3/5 • Smut: 2/5 ————-> Her mother marries a rich man. A man who has a nephew he takes care of who is the same age as her. Living in the big mansion with all expendable money is all her mother cared about. Too bad she didnt know theyd be living under the roof of two psychopaths.
Alister wants Brianna for Gareth. He wants her to be able
to calm and somewhat control his dark urges of murder. She makes a slight breakthrough, but at what cost?
This ends on a cliffy. This book had its highs and lows. Honestly the highest point for me was the shower scene with Alister. I really enjoyed that. I’m on the fence with continuing.
Alister wants Brianna for Gareth. He wants her to be able
to calm and somewhat control his dark urges of murder. She makes a slight breakthrough, but at what cost?
This ends on a cliffy. This book had its highs and lows. Honestly the highest point for me was the shower scene with Alister. I really enjoyed that. I’m on the fence with continuing.
August 24, 2024
This is one of those darkly smutty books that I feel I shouldn't like at all, but somehow end up loving. Entertaining, smooth writing, unique character voices. Definitely a book you read in the bath with candles and maybe the Halloween soundtrack playing in the background.
I feel like fans of Beatrix Hollow would like this, although it's not as deranged and is a much quicker read. Also, no MM. It's got those vibes where the bad guys are terrible for everybody but the FMC, and the only reason she is kind of safe is because she knows how to play with them.
I feel like fans of Beatrix Hollow would like this, although it's not as deranged and is a much quicker read. Also, no MM. It's got those vibes where the bad guys are terrible for everybody but the FMC, and the only reason she is kind of safe is because she knows how to play with them.
September 1, 2023
So far, soooo good!!!
Now, I couldn't give this book a full 5 stars for one reason. I absolutely HATE when the FMC starts being so damn nosey and looking for things she shouldn't!! Acting like Nancy Drew just irks me!!! Asking questions about things KNOWING she isn't going to like the answer!! Like, come on, girl!!!! Stop the BS!!! And all that at 55% of reading. Hopefully, this last half gets even better!!!
Now, I couldn't give this book a full 5 stars for one reason. I absolutely HATE when the FMC starts being so damn nosey and looking for things she shouldn't!! Acting like Nancy Drew just irks me!!! Asking questions about things KNOWING she isn't going to like the answer!! Like, come on, girl!!!! Stop the BS!!! And all that at 55% of reading. Hopefully, this last half gets even better!!!
February 9, 2024
positively sinful
Ruthless Destruction is just one of those books you can’t put down. Brianna’s such an intriguing character, and I love all the mystery surrounding her. There’s a darkness in her and I can’t wait to see how she progresses.
Now, the men! Gareth is totally unhinged in the best way, but it was Alastair who I wasn’t prepared for. Totally in love!
“I have the feeling you and I will wreak beautiful, bloody chaos one day,”
Ruthless Destruction is just one of those books you can’t put down. Brianna’s such an intriguing character, and I love all the mystery surrounding her. There’s a darkness in her and I can’t wait to see how she progresses.
Now, the men! Gareth is totally unhinged in the best way, but it was Alastair who I wasn’t prepared for. Totally in love!
“I have the feeling you and I will wreak beautiful, bloody chaos one day,”
June 19, 2024
Brilliant read.
Brianna has joined a new family under no choice of her own. Her mother's mission is to marry well and get the life she deserves no matter the consequences and unfortunately the consequences seem to be landing on Brianna's shoulders. Brianna has to meld into this new family whose values do not seem to mirror her own, or is it that she never could imagined what her life really could be.
Brilliant read. cannot wait to read the next.
Brianna has joined a new family under no choice of her own. Her mother's mission is to marry well and get the life she deserves no matter the consequences and unfortunately the consequences seem to be landing on Brianna's shoulders. Brianna has to meld into this new family whose values do not seem to mirror her own, or is it that she never could imagined what her life really could be.
Brilliant read. cannot wait to read the next.
June 23, 2023
Brianna
Brianna mother married into the Montgomery family , A uncle and nephews, his sister child. But this family hold a secret. You have to read. Read the warning because it is really not for the person with trigger issues. I enjoyed this dark romance, it ends on a cliffhanger.
Brianna mother married into the Montgomery family , A uncle and nephews, his sister child. But this family hold a secret. You have to read. Read the warning because it is really not for the person with trigger issues. I enjoyed this dark romance, it ends on a cliffhanger.
August 13, 2023
This is definitely a very intriguing story from start to finish. Gareth is a special type of character who with a secret that his uncle is trying to “subside”. Brianna is such an amazing character who is going to come into her own in this series I feel. I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen in the next book! I’ve enjoyed reading these characters and watching them develop and grow.
October 18, 2023
Rollercoaster!
This first book in the degenerates and sin series did not disappoint! Brianna always knew she was a bit different, but it wasn’t until moving in with Gareth and Alistair, that she really started to realize how off she was. The ending of this book took a drastic turn that I didn’t see coming and I can’t wait to dig into the next book.
This first book in the degenerates and sin series did not disappoint! Brianna always knew she was a bit different, but it wasn’t until moving in with Gareth and Alistair, that she really started to realize how off she was. The ending of this book took a drastic turn that I didn’t see coming and I can’t wait to dig into the next book.
June 4, 2023
WOW!!!
She’s did it again folks!! I’ve fallen hook, line and sinker!! So many ways this story could go. I need more of Brianna’s darkness. And I’m left wondering why her first kiss is with someone we haven’t heard from again? I hope he turns up in the dark!!
She’s did it again folks!! I’ve fallen hook, line and sinker!! So many ways this story could go. I need more of Brianna’s darkness. And I’m left wondering why her first kiss is with someone we haven’t heard from again? I hope he turns up in the dark!!
August 15, 2023
I literally screamed at the end of this book. Oh my gosh, I love Brianna. Her determination, stubbornness, and own darkness make her the perfect person for Gareth and... Daddy Alistair 😏❤️ I can't wait to see what unfolds in book two!
August 15, 2023
wonderfully confusing
That cliffy! Anyways, I really enjoyed the beginning of this story. I love Gareth, sick little creature that he is. Daddy A, shew. Can’t wait to see what happens next
That cliffy! Anyways, I really enjoyed the beginning of this story. I love Gareth, sick little creature that he is. Daddy A, shew. Can’t wait to see what happens next
May 12, 2024
Oh WOW !
This series starts off fast and picks up speed as it progresses . This is a why choose or reverse harem series with lots of triggers Definitely worth the time to read this thrill ride of a book .
This series starts off fast and picks up speed as it progresses . This is a why choose or reverse harem series with lots of triggers Definitely worth the time to read this thrill ride of a book .
March 16, 2025
As a reader you dont get anything.
No excitement, no wonder, no connection. The plot is predictable, the characters are flat, there’s no chemistry. Very little logic in the emotional responses and lack thereof that drives the plot.
No excitement, no wonder, no connection. The plot is predictable, the characters are flat, there’s no chemistry. Very little logic in the emotional responses and lack thereof that drives the plot.
July 23, 2023
Talk about a twisted book! Some taboo elements mixed in but I am hooked!!
Read
July 30, 2023Started reading but the first chapters is so much tell instead of show that I got frustrated and wanted to stop.
August 8, 2023
3.5 towards the ending it redeemed itself. Still undecided its good but I need something to wow me
August 10, 2023
I will read anything by this author and love it every time! I loved watching the characters break apart and reform into what they and the others need! Ruthless cliffy though!
August 17, 2023
Dark and delicious
Loved this book from page one. I like Bri, but sometimes she makes such stupid decisions. Can’t wait to read the next book.
Loved this book from page one. I like Bri, but sometimes she makes such stupid decisions. Can’t wait to read the next book.
September 7, 2023
Please read the TW before reading
Read
September 7, 2023I can't rate this book. I was warned of the TW and I'm super intrigued by the plot but I don't know what to think of it though.
September 23, 2023
Book is weird AF. In the best way!!
January 4, 2024
Es un dark romance bastante fuerte, hay obsesión, muerte y consentimiento dudoso así que no es para todos.
January 28, 2024
Kinks kinks kinks, bloody great read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews