Ruthless Heart

Ruthless Kings #5

by Marlee Wray

I'm the only one who doesn't know who he is...

He's the sort of man you fantasize about. Gorgeous, strong, successful. But the Celtic tattoo on his hand is a clue that there's more to him than meets the eye.

Liam Callahan is one of the most powerful men in Boston. A boss in the Irish Mafia. I'm too naive to suspect. At first. On a night when I’m in danger, he saves me, and our connection is instantaneous. I'm innocent, but he knows what he wants and takes it.

When I learn one of his terrible secrets, I feel betrayed. I also become a target.

With a Mafia vendetta looming, I learn I'm pregnant. Now what I need to do is crystal clear… Run. Disappear. Don't tell him a thing.

Genres: Romance, Dark, Crime, Mafia Romance

194 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 27, 2023

About the author

USA Today and Amazon Bestselling author Marlee Wray writes dirty romances that feature dominant, alpha males and bright, engaging heroines.

Reviews

[Marlee Wray]

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★★★★★★★★ A NOTE FROM MARLEE ★★★★★★★★
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RUTHLESS HEART is a standalone novel, but some side characters may look familiar. ;)

So, I thought you might like to hear the story behind this story...

The Callahan brothers were first mentioned in Used, Rough Retribution #3. Trick makes reference to a time when, in the early days of founding C Crue, no one answered a call from the Crue except the brothers.

Ever since, I've thought about the Callahan brothers. Who are they? Why did they help C Crue when no one else would? Were they just defiant? Or did they have a longstanding connection to the crue?

In .His Prize (Rough Retribution #4), Liam and Aiden go to Anvil and Rachel's chapel wedding, and Aiden gets in a fight with Alexei at the reception… but it was an unusual sort of brawl. Yes, Alexei was angry. But for Aiden, it was Fight Club 2.0. (Both of them had been champions in Bloodsport Club.) Once I met Aiden in His Prize, I understood his personality--though not all of his backstory yet.

In Indecent Demands (Dark Knights #1), Liam and Aiden are at the table of “made men” who are having a meeting with Shane's grandfather. And then, Aiden appears in the bonus epilogue for Indecent Demands, along with Trick's youngest sister, Ash.

Until this book, there was a pattern of Aiden appearing on the page, with Liam a shadowy figure in the background. The oldest brother. The leader.

It was fun to finally meet him as I started writing Ruthless Heart. What I knew about him in March, when I started putting words down, was that he had a jailhouse tattoo. Now, I know why he went to prison and soon you will, too.

At the opening of Ruthless Heart, Liam is at a important moment in his life. He's broken faith with another Mafia family (for a good reason) and is in a pretty cynical state of mind. Then, Olivia appears and everything changes.

I loved watching their relationship unfold. I bet you will, too!

★*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
*.¸¸.•`★ SIDE NOTE:
If you're a fan of interconnected stories and "behind the scenes" free bonus content, sign up for my newsletter to get > 50,000 words of bonus scenes. Visit MarleeWray.com to subscribe. Or you can join my FB group: The Wrayven Room. (The link to the group is on my website.)

xoxo, Marlee

[Suze Prescot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worried that she is being followed, Olivia goes to the one place she knows will still be open on her journey home, the Irish bar near where she worked. Staggering in to escape the strange man behind her, she falls at the feet of Liam Callaghan, a man she has seen - and admired - before.
So begins Marlee Wray's latest romance. Olivia is an innocent; Liam is anything but. She is attracted to the kindness she has seen in him; he to her purity and ingenuousness.
This is a hot and steamy romance (it is Marlee Wray, after all!) with a pair of brilliant protagonists. Olivia is exactly what she appears to be; a little shy, a lot naïve, loyal, sweet and brave. Liam has violent tendencies, but not where women and children are concerned; then he is a sweetheart. Handsome, rich, loyal and fearless; he is an ideal hero, despite his criminal background.
I loved this, as will all Marlee's existing fans, and it ought to garner her a host of new ones. There seems to be a promise of future stories (Liam has brothers!), and for those in the know, there is a cameo by members of C Crue. Brilliant!
[BTW I like to think as a teen, I was Ashling.]

[Neena · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Outside the bedroom, I’ll spoil you. In bed, it’s your turn to give me whatever I want.”

This is a standalone story that is also set in the Rough Retribution and Dark Knights universe. You see mention of the Callahan brothers in the books Used, His Prize and Indecent Demands.

This an age-gap romance with a virgin heroine. Olivia (age 19) is an ordinary girl who gets swept up into Liam’s (age 29) mafia life when her own comes under threat. I love how sweet she is and Liam just falls hard for her. He is the perfect dominant H but also takes care of her.

I love how Marlee just jumps right into the story and we don’t have to wait for the building chemistry or setting up scenes. Loved all the steamy scenes 🔥🥵🔥
There is a surprise element I didn’t see coming but definitely liked it.

I’m obsessed with character cameos and was so excited with Ashling and the C Crue! Aiden’s book can’t come soon enough 😍

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story. Liam meets Olivia when she runs into his pub to get away from a stalker. She ends up landing at his feet. She's a college student and has seen him around but has no idea who he is. Liam is attracted to Olivia and Olivia has fantasized about him. When they get together Liam is the first to be with Olivia as she was a virgin. They have the most amazing steam. Liam is strong, dominant, and controlling. Olivia is innocent and finds that when she is with Liam she is a target so she runs and doesn't tell him about the baby. Liam is going after his child and Olivia. He wants his family and will do whatever it takes to have them. I loved the story and couldn't put the book down until the last page. I hope there are more stories as I'd love to have his brothers and Ashling find their love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[paintedlady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia is a nineteen-year-old college girl. Liam is a twenty-nine-year-old Irish Mafia Kingpin. She has no idea who or what he is, but she has seen him around the neighborhood and fantasized about him. Now, she is running from a stalker and he is completely smitten by her. She does not reveal her virginity when they initially make love. But it mattered not at all to either Olivia or Liam!

This is a totally arousing and passionate story of two individuals who are pleasurably attracted and erotically drawn to each other despite any differences in their personal life. Their intimate moments actually sizzle! I love Liam’s strong, dominant, and controlling personality. And I equally adore Olivia’s humiliation and burning anticipation to his salacious yet conquering presence. Oh My Gosh! This story is fantastically titillating!

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia was just trying to get away from a stranger when she stumbled into Liam Callahan. She has seen Liam and would like nothing better than to get to know him better. Liam was surprised when Olivia stumbled into his arms. She was innocent and sweet. There was something about her and he needed to know more. You figured one night would be it for Liam but nope, he was addicted to Liv. Their one night is more than as well as hot. Unfortunately, misunderstandings happen. Liv is really innocent in everything. She does learn about what Liam does as well as she follows her heart. I love Liam’s family. His brothers are tough and buff. And Ashling is funny and kicks butt. I really hope we get stories about the brother’s as well as Ashling. Liv’s bestie needs a strong man to deal with her.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[EM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book, so well written, a fabulous read. Olivia and Liam meet, Olivia is sweet and innocent, she doesn't realise who Liam really is, there is instant attraction and things move fast between them. The story is trucking along nicely, nothing too much out of the ordinary (other than the speed in which the strong connection develops between them) then, bam, at around a third of the way through the book, everything is on, not a plot twist per say, but action and drama and mysteries and it just keeps getting better (although the first third of the book is still enjoyable too).

Really hoping the other characters we are introduced to get their own stories really soon, I really want more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very addictive mafia romance with an age gap!! I was hooked until the very end. The story is about Olivia and Liam. Olivia, is young, innocent and a touch naive. She is on her way when she feels she is being followed. She stumbles into and Irish bar and ends up at Liam's feet. She has seen him before but has no idea who he is. All she sees is how attractive he is. Liam is tough, fearless, one of the most powerful men in Boston and Irish mafia. He sees her and immediately wants her. I loved the characters and how their story develops. Sparks fly between them and these two are combustible together. Throw in a stalker, mafia, danger, steam, discipline and passion you get an incredible story!

[ljamison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia has seen Liam around and seen him do what she would consider heroic acts. One night while trying to avoid a stalker she goes into a bar. They talk and get to know each other while his men take care of her car. He invites her to his home and they have an intimate night. Liam seems to be completely smitten with her. She’s not requesting things, she just enjoys being with him and being intimate. Olivia is unaware of who Liam is that he is charge of a mafia family. Olivia decides to leave Liam when she finds out some information about him unfortunately she is also pregnant and Liam is determined to get her and his baby back. Can this young ordinary girl have a happily ever after with this older man, mafia leader?

[Mar · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was really well written and I enjoyed the characters. My only critique is that the story seemed to go a little too fast without some context added to help the story move along. If it had been a little longer of a book it could have helped aid the development of the characters and their relationship to each other. Their relationship started over one weekend together and just seemed like not enough time for them to develop the strong feelings that were portrayed. But that being said it was a fun quick read!

[Angela Farley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I just loved this Mafia dark romance Trope book. I didn't put it down. The storyline sucked me right up into it and I had to read every word until I wS finished. The author takes you on a bit of a roller-coaster ride in this book until you get to the end of Liam and Olivia's love story. I loved all the characters in the book as well they added a bit to the storyline. Of course the steamy moments were great and their chemistry was fantastic. And I loved the HEA Fantastic read for sure!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liam and Olivia meet when she runs to the pub to get away from a stalker. Landing at his feet sets them along their journey and leads them to an intimate night. She goes on to learn that he supposedly has a fiancé. Devastated she runs and learns that she is expecting Liam's child. When he learns about the child, he goes for them both. Will they finally get their chance to have a happily ever after. I was all caught up in Liam and Olivia's drama from start to finish.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Trishaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A splendid work by the author. She bought emotions and drama wonderfully. Especially the way she developed the story was fast but also soothing to read. I have become a fan of Marlee's writing style as the way she narrates the tale is amazingly said and also packed with stuff to make us curious.

The chemistry between Liam and Olivia is superb hot... and made me thirsty as I was dying to read more of their hot and spicy moments.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan Doyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

good read but unanswered questions

This story follows Liam and Olivia’s journey to love. Liam is on the fringes of the Irish mafia in Boston. Olivia is a sweet innocent young woman who literally falls at his feet. Their path to HEA is long and complicated. There were some unanswered questions for me. What ever happened to Olivia’s dad. What happened at the end with Liam and Aiden. The ending seemed rushed and glossed over. I hope more books are in the works. This was an enjoyable read

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia finds safety from a man,whose following her into an Irish pub and walks right into mafia boss Liam, Liam is drawn to her bitbshes clueless to his dark side of life, butbwhen she learns who he is, there's more than just her she has to think about. Well written steamy desires opposites attract, mafia romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liam and Olivia. Hes mafia. Shes being stalked and runs into a pub to get away and right into Liam. They have a wonderful nigh together and she finds out he lied and has a fiancee. She runs away. He finds out shes carrying his child and he goes after them. It was all a misunderstanding. Loved these two. Cant wait for next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

terrific Mafia Romance

Ok this is a Irish Mafia Romance and there is sort of a connection to some others of Marlee’s Books. There is a lot of Action and there is quite a bit of smutty scenes with some butt stuff too. Nice HEA at the end. If you like this book and you haven’t read Marlee’s other Mafia books you really should check them out, also check out her other books, I think will like them like I do.

[Melissa Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. There are some side characters that were in other books. Liam is in the Irish mafia. Olivia did not know who Liam was when she met him. My only complaint is how some aspects of the book was never explained or no conclusion to things.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love a good mafia, accidental pregnancy story and Marlee delivered with this one. Liam is the type of MMC that I love reading about. The story kept my interest until the end. I'll be reading more from this author in the future for sure.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book ( which I should have known since Marlee never lets me down with her books). This is a new series and introduces the brothers that the following books will follow. This was a lighter read than some of her other books. We also got to see characters from other books which is always great. Looking forward to the next.

[Brina · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was an absolute pleasure to read this book. Full of excitement, love, laughs, mystery, suspense, and danger. These characters all had amazing chemistry with each other and the personalities to match. This author is very gifted and talented with her writing skills; I can’t wait to read more from her.
I am voluntarily leaving a review after receiving an ARC.

[Ada · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read

Even though it was well written, I felt that lots of plot parts were rushed. Not so steamy as the other books of Marlee Wray. I expected more. Until nowcI have bought all her books. If this was the first to read, I wouldn't have. Anyway, it is a good quick read, with medium heat and interesting characters.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a fast-paced older man/younger woman story that pulls us into the lives of Liam and Olivia. The story keeps us turning the pages with connection, secrets, danger and steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marsha Roos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dreamy Steamy 🔥

Another book I couldn’t put down until I finished it! Liam is bad ass, Olivia was strong, sweet and innocent. Loved it that other characters from past books made an appearance in the story. Can hardly wait for the next book!

[Sarah Nguyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

irish mafia king, age gap 19-29, virgin

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Liam and Olivia’s book. I thought it was an exciting and engaging read. And am voluntarily leaving my review.

[ck8 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*

[VickyTORIA⭐⭐Booktopia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liam is as real as you can get this book was explosive 🧨 🧨🧨🧨

[Rachell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great addition to this series and I love when characters from previous books are included.

[♥ WishfulMiss ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5 ⭐s

Olivia burst into Liam's life when he least expected it but what he feels for her isn't something he questions or doubts. She's his one and he's all in to claim her and keep her by his side.

But Olivia isn't from his world, she's innocent and sweet and doesn't realize that she's fallen into an Irish mafioso's arms.

When the perfect storm of enemies and drama have Liam arrested, Olivia runs scared and goes into hiding to protect not only herself but her unborn baby.

This book has a protective and loyal Hero who falls hard and fast for his heroine and does everything in his power to bring her back and convince her that the risks are worth the reward as long as they are together. Liam easily won me over with his affectionate nature and unwavering love for Olivia. But he cemented himself as a good book boyfriend when he remained faithful to her, even after being separated for two years. That is almost unheard of in romance now a days!

Then there's Olivia. I didn't agree with her decision to pack up and leave without ever telling Liam about his baby but she was nineteen when she finds out she's pregnant by a mafia guy who is currently facing murder charges! So yeah, she was dealing with a lot. On top of that, she's under the misconception that Liam was still with his ex when they got together and with her backstory, her knee jerk reaction was to run and run fast.

The second half of this book was really fun. Not only do we see Olivia and Liam reunite and watch them as they navigate not only their love story but co-parenting little Brady! There's also Olivia's friendship with Ash and the author introducing Liam's other brothers! I'm excited to see where they go in their own stories but especially who ends up with Ash!

I knocked 1/2 a star for the unsatisfying resolution to Olivia's father (he deserved worse!) and the ugly OW scene where Olivia is literally slapped and thrown out barefoot and humiliated. Olivia needed closure or at least a moment where she stands up for herself and doesn't let the OW intimidate or abuse her. For obvious reasons this can't happen but I hated seeing her in that vulnerable position with no one to have her back.

* * * I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. * * *

SAFETY INFO:
Ages : When they meet, Liam is 29 and Olivia is 19.

Cheating : Not between the MCs but Olivia has trust issues because her father cheated on her mother for years and left her when she was diagnosed with cancer. Liam also has a bitter ex-fiancé who got caught cheating on him too.

OM/OW drama : Liam's ex-fiancé does make a scene and manages to break the MCs apart and is one of the main reasons for Olivia to go into hiding.

Separation : 2 years. Both MCs remain celibate during their separation.

Possible Triggers: Death of a parent, violence and murder on page. Attempted kidnapping and attempted assault.

HEA/HFN : Ends on a HEA (marriage and babies).