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Ruthless King
Courtland King is a self-made billionaire. Ruthless and cocky, the handsome playboy plays by his own rules and answers to no one. Could a ghost from his past break through his icy façade and unravel the secrets that still haunt him today?
Molly Steel is a sweet as pie small town girl. After graduating from the Juilliard School, she gave up her dream of being a concert pianist and returned to her hometown of Stone Creek, South Carolina. On a visit back to the Big Apple, Molly finds herself at the mercy of the sexy tech executive on more than one occasion and it has her wondering if this could be more than a chance encounter.
As their two worlds collide, sparks fly and Courtland must decide which is more important, pride or honor. When things heat up between them, rules are broken and Molly is plunged into the memory of a childhood tragedy. Can the two lovers overcome the obstacles that force them apart or are they lost to each other forever?
Molly Steel is a sweet as pie small town girl. After graduating from the Juilliard School, she gave up her dream of being a concert pianist and returned to her hometown of Stone Creek, South Carolina. On a visit back to the Big Apple, Molly finds herself at the mercy of the sexy tech executive on more than one occasion and it has her wondering if this could be more than a chance encounter.
As their two worlds collide, sparks fly and Courtland must decide which is more important, pride or honor. When things heat up between them, rules are broken and Molly is plunged into the memory of a childhood tragedy. Can the two lovers overcome the obstacles that force them apart or are they lost to each other forever?
217 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 3, 2024
31 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Tami Mason
11 books22 followersTami Mason creates electrifying romance novels where passion and adventure collide. With unforgettable characters and sizzling chemistry, her stories captivate those who crave thrilling, intense love affairs. Prepare for heart-pounding tension and deep emotions in every page-turning tale. If you're wild at heart, Tami's books are your perfect escape.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 17, 2025
Ok I REALLY wanted to like this book but I just kept getting turned off by how much it felt like the author was trying to make Courtland King be like TOBIAS KING from the Ravenhood trilogy. I mean last name King and having him say Tobias’s famous “End Of” line!! I mean COME ON!!
I didn’t click with these characters at all. BUT I will say the ending with his big gesture had me crying. I received this as an ALC (honestly the narrators is what had me finishing the book as they were a joy to listen to) and was doing dishes during that chapter so the tears just free fell.
I didn’t click with these characters at all. BUT I will say the ending with his big gesture had me crying. I received this as an ALC (honestly the narrators is what had me finishing the book as they were a joy to listen to) and was doing dishes during that chapter so the tears just free fell.
April 9, 2024
This is book one in the Stone Creek series and I got to say this was a great way to start. The story of Molly and her twin Michael. The heartbreak that Molly goes through. Blaming herself for so long. Then the most infuriating man Courtland comes into her life like a storm. Does Molly overcome the hurt she experiences? Does Courtland help Molly? Does the King and Steel family get involved? Does Courtland pull out all the stops to show Molly she is it for him? That she can keep the happy memories from the tragedy alive? If this review doesn’t entice you to want to read this amazing book you do not know what you are missing.
October 19, 2025
Sometimes a story pulls you in with promise, and while Ruthless King didn’t completely steal my heart, it still delivered a smooth and easy listen. This book blends small-town charm with billionaire arrogance a collision of two very different worlds that sparks chemistry, tension, and a few heartfelt moments along the way. It’s a fast, light romance that touches on redemption and emotional healing, though at times the pacing and transitions felt a bit uneven, leaving me wishing for a deeper dive into the characters’ emotions and backstories.
The Story
Courtland King is a self-made billionaire who plays by his own rules and answers to no one. Beneath his confident surface lies a man still haunted by a tragedy he can’t forget. Molly Steel, a Juilliard-trained pianist turned small-town girl, finds herself back in New York and repeatedly running into the infuriatingly charming tech mogul. As their worlds collide, attraction turns into something deeper, but pride and past wounds threaten to tear them apart. When Molly’s own painful memories resurface, both must decide if love can survive when the truth finally comes to light.
🎧 Narration
The audiobook is performed in duet by Kasi Hollowell and Wayne Mitchell, and they were perfectly cast for these roles. Kasi captures Molly’s soft southern charm beautifully, layering her voice with warmth and quiet determination. Wayne’s smooth, confident tone fits Courtland’s arrogant yet magnetic personality to perfection. Together, they bring a rich dynamic to the story, balancing sweetness with sensuality in all the right moments. Their chemistry shines through every interaction, making the audio version far more engaging and emotionally resonant than the text alone.
What I Loved
✔️ The contrast between Molly’s softness and Courtland’s intensity
✔️ The emotional undercurrent of two people healing from loss
✔️ The small-town versus high-power dynamic
✔️ A quick, low-angst HEA
Final Thoughts
Ruthless King by Tami Mason is a quick, easy listen with a solid romance foundation and great narration. While it doesn’t break new ground in the billionaire-meets-small-town-girl trope, it delivers a comforting, feel-good story with a tidy HEA. A nice start to the Stone Creek series if you’re in the mood for something light and low-angst, this one fits the bill.
The Story
Courtland King is a self-made billionaire who plays by his own rules and answers to no one. Beneath his confident surface lies a man still haunted by a tragedy he can’t forget. Molly Steel, a Juilliard-trained pianist turned small-town girl, finds herself back in New York and repeatedly running into the infuriatingly charming tech mogul. As their worlds collide, attraction turns into something deeper, but pride and past wounds threaten to tear them apart. When Molly’s own painful memories resurface, both must decide if love can survive when the truth finally comes to light.
🎧 Narration
The audiobook is performed in duet by Kasi Hollowell and Wayne Mitchell, and they were perfectly cast for these roles. Kasi captures Molly’s soft southern charm beautifully, layering her voice with warmth and quiet determination. Wayne’s smooth, confident tone fits Courtland’s arrogant yet magnetic personality to perfection. Together, they bring a rich dynamic to the story, balancing sweetness with sensuality in all the right moments. Their chemistry shines through every interaction, making the audio version far more engaging and emotionally resonant than the text alone.
What I Loved
✔️ The contrast between Molly’s softness and Courtland’s intensity
✔️ The emotional undercurrent of two people healing from loss
✔️ The small-town versus high-power dynamic
✔️ A quick, low-angst HEA
Final Thoughts
Ruthless King by Tami Mason is a quick, easy listen with a solid romance foundation and great narration. While it doesn’t break new ground in the billionaire-meets-small-town-girl trope, it delivers a comforting, feel-good story with a tidy HEA. A nice start to the Stone Creek series if you’re in the mood for something light and low-angst, this one fits the bill.
October 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ALC Review 🎧
Ruthless King by Tami Mason gave me all the opposites-attract feels wrapped in a slow-burn, small-town-meets-billionaire fantasy. But let’s be honest, it was the audiobook that really made this story shine.
Narrated in duet style by Kasi Hollowell and Wayne Mitchell, this performance was pure ear candy. Kasi gives Molly that soft southern charm with just the right mix of sweetness and steel, while Wayne’s deep, velvety tone nails Courtland’s cocky confidence. Together, they had me grinning like a fool one minute and clutching my chest the next. Their chemistry practically crackled through my headphones, and the emotional delivery made even the quiet moments feel intimate.
Courtland King is your classic ruthless billionaire with a past that refuses to stay buried. Molly Steel, our talented small-town sweetheart, somehow manages to melt his icy exterior with nothing but charm, grit, and a piano. Their story is equal parts heartfelt and steamy, with just enough angst and secrets to keep me pressing play long past bedtime.
If I’m being picky, the ending felt a little rushed and Molly’s back-and-forth moments had me wanting to shake her a bit. But the narrators? They didn’t miss a single beat. Kasi and Wayne brought these characters to life so vividly that even when the plot stumbled, the performance kept me hooked.
Whether you’re in it for the small-town heart, the billionaire spice, or the delicious tension between two people who should not work but absolutely do, this audiobook delivers. A perfect blend of sass, sweetness, and second chances that proves sometimes the best kind of ruthless is the kind that falls in love.
💗 Thank you to Tami Mason and High Gravity Productions for the ALC!
💞 Tropes:
🏙 Billionaire
🌾 Small Town Girl x Big City Playboy
💔 Childhood Tragedy
🤐 Secrets and Lies
💋 Hidden Identity
🔥 Second Chance at Love
Ruthless King by Tami Mason gave me all the opposites-attract feels wrapped in a slow-burn, small-town-meets-billionaire fantasy. But let’s be honest, it was the audiobook that really made this story shine.
Narrated in duet style by Kasi Hollowell and Wayne Mitchell, this performance was pure ear candy. Kasi gives Molly that soft southern charm with just the right mix of sweetness and steel, while Wayne’s deep, velvety tone nails Courtland’s cocky confidence. Together, they had me grinning like a fool one minute and clutching my chest the next. Their chemistry practically crackled through my headphones, and the emotional delivery made even the quiet moments feel intimate.
Courtland King is your classic ruthless billionaire with a past that refuses to stay buried. Molly Steel, our talented small-town sweetheart, somehow manages to melt his icy exterior with nothing but charm, grit, and a piano. Their story is equal parts heartfelt and steamy, with just enough angst and secrets to keep me pressing play long past bedtime.
If I’m being picky, the ending felt a little rushed and Molly’s back-and-forth moments had me wanting to shake her a bit. But the narrators? They didn’t miss a single beat. Kasi and Wayne brought these characters to life so vividly that even when the plot stumbled, the performance kept me hooked.
Whether you’re in it for the small-town heart, the billionaire spice, or the delicious tension between two people who should not work but absolutely do, this audiobook delivers. A perfect blend of sass, sweetness, and second chances that proves sometimes the best kind of ruthless is the kind that falls in love.
💗 Thank you to Tami Mason and High Gravity Productions for the ALC!
💞 Tropes:
🏙 Billionaire
🌾 Small Town Girl x Big City Playboy
💔 Childhood Tragedy
🤐 Secrets and Lies
💋 Hidden Identity
🔥 Second Chance at Love
October 11, 2025
If you're looking for a book with a grumpy, morally gray hero, you need to listen to Ruthless King. Written by Tami Mason and narrated by the talented Kasi Hollowell and Wayne Mitchell, this audiobook follows Courtland King, a self-made billionaire haunted by a past he can't escape. He's back in his small hometown to visit his sick father and unexpectedly runs into Molly Steel, a sweet pianist from New York he'd previously rescued.
Molly's life has been defined by a childhood tragedy that still gives her a deep sense of guilt. After graduating from Juilliard, she returns to her quiet hometown, only to find herself in a whirlwind romance with a mysterious, navy-eyed man who seems oddly familiar.
As their worlds collide, secrets from their past—including a hidden truth about their first encounter—are revealed. The chemistry between them is explosive, but they'll have to overcome heartbreak and family conflict to find their happily ever after.
This was my first read by Tami Mason, and I was hooked! The story is a perfect blend of small-town romance, billionaire alpha male, and hidden identity, with a romance that will make you feel all the feels. I was completely invested in the characters' journey, and the narration was exquisite. The narrators truly brought Courtland and Molly's emotional and electric dynamic to life.
While the romance moved a little quickly, this was a fun and emotional read that left me wanting more. I'm already on the edge of my seat for my next book by Tami Mason!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Molly's life has been defined by a childhood tragedy that still gives her a deep sense of guilt. After graduating from Juilliard, she returns to her quiet hometown, only to find herself in a whirlwind romance with a mysterious, navy-eyed man who seems oddly familiar.
As their worlds collide, secrets from their past—including a hidden truth about their first encounter—are revealed. The chemistry between them is explosive, but they'll have to overcome heartbreak and family conflict to find their happily ever after.
This was my first read by Tami Mason, and I was hooked! The story is a perfect blend of small-town romance, billionaire alpha male, and hidden identity, with a romance that will make you feel all the feels. I was completely invested in the characters' journey, and the narration was exquisite. The narrators truly brought Courtland and Molly's emotional and electric dynamic to life.
While the romance moved a little quickly, this was a fun and emotional read that left me wanting more. I'm already on the edge of my seat for my next book by Tami Mason!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 27, 2024
This is book one of the Stone Creek Series. We get to see a great storyline about healing from past tragedies.
Courtland is an arrogant and ruthless billionaire, but he really does show his soft side to Molly quite early. He finds out about Molly's childhood history and how he plays a part with it. This knowledge scares him into thinking Molly won't want him anymore, so he leaves first. He honestly should've just communicated what he needed to tell her and taken a leap of faith that their relationship would be able to withstand this. He did show he was a great protector as he was able to rescue her from some unsavoury people. Finally, he decides to embrace his true feelings for Molly and become the best version of himself he can be.
Molly deals with a childhood trauma on a daily basis. There were a lot of triggers for her, which caused her a lot of pain and torment. She finally allows herself to be with Courtland, just for him to leave her in her time of need. This was a jerk move on his part, but you kind of see why he did it. You get to see how being with Courtland has helped her evolve and heal from this tragedy.
I really liked reading how the two were able to overcome their past to move forward with their future. There was a lot of pain and miscommunication but overtime there was also a lot of healing.
The author has set up a few storylines for future books and I cannot wait to read them!
Courtland is an arrogant and ruthless billionaire, but he really does show his soft side to Molly quite early. He finds out about Molly's childhood history and how he plays a part with it. This knowledge scares him into thinking Molly won't want him anymore, so he leaves first. He honestly should've just communicated what he needed to tell her and taken a leap of faith that their relationship would be able to withstand this. He did show he was a great protector as he was able to rescue her from some unsavoury people. Finally, he decides to embrace his true feelings for Molly and become the best version of himself he can be.
Molly deals with a childhood trauma on a daily basis. There were a lot of triggers for her, which caused her a lot of pain and torment. She finally allows herself to be with Courtland, just for him to leave her in her time of need. This was a jerk move on his part, but you kind of see why he did it. You get to see how being with Courtland has helped her evolve and heal from this tragedy.
I really liked reading how the two were able to overcome their past to move forward with their future. There was a lot of pain and miscommunication but overtime there was also a lot of healing.
The author has set up a few storylines for future books and I cannot wait to read them!
August 20, 2024
morally gray men are my favorite 🥵
Molly has experience major tragedy in her life, watching her twin brother drown in a pound. Leaving her with life long guilt. Graduating from Juilliard she’s decided to move back to her childhood hometown. But goes back and forth to NYC spending time with her bestie, but seems to find herself in some sticky situations that she needs rescued from a mysterious navy eyed man… which seem oddly familiar…
Courtland King is a successful tech guy in NYC taking down his opponents one by one. But after please from his brothers about visiting their dad (because of cancer) he’s taking two weeks to spend time with his family in Stone Creek.
What Courtland doesn’t expect.. is to run into the girl he’d been rescuing in NYC.. What about the secrets Courtland is hiding from Molly about their true first encounter? Will they make it out alive?
📚 Small Town Romance
📚 Billionaire
📚 Hidden Identity
📚 Emotional
📚 1st Book in Series
📚 Dual POV
This was my first Tami Mason read, and boy was it a fun read! The vibes from Courtland King were so gray I couldn’t get enough. I can’t wait to check out book 2 and see what Lucy has in store for us. & I’m so excited to meet meet Tami next month @ Authors in the Steel City! 🤩
Molly has experience major tragedy in her life, watching her twin brother drown in a pound. Leaving her with life long guilt. Graduating from Juilliard she’s decided to move back to her childhood hometown. But goes back and forth to NYC spending time with her bestie, but seems to find herself in some sticky situations that she needs rescued from a mysterious navy eyed man… which seem oddly familiar…
Courtland King is a successful tech guy in NYC taking down his opponents one by one. But after please from his brothers about visiting their dad (because of cancer) he’s taking two weeks to spend time with his family in Stone Creek.
What Courtland doesn’t expect.. is to run into the girl he’d been rescuing in NYC.. What about the secrets Courtland is hiding from Molly about their true first encounter? Will they make it out alive?
📚 Small Town Romance
📚 Billionaire
📚 Hidden Identity
📚 Emotional
📚 1st Book in Series
📚 Dual POV
This was my first Tami Mason read, and boy was it a fun read! The vibes from Courtland King were so gray I couldn’t get enough. I can’t wait to check out book 2 and see what Lucy has in store for us. & I’m so excited to meet meet Tami next month @ Authors in the Steel City! 🤩
October 12, 2025
~Alc Review~
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
~Ruthless King~Stone Creek Series Book 1~Tami Mason~
~Duet Narration~Kasi Hollowell & Wayne Mitchell~
~Production~High Gravity Productions~
"I can't change the past or my actions, but I can spend the rest of my life showing you how much you mean to me."
♡This was my first read by Tami Mason, & I love a good small-town, second-chance romance with a twist! Cortland is your average arrogant billionaire, but with Molly his icy demeanor melts & she is all he cares about. Molly had a traumatic past & she's just trying to move on with her life in the only way she knows how. When her past meets her present, secrets are uncovered. Will they let the past dictate the future?
The duet narration for this audiobook was fantastic! Kasi did a phenomenal job bringing Molly, our sweet southern FMC, to life. Wayne did a phenomenal job bringing Courtland, our cocky billionaire, to life as well!
If you love small-town meets billionaire romances with a hidden identity twist, look no further♡
~Thank you so much, Tami & High Gravity Productions, for this Alc!~
~As Always Happy Reading~
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
~Ruthless King~Stone Creek Series Book 1~Tami Mason~
~Duet Narration~Kasi Hollowell & Wayne Mitchell~
~Production~High Gravity Productions~
"I can't change the past or my actions, but I can spend the rest of my life showing you how much you mean to me."
♡This was my first read by Tami Mason, & I love a good small-town, second-chance romance with a twist! Cortland is your average arrogant billionaire, but with Molly his icy demeanor melts & she is all he cares about. Molly had a traumatic past & she's just trying to move on with her life in the only way she knows how. When her past meets her present, secrets are uncovered. Will they let the past dictate the future?
The duet narration for this audiobook was fantastic! Kasi did a phenomenal job bringing Molly, our sweet southern FMC, to life. Wayne did a phenomenal job bringing Courtland, our cocky billionaire, to life as well!
If you love small-town meets billionaire romances with a hidden identity twist, look no further♡
~Thank you so much, Tami & High Gravity Productions, for this Alc!~
~As Always Happy Reading~
April 18, 2024
Molly finds herself with a childhood tragedy that comes back to the forefront of her life as an adult. She also finds herself in a few dangerous situations with untrustworthy men, but has a grouchy savior.
Molly is a Julliard grad that has moved back home from New York to her small town and only finds herself playing music at a local hotel on the side. Her life turns upside down when her bosses brother comes in town to check in on his father. Courtland is a rich, grouchy, attractive man from New York. He is still also haunted by a tragedy from when he was younger.
This story is filled with so many things. It will make you cry, smile, and even blush. It is a pretty quick read.
Would I change anything? Maybe the pet name he uses and one of his phrases he likes to use kind of got to me after awhile and I feel like it was at times a very quick moving relationship. Definitely a true love instantly type of book.
Other than that, I really enjoyed reading this book and I'm looking forward to the other series books in the future.
Molly is a Julliard grad that has moved back home from New York to her small town and only finds herself playing music at a local hotel on the side. Her life turns upside down when her bosses brother comes in town to check in on his father. Courtland is a rich, grouchy, attractive man from New York. He is still also haunted by a tragedy from when he was younger.
This story is filled with so many things. It will make you cry, smile, and even blush. It is a pretty quick read.
Would I change anything? Maybe the pet name he uses and one of his phrases he likes to use kind of got to me after awhile and I feel like it was at times a very quick moving relationship. Definitely a true love instantly type of book.
Other than that, I really enjoyed reading this book and I'm looking forward to the other series books in the future.
September 30, 2025
🎧Audiobook Review🎧
ALC Review
📚 Ruthless King by Tami Mason
🎤 Narrated by Kasi Hollowell & Wayne Mitchell
Tropes:
Small town
Billionaire
Childhood Tragedy
Secrets and Lies
Hidden Identity
Sexy Playboy
Ratings:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎤🎤🎤🎤
🌶️🌶️
Review:
This was a cute, sweet and loving story, which I was expecting! Loved it, finished it in one sitting!! The narrators were fantastic, the female character accent was perfect. And the whole group of friends and family were just amazing. I’m thinking we will be getting their stories soon. The only thing that didn’t get me to give it 5 stars was the ending seemed kinda rushed, and the FMC was so wishy washy that I didn’t think the ending was going to come together. It does end in a HEA and I did love this story and I would listen to this author again.
Thank you High Gravity Productions for letting me rate and review this story with my honest opinion!
ALC Review
📚 Ruthless King by Tami Mason
🎤 Narrated by Kasi Hollowell & Wayne Mitchell
Tropes:
Small town
Billionaire
Childhood Tragedy
Secrets and Lies
Hidden Identity
Sexy Playboy
Ratings:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎤🎤🎤🎤
🌶️🌶️
Review:
This was a cute, sweet and loving story, which I was expecting! Loved it, finished it in one sitting!! The narrators were fantastic, the female character accent was perfect. And the whole group of friends and family were just amazing. I’m thinking we will be getting their stories soon. The only thing that didn’t get me to give it 5 stars was the ending seemed kinda rushed, and the FMC was so wishy washy that I didn’t think the ending was going to come together. It does end in a HEA and I did love this story and I would listen to this author again.
Thank you High Gravity Productions for letting me rate and review this story with my honest opinion!
June 28, 2024
I absolutely LOVED this book!!😍😍
Courtland King is every girl's dream🥵
"I was captivated by her lips and the way they curved as she uttered my name like it was a prayer."
I can't even count the amount of times my heart broke for Courtland and Molly, damn.
Their story is extremely beautiful but also so sad at the same time.
He truly falls so deeply for her😭 and from the very beginning they are just meant to be.
I was sobbing so hard when Court confessed to Molly...
And also with Courtland's letter!! My heart couldn't handle it anymore.
What Courtland did for Molly (and her family) on Halloween was surely the most romantic gesture of all time!🥺🥺
I need more of Courtland and Molly, they have a special place in my heart, but I am curious as heck to read about Lucy and Jackson in Accidental Savior🤩
Courtland King is every girl's dream🥵
"I was captivated by her lips and the way they curved as she uttered my name like it was a prayer."
I can't even count the amount of times my heart broke for Courtland and Molly, damn.
Their story is extremely beautiful but also so sad at the same time.
He truly falls so deeply for her😭 and from the very beginning they are just meant to be.
I was sobbing so hard when Court confessed to Molly...
And also with Courtland's letter!! My heart couldn't handle it anymore.
What Courtland did for Molly (and her family) on Halloween was surely the most romantic gesture of all time!🥺🥺
I need more of Courtland and Molly, they have a special place in my heart, but I am curious as heck to read about Lucy and Jackson in Accidental Savior🤩
March 24, 2024
What a great start to what I know will be an amazing series!
Courtland King is ruthless and always gets what he wants in the business world. Manhattan is his playground!
A beautiful blonde hair, green eyed beauty crashes into his world and leaves him out of sorts. He’s not supposed to be nice, thoughtful or charming. For her, he wants to be those things; but when the secret he’s kept for twenty years comes to light he knows he can never have what he wants.
Fate has a way of getting what she wants and there’s no stopping Fate once it’s been set in motion.
This is a beautiful and tragic love story with a lot of twists and turns. You will definitely enjoy the ride!
I can’t wait for the next installment. I am ready to pack my bags and head to Stone Creek!!
Courtland King is ruthless and always gets what he wants in the business world. Manhattan is his playground!
A beautiful blonde hair, green eyed beauty crashes into his world and leaves him out of sorts. He’s not supposed to be nice, thoughtful or charming. For her, he wants to be those things; but when the secret he’s kept for twenty years comes to light he knows he can never have what he wants.
Fate has a way of getting what she wants and there’s no stopping Fate once it’s been set in motion.
This is a beautiful and tragic love story with a lot of twists and turns. You will definitely enjoy the ride!
I can’t wait for the next installment. I am ready to pack my bags and head to Stone Creek!!
May 7, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
Molly aka buttercup
suffered the tragedy of losing her twin at the age of 12 that has left her emotionally scarred, now in her 30’s she’s graduated from Julliard and back in her home town working in a music shop with a piano playing side gig.
After a couple of chance encounters she meets Courtland King an arrogant and ruthless tech billionaire.
We discover that King in a twist of fate is tied to Mollys tragedy but chooses to not tell her immediately and leaves her when she needs him most. For me there was a little too much miscommunication and pain although they do eventually learn to heal and move forward.
Molly aka buttercup
suffered the tragedy of losing her twin at the age of 12 that has left her emotionally scarred, now in her 30’s she’s graduated from Julliard and back in her home town working in a music shop with a piano playing side gig.
After a couple of chance encounters she meets Courtland King an arrogant and ruthless tech billionaire.
We discover that King in a twist of fate is tied to Mollys tragedy but chooses to not tell her immediately and leaves her when she needs him most. For me there was a little too much miscommunication and pain although they do eventually learn to heal and move forward.
October 4, 2025
The narration was probably the best part of this book in my opinion.
Character, relationship and story arcs felt choppy and all over the place. I didn't connect with or feel invested in these characters.
The book was fine, but honestly kind of forgettable? Like I thought I still had an hour and a half left and went to go finish the audiobook only to realize I had actually already finished it but forgot. Mind you I'm heavily distracted by the release of Taylor Swifts the Life of a Showgirl album drop today but to forget I event finished the book seemed beyond just excitement for something else. .
Thank you to High Gravity productions for this ALC.
Character, relationship and story arcs felt choppy and all over the place. I didn't connect with or feel invested in these characters.
The book was fine, but honestly kind of forgettable? Like I thought I still had an hour and a half left and went to go finish the audiobook only to realize I had actually already finished it but forgot. Mind you I'm heavily distracted by the release of Taylor Swifts the Life of a Showgirl album drop today but to forget I event finished the book seemed beyond just excitement for something else. .
Thank you to High Gravity productions for this ALC.
April 3, 2024
Wow! Ruthless King took me through all of feels!
Ruthless King has Courtland as the mysterious bad boy hero that just keeps you guessing about.
Molly with her clad group of friends that have her back through all of her journeys.
Being taken through a journey of hardship of life's up's and downs. I felt embraced into the story. I was left rotting for the connection of characters and crying for the characters also. I was left wanting more. So I'll be on the edge of my seat waiting for the next one!
Ruthless King has Courtland as the mysterious bad boy hero that just keeps you guessing about.
Molly with her clad group of friends that have her back through all of her journeys.
Being taken through a journey of hardship of life's up's and downs. I felt embraced into the story. I was left rotting for the connection of characters and crying for the characters also. I was left wanting more. So I'll be on the edge of my seat waiting for the next one!
September 26, 2025
Audiobook Review 2.5🌟
This was an ALC listen for me.
Things I enjoyed:
The narration great and performed in Duet which is my favourite style. Both narrators brought the characters life with personality and expression.
The plot outline had great legs. I enjoyed the premise of the story and the characters within.
The use of a nickname... Always great!
Things that weren't for me:
Plot pacing, this felt like it needed better editing. The text felt jumpy and disjointed at points.
Spice/sex scenes: These felt a little artificial and lacked depth of emotions. More like a quicky than people deeply in lust or falling into love.
FC profile: I couldn't connect with her desire for the MC, felt more like she was settling for poor behaviour. Taking the crumbs for a large chunk of the text.
Overall it's a short easy HEA listen.
This was an ALC listen for me.
Things I enjoyed:
The narration great and performed in Duet which is my favourite style. Both narrators brought the characters life with personality and expression.
The plot outline had great legs. I enjoyed the premise of the story and the characters within.
The use of a nickname... Always great!
Things that weren't for me:
Plot pacing, this felt like it needed better editing. The text felt jumpy and disjointed at points.
Spice/sex scenes: These felt a little artificial and lacked depth of emotions. More like a quicky than people deeply in lust or falling into love.
FC profile: I couldn't connect with her desire for the MC, felt more like she was settling for poor behaviour. Taking the crumbs for a large chunk of the text.
Overall it's a short easy HEA listen.
October 9, 2025
Molly is a sweet small-town girl who has had trauma in her past. Courtland King is a billionaire city boy who has some tragedy himself. He doesn't know how to have a relationship, but Molly wants to make him try. Their is back and forth moments between the two. This is my first audio with Wayne Mitchell, and he did a great job with all the male characters. Kasi Hollowell's emotion came out with Molly's story. I couldn't help but feel for her. Wayne and Kasi's voices kept me listening to this amazing story. I can't wait to continue this series!
April 4, 2024
Courtland and Molly were both dealing with trauma the best the could or not at all. I went through all the feelings with this book. These characters go through so much together and on their own. Courtland tries to do what he thinks is right but Molly really just needed him to be honest with her. I loved watching these characters grow. I can’t wait for the next book. This series and author are going to be on my need read list!
April 27, 2024
- [ ] This was a sweet steamy story about a playboy billionaire that has a connected past to the women who turns out to be the love of his life.
- [ ] This was a good book and I liked it but I really wish it had more on what happened to the characters who touched or harm Molly. In the trope list it was touch her and 💀 but that wasn’t in the story. It lead me to believe that it would be more of a dark romance.
- [ ] It was a HEA and a cute short but I was left wanting a little more.
- [ ] This was a good book and I liked it but I really wish it had more on what happened to the characters who touched or harm Molly. In the trope list it was touch her and 💀 but that wasn’t in the story. It lead me to believe that it would be more of a dark romance.
- [ ] It was a HEA and a cute short but I was left wanting a little more.
September 26, 2025
Duet narration - Kasi Hollowell & Wayne Mitchell
Very well performed. Wayne is new to me narrator and he was fantastic. It’s been a while since I’ve listened to Kasi and I am reminded why I love her!
Molly has past childhood trauma from loosing not only a brother but her twin brother. It holds her back from forming deep and meaningful relationships. She lets Courtland in despite her trauma and fears.
Courtland is a ruthless billionaire business man who will do anything to keep Molly safe. Until he learns that he is part of her traumatic past.
This was deeply emotional and overall a great listen. The authors writing is full of passion and chemistry. Easy to follow.
Very well performed. Wayne is new to me narrator and he was fantastic. It’s been a while since I’ve listened to Kasi and I am reminded why I love her!
Molly has past childhood trauma from loosing not only a brother but her twin brother. It holds her back from forming deep and meaningful relationships. She lets Courtland in despite her trauma and fears.
Courtland is a ruthless billionaire business man who will do anything to keep Molly safe. Until he learns that he is part of her traumatic past.
This was deeply emotional and overall a great listen. The authors writing is full of passion and chemistry. Easy to follow.
December 2, 2024
OMG this book I could not put down. The story of Molly and Courtland had a lot of twists and turns which made it good. Hurt and betrayal to finding out their past intertwined and falling in love ending in a HEA. I have never cried on a book but this one had the tears with his grand gesture. I am interested in the friends and of course the brothers. I can’t wait to read the next story.
June 22, 2025
Oh my goodness, this was so good. Molly and Courtland were great together. They had a shared history that neither knew about when they met again in New York. He saves her twice and then unintentionally follows her back to her hometown when he has to go see his family. They meet up again and then it really gets interesting since she already knows and works for one of his brothers….
September 23, 2025
This book pulled me in with its slow burn and the amazing chemistry between the characters. I also loved the depth woven into the story, especially how their childhood trauma shaped who they are. The narration brought it all to life in such a powerful way and made the emotional moments hit even harder.
September 24, 2025
Ruthless King gave me everything I love—Courtland is the cocky, self-made billionaire with a past that still haunts him, and Molly is the sweet small-town girl who keeps crossing his path in New York. Sparks fly, secrets unravel, and the chemistry is off the charts. Narrated perfectly by Kasi Hollowell & Wayne Mitchell, this one pulled me in from the start.
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April 9, 2024[dnf @ 23%] execution was mediocre and all over the place... i have no idea what story was the author trying to tell nor what personalities were the characters being portrayed as. what's more, the characters are totally not likeable AT ALL... reading 23% of it felt way too much...
May 6, 2024
I enjoyed Courtland and Molly's story. They had many obstacles to overcome and there was a lot of character growth. Such an emotional story and looking forward to reading about more characters in Stone Creek!
June 28, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
3 🌶️
This was just a fun, smutty, dark romance and I enjoyed every minute!
The MMC is what all of my book boyfriend dreams are made of and his brothers are right there with him!
Lots of smut with plot, and if that is what you are in the mood for you will love it!!
3 🌶️
This was just a fun, smutty, dark romance and I enjoyed every minute!
The MMC is what all of my book boyfriend dreams are made of and his brothers are right there with him!
Lots of smut with plot, and if that is what you are in the mood for you will love it!!
January 4, 2025
sweep you off your feet!
So sweet & romantic! While of course it was an adventurous road to get to their HEA, Courtland wouldn’t let go of Molly and it was perfect in every way. When you know, you know
So sweet & romantic! While of course it was an adventurous road to get to their HEA, Courtland wouldn’t let go of Molly and it was perfect in every way. When you know, you know
September 26, 2025
4.5⭐️ okay, so it has some not so nice parts. And some not so great crying parts, but at the end, the best kind of crying ever. i really enjoyed this book. And that ending of the epilogue, seriously, that's how you're gonna start the new book.I hope
April 4, 2024
Dnf at 75%
2 stars is too much for this book.
All the characters in this book are really dumb. I mean it. The “plot” makes no sense whatsoever. The writing is meh…
2 stars is too much for this book.
All the characters in this book are really dumb. I mean it. The “plot” makes no sense whatsoever. The writing is meh…
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