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Ruthless
Hudson
The first time I saw Briar James, I knew she was trouble. Maybe not as far as everyone else was concerned. But for me, she was a red-hot flag that I needed to avoid at all costs. But that wasn’t an option. After all, I was hired to be her security guard. And when she looked like an angel with a voice as sweet as syrup and the body of a temptress… the job went from hard to mission impossible.
I’ve always made myself indifferent to other people’s problems. I’ve done my job and turned a blind eye when need be. But when it came to her, for the first time in my life, I couldn’t look away. But it becomes pretty clear that she’s not nearly as helpless as she’s led on.
I’m about to learn that Briar James backs down to no one. Including me. And that I can either fight alongside her or lose her altogether. And the latter? Yeah. Not an option.
Bonnie and Clyde fought together, and they both wound up dead. The question is…will that be me and my sweet Dove’s fate too?
Briar
Hudson never looked at me when he walked into a room. Instead, he’d act like I wasn’t there at all. But I knew he saw me. I just never realized how much until the night he saved my life and kissed me in the dark. And even though my uncle was forcing me to marry another man, my heart didn’t beat the same after that night.
He called me Dove because he saw me as a helpless, pathetic girl who did as she was told. He thought I was weak. Blind to my surroundings. Obedient.
He couldn’t have been more wrong.
I’ve always heard that true love has no limits. I just never realized how true that was.
This is Hudson's story from the Puck Boys of Brooks University series. This is a complete stand alone novel.
The first time I saw Briar James, I knew she was trouble. Maybe not as far as everyone else was concerned. But for me, she was a red-hot flag that I needed to avoid at all costs. But that wasn’t an option. After all, I was hired to be her security guard. And when she looked like an angel with a voice as sweet as syrup and the body of a temptress… the job went from hard to mission impossible.
I’ve always made myself indifferent to other people’s problems. I’ve done my job and turned a blind eye when need be. But when it came to her, for the first time in my life, I couldn’t look away. But it becomes pretty clear that she’s not nearly as helpless as she’s led on.
I’m about to learn that Briar James backs down to no one. Including me. And that I can either fight alongside her or lose her altogether. And the latter? Yeah. Not an option.
Bonnie and Clyde fought together, and they both wound up dead. The question is…will that be me and my sweet Dove’s fate too?
Briar
Hudson never looked at me when he walked into a room. Instead, he’d act like I wasn’t there at all. But I knew he saw me. I just never realized how much until the night he saved my life and kissed me in the dark. And even though my uncle was forcing me to marry another man, my heart didn’t beat the same after that night.
He called me Dove because he saw me as a helpless, pathetic girl who did as she was told. He thought I was weak. Blind to my surroundings. Obedient.
He couldn’t have been more wrong.
I’ve always heard that true love has no limits. I just never realized how true that was.
This is Hudson's story from the Puck Boys of Brooks University series. This is a complete stand alone novel.
283 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 29, 2024
340 people are currently reading
1716 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Gray
33 books1,335 followersHannah Gray spends her days in vacationland, living in a small, quaint town on the coast of Maine. She is an avid reader of contemporary romance and is always in competition with herself to read more books every year.
During the day, she loves on her three perfect-to-her daughters and tries to be the best mom she can be. But once she tucks them in at night--okay, scratch that. Once they fall asleep next to her in her bed--because their bedrooms apparently have monsters in them--she dives into her own fantasy world, staying awake well into the late-night hours, typing away stories about her characters. As much as she loves being a wife and mom--and she certainly does love it--reading and writing are her outlet, giving her a place to travel far away while still physically being with her family.
She married her better half in 2013, and he's been putting up with her craziness every day since. As her anchor, he's her one constant in this insane, forever-changing world.
Facbook Page: https://www.facebook.com/hannahgrayau...
Twitter: @AuthorHannahGr1
IG: @authorhannah_gray
During the day, she loves on her three perfect-to-her daughters and tries to be the best mom she can be. But once she tucks them in at night--okay, scratch that. Once they fall asleep next to her in her bed--because their bedrooms apparently have monsters in them--she dives into her own fantasy world, staying awake well into the late-night hours, typing away stories about her characters. As much as she loves being a wife and mom--and she certainly does love it--reading and writing are her outlet, giving her a place to travel far away while still physically being with her family.
She married her better half in 2013, and he's been putting up with her craziness every day since. As her anchor, he's her one constant in this insane, forever-changing world.
Facbook Page: https://www.facebook.com/hannahgrayau...
Twitter: @AuthorHannahGr1
IG: @authorhannah_gray
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 277 reviews
September 8, 2024
Something about it just didn’t sit right with me.
Mostly because the heroine seemed like a consolation prize, not the love of the hero’s life.
Hudson seemed to have a better chemistry, bigger feelings and waaay deeper emotional connection with his deceased wife in his memories than with Briar in a present life, even after he claimed he loved her.
I mean, when he had the near-death experience and saw his wife and daughter in some vision of the afterlife, he desperately wanted to stay with them, not even sparing Briar a second thought.
Because of that, I didn’t really buy those characters falling in love. They barely talked a few times, spent one nice day together and then just mostly watched each other from a safe distance, until they hooked up a couple times in secret and suddenly - they’re in love? Sure, they could be attracted to each other, but at one point even the heroine herself said that they were almost strangers, knowing very little about each other.
It wasn’t necessarily a bad book, there was enough action around the main storyline to get through the novel easily (even if it felt a bit too simple and naive), but nothing about it really worked for me, least of all the love story.
Mostly because the heroine seemed like a consolation prize, not the love of the hero’s life.
Hudson seemed to have a better chemistry, bigger feelings and waaay deeper emotional connection with his deceased wife in his memories than with Briar in a present life, even after he claimed he loved her.
I mean, when he had the near-death experience and saw his wife and daughter in some vision of the afterlife, he desperately wanted to stay with them, not even sparing Briar a second thought.
Because of that, I didn’t really buy those characters falling in love. They barely talked a few times, spent one nice day together and then just mostly watched each other from a safe distance, until they hooked up a couple times in secret and suddenly - they’re in love? Sure, they could be attracted to each other, but at one point even the heroine herself said that they were almost strangers, knowing very little about each other.
It wasn’t necessarily a bad book, there was enough action around the main storyline to get through the novel easily (even if it felt a bit too simple and naive), but nothing about it really worked for me, least of all the love story.
August 28, 2024
Miss Hannah Gray did not come to play with this new mafia romance!!!
this bodyguard, mafia princess, touch her and die book was everything to me.
After losing his wife years ago, Hudson has not had eyes for any other woman, until her. Briar James, the young innocent woman that is set to marry a disgusting mafia boss. He then takes it upon himself to keep her safe and try to get her out of the situation.. but can he do this without falling for her?
When I tell you…. The drawings…. The DESK SCENE?!?! I am still yelling tbh. When this book releases, you need your hands on it asap.
Tropes
-mafia romance
-bodyguard X mafia princess
-arranged marriage.. that he has to get her out of
-age gap ( 9 years )
this bodyguard, mafia princess, touch her and die book was everything to me.
After losing his wife years ago, Hudson has not had eyes for any other woman, until her. Briar James, the young innocent woman that is set to marry a disgusting mafia boss. He then takes it upon himself to keep her safe and try to get her out of the situation.. but can he do this without falling for her?
When I tell you…. The drawings…. The DESK SCENE?!?! I am still yelling tbh. When this book releases, you need your hands on it asap.
Tropes
-mafia romance
-bodyguard X mafia princess
-arranged marriage.. that he has to get her out of
-age gap ( 9 years )
November 26, 2024
RATING ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥
You have been warned, you are going to fall HARD for Hudson Hale and Briar James.
Y’all know I am the furthest thing from a dark romance girlie but for Hannah I will. Ans honestly I loved it. The mafia setting and the bodyguard aspect had me loving this completely different vibe and the spice had me in a chokehold. 🥵
TROPES ⬇️
✨ Mafia Romance
✨ Grumpy X Sunshine
✨ Angst
✨ Bodyguard Romance
I wanted Briar and Hudson’s story so bad going into this book and they did not disappoint. Briar’s engaged against her will to a mafia head, and Hudson is a special agent undercover trying to take that family down.
Briar is more than meets the eye, but to Hudson, she’s someone he wants to protect and can’t resist, and I loved every minute of watching them fall for each other. Ans the fonder. Temptation aspect just kicked this whole thing up a notch!
I can’t wait for y’all to read this book because it’s something different from one of my favorite authors and I ate it up.
SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥
You have been warned, you are going to fall HARD for Hudson Hale and Briar James.
Y’all know I am the furthest thing from a dark romance girlie but for Hannah I will. Ans honestly I loved it. The mafia setting and the bodyguard aspect had me loving this completely different vibe and the spice had me in a chokehold. 🥵
TROPES ⬇️
✨ Mafia Romance
✨ Grumpy X Sunshine
✨ Angst
✨ Bodyguard Romance
I wanted Briar and Hudson’s story so bad going into this book and they did not disappoint. Briar’s engaged against her will to a mafia head, and Hudson is a special agent undercover trying to take that family down.
Briar is more than meets the eye, but to Hudson, she’s someone he wants to protect and can’t resist, and I loved every minute of watching them fall for each other. Ans the fonder. Temptation aspect just kicked this whole thing up a notch!
I can’t wait for y’all to read this book because it’s something different from one of my favorite authors and I ate it up.
August 30, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
Never have I ever cried while reading a Mafia romance ..🥃 drink up! This is something so uniquely Hannah. It doesn’t matter what she writes, she will hit you with the feels!!
If you are unsure if mafia and darker vibes are your thing, this is a great story to pick up!! Briar & Hudson are perfection. This story grabs right from the start and it’s a ride y’all. The depth of these characters and their motivations were so good, I couldn’t get enough. I felt so deeply for these two and watching the push and pull tension build was insane!! You don’t want to miss out on this one y’all.
Never have I ever cried while reading a Mafia romance ..🥃 drink up! This is something so uniquely Hannah. It doesn’t matter what she writes, she will hit you with the feels!!
If you are unsure if mafia and darker vibes are your thing, this is a great story to pick up!! Briar & Hudson are perfection. This story grabs right from the start and it’s a ride y’all. The depth of these characters and their motivations were so good, I couldn’t get enough. I felt so deeply for these two and watching the push and pull tension build was insane!! You don’t want to miss out on this one y’all.
August 20, 2024
I'm going to be super clear here- this book is packed. The tension between Briar and Hudson sizzled from the first chapter and just kept me on the hook from there. Every other moment was a "no freaking way" moment that made me not want to put this book down. I was addicted, and also loved seeing Walker and Poppy from the opposite perspective.
I did really love Briar as a character so much. She was so strong and a little bit stubborn, but held her own in some rough situations with a moral compass I can respect. She was my favorite kind of MFC, totally falling for the broody, (suspectively) morally grey bodyguard, but true to herself and what she set out to do.
I also liked undercover agent Hudson, a lot tortured by his past but pulling out of his haze and into the new phase in his life. I would have liked a bit more conversation between the two of them about where he was and why he was now moving forward, but instead we got a fast paced and energetic story that did not get stagnant at all.
Briar and Hudson's story, while a smidge on the darker side (mafia) was still easy to read and packed with action. I also loved the other nods to previous books, I was eating it up! Overall, another great story by the lovely Hannah Gray!
I did really love Briar as a character so much. She was so strong and a little bit stubborn, but held her own in some rough situations with a moral compass I can respect. She was my favorite kind of MFC, totally falling for the broody, (suspectively) morally grey bodyguard, but true to herself and what she set out to do.
I also liked undercover agent Hudson, a lot tortured by his past but pulling out of his haze and into the new phase in his life. I would have liked a bit more conversation between the two of them about where he was and why he was now moving forward, but instead we got a fast paced and energetic story that did not get stagnant at all.
Briar and Hudson's story, while a smidge on the darker side (mafia) was still easy to read and packed with action. I also loved the other nods to previous books, I was eating it up! Overall, another great story by the lovely Hannah Gray!
August 28, 2024
This was a fun change up from Hannah’s normal sports romance. After getting a glimpse of Hudson & Briar in Last Boy I was excited to see where Hannah took their story.
If you’re just dipping your toe in dark/ mafia romance this is a great book to start with! Both Briar & Hudson have troubled pasts for very different reasons. Briar’s upbringing was full of heartache & Hudson’s life took a tragic turn 6 years ago. Now Briar finds herself being forced to marry, Enzo, who is the head of the Romano mob family in order to protect her brother. When Briar arrives in Italy, she meets the broody, tatted,
broken boy bodyguard, Hudson. Stolen glances & touches lead to the perfect amount of tension that had me wanting more of these two. Their journey to be together wasn’t traditional but it was a ride. The little things Hudson did for Briar were so sweet. We all just want someone to take us through the McDonald’s drive thru once in a while, am I right?
I really enjoyed their story & it was so cool to see Hannah tackle a different genre!
4 ⭐️|| 2 🌶️
If you’re just dipping your toe in dark/ mafia romance this is a great book to start with! Both Briar & Hudson have troubled pasts for very different reasons. Briar’s upbringing was full of heartache & Hudson’s life took a tragic turn 6 years ago. Now Briar finds herself being forced to marry, Enzo, who is the head of the Romano mob family in order to protect her brother. When Briar arrives in Italy, she meets the broody, tatted,
broken boy bodyguard, Hudson. Stolen glances & touches lead to the perfect amount of tension that had me wanting more of these two. Their journey to be together wasn’t traditional but it was a ride. The little things Hudson did for Briar were so sweet. We all just want someone to take us through the McDonald’s drive thru once in a while, am I right?
I really enjoyed their story & it was so cool to see Hannah tackle a different genre!
4 ⭐️|| 2 🌶️
September 1, 2024
Alright Hannah Gray…
I loved the puck boys of brooks university.
But this mafia spin-off was bang a rang.
We got a glimpse of these two in Last Boy.
But their story was better than imagined.
It had that Mafia/bodyguard aspect to it but it still had that Hannah Gray humor in there.
And damn did she have to go and hit me in the feels with them flashbacks.
Hudson and Briar might be my favorite couple in this universe
I loved the puck boys of brooks university.
But this mafia spin-off was bang a rang.
We got a glimpse of these two in Last Boy.
But their story was better than imagined.
It had that Mafia/bodyguard aspect to it but it still had that Hannah Gray humor in there.
And damn did she have to go and hit me in the feels with them flashbacks.
Hudson and Briar might be my favorite couple in this universe
August 23, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ | 2.5 🌶️
A quick mafia romance that doesn’t skimp on the spice, emotion, or touch her and 💀 vibes!
Hudson is an undercover FBI agent who is trying to take down a big Italian mob boss. Everything is going according to plan until Briar James shows up, arranged to marry said mob boss by her uncle. He’s supposed to keep his head down and finish the job. But when he’s spending every day with briar as her bodyguard, it’s becoming harder to ignore the connection he’s only ever felt for one woman.
🕊️Mafia romance
🕊️Body guard
🕊️Age gap
🕊️Forbidden
🕊️Close proximity
🕊️Grumpy X sunshine
🕊️Broken hero
I was so impressed with Ruthless!! I was hooked from the prologue and I actually had to put my kindle across the room so I didn’t stay awake all night to finish it.
I absolutely loved Hudson and Briar. They were both amazing as individuals, and I loved seeing their connection form, and the obstacles that kept getting in their way.
🌶️ This book was HOT! Hudson has a dirty mouth and he’s not afraid to use it! The ring scene is now one of my Roman Empire spicy scenes. I can’t stop thinking about it. Also the phone call scene… and the desk… 👀
This was my first book by Hannah Gray and although it seems different from what she usually writes, I’ve fallen in love with her writing style and I can’t wait to go read her other series! 😍
Thank you so much to the author and Wordsmith Publicity for the e-arc of this book!
A quick mafia romance that doesn’t skimp on the spice, emotion, or touch her and 💀 vibes!
Hudson is an undercover FBI agent who is trying to take down a big Italian mob boss. Everything is going according to plan until Briar James shows up, arranged to marry said mob boss by her uncle. He’s supposed to keep his head down and finish the job. But when he’s spending every day with briar as her bodyguard, it’s becoming harder to ignore the connection he’s only ever felt for one woman.
🕊️Mafia romance
🕊️Body guard
🕊️Age gap
🕊️Forbidden
🕊️Close proximity
🕊️Grumpy X sunshine
🕊️Broken hero
I was so impressed with Ruthless!! I was hooked from the prologue and I actually had to put my kindle across the room so I didn’t stay awake all night to finish it.
I absolutely loved Hudson and Briar. They were both amazing as individuals, and I loved seeing their connection form, and the obstacles that kept getting in their way.
🌶️ This book was HOT! Hudson has a dirty mouth and he’s not afraid to use it! The ring scene is now one of my Roman Empire spicy scenes. I can’t stop thinking about it. Also the phone call scene… and the desk… 👀
This was my first book by Hannah Gray and although it seems different from what she usually writes, I’ve fallen in love with her writing style and I can’t wait to go read her other series! 😍
Thank you so much to the author and Wordsmith Publicity for the e-arc of this book!
August 22, 2024
Rating: 5/5 🌟
Spice: 2.5/5 🌶️
Characters: Hudson and Briar
I loved this so much! A new all-time favorite for sure.
I am convinced that Hannah could write anything, and I'll love it though. There hasn't been a single book of hers that I haven't absolutely loved.
This is a bit of a new direction for Hannah - light mafia!
I couldn't get enough of Hudson or the dynamic between him and Briar. He's her broody bodyguard and she's intended to another - marriage of convenience. We first met these two in Last Boy and while I don't think you need to read that; it helps in my opinion.
I really don't want to say much about the story, and I don't want to give anything away. Briar is strong and I loved her as a character. Hudson is a perfect hero (for me), protective, possessive, with a past and a dirty mouth. There is so much tension and chemistry between them. The story is full of action, love, steam, and emotion.
Honestly, it was a perfect read (to me). I loved every single second of it and didn't want it to end. It's one of those books that I wanted to reread right after finishing it. Definitely one I'll be revisiting time and time again.
Spice: 2.5/5 🌶️
Characters: Hudson and Briar
I loved this so much! A new all-time favorite for sure.
I am convinced that Hannah could write anything, and I'll love it though. There hasn't been a single book of hers that I haven't absolutely loved.
This is a bit of a new direction for Hannah - light mafia!
I couldn't get enough of Hudson or the dynamic between him and Briar. He's her broody bodyguard and she's intended to another - marriage of convenience. We first met these two in Last Boy and while I don't think you need to read that; it helps in my opinion.
I really don't want to say much about the story, and I don't want to give anything away. Briar is strong and I loved her as a character. Hudson is a perfect hero (for me), protective, possessive, with a past and a dirty mouth. There is so much tension and chemistry between them. The story is full of action, love, steam, and emotion.
Honestly, it was a perfect read (to me). I loved every single second of it and didn't want it to end. It's one of those books that I wanted to reread right after finishing it. Definitely one I'll be revisiting time and time again.
August 29, 2024
5/5 ⭐️
2/5🌶️
Tropes:
🖤Mafia Vibes
🕊️Forbidden Romance
🖤Bodyguard Romance
🕊️Age Gap (9 years )
🖤Close Proximity
🕊️Secret Relationship
OMG. OMG. HANNAH GRAY HAS DONE IT AGAIN. She did not come to play with this new mafia romance!!! It was a fun change up from Hannah normal sports romance and IM SO HERE FOR IT! If you haven’t read any mafia romances this is the perfect book to dip your toes into.
After getting a glimpse of Hudson & Briar in Last Boy I was so excited to see where Hannah took their story! I was so not disappointed, I LOVE THEM SO MUCH! When this hit my kindle, I cancelled all my plans!🤣 Hudson is an undercover FBI agent who is trying to take down a big Italian mob boss. Everything is going according to plan until Briar James shows up, arranged to marry said mob boss by her uncle. But what happens when he’s spending every day with Briar as her bodyguard. Will he be able to resist her?
Hudson was EVERYTHING. Possessive. Dominant. Such a softy at times when it mattered! Their relationship was EVERYTHING. Their chemistry. The tension. The SPICE🥵 MY GAWD. I highlighted so much. Hannah YOU KILLED THIS!
Thank you so much Hannah Gray for this eARC!🫶🏼
2/5🌶️
Tropes:
🖤Mafia Vibes
🕊️Forbidden Romance
🖤Bodyguard Romance
🕊️Age Gap (9 years )
🖤Close Proximity
🕊️Secret Relationship
OMG. OMG. HANNAH GRAY HAS DONE IT AGAIN. She did not come to play with this new mafia romance!!! It was a fun change up from Hannah normal sports romance and IM SO HERE FOR IT! If you haven’t read any mafia romances this is the perfect book to dip your toes into.
After getting a glimpse of Hudson & Briar in Last Boy I was so excited to see where Hannah took their story! I was so not disappointed, I LOVE THEM SO MUCH! When this hit my kindle, I cancelled all my plans!🤣 Hudson is an undercover FBI agent who is trying to take down a big Italian mob boss. Everything is going according to plan until Briar James shows up, arranged to marry said mob boss by her uncle. But what happens when he’s spending every day with Briar as her bodyguard. Will he be able to resist her?
Hudson was EVERYTHING. Possessive. Dominant. Such a softy at times when it mattered! Their relationship was EVERYTHING. Their chemistry. The tension. The SPICE🥵 MY GAWD. I highlighted so much. Hannah YOU KILLED THIS!
Thank you so much Hannah Gray for this eARC!🫶🏼
August 29, 2024
4.5✨
Hannah Gray went mafia?? HELL YES!!! She killed it. Briar was a baddie in all the right ways while Hudson is a force to be reckoned with. Put them together and it’s pure perfection.
Briar is being married off to a nightmare of a man. Except she’s not fighting it and nobody can understand why. Especially not her brother. Hudson is a bodyguard for this man, and in turn ends up being Briar’s bodyguard… and what’s the only thing you can do when you hate your husband and have a hot bodyguard? Fall for him, duh!!!
Hannah Gray went mafia?? HELL YES!!! She killed it. Briar was a baddie in all the right ways while Hudson is a force to be reckoned with. Put them together and it’s pure perfection.
Briar is being married off to a nightmare of a man. Except she’s not fighting it and nobody can understand why. Especially not her brother. Hudson is a bodyguard for this man, and in turn ends up being Briar’s bodyguard… and what’s the only thing you can do when you hate your husband and have a hot bodyguard? Fall for him, duh!!!
September 1, 2024
I was SO excited for this story after meeting these two in Last Boy but this honestly was such a slog and so so hard to get into. I pushed through because I needed to see how it all unraveled but it was just disappointing.
Their whole love story was just thrown together even tho Hudson was still very clearly in love with his deceased wife. The whole thing just felt icky and I can’t vibe w it
Their whole love story was just thrown together even tho Hudson was still very clearly in love with his deceased wife. The whole thing just felt icky and I can’t vibe w it
August 30, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25, 🌶️🌶️
dark Mafia romance
Arranged marriage (not to MMC)
Bodyguard
Forbidden romance
Broken hero
Hannah wasn’t playing around with this dark mafia romance! I was instantly hooked into this book!
Hudson the MMC was a grumpy, broody tattooed hero! I mean what is not to love 🥵 & he had a filthy mouth.
Briar, she dropped everything to become engaged to a dangerous man to keep her family safe 🥹. I really enjoyed her character and her willingness to not back down.
I loved the emotional pieces she added into both of these characters and their healing journey.
Thank you Hannah & Wordsmith for the eARC in exchange for an honest review
dark Mafia romance
Arranged marriage (not to MMC)
Bodyguard
Forbidden romance
Broken hero
Hannah wasn’t playing around with this dark mafia romance! I was instantly hooked into this book!
Hudson the MMC was a grumpy, broody tattooed hero! I mean what is not to love 🥵 & he had a filthy mouth.
Briar, she dropped everything to become engaged to a dangerous man to keep her family safe 🥹. I really enjoyed her character and her willingness to not back down.
I loved the emotional pieces she added into both of these characters and their healing journey.
Thank you Hannah & Wordsmith for the eARC in exchange for an honest review
August 22, 2024
This one sure did pack a punch! I was literally hooked from the prologue and could not put this book down. This is my first Hannah Gray book and I know this is not the type of book she normally writes, but OMG it was so good and now I am moving all of her books higher up on the TBR!
Ok where do I even start? Right off the bat, Hannah really pulled me in with the prologue. The prologue will keep you on your toes the entire time you read this one just waiting for this moment to happen. The whole time I was wondering what would lead up to that moment and when it would happen. It made me literally not want to put this book down. The prologue had me so invested in this book.
The prologue is not the only thing that kept me wanting more. The main characters, I loved them! Hudson is an undercover FBI agent who is trying to take down this plaster surgeon and the Italian mafia when he meets Briar. Briar finds herself in a pickle when her uncle decides to force her into a marriage with the Italian mafia prince. But don't let Briar fool you, she may seem meek and doe eyed to all these awful men, but she's strong and decides to find her own way to take down the mafia.
Right off the bat, you could feel the attraction and tension between Briar and Hudson. And the tension just kept building til it bubbled over. I just loved these two tortured souls so much. Both have tragic backgrounds, especially Hudson. And to see him battle his feelings for Briar til he came to acceptance was beautiful. And that dream scene that occurred after the incident in the prologued literally had me crying. I was a blubbery mess. But it was what Hudson needed to fully accept that he loved Briar and it was so beautiful. As for Briar, I loved her little feisty attitude. She really knew how to play the part of a submissive mafia wife but don't be fooled, that girl can hold her own. I also want to mention, that Briar is a much better woman than I am because I would have junk punched Enzo a long time ago. I've never disliked a character more!
As you can tell, I gobbled this one up! I loved everything about it! I loved the plot. I loved Briar and Hudson. I loved the spice. It was all just perfection! It was also a very quick read, and I am sure that's mainly due to the fact that the plot will make you not want to stop reading. So if you are looking for a mafia romance that involves a forbidden relationship with a bodyguard, then this is the one for you!
You should most definitely read this book if you like:
- Mafia Romance
- Bodyguard/FBI Agent MMC
- Age Gap
- Forbidden
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Broken and Tortured Hero
*I would like to say a huge thank you to Wordsmith Publicity and Hannah Gray for allowing me the opportunity to read this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions and review.
Ok where do I even start? Right off the bat, Hannah really pulled me in with the prologue. The prologue will keep you on your toes the entire time you read this one just waiting for this moment to happen. The whole time I was wondering what would lead up to that moment and when it would happen. It made me literally not want to put this book down. The prologue had me so invested in this book.
The prologue is not the only thing that kept me wanting more. The main characters, I loved them! Hudson is an undercover FBI agent who is trying to take down this plaster surgeon and the Italian mafia when he meets Briar. Briar finds herself in a pickle when her uncle decides to force her into a marriage with the Italian mafia prince. But don't let Briar fool you, she may seem meek and doe eyed to all these awful men, but she's strong and decides to find her own way to take down the mafia.
Right off the bat, you could feel the attraction and tension between Briar and Hudson. And the tension just kept building til it bubbled over. I just loved these two tortured souls so much. Both have tragic backgrounds, especially Hudson. And to see him battle his feelings for Briar til he came to acceptance was beautiful. And that dream scene that occurred after the incident in the prologued literally had me crying. I was a blubbery mess. But it was what Hudson needed to fully accept that he loved Briar and it was so beautiful. As for Briar, I loved her little feisty attitude. She really knew how to play the part of a submissive mafia wife but don't be fooled, that girl can hold her own. I also want to mention, that Briar is a much better woman than I am because I would have junk punched Enzo a long time ago. I've never disliked a character more!
As you can tell, I gobbled this one up! I loved everything about it! I loved the plot. I loved Briar and Hudson. I loved the spice. It was all just perfection! It was also a very quick read, and I am sure that's mainly due to the fact that the plot will make you not want to stop reading. So if you are looking for a mafia romance that involves a forbidden relationship with a bodyguard, then this is the one for you!
You should most definitely read this book if you like:
- Mafia Romance
- Bodyguard/FBI Agent MMC
- Age Gap
- Forbidden
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Broken and Tortured Hero
*I would like to say a huge thank you to Wordsmith Publicity and Hannah Gray for allowing me the opportunity to read this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions and review.
August 28, 2024
Tropes:
Mafia romance
Darker themes
Forbidden romance
Bodyguard
Arranged Marriage (not to MMC)
Forced Proximity
4.5⭐
2🌶️
Hannah 🤝 Mafia romance and I'm absolutely here for it. Broody, grumpy, hot, tattooed bodyguard. What more do you need? If the prologue doesn't reel you in, then I'm sorry, try again.
This story was absolute perfection. If you are curious about dark romance, but don't want too dark this is such a great read for just that. We met Briar & Hudson at the very end of her series Puck Boys of Briar University and it had me absolutely craving their story.
This read was one of those I simply could not put down until I was finished, and I did just that. Start to finish in one sitting. The tension & angst between these two characters had me begging for more. I found myself wanting to throw my kindle in frustration to just have them give into each other. The suspense & backstory of Hudson's life also gave this read much more depth. My heart truly broke for Hudson, with his grief from his past, to healing and moving forward.
Thank you Hannah & Wordsmith for the eARC in exchange for an honest review
Mafia romance
Darker themes
Forbidden romance
Bodyguard
Arranged Marriage (not to MMC)
Forced Proximity
4.5⭐
2🌶️
Hannah 🤝 Mafia romance and I'm absolutely here for it. Broody, grumpy, hot, tattooed bodyguard. What more do you need? If the prologue doesn't reel you in, then I'm sorry, try again.
This story was absolute perfection. If you are curious about dark romance, but don't want too dark this is such a great read for just that. We met Briar & Hudson at the very end of her series Puck Boys of Briar University and it had me absolutely craving their story.
This read was one of those I simply could not put down until I was finished, and I did just that. Start to finish in one sitting. The tension & angst between these two characters had me begging for more. I found myself wanting to throw my kindle in frustration to just have them give into each other. The suspense & backstory of Hudson's life also gave this read much more depth. My heart truly broke for Hudson, with his grief from his past, to healing and moving forward.
Thank you Hannah & Wordsmith for the eARC in exchange for an honest review
August 28, 2024
I RANNN when this ARC hit my inbox because I couldn't wait to see what Hannah did with this book. She absolutely delivered. Briar and Hudson were first mentioned in the last book of The Puck Boys of Brooks University and I was so excited to see what their story was.
I loved Briar so much. She is so strong and powerful in her own way even when she grew up around an uncle that couldn't appreciate her worth. She is so sassy and holds her own. When she sees Hudson, she feels that pull but knows she shouldn't go near someone as cold and ruthless has him. But too bad he isn't what he seems.
Hudson is an undercover FBI agent that is dealing with past grief and loss he can't let go of. When he meets Briar, he knows that she's dangerous for so many reasons but mostly because she'll throw him off his game. I love love loved Briar helping him heal the pieces of his heart that he didn't even realize he needed healed.
Hannah did such a great job and I'm so thankful to her and Wordsmith Publicity for the ARC :)
4.5 stars
2.5-3 spice
Tropes
- age gap (9 years)
- forbidden
- mafia
- grumpy x sunshine
- broken hero
- bodyguard x mafia princess
I loved Briar so much. She is so strong and powerful in her own way even when she grew up around an uncle that couldn't appreciate her worth. She is so sassy and holds her own. When she sees Hudson, she feels that pull but knows she shouldn't go near someone as cold and ruthless has him. But too bad he isn't what he seems.
Hudson is an undercover FBI agent that is dealing with past grief and loss he can't let go of. When he meets Briar, he knows that she's dangerous for so many reasons but mostly because she'll throw him off his game. I love love loved Briar helping him heal the pieces of his heart that he didn't even realize he needed healed.
Hannah did such a great job and I'm so thankful to her and Wordsmith Publicity for the ARC :)
4.5 stars
2.5-3 spice
Tropes
- age gap (9 years)
- forbidden
- mafia
- grumpy x sunshine
- broken hero
- bodyguard x mafia princess
August 27, 2024
This book was PHENOMENAL!!! Dare I say my new favorite Hannah Gray book?!??
I loved that we got a sneak peek of Hudson & Briar in Last Boy as it followed Briar’s brother. It had me very ready to read Briar’s story and see exactly what she had gotten herself into over in Italy.
I was not prepared to cry during this book, and I definitely did😭 Hudson and Briar were forbidden from the start… but that didn’t stop the attraction and the inevitable. Hudson would do ANYTHING to protect Briar and I loved that so much. He was willing to risk everything for her, and she did the same🥹
These two have my heart🫶🏼 They fell so hard and fast, that it was nearly impossible to escape unharmed. But they both knew what they were getting into, and they would do anything for each other.
I loved that we got a sneak peek of Hudson & Briar in Last Boy as it followed Briar’s brother. It had me very ready to read Briar’s story and see exactly what she had gotten herself into over in Italy.
I was not prepared to cry during this book, and I definitely did😭 Hudson and Briar were forbidden from the start… but that didn’t stop the attraction and the inevitable. Hudson would do ANYTHING to protect Briar and I loved that so much. He was willing to risk everything for her, and she did the same🥹
These two have my heart🫶🏼 They fell so hard and fast, that it was nearly impossible to escape unharmed. But they both knew what they were getting into, and they would do anything for each other.
August 22, 2024
Hannah Gray in her mafia era? ABSOLUTELY YES PLEASE.
This was a different genre for Hannah, and I am absolutely here for it. We've met Hudson and Briar before - Hudson as the bodyguard who helped protect Poppy in Last Boy and Briar as Walker's sister who seemed to be under the thumb of their terrible uncle. In Ruthless we see that not everything is as it seems, and everything about it was perfection.
Briar as a badass who is trying to uncover all the horrible things her uncle is doing. Hudson as an undercover agent trying to do the same. Hudson's tortured past holding him back from letting himself fall in love. Hudson and Briar figuratively crashing into each other, unable to stay away. Another perspective of Walker's ill-fated wedding. THE DESK SCENE IYKYK. I loved every single word.
Everything Hannah writes is excellent, and this was no exception. It was a great bridge between the Puck Boys series that ended earlier this summer, and what is coming next, and it was a fast, fun, action packed read you will definitely love.
This was a different genre for Hannah, and I am absolutely here for it. We've met Hudson and Briar before - Hudson as the bodyguard who helped protect Poppy in Last Boy and Briar as Walker's sister who seemed to be under the thumb of their terrible uncle. In Ruthless we see that not everything is as it seems, and everything about it was perfection.
Briar as a badass who is trying to uncover all the horrible things her uncle is doing. Hudson as an undercover agent trying to do the same. Hudson's tortured past holding him back from letting himself fall in love. Hudson and Briar figuratively crashing into each other, unable to stay away. Another perspective of Walker's ill-fated wedding. THE DESK SCENE IYKYK. I loved every single word.
Everything Hannah writes is excellent, and this was no exception. It was a great bridge between the Puck Boys series that ended earlier this summer, and what is coming next, and it was a fast, fun, action packed read you will definitely love.
August 29, 2024
“If protecting her means dying, I’d do it. Every. Fucking. Time.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Hannah Gray my sports romance queen took this bodyguard romance by the horns and made it her bitch…Yes,it was that good!
Briar James is set to marry a mafia Don , via an arranged marriage. Hudson Hale is a bodyguard on a mission that changes course,when he meets Briar. Hudson has been in a fog since tragedy struck six years ago. But then,his dove breathed life back into him. Now, Hudson can’t seem to stay away from his boss’s new fiancé who he wants to protect.
I love the direction Hannah went with this book. The Italian mafia vibe kept me glued to this story. I went through a wide span of emotions, especially with Hudson’s backstory. It wouldn’t be a Hannah Gray book without some tears. Briar is a selfless badass with a protective nature. She would sacrifice herself to protect the ones she loves. This fast pace story had so much action, banter, love,and spice. The chemistry and tension between them was scorching hot. I loved everything about this book. Hannah out did herself. I love that she went out of her comfort zone and gave us this gem.
Tropes: bodyguard romance, mafia , age gap, forbidden, forced proximity arrange marriage, broken man.
Thank you Hannah and Wordsmith for the ARC
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Hannah Gray my sports romance queen took this bodyguard romance by the horns and made it her bitch…Yes,it was that good!
Briar James is set to marry a mafia Don , via an arranged marriage. Hudson Hale is a bodyguard on a mission that changes course,when he meets Briar. Hudson has been in a fog since tragedy struck six years ago. But then,his dove breathed life back into him. Now, Hudson can’t seem to stay away from his boss’s new fiancé who he wants to protect.
I love the direction Hannah went with this book. The Italian mafia vibe kept me glued to this story. I went through a wide span of emotions, especially with Hudson’s backstory. It wouldn’t be a Hannah Gray book without some tears. Briar is a selfless badass with a protective nature. She would sacrifice herself to protect the ones she loves. This fast pace story had so much action, banter, love,and spice. The chemistry and tension between them was scorching hot. I loved everything about this book. Hannah out did herself. I love that she went out of her comfort zone and gave us this gem.
Tropes: bodyguard romance, mafia , age gap, forbidden, forced proximity arrange marriage, broken man.
Thank you Hannah and Wordsmith for the ARC
August 24, 2024
Rating 4/5 ⭐️
Spice 3/5 🌶️
eARC
I wasn’t expecting to get knocked out with this amazing mafia romance book by Hannah Gray. She did not disappoint! I couldn’t put the book down.
Hudson is the MMC, the bodyguard/hero, protective with a dirty mouth. Briar is loyal, smart and strong individual trying to bring down her uncle and protect her brother. She doesn’t expect to meet Hudson and quickly is drawn to him all while trying to stay focused on the task at hand. When lines cross both find themselves fighting more than the job they set out to do.
A great read. This is a standalone novel. Hudson’s character is part of the Puck Boys of Brooks University. I highly recommend reading as well. So good!!
Tropes:
Mafia romance
Secret relationship
Age gap
Bodyguard
Forbidden
Touch her and die
Forced proximity
Spice 3/5 🌶️
eARC
I wasn’t expecting to get knocked out with this amazing mafia romance book by Hannah Gray. She did not disappoint! I couldn’t put the book down.
Hudson is the MMC, the bodyguard/hero, protective with a dirty mouth. Briar is loyal, smart and strong individual trying to bring down her uncle and protect her brother. She doesn’t expect to meet Hudson and quickly is drawn to him all while trying to stay focused on the task at hand. When lines cross both find themselves fighting more than the job they set out to do.
A great read. This is a standalone novel. Hudson’s character is part of the Puck Boys of Brooks University. I highly recommend reading as well. So good!!
Tropes:
Mafia romance
Secret relationship
Age gap
Bodyguard
Forbidden
Touch her and die
Forced proximity
September 26, 2024
hudson + briar
🌶️/5
the gist: Italy • Georgia • mafia-ish • bodyguard x prisoner • he calls her Dove • she sketches • secret identity • HEA
>>This just didn't hit for me. For a first time mafia story...it was a solid effort! The romance between Briar and Hudson just never came for me and they felt disjointed. You have someone threatening to spew brains on a door and then using the word "willy" in a joke the next. I wanted to love it. I wanted this to be another 5 star read from my auto buy author Hannah, but I just didn't get there. The spice was there, the quintessential Hannah humor was there, but the character arc and plot development fell short. Walker and Poppy's appearance and Hudson's ties to Peaches from the other Puck Boy books was nice to see! Still love Hannah and her epic Puck Boy series and can't wait for the NE Bay Sharks series to kick off soon!
🌶️/5
the gist: Italy • Georgia • mafia-ish • bodyguard x prisoner • he calls her Dove • she sketches • secret identity • HEA
>>This just didn't hit for me. For a first time mafia story...it was a solid effort! The romance between Briar and Hudson just never came for me and they felt disjointed. You have someone threatening to spew brains on a door and then using the word "willy" in a joke the next. I wanted to love it. I wanted this to be another 5 star read from my auto buy author Hannah, but I just didn't get there. The spice was there, the quintessential Hannah humor was there, but the character arc and plot development fell short. Walker and Poppy's appearance and Hudson's ties to Peaches from the other Puck Boy books was nice to see! Still love Hannah and her epic Puck Boy series and can't wait for the NE Bay Sharks series to kick off soon!
August 21, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! It was so good to see another side to Hannah Gray's writing! I loved her take on the mafia trope while remaining true to her writing style. It was easy to read and follow and I was hooked right from the prologue. I was definitely intrigued as to the dynamic of Briar and Hudson from their appearance in book 7 of the Puck Boys series.
Briar was such a good FMC! She was so strong, like the girl had been through it growing up and being thrust into a terrifying situation at her Uncle's hands. Despite being petrified, she remained true to herself and her mission. She was able to hold her own, was so brave, and fierce. Seeing her fall for Hudson was so nice as she definitely deserved her happy ending!
𝙎𝙝𝙚'𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖𝙛𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩.. 𝙄 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙩."
Hudson - working undercover for the FBI while battling the demons and grief of his past. I enjoyed the little flashbacks from his past which explained the way that he was. He has spent so much time running and blocking out pain and I loved that Briar was able to help heal that hurt within him. Their chemistry was definitely sizzling right from the get go, and seeing Hudson give in was the moment we all love!
"𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙙 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡, 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧."
Also, just a note - the way that Hannah can flawlessly overlap timelines blows my mind! I really liked being able to see the end of Walker and Poppy's book (book 7 in Puck Boys series) from the other perspective.
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩:
- mafia romance
- body guard x mafia princess
- forbidden
- age gap (9 years)
- forced proximity
Thank you to Hannah for the arc; I love being on your team!
“Ruthless” releases 29 August!
Briar was such a good FMC! She was so strong, like the girl had been through it growing up and being thrust into a terrifying situation at her Uncle's hands. Despite being petrified, she remained true to herself and her mission. She was able to hold her own, was so brave, and fierce. Seeing her fall for Hudson was so nice as she definitely deserved her happy ending!
𝙎𝙝𝙚'𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖𝙛𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩.. 𝙄 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙩."
Hudson - working undercover for the FBI while battling the demons and grief of his past. I enjoyed the little flashbacks from his past which explained the way that he was. He has spent so much time running and blocking out pain and I loved that Briar was able to help heal that hurt within him. Their chemistry was definitely sizzling right from the get go, and seeing Hudson give in was the moment we all love!
"𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙙 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡, 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧."
Also, just a note - the way that Hannah can flawlessly overlap timelines blows my mind! I really liked being able to see the end of Walker and Poppy's book (book 7 in Puck Boys series) from the other perspective.
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩:
- mafia romance
- body guard x mafia princess
- forbidden
- age gap (9 years)
- forced proximity
Thank you to Hannah for the arc; I love being on your team!
“Ruthless” releases 29 August!
August 29, 2024
LOVED THEM SO MUCH
Hannah has entered her mafia era and I am here for it!
“Dove, you should know by now that I would never let anybody hurt you.”
We know from the previous book that Briar is engaged to a sketchy man that her uncle is forcing her to marry. While she is seen as meek and agreeable in the previous book, we learn that she is hiding her fierce side and biding her time to strike and regain her freedom.
“Use me, baby. Take it all out on me. I can take it.”
We watch as she is introduced to Hudson, who is a security guard ordered to watch her. For obvious reasons, they don’t get off on the right foot but I loved watching them slowly start to connect. What she doesn’t know is that Hudson is trying to gather the information needed to take down the bad guys but his focus starts to divide as Briar brings out emotions in him that he hasn’t felt in years.
“I might have saved Dove’s life, but she gave me back mine.”
Hannah pulled no punches when it came to the emotional parts of this book. You can’t help but be captivated to this story to the point where you feel their pain. I really wasn’t expecting Hudson’s past to continue so much pain and there was one moment that had me hysterically crying but it just made their HEA feel that much sweeter.
“He might think you belong to him, but this mouth is mine.”
This is easily one of my favourite books written by Hannah but I do feel like I say that after every release haha. Can’t wait to see what comes next.
Hannah has entered her mafia era and I am here for it!
“Dove, you should know by now that I would never let anybody hurt you.”
We know from the previous book that Briar is engaged to a sketchy man that her uncle is forcing her to marry. While she is seen as meek and agreeable in the previous book, we learn that she is hiding her fierce side and biding her time to strike and regain her freedom.
“Use me, baby. Take it all out on me. I can take it.”
We watch as she is introduced to Hudson, who is a security guard ordered to watch her. For obvious reasons, they don’t get off on the right foot but I loved watching them slowly start to connect. What she doesn’t know is that Hudson is trying to gather the information needed to take down the bad guys but his focus starts to divide as Briar brings out emotions in him that he hasn’t felt in years.
“I might have saved Dove’s life, but she gave me back mine.”
Hannah pulled no punches when it came to the emotional parts of this book. You can’t help but be captivated to this story to the point where you feel their pain. I really wasn’t expecting Hudson’s past to continue so much pain and there was one moment that had me hysterically crying but it just made their HEA feel that much sweeter.
“He might think you belong to him, but this mouth is mine.”
This is easily one of my favourite books written by Hannah but I do feel like I say that after every release haha. Can’t wait to see what comes next.
August 24, 2024
Mafia. Arranged Marriage. Bodyguard. None of these are my favorite tropes, but when Hannah Gray puts them all together in a Puck Boys spin-off, how could I resist? I couldn't, and right from the prologue, I knew that I was going to be in for one wild ride with this one.
When Hudson aka Hercules first met Briar James, he knew that she was going to be trouble. She may come across as his employer's weak and obedient niece, but Hudson sees more than that when he looks at her. He'll soon learn that Briar may not be as helpless as he first thought, but they're in a situation that will be difficult for either of them to escape.
Ruthless is a spin-off of The Puck Boys of Brook University series, but you could totally read this as a standalone. I first saw a glimpse of Hudson and Briar in the last book of the Puck Boys though, and I couldn't wait to get my hands on their story. It definitely did not disappoint. I pretty much read this book in one sitting.
From the very beginning, I couldn't get enough and couldn't read fast enough either...I needed to know how this story would end. Hudson and Briar's story had me on the edge of my seat at times, had me crying one minute and laughing the next. This isn't really a dark romance, although it does deal with some dark topics and has some darker elements. It has action, steam, and a touch of heartbreak, and I honestly didn't want this story to be over.
When Hudson aka Hercules first met Briar James, he knew that she was going to be trouble. She may come across as his employer's weak and obedient niece, but Hudson sees more than that when he looks at her. He'll soon learn that Briar may not be as helpless as he first thought, but they're in a situation that will be difficult for either of them to escape.
Ruthless is a spin-off of The Puck Boys of Brook University series, but you could totally read this as a standalone. I first saw a glimpse of Hudson and Briar in the last book of the Puck Boys though, and I couldn't wait to get my hands on their story. It definitely did not disappoint. I pretty much read this book in one sitting.
From the very beginning, I couldn't get enough and couldn't read fast enough either...I needed to know how this story would end. Hudson and Briar's story had me on the edge of my seat at times, had me crying one minute and laughing the next. This isn't really a dark romance, although it does deal with some dark topics and has some darker elements. It has action, steam, and a touch of heartbreak, and I honestly didn't want this story to be over.
August 29, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ | 3.5 🌶️
HANNAHHHH!!! Ok I went into this sorta blind but knew from Walker & Poppy’s book a little of what we were getting into. Boy was I totally surprised in the BEST WAY 👏🏽 This is why I love Hannah. Her writing is so versatile but always leaves you wanting more and loving every minute of it.
I’m not really into mafia/darker romance books, but if Hannah writes it, I will read it. The way she wrote this book was nothing short of amazing and I ate it up.
Hudson is the definition of a protective MMC - I mean he is a bodyguard after all. But the way he cared for Briar, when he knew he shouldn’t, and let her see past his tough exterior was everything.
And Briar was such a strong FMC, something that Hannah is the queen at writing. She was tough when she needed to be and never let anyone see her struggle.
This book is so tragically beautiful in so many ways and I completely felt the heartbreak and loneliness that both Briar and Hudson felt. The way they found themselves intertwined with one another, using each other to heal and persevere through the circumstances they were given was truly incredible to read.
I cried so hard reading this book and I hope that it touches you the way it did me. Thank you to Hannah and Wordsmith Publicity for the ARC!!
HANNAHHHH!!! Ok I went into this sorta blind but knew from Walker & Poppy’s book a little of what we were getting into. Boy was I totally surprised in the BEST WAY 👏🏽 This is why I love Hannah. Her writing is so versatile but always leaves you wanting more and loving every minute of it.
I’m not really into mafia/darker romance books, but if Hannah writes it, I will read it. The way she wrote this book was nothing short of amazing and I ate it up.
Hudson is the definition of a protective MMC - I mean he is a bodyguard after all. But the way he cared for Briar, when he knew he shouldn’t, and let her see past his tough exterior was everything.
And Briar was such a strong FMC, something that Hannah is the queen at writing. She was tough when she needed to be and never let anyone see her struggle.
This book is so tragically beautiful in so many ways and I completely felt the heartbreak and loneliness that both Briar and Hudson felt. The way they found themselves intertwined with one another, using each other to heal and persevere through the circumstances they were given was truly incredible to read.
I cried so hard reading this book and I hope that it touches you the way it did me. Thank you to Hannah and Wordsmith Publicity for the ARC!!
August 20, 2024
WOW!! I am literally speechless after reading this one from Hannah. This is so different than anything she has ever written, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. She blew my expectations out of the water. I am literally obsessed with this book and can’t wait to see if she continues to write in this genre.
If you have read Last Boy you get the back story of the two MCs in this. However, this can be read as a standalone and do not have to read Last Boy to enjoy this. It just elevates it IMO.
Don’t want to give too much away…but bodyguard, mafia vibes…touch her and die!!! UGH this book was so delicious in the best possible way. Briar James might seem like she an innocent girl but she was so strong and fearless. Her whole story was so intriguing and had me hooked at the jump.
And Hudson…let me just say Hannah picked the perfect cover model for him. I loved learning about Hudson’s past and seeing his inner conflict with his feelings towards Briar. I mean this man is such dirty talker I had to fan myself more than a few times. Hannah def leveled up her spice in this one. The shower, the phone call…the drawings,…the desk!!!
These two were absolutely perfect for one another. They fall hard and fast and I am here for it. The tension between them was there from chapter one and did not let up.
This book was so packed…action, love story, spice…it has it all. Overall such a great and different read from Hannah and I am so excited to see what is next.
Thank you to Hannah and team for an eARC.
Overall: 5
Spice: 3
Tropes:
- Forbidden
- Mafia vibes
- Age Gap
- Bodyguard
- Close Proximity
- Secret Relationship
If you have read Last Boy you get the back story of the two MCs in this. However, this can be read as a standalone and do not have to read Last Boy to enjoy this. It just elevates it IMO.
Don’t want to give too much away…but bodyguard, mafia vibes…touch her and die!!! UGH this book was so delicious in the best possible way. Briar James might seem like she an innocent girl but she was so strong and fearless. Her whole story was so intriguing and had me hooked at the jump.
And Hudson…let me just say Hannah picked the perfect cover model for him. I loved learning about Hudson’s past and seeing his inner conflict with his feelings towards Briar. I mean this man is such dirty talker I had to fan myself more than a few times. Hannah def leveled up her spice in this one. The shower, the phone call…the drawings,…the desk!!!
These two were absolutely perfect for one another. They fall hard and fast and I am here for it. The tension between them was there from chapter one and did not let up.
This book was so packed…action, love story, spice…it has it all. Overall such a great and different read from Hannah and I am so excited to see what is next.
Thank you to Hannah and team for an eARC.
Overall: 5
Spice: 3
Tropes:
- Forbidden
- Mafia vibes
- Age Gap
- Bodyguard
- Close Proximity
- Secret Relationship
September 1, 2024
This book grabbed me right from the start and refused to let go! So intense, so much at stake... I wanted nothing more than to read it all at once so I could know how things would turn out.
Briar had me curious ever since I read Walker's book, and Hudson was a stoic mystery, so I was happy to dive right in and learn their story. Almost immediately, I was invested in the characters. I felt Briars fear, stressed with Hudson over her situation and how she could get out, and got so angry that I would have done anything to get rid of Enzo.
I am always so impressed with Hannah Gray's ability to write characters and stories that pull me in and make me feel. There were some smiles, eye rolling, snorts of amusement, and even some tears, and that's just par for the course for her books.
If you like spicy mafia romance with a damsel in distress that gives you all the feels, this is one you shouldn't miss.
Thank you to the author and to Wordsmith Publicity for my gifted ARC. I am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
Briar had me curious ever since I read Walker's book, and Hudson was a stoic mystery, so I was happy to dive right in and learn their story. Almost immediately, I was invested in the characters. I felt Briars fear, stressed with Hudson over her situation and how she could get out, and got so angry that I would have done anything to get rid of Enzo.
I am always so impressed with Hannah Gray's ability to write characters and stories that pull me in and make me feel. There were some smiles, eye rolling, snorts of amusement, and even some tears, and that's just par for the course for her books.
If you like spicy mafia romance with a damsel in distress that gives you all the feels, this is one you shouldn't miss.
Thank you to the author and to Wordsmith Publicity for my gifted ARC. I am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
August 29, 2024
A ruggedly handsome bodyguard to the mafia, Hudson, who hasn’t been intimate with anyone for six years, starts feeling a kind of way for the woman, Briar, whom he is to protect. But the woman is already arranged to be married to his mafia boss. Hudson also has deep secrets about why he works for her soon-to-be husband. Little does he know she has secrets of her own.
“Ruthless” is indeed filled with both characters keeping secrets, but there is so much heat and romance between them. I’ve read several of Hannah Gray's books, and the one thing she can consistently do besides writing a solid plot is to pull those heartstrings. Whether it’s a college romance or, in this case, a mafia one, I’m tearing up over Briar’s past and how strong she’s had to be, how she’s had to put everyone else first. And Hudson. When his story was shared, my heart broke.
”Ruthless” was a fantastic read.
“Ruthless” is indeed filled with both characters keeping secrets, but there is so much heat and romance between them. I’ve read several of Hannah Gray's books, and the one thing she can consistently do besides writing a solid plot is to pull those heartstrings. Whether it’s a college romance or, in this case, a mafia one, I’m tearing up over Briar’s past and how strong she’s had to be, how she’s had to put everyone else first. And Hudson. When his story was shared, my heart broke.
”Ruthless” was a fantastic read.
August 30, 2024
ugh… what a disappointment
Ok…. This was NOT her best work. I waited for this one and was really excited to read it.
1) the main characters were so victim minded. Their inner monologues were both just so whiney and over the top victim thinking. There is no way that people that think like them could actually ever be successful humans. lol a lot of their inner thought provoked major eye rolls for me.
2) The plot and relationship building was not really that great and there was not a lot of action driving the story. There would be some action, and then you would get a sad sack inner monologue and then when that was over, boom suddenly the plot had moved along. It made the relationship progression seem really unnatural.
3) I really liked walker and Poppy and many others in this series so this one was just a one off disaster hopefully.
Ok…. This was NOT her best work. I waited for this one and was really excited to read it.
1) the main characters were so victim minded. Their inner monologues were both just so whiney and over the top victim thinking. There is no way that people that think like them could actually ever be successful humans. lol a lot of their inner thought provoked major eye rolls for me.
2) The plot and relationship building was not really that great and there was not a lot of action driving the story. There would be some action, and then you would get a sad sack inner monologue and then when that was over, boom suddenly the plot had moved along. It made the relationship progression seem really unnatural.
3) I really liked walker and Poppy and many others in this series so this one was just a one off disaster hopefully.
August 13, 2024
ALL THE FLIPPING STARS FOR THIS ONE!!!
Hannah Gray owns my heart with the words that she writes! She hit it out of the park with this story and stepping out of her comfort zone while doing it! This story will tug and pull at your heart.
This mafia, forbidden story has so many 'oh
sh!t' moments that you will be hooked and won't be able to stop reading until the end! BUCKLE UP!
If you read Last Boy, then you met Briar and Hudson! Let me tell you, they deserve their HEA!
Hudson is the security guard that is broody and cold. I loved his story, even though it broke my heart. He is such a wonderful character. He has so many layers, and I loved them all!
Briar is so brave, and she proves that time and time again in this book! I loved her tenacity and willing to do what she needed to do.
I am so in love with how this story unfolded, and I am so happy that Hannah gave us this book.
Hannah Gray owns my heart with the words that she writes! She hit it out of the park with this story and stepping out of her comfort zone while doing it! This story will tug and pull at your heart.
This mafia, forbidden story has so many 'oh
sh!t' moments that you will be hooked and won't be able to stop reading until the end! BUCKLE UP!
If you read Last Boy, then you met Briar and Hudson! Let me tell you, they deserve their HEA!
Hudson is the security guard that is broody and cold. I loved his story, even though it broke my heart. He is such a wonderful character. He has so many layers, and I loved them all!
Briar is so brave, and she proves that time and time again in this book! I loved her tenacity and willing to do what she needed to do.
I am so in love with how this story unfolded, and I am so happy that Hannah gave us this book.
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