Wicked and Ruthless (Nash & Haisley, Part One)

Wicked Lovers: Soldiers for Hire #9

by Shayla Black

She knows love is a fairy tale…until her ruthless operative ex steals her heart.

Haisley Rowe has always believed that happily-ever-afters are pretty lies. But after a scorching, year-long fling with a rugged operative, she committed the ultimate sin: falling for a man who will never love her back. Carrying her secret, she left town. Two years later she’s back, and a fateful run-in proves he alone still ignites her—body and soul.

Nash Scott disavowed marriage and babies...until Haisley blazed into his life, all fiery red hair and saucy sexiness, awakening his insatiable desire and becoming his deepest obsession. Now that she’s returned, he’ll do whatever it takes to make her his for good.

When he tackles a twisted abduction case, he discovers Haisley is embroiled, too. In a high-stakes world of vast power and unthinkable danger, they will have to repair each other’s hearts and their shattered trust before it’s too late. But as darker forces zero in, shocking secrets will be uncovered and threaten to tear them apart forever…

Genres: Second Chance, Contemporary Romance, Suspense, Romance, BDSM, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense

242 pages, Paperback

Published July 9, 2024

About the author

Shayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances. Her books have sold millions of copies and been published in a dozen languages.

As an only child, Shayla occupied herself by daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and started pursuing a publishing career. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America, her heart was with her stories and characters, so she left her pantyhose and power suits behind.

Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her daughter, and two spoiled tabbies. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, gaming, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.

Follow me on Facebook: http://shayla.link/FBPage

Join me in my Book Beauties group for weekly LIVE chats: http://shayla.link/FBChat

Reviews

[QuinnReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catfished and Swiped (Right Outta There)

4.5 stars - The history between Haisley Rowe and Nash Scott proves to be very hot, until it's not. There are plenty of clues as to what went "wrong" and caused her to hightail it outta there. I'm chomping at the bit for her to articulate ALL of it to him.

Their reunion is... wow. It starts with a searing, public kiss that could scorch the earth and anyone nearby. And when some of the barriers breakdown and they have another kind of reunion? Girl, explain to me again why you walked away from this man. 🔥🔥💜🔥🔥

He was drawn to her spirit. He liked the fact she knew her own mind. He adored her sassy streak, and he wouldn’t want her any other way.
-- Nash Scott

I am curious if Nash's poor decision to essentially catfish Haisley will come back to bite him or simply be swept under the carpet given how the cliffhanger left things. Color me intrigued by the trainwreck that's just waiting to happen.

I figured where this was going and tried to stave it off by leaving the last few chapters for several days. It was a horrible plan. Dang it! I need the rest of the story. Putting off the last pages of part one in a duet is completely ineffective. I'd curse Shayla, but I suspect the second half won't arrive any sooner.

[Nadine Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Wickedly Good Stars

WICKED AND RUTHLESS is the ninth book in the WICKED LOVERS: SOLDIERS FOR HIRE SERIES, but it can be read as a standalone as it is the first book in Nash and Haisley's Duet. Their second book, WICKED AND BOUND, is scheduled to be released later this year.

I couldn't wait to get my hands on Nash and Haisley's story because they had popped up in previous books, and you could tell their story would rock. Shayla doesn't disappoint readers with this read; hot and Steamy, Suspenseful, and Intriguing, I didn't want to put it down.

After leaving town for two years, Haisley is back, but she doesn't plan on getting reacquainted with her ex even after a HOT New Year's Eve kiss. Only Nash has other plans for her. He intends on winning her back, even if he has to be a little sneaky about how he does it.

𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewWaR



**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
You can find me here: Nadine Bookaholic's Links

[Tanya Rae ~ TaSTy WordGasms · Rating 5 out of 5]

📣Alpha hero
📣 BD$M
📣 Bodyguard
📣 Danger
📣 Dominant
📣 Forced proximity
📣 Forced seduction
📣 Secret society
Wicked and Ruthless (Nash and Haisley, Part One) is book 9 in the Wicked Lovers: Soldiers for Hire series.  “Stories are told in a duet of two novels.  Each Duet can be read as a standalone.”  This is Part One of Haisley Rowe and Nash Scott’s story.

FYI - Nash Scott is Tree’s brother.  Trees story was in Wicked as Seduction and Wicked and Forever, Duet #5 & #6.

Haisley left 2 years ago, now that she has returned, he will do whatever it takes to keep her.  This is a pretty sexy romance.  Haisley does her best to keep Nash at arm's length and Nash is doing his best to try and keep her with him and to never leave again.  Even if he has to lie to keep her.  




There was a line that I loved when Nash told her.

 

“He grinned.  I’m six-foot-seven.  I’m…proportional.”

 

I really enjoyed reading this romantic suspense and second chance story. I was glued to this book!  Wicked and Ruthless does end on an OMG cliffie.  Needless to say, the next book can’t get her soon enough! 

#1 Wicked as Sin - “One-Mile” Pierce Walker and Brea Bell
#2 Wicked Ever After - One-Mile and Brea continued
#3 Wicked as Lies - Zyron “Zy” Chase Garrett and Tessa Lawrence
#4 Wicked and True - Zy’s and Tessa’s story continued
#5 Wicked as Seduction - Tree’s Forest Scott & Laila Torres
#6 Wicked and Forever - Tree’s and Laila’s story continued
#7 Wicked as Secrets - Matt and Madison’s story
#8 Wicked and Bare - Matt and Madison’s story continued
#9 Wicked and Ruthless - Nash and Haisley’s story

[SunsetLibrary · Rating 2 out of 5]

So this was up and down for me. I liked the story but really hated a few things about the characters. And these tend to be issues for me with ALL shayla’s books. She rides the misogynistic cliches So. Damn. Hard. I hate it. This would’ve been a 3 or maybe 4 star read without the utter bs Shayla peddles with her characters’ behavior.

First and foremost, why is she celibate during the separation and he’s banging the entire town??? Wtf is this total and utter bullshit??? I despise this in a second chance romance. Like loathe and despise. The double standards are sickening and unfortunately Shayla plays into them all day long. All her fmc’s are either virgins or Inexperienced or incapable of sex without emotions and flowers and lovey dovey nonsense or whatever other bs cliche you can think of while all her mmc’s are whoring around but yet they’re sooooo in love with the fmc. No. Absolutely fucking no. You are not obsessively in love with someone and sleeping with 100 other women during your separation (literally in the case of Matt and Madison). It’s just not happening. This is bullshit men tell themselves to absolve their bad behavior. And the women she writes are SO damn pathetic and spineless. Oh he banged 100 women while we were apart but it’s totally ok bc he only “loves” me, he didn’t love any of them and, really, what did I expect from him since I did try to fall in love with someone else/ended our relationship bc he didn’t treat me well/whatever other perfectly legitimate action I took bc he was a terrible partner?? So, it’s totally ok for him to run through half the town bc he’s emotionally immature and can’t handle a grown up relationship and the consequences of his own actions. Right.

Can we please stop writing bs misogynistic stereotypes and try to find some females with confidence and spine who don’t let men get away with treating them like shit bc they’re just soooooo in love and forgive them instantly for everything. Gross; just gross. I’m genuinely concerned for women in general if romance novels are considered the “gold standard” of what women desire and this is what we get.

[Lisa Spofford · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ rounded to 5⭐️ on Goodreads and retail sites. Wicked and Ruthless is the first half of the next duet in the Wicked Lovers: Soldiers for Hire series by Shayla Black. This book is about Haisley Rowe, best friend of Madison from Wicked as Secrets, and Nash Scott, younger brother of Trees from Wicked as Seduction. Nash and Haisley had been sleeping together for about a year, when Haisley suddenly broke it off and moved across the country to California, leaving Nash feeling bereft and abandoned. After two years, Haisley was back in Lafayette, having inherited her aunt’s home. The disappearance of young women at a mall owned by her new boss put Nash back in Hailey’s orbit and she tried to resist him while they worked together to find the person or persons responsible. This is another incredibly well written book by an author with thirty years of publishing under her belt. It brings suspense, emotion, incendiary chemistry between the main characters, and a cliffhanger to keep readers on the edge of our seats waiting for the sequel. The story pulled me in from the first chapter and the flashbacks to key memories in their past were effective. Miscommunication plays a huge part in the breakdown in this couple’s relationship and I was sometimes frustrated that so much could have been avoided if they had just laid their cards down, but since both were struggling with the very real fear that their truth would derail their relationship, it made sense. I am looking forward to seeing Nash and Haisley reach their Happily Ever After in the next book. I highly recommend this contemporary romantic suspense novel by one of the masters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Claudia |✨Cushin Violeta's Bookish Realm✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

💕🅵🅰🆅🅾🆄🆁🅸🆃🅴 🆀🆄🅾🆃🅴 💕

𝑻𝒐𝒖𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒔𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝒈𝒐𝒍𝒅𝒆𝒏 𝒔𝒖𝒏𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒂𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒘𝒐 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒛𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏. 𝑯𝒂𝒊𝒔𝒍𝒆𝒚 𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒊𝒎, 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓.


Wow... I so didn't expect this to be as good a suspenseful ride along with Nash and Haisley's second chance story.

Nash and Haisley had been lovers in the past and even though Nash has always been the guy who doesn't do serious, yet there were things left unsaid or rather presumed and now after two years that Haisley is back after she all of a sudden left Nash without a word, Nash needs his answers.

Even though we don't know what actually happened before for them to not be together, yet I could feel that strong yearning and burning desire for each other right from the start.
The New year Eve's kiss was so abrupt but felt special too as if blowing a whistle on the start of something new between Nash and Haisley.

But amidst the heartbreak and past hurt drama, there's a seriously dangerous thing happening where random girls are disappearing from a suspicious hallway in the mall.

Somehow both Nash and Haisley find themselves roped in through their respective jobs to work on this dangerous case.

As Nash and Haisley begin the search for the clues that might lead them to the real truth behind the disappearances, they also find the past feelings for each other resurfacing.

Even though at the beginning I wasn't really sure if I was team Nash, but as we move ahead I was more shocked to know how much Nash really cared and how Haisley was always the only woman who could change his no commitment rule for him, only Haisley wasn't having any of it.

𝑾𝒉𝒚 𝒅𝒊𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒔𝒐 𝒇𝒖𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍?

What was all the more interesting, is when Nash adopts an alias to connect with Haisley that she has no idea about and their many conversations about the ongoing investigations intermingled with talk of the personal lives was oh so intriguing and interesting.

We have lots of spicy times both in the past reminiscing and especially the present one, was uber hot 🔥🥵. Nash is unapologetically rough and loves to devour Haisley in an almost animalistic intensity. Oh my... He was definitely something else and someone to be with only if you can handle his brand of 🔥😉

I was so into the ride as we go along with Nash and Haisley to search and interview and just the whole ride where they slowly start to unravel small clues that help in a big way.... Until that major finding towards the ending and then.... Oh No. 😱

Also, a little warning this one does end on a cliffy. Ahh.... I so can't wait for that next book. Loved this one.

🆆🅷🅰🆃 🆃🅾 🅻🅾🅾🅺 🅵🅾🆁🆆🅰🆁🅳 🆃🅾:

💌 Second Chance Romance
💌 Romantic Suspense
💌 He's in security
💌 She's the social media profile handler
💌 Burning desires and unfulfilled wants
💌 🔥🌶️ times

[Claudia |✨Cushin Violeta's Bookish Realm✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

💕🅵🅰🆅🅾🆄🆁🅸🆃🅴 🆀🆄🅾🆃🅴 💕

𝑻𝒐𝒖𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒔𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝒈𝒐𝒍𝒅𝒆𝒏 𝒔𝒖𝒏𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒂𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒘𝒐 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒛𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏. 𝑯𝒂𝒊𝒔𝒍𝒆𝒚 𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒊𝒎, 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓.


Wow... I so didn't expect this to be as good a suspenseful ride along with Nash and Haisley's second chance story.

Nash and Haisley had been lovers in the past and even though Nash has always been the guy who doesn't do serious, yet there were things left unsaid or rather presumed and now after two years that Haisley is back after she all of a sudden left Nash without a word, Nash needs his answers.

Even though we don't know what actually happened before for them to not be together, yet I could feel that strong yearning and burning desire for each other right from the start.
The New year Eve's kiss was so abrupt but felt special too as if blowing a whistle on the start of something new between Nash and Haisley.

But amidst the heartbreak and past hurt drama, there's a seriously dangerous thing happening where random girls are disappearing from a suspicious hallway in the mall.

Somehow both Nash and Haisley find themselves roped in through their respective jobs to work on this dangerous case.

As Nash and Haisley begin the search for the clues that might lead them to the real truth behind the disappearances, they also find the past feelings for each other resurfacing.

Even though at the beginning I wasn't really sure if I was team Nash, but as we move ahead I was more shocked to know how much Nash really cared and how Haisley was always the only woman who could change his no commitment rule for him, only Haisley wasn't having any of it.

𝑾𝒉𝒚 𝒅𝒊𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒔𝒐 𝒇𝒖𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍?

What was all the more interesting, is when Nash adopts an alias to connect with Haisley that she has no idea about and their many conversations about the ongoing investigations intermingled with talk of the personal lives was oh so intriguing and interesting.

We have lots of spicy times both in the past reminiscing and especially the present one, was uber hot 🔥🥵. Nash is unapologetically rough and loves to devour Haisley in an almost animalistic intensity. Oh my... He was definitely something else and someone to be with only if you can handle his brand of 🔥😉

I was so into the ride as we go along with Nash and Haisley to search and interview and just the whole ride where they slowly start to unravel small clues that help in a big way.... Until that major finding towards the ending and then.... Oh No. 😱

Also, a little warning this one does end on a cliffy. Ahh.... I so can't wait for that next book. Loved this one.

🆆🅷🅰🆃 🆃🅾 🅻🅾🅾🅺 🅵🅾🆁🆆🅰🆁🅳 🆃🅾:

💌 Second Chance Romance
💌 Romantic Suspense
💌 He's in security
💌 She's the social media profile handler
💌 Burning desires and unfulfilled wants
💌 🔥🌶️ times

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW: WICKED AND RUTHLESS -Nash and Haisley Pt 1 is the ninth instalment in Shayla Black’s contemporary, adult WICKED LOVERS: SOLDIERS FOR HIRE erotic, romantic suspense series. This is social media promoter Haisley Rowe, and security specialist Nash Scott’s second chance story line.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Haisley and Nash) using present day and memories from the past, WICKED AND RUTHLESS follows the second chance relationship between our story line couple. Approximately two years earlier Haisley Rowe walked away from the man that she loves but her aunt’s death brought Haisley back to Lafayette, Louisiana where she will come face to face with the man she once loved but Haisley never expected to be working with Nash Scott after a series of abductions from the local mall pull our couple together. As Nash and Haisley begin their own investigation into the missing girls, all is not well with the people in charge.

The world building focuses on the break down of a relationship; the missing girls and a suspected human trafficking ring; and the prime suspects that may or may not be connected.

The relationship between Haisley and Nash is one of second chances. Two years earlier Haisley ran away from the man that she loved believing there was not chance for a future. Nash had no idea why Haisley ran but our heroine’s return brings a second chance for our story line couple. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate.

The secondary and supporting characters including the return of Nash’s brother Trees and Laila, as well as friends Charli, Gracelyn, Madison, and Nash’s boss Hunter Edgington. The requisite evil has many faces.

WICKED AND RUTHLESS is a story of power and control, madness and mayhem, family friendships, second chances and love .The premise is dramatic and intriguing; the romance is provocative ; the characters are dynamic, and determined. WICKED AND RUTHLESS ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.


copy supplied for review

www.thereadingcafe.com

[Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wicked and Ruthless told an emotional and passionate story between two lovers while flipping between their past and their present. Both timelines helped lay the framework of who this couple was to each other then and who they were struggling to be now that two years had passed between them. On top of the romantic tension there is an intriguing mystery to solve that only heightened the emotional ride happening between them. This made for a wonderful second chance romance. 

Haisley and Nash have a past. They have a very passionate past. The big question, throughout the first half of this duet, is what happened to tear this couple apart. While both seemed to lack communication as they spent the majority of their past in the bedroom, it didn't negate the feelings that were swirling in both of them in their present. 

Now it's two years later and Nash is still swamped with overwhelming feelings for Haisley while she is still determined to keep him at arm's length. It is nearly an impossibility with an investigation into missing girls that is happening within the organization where Haisley works. It is even more impossible when Nash is the assigned as the lead investigator on the case. However, trying to be as professional as possible, these two work to solve a dangerous situation, but losing their hearts may prove to be even more dangerous. 

Like every Wicked Lovers book in the series, this book falls into the same category of; intense, emotional, and full of suspense. It's a page turner right up until the nail-biting cliffhanger!! I can't wait to see how it all plays out in the next half as these two work out their communication skills and they find their HEA!!

[Maria L · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐! Shayla Black is addictive and I'm here for it! Wicked and Ruthless is another thrilling story, full of undeniable attraction, slow burn, alpha males, mystery, and suspense. This is the ninth book from her Soldiers for Hire series. It just keeps getting better and better!

When Haisley lets her guard down, she can't deny Nash. But she's quick to keep her walls up to protect her heart.

Nash can't believe that Haisley is back and he's promised himself that he will do whatever it takes to win her back. He hasn't recovered from their breakup. The last 2 years without her has been lonely. But he's also uncertainty and afraid of another heartbreak. And yet he's still hopeful when he sees the desire in her eyes.

What is he willing to do to get her back? What happens when danger comes for her? Buy the book and find out!

And yes, as the title indicates, this is Part 1 of Nash and Haisley's story, so it does leave off with a huge cliffhanger. So if you're not a fan of cliffhangers, but you are a fan of Shayla's, wait until Wicked and Bound comes out in December and get both books together. I'm waiting on the edge of my seat for the conclusion!

Thank you Shayla Black and Booksprout for this ARC. The above is my own and personal opinion.

[ltfrom bc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether it the two-years later relationship, sort of reunion or the mystery of the abductions the two are trying to solve, this read keeps you on the edge of your seat. This is well written, fast paced story as everything evolves. Nash and Haisley have a very hot and passionate history between them, but something made Haisley leave. Upon Haisley returning home and seeing Nash it is apparent that while her mind says Nash is past history, her heart says the opposite. Being stuck working together, as Nash is tasked with finding out how women are being abducted, and Haisley works for the company that owns the mall where this is happening puts these two into close proximity and they try to untangle the mystery. Their story is a great one. It is full of passion, steamy and to some extent romance. It is also full of mystery, suspense and danger. It is important to note that this book does end on a cliffhanger. The author is very good about putting out the rest of the story in a very timely manner, so I was find with it ending as it did. This book has a well thought out plot and two very strong characters. I really enjoyed this story and am eagerly waiting for the conclusion. Hopefully it will not be too long of a wait. Well done.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the ninth book in the Wicked Lovers: Soldiers for Hire series and it begins Nash and Haisley’s story with a bang that you just can’t stop reading. It is a perfect second chance love story with the integration of a challenging theme of human trafficking as young women are being taken. Nash and Haisley have a history together that was cut short by Haisley leaving and Nash left to wonder why. Fast forward a few years and Haisley is back and the two just happen to run into each other on New Year’s. To say that the feelings that Haisley had for Nash are still there would be an understatement, but she tries to keep them at bay. Unfortunately for her, fate keeps throwing the two of them together as the women are being taken from the mall that Haisley’s boss owns, and Nash is the person tasked with investigating the disappearances. Can these two keep things strictly professional or will they succumb to their mutual attraction? Ms. Black has once again penned a gripping storyline that keeps one’s attention from beginning to end. This is one page turning read filled with drama, suspense, steam and a cliffhanger that may make you want to scream out loud. Fortunately, the next book will be available before the end of the year, but I hope sooner 🤞.

[Whispers From · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haisley and Nash had a year long affair. They both agreed to no feelings only sex because Hailey doesn’t believe in the fairytale . But Haisley broke their agreement and fell in love with Nash. She breaks it off and moves to California with barely a goodbye to Nash. Two years later she moves back and they see each other at a New Year’s Eve party. Nash is surprised to see her but she’s giving him the cold shoulder. Nash fell in love with her too and plans to not let her get away again.
Nash works for EM Security and gets a new assignment, it’s to investigate missing girls from a nearby mall. Haisley is working for the owner of the mall and gets teamed up with Nash to share information. The case is about to explode wide open and Haisley goes missing from the mall. Nash will do whatever it takes to find her.

Oh my goodness! What a suspenseful story. This is the first part and hopefully won’t have to wait too long for the second. Two people who both believe their relationship was nothing but a long hookup by the other. Both are keeping secrets. Wild sex. Will Haisley finally believe how much she means to Nash?

* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for the author *

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wicked and Ruthless, part one in Hailey and Nash’s story, is an action packed second chance romance balanced with the perfect amount of suspense and intrigue. Haisley Rowe and Nash Scott had something special years earlier, but when Haisley left abruptly Nash was left with so many questions that were left unanswered. Now that she is back, can they pick up where they left off? It is easy to see that they still have the chemistry and passion from years earlier but miscommunication and secrets are still keeping them from making the ultimate leap. However, they will have plenty of time to see if they can work things out since fate has thrown them both onto the same case of the missing women being abducted from the local mall. They may be working from opposite sides as Nash has been assigned by EM Security Management to head the investigation into the missing women and Haisley has just been hired by the company and owner of the company that owns the malls as their new social media director, their goal is to find the perpetrators. However, everything blows up all at once and Haisley is caught up in the nightmare and this story leaves us with a cliffhanger.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haisley and Nash have a history that ended abruptly. Nash isn't quite sure why and has tried to move on. But, when Haisley moves back to town all those feelings he felt for her come to surface. He's still in love with her.

Haisley comes back to town for a job. She's over Nash and thinks it'll be okay if she sees him. After all, they live in the same town, they are bound to run into each other. What she didn't plan on was those emotions to come crashing down so soon.

Karma throws these two together again in a work environment. There have been abductions happening at a mall owned by Haisley's boss. Nash has been hired to investigate the multiple disappearances. She has asked that they keep their working relationship professional and Nash complies....but is that really what she wants? Nash just wants to know why she left him and took his heart with her and devises a clever way to find out. Even though he knows once she finds out, it's not going to go well.

This was a great story! Mystery, twists and turns, romance, and jaw dropping moments! I look forward to reading part two of their story. Hopefully, it'll be released soon as I'm not a fan of cliffhangers!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shayla Black has done it again! Wicked and Ruthless was a definite page turner that will take you from zero to 60 in a matter of seconds. Nash and Haisley had an explosive relationship with incredibly intense chemistry until Haisley abruptly calls it off with no explanation and she leaves town. Haisley and Nash agreed to a no strings attached relationship but they both broke the rules bu falling for each other. Which is why Haisley ran. A couple years later Nash sees Haisley at a New Years Eve party and Haisley doesn't even say hello. There is definitely a strong attraction between them despite all the time that has passed. Now that she has moved back, Nash is going to get answers. And then they are thrown together when they are assigned to investigate a ring of abductions of young girls. As they work together passion ignites and Nash and Haisley both want more. But Haisley doesn't believe in happily ever after so Nash will have to work hard to prove to Haisley she belongs with him. But what happens when Haisley becomes the next target? Epic cliffhanger. Can't wait for the next book.

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wicked and Ruthless, another amazing book in the Wicked Lovers Soldiers for Hire series.
Nash and Haisley, what may have started out as a wild weekend of fun turns into so much more for this couple. But with no promises made and feelings that weren’t supposed to develop, Haisley realizes she's into deep. Nash made himself and his feelings clear. So she does what she feels is the right thing.
With emotions running high, she makes the decision she thinks will be for the best. Leaving Nash wondering what the hell happened. That was 2 years ago, and now Haisley is back in his life. He realizes that his feelings for her are still there. Buried under all the hurt. He knows she still has feelings for him. He need to figure out what happened between them all those years ago. But Haisley is holding back. There are things she's too afraid to tell him. Secrets she's keeping. He has to work hard to pry her open so they can have the future he knows they both want.
Passion, deception, lies, and so many emotions... this book gives you all the feels!

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mistress of Angst strikes again! Shayla Black is one of my very favorite authors and this series is so good. In this go-round, we get Nash and Haisley's story........well part one of it! LOL Each of these have been duets so yes, this book will end on a cliffhanger. These two have a past but Haisley ended up fleeing without telling Nash goodbye or why she left. Fast forward a couple of years and she's back home and they see each other again. And while I don't really see it as "enemies to lovers", there is a lot of tension between them. Of course, the heat and steam are still alive and well. The story is action packed and deals with human trafficking so if that's not your thing, you might skip it. All I'm gonna say, because I don't want to spoil it, is that you NEED to read this book. It's so well written and once you start, you won't be able to stop! Loved every single word and I'm already chomping at the bit for part two!!!

[Melanie Marnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having the first book of another duet in the Wicked Lovers: Soldiers For Hire series finally come out makes me very happy. I absolutely love this Shayla Black series. Some of the characters have become personal favorites and their stories are exceptional. Wicked and Ruthless fits the mold perfectly. It's a great second chance romance with a suspenseful element involving missing young women who have been trafficked. Be warned though this book ends in a cliffhanger...sigh. Which means the wait will seem interminable.

Nash Scott and Haisley Rowe were in deep the first time around until she walked away two years ago. The attraction between them was carnal, electric and white hot then and still is two years later. Being thrown together on an investigation is not helping her keep him at arm's length and strictly on a professional level. The man is just too potent. He's determined to get her back and is not above a little subterfuge to aid in his cause. Hopefully it doesn't backfire.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Haisley entered a relationship with Nash they both agreed that it would be only physical however her heart felt otherwise. She believed that he would never feel the same so to protect her heart she not only left him but town as well. Two years later she is back and when their paths cross again the chemistry and connection remain.

Nash was both confused and hurt by Haisley’s abrupt departure but now that she is back he wants not only answers but a second chance. Not only are their lives entwined personally but they are about to become entwined professionally which only amps up the tension.

This is the beginning of Haisley, and Nash’s story and it is one that includes intrigue, entertaining banter, an intense transaction and emotion as Haisley and Nash will need to face the feelings they have for each other that they never shared.

[Kathy Hackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nash and Haisley's story was a emotional and passionate one. They have a past and I found myself wondering what tore them apart 2 years ago and just just how hard is Nash going to have to struggle to get her back. Haisley is one hard headed woman.

They don't seem to know how to talk to each other.
They apparently in the past spent the whole time in bed
Now it's 2 years later and Nash is still in love and has overwhelming passionate feelings for Haisley but Haisley is keeping him away.

Nash is brought in as lead investigator on a missing girls case from a local mall, Haisley is employed by the owner of the mall . They are working together to try to solve this case. This has the potential for being really nasty when they find the girls

As with any Shayla Black Book I Can't wait for Part 2!!

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wicked & Ruthless is Book 9 of Wicked Lovers: Soldiers For Hire, and is the first part of Haisley and Nash's story. Haisley is a social media promoter and Nash, a hunky security specialist. It is a very steamy, second-chance romance with a lot of action and suspense. The two have a hot and kinky past, but Haisley just left 2 years ago and is back. Nash has a bit of a commitment phobia but has not gotten over Haisley and doesn't know why she left. The two end up working together again to work on a case where girls are going missing in the area. Will they get their second chance? Their chemistry is still hot, but expect a lot of danger and drama. We do end on a cliffhanger, so be warned. I can't wait for the next installment!!!!.

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

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wicked Attraction_ Ruthless Passion 🔥

"Wicked and Ruthless" by Shayla Black is a scorching hot addition to the Wicked Lovers Series. Nash and Haisley's story is a tumultuous ride filled with secrets, angst, and explosive passion.
Their attraction is undeniable, but past events have left emotional scars. As they're forced to work together to investigate a series of missing girls, Nash must navigate his desire for Haisley while respecting her boundaries.
The tension between them is palpable, and their eventual coming together is electric. As they delve deeper into the mystery, their feelings for each other are put to the test.
This story is a masterful blend of suspense, romance, and steamy passion. I strategically waited to read this book until the second installment was available, and I'm excited to dive into the next chapter of Nash and Haisley's story! 🤓

[Linda Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart cannot find rest while you are gone...

Hold onto your knickers ladies, this story is sizzling hot. Haisley and Nash had a hot and heavy year long fling, but Haisley made the mistake of falling in love with Nash. She thought it would be best if she just cut and run. Much to her shock she sees him 2 years later.

Nash is a hit it and quit it type of man, no white picket fences for him. He made an exception with Haisley. She was a siren and a temptress. He was lost for words when she just upped and left. As they both get entangled in a dangerous kidnapping ring, they are trying to navigate whatever their relationship is, and can they salvage what they once shared. There is still more to come and I can't wait to see what happens next in part two of this duet.

[Silke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wicked and Ruthless continues the fast-paced Wicked Lovers series with Nash & Haisley. While their romance and the suspense surrounding their second chance at love stands on its own, there are cameo appearanced by the couples from previous books and it's wonderful to catch glimpses of them living their HEAs! Nash and Haisley are both very loveable characters, so that at times their lack of communication and the resulting misunderstandings are frustrating! Steamy sexy times with just a hint of kink coupled with hair-raising mystery and suspense make this a page-turner with an expected cliffhanger ending. I can't wait for the conclusion!.

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

[Jo-Ann Forrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shayla Black you are one of the best storytellers there is! Haisley and Nash have history together and when she left without explanation, Nash was devastated. On the other hand Haisley left to protect her heart from Nash who is commitment phobe. Fast forward a few years later and they meet again at a new year's eve party at their local bar an the old feelings are coming back up for both of them. Faith has a way to reconnect people and they are forced to work together again, when girls start getting abducted from the mall she works at and Nash is the investigator in the case. Will they be able to keep this professional or will old wounds resurface again. Shayla you spanned this amazing spellbinding, nail biting, scorching hot story and a taste for what's to come up next for these two.

[Stacy De Jesus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This love story pulls at your heart strings as you wait for them to confess their true feelings wondering if they will find happiness. Nash and Haisley chemistry is steamy and electric. From the minute they set eyes on one another it’s scorching and the passion leads to some fierce heat. The mystery and hunt of what is happening in a mall is dangerously exciting and adds an adventurous twist. The angst of the story is undeniable and sometimes frustrating as I just wanted it to be over so I could get my answers. I think that is what makes it so compelling and kept me turning the pages. Now I need to know the ending!!! I received an advanced copy.

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

This action-packed drama had me glued to it. They had a no strings attached relationship going until Paisley caught feelings for a man that would never do the same, so she leaves town not knowing that the same thing was happening to Nash. Now she is back in town and they both have secrets that could once again come between them. Will they get their chance to rekindle their relationship and will it lead them along the road to happiness. I can't wait until the next book to find out how it all ends for these two.

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

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nash and Haisley have so many issues and finding out both are still pining for each other and if they could only talk most of their issues would be fixed, but both are scared. It was interesting that Nash did come clean, while Haisley still hid most of what she felt.

Nash doing his secret bit as Jasper is bound to come back and bite him in the ass, even if in the short term he has access to Haisley in a way that he didn't.

The missing girls part seems to be escalating. As much as they are finding out, it doesn't look good at the end as Haisley is now one of them. I'm sure that Nash will go wild before finding her, but we'll have to wait for the next book to find that out.

[LaWanna Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nash and Haisley met three years ago and then Haisley moved away for two years. When her aunt dies, she comes back and takes over the house that her aunt lived in.
They see each other at the New Year’s Eve party and things take off from there. Haisley tries to ignore Nash after that New Year’s Eve kiss and Nash can’t stop obsessing about that kiss.
They dance around one another until things get hectic and Nash is juiced like when they (group) get back from an ops. Things take a turn from there and they end up at Haisley’s place in bed.
Then you come to the cliffhanger, and man is Nash pissed.
You’ll just have to read the next book