Ruthless Scoundrel

The Princesses of Ruin #4

by Ember Holt

She’s a beacon of hope against a powerful queen.

He’d steal the sun to save his people.

Jasper's mission to overthrow a tyrant king in the south hinges on one finding a woman of superior royal lineage to use as bait. Reina, the spirited fourth princess of Fynren, fits the bill. He knows he shouldn’t take her, that her fiery defiance is going to make his life a living hell, but something about her draws him in and won’t let go.

Reina thinks a storm dragon blasting open the back of the palace is the worst thing that could’ve happened on the eve of her rebellion’s biggest move—until, that is, she wakes on a slave boat, leagues from home, bound by enchanted copper that restricts her magic. Jasper, her infuriatingly charming captor, promises not to hurt her despite his plans to sell her to a wretched king like a prized sow.

When a shipwreck strands them on a remote island chain, Reina and Jasper must depend on one another for survival. As their defensive layers come down, Reina discovers her captor might not be as vile as she once thought. But with a kingdom to reclaim and an evil queen to overthrow, she must weigh her growing attraction against her duty. Can she trust the man she once despised, or is their romance a distraction in their fight for freedom?

For fans of Rebecca Yarros, Carissa Broadbent, and Sarah J Maas. The Princesses of Ruin is a four-part, standalone series set in a magic-based world with Victorian era vibes, possessive men, powerful princesses, and the demons they have to fight to survive in their grim kingdom. Preorder your copy now!

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy, Fantasy Romance, Ebooks, Adventure, Shapeshifters

467 pages, Paperback

Published August 20, 2024

About the author

Ember loves all things with heat! A glass of wine, a comfy, oversized sweater, and a spicy book next to a fireplace is her ideal night. She likes to read about powerful heroines and protective heroes, and write about them, too.

When she’s not writing, Ember is a fox in the henhouse, causing all kinds of hell. She enjoys making pasta while listening to big brass bands, taking long walks with her favorite audio books, playing D&D, and painting—but not very well.

Some of Ember’s favorite authors include Laura Thalassa, Shannon Mayer, and Raven Kennedy. Their powerful heroines inspire her daily to get out of bed and to do her best (or stay in it to keep reading!)

~~~

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Reviews

[Fey Flowers (enbytweenthepages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally can't wait to watch the 4 Princesses of Ruin kill their "mother"... Who would have thought I'd write something like this?!

Reina and Jasper banter all day long... And I could watch them for hours.

Besides this they save half of the world and I have to say that I really liked the adventure they experienced - including all the people and creatures they met along the way.

How much found family do you grant fictional characters?

Ember: YES!!!!1

And I'm so here for it 🥹

They are much younger than the other couples and it was a bit funny to read their spicy scenes because they were so innocent in a way... But on the other hand, NOT AT ALL 🔥🔥🔥

I'm not really a mermaid/selkie fan - can you even say that without being cast out of the monster romance community - but Jasper just has something, maybe I'll become a fan after all.

Thank you for trusting me with another ARC, Ember 🖤

[Ember Holt]

Happy Release Day everyone!!! <3 <3

This book took me longer than most to finish while I was going through a difficult time in my life. I'm so very happy it came out as well as it did despite my struggles.

It was a great effort to put myself in the mindset of a 20yo who had been sheltered and selectively educated her whole life, and it was the most difficult head to get into of all the sisters so far. Writing Reina has forced me to go through a whole new level of empathy practicing.

Jasper is one of my favorite MMCs by far (though Kazimir is still the winner because of who he was created from). He's wounded and scared so he uses comedy and sarcasm as a shield. There's so much guilt in him that doesn't get properly managed until Reina finally shows him how unfair it is for him to carry it around. They heal and teach each other, and their story came together in a really beautiful way.

I'm so sorry I wasn't able to wrap up the series with this book, but that's good because it means one more book for all of you! <3 <3 The final book in the series will be called "The Princesses of Ruin" and it will be LONG, with ten different POVs, (and a bonus eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth, and fourteenth in four different epilogues!) so prepare yourselves.
Ten, you ask? Shouldn't it be eight??? >=) You'll see...

I can't wait to get started on The Princesses of Ruin, but keep your eyes out for my next new series coming, Getting Cozy with Demons <3

Happy reading, book friends!! ^_^

[Bitsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars 🌊

Ruthless scoundrel starts off with our title character as a child watching his people being captured and killed by the humans Disneys Little Mermaid 3 Ariels Beginning style. He turns into a little octopus because he has shape shifting powers (that was a surprise), hides, and promises his mother he will save/avenge his people.

Time passes and our now grown up scoundrel needs to kidnap a Princess Reina to enact his plans. Forced proximity, enemies to lovers, pirate-esque, un-put-downable romance ensues.

This book is similar to Dance of Thieves by Mary E Pearson and The Sea Witch by Rebecca Kenney so if you liked those you’ll probably enjoy this too.

My thoughts ☀️👑🧜‍♂️

More tentacles than I anticipated, I didn’t hate it

If you want to get blackout drunk take a shot any time someone says Brat

Lots of spice, dare I say, almost too much. At certain points I just wanted the story to keep going.

I found the characters to be contradictory. Reina was immature, sheltered, and somewhat helpless, understandably due to her situation but she’s also been working/training as a rebel. “I’ve been trained to withstand torture”. So you’ve been trained, presumably by said rebels, but weren’t given any sort of self defense lessons?

Also Jasper is a virgin but just happens to be some sort of sex god. Ok.

But I really liked them as a couple and thought they had good banter.

The last 70% left me really intrigued about the other sisters and I look forward to reading about them.

I haven’t read the other books in the series yet. This is technically a standalone and the reading experience was fine without having read the first ones, but there was some world building aspects that I’m guessing were explained previously. I would recommend reading the other books first.

I received a free ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

[Antoinette Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the fourth installment of the "Princesses of Ruin" series, the youngest Princess is taken captive by a mysterious young man (Jasper) who seeks Reina's assistance in freeing his people from a "false king." This young man happens to be a Selkie, capable of shape-shifting into an octopus, which is revealed early in the story.

I did find this book enjoyable, and I intend to continue with the series by reading the fifth installment. While there was substantial build-up related to the "false king" and his imprisonment of Jasper's people, when this part of the story was finally addressed, it felt rushed and somewhat underdeveloped.

If you're interested in a mix of fantasy and romance with a touch of "monster smut," these books might pique your interest, though be prepared for some surprising and unconventional elements.

[Lynzi Behrmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
I love that every book is just a completely different vibe. This book is more sea related and it’s so good!!

[EGotay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruthless Scoundrel is the 4th Book of The Princess of Ruin Stallone Series.

I'm a 🧜‍♀️ fan, and a sea food lover 🥹 so TENTACLES 🐙 When the time came and I saw TENTACLES, my mind will go back at the time I read this book. 🥵🔥 Who say TENTACLES are just to squeeze or give pain or death to their prey? 🫣 OH My.... 🥵🥵🥵🔥
Ok.. I got distracted. 🤭

Back to the story... 🙃
This book 📖 start right where the 3rd book finished so you must read it to understand and continue with the story.
Reina is the youngest sister of the four Princess of Fynren.
Jasper abducted her to save his family. And she makes the whole trip a hell of it for Jasper. She is a fiery defiance, she resists him and she will do everything to escape from him.

I love Jasper and Reina "innocence"💗 but just for certainly things because for other ones... they aren't.
The story has me on the edge of my seat. But it also makes me laugh in between. It was hilarious. She is a brat with him 😆 and I love it. The batering between both goes all day long, and he still treats her like the princess she is.
He is so charming... 😍 He is teaching her all that she needs to learn. Because she don't know how to survive by herself. Her mother keeps her helpless for her own personal purpose. Jasper after all really cares for Reina... well, he needs her alive in the first place, but they go in heat 🥵 when they're still enemies 🥵🥵🥵 They attraction is magnetic.
By the time passes, Reina discovers that her captor might not be as a monster as she once thought... well at least not in that way. But will she trust him after all? The encounter with the false king is close, and at this point, they must depend on each other to survive and save Jasper family but Reina powers aren't stronger. She must train. I Love how Jasper encouraged her to trust herself.

They can really rely on each other? Or will their attraction interfere with their respective interests?
I love how Reina became to be a badass girl from being so naive.
Love the facts that the 4 sisters are very alike and at the same time being unique. I really enjoy the family reunion and when the sisters finally get all reunited. ❤️

🐙 Fated Mates Romance
🐙 Force Proximity
🐙 Spicy
🐙 Enemies to Lovers
🐙 He abducted her
🐙 Fantasy Romance
🐙 Dark Romance
🐙 Chain ⛓️
🐙 Magic World
🐙 Shifter
🐙 Found Family
🐙 Monster Smut
🐙 Captive Romance
🐙 Monster Romance
🐙 Bantering
🐙 TENTACLES
🐙 TENTACLES
🐙 more TENTACLES 🐙

"Take my honor. It's yours, " she begs.

"So greedy"


Mmmmm... What can I say... 🥵🥵🥵
💥 Very well written 👏👌 Another great book 📖 by Ember Holt 🥰❤️ The adventures, the circumstances, the seduction, the troubles, the spiciness, the romance, the possessiveness, the intrigued, THE TENTACLES 😝

I will not spoil.. I already said a lot without saying 😉 but I will encourage you to read the series. They are very juicy.. .🥵🥵🔥🔥🔥🔥 And the story is very interesting with a lot of actions.. the plot lines will keep you keep reading unstoppable. A magnificent way to bring all the sisters back together. 👌

Now, I can't wait for the 5th book of the series when all the Princess fight theirs mother. And hoping and wishing more spicy scenes in between with every couple to not forget about the first 4 books, and all the juicy scenes 🥵🥵🥵🔥🔥🔥🔥 Keep that in mind Ember we need a recollection of four spicy couple moments Book 5th 😉😋

Ember Thanks one more time for the opportunity to be part of your Arc Group and be able to read 📚 this book that I waited anxiously since the last one of the series 🤗 in exchange for my voluntary and honest review..
Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🐙🐙🐙🐙🐙

[Brittany Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Reina, if you get hurt, I’ll sacrifice everything else to save you.”

Right off the bat, I’m already loving the banter between the FMC and MMC. I can’t wait to see how this relationship unfolds. Also, like her previous books, she has an engaging style of writing that helps create a clear sense of place.

OMG 🥵 I’m squealing over how this is playing out. I held my breath right along with FMC with a goofy a** smile on my face. The dynamic between the characters is full of tension and suspense, and I am eating it up. I think the author did a phenomenal job crafting their personalities and the interactions between them.

The story is predominantly character driven, but the underlining plot resurfaces frequently enough as a reminder that there is more to this story then what is currently being experienced.

The tension, building up to the inevitable is perfection! I can’t stop binging this novel and grinning like a damn fool over the stories progression. I’m heavily invested that I find myself randomly opening my Kindle app to squeeze in a page or two every chance I get.

”I bite and lick my way up to her ear. ‘Everything. I want all of you. Your mind, your spirit, your heart.’”

The suspense has been wound up so tight, I’m making a prediction right now that this book will destroy me before I hit 80%. Oh my goodness, this is nerve wracking! How is this going to play out 🫣 OMG no!! I can’t, the anxiety, my heart can’t handle this!

Ahh, this relationship is everything! 😍 I feel like I say that with every book, but Ms. Holt’s writing is the gift that keeps on giving! Holy plot twist, like what!?

That was absolutely perfection! I think the entire story flowed effortlessly and the pace was just right. The story was clear and complete in the sense of all plots and subplots (minus the big series plot) were throughly told and concluded. Reina’s character growth was by far my favorite and relatable. Starting off as weak, sheltered, and helpless girl and transforming into a strong, powerful, empowered woman with the love and support of her man. Chefs kisses!

The Princesses of Ruin series is my favorite standalone series. Ember Holt did a phenomenal job creating 4 unique journeys so that you can enjoy them in whichever order you’d like. However, they are absolutely best read in order. This most recent novel left me craving and excited for the finale. I’m patiently looking forward to the final installment. I know it’s going to be epic and packed with twists, turns, and all sorts of action!

Thank you, Ember Holt, for the complimentary e-copy. I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Esther · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Ruthless Scoundrel, Ember Holt continues her Princesses of Ruin series, with the story of the fourth “posh princess” of Fynren. Reina is kidnapped by a refugee knight on a mission to save his people from captivity. Captor and captee become lovers in the enforced proximity of a shipwreck/cross-country caravan, in this fast paced dark fantasy romance. Focussed solely on rescuing his family and reclaiming his Kingdom, Jasper has no qualms about handing over the spoilt, rich, heiress. Until he meets her, and decides she’s not going to be quite so easy to let go:

“I will hunt down everyone whose scent I smell on you, then chase Nol’Ther across the sky to reclaim you from her embrace.”

Intense.

Ruthless Scoundrels and the Princesses of Ruin series are a fun exploration of what individuals might do if body modifications and superpowers were readily accessible. Themes of morality, diversity, tolerance, trust are probed with consistency, as have body acceptance and self-esteem. It seems unlikely that these issues were touched on accidentally. I was therefore disappointed to read that the positive role-modelling in previous work was undermined by the FMC’s elective manipulations to favour her partner, rather than for survival or necessity.

Identity and how we survive in oppressive and unfriendly society, obscuring our uniqueness, whether by conforming, adopting a disguise, or hiding from ourselves. Reina obscures the source of her power through cunning and misdirection. Jasper moves from land to sea with ease, without home or harbour, rarely taking his true form. The assessment of society's tendency to reject difference is both idealistic and clumsy: “That’s not an excuse. People should be better than that, and I know we can be with the right guidance.”

Geo-politcal intrigue and distinct cultures continue to feature as key elements in the intricate and immersive world building of Gaien. Greater diversity of landscape is found in Ruthless Scoundrels, accompanied by issues of scarcity, exploitation, environmental damage and climate change. Water (pools, streams, rivers, oceans) is used to great effect to contrast strength/weakness, power/vulnerability, and freedom/captivity. New "monsters" are introduced and myths woven to enhance the dark-fantasy narrative and the prophecy that guides the main characters on their quest.

The romantic/erotic interactions were intense throughout Ruthless Scoundrel, although I found that this novel in particular pushed the boundaries of vulgarity a bit further than required - more shock value than spicy. The frequent use of the MMC mutations in intimate scenes also felt overdone. There are plenty of warnings in this regard at the beginning of the book. Proceed at your own risk.

Thanks to Ember Holt and BookSirens for the opportunity to review Ruthless Scoundrels. I didn't enjoy this book as much as others in the series, but it is a quick and easy read for anyone already committed to Princesses of Ruin. As an entry to the series or a standalone, it doesn’t play well for me. However, I will be checking in for the next installment when "... the Princesses of Ruin come to claim her throne, and her head."

[Jade Yingling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just. Amazing. This book takes you on a ride!! Reina and Jasper, I mean come on! The banter was bantering, the spice, was spicing! The adventure, the problems they face, Reina figuring out who she is with the help of Jasper, and the fact the Jasper isn’t sheltering, or treating her like the princess she is. He’s letting her figure it out on her own, while showing her the ways she needs to learn. I can’t wait for the fifth book!

“I’ve loved you since the moment you made me shove a.biscuit in your mouth”

[Kayla (Kayuhlareads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

DADDY TENTACLE ACTION!!!!!

Ember came at us again with another amazing story to add to this series!
Reina and Jasper was everything and more. I LOVE a feisty FMC! I enjoyed the non stop banter between these two characters I couldn't get enough of it. I cackled and cheesed so many times through out this book, and when the spice hit IT HIT!!!

This was my first tentacle ride and I am here for it! I am on that train and not coming back!

If you haven't read the other books in this series I personally recommend doing so, it isn't necessary but you definitely will enjoy the story way more knowing the back story of the characters especially towards the end.

One thing I really enjoy about this series is how well it flows and ends up intertwining with the main plot of this series. Ember does such an amazing job keeping this story flowing nicely! I cannot wait for the next one!

x Fated Mates
x Force Proximity
x Spice
x Enemies to Lovers
x Captor/Captive
x Fantasy Romance
x Primal Play
x Magical Gaslight World
x Shifter
x Found Family
x Monster Smut
x LOTS of Tentacle Play

[JustMeJanet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so proud to be an ARC reader for this series. This was my first monster romance series and I'm hooked.This book takes you to a beautiful beach and to an underwater world that many people don't really get to experience. Jasper the MMC is just a scoundrel out for wealth when he takes Reina the FMC. Reina has reason to be furious, her kingdom is in danger and being taken wasn't part of her plan. Now Raina must fight to get back to her kingdom while dealing with Jasper the scoundrel. I don't know how Ember does it, but the monsters always seem to win me over.
Check your triggers
This book was sent to me as an ARC and I'm writing this review willingly.

[Heather H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this series. It keeps getting better and better.
I know I’ve said this before but Jasper and Reina are probably my favorite now.
First book I’ve read like this with “special” appendages. I was surprised.
Reina started out not knowing how to live outside her bubble. Jasper doing everything he can to teach her new skills. And getting to “see” Rei grow into a BA fmc.

I can’t wait to read how the story unfolds in the final book. Seeing all the sisters together is such a treat.

This will be one of my favorite series for years to come!

[✨Rissa✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 4th stand alone book in the Princesses of Ruin Series. You don’t need to read the other to follow this story but it would absolutely help add the excitement of the overall story. I have read the first three books and absolutely loved them. Even though I loved Reina and Jaspers relationship and banter as well as the whole book in general this one wasn’t my absolute favorite. I just wasn’t able to get into the spicy scenes as much as the ones in the other books but it was still a great book and I would definitely recommend it!

[Bevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

CW: violence, gore, spice, some others

Thank you to the author for allowing me to be a part of the ARC team! “Ruthless Scoundrel” releases August 20, 2024!

It would be way too reductive to just label the spice portion as ‘fantasy monster smut,’ but it’s a significantly non-zero portion of things, so do with that what you will.

Reina Hilden might be the fourth and youngest princess, but she’s also the queen’s most coveted child, and a rebellion’s strongest weapon. On the night of her elder sister’s wedding, Reina is abducted, leaving chaos and a furious monarch in her wake. Jasper only wants one thing—to save his family— and he’s gong to use Reina as bait to do it. When a violent storm shipwrecks the two on an island, each finds themselves realizing the other is more than they ever expected.

How am I supposed to pick a favorite princess when they’re all so good? This is the fourth book in the “Princesses of Ruin” series, and I love them all. This is also the disclaimer that, although you can read each of the books as a standalone, you’ll get the most context and enjoyment out of reading them in order (and you’ll probably need to have read them all for book 5 anyway, so you should really just get started now).

Let’s talk characters. Reina and Jasper are so much fun, and I love their dynamic. Reina, as the youngest, comes across as a really well executed blend of ‘capable of performing the duties she was trained to do’ and ‘inner child desperately needs some healing.’ It manifests in burst of anger and tantrums, but I never found her to be annoying or overly immature. Jasper is so delightfully sweet and thoughtful, without ever smothering or infantilizing Reina. The interactions between the two of them are equal parts hilarious and steamy, and it made the whole book really fun to read.

Of the four books, I think this one gives us the most world building outside of the kingdom of Fynren. Scarlett and Alyse stay in Fynren, and Lily spends most of her time in the middle of nowhere, but with Reina we finally get to see other kingdoms and how they interact with strangers. There’s magic and different customs and other languages; it’s just really interesting and makes the world feel a lot bigger than what we’ve gotten to see so far. Seeing it through the lense of two individuals who don’t really have a lot of experience with these different things is also intriguing, because it brings that culture shock and language barrier problem into focus in a genre where we often end up with mono-linguistic societies or ‘magical translation crystals’ or similar. Obviously there’s nothing wrong with those methods, but it’s nice to see a different take on things.

As I mentioned before the blurb, this book is *spicy*. As in, dear lord it should probably be a crime to write things that are this steamy. When I went to write this review, though, my first thought was, “my mother reads my reviews; how am I supposed to explain to them about the tentacles?!” So, as a matter of self preservation, I will not be explaining further. We’ll just talk about the ten different levels of plot, and how they’re all amazing. We’ve got Reina’s motivations, Jasper’s motivations, the queen’s recurring theme of being an entire problem. Don’t forget the overlapping timelines from the prior 3 books, plus outside forces you don’t even know about yet. There’s so much going on, but it never feels overwhelming or confusing. If you want an example of a series that fully encompasses both ‘fantasy’ and ‘romance’ in equally well-executed proportions, this is it. It does it all, and it does it all *well*. This book in particular held my attention throughout the entire story, and it delivered an entire range of emotions. I just don’t know how else to tell y’all that it’s just an incredible book. (I’m not kidding about the tentacles, either. You’re just going to have to read about them for yourself.)

This is not going to be a book, or series, that works for everybody. If you’re squeamish, don’t like explicit scenes, or you prefer to forgive and forget your enemies, this isn’t going to be for you. If violence is the answer, if your love language is destroying enemies together, if snark and banter and being absolutely feral is a whole vibe for you, then this series is going to be right up your alley. I can’t recommend it enough, and I’m already counting down the days to the grand finale in book 5.

[Maxine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a 4.75 for me.
I really enjoyed it and was so glad to finally have a story about the last sister as I was really curious to get to know her especially considering how different all the sisters have been. Now Reina is very sheltered and guarded in a way to stifle her so while she was allowed to interact and have a palace life, she was very much made to be helpless. But the first moment she had where she could learn something she took every opportunity she could and no matter how messy or hard she didn't let it stop her. I found that to be very admirable and she always had a bratty response, so she was entertaining no matter what she was going through at times. I really enjoyed how Jasper was always helping her and encouraging her to learn whatever she wanted to learn. Love a supportive partner and the fact that he didn't want a helpless damsel princess.

Jasper is equally parts sassy and dirty (in some ways he reminds me a little of lilly, just a little) but also really supportive of Reina and her needs even if he feels helpless under the burden of helping his own people which has to take priority and how he has to keep secrets from Reina so as to not put the mission in trouble.

I really enjoyed the exploration of more of this realm and touching on a little of the other cultures and also the new species the Selkies. It was really cool, and I loved it.

This book has a lot of spice, and it was really well done, and it was hot. I don't want to give it away but remember he is a selkie sea creature, so things get interesting.

I also shed a few tears when all the reunions happened, and I was just glad to see everyone together. I especially loved seeing all the sisters being reunited and seeing them all together and Lilly is the biggest brat of them all with all the wild things that come out of her mouth, so I loved seeing her again and how Alistar tries to keep her in control. Seeing them all back together makes me want to go back and read all their stories again before the next and final book. Which speaking of I think this book was great for answering some lingering questions about the evil queen mother and what she had planned. So now we just need the final book, and I am sad to see this series come to an end as it is one of my favorites.

This book starts off with a Selkie by the name of Jasper who is on a mission to rescue his family and people who are being held in captivity. So, he decides to steal the powerful princess Reina to use her as bait in a scheme against this tyrant who is holding his people hostage. The thing in Reina has her part to play in overthrowing her own tyrant monarch.... her mother. She doesn't have time to be used for whatever nefarious means this man who has taken her has in store. So, she defies him and resists him and doing everything she can to make him miserable and regret taking her while she waits for her moment to escape. But as much as she pushes him, he doesn't care because something about her just draws him in. But after a shipwreck left them stranded on an island they must depend on and work together to survive even if they don't trust one another. It is when they are depending on each other and that they start to trust in one another and their attraction for one another grows. But with each of their own plans to overthrow a powerful tyrant they can't let their attraction for one another get in the way as their people are depending on them to succeed. So, do they give into their attraction for one another or stay on mission?

I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, listen. At this point, Ember Holt has earned so much trust from me as a reader, she can get away with multiple tentacle breaches and weird selkie anatomy that, honestly, many authors probably wouldn't be able to pull off and still have me trying to convince my best friend to read it. We are all in this together. 🐙

You can read the summary of the book yourself. I'm going to share what this book made me think.

The reason I'm so devoted to this series, even when we're getting freaky with it, is because the storytelling is fantastic. I'm invested in the plot and I'm wholeheartedly bought into the characters.

I'm confounded by how the author has developed so many different, complex personalities and continues to portray them so convincingly. Eight very different people come together in a room, and each one is represented exactly as they are, clearly, through the perspective of whoever happens to be the MC at the time. Names could be left out and I would still know exactly who is being described by the mannerisms and responses, verbal and nonverbal. I just love the uniqueness of every character.

Each of the first 4 books in this series represents a difference sister - one of the princesses - in her journey navigating life with an evil bitch-queen mother, through dysfunction and abuse within the palace, and beyond the palace walls.

The thing about these stories is that they're not stories about pampered princesses going through hard trials and losing the innocence of what could've/should've been; losing precious pieces of who they are. These are stories about the stunning ferocity of women. This is not the forlorn loss of naïveté, it is the beauty of fierceness found. Women becoming who they are, despite the scheming of others and absolute bullshit of the world around them, embracing who they are, and being loved and valued for who they are. This is the strength of women who have had to make their own way in a world created to pin them in, hold them down, use them, value only what they contribute to the lives/devices of others. These are outwardly beautiful women who are scarred, physically and otherwise, and rather than seen as imperfect, they are respected, loved, and valued for the strength and power of their character, seen as perfect for their imperfections.

I've spent too much time in my head trying to put into words how these fantasy books reflect the experience of life as a woman in our actual world. I'm frustrated with my inability to perfectly do so, but I feel the truth of it nonetheless. And also thinking about how I've faced the fights, so I'd like my Alastair (or Zane or Kaz or Jasper) now, thank you very much.

To wrap this up: Does Ruthless Scoundrel have tentacle action and smashing human vs. selkie anatomy? Yes, yes it does. Did Feral Guardian have a spiky-toothed hooha? Yes, yes it did. And if that's all you take away from these stories, I urge you to reconsider. Every book and short story in this series has depth and heart, as well as the smuttiest smut that ever did smut, and that's what makes this author an instant buy for me, and keeps me coming back for more.

I give Ruthless Scoundrel 4.75-ish stars, simply because it dragged for me the tiniest bit here or there, but nothing that truly impacted my overall experience of the book.

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruthless Scoundrel is the fourth book in Holt's The Princesses of Ruin series. I would encourage you to read them in order as references are made to the previous books and I think readers will have a greater appreciation for the content.

Book 1: Brutal Rival - Scarlett Bloodletter, aka The Princess of Prayers, and Zane Vestious, the Spider Lord.
Book 2: Feral Guardian - Princess Lilianna (Lily) Hilden and Alastair Osrick Brunay
Book 3 - Dark Artificer - Princess Alyse Hilden and Kazimir

This story centers around Princess Reina Hilden and Jasper Luvine. Reina is the fourth daughter; she's led a very sheltered life. Her life is turned upside down when she is kidnapped by Jasper, a selkie who has had to fend for himself since he was a child. He doesn't want to hurt Reina. He actually feels terrible for having to take her, but she is a means to an end. He made a promise many years ago and he needs to fulfill it. His family and his people are depending on him.

Reina starts out their journey as a shackled prisoner, but when the two are shipwrecked, they have to learn to depend on one another. Trust does not come easily to either of them, but they find their way. Truths are revealed, and the two stop fighting their inexplicable draw to the other.

This spicy, enemies-to-lovers romantasy was another fun read. I love the characters Holt has created. Reina and Jasper were a captivating duo. The further from Fynren they get, the more Reina realizes how much she doesn't know, and needs to learn. Jasper, in turn, feels the need to teach her, and show her how capable she truly is. Every day he falls for her a little more. Their banter was fantastic, and I love how they pushed one another's buttons. I can honestly say that I will never look at an octopus the same way again. #iykyk

Some of the lines I enjoyed:

There's something about her that makes me hungry, and not for fish.

To think that she believes she's deficient. Untrained, yes, but lacking, never. So I must make her understand that everyone has shortcomings, and that doesn't make then any less worthy.

I try not to watch her, but it's so hard not to. Everything she does is delightful.

"A morally grey princess. Be still, my shriveled black heart."

"I'll be your fool."

"If you want to stop, I'll say 'dark'."
I scowl. "Why that?"
"Because I'm your sunshine. You wouldn't want to snuff me out, would you?"

She's as brilliant as a hundred thousand stars in the void of night.

"Shadows can be defeated by light."

I highly encourage you to check out this series. The fifth and last book will bring all the princesses and their partners together in an epic battle. I can't wait!

[Lenaasty · Rating 2 out of 5]

Promising start, tension between stranded enemies to lovers 📈 but quickly lost its appeal with the octopus shape shifting (like, a lot of octopus thoughts) and sudden falling in love and a plot which didn't convince me 📉


"What if they kill me?
- I will hunt down everyone whose scent I smell on you then chase Nol'Ther across the sky to reclaim you from her embrace."


Not gonna lie the man has some pretty nice quotes, he is a sweet talker for sure. I liked his character, aside from the multi shape shifting and especially octopus..... personal bias but tentacles and all related creatures disgust me profoundly. It also sounded silly when he was in a serious life threatening situation and casually thought "hmm maybe in my octopus form I can do this and that" pls sir we don't need a giant octopus to come flapping and flopping in a chaotic ballroom where people are dying be serious 🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️


"She grumbles something behind my hand that sounds a lot like "vulgar" and "bastard", which makes me smile. She doesn't call anyone else vulgar bastard. Just me."


Maybe I would have enjoyed it more if I'd read the previous books? Although it was specified that it was not required maybe it would have helped me consider both the characters' powers as credible and not a duo composed of an octopus 🐙and a blue skinned girl who shoots laser beams out of her hand🧞‍♀️ (gross exaggeration of course, her skin isn't blue all the time and no lasers appear at any point). I only felt invested in the selkie subplot (saving his enslaved people or whatnot), the whole rebellion-vessel-evil-mom felt like a combination of too many ideas and then the evil cloud who's also her mom appeared and I just lost all interest👁️👁️


"Hope you didn't fuck my sister so hard she can't sit for dinner."


Actually if anyone, let alone my sister, said that to my partner while we're in a room full of family members I would genuinely spit in their face and never talk to them again. What is wrong with this character this is not quirky and funny it's over the top rude and creepy???? Where's your shame?? Bring back bullying 2024 🗣️🗣️ almost tagged this book in Book jail for this quote alone but it's a minor offense compared to my current inmates so I'll let it pass


‼️Update: after careful consideration, it wouldn't be fair to let it escape justice. The sentence has been confirmed, ⛓️⚖️BOOK JAIL⚖️⛓️



[Arc review, honest opinion]

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall Rating: 4/5

Spice Meter: 4/5

Another scorching hilarious story from Ember Holt! In this forth installment of The Princesses of Ruin series, we meet another princess, Reina, and the Selkie Prince who (quite literally) sweeps her off her feet. Jasper is desperate to kidnap Princess Reina and save his people. But he didn’t anticipate falling for her.

Characters:

Reina: She’s got a lot of spirit, but struggles with self confidence. She knows her magic is the KEY to defeating the evil queen, but as the sister who is constantly underestimated, and locked away, she struggles when she gets away from the palace. She’s very sheltered, and as a result doesn’t know how to use much of her magic, or how to survive when she’s kidnapped. Having to rely on others isn’t her strong suit, but she can’t resist this gorgeous captor!

Jasper: Prince of the Selkies, Jasper (and his many tentacles…mmm…tentacles) is desperate. He must free his family and his people from a tyrant king, and the only way he can do it is by kidnapping Reina and trading her to the king in exchange. While on the quest to free his people, he falls for Reina, and falls hard. (And she falls into his hard tentacles…IYKYK).

Tropes:
He Falls First
Fourth in a Series
Unique Peen
Non-Human
Fantasy Romance
Action Packed
Hilarious (is that a trope? With Ember Holt it is!)

Some Highlights:
- This was the first mention of this princess in the entire series, so the reader goes in blind about Reina. As a result, the book begins a little slower than the first three, as the author had to do some world building for the readers.

- I liked the explanation of the selkies at the beginning. (Your girl loves some context!)

- This book was ACTION PACKED, and I don’t mean fight scenes. As per usual, Holt writes SCORCHING adult playtime scenes that leave you begging for more.

- Also as per usual, this book and the BANTER. Holt can write some great dialogue people! I was laughing out loud the entire book

- Not a huge fan of mermaid and selkies. I’ve only read two of those types of books, and they didn’t intrigue me enough to keep reading. But if Jasper is what male mermen and selkies are like…sign me up!

Thank you to Ember Holt for trusting me with the ARC! Can’t wait for the fifth installment!

[monsterinthepages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another scandalously joyful addition to the ‘Princesses of Ruin’ series! I love these books and I can’t wait to read the conclusion and see how these sisters band together and use their strength and their bonds as family to overcome the evilness of their mother—because that Queen DEFINITELY has it coming!

Out of all the princesses, I would have to say that Reina is my favourite. Her strength and confidence is truely instinctual and grows now she has the ability to learn about the world, under Jasper’s guidance and protection of course. Jasper might also be one of my favourite MMC’s in this series too! I loved his character arc and his connection to family and what lengths he will go to save them.

I loved the shipwrecked pirate-y vibes throughout the whole story—filled with adventure, sea gods, sailing the high seas and snuggling together in makeshift beach shelters (which may or may not lead to some SPICY one bed moments).

The romance between Reina and Jasper was simply delightful! They start as enemies (captor/captive) and blossom quite authentically into a fairly slow burn (with actually admitting their feelings) lovers/fated mates romance. The banter between them was INCREDIBLE—as well as the little bratting element to their affection and I ate it all up.

I also VERY much enjoyed Jasper’s unique anatomy (and feel honoured that my peen scaling system helped inspire the author to get creative ;) there is no higher honour than that!) and the one scene towards the end with his true form was…AMAZINGLY hot!! I won’t spoil anything, but it’s enough to drown you in spice.

I can’t wait to see how this overarching story concludes and wait on the edge of my seat to finally see these sisters kick evil’s ass! 5/5 stars!!

━━ † ━━

❗️I received this ARC via sign up and every part of this review is written willingly and genuinely with my own personal feelings/thoughts and is under no conditions or obligations❗️

[Aurien · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't stop my eyebrow from lifting. "A morally grey princess. Be still, my shriveled black heart."

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 / 5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5

Tropes and Themes:

- Enemies to Lovers
- Captor/Captive
- Forced Proximity
- Found Family
- Morally Grey
- One Tent
- Banter
- Tentacles 👀

"You will not hurt yourself anymore, or I will give you a reminder of whose body this is - who it belongs to - one that you will not soon forget."

Ok, so I know I say this every time I read the next book in this series, but Reina and Jasper are officially my favorite couple 😍 And this is saying something, because even though they're all vastly different, I LOVE all three of the previous couples so so much! But these particular two have me in a chokehold, and I uttery adore them ❤️

"Eat, or I'll hold your mouth open and force-feed you."
"Good luck," I say between my clenched teeth. "I'll bite off anything you put in me." 😏

Enemies to Lovers will forever be my favorite trope, and the banter was top notch 🤌 I loved how possessive and obsessed Jasper became and greatly enjoyed learning his motivations and backstory. And watching Reina transform from the naive, sheltered princess to a strong, badass, would-be queen was deeply satisfying and empowering 🥰

"You want to know how I'll find you?"
She takes a wavering breath and nods.
I pull in a deep lungful of her floral scent. "Because I have smelled your fear, your anger, and your joy. I have tasted your pleasure and your terror. You're ingrained deep in my psyche. There's nowhere on Gaien that I could not find you."

I can't wait to see all four of the sisters and their partners unite to bring down the evil queen in the final book, The Princesses of Ruin!

I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

[Book Dragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well...i can quite honestly say that i am completely stunned by this book - its the fourth in the series but if you havent read the previous books, other than a few spoilers, i was still able to follow along.

I am a romantasy reader through and through but even all the books i've read did not prepare me for this! I was hooked from the very first page and the author didnt give me time to catch my breath at all! I just kept tumbling further and further down the rabbit hole and now its 2:30am! I really enjoyed the characters in this book; some great witty back and forth between our main characters which is always great as sometimes, the romance can take over and we lose their fighting spirits. I enjoyed the way the book was written and it flowed very nicely.

However, i gave 4 stars as the "main battle scene" happened approximately 60% into the book and then there seemed to slow down for the final few chapters. Now...this might be because i havent read the first 3 books and the series is obviously moving towards a final showdown with the evil queen but it did seem to just slow down with lots of twists and turns being added in but i was so amped up from the fight that it felt a little flat and rushed in some places. That being said, i have already got the first 3 books downloaded and will be reading them and am looking forward to the next book where it all seems to be coming together.

If you like a bit of romance and a bit of fantasy and some serious spice...then get this book on your TBR and in your basket! You wont be able to stop reading once you've started...

[Rizzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been along for the wild ride that is the Princesses of Ruin series since book two and I was SO excited to be able to read and review the fourth princess's story. Here are my thoughts, I hope you enjoy!

Ruthless Scoundrel follows the tale of Princess Reina, our youngest heroine and her kidnapper, Jasper. It starts out during a scene from book three, so if you haven't read Dark Artificer, hop to it! You will want to read about it before starting this one, I promise.

From here, we are whisked away on a tropical adventure that is full of madness and so much banter that I found myself cackling more times than I could count. Reina and Jasper's story felt sweeter than the others, which was hilarious to me since the mouths on these two were far more dirty than even Lily in book two. I would contribute it to more of a coming of age feel, but with some SERIOUS smut. Reina has been so sheltered that she knows nothing of how to take care of herself. How to handle the world she had been forced to be captive within. And Jasper, well, he isn't a monster. At least, not in that way. *Grins*

All in all, it was definitely a perfect way to bring the sister's together and set up the final steps that would start their battle against the big bad. If you love an action packed story with magic, mayhem, and a couple that will keep you grinning through the entire story, you should go get this book. Prepare yourself while you can, because I know book five, our finale, is going to be one hell of a rollercoaster. Ember, girl, you slay me! Way to go on another winner!!

[Isabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ‘Ruthless Scoundrel’ by Ember Holt is the fourth book in the series, which covers Reina and Jasper’s journey. I’ve been waiting for this book for four months and it was well worth the wait.

Reina, the last of the evil queen’s four daughters, is the opposite of her mother. She is caring, genuine, honest, intelligent, kind, loyal, and observant. For most of her life she has been forced into a life of massive restrictions that even her other sisters didn’t have

Jasper has been forced to live the last ten years bouncing around and learning the ways of “Man” while trying to find a way to save his family and fellow selkies. Like Reina, he is caring, genuine, intelligent, kind, loyal, and observant as well as dedicated. Jasper is driven to fulfill his promise to his mother to one day save their people from captivity, even with it means doing something he rather not. Also, his power is really cool – though not what he has to do to build his possibilities.

While their beginning was rough, especially for Reina, the relationship that follows is thing of beauty. They support each other, even when Reina has justifiable reasons NOT to support Jasper, in order to survive. What starts out as grudgingly so changes into something that cannot be broken.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the book, but that was to be expected as I’ve felt this way about the first three books. Now it’s back to the waiting game as there is to be yet another book, which I know will be worth the wait as well.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m late to the party with Ruthless Scoundrel by the amazing indie author Ember Holt, but I’ve finally caught up! This is book four in The Princesses of Ruin dark fantasy series, & each book so far has focused on the story of a particular sister. Dare I say it, this might be my favourite one so far?

Jasper never expected he’d be someone to kidnap a princess, but needs must when he’s to overthrow a tyrant king in the south. And after some careful consideration, he’s set his sights on Princess Reina of Fynren. Is it the wrong choice, considering her fiery nature & magical abilities? Only time will tell. When Reina wakes up in a boat, far from the rebellion she was planning to play a key part in, her fury knows no bounds. Her anger certainly doesn’t abate when a shipwreck leaves the pair stranded on an island, reliant upon each other to survive. Will Jasper get his revenge & manage to overthrow a monarch? Can Reina find her way back to her own rebellion, to defeat her mother in an epic showdown? What happens when being Jasper’s captive is no longer a danger to Reina’s life, but her heart?

This dark fantasy lives & breathes for intrigue, tumultuous love & a rebellion against powerful enemies. I adore that Ruthless Scoundrel focuses on one central story, even as it ramps up the dangers surrounding Reina & her sisters because of the Queen’s growing power! This book is like having dessert before your dinner: absolutely decadent & sinfully delicious...

You can read my FULL REVIEW on my blog: https://www.immersedinbooks.com/ruthl...

[Alyssa Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this fourth installment of the “Princesses of Ruin” series, the youngest Princess, is captured by a mysterious young man. A young man who claims to need Reina’s help to rescue his people from a “false king”. Turns out he is a Selkie (not a merman-look it up haha) and can shape shift into an octopus-not a spoiler as it happens in the first chapter or so.

There is a lot of gratuitous sm€x in this book-see previous comment about octopus-and it often does nothing to advance the plot. (Be sure to read all the trigger warnings)

Speaking of the plot… there is actually a plot that goes throughout the four published “Princesses of Ruin” books, but these first four books can be read as standalones. I read them in release order and I definitely feel it added to my enjoyment and understanding of this book.

I enjoyed this installment in the series and I do plan to read the fifth book as well, even if the plot is somewhat disappointing. There was a lot of build up (the entire first 2/3rds of book) to the “false king” and his imprisonment of Jasper’s, the Selkie, people, and when the book arrived at that point, I felt it was hardly a blip in the chapter-a bit of a letdown. It almost felt like that part of the plot was an afterthought, when it could have been a really cool chance to develop the characters more.

If you are looking for some monster smut, these are the books for you (at least I think this classifies). Give these books a read. You might be saying WTH the whole time like I was (just be warned).

Thank you Ember Holt for the chance to read your ARC. This review is voluntary and all opinions expressed are my own!

[Zyrtzro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please, please, please give this whole series a read!

While I have loved all the Princess of Ruin books, this book definitely hit all the right notes for me. The youngest princess went into the world with a soft outlook and came out the other side with her own claws and teeth- same as her sisters.

I read this book within 24 hours because I just had to know what happened to Reina and Jasper. Reina is the youngest, so she's a little immature and strong headed at first, but that made the journey she was on the more obvious as she matures and learns.

Jasper is a soft hearted cutie and I think if it was any other kind of character (like jaded or hard-hearted) it would have never worked. All he wants to do is save the people he loves and Reina is the same.

The spice is spicing and the heat is HOT! Out of all the books in this series, this book just had all the spice I love and just the way I like it! A little fated mates, a little bondage, a little primal... Oh, and not to spoil anything but there's some tentacles at play...

I loved this book and I think if you are looking for a fantasy romance book with spice and badass women who are as ruthless as their MMC, then make sure you start at the beginning and then come devour this one!

I was given an ARC (advanced reader copy) in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and I give this review honestly and openly.

[bookishpadawan · Rating 4 out of 5]

tropes:
▸Princess x selkie
▸Force Proximity
▸Enemies to Lovers
▸He abducted her
▸Dark Romance
▸Chain
▸Shifter
▸Found Family
▸Captive Romance
▸Banter

this book is the fourth installment of interconnected standalone the Princesses of Ruin series, I recommend reading the first 3 books for references. this fourth book follows Reina, the fourth princess who was kidnapped on a day of riots at her sister's wedding. the kidnapper is a selkie, named Jasper who needs Reina's help to free his family from the custody of a cruel king.

like the previous book, the story was great. interesting characters with growth, moved at a great pace, and the plot was interesting. it filled with adventures and action-packed scenes involving the evil queen and her shadows. It was such an amazing build up between Reina and Jasper, the relationship growth, the trust and bond that developed as the journey goes brings them closer together. and I love in the end of the book finally the sisters are back together! I can't wait to see how these princesses and their formidable mates killed the evil queen, but I don't want this series to end so soon lol. I need to read the rest of the series to get all sisters' POVs and to know more of their story, so far book three that featured Kazimir and Alyse still my favorite. looking forward to reading the next book!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. thank you to author and Booksirens!♥️♥️

[Debz78 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Jasper is surprising 😂 did not expect that. Reina is amazing 🤩..I can't cope with this series. Everytime I read on the books I fall in love with the characters and think ok nothing will top that! Yeah right ...Ember has me eating my words. 


So in the first books you learn of the sisters, their story and their gifts. You learn their escape and journeys from the palace and meet their mates. You discover secrets, secrets that make you understand how their gifts are relevant. 


The rebellion and what they stand for but there is always something not being told as you need the next book and so on ..not with this one we are on the youngest of the Princesses Reina and her yet to be known to her mate.


Jasper's family was taken by a king in land away from where he is from, so he promised to get them back but to what cost.  He certainly didn't plan for what happens. Reina is kidnapped from the palace with no skills to aurvive, she can dance and do her duty, but no one has touched her die to her gift that even she hasn't got control of!! 


You will hear more from lily, Scarlett and Alyse and their partners which Is truly magical, well to me it is.


Done ...omg I need more of the Princesses of Ruin. When the journey is finally complete I actually don't think I'll be over this story. I'm emotionally invested with all the Characters! 

[Celine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the ARC copy of this book!

I loved every second of this book. Especially the edge of danger their relationship has, the danger they enjoy within their relationship. It's exciting and it makes me feel seen and heard.

This book seems to teeter on dark romance with the things these two enjoy when they're together. They enjoy playing hunter and hunted. That was one of my favourite parts of this book was the hunting scene.

Jasper and Reina are fire and they burned up everything else while I read this book. I didn't know that the mates trope would be in this book, and I don't tend to enjoy that trope because I've seen it done so many terrible ways I got sick of it, but I am pleasantly surprised how refreshing this book felt with regard to that and it didn't bother me. And the shifting I expected, I ended up really enjoying that too, more than I expected and I'm glad. It was an enjoyable story and this couple was brilliant. I love how much they complimented each other all while still fighting against one another.

I loved this book, and I wanted to devour it, but I wanted to take my time too. I didn't want the book to end too soon.

I will definitely be reading the final book in the series to find out how all these events end and how the goal is achieved in the end.