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North Shore Titans Hockey #5
Ruthless Titan
I never imagined the ruthless Titan would choose me as his rebellion, or that I’d become his shield.
Hockey was supposed to be my ticket to stability, earning me a scholarship for an education I could never have afforded on my own. Until Connor Walsh, the ruthless star of the Crestwood hockey team and my captain, corners me with an ultimatum that changes everything.
Marry him, or watch my scholarship—and my entire future—disappear.
It's blackmail, pure and simple. A calculated move in whatever twisted game he's playing with his equally ruthless father. And I'm just a pawn he's willing to sacrifice.
Now I'm trapped in their war, shielding the one person who should be my enemy and learning all over again that safety is just another thing people like me don’t get.
I keep telling myself to hold back, that getting close only leads to hurt. But every day I spend with Connor pulls me in a little more.
And falling for my husband is worse than anything the ruthless titan can threaten me with.
Because love—family—well, they never last.
Grab your copy of this steamy MM featuring an over the top possessive hockey player and his teammate. This is a forced marriage college hockey romance with a bi-awakening, two broken MCs, and first times.
Hockey was supposed to be my ticket to stability, earning me a scholarship for an education I could never have afforded on my own. Until Connor Walsh, the ruthless star of the Crestwood hockey team and my captain, corners me with an ultimatum that changes everything.
Marry him, or watch my scholarship—and my entire future—disappear.
It's blackmail, pure and simple. A calculated move in whatever twisted game he's playing with his equally ruthless father. And I'm just a pawn he's willing to sacrifice.
Now I'm trapped in their war, shielding the one person who should be my enemy and learning all over again that safety is just another thing people like me don’t get.
I keep telling myself to hold back, that getting close only leads to hurt. But every day I spend with Connor pulls me in a little more.
And falling for my husband is worse than anything the ruthless titan can threaten me with.
Because love—family—well, they never last.
Grab your copy of this steamy MM featuring an over the top possessive hockey player and his teammate. This is a forced marriage college hockey romance with a bi-awakening, two broken MCs, and first times.
421 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2025
350 people are currently reading
2288 people want to read
About the author
E.V. Olsen
51 books585 followersI'm a romance author who loves Over The Top alpha males who are possessive and completely obsessed with their person or mate. Nothing will get in their way from claiming what's theirs. I enjoy writing darker type romances whether in the contemporary world, PNR worlds, or even post-apocalyptic worlds.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 554 reviews
December 3, 2025
“You're mine.” [...] “Every scar. Every tear. Every. Single. Breath. It's all mine.”
Willing to do anything to avoid an arranged marriage to a woman he doesn't want, Connor takes the nuclear option of drugging and kidnapping his teammate Ryan. What he doesn't know (or care) is that Ryan has already been through hell and back, and isn't really in the right headspace to add more to his plate. The two enter into an uneasy and uncomfortable marriage as strangers. Connor still thinks he's straight, and Ryan isn't up for anything physical with someone he can't trust. These two have to earn their HEA but I absolutely loved the book. Forced marriage + sports is a fantastic combo!
“You took my freedom when you forced me to marry you. Took my first kiss. I won’t let you take my bear.”
What an absolutely charming end to this series! Each book just kept getting better and better in the best unhinged way. I love how E.V Olsen takes characters who are involved in some pretty shady stuff, who unlive their enemies without hesitation, and turns them into absolute gooey marshmallows for their men. Such a fun read despite some heavier subject matter. I'd be shocked if anyone was able to read this book without falling in love with Ryan, just as Connor does. The loyalty these two develop for each other was really beautiful 🥰.
I'm done playing their games. Done with blackmail. Done with leverage. Now, it’s time to burn it all down.
Rating: 4.5
Angst: 4/5
Steam: 4/5
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review
November 25, 2025
i was sooo excited when I got this arc because a forced marriage between two hockey players on the same team which involved kidnapping????? YES. HYPE ( i need help )
this was the fastest I’ve ever read a book and it was too damn fucking short. Ryan and Connor had an interesting dynamic, it’s almost like you never expect how their interactions will go which is exciting because SURPRISE ME. MAKE MY HEART SKIP A BEAT.
Mom always said I'd find someone who'd sweep me off my feet. Guess being drugged and dragged to Connecticut counts. Should've read the fine print on that fairy tale.
and the group slowly including him??? being cautious of his needs and fear and anxiety?? Precious humans I swear. just like every book in this series, there’s the added violence in the end but it was fine by me ✋
loved this so much 🤌🤌🤌 literally made me so happy and sad in equal measures.
note : this is pretty dark, and the mc has a traumatic past, so please read the trigger warnings.
this was the fastest I’ve ever read a book and it was too damn fucking short. Ryan and Connor had an interesting dynamic, it’s almost like you never expect how their interactions will go which is exciting because SURPRISE ME. MAKE MY HEART SKIP A BEAT.
Mom always said I'd find someone who'd sweep me off my feet. Guess being drugged and dragged to Connecticut counts. Should've read the fine print on that fairy tale.
and the group slowly including him??? being cautious of his needs and fear and anxiety?? Precious humans I swear. just like every book in this series, there’s the added violence in the end but it was fine by me ✋
loved this so much 🤌🤌🤌 literally made me so happy and sad in equal measures.
note : this is pretty dark, and the mc has a traumatic past, so please read the trigger warnings.
December 13, 2025
I’m finally reading something I can rate with 4⭐ in this series. The author's storytelling has definitely improved.
Not only are both main characters very good and likeable, but the author also toned down the excessive possessiveness and focused more on developing the relationship. I really liked this couple, it feels like the only relationship in the series whose story is real and authentic, the way I wish they all had been.
🔵 Teammates
🟢 Forced marriage
🟡 Bisexual / bi-awakening
🟣 Size difference (6' and 6'7)
🟠 Past trauma on both ends
🔵 Rich/poor
🟢 Hurt/comfort
🌶️ Good sex scenes; virgin; first times; rimming, oral, penetrative, 69, pink panties; t/b (bigger), hinting at vers
If you didn't like this series as much and found the Titans too dramatic and ridiculous, well, sit down and open up this one, because it's much, much better than the rest.
Connor is apparently the richest guy in the Titans friend group. He comes from a powerful family that uses him as a chess piece in their game of business, power and prestige. Eventually Connor reaches a point where he’s expected to marry a woman chosen by his parents and he doesn't want to do it.
"Twenty-two years of grooming, shaping me into the perfect heir, was all building toward this. Not my success, not my happiness— but his empire. But I’m not going down easily. There has to be a way to beat him. I just need time to figure it out. So, for now, I’ll play his game."
Connor is a neglected kid, born and raised to be useful to his parents, and nothing more. He grows up mostly alone and emotionally abandoned, yet rich and untouchable.
When he finds himself facing the loss of his freedom, Connor kidnaps Ryan Henneman, his new, young, and innocent teammate, who has no idea what Connor or his friends are really like.
"Time to turn this nobody into my husband."
"Husband. Fuck that word."
Ryan is an orphan with a terrible past. His family died in a car crash. He’s a sweet but deeply traumatized guy who then finds himself held at gunpoint and taken to the courthouse to be married to Connor.
"Mom always said I'd find someone who'd sweep me off my feet. Guess being drugged and dragged to Connecticut counts. Should've read the fine print on that fairy tale."
Ryan and Connor have no animosity or pointless drama between them. They’re both hurt and alone, and while Connor initially tries to threaten Ryan and keep him submissive and at a distance, Ryan isn't having it. On top of that, Connor is open to Ryan and fully accepting of who he is and they get to know each other. They offer each other comfort, loyalty, protection, devotion, amazing sex, and the promise of a really good future together.
They have their share of funny, sexy and profound moments and I absolutely loved them as a couple.
"As I slide into the driver’s seat, I glance back at the cemetery, at the three graves under the oak tree. Did you three bring him here? You know he kidnapped me, right?"
I Iike how generous Connor is with Ryan and I'm talking with money, time, feelings, effort, you name it. I liked their dynamic. I really want to read about their forever happy ending somewhere down the line. I think they deserve that novella where they're older, more established, maybe married and just blissfully happy.
The series has grown on me. No doubt. And this book did the trick. So even if I didn’t enjoy the other books as much, I love that the guys are always present and connected, their story continues together and that's really good.
I’m kinda hooked at this point and can’t wait for the next book.
I’m especially interested in the royal court - the Kings of Crestwood.
Not only are both main characters very good and likeable, but the author also toned down the excessive possessiveness and focused more on developing the relationship. I really liked this couple, it feels like the only relationship in the series whose story is real and authentic, the way I wish they all had been.
🔵 Teammates
🟢 Forced marriage
🟡 Bisexual / bi-awakening
🟣 Size difference (6' and 6'7)
🟠 Past trauma on both ends
🔵 Rich/poor
🟢 Hurt/comfort
🌶️ Good sex scenes; virgin; first times; rimming, oral, penetrative, 69, pink panties; t/b (bigger), hinting at vers
If you didn't like this series as much and found the Titans too dramatic and ridiculous, well, sit down and open up this one, because it's much, much better than the rest.
Connor is apparently the richest guy in the Titans friend group. He comes from a powerful family that uses him as a chess piece in their game of business, power and prestige. Eventually Connor reaches a point where he’s expected to marry a woman chosen by his parents and he doesn't want to do it.
"Twenty-two years of grooming, shaping me into the perfect heir, was all building toward this. Not my success, not my happiness— but his empire. But I’m not going down easily. There has to be a way to beat him. I just need time to figure it out. So, for now, I’ll play his game."
Connor is a neglected kid, born and raised to be useful to his parents, and nothing more. He grows up mostly alone and emotionally abandoned, yet rich and untouchable.
When he finds himself facing the loss of his freedom, Connor kidnaps Ryan Henneman, his new, young, and innocent teammate, who has no idea what Connor or his friends are really like.
"Time to turn this nobody into my husband."
"Husband. Fuck that word."
Ryan is an orphan with a terrible past. His family died in a car crash. He’s a sweet but deeply traumatized guy who then finds himself held at gunpoint and taken to the courthouse to be married to Connor.
"Mom always said I'd find someone who'd sweep me off my feet. Guess being drugged and dragged to Connecticut counts. Should've read the fine print on that fairy tale."
Ryan and Connor have no animosity or pointless drama between them. They’re both hurt and alone, and while Connor initially tries to threaten Ryan and keep him submissive and at a distance, Ryan isn't having it. On top of that, Connor is open to Ryan and fully accepting of who he is and they get to know each other. They offer each other comfort, loyalty, protection, devotion, amazing sex, and the promise of a really good future together.
They have their share of funny, sexy and profound moments and I absolutely loved them as a couple.
"As I slide into the driver’s seat, I glance back at the cemetery, at the three graves under the oak tree. Did you three bring him here? You know he kidnapped me, right?"
I Iike how generous Connor is with Ryan and I'm talking with money, time, feelings, effort, you name it. I liked their dynamic. I really want to read about their forever happy ending somewhere down the line. I think they deserve that novella where they're older, more established, maybe married and just blissfully happy.
The series has grown on me. No doubt. And this book did the trick. So even if I didn’t enjoy the other books as much, I love that the guys are always present and connected, their story continues together and that's really good.
I’m kinda hooked at this point and can’t wait for the next book.
I’m especially interested in the royal court - the Kings of Crestwood.
December 29, 2025
dropped @55%
I'm not only annoyed at how dumb this still is (like still in book 5) but now I'm also bored out of my fucking mind with this. I'm giving up. Maybe I can even get my credit back.
----------
***currently listening*** @15%
Sometimes I wonder if narrators get embarrassed by what they are narrating.
The author still seems to hate women and the Titans are still horribly unlikable. If I hadn’t invested an audible credit for this (it’s not every day you get Joe Arden to narrate MM) I would’ve dnf’d the shit out of this already.
Let’s see if it’s redeemable somewhere along the way.
************
North Shore Titans Hockey Series
Book 1 - Savage Titan - 2.0 stars
Book 2 - Brutal Titan
Book 3 - Unhinged Titan
Book 4 - Forbidden Titan
Book 5 - Ruthless Titan - 2.0 stars
I'm not only annoyed at how dumb this still is (like still in book 5) but now I'm also bored out of my fucking mind with this. I'm giving up. Maybe I can even get my credit back.
----------
***currently listening*** @15%
Sometimes I wonder if narrators get embarrassed by what they are narrating.
The author still seems to hate women and the Titans are still horribly unlikable. If I hadn’t invested an audible credit for this (it’s not every day you get Joe Arden to narrate MM) I would’ve dnf’d the shit out of this already.
Let’s see if it’s redeemable somewhere along the way.
************
North Shore Titans Hockey Series
Book 1 - Savage Titan - 2.0 stars
Book 2 - Brutal Titan
Book 3 - Unhinged Titan
Book 4 - Forbidden Titan
Book 5 - Ruthless Titan - 2.0 stars
November 17, 2025
Ruthless Titan is the finale for this series and is the most unhinged in all the best ways. I enjoyed how obsessive and possessive the affection and love between Connor and Ryan is a slow burn due to a variety of reasons, but eventually it makes sense, and their connection is strong because of the necessary time and trust needed to be built.
The forced proximity between Ryan and Connor creates many moments where both have to let down their barriers and be vulnerable to one another. This starts a shared understanding of the stressful situations both are experiencing. Ryan and Connor eventually open up to one another, and this is both endearing and sweet, but I appreciate how much time and effort it takes to get to this point.
Overall, this was a great way to send off these characters. Everyone makes an appearance, which was entertaining to see, and I love the hint at the next series and especially who it focuses on. Cannot wait for more.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
The forced proximity between Ryan and Connor creates many moments where both have to let down their barriers and be vulnerable to one another. This starts a shared understanding of the stressful situations both are experiencing. Ryan and Connor eventually open up to one another, and this is both endearing and sweet, but I appreciate how much time and effort it takes to get to this point.
Overall, this was a great way to send off these characters. Everyone makes an appearance, which was entertaining to see, and I love the hint at the next series and especially who it focuses on. Cannot wait for more.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
December 4, 2025
Tropes: forced marriage, hurt/comfort, roommates/teammates, found family
Feels: 2/5
Steam*: 2/5
Kinks: panties, jersey kink, 69
Angst: medium
HEA: HEA
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: homophobia, internalized homophobia, death of family members in a car accident, past sexual assault (it sounds like some boys in the Foster Care group home cornered Ryan in the shower and did shit but not penetration), emotional and physical child abuse, murder, violence, kidnapping both by MMC and minor characters, blackmail by MMC, panic attacks
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: Yes. Connor was dating Veronica because their family is wanted them to be together and he cheated on her, while trying to get her to break up with him he had her walk in on some other woman blowing him.
Other person drama: Ryan has never been with anyone before. Connor has been with a lot of women, and he got one b****** from a guy a few months ago and it's had him questioning his sexuality. At one point, Ryan has hurt feelings because he thought he was the only guy Connor ever hooked up with and he wasn't.
3 stars
Ryan is 19 and he's in his second year of college. When he was 11 his parents and little sister died in a car accident, which he survived though it left him scarred. He lived in a foster care group home for a while and he was sexually assaulted there in the shower. All of this has really traumatized him and left him suffering from panic attacks and fear for his safety in various situations. Eventually he was taken in by his former coach Larry and he's had a really supportive relationship with him.
Connor is 22 and he's in his last year of college. He plays on the same hockey team as ryan, and he's good enough to get into the NHL. His parents are filthy rich and only had a child for the sake of having an heir, there's not a parental bone in their bodies. They have been physically and emotionally abusive to him all his life, and they are only interested in what use he can be to them. They have him dating the daughter of someone they want to do a business deal with Veronica. And now they want to force him to marry her for a merger. Connor won't have that, so he drugs and forces Ryan to marry him. And they room together. Connor has a friend who was assaulted, and he sees the same signs in Ryan and he tries to be sensitive to Ryan because of that. They both are attracted to each other and they start hooking up, slowly pushing Ryan out of his comfort zone and growing closer. But Connor's parents aren't going to make this easy on them.
This book was promising... I liked the idea of it. I don't know if I just have a cold black heart but this book didn't really make me feel anything. It didn't have me kicking my feet when it should have, like when Connor had kind moments or when they slept in the same bed or Connor gave Ryan his Teddy bear. I think the book was a little guilty of not letting you close enough to the characters thoughts and feelings for each other, and telling rather than showing things. You didn't feel the tension. I think I prefer books where they are told in like a stream of consciousness way and you are seeing everything they feel.
I feel like there was a lot of stuff that kind of happened off page and they skipped over details. Like the choice to have Veronica and Ryan be revealed to know each other came out of nowhere. I like it better when the author lays the bread crumbs rather than just throws twists at you. When we read Ryan's POV before, the author could have mentioned this, it just seems a little lazy writing. There was also a splattering of typos in the book, and it wasn't just the Russian guy speaking bad English.
This book doesn't really read well as a standalone. There's too many nicknames and inside jokes/references that you really don't get if you haven't read all the other books, which I haven't.
I think the Titans are stupid with their violence. They keep attacking each other over things that are really kind of minor. And they're doing serious injury to each other, like concussing each other and breaking fingers. These are elite hockey players, some of which want to go to the NHL. It's not in their best interest to sideline their teammates from being able to play, and injuries are no joke and can permanently affect their future. The fact that they keep doing this to their friends of all people is ridiculous.
I did like some of the friend interactions, there were some moments that made me laugh.
Some notable moments:
"Novotny left four pages of instructions. Four. Including threats about what he'd do if anything happened to his cat, complete with stick figure illustrations."
"I pop another candy into my mouth and flip through the notes Merci gave me for Ethics class, if half-finished doodles and curse words can even be called notes. No wonder he’s barely passing."
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
Feels: 2/5
Steam*: 2/5
Kinks: panties, jersey kink, 69
Angst: medium
HEA: HEA
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: homophobia, internalized homophobia, death of family members in a car accident, past sexual assault (it sounds like some boys in the Foster Care group home cornered Ryan in the shower and did shit but not penetration), emotional and physical child abuse, murder, violence, kidnapping both by MMC and minor characters, blackmail by MMC, panic attacks
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: Yes. Connor was dating Veronica because their family is wanted them to be together and he cheated on her, while trying to get her to break up with him he had her walk in on some other woman blowing him.
Other person drama: Ryan has never been with anyone before. Connor has been with a lot of women, and he got one b****** from a guy a few months ago and it's had him questioning his sexuality. At one point, Ryan has hurt feelings because he thought he was the only guy Connor ever hooked up with and he wasn't.
3 stars
Ryan is 19 and he's in his second year of college. When he was 11 his parents and little sister died in a car accident, which he survived though it left him scarred. He lived in a foster care group home for a while and he was sexually assaulted there in the shower. All of this has really traumatized him and left him suffering from panic attacks and fear for his safety in various situations. Eventually he was taken in by his former coach Larry and he's had a really supportive relationship with him.
Connor is 22 and he's in his last year of college. He plays on the same hockey team as ryan, and he's good enough to get into the NHL. His parents are filthy rich and only had a child for the sake of having an heir, there's not a parental bone in their bodies. They have been physically and emotionally abusive to him all his life, and they are only interested in what use he can be to them. They have him dating the daughter of someone they want to do a business deal with Veronica. And now they want to force him to marry her for a merger. Connor won't have that, so he drugs and forces Ryan to marry him. And they room together. Connor has a friend who was assaulted, and he sees the same signs in Ryan and he tries to be sensitive to Ryan because of that. They both are attracted to each other and they start hooking up, slowly pushing Ryan out of his comfort zone and growing closer. But Connor's parents aren't going to make this easy on them.
This book was promising... I liked the idea of it. I don't know if I just have a cold black heart but this book didn't really make me feel anything. It didn't have me kicking my feet when it should have, like when Connor had kind moments or when they slept in the same bed or Connor gave Ryan his Teddy bear. I think the book was a little guilty of not letting you close enough to the characters thoughts and feelings for each other, and telling rather than showing things. You didn't feel the tension. I think I prefer books where they are told in like a stream of consciousness way and you are seeing everything they feel.
I feel like there was a lot of stuff that kind of happened off page and they skipped over details. Like the choice to have Veronica and Ryan be revealed to know each other came out of nowhere. I like it better when the author lays the bread crumbs rather than just throws twists at you. When we read Ryan's POV before, the author could have mentioned this, it just seems a little lazy writing. There was also a splattering of typos in the book, and it wasn't just the Russian guy speaking bad English.
This book doesn't really read well as a standalone. There's too many nicknames and inside jokes/references that you really don't get if you haven't read all the other books, which I haven't.
I think the Titans are stupid with their violence. They keep attacking each other over things that are really kind of minor. And they're doing serious injury to each other, like concussing each other and breaking fingers. These are elite hockey players, some of which want to go to the NHL. It's not in their best interest to sideline their teammates from being able to play, and injuries are no joke and can permanently affect their future. The fact that they keep doing this to their friends of all people is ridiculous.
I did like some of the friend interactions, there were some moments that made me laugh.
Some notable moments:
"Novotny left four pages of instructions. Four. Including threats about what he'd do if anything happened to his cat, complete with stick figure illustrations."
"I pop another candy into my mouth and flip through the notes Merci gave me for Ethics class, if half-finished doodles and curse words can even be called notes. No wonder he’s barely passing."
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
December 29, 2025DNF at 45%
this book is a joke, right?
we have all been through our wattpad and ao3 phases, and this feels like a dream manual for anyone hunting for their perfect trope buffet. it has everything a reader desires. and yet I couldn’t stand the mc.
he is so f obnoxious, so gratuitously rude and apathetic. the perfect definition of "rich, mannerless, catastrophically under-parented" kid.
the way he insulted ryan, I felt physically offended, as if those words were hurled at me.
“who wants someone as weak as you anyway?”
-really? and i’m supposed to continue tolerating this obnoxious specimen-this walking embodimentof entitlement? even the most spiteful, morally-questionable mc in enemies-to-lovers doesn’t stoop to something this cruel and dehumanizing absurdity. an impressive level of narrative rot lol.
“time to turn this nobody into my husband.”
-nobody. nobody?? how fundamentally unpleasant does a character have to be? even a well-delivered slap would fail to recalibrate this boy's attitude.
"His cheap navy suit doesn’t hide the way his shoulders bunch, the way his throat works when he swallows."
- cheap? son, you are cheap- your personality is practically biodegradable waste at this point.
I have never loathe a character or a book this intensely since Infamous park avenue prince. and, i'm sorry , but there are limits to what a reader can stomach .
who doesn’t love enemies-to-lovers? but when the mc is outright condescending and chronically looking down on someone like ryan? no. absolutely not. i can’t and i won’t accept it. even if he undergoes a miraculous transformation and becomes a saint by the end, the damage is irreversible for me, I will not be rehabilitating him in my mind.
this book to me felt like a wasted opportunity, it has potential-the setting and vibe of the book felt compelling and strong , i'll give it that, but everything else is cringe fest and lazy, a quick money- grab kind of concept. downright embarrassing.
such a waste for a book that could have been something, because the author clearly has the ability to write, just not...whatever this ended up being.
--------------------
dec 2 hmmm… ARCs are already closed? 😁. I wish I knew about this book earlier, I'd have signed up 😫.
this book is a joke, right?
we have all been through our wattpad and ao3 phases, and this feels like a dream manual for anyone hunting for their perfect trope buffet. it has everything a reader desires. and yet I couldn’t stand the mc.
he is so f obnoxious, so gratuitously rude and apathetic. the perfect definition of "rich, mannerless, catastrophically under-parented" kid.
the way he insulted ryan, I felt physically offended, as if those words were hurled at me.
“who wants someone as weak as you anyway?”
-really? and i’m supposed to continue tolerating this obnoxious specimen-this walking embodimentof entitlement? even the most spiteful, morally-questionable mc in enemies-to-lovers doesn’t stoop to something this cruel and dehumanizing absurdity. an impressive level of narrative rot lol.
“time to turn this nobody into my husband.”
-nobody. nobody?? how fundamentally unpleasant does a character have to be? even a well-delivered slap would fail to recalibrate this boy's attitude.
"His cheap navy suit doesn’t hide the way his shoulders bunch, the way his throat works when he swallows."
- cheap? son, you are cheap- your personality is practically biodegradable waste at this point.
I have never loathe a character or a book this intensely since Infamous park avenue prince. and, i'm sorry , but there are limits to what a reader can stomach .
who doesn’t love enemies-to-lovers? but when the mc is outright condescending and chronically looking down on someone like ryan? no. absolutely not. i can’t and i won’t accept it. even if he undergoes a miraculous transformation and becomes a saint by the end, the damage is irreversible for me, I will not be rehabilitating him in my mind.
this book to me felt like a wasted opportunity, it has potential-the setting and vibe of the book felt compelling and strong , i'll give it that, but everything else is cringe fest and lazy, a quick money- grab kind of concept. downright embarrassing.
such a waste for a book that could have been something, because the author clearly has the ability to write, just not...whatever this ended up being.
--------------------
dec 2 hmmm… ARCs are already closed? 😁. I wish I knew about this book earlier, I'd have signed up 😫.
November 21, 2025
The exact brand of OTT ridiculousness that I'm obsessed with!!
This is a super fast paced book and although at times I did wish there was a bit of a slower pace and more depth, I had the best time reading this and couldn't put the book down.
Connor is most definitely unhinged, but Ryan really came out of his shell. I loved how possessive they were of each other! I loved how Ryan shut down Connor's family too.
The drama was engaging and I only wish I'd had some popcorn to watch it all unfolding 😂
Super excited that the Serpents are getting their own series though, as are the Kings! Can't wait for more unhinged antics and OTT characters...
*****
I received an ARC of this book from The Author Agency, and this is my honest review
This is a super fast paced book and although at times I did wish there was a bit of a slower pace and more depth, I had the best time reading this and couldn't put the book down.
Connor is most definitely unhinged, but Ryan really came out of his shell. I loved how possessive they were of each other! I loved how Ryan shut down Connor's family too.
The drama was engaging and I only wish I'd had some popcorn to watch it all unfolding 😂
Super excited that the Serpents are getting their own series though, as are the Kings! Can't wait for more unhinged antics and OTT characters...
*****
I received an ARC of this book from The Author Agency, and this is my honest review
December 29, 2025
It was alright. Somehow a page-turner. Nothing shocking. Nothing gaggy.
December 3, 2025
5 stars will recommend, will read again. I'm a sucker for these dark, hurt/comfort touch-him-and-die beauties.
When one wrecked boy forces another wrecked boy into marriage.
This is what happens when they both figure out their issues together. When they realize how damaged they are and slowly unveil the love they share underneath the mess. This is how they get strong enough to fight to get back their lives.
This book had 5 stars before I even opened it.
When one wrecked boy forces another wrecked boy into marriage.
This is what happens when they both figure out their issues together. When they realize how damaged they are and slowly unveil the love they share underneath the mess. This is how they get strong enough to fight to get back their lives.
This book had 5 stars before I even opened it.
December 3, 2025
ARC REVIEW ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Full transparency, l've started a few books by Eve and never got around to finish them. This is the first time I'm finishing a book by this author and l am beyond satisfied.
I knew I was going to love this as I soon as I saw it was forced marriage
I was SAT.
What could be better than pointing a gun at your teammate’s head and dragging him to the altar to marry you? Nothing.
I mean Connor is easy to hate, he is an asshole and isn't supposed to be likeable but if you're an asshole who respects boundaries then I fuck with you. Despite his brashness, Conoor saw Ryan's trauma and instantly tried to be better. He wasn't the best, but soon as he realised how his "wicked ways" was affecting Ryan he made it a duty to respect Ryan's boundaries and also give him a semblance of peace.
Weird I know, because technically Ryan is still stuck in the marriage but I honestly couldn't hate Connor. He was good for Ryan, PERIOD!! And every of
their moment despite some being well not-so-so these two were good for each other.
🥰🥰🥰
Full transparency, l've started a few books by Eve and never got around to finish them. This is the first time I'm finishing a book by this author and l am beyond satisfied.
I knew I was going to love this as I soon as I saw it was forced marriage
I was SAT.
What could be better than pointing a gun at your teammate’s head and dragging him to the altar to marry you? Nothing.
I mean Connor is easy to hate, he is an asshole and isn't supposed to be likeable but if you're an asshole who respects boundaries then I fuck with you. Despite his brashness, Conoor saw Ryan's trauma and instantly tried to be better. He wasn't the best, but soon as he realised how his "wicked ways" was affecting Ryan he made it a duty to respect Ryan's boundaries and also give him a semblance of peace.
Weird I know, because technically Ryan is still stuck in the marriage but I honestly couldn't hate Connor. He was good for Ryan, PERIOD!! And every of
their moment despite some being well not-so-so these two were good for each other.
🥰🥰🥰
December 2, 2025
date read: Nov 19
A forced marriage that turned into the best thing that happened to both of them. I adored them and when Ryan said “Touch my husband again and I will k*ll you.” 😮💨 so fricking hot
I love possessive protective mcs and they served!! Also these two were hurting and together they started to heal, it was beautiful to read.
My fave found family for sure. Also Viktor and Merci will never not be funny 🤣 Love everything about this series!!
A forced marriage that turned into the best thing that happened to both of them. I adored them and when Ryan said “Touch my husband again and I will k*ll you.” 😮💨 so fricking hot
I love possessive protective mcs and they served!! Also these two were hurting and together they started to heal, it was beautiful to read.
My fave found family for sure. Also Viktor and Merci will never not be funny 🤣 Love everything about this series!!
January 9, 2026
4.5 stars
Ruthless Titan is book six in the North Shore Titans series. This MM college hockey romance story is about Connor and Ryan.
Connor has issues with his parents, so he takes things into his own hands and forces his hockey teammate Ryan to marry him. My heart broke for Ryan and everything he had been through, and it was sad to see how much his trauma impacted his life. I wasn’t a fan of Connor in the beginning, especially with how he first treated Ryan. I was thankful Ryan made friends with Eli and Merci.
Connor and Ryan definitely had a rocky start, so it was sweet to see them start to care for each other and become so protective. I did like the fact that just being with Connor didn’t fix Ryan. I was happy Ryan did go back to therapy, but I would have liked more healing for Ryan, especially when it came to being touched by Connor. Connor also could have benefited from therapy, especially with what he had been through with his parents. In the end, Connor and Ryan deserved to be happy.
It is sad to see this series come to an end, but the epilogue did give me hope that we may see all these Titans again!
Ruthless Titan is book six in the North Shore Titans series. This MM college hockey romance story is about Connor and Ryan.
Connor has issues with his parents, so he takes things into his own hands and forces his hockey teammate Ryan to marry him. My heart broke for Ryan and everything he had been through, and it was sad to see how much his trauma impacted his life. I wasn’t a fan of Connor in the beginning, especially with how he first treated Ryan. I was thankful Ryan made friends with Eli and Merci.
Connor and Ryan definitely had a rocky start, so it was sweet to see them start to care for each other and become so protective. I did like the fact that just being with Connor didn’t fix Ryan. I was happy Ryan did go back to therapy, but I would have liked more healing for Ryan, especially when it came to being touched by Connor. Connor also could have benefited from therapy, especially with what he had been through with his parents. In the end, Connor and Ryan deserved to be happy.
It is sad to see this series come to an end, but the epilogue did give me hope that we may see all these Titans again!
December 14, 2025
no wait this series cannot be over. i’m not fcking ready to be parted with them.
this series has easily become a favourite of mine and the found family i would do anything to be apart of. how ev has created such a solid group of boys who are just so fcking individual yet compliment each other perfectly, they are the greatest side characters and I will never get enough of any of their dynamics.
connor and ryan 💘💘💘💘💘 the men you are. their journey was rocky from the get go but boy were they exactly what the other needed without even realising it.
if you haven’t read this series, i suggest you do !!!! such an easy read series and i adored every single book.
this series has easily become a favourite of mine and the found family i would do anything to be apart of. how ev has created such a solid group of boys who are just so fcking individual yet compliment each other perfectly, they are the greatest side characters and I will never get enough of any of their dynamics.
connor and ryan 💘💘💘💘💘 the men you are. their journey was rocky from the get go but boy were they exactly what the other needed without even realising it.
if you haven’t read this series, i suggest you do !!!! such an easy read series and i adored every single book.
November 19, 2025
these books are just too damn good 😭😭
“my husband” GIVE ME MORE.
“my husband” GIVE ME MORE.
December 17, 2025
»Do you like Connor?«
»We should go. I'm hungry.«
»Holy, shit! You like your husband.«
★ ★ ★ ★
❥ 𝑹𝒚𝒂𝒏 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
God I really liked him. He‘s a big teddy bear with a lot of trauma and grief.
❥ 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒓 ⋆✮
He‘s such a red flag but treats Ryan right.
✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
I loved this book so much. I devoured this whole series and it‘s amazing how much the author has grown in writing and storytelling. This was a short and entertaining book with some plot and a sizzling love story. It‘s the perfect book for one evening and I couldn‘t put it down. I was glued to my kindle with a big smile on my face. I love this psycho hockey players with a soft spot for their men.
Ryan and Connor have great chemistry and their story is beautiful. It’s a forced marriage romance which was well done. Ryan deals with a lot of trauma and first Connor is a total asshole but he quickly falls for him. I liked their banter and tension.
Overall this was a very good book.
𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤?
Yes!
𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝟓 ׂㅤ𐙚 ࣪ ⭒
plot: 4/5
spice: 3/5
humor: 4/5
couple/tension: 5/5
world building: 4/5
happy end?: yes
𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 ₊ ⊹
possessive and protective hero, touch him and die, instant attraction, ice hockey captain x scholarship student, rich x poor, bi-awakening, forced proximity, forced marriage, college, sports romance, grief & healing, m x m
𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
#1 Savage Titan ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#2 Brutal Titan ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#3 Unhinged Titan ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#4 Forbidden Titan ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#5 Ruthless Titan ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
»We should go. I'm hungry.«
»Holy, shit! You like your husband.«
★ ★ ★ ★
❥ 𝑹𝒚𝒂𝒏 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
God I really liked him. He‘s a big teddy bear with a lot of trauma and grief.
❥ 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒓 ⋆✮
He‘s such a red flag but treats Ryan right.
✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
I loved this book so much. I devoured this whole series and it‘s amazing how much the author has grown in writing and storytelling. This was a short and entertaining book with some plot and a sizzling love story. It‘s the perfect book for one evening and I couldn‘t put it down. I was glued to my kindle with a big smile on my face. I love this psycho hockey players with a soft spot for their men.
Ryan and Connor have great chemistry and their story is beautiful. It’s a forced marriage romance which was well done. Ryan deals with a lot of trauma and first Connor is a total asshole but he quickly falls for him. I liked their banter and tension.
Overall this was a very good book.
𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤?
Yes!
𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝟓 ׂㅤ𐙚 ࣪ ⭒
plot: 4/5
spice: 3/5
humor: 4/5
couple/tension: 5/5
world building: 4/5
happy end?: yes
𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 ₊ ⊹
possessive and protective hero, touch him and die, instant attraction, ice hockey captain x scholarship student, rich x poor, bi-awakening, forced proximity, forced marriage, college, sports romance, grief & healing, m x m
𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
#1 Savage Titan ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#2 Brutal Titan ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#3 Unhinged Titan ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#4 Forbidden Titan ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#5 Ruthless Titan ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
December 4, 2025
3.75 🌟 rounded up for GR!
What to expect:
🐻 MM romance
🏒 Forced Marriage
🐻 "and they were roomates"
🏒 Posessive/Protective
🐻 Found Family
🏒 "you were meant to be mine"
🐻 Grief & healing
I just need everyone to know that I put my phone on DND, read this in one sitting, went to bed missing Connor and Ryan so much that I re-read it in the morning — that’s how obsessed I am with this series.
Ryan will break, melt, and re-break your heart through this entire book. Please be prepared (and maybe grab some tissues). He’s this shy, gentle 6’7” hockey player who keeps to himself — until someone messes with his teddy bear. Everyone thinks it’s just a silly superstition, but when you learn the story behind it… I swear, I still get choked up thinking about it 🥺
Connor, on the other hand — I was terrified to see what the captain, the most ruthless of the Titans (WHICH IS SAYING SOMETHING), would do to my sweet angel Ryan. But I did not expect the emotional growth this man goes through. He really goes from blackmailing Ryan to “oh btw, look at my husband again and I’ll k!ll you” 💀 (which slayyyyyy queen)
My favorite parts were the quiet ones — when they start to learn each other. Knowing when to push, when to give space. The small gestures: their first real kiss, the hidden camera, how Connor treats Ryan differently at practice, the reassurances, the way he learns Ryan’s tells. There are so many beautiful, subtle moments that could go unnoticed, but I devoured every single one.
This one’s definitely the most fast-paced and plot-heavy of the series. That epilogue? PURE EVIL. But honestly, I’ll forgive E.V. Olsen because she always leaves me wanting more (even when she’s emotionally torturing me).
Now… you might be wondering, “Nat, why only 3.75 stars if you’re this obsessed?” And I GET IT. Because I love them — like, truly love them. But that’s exactly why. I needed more. More softness. More space to breathe between all the plot. Ryan is just starting to open up, and then boom — it’s over. I wanted more moments where we could just feel them together, see that soft side Connor only shows Ryan. I’m just selfishly obsessed and didn’t want to let them go. 💚
I received an ARC and these are my honest thoughts.
What to expect:
🐻 MM romance
🏒 Forced Marriage
🐻 "and they were roomates"
🏒 Posessive/Protective
🐻 Found Family
🏒 "you were meant to be mine"
🐻 Grief & healing
I just need everyone to know that I put my phone on DND, read this in one sitting, went to bed missing Connor and Ryan so much that I re-read it in the morning — that’s how obsessed I am with this series.
Ryan will break, melt, and re-break your heart through this entire book. Please be prepared (and maybe grab some tissues). He’s this shy, gentle 6’7” hockey player who keeps to himself — until someone messes with his teddy bear. Everyone thinks it’s just a silly superstition, but when you learn the story behind it… I swear, I still get choked up thinking about it 🥺
Connor, on the other hand — I was terrified to see what the captain, the most ruthless of the Titans (WHICH IS SAYING SOMETHING), would do to my sweet angel Ryan. But I did not expect the emotional growth this man goes through. He really goes from blackmailing Ryan to “oh btw, look at my husband again and I’ll k!ll you” 💀 (which slayyyyyy queen)
My favorite parts were the quiet ones — when they start to learn each other. Knowing when to push, when to give space. The small gestures: their first real kiss, the hidden camera, how Connor treats Ryan differently at practice, the reassurances, the way he learns Ryan’s tells. There are so many beautiful, subtle moments that could go unnoticed, but I devoured every single one.
This one’s definitely the most fast-paced and plot-heavy of the series. That epilogue? PURE EVIL. But honestly, I’ll forgive E.V. Olsen because she always leaves me wanting more (even when she’s emotionally torturing me).
Now… you might be wondering, “Nat, why only 3.75 stars if you’re this obsessed?” And I GET IT. Because I love them — like, truly love them. But that’s exactly why. I needed more. More softness. More space to breathe between all the plot. Ryan is just starting to open up, and then boom — it’s over. I wanted more moments where we could just feel them together, see that soft side Connor only shows Ryan. I’m just selfishly obsessed and didn’t want to let them go. 💚
I received an ARC and these are my honest thoughts.
November 26, 2025
4.5🌟
Connor and Ryan 🖤
Oh these two sweet, broken boys. This is definitely all of the OTT craziness we’ve come to expect with these boys, but there was also something so raw and vulnerable with these two.
I will say, I wish we had a bit more of their lovey, smitten side. It seemed like the switch flipped for them a bit out of no where. They went from hating to loving and I wanted more of the in between.
Even though Ryan had been through SO MUCH shit in his life, he was still so strong. I loved when he’d fight back against Connor. And when he was passive aggressive towards him 😅 call us both petty I guess but I was here for it. He knew exactly how to make his men bend 🤣
I adored the friendships Ryan made with Merci and Eli. Ryan deserves everything, and I loved how Merci and Eli pushed for that while also respecting he had some difficulties that made things harder for him.
I wanted more of Ryan’s foster dad with Connor too. I loved him putting Connor in his place 🤣
I’m so excited for what’s next!! I’m down for alllllll of the spin offs and staying in this world for as long as possible.
That epilogue . . . I’m so intrigued! Before it was revealed I was asking myself is that who I think it is?!?
.
.
.
.
‼️⚠️ Potential spoilers ⚠️‼️
Dynamic: MM — strict
Sharing? No
Cheating? No
Breakup? No
Sex scene with OM or OW No
‼️⚠️ Content ⚠️‼️
— forced marriage
— forced proximity
— hurt / comfort
— teammates to lovers
— virgin MMC
— broken boys
— queer awakening
— possessive / protective
— touch him and 💀
— found family
— past trauma
— “baby”
— touch aversion
— face sitting
— rimming
— 69
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Connor and Ryan 🖤
Oh these two sweet, broken boys. This is definitely all of the OTT craziness we’ve come to expect with these boys, but there was also something so raw and vulnerable with these two.
I will say, I wish we had a bit more of their lovey, smitten side. It seemed like the switch flipped for them a bit out of no where. They went from hating to loving and I wanted more of the in between.
Even though Ryan had been through SO MUCH shit in his life, he was still so strong. I loved when he’d fight back against Connor. And when he was passive aggressive towards him 😅 call us both petty I guess but I was here for it. He knew exactly how to make his men bend 🤣
I adored the friendships Ryan made with Merci and Eli. Ryan deserves everything, and I loved how Merci and Eli pushed for that while also respecting he had some difficulties that made things harder for him.
I wanted more of Ryan’s foster dad with Connor too. I loved him putting Connor in his place 🤣
I’m so excited for what’s next!! I’m down for alllllll of the spin offs and staying in this world for as long as possible.
That epilogue . . . I’m so intrigued! Before it was revealed I was asking myself is that who I think it is?!?
.
.
.
.
‼️⚠️ Potential spoilers ⚠️‼️
Dynamic: MM — strict
Sharing? No
Cheating? No
Breakup? No
Sex scene with OM or OW No
‼️⚠️ Content ⚠️‼️
— forced marriage
— forced proximity
— hurt / comfort
— teammates to lovers
— virgin MMC
— broken boys
— queer awakening
— possessive / protective
— touch him and 💀
— found family
— past trauma
— “baby”
— touch aversion
— face sitting
— rimming
— 69
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
January 2, 2026
This final installment in the North Shore Titans series has ended the series with a bang. E.V. Olsen writes such amazing characters with trauma, depth, and healing.
Both Connor and Ryan need to heal from trauma and past heartbreak. While this forced marriage doesn't start off the way it should, it brings depth of feeling to the story.
I absolutely loved Ryan in this story. He broke my heart with the depth of his feelings. Connor seems like a jerk, but will he redeem himself?
I definitely cried more than I laughed in this one. I also will be buying the audiobook because to hear Joe Arden be Ryan has me craving every second. The audiobook is duet narrated by Joe Arden and Anthony Palmini and will be out soon.
Both Connor and Ryan need to heal from trauma and past heartbreak. While this forced marriage doesn't start off the way it should, it brings depth of feeling to the story.
I absolutely loved Ryan in this story. He broke my heart with the depth of his feelings. Connor seems like a jerk, but will he redeem himself?
I definitely cried more than I laughed in this one. I also will be buying the audiobook because to hear Joe Arden be Ryan has me craving every second. The audiobook is duet narrated by Joe Arden and Anthony Palmini and will be out soon.
December 1, 2025
I want to begin this by saying, I was not expecting this to be as good as it turned out. I personally hold Olsen to quite the high standard as they have written some of my favorite books and the one complaint I usually have is that their books are too short. Ruthless though was her longest book in the series and I loved it.
I literally could not put the book down and I ended up finishing it so quickly, I had to grief how quickly I finished. It had some of my favorite tropes of all time and I would say definitely they were portrayed correctly. I fully went into this not expecting as good as some of the other books in the series but I definitely came out believing this is one her best work.
Connor was nothing like I expected but in a really good way and I just really love Ryan. I love their dynamic, how they were together, and just getting to see the found family they have build with rest the boys from the series. I remember when the first book came out in this series and it’s been such a honor following it through the end. As an author, Olsen has definitely had so much growth and I’m so excited for what they have next for us.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
I literally could not put the book down and I ended up finishing it so quickly, I had to grief how quickly I finished. It had some of my favorite tropes of all time and I would say definitely they were portrayed correctly. I fully went into this not expecting as good as some of the other books in the series but I definitely came out believing this is one her best work.
Connor was nothing like I expected but in a really good way and I just really love Ryan. I love their dynamic, how they were together, and just getting to see the found family they have build with rest the boys from the series. I remember when the first book came out in this series and it’s been such a honor following it through the end. As an author, Olsen has definitely had so much growth and I’m so excited for what they have next for us.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
November 23, 2025
This was such a great end to the series. I had already purchases the first 3 then saw the 5th was on GRR and I had to read the entires series so quick and it was great! This one was my fave of them all! The complexity of Ryan’s character and how all his abuse was handled with care was so well done. I loved how Connor didn’t give up and really slowed down to go at Ryan’s pace for everything. Not just the sexual parts but all of it. Thaws nothing about this book I didn’t like. The spice was perfect, the plot was fun, and all the couples and are in as they all play such an important role to the development of Ryan and Connor’s relationship. I cannot wait for the South Shore Serpents and the Kings Of Crestwood.
I was give them ARC as for my unbiased and honest review.
I was give them ARC as for my unbiased and honest review.
November 30, 2025
Lord, what a wild ride this book is. I was hooked immediately (honestly, I’ve been hooked on this series since it began). In the majority of my reviews for EV’s books I say “I need 200 more pages, pronto” and I’d like to think that I was finally heard.
Connor and Ryan really had such a rollercoaster of a romance and I’m not sure I ever expected how it plays out. Throughout it all, you can see the little moments where their love builds against all odds.
I’m glad justice was served in more ways than one and I’m so excited to read the two spinoff series’s. Mr. Bristow will be living rent free until his book comes out 😭
I received a complimentary copy of this book but this is my honest and voluntary review! 🖤
Connor and Ryan really had such a rollercoaster of a romance and I’m not sure I ever expected how it plays out. Throughout it all, you can see the little moments where their love builds against all odds.
I’m glad justice was served in more ways than one and I’m so excited to read the two spinoff series’s. Mr. Bristow will be living rent free until his book comes out 😭
I received a complimentary copy of this book but this is my honest and voluntary review! 🖤
November 24, 2025
Fan freaking tastic- this is my first book my the author and I am so so happy I read it. It made my toxic love hungry heart happy. Connor and Ryan were everything. I thing o only struggled a bit during the first couple go chapters which is totally on me because I tend to start series in the middle like this one and the. Need to catch up on all the dynamics and the characters and I also tend to go in blind on the blurb before reading so I dont really remember to expect - which is sort of like the feeling when you’re reading a series slowly and catching up but it did not spoil my enjoyment at all
Fantastic characters, fast paced, unexpected, morally grey, evil guys who are good, good guys who suck, bottoms up found family, kidnapping, forced marriage, hard core band of brothers, alpha male, healing, vengence and white hot chemistry that is so emotional and sweet at the same time. Highly recommend reading. I will be happily going back to start the series from the beginning, I am curious about everyoneeeee.
Connor is just leap first when pushed into a corner and his parents are on his last nerve with this arranged marriage so he does the only sensible thing, the most wild out of wack idea - he kidnaps, threatens and coerced Ryan into a forced marriage. Man the fall out, I felt for Ryan, o did not like Connor for the first quarter of the book honestly with the amount he triggered art a who needs all the love and healing and wrapping in cotton wool we can give him.
While he doesn’t apologise per se, he more than makes up for it, he is Ryan’s champion , his touch him and die attitude is terrific. These two fall fast and they fall hard. Ryan also protects Connor from his evil parents, specially physically from his dad and heals in his own way when he realises he can protect Connor, it was all epic
This story is full of first times, twists and turns, action and drama and codependent relationships and I absolutely loved it. My only teeny tiny ask would be a bit more character introductions early on but o am totally not fussed on it and enjoyed the book immensely.
Fantastic characters, fast paced, unexpected, morally grey, evil guys who are good, good guys who suck, bottoms up found family, kidnapping, forced marriage, hard core band of brothers, alpha male, healing, vengence and white hot chemistry that is so emotional and sweet at the same time. Highly recommend reading. I will be happily going back to start the series from the beginning, I am curious about everyoneeeee.
Connor is just leap first when pushed into a corner and his parents are on his last nerve with this arranged marriage so he does the only sensible thing, the most wild out of wack idea - he kidnaps, threatens and coerced Ryan into a forced marriage. Man the fall out, I felt for Ryan, o did not like Connor for the first quarter of the book honestly with the amount he triggered art a who needs all the love and healing and wrapping in cotton wool we can give him.
While he doesn’t apologise per se, he more than makes up for it, he is Ryan’s champion , his touch him and die attitude is terrific. These two fall fast and they fall hard. Ryan also protects Connor from his evil parents, specially physically from his dad and heals in his own way when he realises he can protect Connor, it was all epic
This story is full of first times, twists and turns, action and drama and codependent relationships and I absolutely loved it. My only teeny tiny ask would be a bit more character introductions early on but o am totally not fussed on it and enjoyed the book immensely.
November 24, 2025
Loooove me a OTT possessive man!! And it this book I got two :D
Connor was such a jerk in the beginning. I love that we get to see how his opinion of Ryan changes and turns into possessiveness and how he wants to protect Ryan. Sweet Ryan really needed someone to help him mend his broken pieces and give him a safe place and love. And to see Ryan protect Connor from his crap parents was so hot!
And the found family from this series is so much fun and brings all the crazy! I love it!
I'm so excited that the Serpents and the Kings are getting their own series. I hope they keep up with the craziness :D
Thank you for the arc! My review is honest and voluntary.
Connor was such a jerk in the beginning. I love that we get to see how his opinion of Ryan changes and turns into possessiveness and how he wants to protect Ryan. Sweet Ryan really needed someone to help him mend his broken pieces and give him a safe place and love. And to see Ryan protect Connor from his crap parents was so hot!
And the found family from this series is so much fun and brings all the crazy! I love it!
I'm so excited that the Serpents and the Kings are getting their own series. I hope they keep up with the craziness :D
Thank you for the arc! My review is honest and voluntary.
November 3, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️ish
Throw out reality and you’ll love this book. You can’t go into this with regular social norms. It is outlandish it’s not plausible but it’s definitely a guilty pleasure. 🤣🤣 Connor and Ryan were not a likely couple at all but it semi worked for them. Connor was not my cup of tea in the beginning but he grew on me like a leech. The way he was accepting and supportive of Ryan is what tipped the scale for me. I can’t wait to read what’s next for this series. It’s like trash tv you can’t look away lol
🌶️🌶️🌶️ish
Throw out reality and you’ll love this book. You can’t go into this with regular social norms. It is outlandish it’s not plausible but it’s definitely a guilty pleasure. 🤣🤣 Connor and Ryan were not a likely couple at all but it semi worked for them. Connor was not my cup of tea in the beginning but he grew on me like a leech. The way he was accepting and supportive of Ryan is what tipped the scale for me. I can’t wait to read what’s next for this series. It’s like trash tv you can’t look away lol
December 2, 2025
This is an enemies / forced marriage to more dark college romance, featuring Connor and Ryan, and is book six in the North Shore Titans Hockey series.
Ryan is forced to marry his ruthless hockey captain, Connor, to keep his scholarship. But as he gets pulled deeper into Connor’s family drama, he starts falling for the husband he was supposed to hate.
This book delivers a great mix of forced marriage, hockey tension, unhinged behaviour and slow-burn vulnerability. Ryan and Connor’s enemies-to-lovers collision turns into something tender and utterly satisfying. It has angst, heat, and that perfect “I shouldn’t want you, but I do” energy.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 6 of series
MM dark college romance
Check CW
Forced marriage
Hockey teammates
Enemies to more
Power imbalance
Blackmail
Drugging & kidnapping
Forced proximity
Roommates
Hurt / Comfort
Loss of family members
Survivors guilt
Abuse & past SA
Touch averse
POS parents
Virgin MC
Spicy times
Possessive / Obsessive
Touch him and ☠️ vibes
Found family
Cameos of from prev books
HEA
Ryan is forced to marry his ruthless hockey captain, Connor, to keep his scholarship. But as he gets pulled deeper into Connor’s family drama, he starts falling for the husband he was supposed to hate.
This book delivers a great mix of forced marriage, hockey tension, unhinged behaviour and slow-burn vulnerability. Ryan and Connor’s enemies-to-lovers collision turns into something tender and utterly satisfying. It has angst, heat, and that perfect “I shouldn’t want you, but I do” energy.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 6 of series
MM dark college romance
Check CW
Forced marriage
Hockey teammates
Enemies to more
Power imbalance
Blackmail
Drugging & kidnapping
Forced proximity
Roommates
Hurt / Comfort
Loss of family members
Survivors guilt
Abuse & past SA
Touch averse
POS parents
Virgin MC
Spicy times
Possessive / Obsessive
Touch him and ☠️ vibes
Found family
Cameos of from prev books
HEA
November 17, 2025
I love this unhinged OTT series so much. I love that while this series has a lot of dark themes and some sad moments, it’s also a lot of fun.
I loved Ryan and Connor! Connor did take a minute to warm up to but after the first few chapters I started to really like him. The way he was with Ryan? So sweet honestly, I loved how he took care of him. I wish I could give Ryan a hug with all that he’s been through. The found family in this series is so fun and also unhinged and I love all of them so much. I absolutely cannot wait for what��s going to come next!
I loved Ryan and Connor! Connor did take a minute to warm up to but after the first few chapters I started to really like him. The way he was with Ryan? So sweet honestly, I loved how he took care of him. I wish I could give Ryan a hug with all that he’s been through. The found family in this series is so fun and also unhinged and I love all of them so much. I absolutely cannot wait for what��s going to come next!
November 15, 2025
I have loved every book of this series!! Connor & Ryan's story was a perfect way to end the series.
Didn't think anyone could top Killian and Jackson, but Connor & Ryan are a close
second!!
I love this authors writing style and the way her characters develop throughout the books.
MM are some of my favorite books, and I rarely find an entire series where I love each book!!
Ryan's back story is heartbreaking, and it was hard to see this giant of a man break down. I loved seeing him find confidence and stand up for himself and Connor.
I am sad for the series to end but excited to see what comes next!!
I am also dying for this audiobook!!
Received this book as an ARC
Didn't think anyone could top Killian and Jackson, but Connor & Ryan are a close
second!!
I love this authors writing style and the way her characters develop throughout the books.
MM are some of my favorite books, and I rarely find an entire series where I love each book!!
Ryan's back story is heartbreaking, and it was hard to see this giant of a man break down. I loved seeing him find confidence and stand up for himself and Connor.
I am sad for the series to end but excited to see what comes next!!
I am also dying for this audiobook!!
Received this book as an ARC
November 19, 2025
Connor + Ryan
-mm forced marriage
-teammates to lovers
-bi awakening
-hurt/comfort
-virgin mc
-found family
this was quick & got down & dirty with the betrayal right away & i enjoyed every bit of it! haha
-mm forced marriage
-teammates to lovers
-bi awakening
-hurt/comfort
-virgin mc
-found family
this was quick & got down & dirty with the betrayal right away & i enjoyed every bit of it! haha
December 13, 2025
Ruthless Titan
North Shore Titans Hockey Book 6
E.V. Olsen
Ryan & Connor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
Forced Marriage
Hurt / Comfort
V1rg!n MC
Protective / Possessive
Teammates to Lovers
Hockey
Broken Boys
Found family
Oh, my what a book
I've loved every book in this wild and unhinged hockey series. These bots have been so chaotic, bratty and funny.
This was wonderful. My heart hurt for Ryan and what he had been through. I was hoping someone would come along and help mend his pieces back together and give him safety and peace.
Connor, although in the beginning was a jerk, began to see Ryan in a new light. Love when the alpha hole gets protective and possessive lol
Connor too has been through a lot with his awful parents. Hence, him trying to get out from under their thumb by forcing Ryan to marry him 🙄 🤣
These two both begin to feel for each other. Their forced proximity brings them closer allowing them to see more vulnerability that they would otherwise never show anyone else.
I loved seeing so many other characters from the series. They are all so chaotic and messy lol
This was a slow burn relationship for sure. It took time for these two to trust each other fully. It felt natural.
Connor had a lot of character growth. I think it was absolutely needed for his character to be able to be with Ryan. He needed to mature.
I loved the small sweet moments between these two.
“Still got cracks. Still got scars. But Connor fills them, makes them bearable. Because he’s mine.”
I'm so glad these two got their hea.
“Mine. My husband. My family. His arms wrap around my neck, and he kisses me back just as hard. My hockey career might be over, but my life with Ryan? That's just getting started.”
A great end to this series.
I'm excited to see what E.V. Olsen has in store next.
So thankful for this arc
North Shore Titans Hockey Book 6
E.V. Olsen
Ryan & Connor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
Forced Marriage
Hurt / Comfort
V1rg!n MC
Protective / Possessive
Teammates to Lovers
Hockey
Broken Boys
Found family
Oh, my what a book
I've loved every book in this wild and unhinged hockey series. These bots have been so chaotic, bratty and funny.
This was wonderful. My heart hurt for Ryan and what he had been through. I was hoping someone would come along and help mend his pieces back together and give him safety and peace.
Connor, although in the beginning was a jerk, began to see Ryan in a new light. Love when the alpha hole gets protective and possessive lol
Connor too has been through a lot with his awful parents. Hence, him trying to get out from under their thumb by forcing Ryan to marry him 🙄 🤣
These two both begin to feel for each other. Their forced proximity brings them closer allowing them to see more vulnerability that they would otherwise never show anyone else.
I loved seeing so many other characters from the series. They are all so chaotic and messy lol
This was a slow burn relationship for sure. It took time for these two to trust each other fully. It felt natural.
Connor had a lot of character growth. I think it was absolutely needed for his character to be able to be with Ryan. He needed to mature.
I loved the small sweet moments between these two.
“Still got cracks. Still got scars. But Connor fills them, makes them bearable. Because he’s mine.”
I'm so glad these two got their hea.
“Mine. My husband. My family. His arms wrap around my neck, and he kisses me back just as hard. My hockey career might be over, but my life with Ryan? That's just getting started.”
A great end to this series.
I'm excited to see what E.V. Olsen has in store next.
So thankful for this arc
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