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Ruthless Devotion
Win a free print copy of this book!
15 days and 06:11:31
4 copies available
U.S. only
Once upon a time a little boy gave a little girl a special valentine.
But she rejected him because he was the weird kid. I was that little girl, and I shouldn’t still be paying for that rejection, but I am.
As time went on his fixation with me only grew stronger. He was always there in the shadows.
Always watching.
Always waiting.
And now he’s the powerful head of a crime syndicate. My father says I must marry him to save our family from destruction.
When we were children Aidan said he would marry me someday, but I knew he couldn’t if I said no. I was very wrong about that.
My life as I know it is over, but my captivity to this ruthless man has just begun.
WARNING: This is a dark Beauty and the Beast retelling with a heroine who has boundaries, trauma, and every reason not to fall headfirst for the morally gray man obsessed with her. Like Belle, she won’t be instantly soft, forgiving, or submissive — the Beast must earn her trust and atone for the harm he’s caused. If you want an easy, instant-love romance with a heroine who must be immediately “understanding of her captor” to be likeable, this isn’t your book.
Note: This is a standalone dark contemporary romance with forced marriage and mafia elements and a guaranteed HEA
But she rejected him because he was the weird kid. I was that little girl, and I shouldn’t still be paying for that rejection, but I am.
As time went on his fixation with me only grew stronger. He was always there in the shadows.
Always watching.
Always waiting.
And now he’s the powerful head of a crime syndicate. My father says I must marry him to save our family from destruction.
When we were children Aidan said he would marry me someday, but I knew he couldn’t if I said no. I was very wrong about that.
My life as I know it is over, but my captivity to this ruthless man has just begun.
WARNING: This is a dark Beauty and the Beast retelling with a heroine who has boundaries, trauma, and every reason not to fall headfirst for the morally gray man obsessed with her. Like Belle, she won’t be instantly soft, forgiving, or submissive — the Beast must earn her trust and atone for the harm he’s caused. If you want an easy, instant-love romance with a heroine who must be immediately “understanding of her captor” to be likeable, this isn’t your book.
Note: This is a standalone dark contemporary romance with forced marriage and mafia elements and a guaranteed HEA
344 pages, Paperback
Published June 25, 2025
60 people are currently reading
9165 people want to read
About the author
Kitty Thomas
56 books4,960 followers😈 Author of Comfort Food, published in early 2010: The OG (original gangster/the first) Dark Romance 😈
NEW RELEASE:
RUTHLESS DEVOTION: A dark stalker forced marriage romance:
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Ruthless-Devot...
All Links: https://kittythomas.com/book/ruthless...
"If dark romance with obsession, danger, and just the right touch of chaos is your thing, Ruthless Devotion is a must-read. Aidan is intense, unhinged in the best way, and completely fixated on Maddie—yet somehow, you can’t help falling for him.”-Booksnliftsdiary, Goodreads
"Dark, Twisted, and Addictively Compelling.” – Good Booking Girl, Goodreads
"Maddie is strong, she is smart, and I love her. I’ll be honest I was not sure how Kitty Thomas was gonna get me on team Aiden but she did! I can’t wait to read more from this author!” – Katlyn, Goodreads
Get a FREE ebook when you subscribe to my newsletter: https://kittythomas.com/free-book/
🔥 COMFORT FOOD, the OG Dark Romance: 🔥
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Comfort-Food-K...
All Links: https://kittythomas.com/book/comfort-...
🔥 BOOK OF THE WEEK: 🔥
For readers who like to share promotional images on their socials or in groups, you can get those here: https://bookbrush.com/reader-hub/Kitt...
Kitty began publishing in early 2010 with her bestselling, COMFORT FOOD.
Thank you for reading!
Kitty ^.^
NEW RELEASE:
RUTHLESS DEVOTION: A dark stalker forced marriage romance:
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Ruthless-Devot...
All Links: https://kittythomas.com/book/ruthless...
"If dark romance with obsession, danger, and just the right touch of chaos is your thing, Ruthless Devotion is a must-read. Aidan is intense, unhinged in the best way, and completely fixated on Maddie—yet somehow, you can’t help falling for him.”-Booksnliftsdiary, Goodreads
"Dark, Twisted, and Addictively Compelling.” – Good Booking Girl, Goodreads
"Maddie is strong, she is smart, and I love her. I’ll be honest I was not sure how Kitty Thomas was gonna get me on team Aiden but she did! I can’t wait to read more from this author!” – Katlyn, Goodreads
Get a FREE ebook when you subscribe to my newsletter: https://kittythomas.com/free-book/
🔥 COMFORT FOOD, the OG Dark Romance: 🔥
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Comfort-Food-K...
All Links: https://kittythomas.com/book/comfort-...
🔥 BOOK OF THE WEEK: 🔥
For readers who like to share promotional images on their socials or in groups, you can get those here: https://bookbrush.com/reader-hub/Kitt...
Kitty began publishing in early 2010 with her bestselling, COMFORT FOOD.
Thank you for reading!
Kitty ^.^
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
June 28, 2025
DFN. Absolutely unsafe. In the first few chapters the supposedly crazy obsessed with the heroine Hero goes to a gentlemen's club to be sucked off by one of his favorite hookers because she looks like the heroine. Hateee it
Read
July 7, 2025He’s so obsessed with her that he goes to club to get BJ from his favorite whore. Trueeee loveeee 🙄🙄🙄
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2025
Wow. Kitty came out swinging with this one. Aiden Stryker is an absolute dream. Maddie doesn't know what she is in for.
Aiden is, by far, my favorite lunatic. I just want to feed him cupcakes while wiping the blood off his hands and face. My little baby psychopath.
If you're a Kitty fan, you're gonna love the Easter eggs but don't be scared, this is a complete story on it's own.
Aiden is, by far, my favorite lunatic. I just want to feed him cupcakes while wiping the blood off his hands and face. My little baby psychopath.
If you're a Kitty fan, you're gonna love the Easter eggs but don't be scared, this is a complete story on it's own.
June 12, 2025
Did I just want to keep reading this until the end? Yes, yes I did. Did I fall in love a little bit with Aidan? Also, yes. Who doesn’t love an obsessive psychopath?
We are thrown right into this, our two MCs have knew each other on first grade, now they meet again years later. First, he’s the definitive of an anti-hero saving her from an attack. She is then forced to marry him however, she doesn’t know it’s her saviour and childhood stalker until her wedding day. The push and pull of these two for the start of their relationship is palpable, she knows he’s dangerous but doesn’t quite realise just how much, that is when she hears a noise and ‘you know what curiosity did’.
Suffice to say, I totally enjoyed Aidan and Maddie’s story. The writing drew you in, from effective visuals to the v!0lence and spicy scenes, to the twists and turns.
We are thrown right into this, our two MCs have knew each other on first grade, now they meet again years later. First, he’s the definitive of an anti-hero saving her from an attack. She is then forced to marry him however, she doesn’t know it’s her saviour and childhood stalker until her wedding day. The push and pull of these two for the start of their relationship is palpable, she knows he’s dangerous but doesn’t quite realise just how much, that is when she hears a noise and ‘you know what curiosity did’.
Suffice to say, I totally enjoyed Aidan and Maddie’s story. The writing drew you in, from effective visuals to the v!0lence and spicy scenes, to the twists and turns.
June 26, 2025
“𝓘𝓯 𝓘 𝓰𝓮𝓽 𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓪𝓵𝓲𝓿𝓮 𝓘’𝓶 𝓫𝓾𝓻𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓭𝓵𝔂 𝓲𝓷𝓪𝓹𝓹𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓻𝓲𝓪𝓽𝓮 𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓮 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵 𝓘 𝓸𝔀𝓷.”
Aidan Stryker…the absolute psychopathic , obsessive, dark dream that you are. I love him and I will take absolutely no criticism of him. He’s perfect in all his murderous ways and those red flags look mighty green to me 😮💨🤭🤭 I devoured this book. DEVOURED! There is nothing I lone more than a dark Mafia romance and this one delivered. The whole, not knowing who you’re marrying before you get to the altar? Perfection. My only drawback….ONLY drawback…was Maddie. But we will get to her.
Aidan has been in love with Maddie since they were 6 years old and he gave her a Valentine. In true mean girl fashion, Maddie laughed and called him weird. Any normal person would write them off…not Aidan…it only made his obsession with her grow…vowing to marry her one day. Totally normal behaviour for a 6 year old 😩😩 Aidan continued to stalk and obsess over Maddie all throughout their childhood. At 13 he was expelled from school and kind of disappeared into the shadows…but he was never far. Keeping a close eye on his girl and making sure she was safe at all times. Even stoping her from being assaulted in an alley one night, even enough she had no idea who it was that saved her that night.
As adults, Aidan has grown into a deliciously dark and dangerous man. Taking over the family business after his father passes away. As he’s getting to know what his father’s dealings were, he realises that Maddies father owed his father a very large sum of money…and given the fact that the IRS had seized all their assets, he knew Maddies family had no way to pay it. So….he makes his move. He meets with her father and promises to wipe his debt clear in exchange for Maddies hand in marriage. Only catch, she can’t know it’s him until they meet at the altar…and her father agrees.
Maddie…dear sweet annoying Maddie. She is absolutely a spoiled rich girl. She never really grew out of that mean girl phase of hers and I just really didn’t like her. But…that’s not important. As you can imagine, she wasn’t happy about that arrangement but really had no choice given her families situation. When she sees it’s Aidan at the altar, one…she’s shocked at how hot he is…two…she’s terrified….because marrying her lifelong stalker was obviously not on her bingo card.
For a cold and calculated murderer, Aidan actually has a heart of gold and his love for Maddie is pure. He isn’t trying to hurt her…he wants to love and protect her like he has been doing his whole life. The burn between them is slow…which…yes…perfect. He is still unhinged so that’s expected. The banter between them had me giggling. Maddie had me screaming because she was still just being a brat and so mean and just…look…I KNOW HE FORCED YOU TO MARRY HIM…but can we take some accountability Maddie ? You were AWFUL to him….just…be nicer. That’s all I ask. Because despite your behaviour this man still wants to give you the world and unalive anyone who looks at you wrong…so just be nice to your husband !!! 😩😩😩 “he’s a GOOD MAN, Savannah” that’s all I hear lol don’t judge me 😂
Maddie struggles, understandably…fighting with her old feelings for Aidan the stalker and the new feelings for Aidan her husband. Eventually their relationship develops into one of love on both ends and I was so happy because honestly they both needed it. I’m not saying I love Maddie. I’m not even saying I like her….shes…tolerable at the end. That’s all I’m giving you Maddie. Be grateful.
There are a lot of secrets and hidden trauma revealed. Especially for Aiden….my heart literally broke for him. He just needed love. DAMNIT MADDIE!!! Let me calm down… 😮💨😮💨😮💨 I’m not spoiling it because you all need to be gobsmacked like I was….if I suffer, you suffer with me…we are a team people…if I cry, WE ALL CRY! THATS HOW THIS WORKS!
Overall, this book was phenomenal. I wish it wasn’t a stand alone. I wish we could have more of Aidan 👀👀👀 Kitty…I’m looking at you…I’m just saying…I wouldn’t say no to more…I’d even suffer through Maddie for more of Aidan 👀 just let me know, girl 👀👀
Thank you SO SO SO MUCH to Kitty Thomas and Quirky Heart PR for the absolute amazing privilege of being able to read this book 🩷
⛓️Dark Mafia Romance
🩷Arranged Marriage
⛓️Hidden Identity
🩷Enemies to Lovers
⛓️Stalking
🩷Obsessed MMC
⛓️Spoiled FMC
🩷Forced Proximity
⛓️Traumatic Past
🩷Morally Grey Anti-Hero
⛓️Suspense
🩷Slow Burn
⛓️It’s Always Been You
🩷He’s Loved Her Since 1st Grade
⛓️Family Secrets
🩷Banter
⛓️Angst/Tension
🩷3rd Act Conflict
⛓️Dual POV
🩷No OW/OM Drama
⛓️MY Wife
🩷HEA
Aidan Stryker…the absolute psychopathic , obsessive, dark dream that you are. I love him and I will take absolutely no criticism of him. He’s perfect in all his murderous ways and those red flags look mighty green to me 😮💨🤭🤭 I devoured this book. DEVOURED! There is nothing I lone more than a dark Mafia romance and this one delivered. The whole, not knowing who you’re marrying before you get to the altar? Perfection. My only drawback….ONLY drawback…was Maddie. But we will get to her.
Aidan has been in love with Maddie since they were 6 years old and he gave her a Valentine. In true mean girl fashion, Maddie laughed and called him weird. Any normal person would write them off…not Aidan…it only made his obsession with her grow…vowing to marry her one day. Totally normal behaviour for a 6 year old 😩😩 Aidan continued to stalk and obsess over Maddie all throughout their childhood. At 13 he was expelled from school and kind of disappeared into the shadows…but he was never far. Keeping a close eye on his girl and making sure she was safe at all times. Even stoping her from being assaulted in an alley one night, even enough she had no idea who it was that saved her that night.
As adults, Aidan has grown into a deliciously dark and dangerous man. Taking over the family business after his father passes away. As he’s getting to know what his father’s dealings were, he realises that Maddies father owed his father a very large sum of money…and given the fact that the IRS had seized all their assets, he knew Maddies family had no way to pay it. So….he makes his move. He meets with her father and promises to wipe his debt clear in exchange for Maddies hand in marriage. Only catch, she can’t know it’s him until they meet at the altar…and her father agrees.
Maddie…dear sweet annoying Maddie. She is absolutely a spoiled rich girl. She never really grew out of that mean girl phase of hers and I just really didn’t like her. But…that’s not important. As you can imagine, she wasn’t happy about that arrangement but really had no choice given her families situation. When she sees it’s Aidan at the altar, one…she’s shocked at how hot he is…two…she’s terrified….because marrying her lifelong stalker was obviously not on her bingo card.
For a cold and calculated murderer, Aidan actually has a heart of gold and his love for Maddie is pure. He isn’t trying to hurt her…he wants to love and protect her like he has been doing his whole life. The burn between them is slow…which…yes…perfect. He is still unhinged so that’s expected. The banter between them had me giggling. Maddie had me screaming because she was still just being a brat and so mean and just…look…I KNOW HE FORCED YOU TO MARRY HIM…but can we take some accountability Maddie ? You were AWFUL to him….just…be nicer. That’s all I ask. Because despite your behaviour this man still wants to give you the world and unalive anyone who looks at you wrong…so just be nice to your husband !!! 😩😩😩 “he’s a GOOD MAN, Savannah” that’s all I hear lol don’t judge me 😂
Maddie struggles, understandably…fighting with her old feelings for Aidan the stalker and the new feelings for Aidan her husband. Eventually their relationship develops into one of love on both ends and I was so happy because honestly they both needed it. I’m not saying I love Maddie. I’m not even saying I like her….shes…tolerable at the end. That’s all I’m giving you Maddie. Be grateful.
There are a lot of secrets and hidden trauma revealed. Especially for Aiden….my heart literally broke for him. He just needed love. DAMNIT MADDIE!!! Let me calm down… 😮💨😮💨😮💨 I’m not spoiling it because you all need to be gobsmacked like I was….if I suffer, you suffer with me…we are a team people…if I cry, WE ALL CRY! THATS HOW THIS WORKS!
Overall, this book was phenomenal. I wish it wasn’t a stand alone. I wish we could have more of Aidan 👀👀👀 Kitty…I’m looking at you…I’m just saying…I wouldn’t say no to more…I’d even suffer through Maddie for more of Aidan 👀 just let me know, girl 👀👀
Thank you SO SO SO MUCH to Kitty Thomas and Quirky Heart PR for the absolute amazing privilege of being able to read this book 🩷
⛓️Dark Mafia Romance
🩷Arranged Marriage
⛓️Hidden Identity
🩷Enemies to Lovers
⛓️Stalking
🩷Obsessed MMC
⛓️Spoiled FMC
🩷Forced Proximity
⛓️Traumatic Past
🩷Morally Grey Anti-Hero
⛓️Suspense
🩷Slow Burn
⛓️It’s Always Been You
🩷He’s Loved Her Since 1st Grade
⛓️Family Secrets
🩷Banter
⛓️Angst/Tension
🩷3rd Act Conflict
⛓️Dual POV
🩷No OW/OM Drama
⛓️MY Wife
🩷HEA
June 18, 2025
Kitty Thomas has a new story,and i couldn’t wait for it to drop into my inbox.
A standalone written in true Kitty Thomas style,which means it’s delicious from start to finish.
And i was the lucky girl that got the ARC!!
Aidan was the boy that saw Maddie and knew he wanted to marry her,even though she didn’t feel the same….in fact she called him weird.
Now he’s all grown up and has become a dark,delicious and dangerous man.
One that knows what he wants….and i love how he made sure he got it in Ruthless Devotion.
The title of his story is perfect,because he ís so very ruthless in his devotion,and it’s all directed at one person.
Even though Maddie doesn’t feel the same….and even has to be forced to marry him.
The reasons why seem clear,and she knows she doesn’t have a choice,but seeing glimpses of another side to him are very confusing…..who is the real Aidan?
The weird boy that used to stalk her,or…..?
There are so many layers to the man Aidan has become,and i love every single one.
Yes,even the ruthless killer,the “slightly” unhinged one that shows no remorse.
And even though i hated Maddie in the beginning for how she treated him,she did grow on me.
Because she grew up….into a woman that knows what she needs,and is willing to do whatever necessary to get it.
I know my review doesn’t show anything but my love for their story.
But in this case it’s so easy to say too much…..and i don’t want to spoil your fun when you’re going to read it.
So,trust me when i say that you will enjoy every second!!
A standalone written in true Kitty Thomas style,which means it’s delicious from start to finish.
And i was the lucky girl that got the ARC!!
Aidan was the boy that saw Maddie and knew he wanted to marry her,even though she didn’t feel the same….in fact she called him weird.
Now he’s all grown up and has become a dark,delicious and dangerous man.
One that knows what he wants….and i love how he made sure he got it in Ruthless Devotion.
The title of his story is perfect,because he ís so very ruthless in his devotion,and it’s all directed at one person.
Even though Maddie doesn’t feel the same….and even has to be forced to marry him.
The reasons why seem clear,and she knows she doesn’t have a choice,but seeing glimpses of another side to him are very confusing…..who is the real Aidan?
The weird boy that used to stalk her,or…..?
There are so many layers to the man Aidan has become,and i love every single one.
Yes,even the ruthless killer,the “slightly” unhinged one that shows no remorse.
And even though i hated Maddie in the beginning for how she treated him,she did grow on me.
Because she grew up….into a woman that knows what she needs,and is willing to do whatever necessary to get it.
I know my review doesn’t show anything but my love for their story.
But in this case it’s so easy to say too much…..and i don’t want to spoil your fun when you’re going to read it.
So,trust me when i say that you will enjoy every second!!
July 7, 2025
4⭐️
2🌶️
🔥Dark Romance
🔥Beauty & the Beast Retelling
🔥Stalker
🔥Forced Marriage
🔥Mafia Elements
🔥FMC with Past Trauma
🔥Morally Grey MMC
🔥Multi First Person POV
Ruthless Devotion is a story with Beauty and the Beast vibes where the beast is a stalker, runs a criminal syndicate, and a serial unaliver. Maddison broke Aiden’s heart at their first grade Valentine’s Day party. He spends the next decade following her around. Years later, Aiden comes to collect on a debt from her father and takes Maddie as payment. The beginning of their relationship is anything but smooth. He thought that he would just show her he can buy her anything she wanted and she would be happy. Aiden is an intense character with compulsive thoughts that he tries to control with rituals. It’s hard not to feel compassion for him as he battles those thoughts. At first I didn’t like Maddie, especially when she was a child. She appears selfish and shallow, but Maddie starts falling for Aiden when she sees past the black card and acknowledges how he cares for her and his darker side. There wasn’t a lot of dialogue between the characters and therefore difficult to see a true connection build between them until closer to the end of the story. This is a slow burn with a lot of anticipation. Whenever I pick up a mafia romance and an author is able to write the story with a unique twist I know I’m in for fun story.
🚩Be sure to read the author’s note and content warnings before reading
Thank you to Kitty Thomas and Quirky Heart PR for the ARC
📚All thoughts and opinions are my own📚
🐦🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera.reads 🐦🔥
A Few Favorite Quotes:
“Will he present me with a giant library next and just expect that I’ll fall at his feet in wonder and amazement?”
“All these exciting questions will be answered on the next episode of Forcefully Married to the Crime Lord.”
“You’re a monster.” “Maybe, but I’m your monster. I think that counts for something, don’t you?”
”I’ll never give up on us. I’m a very committed stalker. Come home, Maddie.”
2🌶️
🔥Dark Romance
🔥Beauty & the Beast Retelling
🔥Stalker
🔥Forced Marriage
🔥Mafia Elements
🔥FMC with Past Trauma
🔥Morally Grey MMC
🔥Multi First Person POV
Ruthless Devotion is a story with Beauty and the Beast vibes where the beast is a stalker, runs a criminal syndicate, and a serial unaliver. Maddison broke Aiden’s heart at their first grade Valentine’s Day party. He spends the next decade following her around. Years later, Aiden comes to collect on a debt from her father and takes Maddie as payment. The beginning of their relationship is anything but smooth. He thought that he would just show her he can buy her anything she wanted and she would be happy. Aiden is an intense character with compulsive thoughts that he tries to control with rituals. It’s hard not to feel compassion for him as he battles those thoughts. At first I didn’t like Maddie, especially when she was a child. She appears selfish and shallow, but Maddie starts falling for Aiden when she sees past the black card and acknowledges how he cares for her and his darker side. There wasn’t a lot of dialogue between the characters and therefore difficult to see a true connection build between them until closer to the end of the story. This is a slow burn with a lot of anticipation. Whenever I pick up a mafia romance and an author is able to write the story with a unique twist I know I’m in for fun story.
🚩Be sure to read the author’s note and content warnings before reading
Thank you to Kitty Thomas and Quirky Heart PR for the ARC
📚All thoughts and opinions are my own📚
🐦🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera.reads 🐦🔥
A Few Favorite Quotes:
“Will he present me with a giant library next and just expect that I’ll fall at his feet in wonder and amazement?”
“All these exciting questions will be answered on the next episode of Forcefully Married to the Crime Lord.”
“You’re a monster.” “Maybe, but I’m your monster. I think that counts for something, don’t you?”
”I’ll never give up on us. I’m a very committed stalker. Come home, Maddie.”
June 25, 2025
The easiest 5 star I have ever given!
Trust Kitty to deliver such a hot and compelling story.
Aidan and Maddie have know eachother since they were kids. He gave her a Valentine card and she humiliated him. He was obsessed with her since then. Even as a kid he stalked her and made her life a nightmare with his obsession.
Fast forward to the present, Maddie's father has lost everything and it seems that there's more to lose.
Aidan has been waiting for this moment. He not only watched this family's fall from grace but he was the one to tip the IRA of his tax evading.
Forced to give his daughter's hand in marriage, Maddie feels like the world is ending. The boy responsible for her awful childhood will be her husband.
She tries to find a way out of this, but she doesn't want to test Aidan's hand in making things even worse for them.
I loved this book so much. Aidan grows to be my favorite MMC written by Kitty. He is obsessed with Maddie and he doesn't even hide it. He stalks her and monitors her every move. He is several steps ahead of her. But he is also a sweetheart. He cares for her and gives her the time she needs to come to heel with her reality. He promises to give her the world if only she asked.
Maddie is also an absolutely amazing FMC. She is no wallflower. She fights in any way she can and makes Aidan's job a little harder, which was delightful.
Their story is beautiful and unconventional, which made this book that good.
If yu love Mafia Romance, Stalker Romance and Forced marriage, I believe this book is for you.
Trust Kitty to deliver such a hot and compelling story.
Aidan and Maddie have know eachother since they were kids. He gave her a Valentine card and she humiliated him. He was obsessed with her since then. Even as a kid he stalked her and made her life a nightmare with his obsession.
Fast forward to the present, Maddie's father has lost everything and it seems that there's more to lose.
Aidan has been waiting for this moment. He not only watched this family's fall from grace but he was the one to tip the IRA of his tax evading.
Forced to give his daughter's hand in marriage, Maddie feels like the world is ending. The boy responsible for her awful childhood will be her husband.
She tries to find a way out of this, but she doesn't want to test Aidan's hand in making things even worse for them.
I loved this book so much. Aidan grows to be my favorite MMC written by Kitty. He is obsessed with Maddie and he doesn't even hide it. He stalks her and monitors her every move. He is several steps ahead of her. But he is also a sweetheart. He cares for her and gives her the time she needs to come to heel with her reality. He promises to give her the world if only she asked.
Maddie is also an absolutely amazing FMC. She is no wallflower. She fights in any way she can and makes Aidan's job a little harder, which was delightful.
Their story is beautiful and unconventional, which made this book that good.
If yu love Mafia Romance, Stalker Romance and Forced marriage, I believe this book is for you.
June 27, 2025
3.5 Stars
🌶️🌶️
Ruthless Devotion is my first book by Kitty Thomas, and I was excited to read a new mafia author. Although I enjoyed her writing, this book didn't really work for me, and that was 100% about my dislike of the heroine.
Aiden Stryker had a crush on Maddie when they were 6 and made her a special valentine. Unfortunately, Maddie was a complete mean girl and rejected him. I instantly did not like her and how she treated him. He was obsessed with her and kind of stalked her, so she hated him and thought he was weird. He disappeared from her life at 13, but he has never stopped stalking her. Now Maddie's family is in financial crisis after her father had everything taken away from the IRS. Aiden returns to call in an additional debt by demanding Maddie be his wife. Maddie wants nothing to do with this marriage because he was her childhood stalker. Little did Maddie know that she had a run-in with Aiden one night when he saved her from some creeps, and she was super attracted to him. She is shocked to learn her sexy stranger is her childhood stalker.
I liked the setup of this book, and I loved Aiden, but Maddie really frustrated me through most of the book. She wasn't very likable and seemed very vain and selfish. She was so hung up on how horrible he was when they were kids, yet she was cruel to him. Her actions in the 3rd act conflict seemed completely out of character and just threw me out of the story.
Aiden and his journey were the saving grace of the book. I just didn't understand why he was so obsessed with Maddie. It took a long time for her to even try to open up or accept him, so I didn't really feel the romance in this.
I did enjoy Kitty's writing style and would be interested in reading more from her. The heroine was my main issue.
Thank you to Kitty and Quirky Heart PR for providing the ARC.
🌶️🌶️
Ruthless Devotion is my first book by Kitty Thomas, and I was excited to read a new mafia author. Although I enjoyed her writing, this book didn't really work for me, and that was 100% about my dislike of the heroine.
Aiden Stryker had a crush on Maddie when they were 6 and made her a special valentine. Unfortunately, Maddie was a complete mean girl and rejected him. I instantly did not like her and how she treated him. He was obsessed with her and kind of stalked her, so she hated him and thought he was weird. He disappeared from her life at 13, but he has never stopped stalking her. Now Maddie's family is in financial crisis after her father had everything taken away from the IRS. Aiden returns to call in an additional debt by demanding Maddie be his wife. Maddie wants nothing to do with this marriage because he was her childhood stalker. Little did Maddie know that she had a run-in with Aiden one night when he saved her from some creeps, and she was super attracted to him. She is shocked to learn her sexy stranger is her childhood stalker.
I liked the setup of this book, and I loved Aiden, but Maddie really frustrated me through most of the book. She wasn't very likable and seemed very vain and selfish. She was so hung up on how horrible he was when they were kids, yet she was cruel to him. Her actions in the 3rd act conflict seemed completely out of character and just threw me out of the story.
Aiden and his journey were the saving grace of the book. I just didn't understand why he was so obsessed with Maddie. It took a long time for her to even try to open up or accept him, so I didn't really feel the romance in this.
I did enjoy Kitty's writing style and would be interested in reading more from her. The heroine was my main issue.
Thank you to Kitty and Quirky Heart PR for providing the ARC.
June 25, 2025
Oh my!
Maddie was one of those girls!
A mean girl!
(Is she still?)
Did Aidan get the message though?
Hmmm.
Is he the same geeky boy?
There may be danger when he's around.
BUT, is he a danger to Maddie or her salvation?
I still have a smile on my face!
I absolutely loved the world-building.
The darkness interlaced.
The dirty talk!
The obsession!
The characters!
The descriptions. (I felt like I could see, hear, smell everything!)
Ms. Thomas knocked this out of the park for me!
Bravo! Excellent!
Maddie was one of those girls!
A mean girl!
(Is she still?)
Did Aidan get the message though?
Hmmm.
Is he the same geeky boy?
There may be danger when he's around.
BUT, is he a danger to Maddie or her salvation?
I still have a smile on my face!
I absolutely loved the world-building.
The darkness interlaced.
The dirty talk!
The obsession!
The characters!
The descriptions. (I felt like I could see, hear, smell everything!)
Ms. Thomas knocked this out of the park for me!
Bravo! Excellent!
July 1, 2025
I knew this book involved Aiden and Maddie. How Maddie was his first love and he was bound and determined to marry her. How he managed it (which was definitely a crazy move).
Otherwise, I had no idea where this book was going the whole time.
When she finally decides to be his in entirety... Phew!
I was definitely not expecting his reason for HOW he married her.
I love how he figures out a piece of himself at the end. I did not really care how Maddie became involved in his mafia like business though. She didn't really seem the type.
Overall? A great read from Kitty like usual!
Otherwise, I had no idea where this book was going the whole time.
When she finally decides to be his in entirety... Phew!
I was definitely not expecting his reason for HOW he married her.
I love how he figures out a piece of himself at the end. I did not really care how Maddie became involved in his mafia like business though. She didn't really seem the type.
Overall? A great read from Kitty like usual!
June 25, 2025
Ruthless Devotion is a forced marraige mafia romance. It's a great introduction to Kitty Thoma's world and writing. This is not as dark as some of her previous works and may be a good starting point for someone looking to get into dark romance. Aiden and Madison are complicated characters, and both could be considered morally grey.
Aiden has been obsessed with Madison since they were children. Maddie, however, was never interested and consistently rejected the "weird" boy who followed her around. Years later, Aiden has changed, becoming powerful, attractive, and dangerous. And still just as obsessed with Maddie. It turns out Maddie's father owed Aiden's dad a lot of money, and Aiden has come to collect. He offers to erase the debt in exchange for Maddie becoming his wife. Maddie can't deny that she is attracted to Aiden, but she still can't let go of the boy who stalked her when they were younger or how they came to be together.
Aiden has been obsessed with Madison since they were children. Maddie, however, was never interested and consistently rejected the "weird" boy who followed her around. Years later, Aiden has changed, becoming powerful, attractive, and dangerous. And still just as obsessed with Maddie. It turns out Maddie's father owed Aiden's dad a lot of money, and Aiden has come to collect. He offers to erase the debt in exchange for Maddie becoming his wife. Maddie can't deny that she is attracted to Aiden, but she still can't let go of the boy who stalked her when they were younger or how they came to be together.
July 2, 2025
a catholic mafia man... not what i expected.. but hot damnnn!!
June 30, 2025
Ruthless Devotion is a dark, forced marriage, mafia, stalker (sort-of), slow burn romance. This is not as dark as alot of Ms. Thomas's previous works. Although I enjoy her writing and have read 20+ books by this author, this book didn't 100% work for me. Don't get me wrong, I'm not upset I read this book, it was just not as...as expected.
Aiden has been obsessed with Madison since they were six years old. Maddie, however, was never interested and consistently rejected the "weird" boy who followed her around. Years later, Aiden is rich, powerful, attractive and dangerous, and his lifelong fixation on Maddie borders on stalker territory. As it turns out, Maddie's father owed Aiden's father a lot of money, and now that he is head of the mafia, Aiden has come to collect. He offers to erase her father's debt in exchange for Maddie becoming his wife.
The plot is dark themed, though at times I wished there had been more depth in the development of it. The relationship between Aiden and Madison felt like that carrot dangling just out of your reach, one you never could quite get a bite of. Both characters could be considered morally grey. Aiden’s character is layered and fascinating—clearly broken, but also quietly seeking redemption. Maddie, on the other hand, felt a bit one-dimensional. Her superficiality and lack of emotional growth, then abrupt switch to badass, made it hard to fully connect with her, especially given the darkness of the story and what she "should" be going through. Then the end is fast and furious, so much so that it feels sort of out of the blue, with little build up or believability.
I did enjoy having Brian and Mina back. And I did enjoy the book. I would recommend this for someone starting out reading dark romance for sure, and of course, Kitty Thomas fans. But for seasoned dark romance readers, I would suggest other books of hers if you are looking for that special ingredient that she can bring. Once you are hooked on her writting, then come back to this one.
3 stars
Aiden has been obsessed with Madison since they were six years old. Maddie, however, was never interested and consistently rejected the "weird" boy who followed her around. Years later, Aiden is rich, powerful, attractive and dangerous, and his lifelong fixation on Maddie borders on stalker territory. As it turns out, Maddie's father owed Aiden's father a lot of money, and now that he is head of the mafia, Aiden has come to collect. He offers to erase her father's debt in exchange for Maddie becoming his wife.
The plot is dark themed, though at times I wished there had been more depth in the development of it. The relationship between Aiden and Madison felt like that carrot dangling just out of your reach, one you never could quite get a bite of. Both characters could be considered morally grey. Aiden’s character is layered and fascinating—clearly broken, but also quietly seeking redemption. Maddie, on the other hand, felt a bit one-dimensional. Her superficiality and lack of emotional growth, then abrupt switch to badass, made it hard to fully connect with her, especially given the darkness of the story and what she "should" be going through. Then the end is fast and furious, so much so that it feels sort of out of the blue, with little build up or believability.
I did enjoy having Brian and Mina back. And I did enjoy the book. I would recommend this for someone starting out reading dark romance for sure, and of course, Kitty Thomas fans. But for seasoned dark romance readers, I would suggest other books of hers if you are looking for that special ingredient that she can bring. Once you are hooked on her writting, then come back to this one.
3 stars
August 26, 2025
ARC REVIEW
I liked the book overall! Revealing all of the layers of Aiden’s character and state of mental health from his childhood trauma was done well! I just feel like the “stalking” of Madison by Aiden as a six year old all the way through early teens kept getting brought up not not really showed or explained much? Not too much spice but the scenes that were there were very descriptive!
I liked the book overall! Revealing all of the layers of Aiden’s character and state of mental health from his childhood trauma was done well! I just feel like the “stalking” of Madison by Aiden as a six year old all the way through early teens kept getting brought up not not really showed or explained much? Not too much spice but the scenes that were there were very descriptive!
June 21, 2025
Rating: easy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 's
Spice: for me 🌶🌶🌶
*in my Sophia from Golden Girls voice* Picture it....February 11th, twenty-one years ago. Mrs. Schroder’s first-grade class. St. Augustine Academy. Valentine's Day is coming and 6-year-old Maddie Prescott received a special Valentine from a young Aiden Stryker. But instead of being happy, she laughed and called him weird.
Aiden assured his parents that he would marry Maddie Prescott. He continued to stalk her all through school until he was expelled. After that, he continued to watch her from afar. When Aiden takes over the family business after his father's death, he finds out some unsettling things about his father. As it happens her father also owed his father a lot of money, so Aiden comes to collect.
Aiden's character was very interesting. He had a lot of autistic traits. I don't know if that was intentional or not. His need for order. The ritual. I know this was only relevant to his "list". But he needed to have everything go a certain way. I guess it could also be seen as a psychopathic thing too. Due to his childhood trauma, he just felt like he needed to complete everything his way in a certain manner and when things went awry, he would go crazy. When it came to Maddie, he had loved her since he was 6 and would burn the world down for her. He saved her from being $aped by alley thugs. Then went back and "ended them" in her defense. He protected her the same as he would have his mother, if he had the chance. Even though Maddie didn't appreciate it. Speaking of her...
Maddie Prescott, not gonna lie, her character was hard for me to like. She had mean girl energy. I know that she was just a kid but some of her attitude continues into her adulthood and it annoyed me. She acted like she was too good for Aiden, and in his eyes, she was but he still knew they were going to be end game. I'm not sure when my feelings for her changed but I slowly started to understand her character more as the story went on. This does not mean I fully like her. I still struggled to like her to the very end. The secret room discovery, I think should have made more of a significant impact. I feel like he gave a lot of himself, albeit without saying a lot. And here she is still trying to plan an escape. Maddies actions are confusing. One minute she acts like she is so "scared" of him then the next she is talking about how hot he is and how good he is to her..like make up your mind!! She just annoyed me. I know Aiden was a psycho killer stalker BUT he was on a mission and he was doing it for a "good" reason. I say that because it's a work of fiction. The turning point...4th of July. The revealing of the last person on the list. The events that unfold are shocking.
Overall, for me, this book as a whole was not what I expected. For me the story was intriguing, I want more though. I feel like there is more to Maddie. I want to know what she wrote in her diary. When I read that scene, I felt a story there. I was hoping there would be something that would come from that. I feel like she had to know more..she could not have been that oblivious her whole life. This is the 1st book I've read by Kitty Thomas so I may just need to play catch-up so I can learn more about their past and Brian and Mina.
Thank you to Quirky Hearts PR and author Kitty Thomas for the opportunity to read this book.
I'll leave you with this because I thought of this song after reading this book. I couldn't get it out of my head. I felt a compulsion to add this in. If you hate it, I'm sorry, not sorry.
🎼"Let freedom ring, let the white dove sing
Let the whole world know that today
Is a day of reckoning
Let the weak be strong, let the right be wrong
Roll the stone away, let the guilty pay
It's Independence Day"🎶
Lyrics from "Independence Day" by ~Martina McBride
Spice: for me 🌶🌶🌶
*in my Sophia from Golden Girls voice* Picture it....February 11th, twenty-one years ago. Mrs. Schroder’s first-grade class. St. Augustine Academy. Valentine's Day is coming and 6-year-old Maddie Prescott received a special Valentine from a young Aiden Stryker. But instead of being happy, she laughed and called him weird.
Aiden assured his parents that he would marry Maddie Prescott. He continued to stalk her all through school until he was expelled. After that, he continued to watch her from afar. When Aiden takes over the family business after his father's death, he finds out some unsettling things about his father. As it happens her father also owed his father a lot of money, so Aiden comes to collect.
Aiden's character was very interesting. He had a lot of autistic traits. I don't know if that was intentional or not. His need for order. The ritual. I know this was only relevant to his "list". But he needed to have everything go a certain way. I guess it could also be seen as a psychopathic thing too. Due to his childhood trauma, he just felt like he needed to complete everything his way in a certain manner and when things went awry, he would go crazy. When it came to Maddie, he had loved her since he was 6 and would burn the world down for her. He saved her from being $aped by alley thugs. Then went back and "ended them" in her defense. He protected her the same as he would have his mother, if he had the chance. Even though Maddie didn't appreciate it. Speaking of her...
Maddie Prescott, not gonna lie, her character was hard for me to like. She had mean girl energy. I know that she was just a kid but some of her attitude continues into her adulthood and it annoyed me. She acted like she was too good for Aiden, and in his eyes, she was but he still knew they were going to be end game. I'm not sure when my feelings for her changed but I slowly started to understand her character more as the story went on. This does not mean I fully like her. I still struggled to like her to the very end. The secret room discovery, I think should have made more of a significant impact. I feel like he gave a lot of himself, albeit without saying a lot. And here she is still trying to plan an escape. Maddies actions are confusing. One minute she acts like she is so "scared" of him then the next she is talking about how hot he is and how good he is to her..like make up your mind!! She just annoyed me. I know Aiden was a psycho killer stalker BUT he was on a mission and he was doing it for a "good" reason. I say that because it's a work of fiction. The turning point...4th of July. The revealing of the last person on the list. The events that unfold are shocking.
Overall, for me, this book as a whole was not what I expected. For me the story was intriguing, I want more though. I feel like there is more to Maddie. I want to know what she wrote in her diary. When I read that scene, I felt a story there. I was hoping there would be something that would come from that. I feel like she had to know more..she could not have been that oblivious her whole life. This is the 1st book I've read by Kitty Thomas so I may just need to play catch-up so I can learn more about their past and Brian and Mina.
Thank you to Quirky Hearts PR and author Kitty Thomas for the opportunity to read this book.
I'll leave you with this because I thought of this song after reading this book. I couldn't get it out of my head. I felt a compulsion to add this in. If you hate it, I'm sorry, not sorry.
🎼"Let freedom ring, let the white dove sing
Let the whole world know that today
Is a day of reckoning
Let the weak be strong, let the right be wrong
Roll the stone away, let the guilty pay
It's Independence Day"🎶
Lyrics from "Independence Day" by ~Martina McBride
June 25, 2025
A definite MUST READ for dark romance readers that love a bit of multiple fairy tale retellings woven in.
What to expect: possessive/obsessive antihero, virgin fmc, forced marriage, stalking, unaliving, spicy moments, angst/tension, mafia vibes, beauty and the beast feels, and a few twists to keep you guessing.
The story bounces from the past to the present showing Maddie & Aidan's relationship as young as six to thirteen years of age then to adults in the present day. You see Maddie's side where Aidan comes off as creepy and obsessive at times to her. Without understanding why Aidan is so fixated on her throughout the years she's able to label him as the creepy stalker that terrorized her as a kid. Which of course makes falling for him as an adult even more harder for her after the forced marriage. There is a true struggle for Maddie as their relationship plays out. Aidan may have known from the start that Maddie was his true love and became a bit unhinged in his need to be with her throughout their years which just shows his devotion to her. Yes, he's morally grey with a touch of a serial unaliver vibes but I still absolutely loved him. He was actually easy to love as a dark romance reader because he hits all the fun red flags you know are bad lol. He's obsessive/possessive/jealous, demanding, depraved, and unhinged at times but then he shows a softer side from that shy six-year-old who just wanted love. So of course I loved his character no matter what lol. He might be the bad guy but he was truly fun to read and his backstory is a bit heartbreaking as well. I think his need for revenge let him truly unleash his inner darkness with a purpose. Even as an organized crime leader he never truly sees how much he craves the ritual of taking out people until his list is completed. Now he just needs Maddie to accept her new life.
So if you are looking for a book that takes you on so many twists & turns with complex characters bringing not only heightened emotions but pivotal roles as the story unfolds this is it. Both characters have a twisted past that neither knew how everything would play out once it came out in the open finally so be ready for a few bumps along the way to finding a HEA. I definitely recommend this one for the readers who enjoy the walking red flag guys!!
Overall: 5/☆☆☆☆☆
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
What to expect: possessive/obsessive antihero, virgin fmc, forced marriage, stalking, unaliving, spicy moments, angst/tension, mafia vibes, beauty and the beast feels, and a few twists to keep you guessing.
The story bounces from the past to the present showing Maddie & Aidan's relationship as young as six to thirteen years of age then to adults in the present day. You see Maddie's side where Aidan comes off as creepy and obsessive at times to her. Without understanding why Aidan is so fixated on her throughout the years she's able to label him as the creepy stalker that terrorized her as a kid. Which of course makes falling for him as an adult even more harder for her after the forced marriage. There is a true struggle for Maddie as their relationship plays out. Aidan may have known from the start that Maddie was his true love and became a bit unhinged in his need to be with her throughout their years which just shows his devotion to her. Yes, he's morally grey with a touch of a serial unaliver vibes but I still absolutely loved him. He was actually easy to love as a dark romance reader because he hits all the fun red flags you know are bad lol. He's obsessive/possessive/jealous, demanding, depraved, and unhinged at times but then he shows a softer side from that shy six-year-old who just wanted love. So of course I loved his character no matter what lol. He might be the bad guy but he was truly fun to read and his backstory is a bit heartbreaking as well. I think his need for revenge let him truly unleash his inner darkness with a purpose. Even as an organized crime leader he never truly sees how much he craves the ritual of taking out people until his list is completed. Now he just needs Maddie to accept her new life.
So if you are looking for a book that takes you on so many twists & turns with complex characters bringing not only heightened emotions but pivotal roles as the story unfolds this is it. Both characters have a twisted past that neither knew how everything would play out once it came out in the open finally so be ready for a few bumps along the way to finding a HEA. I definitely recommend this one for the readers who enjoy the walking red flag guys!!
Overall: 5/☆☆☆☆☆
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
June 23, 2025
3.75 stars
This review is based on the advanced reader copy I received.
This book is meant for mature readers over the age of 18.
It contains violence and death on page with a minor encounter involving FMC.
It has scenes that are open door descriptive. Not really explicit other than a few terms, and is for the most part a slow burn between M.M.C. & F.M.C.
This book contains many scenarios that may be triggering for some readers. Please know your triggers, and be sure to read all trigger warnings.
I found this book to be captivating, and a page turner. I felt like the characters were fairly well written, and had good backstories.
It would have been nice to have had more background information included about the relationship between our MMC , and the supporting characters.
Yet, all and all I felt like the storyline, and plot were composed well.
The lead female character drove me crazy at times. She acted like an immature spoiled young teenager. I suppose it goes with the territory.
Given the fact that she was raised spoiled in a “rich” environment, and never had to worry about anything. While always getting what she wanted.
This is a “standalone” story. Although, apparently, the characters are introduced in previous books composed by the author. Aidan is introduced in Brian and Mina’s holiday hits novella 2: “Blowing things up.”
Where is character continues to play a supporting role through the series.
Maddie or lead Female is introduced in the final novella of that series: “My violent valentine”.
I do believe I would recommend this book.
For me this star rating is a fairly great rating.
I do not give away 5 star ratings and my favorite author gets 4 stars for her books.
The biggest downfall of books today are improper grammar, and sentence structure.
As long as there is the use of: and, but, or; & because being used to start sentences.
The rating will never get above four stars, and usually is between three to three & a half.
This review is based on the advanced reader copy I received.
This book is meant for mature readers over the age of 18.
It contains violence and death on page with a minor encounter involving FMC.
It has scenes that are open door descriptive. Not really explicit other than a few terms, and is for the most part a slow burn between M.M.C. & F.M.C.
This book contains many scenarios that may be triggering for some readers. Please know your triggers, and be sure to read all trigger warnings.
I found this book to be captivating, and a page turner. I felt like the characters were fairly well written, and had good backstories.
It would have been nice to have had more background information included about the relationship between our MMC , and the supporting characters.
Yet, all and all I felt like the storyline, and plot were composed well.
The lead female character drove me crazy at times. She acted like an immature spoiled young teenager. I suppose it goes with the territory.
Given the fact that she was raised spoiled in a “rich” environment, and never had to worry about anything. While always getting what she wanted.
This is a “standalone” story. Although, apparently, the characters are introduced in previous books composed by the author. Aidan is introduced in Brian and Mina’s holiday hits novella 2: “Blowing things up.”
Where is character continues to play a supporting role through the series.
Maddie or lead Female is introduced in the final novella of that series: “My violent valentine”.
I do believe I would recommend this book.
For me this star rating is a fairly great rating.
I do not give away 5 star ratings and my favorite author gets 4 stars for her books.
The biggest downfall of books today are improper grammar, and sentence structure.
As long as there is the use of: and, but, or; & because being used to start sentences.
The rating will never get above four stars, and usually is between three to three & a half.
June 18, 2025
Dark, Twisted, and Addictively Compelling
This dark romance pulled me in with its high-stakes premise: a forced marriage between Aiden, a cold and calculating underworld kingpin, and Maddie, the girl he’s been obsessively in love with since childhood. Their dynamic is unsettling, intense, and completely addictive—Aiden’s lifelong fixation on Maddie borders on stalker territory, and when he returns after years of silence, he makes a chilling offer to her father: Maddie in exchange for clearing his debts.
The plot is gripping and the dark themes are executed well, though at times I wished there had been more depth in the development of their relationship. Aiden’s character is layered and fascinating—clearly broken in some ways, but also quietly seeking redemption. Maddie, on the other hand, felt a bit one-dimensional. Her superficiality and lack of emotional growth made it hard to fully connect with her, especially given the weight of the story.
That said, I still enjoyed this book and found myself invested in the twisted love story. The tension, the obsession, and the high emotional stakes kept me turning the pages. I’d recommend it to fans of dark romance who enjoy morally gray heroes, power imbalances, and complicated love.
My true rating for this would be 3.75/5 ⭐️ and just a 2 on ❤️🔥
I received a free ARC of this book and this review is only my opinion.
This dark romance pulled me in with its high-stakes premise: a forced marriage between Aiden, a cold and calculating underworld kingpin, and Maddie, the girl he’s been obsessively in love with since childhood. Their dynamic is unsettling, intense, and completely addictive—Aiden’s lifelong fixation on Maddie borders on stalker territory, and when he returns after years of silence, he makes a chilling offer to her father: Maddie in exchange for clearing his debts.
The plot is gripping and the dark themes are executed well, though at times I wished there had been more depth in the development of their relationship. Aiden’s character is layered and fascinating—clearly broken in some ways, but also quietly seeking redemption. Maddie, on the other hand, felt a bit one-dimensional. Her superficiality and lack of emotional growth made it hard to fully connect with her, especially given the weight of the story.
That said, I still enjoyed this book and found myself invested in the twisted love story. The tension, the obsession, and the high emotional stakes kept me turning the pages. I’d recommend it to fans of dark romance who enjoy morally gray heroes, power imbalances, and complicated love.
My true rating for this would be 3.75/5 ⭐️ and just a 2 on ❤️🔥
I received a free ARC of this book and this review is only my opinion.
June 24, 2025
Title: Ruthless Devotion
Author: Kitty Thomas
Genre: Dark Romance
Pages: 314
Rating: 4.5⭐️/5
“I have always known I would marry her. From the first Valentine I ever gave her. Even if she couldn’t see me yet. Each year I knew with more and more clarity that this girl was mine, and nothing could ever break that fate.”
Twenty-one years ago, Aidan’s the awkward, skinny new kid with no social skills and a creepy obsession with Maddie Prescott since first grade (yep, actual childhood stalker vibes), until he got expelled for starting a gang. Now he’s back, all grown up: tall, tattooed, and scarred, heir to a powerful criminal empire, terrifyingly in control, and dangerously rich. When Maddie’s family hits rock bottom with her father’s unpaid debts to Aidan’s dad, Aidan makes a ruthless offer—her hand in marriage in exchange for wiping the slate clean. She doesn’t even realize he’s the mystery man who saved her in an alley… until their wedding day. But the lovesick boy she once dismissed has become a man willing to burn the world down just to have her.
If dark romance with obsession, danger, and just the right touch of chaos is your thing, Ruthless Devotion is a must-read. Aidan is intense, unhinged in the best way, and completely fixated on Maddie—yet somehow, you can’t help falling for him. The wedding dress shopping scene? Easily my favorite (Dior was definitely a no-brainer—same, Maddie, same!). And the hidden cameras plus their wild text banter? Had me giggling and cracking up. It’s twisted without being too creepy, and honestly, who could resist a stalker planning the dream wedding of a lifetime? Totally addictive from the first page to the last!
A big thanks to Kitty Thomas for providing me with a digital ARC of this book!
Releasing tomorrow, 06/25/25 on Amazon, KU and paperback.
E-book pre-orders are available NOW.
—
#AdvancedReaderCopy
Author: Kitty Thomas
Genre: Dark Romance
Pages: 314
Rating: 4.5⭐️/5
“I have always known I would marry her. From the first Valentine I ever gave her. Even if she couldn’t see me yet. Each year I knew with more and more clarity that this girl was mine, and nothing could ever break that fate.”
Twenty-one years ago, Aidan’s the awkward, skinny new kid with no social skills and a creepy obsession with Maddie Prescott since first grade (yep, actual childhood stalker vibes), until he got expelled for starting a gang. Now he’s back, all grown up: tall, tattooed, and scarred, heir to a powerful criminal empire, terrifyingly in control, and dangerously rich. When Maddie’s family hits rock bottom with her father’s unpaid debts to Aidan’s dad, Aidan makes a ruthless offer—her hand in marriage in exchange for wiping the slate clean. She doesn’t even realize he’s the mystery man who saved her in an alley… until their wedding day. But the lovesick boy she once dismissed has become a man willing to burn the world down just to have her.
If dark romance with obsession, danger, and just the right touch of chaos is your thing, Ruthless Devotion is a must-read. Aidan is intense, unhinged in the best way, and completely fixated on Maddie—yet somehow, you can’t help falling for him. The wedding dress shopping scene? Easily my favorite (Dior was definitely a no-brainer—same, Maddie, same!). And the hidden cameras plus their wild text banter? Had me giggling and cracking up. It’s twisted without being too creepy, and honestly, who could resist a stalker planning the dream wedding of a lifetime? Totally addictive from the first page to the last!
A big thanks to Kitty Thomas for providing me with a digital ARC of this book!
Releasing tomorrow, 06/25/25 on Amazon, KU and paperback.
E-book pre-orders are available NOW.
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#AdvancedReaderCopy
June 25, 2025
This is a fun stand alone story in a similar style as Beauty and the Beast. Maddie is a young woman who hasn't dated a lot. She grew up in a rich lifestyle. But her father wasn't paying taxes, so the IRS took everything they owned. And that is the least of her father's debts. He also owes a huge amount (which isn't shared early in the story) to the Stryker family, which is a crime family in town. When Aiden Stryker takes over the family business, he comes calling and wants Maddie as his wife for payment.
This is bad enough of a situation on its own, until Maddie learns that Adien is the weird kid who has had a crush on her since they were six years old. She hasn't seen him since he was thirteen, so she doesn't know about the man he has become. But the memory of the kid is enough that she fights this tooth and nail. He does his best to woo her, even if he is forcing her into marriage.
One thing I wasn't expecting was that Adien is a character that shows up in Brian and Mina's holiday hits. You can read this without having read that series (or any of Brian's stories), but it adds a little extra tidbit for those who know it.
I had a great time with this story. Kitty Thomas writes really great characters, even if they have questionable morals. Probably even better if they have questionable morals. I'm excited to have gotten an early copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
This is bad enough of a situation on its own, until Maddie learns that Adien is the weird kid who has had a crush on her since they were six years old. She hasn't seen him since he was thirteen, so she doesn't know about the man he has become. But the memory of the kid is enough that she fights this tooth and nail. He does his best to woo her, even if he is forcing her into marriage.
One thing I wasn't expecting was that Adien is a character that shows up in Brian and Mina's holiday hits. You can read this without having read that series (or any of Brian's stories), but it adds a little extra tidbit for those who know it.
I had a great time with this story. Kitty Thomas writes really great characters, even if they have questionable morals. Probably even better if they have questionable morals. I'm excited to have gotten an early copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
June 19, 2025
Aidan knew at first sight as kids that Maddie was the one for him, but he was the weird new kid and she rejected him in valentines in 1st grade, but that wasn't enough to stop him from getting her, he's inherited and built up his families empire since then and with her family facing financial ruin, he offers her father an out, give Maddie to him in marriage for his debts to be wiped. But Maddies not going to give into him so easily. But could Aidans need for revenge be the tipping point of no return for them? Well written, engaging story and well developed characters, steamy slow burning tension building desires, violence, stalker, obsession and more
June 19, 2025
It isn’t always the case, but in this one, a simple interaction from when they were small children, changed the trajectory of there characters lives! One of them is driving that force, while the other has no idea. As we delve into their history and get to know them, as all the layers are revealed, you begin to understand the lengths that have been taken. Aiden is a classic tortured anti-hero, Maddie a fallen pampered princess. Their connections run deep, deeper than they even realize, and their road is ripe with strife and pain. They get through it all, maybe not in any conventional way, but at a pace and manner that works for them. In the end, the synergy of them together is stronger than anything they way face <3
June 26, 2025
Released today!!!!
There’s something about a Beauty and the Beast retelling that always gets me—especially when it’s dark, intense, and just a little unhinged. Ruthless Devotion absolutely delivered. I went in expecting a twisted romance and ended up completely obsessed with a dangerously broken man. Did I fall for a raging psychopath? Yes. Do I regret it? Not at all.
One minute I was giggling like a schoolgirl, the next I was questioning my sanity—and loving every second of it. The best part? I found this book completely by accident. No hype, no expectations—just pure, chaotic, delicious fate. And honestly, I couldn’t be happier.
There’s something about a Beauty and the Beast retelling that always gets me—especially when it’s dark, intense, and just a little unhinged. Ruthless Devotion absolutely delivered. I went in expecting a twisted romance and ended up completely obsessed with a dangerously broken man. Did I fall for a raging psychopath? Yes. Do I regret it? Not at all.
One minute I was giggling like a schoolgirl, the next I was questioning my sanity—and loving every second of it. The best part? I found this book completely by accident. No hype, no expectations—just pure, chaotic, delicious fate. And honestly, I couldn’t be happier.
June 26, 2025
Kitty Thomas is an author that I have enjoyed reading for a while. In fact, her being the og dark romance author holds true to me because she was one of the first I read.
This new book really shows a side of her writing that I really enjoy. Our MMC Aidan is absolutely, completely, OBSESSED with FMC Maddie and has been since they were six. Maddie, like any girl at that age would have, inevitably rejected him because she was put off by how strong he came on. Years later, their paths cross again when she’s forced to marry him to save her family from financial ruin.
I LOVED Maddie. She was such a badass every step of the way. Even though she was forced into an unimaginable situation, she made sure to get her own little jabs in. I loved the slow burn to the romantic and "spicy" relationship of the couple. It was realistic with what I would expect to happen in a situation like this. I get major Beauty and the Beast vibes, which I also love.
Aidan is no saint, for from it, he's a man whose past built him into the monster he now is. Whether or not he's Maddie's monster? Well you'll just have to read to find out!
This new book really shows a side of her writing that I really enjoy. Our MMC Aidan is absolutely, completely, OBSESSED with FMC Maddie and has been since they were six. Maddie, like any girl at that age would have, inevitably rejected him because she was put off by how strong he came on. Years later, their paths cross again when she’s forced to marry him to save her family from financial ruin.
I LOVED Maddie. She was such a badass every step of the way. Even though she was forced into an unimaginable situation, she made sure to get her own little jabs in. I loved the slow burn to the romantic and "spicy" relationship of the couple. It was realistic with what I would expect to happen in a situation like this. I get major Beauty and the Beast vibes, which I also love.
Aidan is no saint, for from it, he's a man whose past built him into the monster he now is. Whether or not he's Maddie's monster? Well you'll just have to read to find out!
June 29, 2025
This was definitely a different type of Mafia arranged marriage that I'm used to read! I really enjoyed it though! Was a slow burn Beauty and the Beast retelling, but while we are used to the fmc to fall straight away into the arms of the mmc, in this story Maddie is strong-minded and knows what she wants! You will fall in love with Aidan, he lets her battle her inside battles of right and wrong but in a way that I WAS falling in love with him faster than Maddie🤣 Was a very good story, a slow burn, a strong fmc and a morally grey mmc.🖤
October 16, 2025
Wow! If you know me you know I love a good Mafia Romance, and this one did not disappoint, it's dark, steamy, and addictive.
Aiden is dark, twisted, deranged, and delicious! This man took his obsession to a whole different level, the way he stalked her, knew her hopes and dreams.
He was so swoony, so obsessed, and extremely morally grey!
Maddie was determined not to fall for her arranged husband, it was useless, Aidan destroyed all her walls with his swoony ways.
Aiden & Maddie were explosive, inevitable, and meant to be.
Their banter was top-notch! The spice was steamy and delicious.
I loved this book, the plot, the characters, and the spice were well-balanced and they captivated me from the start.
Aiden is dark, twisted, deranged, and delicious! This man took his obsession to a whole different level, the way he stalked her, knew her hopes and dreams.
He was so swoony, so obsessed, and extremely morally grey!
Maddie was determined not to fall for her arranged husband, it was useless, Aidan destroyed all her walls with his swoony ways.
Aiden & Maddie were explosive, inevitable, and meant to be.
Their banter was top-notch! The spice was steamy and delicious.
I loved this book, the plot, the characters, and the spice were well-balanced and they captivated me from the start.
June 22, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! Super quick read in one Saturday, and one of the first dark romance books I’ve read in a while that I couldn’t see the twist coming from a mile away - I loved that! It’s rare these days I’m genuinely shocked! Maddie is strong, she is smart, and I love her. I’ll be honest I was not sure how Kitty Thomas was gonna get me on team Aiden but she did! I can’t wait to read more from this author!
June 22, 2025
Loved this Mafia Romance with a hint of Beauty & The Beast vibes, a touch of spice, and a love story that just won't quit!
You follow Maddie, whose dad winds up trading her to pay his debt to a powerful crime family. Come to find out the evil boss she's been promised to, turns out to be none other than the tattooed hunk who saved her life in an alleyway, and she has been fantasizing about him for months. They have major history as Aidan was infatuated with her when they were younger and has stalked her ever since. It all started with a Valentine, which was rejected, and Aidan held onto that embarrassment for years. He grew up to be a new crime boss with tons of status, wealth, looks, Catholic values, loves Jane Austin, and has major issues. As he just might be a bit of Serial Killer too! As they deal with the struggles of a new arranged marriage, his growing need to finish a job, and feelings starting to bloom for Maddie, will they be able to have a fighting chance for love? Or will Aidan's need to finish what he started ruin it all before they've been given a shot?
... What to Expect ...
Mafia Romance, forced marriage, stalker romance, captive romance, dark romance, enemies to lovers, fixation, violence, murder, serial killer, beauty and the Beast vibes, virgin fmc, cinnamon roll mmc, spicy slow burn, obsession, touch her and die, revenge, torture, ptsd, ocd, mental health, voyerism, night vision, knife play, good girl, tension, and so much more!!
You follow Maddie, whose dad winds up trading her to pay his debt to a powerful crime family. Come to find out the evil boss she's been promised to, turns out to be none other than the tattooed hunk who saved her life in an alleyway, and she has been fantasizing about him for months. They have major history as Aidan was infatuated with her when they were younger and has stalked her ever since. It all started with a Valentine, which was rejected, and Aidan held onto that embarrassment for years. He grew up to be a new crime boss with tons of status, wealth, looks, Catholic values, loves Jane Austin, and has major issues. As he just might be a bit of Serial Killer too! As they deal with the struggles of a new arranged marriage, his growing need to finish a job, and feelings starting to bloom for Maddie, will they be able to have a fighting chance for love? Or will Aidan's need to finish what he started ruin it all before they've been given a shot?
... What to Expect ...
Mafia Romance, forced marriage, stalker romance, captive romance, dark romance, enemies to lovers, fixation, violence, murder, serial killer, beauty and the Beast vibes, virgin fmc, cinnamon roll mmc, spicy slow burn, obsession, touch her and die, revenge, torture, ptsd, ocd, mental health, voyerism, night vision, knife play, good girl, tension, and so much more!!
June 25, 2025
Finally a new story from the amazing Kitty Thomas. This book is made to be read without any spoilers to fully enjoy the ride.
It has everything you need:
Forced marriage
Stalking
Psycho-obsessive MMC
Strong FMC
Mafia-ish family
To give you a better resume of Aiden and Maddie story I would say listen to : God is a weapon! It perfectly describes Aiden 🖤
“My sinful confession, you’re my obsession.”
It has everything you need:
Forced marriage
Stalking
Psycho-obsessive MMC
Strong FMC
Mafia-ish family
To give you a better resume of Aiden and Maddie story I would say listen to : God is a weapon! It perfectly describes Aiden 🖤
“My sinful confession, you’re my obsession.”
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