Ruthless Keeper: A Captive Enemies to Lovers Dark Romance

by Lilith Vale

The woman he loves escaped… and he will stop at nothing to find her.

Scarlett

I broke free from the Monster who ruined me…

I escaped Monster by the skin of my teeth, then spent months looking over my shoulder, waiting for him to spring from every shadow and take me back to hell.

I don’t have to wait long. Just as I begin to taste normalcy, he’s there—dragging me back to the compound kicking, screaming, and writhing.

From the moment I’m returned to the fortress, he’s everywhere. Feeding me. Bathing me. Doing wicked, unspeakable things to my body…

I try to convince him my captivity is wrong, but my pleas fall on deaf ears. Resistance is futile. Arguing is pointless. Survival is all I can cling to.

And yet, even as I reel against Monster’s attempts to invade my heart, I can’t deny that I feel something for him.

The longer I stay, the further the line between love and hate begins to blur… until it threatens to vanish.

Greyson

My obsession managed to escape me once… I won’t let her go a second time.

After months of a maddening search, I finally have Scarlett in my hands again. I’m kind enough to give her a come with me of her own volition or be transported by force.

She tells me she’d rather die than choose me, so force it is.

My little Flower doesn’t appreciate my methods of winning her affection. She certainly doesn’t appreciate my efforts once I have her secured in our home.

She still thinks I’ll hurt her. That I’ll eventually kill her. She thinks I’m the same man who dropped her in a cell to rot…

I will disabuse her of that notion with every touch. Every word. Every breath.

I will convince her of the simple truth that we are meant to be together.

And I’ll ensure that the thought of escape never again crosses her mind.

Till death do us part.

Genres: Dark Romance

394 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 17, 2025

About the author

Lilith Vale firmly believes that villains are far more swoon-worthy than heroes, which is often reflected in her choice of MC’s. She likes to challenge herself and readers with deeply flawed, nearly-irredeemable protagonists who go on twisted journeys together.
When she isn’t writing, Lilith feeds her caffeine addiction, reads as many novels as she can, and obsessively plots out her next work(s).

Reviews

[Nessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

#hefallsfirst #morallygrey #forcedproximity
I'M IN LOVE! THIS WAS FUCKING DARK AND YOU'VE BEEN WARNED!
TRIGGER WARNINGS : NON-CON/DUB-CON, ABUSE, TORTURE, MENTAL HEALTH

This review is based on this entire duet : Savage Captor + Ruthless Keeper.

If you're not into questionable dark romances that blurs the line of black/white, right or wrong and what's normalized in society, then STEP AWAY NOW. I'm fully aware that this is fiction and read this with an open mind. A psychologist will have A FIELD DAY with this duet. It's interesting mostly because I was extremely curious how a victim could fall in love with her abuser; mildly put.

This isn't romance in the classical sense. It's a power play, it's dark obsession that turns into a twisted version of love, and it's a manipulative high that you can't imagine IRL. I honestly believe no woman would want or deserve to be in Scarlett's shoes. It would be...HORRIFYING.

SCARLETT is a strong and brave young woman, a heroine never better written. There were moments where I wished she would soften up to GREYSON as crazy as it sounds because I could tell the man was honestly trying his hardest to win her trust and affection, to right the wrongs that he had done against her. Abused and traumatized since childhood by a monstrous father, Scarlett managed to escape that life with the help of her brother, only to fall into Greyson's arms because someone accused her of a crime she never committed.

The first book focuses on Scarlett's captivity/trauma. I've read plenty of dark romances, and her reactions were aptly written from someone in her awful situation. No woman would ever want to be in close proximity with her captor, let alone allow him touch her. You know SEX would be an integral part of the power play, but at least it wasn't written in the ICK sense. Plenty of dark romances focuses on manipulative sex, but not so much here. Believe it or not, the MMC had a strong moral awareness when it came to treating his woman right, even if under duress. He tries, that's all I can say.

GREYSON started off unhinged and cruel, but the man was severely attracted to Scarlett even while believing she was the reason his twin was killed. A grieving, angry soul, he did unimaginable harm to her before realizing that he was tricked. Greyson wallowed in an ocean of guilt, and he quickly became obsessed, using Scarlett as a coping mechanism to replace the emptiness of his brother's death. You could see his dependency on her, how unhealthy their relationship was. At least it will start off that way.

It wasn't entirely his fault. Greyson was manipulated by CAIN, the leader of Nighthawke (later) and ends up being a pawn as much as Scarlett. There's a whole sub-culture of BDSM going on, Greyson having to "train" Scarlett to be absolutely loyal or submissive to him. Good luck, because he's going to need it.

The characters were complex, and I was over the moon by it's unpredictability. Insta-love is reserved for lazy authors.

OVERALL you must be wondering how I could enjoy this romanticized version of abduction, captivity, non-con sex? Like I said, this book isn't for everyone, and some will label it as trash, morally corrupting and disgusting. Personally, I was curious about the psychological effects taking place within the line of the story, the relationship between captor-captive, how it evolves from there, and how anything close to "love" could even be born from it. Not everything is black and white, and perspective from where you're standing speak volumes about whether it's right or wrong.

I LOOK FORWARD TO MAX's story and yes, undoubtedly, the VILLAIN of the story, CAIN's own fucked up story.

[Kaila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lilith has done it again! This book had me Ruthlessly Kept from the moment I received it to beta read! This story was the absolutly perfect(ly effed up) finale to Scarlet and Greysons fated love story 😍 Be careful, I will warn you now, you will be absolutely HOOKED. The evolution of Grey's character from the first book to this one is one of the BEST developments I have ever had the pleasure to witness. Lilith has 100% secured her spot as an "always buy" author for me. As always, have your towels ready, your friends all charged (or new batteries) and prepare for an EMOTIONAL roller-coaster that will have tears pouring both ways ;)

Cannot WAIT for Max's book next!!

[addictedtodarkromance · Rating 4 out of 5]

 I was very excited when this ARC dropped after that Cliffhanger from book 1!!
*May contain spoilers from book 1 - Savage Captor

Scarlett found her brother and is hiding away so no one can find her. Greyson can't focus well without her; he's still just as obsessed and won't stop until she's in his arms again. And when he finally finds her, he has a plan - he wants her total submission, but of her own choosing; to have her body, mind & soul. Max offers advice to help him learn a BDSM type 'training' until she gives up control.

This is still non-con like and a little uncomfortable at times, as it's still pitch-black; however, Greyson does have a much 'softer' side to him in this book and is taking what Max said to him to heart.

When Greyson gets her back, he promises never to hurt her like he did in the past. I do like how he realizes she will be traumatized by what happened in the past and does what he can to try and override those experiences into something different. I also loved how protective he was of her and reassured her that he only wanted her happy, which he strongly believes he can offer her.

Scarlett is still a strong-willed survivor and does what she can to fight back. Greyson does know how to throw her off psychologically, though, so she starts questioning her own mind. Cain is still unkind and seems cold and cruel, so I'm glad that Greyson is protecting her from him (in saying that, I would love a book on Cain, and I'm pretty excited as there's mention of his 'chosen one' and it's very intriguing). Cain is one area that Scarlett is feeling conflicted by, but she feels comforted by Greyson, so she wants him around at that time.

Shocking secrets are uncovered and there's tension between the leaders. But the Widowers are closing in and Greyson is doing everything he can to make sure that Scarlett is safe.

I am excited to read Max's book next (and still think a book on Cain would be interesting)!
 
 
Overall: 4 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice/Heat Intensity: 3 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Greyson & Scarlett
Nickname: (Little) Flower
Darkness: 5 out of 5 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Type of book: MF, Duel 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Books need to be read in order
Title: Deadly Devotion Series- Ruthless Keeper: Book 2/2
Audiobook: n/a as of October 2025
Epilogue: Yes
Ending Type: HEA
 
 
*OTT Possessive, obsessive, dominant, controlling, manipulative and protective MMC
*Unhinged
*Criminal Underground
*BDSM - M/s type relationship
*No cheating or sharing
 
 
⚠️ This book has descriptive parts that may be offensive or triggering to some. Please check the authors' TW/CW before reading! 18+
 
*I received an early copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Brandi-Lynn Weiser · Rating 4 out of 5]

What started as a duet I wasn’t sure if I’d like turned out to be pretty good. Grey was and is probably the worst mmc that has ever tortured, and I mean literally tortured, the mfc. The things he did in book 1 were horrible, awful, unforgivable and honestly, I wasn’t sure how, or if he could possibly redeem himself. Do I think he did in the end? Lol, I’m not sure. There’s definitely a huge change in his character in book 2 and the way he cares for Scarlett is a hell of a lot better. But I don’t know how Scarlett could ever fully get past how their relationship first started. I don’t think he really groveled, but he did apologize relentlessly and his actions in how he treated her showed and proved he was sorry. And actions speak louder than words, so I guess it was good. But I don’t think he actually loved Scarlett when he first said he did. As the story progressed and in the end yes, but at that moment when he first said it I think it was more obsession. I did love seeing him go from soft and caring, to rough, hard and dominant with Scarlett. It was what she needed and in the end I think they made a good couple and I loved them together. And as much as I thought Grey was unforgivable and cruel, I felt bad for him. All his anger and torturous acts towards Scarlett in the beginning was the result of him being lied to and told she was responsible for his twin brother’s death- the only person he truly had in his life. So I could understand the why behind why he did it. But it was still heinous.
And don’t even get me started on Cain. That man is 100% evil and out only for himself. But I am very anxious for him to get a story. I want inside his head and see how he thinks and how he’s going to treat his chosen.
Scarlett was one of the best mfc I’ve ever read in a story. She had true fire and backbone. She didn’t cower and she did NOT just forgive Grey for what he did to her. She held onto her anger and resentment towards him until maybe midway through book 2, so it was definitely a very nice change to see in a mfc. It made everything more realistic and believable.
I loved Luci, Scarlett’s demon cat! He kinda stole the show with his hatred of all people except Scarlett.
One thing that was never tied up and I thought definitely should’ve been was the whole Penny thing. After all she was the real reason Grey’s brother was killed. So to not have that resolved was a disappointment.
Aside from Cain, I really want to see Eric get a story. Those two guys really piqued my curiosity and I want to know more about them.
This was a good duet. It was a true dark romance with real, actual twisted and cruel treatment towards the mfc, and didn’t have her being a pushover by just forgiving him. Grey and Scarlett’s road to their HEA was rough, twisted, extremely bumpy, and painful.

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

After finally escaping Greyson’s grasp, Scarlett does everything she can to stay hidden… but it doesn’t take long for Greyson to track her down again, this time with a new goal: absolute submission. And wow, watching Greyson’s evolution from book one to this sequel is one of the most impressive character glow-ups I’ve ever read. The story still toes the line of non-con and definitely delivers some uncomfortable moments, but there’s also a surprising softness to him here. A version of Greyson who actually sees her pain and tries, in his own flawed way, to rewrite her trauma into something gentler. He swears he’ll never hurt her the way he once did, and his protectiveness in this book is fierce, almost reverent. He truly believes he can offer her happiness, and for once, he’s willing to earn it. Scarlett, meanwhile, remains the strong, brave survivor she’s always been. I loved that she doesn’t just melt into forgiveness; he has to work, really work for every inch of her trust, respect, and eventually, her heart. Still, despite her trauma, I found myself wishing she’d soften just a touch, because Greyson’s attempts to right his past wrongs felt so raw and sincere. But it makes sense: Scarlett grew up under the thumb of a monstrous father, escaped with her brother’s help, only to be thrown into Greyson’s orbit because of a crime she never committed. Her walls are earned. Her hesitation understandable. And this book echoes that deeply. Their dynamic is messy, painful, tender, and incredibly compelling—lots of two steps forward, three steps back—but the way their relationship shifts and grows feels genuinely earned and emotionally satisfying. The second part of this duet is just as dark, gripping, and intense, packed with suspense, desire, and scorching scenes. Like the first book, it’s not for the faint of heart, but for readers who appreciate a heady blend of trauma, tension, and complex character arcs, it’s a wild, deeply addictive ride.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Yasmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't a terrible conclusion to Greyson and Scarlett's story but it wasn't great either imo. I feel like the author dragged their relationship having actual growth out too long and I took a break from the book at some point because both the characters were working my nerves for a bit. Add on the random almost kinda love triangle the author seemed to think about putting in between Scarlett/Greyson/Max and I was almost pissed. Thankfully, she didn't go there because the book had enough going on. An unwanted triangle would've ruined the story completely. Also, in the end I don't know if Penny, the woman who did kill Greyson's brother got what was coming to her. That seemed like a forgotten plot point, which is weird considering it's important and the reason Scarlett even got into Greyson's orbit in the first place.

However, the huge pro of this story is Scarlett's reaction to being tortured. I absolutely love how the author didn't gloss over her pain. She dealt with real PTSD. Her relationship with Greyson wasn't seamless. There was a lot of taking steps forward and many backwards. She didn't forgive him so easily and he really had to WORK to earn her trust, respect, forgiveness and ultimately her love.

The problem with a lot of captive x captor books is that a lot of author's make their female characters spineless who give in too easily. That wasn't Scarlett at all in these two books and I loved that. I can't wait to see what Max's book will be like.

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Next level dark, twisted, and intense!

I was so eager to get to this book after reading the first one. I was legit on the edge of my seat devouring the pages like a mad woman on a mission. I thought the first book was good, but wow this one takes the cake! The action, thrills, and twists kept coming. There is nothing sweet about their intense savage romance and I ate it up. To say that Scarlett and Greyson's characters are well-written is an understatement. This book was unpredictable in all the best ways. How their relationship developed and evolved was so satisfying and felt believable.

Lilith Vale has a way of keeping and holding attention making you feel things you never thought possible. I went through an emotional ride with these characters. Completely unforgettable.

Tropes:
Captive
Enemies-to-lovers
Obsessed
BDSM
NonCon
Morally gray
Assassins
Dual POV

Check TW

Dark romance lovers if your looking for a new pitch-black romance that will have you questioning your own morals and are looking for a new thrill thay will crawl under your skin this duet will do the job and then some.

Thank you BookSirens and Lilith Vale for the opportunity to read this book.

[Anonymouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulled me in from the very first page and never let go. Scarlett and Greyson’s relationship unfolds in a way that feels both realistic and chaotic- messy in all the right ways, and far more authentic than a simple “we’re suddenly in love” enemies to lovers romance. Vale’s strength in character development blows me away every time, with such depth in growth for the main and also side characters who bring real intrigue(and menace) to the story while setting the stage for what’s next. The writing is sophisticated and engaging, and balances pacing, emotion, and detail beautifully. Even the spice (guys, the SPICE in this book oh lord) carries meaning, and is integrated into the story instead of feeling gratuitous. With insane plot twists, tension, and an intense ending, I absolutely cannot wait for the next book.

If you haven't read the first book, you need to do that asap, but then I highly recommend this book for any fan of deep dark romance.

I was given a digital ARC of this book with no obligation to review- all opinions are my own.

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ruthless Keeper gives us the conclusion of Greyson and Scarlett's story. I will say I did like Grey a lot more in this one and Scarlett continued to be a strong FMC throughout this one like she was in the first. I liked that she finally came to terms with her feelings for Grey, but it took a long road for her to get there - understandably so. I feel like the pacing could have been a lot better towards the end, I wished the big fight happened more towards the middle so that we could have had more development of their relationship in the last few chapters after Scarlett realized she loved Grey. The epilogue kind of felt rushed through in order to set up Max's story and it wasn't really a cliffhanger or HEA in my opinion, I'd think of it as more of a HFN. We do conclude Scarlett and Grey's story but I feel like we could have gotten more out of them as well. Nevertheless, I am excited for the future of the Nighthawks.

I received a free ARC of this book via BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Samantha Millican · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadly Devotions series book two, Ruthless Keeper is a very dark romance with triggers, so check those first if you need to. You want morally grey? How about morally black! Because that is exactly what this is. Scarlett is at the safe house after getting away from the compound. Conflicted with the poisoning of Greyson, even though she gave the antidote, she didn’t stay long enough to see if it worked. But he’s not done with her yet, and just when things are becoming normal for her, he swoops in and throws that normalcy in the garbage disposal and shreds it! And, don’t let that part fool you, this man will move heaven and hell for her. While this book finishes the focus being on Greyson and Scarlett, we are treated with another cliffhanger of sorts while we wait for Cruel Commander in February, to delve into Max and Ember’s story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lilith Vale has officially cemented herself as a top Dark Romance author for me.

You know that magical feeling when you hit the sweet spot? When everything collides in such perfect harmony that your spine tingles and you moan in satisfaction?

Yeah, that's this book, and I have a feeling that this whole collection (yeah, folks, the ride is NO WHERE NEAR over) is going to have me on my knees.

The conclusion to Greyson and Scarlett's story was just as epic as the start. Action, tension, and heat holding hands together in one epic explosion of a plot. Grey is officially one of my top pitch-black MMCs, I would sell my soul to him for a smile. My girl Scarlett? Role model for dark romance FMCs everywhere.

Put me in for a permanent reader team if there ever is one. I'll pay in blood if I have to because this series is officially part of my personality.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scarlett managed to escape from Greyson the man she calls Monster, clutches, but now shes living on the edge always watching and waiting for him to turn up and drag her back to the place where he broke her. And Grayson does exactly that when he catches his little flower, he needs her, craves her every moment as his own, but after the torture he put her through before she cant trust or stand to be near him, but hes determined to make her his, he will break her once more if only to make her whole, but when the secrets begin to unravel will Scarlett see the man or still the monster inside him? Well written the story is dark captiving, gripping intense and full of suspense, desires, steamy hot scenes and more! A great addition to the series and can't wait for whats next!

[Dana Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed Greyson and Scarlett's relationship arc/evolution through this book. Greyson proved he would do and sacrifice anything for Scarlett.

There was so much action in the last third of the book. I was on the edge of my seat, talking out loud to myself and the characters :) I'm so glad Scarlett finally got her to face her fears and have the confrontation she needed with her father.

Max is my favorite side character and can't wait for his story next in Cruel Commander, the third installment of the Deadly Devotion series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruthless Keeper is book 2 in the Deadly Devotion series and picks up Greyson and Scarlett's story from Savage Captor. Scarlett has become an obsession to Grayson and life without her is not an option. He's shaped her, molded her and made her exactly what he wants and he's exactly what she wants in the end. Their journey has been one big, twisted, gritty and consuming. This story, as with Savage Captor, will absolutely keep you the edge of your seat! This author has concluded Greyson and Scarlett's story fantastically and set us up for another great journey with Max!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this conclusion! A few twists and turns I didn’t see coming which kept me engrossed in this story. I really like that Scarlett didn’t just bend straight away and she resisted until Grayson fully showed her he would do anything for her. As messed up as her situation was I’m glad she has found her home as she deserves it. Absolutely love this series and can’t wait for Max’s story. Hoping it will be as dark as Grayson and Scarlett’s journey but with Max’s personality I worry that he will be too nice.

[Bethany · Rating 1 out of 5]

Im not sure why I bother with the second book of this series. I should have stopped at the end of the first and allowed my brain to believe Greyson succumbed to the poison and Scarlett got a third life. Its a much better ending than going into a second book and being able to predict everything right away. There is zero chemistry between Greyson and Scarlett, making each scene not spicy but forced (literally and metaphorically). Max and Cain are flat characters and I cant entertain the idea of reading a book from their POV.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally couldn’t put this book down. Lilith’s writing was absolutely amazing. This dark romance may be darker to most people, but i absolutely loved it. I felt like I was on edge constantly being drawn in for more. I can’t recommend this enough. I got the ability to get to be an arc reader and I was absolutely blown away.

[Hannah Louka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I was obsessed before, but this book? From the moment Scarlett and Grey are reunited I was on the edge of my seat. Grey isn't just devoted, he's OBSESSED and the lengths he's willing to go to prove it had me in awe. The standoff at the end was super satisfying. And somehow Cain manages to be even more awful in this book than he was in the last, which is saying something.

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not expecting to love this book more than I did the first one but I did. It kept me so engaged and the twists were not the ones I expected. I'm super excited to read book 3.