Being in their enemy’s inner circle has never been easier for Elliot, Rhett, and Oliver. They’ve fooled Ludo Holloway into trusting them, which means they’re one step closer to getting revenge.
But as their plan unfolds, they realize that not everything is as it seems. Sometimes, allies are found in the most unexpected of places—as long as it’s not yet another trap.
This close to the end, getting what they want means taking risks.
But will they go too far—or not far enough?
This is Volume 2 in the dark why choose romance series Ruthless Desires and cannot be read as a standalone.
Elira Firethorn is an author of dark, steamy, suspenseful romance. Writing has been her passion since she was fourteen years old, and it continues to be her favorite pastime—aside from reading.
Personally I think I preferred the buildup and the relationship forming in the first set of books better than all the action in this one. Spice is still fun and there, but I think this side of the series is great if you really like mafia romance because it goes more into it with these books. I think this is a fun series overall however. And I of course love the reverse harem, multiple POVs and the boyfriends being boyfriends!
Multiple POVs, why choose (MMMF), morally grey MMCs, bookish FMC, found family, touch her and 💀, touch THEM and 💀, consent kings, good girl, extra spicy, mental health rep, traumatic backgrounds, 🐝DSM elements, revenge plot Please read the trigger warnings
Narration by Tempest Mensah, Blake Lockheart, PJ Freebourn, Michael Gallagher I really enjoyed these narrators' performances! I liked how each of the guys was voiced by a different narrator and I felt that their voices fit each of the men so well! All of them had excellent pacing and emotion that kept me sucked in!
Moving into the second half of those series, Wren as been brought in fully to Elliot, Rhett, and Oliver's lives and plans for revenge. As in the first volume review, I adore these four together so much. I love the care they have for each other and how they are so aware of the mental health issues they each have going on and how they help each other. We also start building an expanded found family more in the second half of the books, which I always love. As noted in the vol 1 review, I thought it was so interesting that the author specifically doesn't physically describe the main characters so the reader can visualize them as they want. This series had a great conclusion! I know I will be thinking of these characters for a long time and will likely be rereading to visit them again!
The second volume of Ruthless Desires is the continuation of Wren, Elliot, Oliver and Rhett’s tale and what a conclusion it was. This volume contains two books and the epilogue novella✨
In this second volume, we definitely see Wren come into her own. Yes she’s protective of the MMCs in the first volume but that becomes even more fierce in the second volume, especially after a few situations our MMCs find them in. She proves that she’s capable of looking after herself that’s for sure🤭
While in the first volume we see Wren become apart of the guys circle we see this solidify even further in this book. I honestly love the dynamic of these four with one another, there is so much love there😭
I don’t want to give away too much, but I can confirm that the revenge plot is full steam ahead and our characters are determined in taking down Ludo once and for all. Our guys Elliot, Oliver and especially Rhett have spent years developing and forming a plan and now the time has come.
Side note I loved the introduction of Aubrey in this volume- she is definitely more than meets the eye type of gal and I was here for it.👏🏼
Overall I loved this series and there was side characters in both volumes that have most certainly piqued my interest and I cannot wait to see what the author does with their stories. ✨
Thank you so much to the author who provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭
From the first page, it dragged me back into that dark, twisted world and refused to let me breathe. The spice? Off the charts. Filthy in the exact way I was hoping for—every single scene left me needing more. The tension, the obsession, the way these characters come together (and fall apart)… it’s chaos, it’s brutal, it’s addictive, and I loved every second of it.
What I loved most was how it never felt like “too much.” It hit every boundary, shattered it, and instead of breaking me, it left me craving more. That balance of darkness, heat, and raw emotion is what makes this book stand out.
Volume 1 hooked me, but Volume 2 sealed the deal. This series has officially crawled its way into my favorites, and I already know I’ll be rereading it whenever I want to lose myself in something dark, filthy, and unforgettable.
This one had me hooked from the start. If Vol. 1 was wild, Vol. 2 takes the chaos and dials it up—more danger, more obsession, more heat.
Rhett, Oliver, and Elliot are in deeper than ever with their revenge plot, and honestly? I loved the constant edge of “oh no, something’s about to go wrong.” The bond with Wren gets stronger in this book, and I liked seeing how her softness balances out their darkness.
The chemistry is still ridiculously hot—those protective, obsessed vibes are everything. The tension + spice had me glued to my headphones.
And the audio? Fantastic again. The narrators made the dangerous parts feel sharp but gave the emotional bits so much weight too.
continuing on from Volume 1 we get into the action & plot of this series.
This book is a MMMF why choose dark romance.
The guys are on a revenge mission to do justice for Rhetts little sister who was killed. This book is intimidatingly long, however it kept me engaged and wanting more, I needed to find out what happens.
We get to see the beautiful dynamic in this relationship between the guys and Wren & how she fits in so well.
The spice level ramps up a notch & the spicy scenes are frequeny & HOT 🔥
The extended epilogue was just what I needed to tie this all up in a bow!!
I received this ARC & ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Plot: 4/5 • Smut: 5/5 ————-> Compared to the first volume of this the smut is less and the plot is a little more. Don’t get carried away there’s still a lot of smut there’s just more plot this time.
They’re still out seeking revenge. The guys get kidnapped. Wren fights her way back to her guys with the help of some unlikely characters. Lots of twists and turns and some predictable parts as well.
Like I said, lots of smut. Plenty of MM and lots of group scenes. which I was absolutely here for. We do get an HEA after 700 something pages as well.
This is the second book, it did not disappoint. It’s as brilliant as the first. Many twists and turns, fantastic background storyline. The relationship between the characters got stronger and stronger. Was so sad when the book finished.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ruthless Desires Vol. 2 was everything I wanted from this series and more. Where Volume 1 set the stage and gave us that build-up, this one delivered on the action, emotion, and all of the intensity in the best way. The revenge plot kicked into full gear here, and I was eating it up from start to finish.
What I loved most was Wren’s growth, she truly came into her own in this Volume. She became protective, fierce, and would not back down. Wren proved she’s not just part of Elliot, Rhett, and Oliver’s world… that she belonged to it. The bond between the four of them was perfect, sweet and obsessive, and I loved how much care and how aware they all were of each other’s mental health. It was nice to see them all have healthy relationships while doing some crazy things in their lives.
The spice, just like in the fist volume, was still amazing, but the story was what really took over this time. The twists, betrayals, and unexpected allies kept me on the edge of my seat, and the expanded found family element made the world feel even richer. They all deserved all the love they got. By the time I reached the epilogue, I was so in love and invested with these characters, I didn't want it to end.
Once again, the narration team, Tempest Mensah, Blake Lockheart, PJ Freebourn, and Michael Gallagher, delivered an incredible performance. I said this in my review of Volume 1, but having each MMC voiced separately added so much emotion and depth, and Tempest’s voice gave Wren exactly the strength she needed to do all that was needed in this wild rollercoaster of a volume!
This was the perfect conclusion to the duology: dark, addictive, and deeply emotional. It’s the kind of story that will stay with you, long after it is over, and I know I will need to listen and read again!
Elira Firethorn brings her dark, adrenaline-fueled saga to a bold finale in Ruthless Desires Volume 2, the concluding volume of the series. This installment delivers a pulse-pounding, action-packed conclusion that sharply pivots away from the romance-forward focus of Volume 1 and throws readers into the full force of mafia and gangster conflict.
With the core relationship firmly established, Firethorn concentrates on testing her characters’ loyalties and resolve. The deepening bonds between Wren and the boys remain a highlight - there’s a genuine sense of growth and commitment, not just to her but among the whole group. Their found-family dynamic underpins the story, giving emotional weight to every dangerous choice and explosive showdown.
The ramped-up action and adventure bring plenty of jaw-dropping moments and surprising twists, forging a darker, grittier atmosphere. Since the book explores some very intense themes - violence, trauma, and moral ambiguity - I strongly recommend checking the trigger warnings before diving in. This volume is not afraid to veer into uncomfortable territory, but it does so in service of an unflinching finale.
Though the romance takes a backseat this time, the chemistry and spice are still present (4/5 chili peppers), adding some heat to the unrelenting tension. Firethorn succeeds in wrapping up storylines and character arcs, leaving readers with a satisfying, if occasionally brutal, sense of closure.
Overall, Ruthless Desires Volume 2 is a worthy, action-heavy conclusion to Firethorn’s addictive series. If you’ve followed these characters from the beginning, prepare for a wild, emotional, and sometimes ruthless ride as their story comes to a visceral close.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
"Ruthless Desires Vol. 2" by Elira Firethorn, brought to life by the narrative talents of Tempest Mensah, PJ Freebourn, Blake Lockheart, and Michael Gallagher, plunges you straight back into a high-stakes world where one mistake could be deadly. Continuing directly from Volume 1, this installment sees Elliot, Rhett, and Oliver deeper within their enemy Ludo Holloway's inner circle, seemingly one step closer to enacting their revenge. However, as their intricate plan unfolds, they discover that appearances can be deceiving, leading to potential allies in unexpected places—or perhaps just more traps.
This volume definitely ramps up both the action and the spice compared to the first, creating an emotional rollercoaster with plenty of twists and turns, some quite unexpected. As a reader, I found Oliver's anxiety incredibly relatable, while Elliot's protective nature, taking so much upon himself, just made me want to give him a hug. And Rhett, as the grumpy yet capable MMC, was simply irresistible. Wren truly fits perfectly into their dynamic, making their MMMF why-choose dark romance compelling.
Though intimidatingly long, the book kept me completely engaged and desperate to know what would happen next as the guys pursue justice for Rhett's sister. The connection between the four main characters is beautifully developed, and the spicy scenes are frequent and 🔥HOT🔥. Finishing with an extended epilogue provided the perfect satisfying conclusion to tie everything together. Once again, the narration was supremely well done, with the narrators expertly bringing the characters and their intense emotions to life.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Their revenge burns hotter than their desire—and neither can be stopped. 🔥
📖 Ruthless Desires, Vol. 2 by E. Firethorn ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶 Genre: Dark why-choose romance / Erotica TW: Abuse, Death, Violence, Profanity, Sex (⚠️ full TW list is long—please check before reading!)
Continuing from Vol. 1, Rhett, Elliot, Oliver, and Wren are getting closer to their target—and closer to each other. Unexpected allies appear, but can they really be trusted, or is it all a trap?
I’m obsessed with how this series is unfolding. Their relationship keeps deepening in the most beautiful ways, with tender mental health check-ins that made me feel the love and care right through the pages. I adored how understanding they are with each other—allowing space to grow, process, and learn each other’s rhythms—while still staying fiercely connected. The revenge plot thickens here too, with twists I didn’t see coming (though maybe I was too wrapped up in their chemistry to notice 👀). I loved how raw and visceral their rage felt as they fought to end things once and for all.
The spice? Still scorching, even if less constant than Vol. 1—every scene was explosive and perfectly tied to their bond. And I really appreciated how the men weren’t over-described, leaving space for me to picture them exactly how I wanted (and yes, dangerously hot in my imagination). Even the side characters like Finn and Axel caught my attention—I can’t wait to dive into their stories.
This is easily becoming one of the best why-choose series I’ve ever read.
Thank you BookSirens and E. Firethorn for this ARC!
Tropes: 💍 Why choose (MMMF) 🖤 Obsessed MMCs 🛡 Protective MMCs ⚖️ Morally grey 🎲 High stakes 💀 “Touch her and 💀” ❤️🔥 The BFs are BFs too 🎯 Revenge plot 💸 Filthy rich MMCs
WOW THIS BOOK TOOK ME ON A RIDE!!! When I listen to the first one I was a little skeptical of this series because their was more spice then story but boy did this take a TURN!!! This book still has spice but WOW the story was a rollercoaster of a ride! I LOVED this story and was hooked until the end.
The narrators Tempest Mensah, PJ Freebourn, Blake Lockheart and Michael Gallagher did a great job telling this story. They have smooth voices and they will hold your attention throughout the book. I was so captivate with this story because their voices just made me feel like I was there living some of these moments with them.
Elliot, Rhett, and Oliver finally have Ludo trusting them so their finally part of his inner circle. But as time goes by things start taking a turn and things might not appear as easy as they seem to appear. I don't want to give much away with this story because there is SO MUCH that goes on in this book and you need to read it or listen to it yourself! But let me tell you this gets GOOD!!
Wren is one tough cookie in this volume as well. She will learn a lot about herself and the depth she will go for those she loves. You will fall more in LOVE with these characters. This story will have you on the edge of your seat. This is a MUST and you will be left with a beautiful ending!
I HIGHLY recommend this book and series!!
Thank you Elira Firethorn and Blush Audiobooks for allowing me to listen to this ALC for my honest opinion.
I LOVE LOVE and this series made me feel it on a whole other level 🥹🌟
In this second volume, we really get to see Wren come into her own and I WAS HERE FOR IT. She was protective of the MMCs in book one, but that grows even fiercer here after everything they go through together. Wren proves again and again that she can absolutely take care of herself (though, let’s be real, it’s always more fun when the boys are by her side 🤭). She’s fierce, soft, and exactly what they’ve needed all along. ❤️🩹🥹
One of my favorite parts of this book is how the dynamic between the four solidifies. In book one, Wren was welcomed into their circle, but here we see that bond become unshakable. There’s just so much love between them, and I couldn’t get enough 😭
I also loved that this story leaned more into the mafia aspect while still giving us those sweet & spicy moments that make the romance shine. The balance between action, emotion, and intimacy was chef’s kiss. 😚🤌🏻
Overall, I really loved this sequel and this series as a whole and I had the time of my life 🫶🏻 The side characters in both volumes have totally caught my attention, and I cannot wait to see what the author has planned for them next. These books and these characters will definitely stick with me for a long time. 🥹🖤🌟
I couldn’t put this book down whether I was listening to the Audio or reading on my kindle I needed to know what was gonna happen! I needed to know everything! Also the spicy scenes were HOTTT!! Pfff there was a couple times I needed to take a minute to cool down cause I was blushing so hard!
Oliver sweet Oliver I love him so much and the love he has for all 3 of the others the way he wants to protect them all even if it means putting himself in danger had me sobbing. I just love his sweet soul!
Elliot oh Elliot forever the planner and fixer always wanting to make sure everyone was taken care of and things went smoothly!
Rhett my Rhett he had such a hard past but watching his love for the boys and Wren was beautiful and him opening up to her and taking care of the others when he didn’t even want to be touched was so beautiful!!
Wren our strong Queen there wasn’t anything she wasn’t willing to do for her men! She was such a fighter and I truly loved watching her character development in this series!
I love all the characters so much! And the dark aspects was perfect in this series like the plot kept you on your toes and the spice was perfectly placed! So well written and I will definitely be rereading!!
Tropes: hitmen MMCs, revenge, touch them and die, why choose, boyfriends are boyfriends, obsessive/possessive MMCs & FMC, MMMF, found family, mental health support and healing Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Stars: 3.5 ⭐️
If you’re getting into dark romance, or you really like a dark themed book with a green flag relationship this is the series for you.
The MMCs in this book make you feel safe, they see and support each other in every way possible and there is no judgement in sight. Consent and communication are heavy themes in this book in everything they do: it’s perfect for those who have triggers with relationships.
I really appreciated that this series highlights men’s mental health and struggles with things like insecurity. We’re all human, and men don’t have to be unfeeling to be masculine.
The spice. OH MAN. The spice in this book is immaculate. It’ll have you slipping of your seat or high fiving your tummy 🥵😜
Volume one of this series is definitely more heavy on the spice and relationship aspect. Whereas volume two is more focused on the plot.
I did find it dragged on a little too long for my personal taste, however I am a horror lover so I think there’s only so much sweet I can take.
The action definitely picks up in Volume 2 of this series!
Still following Wren, and her harem of guys- Rhett, Elliot, and Oliver- this book had some great twists and turns. The spice is still front and center but this book is more plot driven than volume 1 was, which I appreciate. I also love the found family trope after they had all been through so much and enjoyed the HEA.
This is a very long book (over 25 hours worth of audio) and probably could have used some of the spicy content to be omitted to shorten the story. I will say though, if you do like extra spice in your RH, where the boyfriends are also boyfriends, you’ll definitely enjoy this book. 🥵
As with Volume 1, I really enjoyed the narration. The full cast does a great job of personifying their characters. I actually believe that listening to this made for a better experience than I would have had reading it.
If you’re a fan of dark, mafia-style romance that’s absolutely brimming with spice, give this series a try.
Thank you to Blush Audio for providing a free copy of these audiobooks in exchange for my honest review.
Intended for 18 and over also please check out the TW’s before reading!!
✨AUDIO ALC 🎧 REVIEW ✨
Ruthless Desires volume 2 audio includes books 4-6 along with an extended epilogue and cannot be read as a standalone. The narrators @tempest.mensah @pjvoice_official @blakelockheart @mikegallaghervo did an amazing job. The story does continue on from Volume 1. It is well written and does jump into the action right away keeping you listening and wanting more. The story sure had a lot of twist and turns that I didn’t expect or saw coming. The spice is more spicier and so good 🥵 the chemistry and connection between the characters was still amazing and the character development along with the revenge plot was so well written. Overall I enjoyed listening to this audio! Highly recommend picking up this audio and listening to it.
Thanks Elira Firethorn, BlushAudiobooks and VPR for the ALC in exchange of my honest review!❤️
Oh my goodness! I am so happy I got to listen to this audiobook as an alc!!! Tempest Mensah, Michael Gallagher, PJ Freebourn and Blake Lockheart did AMAZING!!! This isn't a small book... 26 hours... but it goes by so so fast!! There's always action going on... planning, scheming, surviving... and the SPICE! Book one was great, but this one was even better! Rhett, Oli, Elliot and Wren have such a beautiful relationship! I love the way all of them have their own personal demons, and they all stand by each other through all of it! Whether it's past tr@uma, pt$d, anxiety, and all the current situations they find themselves in, the love, respect and loyalty they have to each other was amazing to read! These are the first books I've read where the author doesnt give you physical descriptions of the main characters. Only vague pointers for things that are important. So you can imagine them the way you want and I loved that! This was action filled, hot, fast paced, attention gripping!! I 100% recommend!
⛔️ 𝖙𝖗𝖎𝖌𝖌𝖊𝖗𝖘 - past & childhood träuma + themes, triggers and content in line with dark mafia romance genre (refer to the start of volume one for a more in-depth overview)
I really enjoyed Wren's whole story with Oliver, Rhett and Elliot. Everything from the satisfying ending, everyone's individual relationships being given focus from individual to group, the spicy scenes and the plot overall. The pacing was done great, none of it ever felt like it was dragging nor did it feel things were missed in the plot. I would happily recommend both volumes of this series easily! Was such a great read that kept me wanting to continue!
One aspect I really enjoyed was every character had their trauma but they were never shamed for it and they received the help and healing they needed over time. Oliver finally got the confidence to be himself in all aspects in the end which was lovely to see. Rhett got to heal from the trauma caused by his family since a child. Elliot finally got to relax and stop to appreciate life without the constant need to be doing something to prevent the breakdown. Finally Wren got to enjoy her life away from judgemental parents who were forcing a life she didn't want onto her.
'When I stand, I feel dizzy. I’ve dreamed of this day for years, and now it’s finally here... I’ve never felt safer.'
I loved this collection and the first- and I'm grateful I discovered these books in collections so I could read them back-to-back without waiting for new releases. Great world building and wonderful characters. These stories have my favorite elements- hitmen, reverse harem with mm (yes!), suspense, action, and danger. I loved Wren and the three guys Oliver, Rhett, and Elliot. I loved that the guys had a strong bond with each other before Wren came into their lives. I liked the dynamic between them and the chemistry was scorching. The stories were fast-paced and I was hooked. I liked that the author intentionally kept character descriptions vague so readers could picture them as they wanted.
This picks up where the first one left off as there are still things this group needs to do for Wren to find peace. These collections are the first books I've read by this author and I would read more. 5 stars
"My will is yours, Wren, and these hands will do whatever you direct them to."
♡This series was my first read by Elira Firethorn & I loved it! Why choose is one of my favorite tropes & this MMMF was a cute, spicy, loving m@fia romance series with darker themes & so much angst! The twists & turns that will leave you wanting more & the beautiful ending brought it all together perfectly!
The multi-cast dual narration for this audiobook was amazing! Tempest, Blake, PJ, & Michael all did a phenomenal job at bringing each & every one of their characters to life! The emotion portrayed through words was phenomenal & I'm excited to check out more titles narrated by these individuals!
If you love m@fia romances, why choose tropes, a plot that will keep you hooked, & spice for days look no further you found it!♡
This volume includes books 4, 5, 6, and bonus epilogue of this series. The chemistry between the MCs is fire and the spicy is spicy!!! The story continues to explore the morally grey MMCs and their need for revenge as well as the FMC and her complicated relationship with her mom and step-father. The story becomes more gripping in volume two as the suspense builds.
This why choose dark romance where the MMCs all love each other fiercely as they meet our FMC and become enamored by her is a bit of an roller coaster as each time you think you can take a breath, it’s not over yet.
Side note: I enjoyed that the author doesn’t describe the characters to the readers in order for the reader to imagine what/who each of these characters may be based on the reader’s own imagination.
It is a must to read volume 1 prior to volume 2 to fully understand the story.
Welcome to vol 2. Let me tell you right now, the transition from audiobook one to two was so smooth. Wren really grows into the relationship so beautifully. Not only are the boys ridiculously overprotective of Wren, but she is willing to do anything for them as well. On top of that, she proves to be even stronger than they are, especially with the ever-evolving Ludo situation. In this volume, we see more couple moments than group activities. LET ME TELL YOU. I love Wren and Rhett the most. Their relationship is so special and full of understanding. They are just so swoonworthy. This was a perfect conclusion.
Like volume 1, the audiobook narration is the same. There is a VA for each main character. I still think the audiobook format for this series is the way to go and a fantastic way to feel immersed in this story.
Thank you to Elira Firethorn and Blush Audiobook Promotions for the ALC!
Oliver & Rhett!! God, I can't have enough of these two.
Trauma bond: The way these main characters support and validate each other's mental health and anxiety is emotional and deep. Every character has gone through some serious trauma, and it is refreshing to read them getting help instead of brushing it aside.
Supporting characters: The side characters are just as important as the main character, and each has a distinct identity. I would love to read their individual stories, but I'm okay if there aren't any.
Revenge: A solid revenge plot with a satisfactory ending. The whole premise starts with plotting and executing revenge on the bad guy, and it is engrossing, and like a good plot, it all derails before getting better.
I listened to the audiobook version of this story and what a conclusion. Ruthless Desires Volume Two definitely cranks up the heat and the action. It was very interesting seeing the development of the complex dynamics all these characters had with each other. Their vulnerabilities are explored more in this volume, as well as their healing process. There was definitely more suspense and mystery and I loved how this time around Wren was able to show what she could do. Nothing like a good female empowerment story. The spice is out of this world hot and the ending was very satisfying. The full cast narration was really well done, making each character unique and well defined. Lastly, I love how the author didn't describe the characters on purpose so that you can imagine them however you want to.
I can't express how much I wish I could rate this book higher than five stars! From the very first page, I was completely captivated by the story of Wren, Oliver, Rhett, and Elliot. The character development is exceptional, making it feel like I truly knew each of them. I initially had mixed feelings about the vague physical descriptions, but I ended up loving how it allowed my imagination to fill in the gaps and create my own vision of the characters. The plot is incredibly engaging, keeping me on the edge of my seat and eager to find out what happens next. The complex past that ties these four together adds depth to the narrative, while the romance is refreshingly pure. Once you start this series, I guarantee you won't want to stop reading! I'm already looking forward to diving into volume two!