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Ruthless Vows
To escape a gilded cage, I made a deal with the devil. Now he wants to own my soul.
Princess Jacqueline Marquet is out of time. With her royal family forcing her into a marriage with a vile Duke, she devises a desperate plan: a fake engagement to the one man she can control.
Enter Logan Dupont. The disgraced billionaire playboy. The charming, harmless, and utterly useless heir who is the perfect prop for her rebellion. My puppet.
But Logan is no one’s puppet.
He’s a ruthless, morally grey CEO with an obsession, and I’ve just handed him the keys to my kingdom. My carefully crafted contract becomes his terms. My safe-house becomes his penthouse. The man I hired to be my shield is a possessive alpha who intends to turn our fake relationship into an unbreakable reality.
He’s not the man I thought he was. He’s the man from that one-night stand in Geneva I swore to forget—a man who is possessive, dominant, and dangerously competent.
When enemies from my past threaten my life, Logan’s protection is swift, absolute, and terrifying. He’ll burn the world to the ground to keep me safe, proving his “touch her and you die” promise is more than a threat—it’s a vow. But his idea of safety is a gilded cage, and the price of his protection might be the one thing I have left: my freedom.
She ran from one king only to be claimed by another. But what happens when the most dangerous cage is the one you never want to leave?
Ruthless is a standalone dark royalty romance with a possessive alpha hero, a marriage of convenience, and a strong, strategic heroine. If you love forced proximity, only one bed, witty banter that turns into filthy praise, and enough “touch her and you die” to make you swoon, you’ll be obsessed with this opulent and addictive story. Complete with a HEA.
Princess Jacqueline Marquet is out of time. With her royal family forcing her into a marriage with a vile Duke, she devises a desperate plan: a fake engagement to the one man she can control.
Enter Logan Dupont. The disgraced billionaire playboy. The charming, harmless, and utterly useless heir who is the perfect prop for her rebellion. My puppet.
But Logan is no one’s puppet.
He’s a ruthless, morally grey CEO with an obsession, and I’ve just handed him the keys to my kingdom. My carefully crafted contract becomes his terms. My safe-house becomes his penthouse. The man I hired to be my shield is a possessive alpha who intends to turn our fake relationship into an unbreakable reality.
He’s not the man I thought he was. He’s the man from that one-night stand in Geneva I swore to forget—a man who is possessive, dominant, and dangerously competent.
When enemies from my past threaten my life, Logan’s protection is swift, absolute, and terrifying. He’ll burn the world to the ground to keep me safe, proving his “touch her and you die” promise is more than a threat—it’s a vow. But his idea of safety is a gilded cage, and the price of his protection might be the one thing I have left: my freedom.
She ran from one king only to be claimed by another. But what happens when the most dangerous cage is the one you never want to leave?
Ruthless is a standalone dark royalty romance with a possessive alpha hero, a marriage of convenience, and a strong, strategic heroine. If you love forced proximity, only one bed, witty banter that turns into filthy praise, and enough “touch her and you die” to make you swoon, you’ll be obsessed with this opulent and addictive story. Complete with a HEA.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 28, 2026
Logan is stupidly rich and so is Jacqueline. Their monikers are the Useless Heir and the Spoiled Princess. Logan seems like he does nothing all day and it takes an effort to do that. Jacqueline always gets her way, whether it is a dress, purse, shoes, or the most expensive vacation. And she always looks bored while getting everything she wants.
Logan has just aided his sister to publicly foment a rebellion against their corrupt father which will destroy his businesses and bank accounts. So Jacqueline comes upon Logan drinking away the loss of his fortune. Jacqueline states she is just too bored by all the "beautiful", fake people and she wants to explore the spark between them they have been ignoring for years. She challenges him to take her upstairs to his room at the hotel and he finally breaks, grabs her hand and heads for the elevators. His one caveat? They never mention this night again.
Logan wakes the next morning to an empty space in bed next to him and no note or anything from Jacqueline. And so, life goes on for the both of them. Until...Jacqueline is to be married to a man with more money than is good for anyone, enough age to be her father and a history of wives dying on him. She hides her revulsion of her groom until she goes to Logan once again.
Her proposal, they marry for a year. Play their parts and he uses the marriage to repair his playboy persona and she avoids an abhorrent marriage with possible life threatening possibilities. She talks him into it and they arrange a quick, but legal marriage, then break the news to the interested parties. Jacqueline plans on leading this partnership...until she meets the real Logan Dupont.
It turns out Logan is not so much the Useless Heir as a powerhouse businessman with iron willed control in every aspect of his life, including his bride. And he's decided this is not going to be temporary.
Don't miss this one!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Logan has just aided his sister to publicly foment a rebellion against their corrupt father which will destroy his businesses and bank accounts. So Jacqueline comes upon Logan drinking away the loss of his fortune. Jacqueline states she is just too bored by all the "beautiful", fake people and she wants to explore the spark between them they have been ignoring for years. She challenges him to take her upstairs to his room at the hotel and he finally breaks, grabs her hand and heads for the elevators. His one caveat? They never mention this night again.
Logan wakes the next morning to an empty space in bed next to him and no note or anything from Jacqueline. And so, life goes on for the both of them. Until...Jacqueline is to be married to a man with more money than is good for anyone, enough age to be her father and a history of wives dying on him. She hides her revulsion of her groom until she goes to Logan once again.
Her proposal, they marry for a year. Play their parts and he uses the marriage to repair his playboy persona and she avoids an abhorrent marriage with possible life threatening possibilities. She talks him into it and they arrange a quick, but legal marriage, then break the news to the interested parties. Jacqueline plans on leading this partnership...until she meets the real Logan Dupont.
It turns out Logan is not so much the Useless Heir as a powerhouse businessman with iron willed control in every aspect of his life, including his bride. And he's decided this is not going to be temporary.
Don't miss this one!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
RUTHLESS VOWS
Ruthless Billionaires Club Book 1
by Elle Kay
Ruthless Vows is a dark romance book written by Elle Kay and is the first book in the Ruthless Billionaires Club. It centers around Princess Jacqueline Marquet, the ‘Wild Child of Monaco’ as she’s been labeled by the tabloids and Logan Dupont, a disgraced billionaire playboy.
This book is a standalone. While it’s not necessary to have read Elle Kay’s previous work to follow this story, Princess Jacqueline and Logan Dupont are mentioned in the Dark Dynasties Series and knowing their backstories may add to your reading enjoyment. There are other returning characters from the series that make an appearance as well.
This story is plot-driven and has a strong and well thought out storyline. The characters, both main and secondary, have each been written with great attention to detail. Like a well rehearsed dance, this story never lulls and flows seamlessly from one scene to the next. A large portion of this book moves at a fast pace. However, there are times when the author intentionally slows the tempo allowing the reader to take in the magnitude of what’s happening between the characters. It’s a quiet pause where you can feel the intensity surrounding them. This is a 5⭐️ must read story with an HEA.
Ruthless Billionaires Club Book 1
by Elle Kay
Ruthless Vows is a dark romance book written by Elle Kay and is the first book in the Ruthless Billionaires Club. It centers around Princess Jacqueline Marquet, the ‘Wild Child of Monaco’ as she’s been labeled by the tabloids and Logan Dupont, a disgraced billionaire playboy.
This book is a standalone. While it’s not necessary to have read Elle Kay’s previous work to follow this story, Princess Jacqueline and Logan Dupont are mentioned in the Dark Dynasties Series and knowing their backstories may add to your reading enjoyment. There are other returning characters from the series that make an appearance as well.
This story is plot-driven and has a strong and well thought out storyline. The characters, both main and secondary, have each been written with great attention to detail. Like a well rehearsed dance, this story never lulls and flows seamlessly from one scene to the next. A large portion of this book moves at a fast pace. However, there are times when the author intentionally slows the tempo allowing the reader to take in the magnitude of what’s happening between the characters. It’s a quiet pause where you can feel the intensity surrounding them. This is a 5⭐️ must read story with an HEA.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed this dark romance by Elle Kay. Logan and Jacqueline are hardly the people they portray themselves to be in public. He's not a single brain-celled lap dog who's happy to jump to command, but rather a dominant lion ready to claim his queen. Jacqueline thinks she's avoiding the "marriage trap" by controlling the conditions with Logan. She learns quickly she made a terrible misjudgement, and now has to fight for her footing in a setting where he is the dominant partner - something she's NEVER been faced with before.
Their dance was layer out to perfection, including many of Logan's long time friends (turned Jacqueline's), including his sister/her best friend (Arielle). This was a highly passionate story, and fast paced, yet iKay ntentionally slowed the pace to allow poignant moments to really hit home.
My only big criticism was the OTT reference to "kingdoms". She intentionally razed her association with the royalty, yet clung to the moniker. Very hypocritical. However - that really did fit her personality.
Their dance was layer out to perfection, including many of Logan's long time friends (turned Jacqueline's), including his sister/her best friend (Arielle). This was a highly passionate story, and fast paced, yet iKay ntentionally slowed the pace to allow poignant moments to really hit home.
My only big criticism was the OTT reference to "kingdoms". She intentionally razed her association with the royalty, yet clung to the moniker. Very hypocritical. However - that really did fit her personality.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you scroll through my page you’ll recognize this author because Elle Kay writes a version of Dark Romance & Mafia Romance that I truly enjoy. I love bad ass women who take their chance when Its presented to them, and navigate sticky situations as best they can. They get messy, they make moves, they apologize when new Information Is presented to them - and best of all, they bring the men to heel! Jacqueline Is no exception to that. Logan on the other hand was a pleasant surprise as a MMC. The author says It best - you think he’s a golden retriever with one brain cell and you quickly realize he’s actually a lion. The spice Is there, and the overlap of characters does make you want to read the other stories In this world (I am biased though having read them) to understand the connections. My only ICK Is when the best friend character asks about the ahem *adult activities* when the other adult Is her literal brother. She recovers quickly but still. Outside of that It was a fun ride!
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March 5, 2026Ruthless vows is a lovely romance with a touch of darkness.
I havent read a strong but silent fmc princess novel for a while and this was just the ticket.
I thoroughly enjoyed the fact both the fmc Jacqueline and mmc Logan are both not who them seem compared to their public images and I adore a "miscommunication" type trope but in this case that their personalities/emotions are not as untouchable as they portray them to be.
She is a royal princess for a municipality and he the son of a disgraced politician, they had an unforgettable nite 12 months ago, but Jacquelines' father is trying to marry her off, but Jacqueline will not go quietly and if she has her own way, won't be going at all!
The pacing of this novel is perfect, I was continously interested in turning the page and finding out what happens.
If you like -
A strong, strategic royal FMC
Silent and ruthless MMC
Sooo much sexual tension
Marriage of convenience
Billionaire romance
Damage through finance (not as dark)
I havent read a strong but silent fmc princess novel for a while and this was just the ticket.
I thoroughly enjoyed the fact both the fmc Jacqueline and mmc Logan are both not who them seem compared to their public images and I adore a "miscommunication" type trope but in this case that their personalities/emotions are not as untouchable as they portray them to be.
She is a royal princess for a municipality and he the son of a disgraced politician, they had an unforgettable nite 12 months ago, but Jacquelines' father is trying to marry her off, but Jacqueline will not go quietly and if she has her own way, won't be going at all!
The pacing of this novel is perfect, I was continously interested in turning the page and finding out what happens.
If you like -
A strong, strategic royal FMC
Silent and ruthless MMC
Sooo much sexual tension
Marriage of convenience
Billionaire romance
Damage through finance (not as dark)
April 19, 2026
Another hit from Elle Kay! I was excited for Jacqueline and Logan's story, especially as it was hinted during Luca and Arielle's story in Made For Power, but Ruthless Vows is a decadent read that kept me hooked.
Jacqueline longs for freedom from her stuffy role as a royal and she hatches a plan to escape; use her bestie's older brother Logan Dupont. Logan is the perfect option for a sham marriage since he is the disgraced son of the former prime minister. Little does she know that she fell into Logan's trap.
I loved the banter and little power dynamic shifts as the story played out. Jacqueline went from the elegant and posture-perfect princess to a woman embracing her true self and what she wants from life. Logan uses his family's downfall to craft it into an empire for himself and he embodies the phrase "I'mma do what I want." The spice was great too but the plot was really good!
*Thanks to Elle Kay for the ARC!
Jacqueline longs for freedom from her stuffy role as a royal and she hatches a plan to escape; use her bestie's older brother Logan Dupont. Logan is the perfect option for a sham marriage since he is the disgraced son of the former prime minister. Little does she know that she fell into Logan's trap.
I loved the banter and little power dynamic shifts as the story played out. Jacqueline went from the elegant and posture-perfect princess to a woman embracing her true self and what she wants from life. Logan uses his family's downfall to craft it into an empire for himself and he embodies the phrase "I'mma do what I want." The spice was great too but the plot was really good!
*Thanks to Elle Kay for the ARC!
March 28, 2026
This is Book 1 of the Ruthless Billionaires Club series. And a FANrastic start it is! Look forward to more from this world.
'Ruthless is a standalone dark royalty romance with a possessive alpha hero, a marriage of convenience, and a strong, strategic heroine. If you love forced proximity, only one bed, witty banter that turns into filthy praise, and enough “touch her and you die” to make you swoon, you’ll be obsessed with this opulent and addictive story. Complete with a HEA.'
The characters drove the storyline and they were very compelling and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'Ruthless is a standalone dark royalty romance with a possessive alpha hero, a marriage of convenience, and a strong, strategic heroine. If you love forced proximity, only one bed, witty banter that turns into filthy praise, and enough “touch her and you die” to make you swoon, you’ll be obsessed with this opulent and addictive story. Complete with a HEA.'
The characters drove the storyline and they were very compelling and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 30, 2026
4.5⭐️
Another excellent story from Elle Kay! While this book is a standalone in her new billionaires club series - the characters, both main and mentioned, have been in previous books. It’s not necessary to read the others but you’d get more of their backstories if that’s something you’d want prior to starting this book.
I felt like the plot was so well thought out in this book! It was fast paced until it wasn’t and when it slowed down - intentionally - you got to feel the severity of what was happening within the pages.
Both Jaqueline and Logan are great MC’s. Neither of their public images match who they really are - for them to find out their true images - it’s just a great play out between the two of them! Thank you Elle for allowing me to be on the review team and reading early! All opinions are my own.
Another excellent story from Elle Kay! While this book is a standalone in her new billionaires club series - the characters, both main and mentioned, have been in previous books. It’s not necessary to read the others but you’d get more of their backstories if that’s something you’d want prior to starting this book.
I felt like the plot was so well thought out in this book! It was fast paced until it wasn’t and when it slowed down - intentionally - you got to feel the severity of what was happening within the pages.
Both Jaqueline and Logan are great MC’s. Neither of their public images match who they really are - for them to find out their true images - it’s just a great play out between the two of them! Thank you Elle for allowing me to be on the review team and reading early! All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 ⭐️
I think this is my favorite of @authorellekay work to date! I love Jackie and her stubbornness, but I also really love that her growth is palpable. You can really feel the emotion of her chapters, and that makes her more relatable (considering shes a literal princess, thats a feat!).
Logan is a good definition of possessive, but he also is Jackie's biggest advocate for letting her be independent. Hes wicked smart, but won't show it until the time comes up.
Overall, this was so good! The spice was a bit odd for me personally, but I still enjoyed it.
Add this to your TBR when it comes out March 27th!
I think this is my favorite of @authorellekay work to date! I love Jackie and her stubbornness, but I also really love that her growth is palpable. You can really feel the emotion of her chapters, and that makes her more relatable (considering shes a literal princess, thats a feat!).
Logan is a good definition of possessive, but he also is Jackie's biggest advocate for letting her be independent. Hes wicked smart, but won't show it until the time comes up.
Overall, this was so good! The spice was a bit odd for me personally, but I still enjoyed it.
Add this to your TBR when it comes out March 27th!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ruthless Vows was a fantastic edition to the books written by Elle Kay. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read your books as an ARC reader… Elle, you never disappoint!
Like the rest of her books, Elle has done an amazing job with bringing your favorite characters from her other books into this story. There is no real need for character development… it is all about a story… with different main characters.
The pacing of this book fantastic and the plot was equally as good!
Elle Kay has a way of intertwining all of her characters and stories to each of her books.
I look forward to reading any of her work!
Like the rest of her books, Elle has done an amazing job with bringing your favorite characters from her other books into this story. There is no real need for character development… it is all about a story… with different main characters.
The pacing of this book fantastic and the plot was equally as good!
Elle Kay has a way of intertwining all of her characters and stories to each of her books.
I look forward to reading any of her work!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ruthless Vows is book 1 in the Ruthless Billionaires Club and is Logan and Jaquelines story. It's intense, dramatic and intriguing. From start to finish these characters pull you into their journey with them. Jacqueline is fierce and Logan accepts every single aspect of her. They compliment each other spectacularly and the chemistry is palpable. A fantastic read!
"This was Logan at his most dangerous—not the possessive wolf, not the strategic king, but the devotee. The man who saw not just the woman he desired, but the queen she had become."
"This was Logan at his most dangerous—not the possessive wolf, not the strategic king, but the devotee. The man who saw not just the woman he desired, but the queen she had become."
March 31, 2026
Sometimes, a contracted marriage becomes more! But, is it what Jacquelin and Logan truly want?
Jacquelin wants freedom.
Logan wants a better reputation.
BUT, can they accomplish that by marrying?
It definitely saves Jacquelin from marrying a man old enough to be her father!
And Logan... well, you'll see.
These two are certainly not what the outside world sees!
BUT, will they see each other clearly?
Totally enjoyed the story and am looking forward to more of the "Ruthless Billionaire Club" series!
Jacquelin wants freedom.
Logan wants a better reputation.
BUT, can they accomplish that by marrying?
It definitely saves Jacquelin from marrying a man old enough to be her father!
And Logan... well, you'll see.
These two are certainly not what the outside world sees!
BUT, will they see each other clearly?
Totally enjoyed the story and am looking forward to more of the "Ruthless Billionaire Club" series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
She thought she had it all figured out. A plan to escape her gilded cage & the marriage arrangement he father had for her. She thought Logan would be the perfect escape, someone she could control. Turns out he's more than she knew. He was the fortress she didnt want but needed. She realized how much she needed a protector but more than that a partner. Not someone to control or someone to control her. She's the queen & he's here to worship!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love how the characters’ deceptive personalities mask just how intelligent and formidable they really are. Their equal footing makes every interaction feel intentional, and their journey unfolds with a sense of careful strategy. As the stakes become clearer, everything feels even more purposeful. It speaks strength and power of both the main characters. Not the typical damsel in distress. Absolutely brilliant crafted idea and engaging. Greatful to have the opportunity to read this in advance.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed this book a lot. The main characters are totally different in private to their public faces, which leads them to an arrangement they are not prepared for.
The storyline is strong and well written with a good plot.
I hadn’t read the previous series so one or two things weren’t clear but it didn’t spoil my enjoyment of this book.
I was lucky enough to receive a free copy of this book and have left my honest review.
The storyline is strong and well written with a good plot.
I hadn’t read the previous series so one or two things weren’t clear but it didn’t spoil my enjoyment of this book.
I was lucky enough to receive a free copy of this book and have left my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fake engagements - Protection from her past.
But will his price for devotion and protection cost her what she values most - Her freedom?
I received an advance review copy at no cost and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
But will his price for devotion and protection cost her what she values most - Her freedom?
I received an advance review copy at no cost and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hooked from the first page I could not put this book down. It’s a well written dark mafia romance, with a strong storyline and stronger characters. Can’t wait for the next book in series.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 29, 2026
This marriage of convenience dark romance was really fun to read. The story was so well written and the characters have so much depth. Both Jacqueline and Logan are so strong, and the sexual tension is intense. I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
April 15, 2026
Wow absolutely loved this book. Jacqueline and Logan are intense. Their chemistry is sizzling hot. Love the tropes. Mafia, Dark Romance, Marriage of Convenience. Loving every page I read. Reeled me right in. Can’t wait for the next book in the series!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
Jacqueline is such a well written female character. Her need for control, and trying to escape the gilded cages she has been in her whole life, I love the fire we get while we are reading her POV. she doesn't just have an inner fire she is also extremely self sufficient and intelligent.
Logan has a whole set of personalities each one to fit a different part of him, but when it comes to Jacqueline he wants to protect her, even if it means building a fortress around our princess.
This reminds me of a Hades and Persephone retelling, but with realistic characters. The banter, and power plays are interesting, and the spice is chefs kiss!
this is a standalone, but the obsidian island is mentioned so it can be read after those particular books.
another story well done!
Jacqueline is such a well written female character. Her need for control, and trying to escape the gilded cages she has been in her whole life, I love the fire we get while we are reading her POV. she doesn't just have an inner fire she is also extremely self sufficient and intelligent.
Logan has a whole set of personalities each one to fit a different part of him, but when it comes to Jacqueline he wants to protect her, even if it means building a fortress around our princess.
This reminds me of a Hades and Persephone retelling, but with realistic characters. The banter, and power plays are interesting, and the spice is chefs kiss!
this is a standalone, but the obsidian island is mentioned so it can be read after those particular books.
another story well done!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews