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The Devil's Plaything #3
Her Ruthless Heart
Eva Novak is out for blood...
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Her Ruthless Heart is the final book in The Devil's Plaything dark Sapphic mafia romance series. Reader discretion is advised, and content notes will be available on the Copyright page.
***
Her Ruthless Heart is the final book in The Devil's Plaything dark Sapphic mafia romance series. Reader discretion is advised, and content notes will be available on the Copyright page.
267 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2025
52 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 14, 2025
A captivating trilogy that ends with a satisfying conclusion. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment, a badass femme protecting the love of her life and family. And the sexy scenes are simply 🔥🔥🔥
High 4 ⭐️
High 4 ⭐️
October 5, 2025
5 stars — “Love shouldn’t hurt this good.”
I went into Her Ruthless Heart expecting the usual dark-romance adrenaline hit, but what I got was something far more emotional—and honestly, more beautiful—than I was prepared for.
This book ripped my chest open. Eva Novak has always been the monster everyone fears, but here, she’s stripped bare. We finally see what happens when a woman who controls everything is forced to face the one thing she can’t—her own heart.
When Robin is taken, it’s not just a rescue story; it’s a reckoning. Every violent, desperate thing Eva does is soaked in love, guilt, and the kind of yearning that makes you ache to be seen like that, even if it ruins you. Persephone Black doesn’t romanticize cruelty—she exposes it, then uses it to show us how fragile love can make even the strongest people.
The writing is cinematic—dark, sensual, and sharp. There are lines that stopped me cold. (“She was the only truth I’d ever let touch me.” That one lives rent-free in my head.)
It’s intense, yes. Triggering at times, absolutely. But it’s also a love story that refuses to apologize for its ferocity. I closed the book feeling gutted and whole at the same time.
If you like your romance dangerous, your heroines are complicated, and your love stories with teeth—this is the one. Plus, all your favorite ladies show up, and it's beyond perfect!!
I went into Her Ruthless Heart expecting the usual dark-romance adrenaline hit, but what I got was something far more emotional—and honestly, more beautiful—than I was prepared for.
This book ripped my chest open. Eva Novak has always been the monster everyone fears, but here, she’s stripped bare. We finally see what happens when a woman who controls everything is forced to face the one thing she can’t—her own heart.
When Robin is taken, it’s not just a rescue story; it’s a reckoning. Every violent, desperate thing Eva does is soaked in love, guilt, and the kind of yearning that makes you ache to be seen like that, even if it ruins you. Persephone Black doesn’t romanticize cruelty—she exposes it, then uses it to show us how fragile love can make even the strongest people.
The writing is cinematic—dark, sensual, and sharp. There are lines that stopped me cold. (“She was the only truth I’d ever let touch me.” That one lives rent-free in my head.)
It’s intense, yes. Triggering at times, absolutely. But it’s also a love story that refuses to apologize for its ferocity. I closed the book feeling gutted and whole at the same time.
If you like your romance dangerous, your heroines are complicated, and your love stories with teeth—this is the one. Plus, all your favorite ladies show up, and it's beyond perfect!!
October 10, 2025
Beautiful and deadly
This set of books are everything you have come to expect from Ms Black,sex,mafia,powerful woman who takes what she wants. Eva and Robin's story will make you fear for your sanity and beg for more.in the dark world of crime women love finds it's way.Enjoy
This set of books are everything you have come to expect from Ms Black,sex,mafia,powerful woman who takes what she wants. Eva and Robin's story will make you fear for your sanity and beg for more.in the dark world of crime women love finds it's way.Enjoy
October 23, 2025
The series overall wasn't too bad. I liked the relationship. I think the morally grey character trope was handled well. But I liked the first two books better since they have less mafia drama. I think it's just not for me in general.
October 18, 2025
Not a huge fan of Eva but I AM a huge fan of the altruistic mafia vibe these universe now exists in
Ethical mafia - who know!
Ethical mafia - who know!
October 9, 2025
The wait is over!
Ohhhh... Persephone Black doesn't disappoint in this 3rd and final installment of The Devil's Plaything, "Her Ruthless Heart," marking the end of one of my favourite MCs in lesfic, Eva Novak, the Boss! I devoured it in no time!
This time, there's a lot of action going on in 2 major scenes. Black nails her action sequence writing again. I love the tension, the suspense, especially when are involved!! Also, the climactic sequence, which is the 2nd major action scene, involves the big reveal, with several moving pieces that further creates the tension amongst a few characters. Black's description of the entire scene is absolutely edge-of-your-seat thrills! It really doesn't matter if you know who's behind everything. Black's ability to take you down that rabbit hole like you were Eva is the best thing a reader could ask for because you're given a front seat row and an immersive experience alongside Eva Novak.
Speaking of Eva, I love the fact that she's European and her HQ IS in Europe! YES!! Something totally different from the others within the Universe is refreshing and exciting. Black's richly described exterior and interior scenes in the forest and small village in the midst of it reminds me of a fantasy world, equipped with the deep forest (Black Forest!), rustic village, deep, dark dungeons and cells! Oh, my! So, again, this duology reads differently than the others albeit very subtly. It's the overall FEEL of it. I'm sure that when the audiobooks come out, well, depending on who's performing, I'm looking forward to hearing that subtle "fantasy" feel.
Speaking of, the closest to it that I'm now being reminded of as I type this would be Black's Red Rivals duology - that one, with the sensual addition of the audio presentation with brill vocal performers, read, sounded and felt like it was an urban fantasy filled with shape-shifters and all! Anyway, back to Eva and her European empire, this (only) trilogy gets my extra love because of its delicate enchantment, not just because of Black's exquisite storytelling but her vivid, atmospheric worldbuilding, multilayered character development and growth, that I feel like she honed in on it with extra care (??)...well, imho, anyway. Art is subjective. So, my perspective may differ from everyone else. So, read it and find out how you feel about it, especially if you've read the other stories in Black's Mafia Romance universe.
Black gives us a satisfactory end to the saga of Eva Novak and how her ruthless heart is finally tamed and stolen by someone she'll kill or die for. The journey of Eva and Robin throughout the 3 books is nothing short of addictive, seductive, suspenseful, and oh-so captivating! Witnessing Eva's once cold heart being slowly but surely thawed, her hardened walls torn down, her entire world of darkness (emotionally, mentally, physically) overturned into a world of hope with something she never thought she'd have - finding the love of her life, found family, true friendship and camaraderie, a 2nd chance at life itself filled with possibilities - is truly a remarkable experience to behold in word form.
Now that the story has an end, I can read all 3 books back-to-back to get the operatic saga feel that only befits someone as larger than life as Eva Novak, mafia boss extraordinaire, with the whole underworld spinning in the palm of her hand. I can't wait for the audiobooks (hopefully they're released simultaneously so I can binge-listen!!) and fingers crossed, they're performed by some of my faves!! YES!! A person could wish, couldn't they?
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED READ!!!
Ohhhh... Persephone Black doesn't disappoint in this 3rd and final installment of The Devil's Plaything, "Her Ruthless Heart," marking the end of one of my favourite MCs in lesfic, Eva Novak, the Boss! I devoured it in no time!
This time, there's a lot of action going on in 2 major scenes. Black nails her action sequence writing again. I love the tension, the suspense, especially when are involved!! Also, the climactic sequence, which is the 2nd major action scene, involves the big reveal, with several moving pieces that further creates the tension amongst a few characters. Black's description of the entire scene is absolutely edge-of-your-seat thrills! It really doesn't matter if you know who's behind everything. Black's ability to take you down that rabbit hole like you were Eva is the best thing a reader could ask for because you're given a front seat row and an immersive experience alongside Eva Novak.
Speaking of Eva, I love the fact that she's European and her HQ IS in Europe! YES!! Something totally different from the others within the Universe is refreshing and exciting. Black's richly described exterior and interior scenes in the forest and small village in the midst of it reminds me of a fantasy world, equipped with the deep forest (Black Forest!), rustic village, deep, dark dungeons and cells! Oh, my! So, again, this duology reads differently than the others albeit very subtly. It's the overall FEEL of it. I'm sure that when the audiobooks come out, well, depending on who's performing, I'm looking forward to hearing that subtle "fantasy" feel.
Speaking of, the closest to it that I'm now being reminded of as I type this would be Black's Red Rivals duology - that one, with the sensual addition of the audio presentation with brill vocal performers, read, sounded and felt like it was an urban fantasy filled with shape-shifters and all! Anyway, back to Eva and her European empire, this (only) trilogy gets my extra love because of its delicate enchantment, not just because of Black's exquisite storytelling but her vivid, atmospheric worldbuilding, multilayered character development and growth, that I feel like she honed in on it with extra care (??)...well, imho, anyway. Art is subjective. So, my perspective may differ from everyone else. So, read it and find out how you feel about it, especially if you've read the other stories in Black's Mafia Romance universe.
Black gives us a satisfactory end to the saga of Eva Novak and how her ruthless heart is finally tamed and stolen by someone she'll kill or die for. The journey of Eva and Robin throughout the 3 books is nothing short of addictive, seductive, suspenseful, and oh-so captivating! Witnessing Eva's once cold heart being slowly but surely thawed, her hardened walls torn down, her entire world of darkness (emotionally, mentally, physically) overturned into a world of hope with something she never thought she'd have - finding the love of her life, found family, true friendship and camaraderie, a 2nd chance at life itself filled with possibilities - is truly a remarkable experience to behold in word form.
Now that the story has an end, I can read all 3 books back-to-back to get the operatic saga feel that only befits someone as larger than life as Eva Novak, mafia boss extraordinaire, with the whole underworld spinning in the palm of her hand. I can't wait for the audiobooks (hopefully they're released simultaneously so I can binge-listen!!) and fingers crossed, they're performed by some of my faves!! YES!! A person could wish, couldn't they?
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED READ!!!
October 14, 2025
A Fantastic Book 3!
I have enjoyed this series so much. Eva & Robin together has cause so much emotion and commotion but seeing where Persephone was taking us added so much more to the story that was already laid out for us. We come back in this book after Robin was kidnapped. Eva must go in front of her adversaries again for help. After pleading her case and having the participants believe her, help in numbers goes looking for Robin. But there is doubt that Eva can match these women in this rescue mission. Let’s just say, Eva not only does what she came to do. She earned the respect of the other women and made some promises to them for their help which got Leon and Stefan in an uproar. Keeping in mind, now she knows there is a traitor in her mist. Getting Robin back and keeping her brothers and sisters safe has been the main focus but something deep in Eva’s soul knows something big is coming. This book just had it all and more. If this is the end of this series, I believe it was done tastefully.
I have enjoyed this series so much. Eva & Robin together has cause so much emotion and commotion but seeing where Persephone was taking us added so much more to the story that was already laid out for us. We come back in this book after Robin was kidnapped. Eva must go in front of her adversaries again for help. After pleading her case and having the participants believe her, help in numbers goes looking for Robin. But there is doubt that Eva can match these women in this rescue mission. Let’s just say, Eva not only does what she came to do. She earned the respect of the other women and made some promises to them for their help which got Leon and Stefan in an uproar. Keeping in mind, now she knows there is a traitor in her mist. Getting Robin back and keeping her brothers and sisters safe has been the main focus but something deep in Eva’s soul knows something big is coming. This book just had it all and more. If this is the end of this series, I believe it was done tastefully.
October 3, 2025
With the way the last book ended, I was counting down the days until this book was released.
Robin gets kidnapped and Eva does whatever she can to get her back, including enlists some people who are not fond of her.
Robin's siblings worry about her and her relieve and happy to have her back, though Robin may have some trauma to overcome.
Eva still has the issue of finding out who the traitor is, and the person may be closer to her then she realized or wants to admit.
This was a good conclusion that I enjoyed reading. It was not as good as the first two books, I loved reading the happy ending and how much all the characters had changed.
Robin gets kidnapped and Eva does whatever she can to get her back, including enlists some people who are not fond of her.
Robin's siblings worry about her and her relieve and happy to have her back, though Robin may have some trauma to overcome.
Eva still has the issue of finding out who the traitor is, and the person may be closer to her then she realized or wants to admit.
This was a good conclusion that I enjoyed reading. It was not as good as the first two books, I loved reading the happy ending and how much all the characters had changed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2025
Finally got my hands on this 3rd book in The Devil's Plaything trilogy and read it in two sittings. Brilliantly written again. I love Persephone's Mafia queens. I loved the relationship between Eva and her little bird, Robin. And now in the final book her relationship with Robin's family.
Of course we expected she was going in 'all guns blazing' to rescue her girl. Then she had to find the culprit, her nemesis, - I had my suspicion - and was proven right. What an ending!!
Sad the story of Eva and Robin came to an end - but there are so many more great stories written by this brilliant author. Thanks Persephone and keep writing about these powerful women.
Of course we expected she was going in 'all guns blazing' to rescue her girl. Then she had to find the culprit, her nemesis, - I had my suspicion - and was proven right. What an ending!!
Sad the story of Eva and Robin came to an end - but there are so many more great stories written by this brilliant author. Thanks Persephone and keep writing about these powerful women.
October 15, 2025
This series has been a great addition to Persephone Black's mafia underworld collection. From the great Juno Bianchi in the start of the collection to Hades and the Wolf the stories have crushed the need to revere strong women and the women they love. Novak and Rivers are another great pairing and the way they met was very different than the other couples.
Looking forward to more from this author!
Looking forward to more from this author!
October 7, 2025
HM! I enjoyed the conclusion to this series even though the betrayal reveal had been painfully obvious from the first book. I also found myself skipping every single smut scene in this book because it felt like a copy paste of the first two books. The ending was nice and light hearted though. I could read another series by this author for sure.
October 9, 2025
worth the wait!!
Ok.. when I finished book 2 I was a bit upset that we didn’t have our HEA! Every series had 2 books! But she promised it would be worth the wait.. and she did not disappoint! A wonderful blend of old friends from prior stories.. a mystery solved, and an ice queen redeemed. I loved every minute.
Ok.. when I finished book 2 I was a bit upset that we didn’t have our HEA! Every series had 2 books! But she promised it would be worth the wait.. and she did not disappoint! A wonderful blend of old friends from prior stories.. a mystery solved, and an ice queen redeemed. I loved every minute.
October 15, 2025
What a series. 😉
Enjoyed the new, 🔥 spicy Mafia ladies and their fated mates. All hell breaks lose when Robin's life and that of her family, is threaten. Hardcore since childhood, badass Mafia Queen will burn down the entire planet for her savior, the love of her life. A 5🌟 all the way.
Enjoyed the new, 🔥 spicy Mafia ladies and their fated mates. All hell breaks lose when Robin's life and that of her family, is threaten. Hardcore since childhood, badass Mafia Queen will burn down the entire planet for her savior, the love of her life. A 5🌟 all the way.
October 3, 2025
Stunning conclusion
What a way to wrap up this trilogy. Eva and Robin's story is beautiful and this conclusion delivered with intense action and fantastic spice. And the twist at the end? Wow.
What a way to wrap up this trilogy. Eva and Robin's story is beautiful and this conclusion delivered with intense action and fantastic spice. And the twist at the end? Wow.
October 4, 2025
Terrific conclusion to this series. I didn't stop reading until I finished it. I adore all of these mafia romances by this author and avidly await the next ones. Wonderful stories Persephone keep giving us these beautiful escapes to another world.
October 5, 2025
What a fulfilling ending
Book #3 is such an amazing and fulfilling ending to this trilogy. Every moment of it, every page is worth the wait and the build up to this ending. I love the writing, the characters, and the story. Please, start with book one and then let yourself go!
Book #3 is such an amazing and fulfilling ending to this trilogy. Every moment of it, every page is worth the wait and the build up to this ending. I love the writing, the characters, and the story. Please, start with book one and then let yourself go!
October 5, 2025
Engaging
I thoroughly enjoyed this last installment of Eva and Robin. It was intense and engaging wondering if they will make it. Not just with love but will they come out of it with their lives. Thoroughly enjoyed this series, more please.
I thoroughly enjoyed this last installment of Eva and Robin. It was intense and engaging wondering if they will make it. Not just with love but will they come out of it with their lives. Thoroughly enjoyed this series, more please.
October 10, 2025
Happily Ever After
But not without danger and intrigue and rescues and car chases and spice aplenty! Book 3 hits all those and more for Eva and Robin’s final chapter! Another home run by Persephone!!
5 🌟
But not without danger and intrigue and rescues and car chases and spice aplenty! Book 3 hits all those and more for Eva and Robin’s final chapter! Another home run by Persephone!!
5 🌟
October 3, 2025
Must read
Third book in the series, and what a great series it has been.
Read it in one sitting didn't want to put it down
Third book in the series, and what a great series it has been.
Read it in one sitting didn't want to put it down
October 6, 2025
Tumultuous
Very interesting, yet extremely worth reading. I binged read in two days. The turn around of events is definitely exiting.
Very interesting, yet extremely worth reading. I binged read in two days. The turn around of events is definitely exiting.
October 6, 2025
Great series
One of my favorite authors and I’m always excited when she has new books coming out. Love these three books. I highly recommend
One of my favorite authors and I’m always excited when she has new books coming out. Love these three books. I highly recommend
December 16, 2025
So... the last book in the Devil's Plaything. I really don't understand the high ratings on Goodreads.
2.5/5
There are 3 books but overall everything happened too quickly. Being too quick wouldn't be bad on its own but this book really didn't have much emotional depth. I understood what the author wanted to do and wanted me to feel but I just couldn't. Dimi was probably the most fun character but it's still like.. whatever. I really didn't feel much for Eva or Robin.
I wonder how many sapphic mafia romance series there could be until we have covered every story possible. They will run of of themes/topics right??
Giving this 3 stars feels generous. I have read fanfics better than this.
2.5/5
There are 3 books but overall everything happened too quickly. Being too quick wouldn't be bad on its own but this book really didn't have much emotional depth. I understood what the author wanted to do and wanted me to feel but I just couldn't. Dimi was probably the most fun character but it's still like.. whatever. I really didn't feel much for Eva or Robin.
I wonder how many sapphic mafia romance series there could be until we have covered every story possible. They will run of of themes/topics right??
Giving this 3 stars feels generous. I have read fanfics better than this.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews