Ruthless

by Danielle Steel

An insightful new novel from Danielle Steel, whose countless #1 New York Times bestselling novels have made her one of America’s favorite storytellers.
A story of wealth, power and attraction – and the truth behind two of America’s wealthiest men – from billion-copy bestselling author Danielle Steel.

When talented journalist Charlotte Ramsey is tasked with profiling the lives of two of America’s richest men, she discovers more than boardroom battles.

John Williams, a widowed shipping magnate, hides his sociopathic tendencies beneath a veneer of charm and wealth. His latest conquest, a young woman drawn into his dangerous web aboard his luxury yacht on the sun-drenched shores of St Bart’s, might just be his undoing.

Ben Sharpe’s empire was built from nothing but raw intelligence and ambition. His unexpected warmth and sincerity catch Charlotte off guard, igniting a bond neither anticipated but both yearn to explore.

As Charlotte delves deeper, guided by surprising allies and her own relentless determination, she will uncover the sinister truth. With lives entangled and reputations at stake, the ultimate revelation threatens to shake the foundations of fame and fortune.

308 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication October 8, 2026

About the author

Danielle Steel has been hailed as one of the world's bestselling authors, with almost a billion copies of her novels sold. Her many international bestsellers include All That Glitters, Royal, Daddy's Girls, The Wedding Dress, The Numbers Game, Moral Compass, Spy, and other highly acclaimed novels. She is also the author of His Bright Light, the story of her son Nick Traina's life and death; A Gift of Hope, a memoir of her work with the homeless; Expect a Miracle, a book of her favorite quotations for inspiration and comfort; Pure Joy, about the dogs she and her family have loved; and the children's books Pretty Minnie in Paris and Pretty Minnie in Hollywood.

Facebook.com/DanielleSteelOfficial
Instagram: @officialdaniellesteel

Reviews

[Melissa Burling]

I should just stop reading her books, but they are an adiciton.
It was a little different to what she normally writes, with the main guy being a monster, but other things still the formula - big age difference, women that are total victims etc etc.

[Alex (Alex's Version)]

This wasn't half bad, but it's not like I'm gonna scream from the rooftops that you gotta read this book. It's fine, nothing offensive. Okay, I take that back – what's offensive is how often she repeats stuff. How many times do we need to know that John's daughter hates him? She really treats us like we can't remember things. But hey, I can't blame her so much because Ms. Steel releases 7 books a year, and you know what? I am grateful. Her books are like comfort food for the brain.

Shipping magnate John Randall Williams is feared by his competitors, loathed by his only daughter, Gabby, and at sea after the recent death of his devoted wife. As he faces his first Christmas alone, John meets a young woman named Lillith at a dinner party and is immediately drawn to her beauty. He invites her to share the holiday with him on his 350-foot sailboat in Saint Barts, and Lillith allows herself to be swept away.

Charlotte Ramsay, a senior editor at Vanity Fair, is in Saint Barts during the holidays on assignment. Known for her integrity as a journalist, she has come to the island to interview another powerful man: the elusive high-tech billionaire Ben Sharpe, whose luxury yacht is also anchored in the harbor. Although the first interview goes badly, she eventually agrees to have dinner with him and becomes intrigued by the real man behind the façade.

A chance encounter between the two couples sets the stage for a face-off between Charlotte and John. Despite his well-earned reputation for ruthlessness, she never backs down when in pursuit of her story.


From the power corridors of Manhattan to the sunsets in Saint Barts, Danielle Steel masterfully pulls back the curtain on the private lives of the wealthy elite, where all is not always what it seems.

[Tracy Bruno]

The book was good. Storyline fabulous. First time she’s written about a nasty character. But again her closing is too fast. I wanted so much more on the ruthless man!

[Terri A Twedt]

Ruthless

Great story with very interesting characters once again! A great read! From start to finish I was hooked and could not put it down.

[LouAnna]

3.75⭐️

Ugh. This was hard to read as right now the 2024 Cornell gang r@pe of Jane Doe is in the news as she’s suing Cornell and the 7 who participated.

Ruthless shows a powerful man’s reputation being more important than women’s pain/suffering.

The end was rushed way too fast. I was hoping for some justice but we don’t get that. My fave part was between Isabelle and Angela at the end but this book broke my heart.

[Kim Clarke]

Same old tired formula

The older DS novels had depth as well as twists and turns and often complicated plots. Now her books are churned out at breakneck speed and can be read in just a few hours. And that same tired formula shows up in every book: old man/beautiful young woman. I don’t know any young woman who wants to have sex with a man 40 years old. It defies belief most of the time and is just pathetic.

[Patty Bridges]

I Liked It But…..

I liked this book even with all the repetition as is typical with DS books. But…..this book needed one more chapter to close out John and what becomes of him with all the info that came out from the article that Charlotte writes about him. It was a very abrupt ending.

[Elizabeth Wyatt]

This was my first Danielle Steel and I'm sad to say it disappointed me. The story was engaging and engrossing but the writing was very redundant. The story was leading up to a big blowup but it didn't even really give closure! That's it?

[Sherralynne Smith]

A different story

This story is very different. Danielle describes a darker side of human behaviour which I haven't encountered previously in her other stories.

[Carrie Battaglia]

the ending?

Wasn’t thrilled with the way it ended. Seemed to leave some things hanging
And couldn’t connect with most of the characters
But the story flowed well

[Janilyn Kocher]

John was such a scumbag and a$$hole.
Lilith was a tool and Isabelle not much better
The ending was not satisfying because John should have been dealt with.
DS needs to retire.

[Jane]

For me Danielle Steel never disappoints!

[PottWab Regional Library]

E, O

[Nick Latona]

Disappointed in the ending. Wanted more to see what happens the the characters and wanting to see one if them suffer more.

[MJ Chadwick]

Definitely a 4.5 book. I loved that her previous repetitive writing seemed to have disappeared in this book.

[James Lamanna]

Just like the old days..

One of her best novels. Couldn’t put it down. Well written and very interesting from the first to last page.

[Holly]

Her second book dealing with rape.

Is the next book the same?

[Jean Cable]

Quite a story

[Bob Raymond]

Great

Back to her story telling rather than being woke like her last book. I enjoyed the character s as we!! As the,story