Ruthless Game

by Piper Stone

Game or not, he plays to win.

My company helps men like him find fake fiancées, but I wasn't on the table myself.

Until he decided I was.

Now this insanely gorgeous, infuriatingly arrogant billionaire isn't just making me strip for him like a dirty girl, then spanking my ass red and making me come while he does filthy things to me.

He's putting a ring on my finger too.

Publisher's  Ruthless Game is a standalone romance. It includes spankings and rough, intense sexual scenes. If such material offends you, please don't buy this book.

444 pages, Paperback

Published November 3, 2025

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruthless Game is a standalone romance. There's no cheating or cliffhanger and complete with a happily-ever-after. It includes spankings and rough, intense sexual scenes. If such material offends you, please don't buy this book. A beautifully crafted story with world building individuals and a twisty and complex storyline that captures the reader attention from the beginning and keeps you riveted and on the edge of your seat. This is Christian and Vanessa story which is told from a dual point of view. A brilliantly written story with extraordinary individuals and a twisty and fascinating storyline that captures the reader attention from the start and keeps you riveted and turning the pages with it's pulse-pounding suspense, high-octane adventures, non-stop twists and turns, drama, mystery, and surprises. A fast paced, thrilling, gripping read. Immerse yourself in this tantalizing rollercoaster ride filled with heart-stopping emotions, angst, anger, secrets, lies, deception and kinks. An unputdownable and absorbing addicting read.
Christian Elliot is the handsome, ruthless, arrogant, cold-hearted CEO for his family's company. He's also known for being city's notorious playboy who refuses to settle down in a relationship or get married. Christian is trying to procure a deal for his company with a family oriented company. However, his fuckboy tendencies is proving to be problematic in him securing the deal because of his reputation which as come as a problem for his dad, because it messes with the company's bottom-line. But is reputation is bad for the company. So his dad gave him an ultimatum that he must get married or loses his position as CEO. Christian as worked hard over the years in that position and as brought in a lot of money so he's not willing to give up his position that easily. So he decided to get fake bride to foul his dad and the potential client. In comes Vanessa Blair of Perfect Pairing, a company that provide and pair spouses for clients.
Because of her calculated, dominating and controlling dad Vanessa wanted to get from under his thumb so she moved out and open her own business. She didn't like how her father operates his business and run her own with moral and integrity. Christian employ Vanessa services to find him a fake fiancée but he was happy with her choice. He wanted her instead and will use whatever tools at his disposal to get what he wants. But Vanessa is not on the menu. But Christian doesn't take no for an answer game or not he plays to win. Vanessa business is doing so good and spends a lot her money on her brother who's a drug addict. And when he gets himself in trouble that proves to be too more than she can afford. She will need an influx of cash to bail him out as well as to keep his business afloat and Christian as the cash that could help her. He blackmailed her into becoming his wife.
They entered into a contract when they meet up at her office, but she had a few stipulations that she wants to add to the contract. The two got married but it wasn't hearts and flowers, and they had problems from the start from both side of the family who continually sabotage their success. Christian and Vanessa are so perfect and like-minded but doesn't realize it. He's so dominant and tries to control all aspects of her life something that she ran from with her father. Vanessa is fiesty, challenging, defiant, and independent. As it turns out Vanessa dad and Christian dad are fierce enemies and goes after the same clientele and when her brother got in trouble once again the big client went with his her father. When it came out that their marriage wasn't real it was even more problems to the point where Vanessa had to get away from him for awhile. This story is filled with greed, deception, lies, guilt, loss, grief, trauma, sadness, pain and hurt, hatred, rivalry, revelations, revenge, passion, heartache, love and so much. Did Vanessa and Christian get their HEA?

I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Diana~ (Kiss Me Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Piper Stone returns with a standalone for fans of the fake relationship or marriage and enemies to lovers tropes. Ruthless Game features Christian and Vanessa, two headstrong and independent characters who constantly butted heads with each other. They had previously met, but he does not remember. I actually liked Christian and Vanessa. Although they were unlikeable at first due to their personalities, they eventually grew on me. Christian initially came across as this arrogant and cocky player, but he does go through some character development through the book. The same can be said for Vanessa who disliked Christian for rejecting her attempt at working for his company in the past. I thought it was childish of her for holding such a grudge, but it became clear that she had always been attracted to Christian since the beginning. She just didn’t like that he never gave her a chance.

“You are everything to me. There’s no sunrise as beautiful as your smile, no twinkle of stars able to ignite the fire within like your touch. You’re the air I breathe and in my every thought.”

In the end, this was an enjoyable read for those who like the marriage contract trope. Christian and Vanessa’s type of relationship can be considered cliché at times, but I was mostly reading it for the spice and the author certainly delivered on that. These two characters definitely had chemistry because some of their scenes were super steamy. That window glass scenes? Wow. I also loved the fact that Christian called Vanessa his wildcat because she always wanted to argue with him. Fans of Piper Stone or those who would like to read a spicy palate cleanser will be satisfied with this book. Christian and Vanessa had a lot of pent up emotions and frustrations, which resulted in them "taking it out on each other." Overall, this book had everything I was looking for—it was fun, dramatic at times, romantic, and spicy.

*This ARC was generously provided by the author for an honest review*

[Debbie Lyon · Rating 4 out of 5]

His Little Wildcat!

Christian needed a bride,Vanessa 's company was chosen to supply one! Vanessa turn him down when he tells her no to the women she chose him,then he tells her that he wants her.After she sends him a email about turning down,her life changes,her brother Donovan gets in very bad hot water with the law now and she needs money for a good lawyer and to .keep her business afloat too. Christian shows up to her office to change her mind which she does but also she tells him about certain things she wants to add to the contract. Christian and Vanessa are both very strong independent people,he gets what he wants,she doesn't like to be told what to do.Fake marriage made in heaven. Every since they sign the contract nothing been going right,the news about wedding got out before it should of,his brother and father lied and said it wasn't them.Then they are suddenly bombarded with news that their engagement is faked,that Vanessa's brother got arrested, that the company that Christian was trying to get signed to his company signed with Vanessa 's father's company. Now Vanessa decides she needs space and tells Christian this,he isn't happy but let's her go.story is very good,filled with compassion, greed and love.It took a big man like Christian to let Vanessa go but he did and he almost waited to long to win her back.It was so good that Carson and Christian were able talk out their griefments over losing their sister Caroline,!

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian has always been a playboy. With a new contract in the works, he is told that he needs to clean up his act. He needs to settle down, if only for a little while to have the contract signed. Where to find the perfect woman to play his wife. Vanessa Blair is doing well with Perfect Pairing but it could use a bit more cash flow. When Christian comes and makes an offer, he brings out the fire in her. She has met him before. She knows all about him and has no interest in helping him but she needs to save her company.

Christian comes off as cocky and arrogant. Thinking he can make deals that will be a win for him. He starts off wanting to use dirty on Vanessa but things start to take a turn. Their lives are almost identical. Vanessa is a fighter. She not only wants to find a way to save her company but she is also trying to protect her brother from himself. As these two get to know one another, passion builds. This no longer becomes a deal for Christian. He wants forever but he too has to learn to let go of the past. We also learn who Caroline is. The story is passionate and heartbreaking. They both have trust issues and want to help those in need. Christian needs to learn forgive. The fathers are both cold. Thank goodness they were able to work through the pain. I thought the ending was funny.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nikki Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

As CEO of his family's company, Christian is not happy when his father insists he finds himself a wife before an important meeting. Discovering Perfect Pairings, a company run by Vanessa is literally perfect for what he needs, especially when he discovers that Vanessa is the daughter of the man in charge of their rival company. With a brother who has been arrested and parents who don't care, Vanessa finds herself agreeing to Christian's offer, despite what she thinks about him. As they get to know each other and realize that feelings are getting involved, it all blows up in their face with their fathers determined to do whatever is necessary to ensure their company gets the deal, no matter the collateral damage. This book sends you on one hell of a rollercoaster of emotions. Both of them dealing with the fallout from their siblings and their parents brings them to an understanding of each other and shows the vulnerability behind their strengths. Their chemistry is off the charts and this is one steamy read as well. Dramatic and full of everything you would expect from a book by Piper Stone, I can safely say that this falls in my top ten of her books.

[Arin Baur · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so loved every minute of reading this book you can feel the unwanted attraction tension from the beginning to end! I obsessed with these types of storylines the enemies to lovers vibes I couldn’t put this masterpiece down! I love the the ladies friendship alongside the feisty personalities their ability to speak their minds no matter what or who’s around. It’s very entertaining to see the guy lead character and the female lead character interact with each other! You could feel/ see the fireworks going off and both their determination not to give up or give in. I also find this book heartwarming/ sad with the families relationships i realized I had tears falling down from my eyes a couple of times. It’s definitely a fun read with lots of steamy, unexpected moments, lots of steamy moments, among other things! I’m so happy with ending this a book I know I’ll be reading again throughout my life! I can’t wait eventually listen to it at some point when it becomes available in that form:)
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packedUnpredictable FunnyWonderful charactersHappily Ever AfterEntertainingTear-jerkerTragicHauntingSteamyTwistedPage-turner

[Clara Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruthless Game is a fake marriage age gap romance that follows Christian Elliot and Vanessa Blair.

Christian is a billionaire playboy and CEO of the family business. He is summoned by his father who told him that he has to clean up his image. His father gave him an ultimatum that he has to get married even if only on paper until they can secure a potential client.
He discovers a business called Perfect Pairing that should be ideal for what he needs.
Vanessa is in desperate need of money after her business has suddenly slowed down but will she risk it all because of her dislike of Christian due to meeting him in the past? What happens when Christian won't take no for an answer?
Their story is scorching, combustible and emotional as they navigate through past family tragedies, heartache, anger and eventually forgiveness and a new found love brewing between them.

I received a ARC through Booksprout an I'm voluntarily leaving my review.

5 well earned ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Catherine Budd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vanessa is trying to keep her business from bankruptcy; Christian is trying to close a deal which requires him to him to have a wife.
He contacts her for a contract wife, but she fights him on the deal. He forces her hand by bringing up her brother who needs drug rehab, not prison.
They agree to a contract, but it is complicated by their attraction
In the background is Christian's father and brother who are trying to derail his arrangement with Vanessa, and her father who is a rival for Christan's company.
They finally get to a point of agreement to have it blow up in their faces by exposing their contract marriage.
This story has a great plot, plenty of heat, treachery and lots of twists.
You won't want to put this one down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[ltfrom bc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever read a book where you really do not like the male character? But by the time you reach the last page, he has redeemed himself in the eyes of both the female character and the reader? This is such a book. I really found it hard to connect to Christian. I saw him as a spoiled, spineless yet ruthless playboy following along with what daddy wanted. That may not be what the author intended, but that was how I saw him. But by the end of the book, he had redeemed himself. As the story progressed, he grew as an individual and it was all because of his soon to be fake wife Vanessa. This a very hot and steamy romance where these two meet and agree to marry out of different necessities. It took me a bit to get into the story line, but my enjoyment increased as Christian grew.

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I said it before and I'll say it again, Piper Stone writes it I'm going to read it. I'm not sure what kind of magic formula she has when she creates these amazing stories and characters but I eat it up every time.

This time I was hooked by this deliciously sexy exciting plot and characters that were interesting and well-developed. I ate up the fake relationship/enemies-to-lovers tropes.

Vanessa our FMC is fierce, has a take-no-nonsense attitude, and is proud to be independent.
Christian MMC is infuriating and demanding in the best of ways.
The verbal sparring, and chemistry between them were scorching hot.
I enjoyed how their characters grew and their relationship played out.

Tropes:
Billionare
Kink
Fake Fiance
Explicit
Enemies-to-lovers
Dual POV

Check TW

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Piper Stone = instant one-click. She’s pure sorcery.
Playboy billionaire Christian Kincaid needs a fake wife ASAP to lock in a massive contract. Desperate matchmaker Vanessa Blair needs cash to save her company. His offer? Marry me on paper. Simple.
She hates him on sight. He’s cocky enough to think money fixes everything. Then sparks ignite.
Fake turns fever-hot, childhood scars match perfectly, and old ghosts (hers: a reckless brother; his: a woman named Caroline) rise up. What begins as a deal becomes a filthy, heartbreaking fight for real love, trust, and forgiveness.
Piper at her absolute best—scorching, emotional, and that epilogue had me cackling. Five stars, zero regrets.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mafia Wife · Rating 3 out of 5]

She left her controlling father to go out on her own and open her own business. He just became her next client. He doesn't want to use her services he wants to own her. Blackmailing her into marrying him, he is determined to use her in his ruthless games. Their chemistry is hot and sizzling and they fight as much as they make up. The characters are both strong and intense which leads to lots of back and forth. It also makes them realize they might be more powerful together than fighting all of the time. Some of the business drama arc was a little confusing to follow at times and interrupted some of the flow. I did appreciate their happily ever after and intensity.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! What A Great Read

Christian is arrogant, a playboy and no-one has ever said no to him until Vanessa, so challenge accepted!

This is one super-hot sizzling, steamy read. Both Christian and Vanessa have issues, can they learn to trust each other in this dangerous cat and mouse game they find themselves in?

Christian will do anything and go to any lengths to get his way, but sometimes the actions you take are wrong and redemption is something worth fighting for in this entertaining page-turning read with such an amazing swoon-worthy HEA.

Loved It!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[PurpleLadi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruthless Game, by Piper Sone, is a definite page turner. This dark, fake fiancee romance was full of family drama and heat. Vanessa and Christian, on the surface, seem like an unlikely couple, but they are a perfect match. Both come from dysfunctional affluent families where their fathers care only about money. If vanessa and Christian can stop fighting for a short time, they may discover that together they're a formidable team.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian Elliot is a playboy and CEO of his family's business. His father says he needs to clean up his image, until they land a particular client, that means marriage. He comes across Vanessa's company, Perfect Pairings, but he turns down the woman she picks for him, because he wants her. She turns him down flat but then her brother gets in trouble, now she needs money to help him.

The pair of them are a lot alike and the passion is intense between them. This is a bumpy ride but so worth it.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa A · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect pairing…
CEO Christian Elliot was given an ultimatum, settle down or lose lucrative contracts and his position. In order to appear more family oriented he went looking for a fake fiancé and found Vanessa Blair. She’s a strong independent wildcat of a woman. They have more in common than either would like to admit and their chemistry is off the charts… I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was instantly hooked by the banter between this unlikely duo and had to find out how he'd win her over. The playboy Christian needs to improve his image and Ballbuster Vanessa is just the woman for the job. It was hilarious, as they battle to out wit and out charm the other. The perfect fake marriage enemies to lovers with great chemistry and some very steamy moments, highly recommend!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian is a playboy, head of a company who his father insists settle down to help close business deals. He seeks a fake wife from Vanessa the owner of Perfect Pairings to fill the position of fake wife. Vanessa under duress of her failing business and drug addict brother needing professional help takes the job. Well-developed characters make this steamy story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian has been told that he needs to clean up his image and get married if his company is going to win a contract. He goes to Vanessa's firm, Perfect Pairing, to find a wife, but then he decides that Vanessa is who he wants. Vanessa's firm needs a cash investment and she needs help to get her brother into drug rehab. Can Christian persuade her to marry him?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A different story from Piper Stone but very enjoyable. Some very hot scenes and some very poignant ones. Two of a kind with difficult fathers, brothers in trouble and a problem to solve bring Vanessa and Christian together and the dynamic is explosive and transformative. A love story for the ages.

[Cody Marie Phoenix · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was a little cliche and cheesy for my liking, but it had good bones. Vanessa was your steriotypical wronged female holding a grudge, and Christian was the typical player who wanted to remain a permanent bachelor. Surprise!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes the thing you never wanted becomes the thing you need!
I fell in love with Christian and Vanessa each with their own family dramas and the need to succeed in business. What happens when a hot, arrogant man meets a beautiful, stubborn woman? Keep reading to find out and you'll be rooting for the couple's happily ever after despite their families throwing them under the bus!

[MsRoman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruthless Game: A Dark Billionaire Romance By: Piper Stone. Vanessa is in over her head with her brothers Carson addiction. Christian is giving an ultimatum he get married or he loses his control in his family company. Donovan is another struggling addict trying to survive his guilt over his sister’s death. It’s a great story .

[Narelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian's father has told him to find a wife and remain faithful for six months for business reasons. Vanessa is the woman who has captured his attention, and his heart it seems, in this sizzling romance with touches of darkness, arrogant billionaire, filthy thoughts and deeds, and much more. Oh yeah!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[L KQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Past Heats Up

Vanessa and Christian heated up the pages with their story. While grudges bring these two into a complicated situation, their connection shifted perspectives within the budding romance. I could not get enough of this exciting story. It was definitely worth reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sam Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cracking

I liked the premise for this one and really enjoyed this super steamy novel. All the elements you would expect from Piper Stone - a cracking read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sparks, sizzling steam and seductive tension weave throughout this intriguing read. Christian and Vanessa are a tantalizing couple, and their story was very entertaining. The intensity between these two was obvious and extremely easy to feel as was the underlying attraction.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

stick with it…

I almost abandoned this book a few chapters in because I was having trouble liking or relating to the characters. Things definitely improved as they went along. I absolutely recommend reading this.

[Gaynor Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Journey

Christian and Vanessa are bound by a contract, chemistry, family, business, heat, conflict and spankings.
There will be a lot of changes and growth in our chRCter along their journey to love.

[Kelly Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Christain and Vanessa's story. He needs a fiancé and wants to employ her company but then decides she's the one who needs to be his partner. Good and super steamy!!