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Drowning in Darkness: The Ruthless Creatures
He kidnapped me before the other monster could.
James Austin is the kind of man mothers warn their daughters about. A killer. A monster. The last man I should ever trust. He turned out to be the only one I could.
After years imprisoned by the horrors of my past, I'm finally free. For the first time in my life, I have a home. Friends. A future.
Then someone decides I belong to him. He finds his way into the charity where I work. He watches. He waits. He smiles like he's already won. While every instinct I fought so hard to trust tells me the nightmare isn't over.
Before he can make his move, James crashes into my life. He steals me from my home in the middle of the night and delivers me into FBI protection.
I think I'm finally safe. Then the safe house burns. With nowhere left to run and no one left to trust, I'm hidden away in James's isolated mountain lodge while the monster hunting me draws ever closer.
I should fear the man protecting me. He's ruthless. Merciless. A man haunted by the blood on his hands.
But the longer we're trapped together, the harder it becomes to ignore the truth. The monster hunting me wants to own me. The monster protecting me would burn the world to keep me alive.
James is convinced he belongs in the darkness. The deeper he sinks the harder I'll fight to pull him back into the light.
James Austin is the kind of man mothers warn their daughters about. A killer. A monster. The last man I should ever trust. He turned out to be the only one I could.
After years imprisoned by the horrors of my past, I'm finally free. For the first time in my life, I have a home. Friends. A future.
Then someone decides I belong to him. He finds his way into the charity where I work. He watches. He waits. He smiles like he's already won. While every instinct I fought so hard to trust tells me the nightmare isn't over.
Before he can make his move, James crashes into my life. He steals me from my home in the middle of the night and delivers me into FBI protection.
I think I'm finally safe. Then the safe house burns. With nowhere left to run and no one left to trust, I'm hidden away in James's isolated mountain lodge while the monster hunting me draws ever closer.
I should fear the man protecting me. He's ruthless. Merciless. A man haunted by the blood on his hands.
But the longer we're trapped together, the harder it becomes to ignore the truth. The monster hunting me wants to own me. The monster protecting me would burn the world to keep me alive.
James is convinced he belongs in the darkness. The deeper he sinks the harder I'll fight to pull him back into the light.
375 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 24, 2026
About the author
Adaline Winters
26 books730 followersAdaline Winters writes heroines who bite back and the alpha males who fall to their knees because of it. Known for weaving sizzling tension with deadly twists, she delights in leading readers through stories full of betrayal, desire, and the kind of cliffhangers that leave you cursing her name—and still begging for more. If there’s one promise she makes, it’s this: her heroines will never go quietly, and her heroes will never come out unscathed.
She lives in England’s Lake District, where the scenery is dramatic, the weather is stubbornly grey, and the dog in her house is somehow even more chaotic than her characters. Her husband and daughter are used to conversations being interrupted by sudden mutterings about plot twists or declarations like, “What if I just kill him instead?”
When she’s not plotting new ways to make her readers scream (and swoon), Adaline is probably crocheting blankets that never turn out quite square, or losing precious writing time to her daily Wordle obsession. She claims it’s brain training for crafting fiendish plot twists—but in truth, she just likes to win.
Romance novels are her first love, especially those where strong, sharp-tongued heroines drive alpha males to the brink of madness. That’s the energy she channels into every book she writes: sharp, sexy, a little ruthless, and completely addictive.
If you like your stories dangerous, your tension sizzling, and your heroes utterly undone by the women who refuse to bow… welcome to her worlds.
She lives in England’s Lake District, where the scenery is dramatic, the weather is stubbornly grey, and the dog in her house is somehow even more chaotic than her characters. Her husband and daughter are used to conversations being interrupted by sudden mutterings about plot twists or declarations like, “What if I just kill him instead?”
When she’s not plotting new ways to make her readers scream (and swoon), Adaline is probably crocheting blankets that never turn out quite square, or losing precious writing time to her daily Wordle obsession. She claims it’s brain training for crafting fiendish plot twists—but in truth, she just likes to win.
Romance novels are her first love, especially those where strong, sharp-tongued heroines drive alpha males to the brink of madness. That’s the energy she channels into every book she writes: sharp, sexy, a little ruthless, and completely addictive.
If you like your stories dangerous, your tension sizzling, and your heroes utterly undone by the women who refuse to bow… welcome to her worlds.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 31, 2026
Be warned before you start reading this book some of it is dark in places. Stephanie's backstory (which is touched upon but not delved into too deeply) was heartbreaking to read. So please read the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book.
Stephanie & James had the kind of relationship that stemmed back from Hunter & Eleanor's book - Stone Cold Hearted. Which you don't necessarily have to read but I'd say you should because it would give you a bit of background to both of the main characters. James is very much an anti-hero but he was what Stephanie needed especially in regards to Christopher. Also with their relationship together because of everything they'd been through they understood one another. More so with what they needed in the bedroom. A brilliant read with 2 characters that I couldn't help but like even if one of them was suppose to be anything but likable.
Stephanie & James had the kind of relationship that stemmed back from Hunter & Eleanor's book - Stone Cold Hearted. Which you don't necessarily have to read but I'd say you should because it would give you a bit of background to both of the main characters. James is very much an anti-hero but he was what Stephanie needed especially in regards to Christopher. Also with their relationship together because of everything they'd been through they understood one another. More so with what they needed in the bedroom. A brilliant read with 2 characters that I couldn't help but like even if one of them was suppose to be anything but likable.
September 8, 2026
get me out of this cozy-cabin nightmare
Positive: I really loved the banter which is usually hard to accomplish. I will say this writer is a GOOD WRITER. It was why I was looking forward to her next book. Maybe that’s why I didn’t DNF the book when I probably should have…
Criticism: I felt wholly letdown by the plot of this one. It was trying to be something it wasn’t and didn’t fit the premise. Like these characters do not fit their own trauma and backstory.
Honestly, the whole plot felt weird for both of them. What we’re sticking them in a cozy cabin the whole time, for what purpose?? For him specifically it feels like an injustice to what could have been explored.
The author had an opportunity to go dark and write a really good plot investigating the whole cult premise and his background and why he did what he did, or even explore her devastating trauma and the reality of violence against girls and women more.
Instead this author bought a ticket to TikTok and it bored me to tears.
Positive: I really loved the banter which is usually hard to accomplish. I will say this writer is a GOOD WRITER. It was why I was looking forward to her next book. Maybe that’s why I didn’t DNF the book when I probably should have…
Criticism: I felt wholly letdown by the plot of this one. It was trying to be something it wasn’t and didn’t fit the premise. Like these characters do not fit their own trauma and backstory.
Honestly, the whole plot felt weird for both of them. What we’re sticking them in a cozy cabin the whole time, for what purpose?? For him specifically it feels like an injustice to what could have been explored.
The author had an opportunity to go dark and write a really good plot investigating the whole cult premise and his background and why he did what he did, or even explore her devastating trauma and the reality of violence against girls and women more.
Instead this author bought a ticket to TikTok and it bored me to tears.
August 28, 2026
Another great standalone story in an interconnected series. This is a dark romance, with a really good storyline which had me captivated from the start.
Well described characters, it was good to see how the other characters are getting on, this book contains a good amount of spice, the FMC is so strong after a traumatic past and still remains a ray of sunshine, there are definitely grumpy/sunshine romance vibes.
Well described characters, it was good to see how the other characters are getting on, this book contains a good amount of spice, the FMC is so strong after a traumatic past and still remains a ray of sunshine, there are definitely grumpy/sunshine romance vibes.
Review of advance copy
"Stephanie could lead a holy man to sin".
A gripping dark contemporary romance from Adaline Winters. This is the third in the interconnected Ruthless Creatures series. It focuses on James, the new cult leader who is working to bring the organisation down from the inside. The FMC is Stephanie who has survived her own experience of sexual violence and is now the target of a deviant predator.
As I've said before with this series, heed the trigger warnings. This is dark in a mentally torturous way. Stephanie is under threat throughout, while also dealing with the psychological impact of being a survivor of violence (in fairness she has mostly done the work and is a self assured and in control woman looking to find satisfaction on her own terms). It is James that has to accept his actions and the things he has had to do and learn to survive within the cult. It is one of those philosophical quandaries about suffering for the greater good. He has to work out whether joining Stephanie in her desires is a step into the darkness too far.
This book plays a lot with power and control, love and hate, good and bad. James has the overpowering desire to protect Stephanie and wants her to live a lighter and freer life than he can give her. But this is Adaline. She knows how to write assertive women who can take sexual power into their own hands. And we see Stephanie blossom under the trust she places at James' feet.
This book had me hooked and the suspense had me gripped right till the end. This books hints and teases at the chemistry these two will have together. And each encounter they have builds a foundation of trust. This is a satisfying ending for two characters carrying the burden of their pasts and finding a better future healing together.
A gripping dark contemporary romance from Adaline Winters. This is the third in the interconnected Ruthless Creatures series. It focuses on James, the new cult leader who is working to bring the organisation down from the inside. The FMC is Stephanie who has survived her own experience of sexual violence and is now the target of a deviant predator.
As I've said before with this series, heed the trigger warnings. This is dark in a mentally torturous way. Stephanie is under threat throughout, while also dealing with the psychological impact of being a survivor of violence (in fairness she has mostly done the work and is a self assured and in control woman looking to find satisfaction on her own terms). It is James that has to accept his actions and the things he has had to do and learn to survive within the cult. It is one of those philosophical quandaries about suffering for the greater good. He has to work out whether joining Stephanie in her desires is a step into the darkness too far.
This book plays a lot with power and control, love and hate, good and bad. James has the overpowering desire to protect Stephanie and wants her to live a lighter and freer life than he can give her. But this is Adaline. She knows how to write assertive women who can take sexual power into their own hands. And we see Stephanie blossom under the trust she places at James' feet.
This book had me hooked and the suspense had me gripped right till the end. This books hints and teases at the chemistry these two will have together. And each encounter they have builds a foundation of trust. This is a satisfying ending for two characters carrying the burden of their pasts and finding a better future healing together.
September 13, 2026
3.5 Stars
I was excited to jump into more of this series because I loved the first book, Beneath Your Beautiful. Drowning in Darkness just didn’t have me in a chokehold like I was hoping.
Now, I know this is fiction, but this book is set in the states, but you can definitely tell the author is using British English (windscreen, satnav, washing powder, do you fancy, etc.). Maybe a disclaimer at the beginning stating that it’s British English or have a US editor to catch those items. I know a lot of people can ignore the little things like that, but they trip me up.
As far as James and Stephanie’s story goes, it was good, but it’s a super slow burn and the lack of communication drove me a little crazy. James most of all..assuming he knows what’s best for everyone (insert huge eye roll here).
Their book had suspense, demons, a lot of witty banter, good spice (mostly at the end), but I have more questions about everything now that I’ve finished.
Check the TW before you dive in.
I was excited to jump into more of this series because I loved the first book, Beneath Your Beautiful. Drowning in Darkness just didn’t have me in a chokehold like I was hoping.
Now, I know this is fiction, but this book is set in the states, but you can definitely tell the author is using British English (windscreen, satnav, washing powder, do you fancy, etc.). Maybe a disclaimer at the beginning stating that it’s British English or have a US editor to catch those items. I know a lot of people can ignore the little things like that, but they trip me up.
As far as James and Stephanie’s story goes, it was good, but it’s a super slow burn and the lack of communication drove me a little crazy. James most of all..assuming he knows what’s best for everyone (insert huge eye roll here).
Their book had suspense, demons, a lot of witty banter, good spice (mostly at the end), but I have more questions about everything now that I’ve finished.
Check the TW before you dive in.
August 30, 2026
This is not your average dark romance. James, who is he hero of the story, is actually the victim and the one who needs saved. Stephanie, proves that even though you may be a victim, it doesn’t define who you are, and no one can steal your light unless you allow it. She is the real hero.
James is caught up in an abusive traffic ring, where he is working to dismantle and destroy every evil member, but in order to do it, he has had to become just as evil. He doesn’t believe he is worth redemption and love. But, he will do anything to protect Stephanie from the sick member who is fixated on her. Stephanie has worked hard to overcome past tragedy, but is dragged back in to a very dangerous game. She becomes a warrior, who fights for the love that she knows that she deserves, teaching James that he is worth redemption and love. This is one story that I will keep you on the edge of your seat. I was cheering out loud for them both.
James is caught up in an abusive traffic ring, where he is working to dismantle and destroy every evil member, but in order to do it, he has had to become just as evil. He doesn’t believe he is worth redemption and love. But, he will do anything to protect Stephanie from the sick member who is fixated on her. Stephanie has worked hard to overcome past tragedy, but is dragged back in to a very dangerous game. She becomes a warrior, who fights for the love that she knows that she deserves, teaching James that he is worth redemption and love. This is one story that I will keep you on the edge of your seat. I was cheering out loud for them both.
August 27, 2026
Dark, twisted, and brilliant
Hooked right from the start. This outstanding dark romance from Adaline brings together characters from the previous two interconnected books. James, now the new leader of the cult, and Stephanie who is trying to settle into life outside of the institute. Both have past psychological darkness and traumas that they are trying to deal with, whilst trying to navigate the dark depravity of the cult organisation. The book is brilliantly written, with dark romance, trauma, abuse and psychological triggers that do need to be taken into consideration. The push, pull, forbidden yet constant yearning and wanting of James and Stephanie ignites such chemistry on the pages that it was unputdownable. Although this is a standalone, it is definitely recommended to read at least Stone Cold Hearted to help with the initial context of the characters and storyline.
Hooked right from the start. This outstanding dark romance from Adaline brings together characters from the previous two interconnected books. James, now the new leader of the cult, and Stephanie who is trying to settle into life outside of the institute. Both have past psychological darkness and traumas that they are trying to deal with, whilst trying to navigate the dark depravity of the cult organisation. The book is brilliantly written, with dark romance, trauma, abuse and psychological triggers that do need to be taken into consideration. The push, pull, forbidden yet constant yearning and wanting of James and Stephanie ignites such chemistry on the pages that it was unputdownable. Although this is a standalone, it is definitely recommended to read at least Stone Cold Hearted to help with the initial context of the characters and storyline.
August 28, 2026
Dark romance but check the content warning before reading.
James saved Stephanie’s life once. He keeps a close eye on her. He is working with the FBI under raps to keep her safe. Camryn is his handler. He’s a criminal under the FBIs control.
Stephanie has been in an institute. Released she is now being hunted by a man called Christopher. He claimed Eleanor, James’ sister years ago. He keeps stealing women and breaking them.
She has finally got her freedom only to have it stolen again by James as he takes her into hiding.
The love-hate relationship between James & Stephanie was fun to read. She loves to play with James. He wants her but is afraid of damaging her more.
James saved Stephanie’s life once. He keeps a close eye on her. He is working with the FBI under raps to keep her safe. Camryn is his handler. He’s a criminal under the FBIs control.
Stephanie has been in an institute. Released she is now being hunted by a man called Christopher. He claimed Eleanor, James’ sister years ago. He keeps stealing women and breaking them.
She has finally got her freedom only to have it stolen again by James as he takes her into hiding.
The love-hate relationship between James & Stephanie was fun to read. She loves to play with James. He wants her but is afraid of damaging her more.
August 29, 2026
Awww James *swoon*
This is definitely my favourite book in this series, I loved the others but Stephanie and James together, are just *chef's kiss*. Their chemistry, banter, and the way they rile each other up left me seriously h00ked. I couldn't put it down and was devastated when I'd come to the end. I love James, he's now at the top spot on my favourites with Hudson, from this author's MMCs. He's book boyfriend material and honestly, he had me swooning for him from the very beginning. I really enjoyed seeing the other characters and couldn't help but laugh out loud at some me moments between Stephanie and Eleanor. Definitely recommend!
This is definitely my favourite book in this series, I loved the others but Stephanie and James together, are just *chef's kiss*. Their chemistry, banter, and the way they rile each other up left me seriously h00ked. I couldn't put it down and was devastated when I'd come to the end. I love James, he's now at the top spot on my favourites with Hudson, from this author's MMCs. He's book boyfriend material and honestly, he had me swooning for him from the very beginning. I really enjoyed seeing the other characters and couldn't help but laugh out loud at some me moments between Stephanie and Eleanor. Definitely recommend!
September 7, 2026
I enjoyed the book overall but I did feel the ending was rushed and it was missing the magic of the first two. I think maybe it could have done with a retelling of her rescue from both their povs. To really get this bond and their wanting of each other it was like the story started in the middle. I didn't fall for them as hard as I did the other couples in the series.
Some action, some fun , good characters and a bit of an adventure, worth a read. Would be nice to get an extended epilogue or something on all the couples.
Some action, some fun , good characters and a bit of an adventure, worth a read. Would be nice to get an extended epilogue or something on all the couples.
August 25, 2026
Gripping and dark. (Check triggers)
Stephanie is a comeback woman who has survived alot in her young life. Sad she was still a target.
But…
A certain man - James - swoops in. Not your knight in shining armor. He is morally grey but you love him. He has his own darkness.
For a good reason these two work and the way he takes her safety serious made my heart happy.
Good twists and the spice may have been slow to come but oh so worth it.
* ARC book
Stephanie is a comeback woman who has survived alot in her young life. Sad she was still a target.
But…
A certain man - James - swoops in. Not your knight in shining armor. He is morally grey but you love him. He has his own darkness.
For a good reason these two work and the way he takes her safety serious made my heart happy.
Good twists and the spice may have been slow to come but oh so worth it.
* ARC book
August 27, 2026
A dark romance -check triggers. Stephanie is the fmc who has survived horrific sexual violence and is now under threat from a new predator. James is the mmc who isn’t all sunshine and rainbows- his the new cult leader who target and violate women - essentially and evil organisation. James even though morally grey - becomes enraptured by Stephane and their story unfolds. Thoroughly enjoyed this book - another fantastic book by the author !
August 28, 2026
I received an ARC for this. I didn't think that this book was as good as the first two books in The Ruthless Creatures series. Adaline Winters is a masterful storyteller, whether it's dark romance or romantasy, but I just felt there was something missing in this book and the ending was a bit too rushed for me. Still a good read that draws you in and it wraps up all the characters' stories in the series nicely.
Review of advance copy
This was an amazing read, tht from the very start I was hooked and cold not put it down. It moves along at a great pace, making for an easy read, has interesting characters that you will love and a story that will not disappoint. It is a must read that needs to be at the top of your TBR list, no doubt about it.
August 27, 2026
Very twisty and dark!!!
Well paced and lots happening!
I love how Stephanie never gives up despite everything thrown at her. And James - he is a little softy on the inside!!
I read an advanced copy.
Well paced and lots happening!
I love how Stephanie never gives up despite everything thrown at her. And James - he is a little softy on the inside!!
I read an advanced copy.
August 27, 2026
This story envelopes you in darkness and doesn’t let go. I could not stop reading because things just keep happening. This is not for the weak but the story line does come with some levity with the love story that smoothed the edges. Check your triggers and then dive in!
August 29, 2026
Really liked the overall story and the characters. I was a little disappointed that the ending was so quick and I wish the author would have spent a bit more time with the after climax, HEA, but alas, it was still very worth the read.
September 3, 2026
Drowning In Darkness
This was a great story! Also a new author. The story was really unusual as it was not your usual storyline. The characters were very well developed and held your interest until the very end. I will definitely read more stories by this author!
This was a great story! Also a new author. The story was really unusual as it was not your usual storyline. The characters were very well developed and held your interest until the very end. I will definitely read more stories by this author!
September 16, 2026
Great standalone story in an interconnected world. I enjoyed seeing Hunter and Elenor in this story and really enjoyed Stephanie and James’ story. Definitely a dark one but it kept me hooked. Definitely recommend!
September 16, 2026
Another really good read, it was a darker book than what I would normally read, but I really enjoyed it.
The storyline was great, I felt like it could have given a tiny bit more, but I still loved it.
Stephanie and James’s story is a must read ❤️
The storyline was great, I felt like it could have given a tiny bit more, but I still loved it.
Stephanie and James’s story is a must read ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Definitely a dark romance so please check TW.
There is so much happening in this story which means you get swept away and will only resurface when you reach the end. Really enjoyed it.
There is so much happening in this story which means you get swept away and will only resurface when you reach the end. Really enjoyed it.
September 12, 2026
I love this author but intense and if you have sexual trauma- don’t read this series.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews