What do you think?
Irish Kings #6
Ruthless Pursuit
Maeve
Kellin Brennan is the answer to my prayers. If his company invests in my boutique Santa Monica hotel, I can finally escape my family. My destiny. And run my hotel on my terms, free from my father’s mafia world.
I didn’t expect a man who looks like a god and oozes sex appeal.
He’s silver-tongued. Charming.
And dangerous.
Because behind the mask of a polite and calculated businessman, I glimpse a man who would kill for me.
A man whose eyes burned with desire before he kissed me.
It should serve as a warning.
But instead of running, I’m ready to make a deal with the devil.
Because he’s pure sin. And I want to succumb to temptation.
Kellin
No one in the Kings trusts me. Not when I’m Thomas Brennan’s nephew and my uncle betrayed the family. But with Shane Gallagher dead and his son, Finn, taking over, I finally have a chance to prove myself.
The task is simple. Infiltrate LA outcast Declan Gallagher’s circle as a prospective investor, find the informant he’s using to blackmail the New York Kings, and stop Declan before he unleashes hell on us.
The key to cracking their operation? Declan’s daughter, who runs the hotel that’s a hub for their business dealings.
The moment I laid eyes on Maeve Gallagher, I knew seduction was the way to go.
With her sexy-as-hell body, that task won’t be a hardship.
But Maeve isn’t the spoiled princess I expected. She’s brilliant. Hardworking. Captivating.
I shouldn’t get close. Maeve isn’t a woman I’m allowed to want.
She’s my mark.
But somehow my heart has become the target.
*Ruthless Pursuit is a full-length mafia romance novel with no cheating and a guaranteed HEA.
More about Ruthless
- Hidden agenda
- Strategic seduction
- Morally gray hero
- Alpha male
- Strong heroine
- Secrets and Lies
- Family loyalty vs. personal desires
- Betrayal
- Touch her and die
- Has an HEA
- Can be read as a standalone
Kellin Brennan is the answer to my prayers. If his company invests in my boutique Santa Monica hotel, I can finally escape my family. My destiny. And run my hotel on my terms, free from my father’s mafia world.
I didn’t expect a man who looks like a god and oozes sex appeal.
He’s silver-tongued. Charming.
And dangerous.
Because behind the mask of a polite and calculated businessman, I glimpse a man who would kill for me.
A man whose eyes burned with desire before he kissed me.
It should serve as a warning.
But instead of running, I’m ready to make a deal with the devil.
Because he’s pure sin. And I want to succumb to temptation.
Kellin
No one in the Kings trusts me. Not when I’m Thomas Brennan’s nephew and my uncle betrayed the family. But with Shane Gallagher dead and his son, Finn, taking over, I finally have a chance to prove myself.
The task is simple. Infiltrate LA outcast Declan Gallagher’s circle as a prospective investor, find the informant he’s using to blackmail the New York Kings, and stop Declan before he unleashes hell on us.
The key to cracking their operation? Declan’s daughter, who runs the hotel that’s a hub for their business dealings.
The moment I laid eyes on Maeve Gallagher, I knew seduction was the way to go.
With her sexy-as-hell body, that task won’t be a hardship.
But Maeve isn’t the spoiled princess I expected. She’s brilliant. Hardworking. Captivating.
I shouldn’t get close. Maeve isn’t a woman I’m allowed to want.
She’s my mark.
But somehow my heart has become the target.
*Ruthless Pursuit is a full-length mafia romance novel with no cheating and a guaranteed HEA.
More about Ruthless
- Hidden agenda
- Strategic seduction
- Morally gray hero
- Alpha male
- Strong heroine
- Secrets and Lies
- Family loyalty vs. personal desires
- Betrayal
- Touch her and die
- Has an HEA
- Can be read as a standalone
386 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 23, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
July 18, 2026
Un poco repetitivo
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am disappointed.
Well this book just wasn't for me.
It was a snoozefest.
I feel it could've been better.
In the starting it was alright but then zero growth. She has no spine, no self respect and zero self awareness. There was so much lust and lack of story. There was literally no story.
even after she got to know about him that he manipulated her, drugged her and used her this woman right here decided to suck his cock instead of cutting his dick off because apparently no one took a stand for her once. but anyway she also just couldn't realise that maybe he was using her her family is in mafia ffs. how could you be that stupid. the clues were right there.
He was alright I guess but still pretty annoying. And don't even start me on her father that misogynistic pig I swear he was getting on my nerves.
My main issue wasn't the lack of story but I just couldn't connect with these two even their sex felt boring tbvh. they had zero emotional connection also zero physical connection.
And lastly thank you author for the ARC.
Well this book just wasn't for me.
It was a snoozefest.
I feel it could've been better.
In the starting it was alright but then zero growth. She has no spine, no self respect and zero self awareness. There was so much lust and lack of story. There was literally no story.
even after she got to know about him that he manipulated her, drugged her and used her this woman right here decided to suck his cock instead of cutting his dick off because apparently no one took a stand for her once. but anyway she also just couldn't realise that maybe he was using her her family is in mafia ffs. how could you be that stupid. the clues were right there.
He was alright I guess but still pretty annoying. And don't even start me on her father that misogynistic pig I swear he was getting on my nerves.
My main issue wasn't the lack of story but I just couldn't connect with these two even their sex felt boring tbvh. they had zero emotional connection also zero physical connection.
And lastly thank you author for the ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2026
It was an enjoyable read.
I tried my best but unfortunately I didn’t like the protagonists especially Kellin. He was a jerk most of the time.
I loved the second half more and enjoyed the climax immensely.
-Mafia romance.
-Hidden identity.
-Safe, KU, TW and recommended.
I received an advance review copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
I tried my best but unfortunately I didn’t like the protagonists especially Kellin. He was a jerk most of the time.
I loved the second half more and enjoyed the climax immensely.
-Mafia romance.
-Hidden identity.
-Safe, KU, TW and recommended.
I received an advance review copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
June 19, 2026
Renee Parker sure knows how to write good mafia books. I like that her books aren’t so formulaic. While the end is kinda given away (in the description) I enjoy the yearning. I judge all books on 3 things: did I enjoy it, was the plot good and the smut the same? Pretty much! Thus the book was a win in my book. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series
December 26, 2025
Kellin’s story
So I’ll admit I thought the story was going to be about something else- but on the accountant which makes sense! It was interesting but a little less intense than the previous books but still good! It would be great though if had a little more refreshers as the length between can miss some points BUT still a good story.
So I’ll admit I thought the story was going to be about something else- but on the accountant which makes sense! It was interesting but a little less intense than the previous books but still good! It would be great though if had a little more refreshers as the length between can miss some points BUT still a good story.
June 18, 2026
Me gusto me gusto, unas horas me duró y la trama de Maeve y Kellin fue increíble es que estos dos lo son todo
December 27, 2025
Enemies to lovers mafia romance?! Count me in!
I have the advance copy but switched to the KU version before it’s done 😙
And that the preview for book 7??!! Omg! Count me in again! Still needing to go back and read one to four but it’s on my TBR 🤭
I have the advance copy but switched to the KU version before it’s done 😙
And that the preview for book 7??!! Omg! Count me in again! Still needing to go back and read one to four but it’s on my TBR 🤭
July 15, 2026
⭐️ 5/5.
Persecución despiadada fue mi entrada al universo de Reyes Irlandeses y, aunque empecé directamente por el sexto libro, acabé completamente obsesionada.
Maeve me pareció impresionante: quiere alejarse del mundo mafioso de su padre y construir una vida propia, aunque Kellin termina poniéndolo todo patas arriba.
Kellin juega sucio para cumplir su misión, pero cuando lo calculado se convierte en algo real, la historia gana muchísima intensidad.
La química entre ellos se siente desde el principio y la segunda mitad se devora, sobre todo cuando salen a la luz los secretos.
Ideal si te apetece: mafia romance, héroe moralmente gris, traición, tensión y un protagonista dispuesto a luchar por ella frente a todos.
Persecución despiadada fue mi entrada al universo de Reyes Irlandeses y, aunque empecé directamente por el sexto libro, acabé completamente obsesionada.
Maeve me pareció impresionante: quiere alejarse del mundo mafioso de su padre y construir una vida propia, aunque Kellin termina poniéndolo todo patas arriba.
Kellin juega sucio para cumplir su misión, pero cuando lo calculado se convierte en algo real, la historia gana muchísima intensidad.
La química entre ellos se siente desde el principio y la segunda mitad se devora, sobre todo cuando salen a la luz los secretos.
Ideal si te apetece: mafia romance, héroe moralmente gris, traición, tensión y un protagonista dispuesto a luchar por ella frente a todos.
January 14, 2026
2.5 ⭐️
This had an intriguing premise and some solid dark romance tension but it never fully came together for me. The obsessive MMC and high-stakes setup had potential, yet the chemistry didn’t quite land, making it hard to stay emotionally invested. Characterisation felt uneven - Kellin leaned heavily into possessive alpha without enough depth, while Maeve’s arc became repetitive. Pacing also dragged in places, especially toward the end, where I was finishing more out of obligation than excitement. Overall, not bad, just underwhelming.
This had an intriguing premise and some solid dark romance tension but it never fully came together for me. The obsessive MMC and high-stakes setup had potential, yet the chemistry didn’t quite land, making it hard to stay emotionally invested. Characterisation felt uneven - Kellin leaned heavily into possessive alpha without enough depth, while Maeve’s arc became repetitive. Pacing also dragged in places, especially toward the end, where I was finishing more out of obligation than excitement. Overall, not bad, just underwhelming.
January 6, 2026
this was such a literal snooze fest, these characters were not memorable and the plot dragged so bad but what really caught my attention and had me scratching my head was that epilogue because are the two implied main characters for the next book not literally cousins???????
July 7, 2026
Kellin debe demostrar su lealtad al nuevo jefe de la mafia de los Reyes Irlandeses, por lo que acepta la misión de infiltrarse en el hotel de Declan Gallagher. Fingiendo ser un inversor, deberá conseguir información sobre una persona que tienen secuestrada. Sin embargo, no espera encontrarse con Maeve, la hija de su enemigo, una joven con una gran inteligencia y fortaleza que logra sorprenderlo desde el primer momento. Poco a poco, entre ellos comienzan a surgir sentimientos que pondrán en riesgo la misión de Kellin, obligándolo a decidir qué es más importante: la lealtad hacia su jefe o lo que dicta su corazón.
🤔 Tengo sentimientos encontrados con esta historia, ya que sentí que el inicio fue demasiado lento y, por momentos, un poco aburrido. Me dio un poco de tristeza porque los primeros libros de la serie me gustaron mucho más.
😊 La historia comienza a tomar fuerza aproximadamente a la mitad, dejando la acción y los momentos más intensos para el final. Sin embargo, sentí que el cierre de la pareja fue un poco abrupto.
👫🏼 Los protagonistas me gustaron, especialmente Maeve, quien es fuerte e independiente. Aunque es un romance de mafia y se clasifica como dark romance, en lo personal no considero que encaje del todo en ese género. También sentí que el romance se desarrolló demasiado lento y las escenas spicy fueron muy pocas, aunque lindas.
😊 Este es el sexto libro de la serie y, aunque pensé que sería el último, la autora dejó un adelanto del siguiente que pinta muy bien. Les recomiendo leerlos en orden, ya que las historias están muy entrelazadas.
🤔 Tengo sentimientos encontrados con esta historia, ya que sentí que el inicio fue demasiado lento y, por momentos, un poco aburrido. Me dio un poco de tristeza porque los primeros libros de la serie me gustaron mucho más.
😊 La historia comienza a tomar fuerza aproximadamente a la mitad, dejando la acción y los momentos más intensos para el final. Sin embargo, sentí que el cierre de la pareja fue un poco abrupto.
👫🏼 Los protagonistas me gustaron, especialmente Maeve, quien es fuerte e independiente. Aunque es un romance de mafia y se clasifica como dark romance, en lo personal no considero que encaje del todo en ese género. También sentí que el romance se desarrolló demasiado lento y las escenas spicy fueron muy pocas, aunque lindas.
😊 Este es el sexto libro de la serie y, aunque pensé que sería el último, la autora dejó un adelanto del siguiente que pinta muy bien. Les recomiendo leerlos en orden, ya que las historias están muy entrelazadas.
August 20, 2026
“𝓗𝓲𝓼 𝓮𝔂𝓮𝓼 𝓫𝓾𝓻𝓷𝓮𝓭 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓭𝓮𝓼𝓲𝓻𝓮 𝓫𝓮𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮 𝓱𝓮 𝓴𝓲𝓼𝓼𝓮𝓭 𝓶𝓮.𝓘𝓽 𝓼𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓫𝓮 𝓪 𝔀𝓪𝓻𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰. 𝓑𝓾𝓽 𝓲𝓷𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓪𝓭 𝓸𝓯 𝓻𝓾𝓷𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰, 𝓘'𝓶 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭𝔂 𝓽𝓸 𝓶𝓪𝓴𝓮 𝓪 𝓭𝓮𝓪𝓵 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓭𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓵.”
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3/5
Okay, FIRST OF ALL…
IRISH MAFIA?!
Renee Parker, you know damn well I’m going to be sitting front and center for this one. 😂☘️🔪
I have a very specific list of mafia romance authors that I will RUN for, and Renee is firmly on that list.
Because—and I will die on this hill—mafia romance is actually REALLY f*cking hard to write well.
There’s a very thin line between dangerous organized crime family and a bunch of mildly naughty businessmen who occasionally mention that they’re in the mob.
😂
I don’t want Mafia Lite™.
I don’t want a scary mob boss who spends 400 pages doing absolutely nothing remotely mob-related.
Give me the politics.
Give me the hierarchy.
Give me the family loyalty.
Give me betrayal.
Give me men who make morally questionable decisions because this world actually REQUIRES them to.
MAKE ME BELIEVE IT.
And Renee Parker consistently does.
Ruthless Pursuit is book SIX in the Irish Kings series, and this was another solid 4 ⭐️ for me.
Now we need to address the other elephant in the room…
THE IRISH. ☘️👀
You guys know your girl was born and raised in Northern Ireland.
My Belfast roots run DEEP.
So anytime someone hands me an Irish-centered book, especially an Irish mafia romance, I’m going in with one eye slightly narrowed like…
👁️
Don’t embarrass us.
😂😂😂
Because PLEASE.
We are not all pale, redheaded, Guinness-drinking men named Paddy wandering around saying “top o’ the morning” while fighting someone in an alley.
If I see a four-leaf clover and a leprechaun enter the chat, I’m leaving. 😭😂
Thankfully, Renee knows how to build this world without making the Irishness feel like a costume, which is one of the reasons I’ve continued with this series.
Now…
KELLIN BRENNAN.
👀
Morally gray.
Charming.
Calculated.
Dangerous.
Strategic seduction.
Hidden agenda.
Touch her and die.
Ahhhh.
There he is.
My type. 🚩🧎🏻♀️😂
Kellin has something to prove.
His uncle betrayed the family, and because apparently organized crime also subscribes to the “your relative screwed us over, therefore you’re suspicious too” school of management, Kellin hasn’t exactly been welcomed into the Kings with open arms.
But now he finally has an opportunity to prove where his loyalty lies.
The assignment?
Infiltrate Declan Gallagher’s operation in LA.
Find the informant he’s using to blackmail the New York Kings.
Stop him before everything goes to sh*t.
Simple enough.
And the easiest way in?
Declan’s daughter, Maeve.
Kellin takes one look at her and decides seduction is going to be the strategy.
Sir.
Famous last words. 😂
Because Maeve isn’t what he expected.
She’s not some spoiled mafia princess floating around on Daddy’s money.
She’s intelligent.
Hardworking.
Independent.
And desperately trying to build something that belongs to HER, outside of her father’s world.
She runs a boutique hotel in Santa Monica, and Kellin’s investment company could finally give her the freedom she’s been fighting for.
Which means while Maeve is looking at Kellin thinking…
This man might be my way OUT.
Kellin is looking at Maeve thinking…
This woman is my way IN.
😩
COME ON.
THAT’S THE GOOD SH*T.
Because you KNOW what’s coming.
He has an agenda.
She trusts him.
He’s using her.
Except somewhere along the way this absolute idiot starts developing actual FEELINGS for his mark.
😂🧎🏻♀️
MY FAVORITE KIND OF PROFESSIONAL FAILURE.
Kellin went in thinking Maeve was a tool he could use to complete his mission.
Then he actually gets to KNOW her.
And suddenly it’s…
She’s brilliant.
She’s captivating.
She’s not what I expected.
Maybe I shouldn’t be doing this.
Maybe I want her.
Maybe I’ll murder anyone who touches her.
You know.
The natural progression of love. 😂🔪🖤
And I really liked Maeve because she isn’t waiting around for someone to rescue her from her family.
She’s already trying to get herself OUT.
The hotel isn’t some cute little hobby.
It’s her future.
Her independence.
Her opportunity to build a life that isn’t dictated by her father’s criminal world.
And then Kellin walks in offering exactly what she needs…
Without her realizing he’s also dragging her directly into the very thing she’s trying to escape.
MESSY.
YES PLEASE. 😩👏🏻
The hidden agenda/strategic seduction combination worked SO well here because there is automatically this ticking time bomb sitting underneath the romance.
WE know he’s lying.
HE knows he’s lying.
Maeve doesn’t.
So every time their relationship gets deeper I’m sitting there thinking…
Oh babe…you are so f*cked when she finds out.
😂😭
And that conflict between family loyalty and personal desire is exactly what I want from mafia romance.
Because Kellin can’t simply decide he likes a girl and walk away from his responsibilities.
There are consequences.
There are people depending on him.
There are family histories and betrayals that existed long before Maeve entered his life.
And he desperately needs to prove himself to the Kings.
Except suddenly proving himself could mean destroying the woman he’s falling for.
THERE’S MY ANGST. 🧎🏻♀️
Because apparently romance isn’t romance unless somebody’s emotionally suffering.
Don’t look at me.
We’ve established this. 😂
And then, naturally, Kellin develops a case of touch-her-and-die syndrome.
Sir…
You were supposed to SEDUCE THE MARK.
You were not supposed to become obsessed with her.
Please refer back to the employee handbook. 😭😂
But that’s exactly the kind of morally gray mafia MMC I want.
I don’t need him suddenly becoming a saint because he fell in love.
I need him to remain dangerous.
Just…
dangerous in her direction. 👀🔪
There IS a difference.
And Renee understands it.
That’s one of the biggest reasons she works for me as a mafia romance author.
The romance doesn’t suddenly sanitize the criminal world.
These characters are still navigating loyalty, violence, secrets, power and betrayal.
They’re just also horny and emotionally compromised while doing it.
As God intended. 😂☘️
This can technically be read as a standalone, but we’re on BOOK SIX, people.
You know me.
Could you walk into the party six hours late and still figure out who’s sleeping with whom and why somebody wants to kill Uncle Declan?
Probably.
But WHY WOULD YOU?!
😂
Start from the beginning and get the full experience.
Overall, this was another really solid addition to the Irish Kings series and exactly why Renee remains one of the mafia romance authors I trust.
Was it quite a five-star, tattoo-it-on-my-body, emotionally-destroy-me-and-leave-me-for-dead read?
Not quite.
But did I devour it?
Absolutely.
If you love mafia romance, hidden agendas, strategic seduction, morally gray MMCs, strong FMCs, secrets and lies, betrayal, family loyalty, touch-her-and-die energy and men realizing they’ve accidentally fallen in love with the woman they were supposed to manipulate…
Come meet Kellin Brennan. ☘️🔪
And from your resident Belfast girl…
Renee, you may continue writing the Irish.
No leprechauns detected. We’re safe. 😂☘️🖤
Now give me the next morally questionable Irishman.
I’m ready. 🧎🏻♀️🔪
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3/5
Okay, FIRST OF ALL…
IRISH MAFIA?!
Renee Parker, you know damn well I’m going to be sitting front and center for this one. 😂☘️🔪
I have a very specific list of mafia romance authors that I will RUN for, and Renee is firmly on that list.
Because—and I will die on this hill—mafia romance is actually REALLY f*cking hard to write well.
There’s a very thin line between dangerous organized crime family and a bunch of mildly naughty businessmen who occasionally mention that they’re in the mob.
😂
I don’t want Mafia Lite™.
I don’t want a scary mob boss who spends 400 pages doing absolutely nothing remotely mob-related.
Give me the politics.
Give me the hierarchy.
Give me the family loyalty.
Give me betrayal.
Give me men who make morally questionable decisions because this world actually REQUIRES them to.
MAKE ME BELIEVE IT.
And Renee Parker consistently does.
Ruthless Pursuit is book SIX in the Irish Kings series, and this was another solid 4 ⭐️ for me.
Now we need to address the other elephant in the room…
THE IRISH. ☘️👀
You guys know your girl was born and raised in Northern Ireland.
My Belfast roots run DEEP.
So anytime someone hands me an Irish-centered book, especially an Irish mafia romance, I’m going in with one eye slightly narrowed like…
👁️
Don’t embarrass us.
😂😂😂
Because PLEASE.
We are not all pale, redheaded, Guinness-drinking men named Paddy wandering around saying “top o’ the morning” while fighting someone in an alley.
If I see a four-leaf clover and a leprechaun enter the chat, I’m leaving. 😭😂
Thankfully, Renee knows how to build this world without making the Irishness feel like a costume, which is one of the reasons I’ve continued with this series.
Now…
KELLIN BRENNAN.
👀
Morally gray.
Charming.
Calculated.
Dangerous.
Strategic seduction.
Hidden agenda.
Touch her and die.
Ahhhh.
There he is.
My type. 🚩🧎🏻♀️😂
Kellin has something to prove.
His uncle betrayed the family, and because apparently organized crime also subscribes to the “your relative screwed us over, therefore you’re suspicious too” school of management, Kellin hasn’t exactly been welcomed into the Kings with open arms.
But now he finally has an opportunity to prove where his loyalty lies.
The assignment?
Infiltrate Declan Gallagher’s operation in LA.
Find the informant he’s using to blackmail the New York Kings.
Stop him before everything goes to sh*t.
Simple enough.
And the easiest way in?
Declan’s daughter, Maeve.
Kellin takes one look at her and decides seduction is going to be the strategy.
Sir.
Famous last words. 😂
Because Maeve isn’t what he expected.
She’s not some spoiled mafia princess floating around on Daddy’s money.
She’s intelligent.
Hardworking.
Independent.
And desperately trying to build something that belongs to HER, outside of her father’s world.
She runs a boutique hotel in Santa Monica, and Kellin’s investment company could finally give her the freedom she’s been fighting for.
Which means while Maeve is looking at Kellin thinking…
This man might be my way OUT.
Kellin is looking at Maeve thinking…
This woman is my way IN.
😩
COME ON.
THAT’S THE GOOD SH*T.
Because you KNOW what’s coming.
He has an agenda.
She trusts him.
He’s using her.
Except somewhere along the way this absolute idiot starts developing actual FEELINGS for his mark.
😂🧎🏻♀️
MY FAVORITE KIND OF PROFESSIONAL FAILURE.
Kellin went in thinking Maeve was a tool he could use to complete his mission.
Then he actually gets to KNOW her.
And suddenly it’s…
She’s brilliant.
She’s captivating.
She’s not what I expected.
Maybe I shouldn’t be doing this.
Maybe I want her.
Maybe I’ll murder anyone who touches her.
You know.
The natural progression of love. 😂🔪🖤
And I really liked Maeve because she isn’t waiting around for someone to rescue her from her family.
She’s already trying to get herself OUT.
The hotel isn’t some cute little hobby.
It’s her future.
Her independence.
Her opportunity to build a life that isn’t dictated by her father’s criminal world.
And then Kellin walks in offering exactly what she needs…
Without her realizing he’s also dragging her directly into the very thing she’s trying to escape.
MESSY.
YES PLEASE. 😩👏🏻
The hidden agenda/strategic seduction combination worked SO well here because there is automatically this ticking time bomb sitting underneath the romance.
WE know he’s lying.
HE knows he’s lying.
Maeve doesn’t.
So every time their relationship gets deeper I’m sitting there thinking…
Oh babe…you are so f*cked when she finds out.
😂😭
And that conflict between family loyalty and personal desire is exactly what I want from mafia romance.
Because Kellin can’t simply decide he likes a girl and walk away from his responsibilities.
There are consequences.
There are people depending on him.
There are family histories and betrayals that existed long before Maeve entered his life.
And he desperately needs to prove himself to the Kings.
Except suddenly proving himself could mean destroying the woman he’s falling for.
THERE’S MY ANGST. 🧎🏻♀️
Because apparently romance isn’t romance unless somebody’s emotionally suffering.
Don’t look at me.
We’ve established this. 😂
And then, naturally, Kellin develops a case of touch-her-and-die syndrome.
Sir…
You were supposed to SEDUCE THE MARK.
You were not supposed to become obsessed with her.
Please refer back to the employee handbook. 😭😂
But that’s exactly the kind of morally gray mafia MMC I want.
I don’t need him suddenly becoming a saint because he fell in love.
I need him to remain dangerous.
Just…
dangerous in her direction. 👀🔪
There IS a difference.
And Renee understands it.
That’s one of the biggest reasons she works for me as a mafia romance author.
The romance doesn’t suddenly sanitize the criminal world.
These characters are still navigating loyalty, violence, secrets, power and betrayal.
They’re just also horny and emotionally compromised while doing it.
As God intended. 😂☘️
This can technically be read as a standalone, but we’re on BOOK SIX, people.
You know me.
Could you walk into the party six hours late and still figure out who’s sleeping with whom and why somebody wants to kill Uncle Declan?
Probably.
But WHY WOULD YOU?!
😂
Start from the beginning and get the full experience.
Overall, this was another really solid addition to the Irish Kings series and exactly why Renee remains one of the mafia romance authors I trust.
Was it quite a five-star, tattoo-it-on-my-body, emotionally-destroy-me-and-leave-me-for-dead read?
Not quite.
But did I devour it?
Absolutely.
If you love mafia romance, hidden agendas, strategic seduction, morally gray MMCs, strong FMCs, secrets and lies, betrayal, family loyalty, touch-her-and-die energy and men realizing they’ve accidentally fallen in love with the woman they were supposed to manipulate…
Come meet Kellin Brennan. ☘️🔪
And from your resident Belfast girl…
Renee, you may continue writing the Irish.
No leprechauns detected. We’re safe. 😂☘️🖤
Now give me the next morally questionable Irishman.
I’m ready. 🧎🏻♀️🔪
June 18, 2026
Sorpresivamente este año he leído varios libros de esta autora y tengo que admitir que me gusta su estilo de narrativa para la mafia romance, ya que considero que es genial para iniciar en este mundillo🫢
En esta ocasión se nos brinda la historia de un hombre que quiere "recuperar" el status que tiene su apellido, pero que su tío propició que perdieran credibilidad ante el jefe de la mafia. Por ello, cuando surge la oportunidad para "reinvidivarse" hará todo lo posible por cumplir con el plan, pero estará preparado para resistir a la tentación ante una mujer que es más de lo que espera? 🫣
Desde el principio me atrapó esa premisa y el como los personajes comienzan a interactuar de una manera que me atrapó completamente y me lo devoré jaja.
Sin embargo, quedé con un sabor agridulce a no tener más profundidad en las temáticas de mafia, relación familiar de ella y, también respecto a lo que le sucede a él con todo su proceso. Así como una rebelión por parte de ella con su papá, que es una relación que se muestra durante todo el texto y aún así ella no logra tener una voz ni en el final.
Personalmente espero tener alguna noticia de esta pareja en el siguiente libro, ya que el protagonista es el hermano de ella y la protagonista mujer es la hermana del rey de la mafia. Por lo que tenemos una premisa bastante interesante por leer.
Gracias por la oportunidad Renee y Rose <3
En esta ocasión se nos brinda la historia de un hombre que quiere "recuperar" el status que tiene su apellido, pero que su tío propició que perdieran credibilidad ante el jefe de la mafia. Por ello, cuando surge la oportunidad para "reinvidivarse" hará todo lo posible por cumplir con el plan, pero estará preparado para resistir a la tentación ante una mujer que es más de lo que espera? 🫣
Desde el principio me atrapó esa premisa y el como los personajes comienzan a interactuar de una manera que me atrapó completamente y me lo devoré jaja.
Sin embargo, quedé con un sabor agridulce a no tener más profundidad en las temáticas de mafia, relación familiar de ella y, también respecto a lo que le sucede a él con todo su proceso. Así como una rebelión por parte de ella con su papá, que es una relación que se muestra durante todo el texto y aún así ella no logra tener una voz ni en el final.
Personalmente espero tener alguna noticia de esta pareja en el siguiente libro, ya que el protagonista es el hermano de ella y la protagonista mujer es la hermana del rey de la mafia. Por lo que tenemos una premisa bastante interesante por leer.
Gracias por la oportunidad Renee y Rose <3
December 25, 2025
Kellin Brennan must win the trust of Finn and the Irish Kings by infiltrating the Port Kings and successfully completing his mission. However, his loyalty is tested when he falls for Maeve, the chief's ambitious daughter who is desperate to escape her father's mafia control. As their forbidden attraction reaches a point of no return, they must find a way out of this mess while keeping their relationship intact and most importantly stay alive in the process.
This has become my second favorite book in the Irish Kings series (book 1 still remains my most fav). So glad to have been a part of the ARC team for this one!
On to the story, the main characters stood out for me in this as they are layered with quite a bit of character development. Maeve’s characterization as a woman who pours herself into her professional life to escape the chaos of her personal world was done really well. I loved how both sides of her personality were shown - a capable boss lady at work, and a meek vulnerable person in her abusive family.
Kellin’s internal conflict between loyalty to the mafia and his feelings for Maeve is equally well-captured. His seamless transition between a "touch her and die" enforcer and a respectful gentleman with his girl is swoon-worthy. Especially the way his thoughts evolve as he realizes just how head-over-heels he is for her.
As a slow-burn romance, the tension kept simmering between the MCs throughout. The yearning, oh the yearning was palpable! The spicy scenes were just 🤌🏻
The best part about this story is that their connection isn't just physical. They build a genuine emotional bond, specifically as Maeve navigates through her issues and learns to open herself up to love. Kellin being her rock, making her feel safe, standing up for her and choosing her over and over again was just perfect! 😭
However, I felt that a few elements could have been better. The ending felt slightly rushed. I expected a more climactic showdown between the gangs that didn't quite materialize. I also hoped for more cameos from previous MCs - especially from Finn as the new Irish Kings leader. Sadly he was just in the shadows after a couple of chapters. The main gripe for me was that it felt like the kings feud took the back seat with this and the core conflict which was the catalyst of this story was minimised and got little to no attention as the narrative progressed. If a kingpin like Shane gets killed, I expect it to be treated as a big deal because it is.
Overall, a 4/5 read. Super excited for the next one!
This has become my second favorite book in the Irish Kings series (book 1 still remains my most fav). So glad to have been a part of the ARC team for this one!
On to the story, the main characters stood out for me in this as they are layered with quite a bit of character development. Maeve’s characterization as a woman who pours herself into her professional life to escape the chaos of her personal world was done really well. I loved how both sides of her personality were shown - a capable boss lady at work, and a meek vulnerable person in her abusive family.
Kellin’s internal conflict between loyalty to the mafia and his feelings for Maeve is equally well-captured. His seamless transition between a "touch her and die" enforcer and a respectful gentleman with his girl is swoon-worthy. Especially the way his thoughts evolve as he realizes just how head-over-heels he is for her.
As a slow-burn romance, the tension kept simmering between the MCs throughout. The yearning, oh the yearning was palpable! The spicy scenes were just 🤌🏻
The best part about this story is that their connection isn't just physical. They build a genuine emotional bond, specifically as Maeve navigates through her issues and learns to open herself up to love. Kellin being her rock, making her feel safe, standing up for her and choosing her over and over again was just perfect! 😭
However, I felt that a few elements could have been better. The ending felt slightly rushed. I expected a more climactic showdown between the gangs that didn't quite materialize. I also hoped for more cameos from previous MCs - especially from Finn as the new Irish Kings leader. Sadly he was just in the shadows after a couple of chapters. The main gripe for me was that it felt like the kings feud took the back seat with this and the core conflict which was the catalyst of this story was minimised and got little to no attention as the narrative progressed. If a kingpin like Shane gets killed, I expect it to be treated as a big deal because it is.
Overall, a 4/5 read. Super excited for the next one!
December 23, 2025
I’m Ruthless Pursuit, Kellin is out to prove himself. No one trusts him because his uncle betrayed the Irish Kings. When a threat is made, Finn, the new leader of the kings sends him to neutralize the threat known as Declan Gallagher. He has a kings informant and he is intending to blackmail him to beat them for good. All he has to do is get close to him. One way in is through Maeve, Declan’s daughter. She runs the hotel where he believes Declan is running business from there and hiding the informant. All he has to do is seduce her to get her to open up to him. However, the closer he gets to her, makes him question who’s seducing whom when he starts to fall for her. What will he do when he no longer intends to hurt her?
All Maeve wants to do is escape her father‘s mafia world and manage her hotel free of his control. She thinks her prayers are answered when she meets Kellin, a potential investor interested in her hotel. She is immediately attracted to him but she does not want to jeopardize anything by mixing business with pleasure. The longer they spend time together, the more she wants to open up and tell him the truth about her family. Although she feels he will walk away when he learns the truth. They give in to how they feel and start something casual but things get complicated when her father finds out. What will Maeve do when she finds out it was all a lie?
Renee Parker had me on the edge of my seat. I felt bad for Maeve cause she really liked Kellin but was worried he didn’t want anything serious. I also felt bad for Kellin because he really liked her but the mission came first. It was sad to see the guilt eat him up. I loved their chemistry. Their scenes were hot. I was rooting for them the entire time. This was an emotional, action packed, roller coaster. It is filled with drama, heat, secrets, danger, suspense, and a shocking twists. The epilogue left me wanting more. I can’t wait for the next one.
All Maeve wants to do is escape her father‘s mafia world and manage her hotel free of his control. She thinks her prayers are answered when she meets Kellin, a potential investor interested in her hotel. She is immediately attracted to him but she does not want to jeopardize anything by mixing business with pleasure. The longer they spend time together, the more she wants to open up and tell him the truth about her family. Although she feels he will walk away when he learns the truth. They give in to how they feel and start something casual but things get complicated when her father finds out. What will Maeve do when she finds out it was all a lie?
Renee Parker had me on the edge of my seat. I felt bad for Maeve cause she really liked Kellin but was worried he didn’t want anything serious. I also felt bad for Kellin because he really liked her but the mission came first. It was sad to see the guilt eat him up. I loved their chemistry. Their scenes were hot. I was rooting for them the entire time. This was an emotional, action packed, roller coaster. It is filled with drama, heat, secrets, danger, suspense, and a shocking twists. The epilogue left me wanting more. I can’t wait for the next one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is Kellin and Maeve's story. This one has the emotional connection that builds to the explosive finish. Kellin is sent to California to do a job and prove his loyalty. He's emotionally closed off at the start, but meeting Maeve starts the unwrapping of the many facets of his character. He's business minded but will stand up when necessary. He falls quickly for Maeve without admitting it. When it appears he's betraying her, it seems to physically hurt him.
As for Maeve, she's an open book if you know where to look. Yes her father is a crime boss but she's not a daddy's girl or blind to him. She has to accept him as a partner in her hotel even knowing that he nor her brothers will ever see her as anything else except as a woman not really worth much thought. Her brothers' reactions hurt her, but she expects nothing else from her family. Kellin starts off as a way to get her father out of her hotel. It's a twist in that they are both using each other. Maeve's intelligence and strong character isn't something one see's very often and this reader was doing the happy dance. Her reaction when it appears Kellin betrayed her is not often seen and just adds another twist to the plot. The interaction between the two runs the gambit of friends, lovers, users, and more.
I do wish we could rate in .5 stars because I really think this book is a 4.5/4.75. My one critique is Maeve's father. He doesn't see the intelligent woman his daughter is. He treats her worse than anything. He really needed a comeuppance, and it never materialized. Kellin tried to open his eyes but that was one small time and failed miserably. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As for Maeve, she's an open book if you know where to look. Yes her father is a crime boss but she's not a daddy's girl or blind to him. She has to accept him as a partner in her hotel even knowing that he nor her brothers will ever see her as anything else except as a woman not really worth much thought. Her brothers' reactions hurt her, but she expects nothing else from her family. Kellin starts off as a way to get her father out of her hotel. It's a twist in that they are both using each other. Maeve's intelligence and strong character isn't something one see's very often and this reader was doing the happy dance. Her reaction when it appears Kellin betrayed her is not often seen and just adds another twist to the plot. The interaction between the two runs the gambit of friends, lovers, users, and more.
I do wish we could rate in .5 stars because I really think this book is a 4.5/4.75. My one critique is Maeve's father. He doesn't see the intelligent woman his daughter is. He treats her worse than anything. He really needed a comeuppance, and it never materialized. Kellin tried to open his eyes but that was one small time and failed miserably. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 22, 2025
Advanced Reader Copy - Ruthless Pursuit by Renee Parker
Wow… the chemistry in this one 🔥. Ruthless Pursuit was absolutely on fire for me. From the very first pages, the tension crackled and never really let go ❤️🔥.
Kellin is tasked by Finn, the leader of the Irish Kings, to prove himself by finding a runaway accountant with far too many secrets. That search leads him to the West Coast — to a hotel owned by Maeve, and from the moment she appeared on the page, I was hooked. Maeve, the daughter of the Port King, despises her ties to her father. Even though he helped finance her hotel, he still uses it however he pleases, creating constant trouble for her. And you can feel how deeply that hurts, because this hotel is everything to her, her dream, her heart, her safe place 💔. Every ounce of her love and effort lives within those walls.
When a potential investor shows interest in buying in, Maeve finally starts to see a way forward. Except that investor is Kellin, playing a role — and let me tell you, the air between them burns 🔥. Their connection is magnetic, but they both hold back, torn between duty, loyalty, and desire 🫠. You can feel how much their responsibilities mean to them… and still, they can’t resist each other ❤️.
I absolutely adored the way Kellin looks at Maeve, the care, the admiration, the quiet respect, even as he tries to stay true to his word. And Maeve? She’s a powerhouse 💪. Strong, dedicated, passionate. Watching her fight to be taken seriously, to give everything and still be overlooked simply because she’s a woman, hit very close to home for me. That part resonated deeply 🥹.
I really enjoyed their story and found myself completely immersed in both the characters and their world. This one stayed with me.
Wow… the chemistry in this one 🔥. Ruthless Pursuit was absolutely on fire for me. From the very first pages, the tension crackled and never really let go ❤️🔥.
Kellin is tasked by Finn, the leader of the Irish Kings, to prove himself by finding a runaway accountant with far too many secrets. That search leads him to the West Coast — to a hotel owned by Maeve, and from the moment she appeared on the page, I was hooked. Maeve, the daughter of the Port King, despises her ties to her father. Even though he helped finance her hotel, he still uses it however he pleases, creating constant trouble for her. And you can feel how deeply that hurts, because this hotel is everything to her, her dream, her heart, her safe place 💔. Every ounce of her love and effort lives within those walls.
When a potential investor shows interest in buying in, Maeve finally starts to see a way forward. Except that investor is Kellin, playing a role — and let me tell you, the air between them burns 🔥. Their connection is magnetic, but they both hold back, torn between duty, loyalty, and desire 🫠. You can feel how much their responsibilities mean to them… and still, they can’t resist each other ❤️.
I absolutely adored the way Kellin looks at Maeve, the care, the admiration, the quiet respect, even as he tries to stay true to his word. And Maeve? She’s a powerhouse 💪. Strong, dedicated, passionate. Watching her fight to be taken seriously, to give everything and still be overlooked simply because she’s a woman, hit very close to home for me. That part resonated deeply 🥹.
I really enjoyed their story and found myself completely immersed in both the characters and their world. This one stayed with me.
August 17, 2026
Los reyes irlandeses regresaron a mi vida...
La verdad es que el primer amor nunca se olvida y debo decir que Finn será siempre mi favorito, entonces me pondré más estricta a a hora de calificar... por que aún no ha podido tener competencia.
Primero que nada, debo decir que algo que le pueda restar un poquitín de puntaje es que los personajes protagonistas salen de repente, me hubiera gustado tener un poco más de contexto de quienes eran porque siento que a veces se siente raro.
La historia es buena, es un giro interesante que ahora estemos en un lugar donde los buenos pueden ser los "malos" y que hay más malos fue el toque final que no me esperaba. La pareja es explosiva juntos, esos dos irradiaban tensión en cada página y wow con las escenas que Renee puede escribir...
La verdad es que los personajes fueron excelentes, porque creo que la finalidad era justo esa donde a él lo debes odiar por sus decisiones y formas de actuar, y a ella sentir esa emoción donde todo está fuera de su control y se siente tan poco apoyada en su entorno familiar.
Claro que hubieron cositas que para mi gusto no fueron un top en la historia, y es que de verdad que la aunque la tensión estaba y la pareja era increíble junta, había momentos donde decía ¿Cómo no puedes ver? y creo que ese fue mi mayor problema, que ella aunque era solitaria era la opción más fácil de llegar para él y es que aceptémoslo ella buscaba ese sentimiento de ser por fin querida y atesorada aunque sea en un aspecto.
Lo que si puedo decir que fue un increíble sala de espera para el siguiente libro, porque necesito con todo mi ser conocer la historia de Brody en este mundo criminal y ver cómo por fin encuentra su camino.
No fue mi mejor lectura a nivel Finn (¿Si se nota que quede fascinada o aún no?) pero no fue una mala lectura nivel 0... creo que si pudiera darle una calificación puede ser un 8
La verdad es que el primer amor nunca se olvida y debo decir que Finn será siempre mi favorito, entonces me pondré más estricta a a hora de calificar... por que aún no ha podido tener competencia.
Primero que nada, debo decir que algo que le pueda restar un poquitín de puntaje es que los personajes protagonistas salen de repente, me hubiera gustado tener un poco más de contexto de quienes eran porque siento que a veces se siente raro.
La historia es buena, es un giro interesante que ahora estemos en un lugar donde los buenos pueden ser los "malos" y que hay más malos fue el toque final que no me esperaba. La pareja es explosiva juntos, esos dos irradiaban tensión en cada página y wow con las escenas que Renee puede escribir...
La verdad es que los personajes fueron excelentes, porque creo que la finalidad era justo esa donde a él lo debes odiar por sus decisiones y formas de actuar, y a ella sentir esa emoción donde todo está fuera de su control y se siente tan poco apoyada en su entorno familiar.
Claro que hubieron cositas que para mi gusto no fueron un top en la historia, y es que de verdad que la aunque la tensión estaba y la pareja era increíble junta, había momentos donde decía ¿Cómo no puedes ver? y creo que ese fue mi mayor problema, que ella aunque era solitaria era la opción más fácil de llegar para él y es que aceptémoslo ella buscaba ese sentimiento de ser por fin querida y atesorada aunque sea en un aspecto.
Lo que si puedo decir que fue un increíble sala de espera para el siguiente libro, porque necesito con todo mi ser conocer la historia de Brody en este mundo criminal y ver cómo por fin encuentra su camino.
No fue mi mejor lectura a nivel Finn (¿Si se nota que quede fascinada o aún no?) pero no fue una mala lectura nivel 0... creo que si pudiera darle una calificación puede ser un 8
June 22, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Persecución Despiadada — Renee Parker 👇🏼
Si disfrutas los romances de mafia con mucha tensión, secretos y una química imposible de ignorar, este libro definitivamente vale la pena.
Maeve Gallagher sueña con escapar del mundo mafioso de su familia y sacar adelante el hotel que dirige. Por otro lado, Kellin Brennan llega haciéndose pasar por inversionista, pero en realidad tiene una misión secreta que lo obliga a acercarse a ella. Lo que ninguno esperaba era la atracción inmediata que surge entre ellos.
Lo que comienza como una relación de “amigos” con beneficios rápidamente se complica cuando los sentimientos empiezan a involucrarse. La química entre Maeve y Kellin es excelente desde el primer momento y una de las cosas que más disfruté fue ver cómo ambos intentan convencerse de que todo es algo temporal, mientras cada vez les resulta más difícil mantenerse alejados.
El libro tiene muy buen ritmo y se lee súper rápido. Entre las mentiras, las lealtades familiares, las misiones encubiertas y el romance, siempre está pasando algo que te mantiene enganchada. Además, Maeve me gustó mucho como protagonista porque es fuerte, inteligente y trabajadora, mientras que Kellin encaja perfectamente en el papel de héroe moralmente gris (hizo vainitas raras) que termina cayendo más fuerte de lo que esperaba.
📖 Tropes:
* Mafia Romance
* “Amigos” con beneficios
* Atracción instantánea
* Identidad secreta
* Héroe moralmente gris
* Secretos y mentiras
* Tócala y 💀
* Proximidad forzada
* Lealtad familiar vs tu amor’
Le di 4/5 estrellas porque me mantuvo entretenida de principio a fin y disfruté muchísimo la relación entre Maeve y Kellin. Ahora me quedé con muchas ganas de seguir con la serie, especialmente porque tengo entendido que los próximos libros serán sobre los hermanos de Maeve, y después de conocerlos aquí necesito sus historias a ver klk’ con ellos.
🔗
Ig: @emsnewchapter
Si disfrutas los romances de mafia con mucha tensión, secretos y una química imposible de ignorar, este libro definitivamente vale la pena.
Maeve Gallagher sueña con escapar del mundo mafioso de su familia y sacar adelante el hotel que dirige. Por otro lado, Kellin Brennan llega haciéndose pasar por inversionista, pero en realidad tiene una misión secreta que lo obliga a acercarse a ella. Lo que ninguno esperaba era la atracción inmediata que surge entre ellos.
Lo que comienza como una relación de “amigos” con beneficios rápidamente se complica cuando los sentimientos empiezan a involucrarse. La química entre Maeve y Kellin es excelente desde el primer momento y una de las cosas que más disfruté fue ver cómo ambos intentan convencerse de que todo es algo temporal, mientras cada vez les resulta más difícil mantenerse alejados.
El libro tiene muy buen ritmo y se lee súper rápido. Entre las mentiras, las lealtades familiares, las misiones encubiertas y el romance, siempre está pasando algo que te mantiene enganchada. Además, Maeve me gustó mucho como protagonista porque es fuerte, inteligente y trabajadora, mientras que Kellin encaja perfectamente en el papel de héroe moralmente gris (hizo vainitas raras) que termina cayendo más fuerte de lo que esperaba.
📖 Tropes:
* Mafia Romance
* “Amigos” con beneficios
* Atracción instantánea
* Identidad secreta
* Héroe moralmente gris
* Secretos y mentiras
* Tócala y 💀
* Proximidad forzada
* Lealtad familiar vs tu amor’
Le di 4/5 estrellas porque me mantuvo entretenida de principio a fin y disfruté muchísimo la relación entre Maeve y Kellin. Ahora me quedé con muchas ganas de seguir con la serie, especialmente porque tengo entendido que los próximos libros serán sobre los hermanos de Maeve, y después de conocerlos aquí necesito sus historias a ver klk’ con ellos.
🔗
Ig: @emsnewchapter
December 24, 2025
Ruthless Pursuit is an emotional powerhouse of a mafia romance. As the sixth installment in the Irish Kings series, it carries the heavy weight of previous events, specifically the passing of the head of the Kings. With Finn now leading, Kellin Brennan finds himself in a position where he must redeem his family name after his uncle's betrayal.
The plot takes us to Los Angeles, where Kellin is tasked with infiltrating the circle of the LA Ports Kings. His entry point is Maeve Gallagher, a woman who is as brilliant as she is beautiful. Maeve’s struggle for independence through her Santa Monica hotel made her such a relatable and strong protagonist. She sees Kellin as her ticket to freedom, unaware that he is the very danger she should be avoiding.
What stood out most to me was the raw internal conflict Kellin faces. The secret identity element adds a layer of forbidden desire that makes every stolen moment feel significant. The chemistry is intense, and the transition from Kellin seeing her as a mark to seeing her as his priority is handled with so much heart. Seeing him realize he would stop at nothing to protect her was a highlight for me.
While the conclusion felt slightly rushed compared to the slow-burn tension of the rest of the book, the emotional journey was well worth it. It leaves a lot of promise for the future of the series. Thank you to Renee Parker for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The plot takes us to Los Angeles, where Kellin is tasked with infiltrating the circle of the LA Ports Kings. His entry point is Maeve Gallagher, a woman who is as brilliant as she is beautiful. Maeve’s struggle for independence through her Santa Monica hotel made her such a relatable and strong protagonist. She sees Kellin as her ticket to freedom, unaware that he is the very danger she should be avoiding.
What stood out most to me was the raw internal conflict Kellin faces. The secret identity element adds a layer of forbidden desire that makes every stolen moment feel significant. The chemistry is intense, and the transition from Kellin seeing her as a mark to seeing her as his priority is handled with so much heart. Seeing him realize he would stop at nothing to protect her was a highlight for me.
While the conclusion felt slightly rushed compared to the slow-burn tension of the rest of the book, the emotional journey was well worth it. It leaves a lot of promise for the future of the series. Thank you to Renee Parker for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 21, 2025
I have been reading Renee Parker’s Irish Kings series since the first book, and at this point the characters truly feel like family to me. Each story brought something special, some closer to my heart than others, but Ruthless Pursuit is without a doubt one of my favorites in the series.
This book pulled me in completely. I did not just read it, I felt it. The secret identity storyline adds strong tension as Kellin balances his duty to the Kings with his growing feelings for Maeve, knowing she is his mission and that through her he would infiltrate her outcast father’s circle. His internal conflict was written beautifully and felt raw and real. Maeve’s longing for freedom and her desire to escape the life she was born into made her incredibly easy to connect with. She is strong, intelligent, and quietly lonely, and watching her slowly begin to trust and open her heart was deeply emotional.
The chemistry between Kellin and Maeve is intense and emotional, full of stolen moments that feel fragile and temporary. Watching Kellin reach the point where he would kill without hesitation to protect Maeve was powerful and unforgettable.
Renee Parker has an incredible ability to make readers feel exactly what her characters feel. Ruthless Pursuit is a strong, emotional, and deeply satisfying addition to the Irish Kings series. I highly recommend this book and the entire series.
This book pulled me in completely. I did not just read it, I felt it. The secret identity storyline adds strong tension as Kellin balances his duty to the Kings with his growing feelings for Maeve, knowing she is his mission and that through her he would infiltrate her outcast father’s circle. His internal conflict was written beautifully and felt raw and real. Maeve’s longing for freedom and her desire to escape the life she was born into made her incredibly easy to connect with. She is strong, intelligent, and quietly lonely, and watching her slowly begin to trust and open her heart was deeply emotional.
The chemistry between Kellin and Maeve is intense and emotional, full of stolen moments that feel fragile and temporary. Watching Kellin reach the point where he would kill without hesitation to protect Maeve was powerful and unforgettable.
Renee Parker has an incredible ability to make readers feel exactly what her characters feel. Ruthless Pursuit is a strong, emotional, and deeply satisfying addition to the Irish Kings series. I highly recommend this book and the entire series.
December 22, 2025
This is Kellin and Maeve’s story, and it delivers a steady, emotionally driven mafia romance built on strategy, tension, and slow-burn connection.
Maeve is strong, intelligent, and quietly lonely in a way that makes her easy to root for. She has spent her life navigating a world that never truly put her first, and I really appreciated how grounded and capable she felt throughout the story.
Kellin comes in with a plan and a job to do. He is controlled, business-minded, and convinced he can keep his emotions in check. Watching that confidence slowly unravel as Maeve becomes more than just part of the mission was one of the most satisfying parts of the book. The shift from strategy to genuine feeling happens gradually and feels earned.
The romance leans more emotional than explosive, built on trust, choice, and the realization that some lines are impossible not to cross. This is a strong entry in the series and one that will work especially well for readers who enjoy structured mafia romance with solid character growth.
Thank you to the author and RoseHarbor Publishing for the ARC.
Maeve is strong, intelligent, and quietly lonely in a way that makes her easy to root for. She has spent her life navigating a world that never truly put her first, and I really appreciated how grounded and capable she felt throughout the story.
Kellin comes in with a plan and a job to do. He is controlled, business-minded, and convinced he can keep his emotions in check. Watching that confidence slowly unravel as Maeve becomes more than just part of the mission was one of the most satisfying parts of the book. The shift from strategy to genuine feeling happens gradually and feels earned.
The romance leans more emotional than explosive, built on trust, choice, and the realization that some lines are impossible not to cross. This is a strong entry in the series and one that will work especially well for readers who enjoy structured mafia romance with solid character growth.
Thank you to the author and RoseHarbor Publishing for the ARC.
December 25, 2025
This book grabbed me from page one and absolutely refused to let go. Maeve broke my heart in the softest way possible—she’s strong, guarded, and so painfully alone, just trying to survive in a world that’s never been kind to her. And then Kellin walks in… initially with an agenda, a plan, a mission. Except life laughs at plans, doesn’t it?
Watching Kellin slowly realize Maeve isn’t just “part of the job” but someone who deserves softness, protection, and love? Yeah, my heart did a full somersault. The shift from tension to trust to feelings neither of them wanted to acknowledge was SO GOOD. The emotional build up, the vulnerability, the way fear and love constantly clash… chef’s kiss.
Things get messy (of course), truths explode, and it genuinely hurts because you can feel how much they both have to lose. But the payoff? Worth it. Kellin proving his love. Maeve finally feeling safe. Them choosing each other despite everything. That hit deep.
Maeve’s growth was everything. Kellin falling first and falling hard? Delicious behavior. Together they’re chaotic, intense, emotional, and absolutely perfect in their broken, healing way.
Watching Kellin slowly realize Maeve isn’t just “part of the job” but someone who deserves softness, protection, and love? Yeah, my heart did a full somersault. The shift from tension to trust to feelings neither of them wanted to acknowledge was SO GOOD. The emotional build up, the vulnerability, the way fear and love constantly clash… chef’s kiss.
Things get messy (of course), truths explode, and it genuinely hurts because you can feel how much they both have to lose. But the payoff? Worth it. Kellin proving his love. Maeve finally feeling safe. Them choosing each other despite everything. That hit deep.
Maeve’s growth was everything. Kellin falling first and falling hard? Delicious behavior. Together they’re chaotic, intense, emotional, and absolutely perfect in their broken, healing way.
March 11, 2026
I enjoyed this Irish Kings book so much better than the last one, but not nearly as much as the first 4.
I liked Kellin, but other than knowing he was a King and doing a job for Finn, there was no real 'mafia' to him. I don't really know how to classify him. He wasn't able to do much other than surveil. That's it. He has a degree in cybersecurity but was tasked with taking care of the accountant? It was a bit weak.
Then there's Maeve. Her character was well-developed and I liked her. And I loved Kellin and Maeve's interactions, but I didn't care for the insta-love. It was as weak as Kellin's background.
The spice was good.
The overall plot was good, but hokey at times.
I would, however, recommend this book.
I'm actually looking forward to Brody's book (Maeve's brother), but only because I want to see his father brought to his knees for being such a douche and I want to see Finn and his crew in action again and it's got to happen considering his sister is the FMC.
I liked Kellin, but other than knowing he was a King and doing a job for Finn, there was no real 'mafia' to him. I don't really know how to classify him. He wasn't able to do much other than surveil. That's it. He has a degree in cybersecurity but was tasked with taking care of the accountant? It was a bit weak.
Then there's Maeve. Her character was well-developed and I liked her. And I loved Kellin and Maeve's interactions, but I didn't care for the insta-love. It was as weak as Kellin's background.
The spice was good.
The overall plot was good, but hokey at times.
I would, however, recommend this book.
I'm actually looking forward to Brody's book (Maeve's brother), but only because I want to see his father brought to his knees for being such a douche and I want to see Finn and his crew in action again and it's got to happen considering his sister is the FMC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ruthless Pursuit is the sixth story in the Irish Kings series. It is well-written and another amazing story from this author.
Kellin has been tasked with getting closer to Maeve to find out information. He has been sent by Finn, the leader of the Irish Kings, to prove himself and his loyalty. Kellin is not an open person but that changes once he meets her. Maeve is the daughter of the Port King and owns a hotel. She does not like her father having ties to the hotel which means everything to her. Kellin appears as an investor to the hotel but he is not how he seems. He has instant chemistry with Maeve. They are both torn between loyalty to their families and their craving for each other.
I loved how strong Maeve was. She was independent and dedicated to her job. I loved the connection she had with Kellin. Their story is amazing and I look forward to the next one.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy for an honest review.
Kellin has been tasked with getting closer to Maeve to find out information. He has been sent by Finn, the leader of the Irish Kings, to prove himself and his loyalty. Kellin is not an open person but that changes once he meets her. Maeve is the daughter of the Port King and owns a hotel. She does not like her father having ties to the hotel which means everything to her. Kellin appears as an investor to the hotel but he is not how he seems. He has instant chemistry with Maeve. They are both torn between loyalty to their families and their craving for each other.
I loved how strong Maeve was. She was independent and dedicated to her job. I loved the connection she had with Kellin. Their story is amazing and I look forward to the next one.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy for an honest review.
June 24, 2026
Reseña ARC🥀
📚 Persecución Despiadada
Serie Reyes Irlandeses #6
🖋️ @byreneeparker
Traducido por @sirenaaudiobooks
🔥Llegamos al Libro #6 de la Serie Reyes Irlandeses 🔥
🥀 En este libro tenemos la historia de Maeve y Kellin. 🥀
🥀 Donde Kellin Brennan tendrá que demostrar que no es un traidor,(como su tío) y eso solo lo podrá hacer por medio de Maeve Gallagher.... Pero lo que no espera es que ella sea eso que jamás quiso y nunca buscó.
🥀 El personaje de Maeve me gustó mucho, porqué a pesar de no ser una "Princesa de la Mafia". Es muy inteligente dueña de un Hotel en los Ángeles y No piensa dejar que nadie se interponga en su camino para conseguir lo que desea.
🥀 La historia en sí, se me hizo un poco lenta. Y llegué a sentirla flojita,pero después del 50% se me pasó super rápido la lectura. Además el Plot twist me encantó 🥀
🥀 Me gustó ver el apoyo que se demuestran y el desenlace de la pareja en la historia, el como lograron convertirse en lo que cada uno necesitaba. 🩷
Lo puedes encontrar en Amazon EBook y Papel, gratis con Kindle Unlímited
¿Tú lo leerias? ¿Ya conocías a la autora?
#booksrecommendations #sirenaaudiobooks #reneparker
📚 Persecución Despiadada
Serie Reyes Irlandeses #6
🖋️ @byreneeparker
Traducido por @sirenaaudiobooks
🔥Llegamos al Libro #6 de la Serie Reyes Irlandeses 🔥
🥀 En este libro tenemos la historia de Maeve y Kellin. 🥀
🥀 Donde Kellin Brennan tendrá que demostrar que no es un traidor,(como su tío) y eso solo lo podrá hacer por medio de Maeve Gallagher.... Pero lo que no espera es que ella sea eso que jamás quiso y nunca buscó.
🥀 El personaje de Maeve me gustó mucho, porqué a pesar de no ser una "Princesa de la Mafia". Es muy inteligente dueña de un Hotel en los Ángeles y No piensa dejar que nadie se interponga en su camino para conseguir lo que desea.
🥀 La historia en sí, se me hizo un poco lenta. Y llegué a sentirla flojita,pero después del 50% se me pasó super rápido la lectura. Además el Plot twist me encantó 🥀
🥀 Me gustó ver el apoyo que se demuestran y el desenlace de la pareja en la historia, el como lograron convertirse en lo que cada uno necesitaba. 🩷
Lo puedes encontrar en Amazon EBook y Papel, gratis con Kindle Unlímited
¿Tú lo leerias? ¿Ya conocías a la autora?
#booksrecommendations #sirenaaudiobooks #reneparker
December 22, 2025
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Meet Maeve and Kellin. Maeve is a mafia princess who would rather just run her hotel without her family’s involvement and Kellin is an enforcer who is working to gain the trust of his boss after his family name was ruined by his uncle.
Through a lot of sneaky means, Kellin meets Maeve in hopes of getting back his family’s accountant before her father gets him to crack on the Irish Kings books. If insta-attraction is your cup of spicy tea … this is the book for you. Between them falling head over heels for each other, you are lead on an adventure of them both trying to decide what secrets to share before it blows up in their faces.
Kellin is possessive in all the right ways while Maeve is independent and headstrong. Want to see what happens when you hide part of yourself? Well then, welcome to the Cypress Hotel where the truth always comes to light.
Meet Maeve and Kellin. Maeve is a mafia princess who would rather just run her hotel without her family’s involvement and Kellin is an enforcer who is working to gain the trust of his boss after his family name was ruined by his uncle.
Through a lot of sneaky means, Kellin meets Maeve in hopes of getting back his family’s accountant before her father gets him to crack on the Irish Kings books. If insta-attraction is your cup of spicy tea … this is the book for you. Between them falling head over heels for each other, you are lead on an adventure of them both trying to decide what secrets to share before it blows up in their faces.
Kellin is possessive in all the right ways while Maeve is independent and headstrong. Want to see what happens when you hide part of yourself? Well then, welcome to the Cypress Hotel where the truth always comes to light.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
When the Charming Badboy Finally Meets his Match…
Instant chemistry. Undeniable Heat. Guarded Secrets. Ruthless Pursuit is all of this and then some.
Everything has always come easily to the gorgeous Kellin Brennan. Kellin’s that guy who can charm you with a lingering gaze, an engaging smile, an oh-so sexy, deep voice, and his intense attention to every detail. He’s got a reputation for completing every assignment with finesse, so getting close to the enemy through his daughter should be a piece of cake, right? Not so fast!!
Maeve Gallagher isn’t the easy mark that Kellin thought she would be, and she’s not the spoiled Mafia Princess he was expecting either. Maeve has worked really hard to build a life for herself outside of her father and brothers’ world of crime and violence. She’s smart, creative, full of hope, and of course, incredibly beautiful. Maeve thinks Kellin might be the answer to her prayers, her way of getting out from under her father’s thumb. Is he, though?
From the moment Kellin and Maeve make eye contact, sparks fly, tongues get tied, and blood rushes from the brain to southern destinations! Suddenly, Kellin isn’t sure what’s more important–completing his assignment or keeping Maeve for himself..forever.
Renee Parker wrote another great story in Ruthless Pursuit. This series just keeps getting better, hotter, steamier.
Instant chemistry. Undeniable Heat. Guarded Secrets. Ruthless Pursuit is all of this and then some.
Everything has always come easily to the gorgeous Kellin Brennan. Kellin’s that guy who can charm you with a lingering gaze, an engaging smile, an oh-so sexy, deep voice, and his intense attention to every detail. He’s got a reputation for completing every assignment with finesse, so getting close to the enemy through his daughter should be a piece of cake, right? Not so fast!!
Maeve Gallagher isn’t the easy mark that Kellin thought she would be, and she’s not the spoiled Mafia Princess he was expecting either. Maeve has worked really hard to build a life for herself outside of her father and brothers’ world of crime and violence. She’s smart, creative, full of hope, and of course, incredibly beautiful. Maeve thinks Kellin might be the answer to her prayers, her way of getting out from under her father’s thumb. Is he, though?
From the moment Kellin and Maeve make eye contact, sparks fly, tongues get tied, and blood rushes from the brain to southern destinations! Suddenly, Kellin isn’t sure what’s more important–completing his assignment or keeping Maeve for himself..forever.
Renee Parker wrote another great story in Ruthless Pursuit. This series just keeps getting better, hotter, steamier.
December 23, 2025
This one is difficult for me to review. I enjoyed the storyline and the pace of the book. The development of Maeve and Kellin’s love story hit all the right notes. Their on-page chemistry is on point. But, Maeve’s overall character is really disappointing.
Maeve’s supposed to be this strong, intelligent woman, but where her family is concerned she becomes too naive, too meek. And for me, it completely ruins her character. If Maeve had truly been a strong, fearless woman it would have changed, for the better, the entire dynamic of the book. In the end, I hated her father more than I liked her. (I really hope her father meets his maker in the next book.)
Ruthless Pursuit is a tension-filled read, but, unfortunately, not for all the right reasons.
I received an advanced copy. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Maeve’s supposed to be this strong, intelligent woman, but where her family is concerned she becomes too naive, too meek. And for me, it completely ruins her character. If Maeve had truly been a strong, fearless woman it would have changed, for the better, the entire dynamic of the book. In the end, I hated her father more than I liked her. (I really hope her father meets his maker in the next book.)
Ruthless Pursuit is a tension-filled read, but, unfortunately, not for all the right reasons.
I received an advanced copy. This is my honest and voluntary review.
December 26, 2025
This is the sixth book by Renee Parker in the Irish Kings series, His Ruthless Pursuit.
A slow-burn romance, the tension smolders between the main characters throughout the book. The romance leans more emotional than explosive, built on trust, choice, and the realization that some lines are impossible not to cross. This installment stands out as a strong addition to the series and one that will work especially well for readers who enjoy structured mafia romance with solid character growth.
I eagerly await the next story, the little scrap was just enough to leave me wanting more and as always, these men think they have everything under control—until they meet their true love and are completely lost, and I love that.
Thank you to the author and RoseHarbor Publishing for the ARC.
A slow-burn romance, the tension smolders between the main characters throughout the book. The romance leans more emotional than explosive, built on trust, choice, and the realization that some lines are impossible not to cross. This installment stands out as a strong addition to the series and one that will work especially well for readers who enjoy structured mafia romance with solid character growth.
I eagerly await the next story, the little scrap was just enough to leave me wanting more and as always, these men think they have everything under control—until they meet their true love and are completely lost, and I love that.
Thank you to the author and RoseHarbor Publishing for the ARC.
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