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Ruthless Heart: The spicy, touch her and die, enemies-to-lovers, college romance
🖤 Enemies-to-lovers
🖤 Sports romance
🖤 Bully romance
🖤 Morally grey MMC
I wake up naked. Hungover. And in the wrong bed.
Jett Santo’s bed.
Cardinal Saint’s star quarterback.
Arrogant. Untouchable. Dangerous.
He doesn’t even remember my name.
I should be grateful. I should disappear.
Pretend it never happened.
But I can’t.
Because my body already belongs to him.
And he knows it.
Now his future is on the line — and I’m no longer a mistake.
I’m his alibi.
His weakness.
His obsession.
Jett Santo doesn’t lose.
But I’m hiding a secret that could destroy us both.
Because that night wasn’t the ending.
It was the beginning.
And when the truth comes out, neither of us will walk away unscathed.
A scorching football romance full of obsession, secrets and a hero who breaks all the rules — perfect for fans of Meagan Brandy, Chloe Walsh, Parker S. Huntington, Rosa Lucas, L.J Shen, Rebecca Jenshak, Nikki Lawson or Becka Mack
Recommended for 18+.
🖤 Sports romance
🖤 Bully romance
🖤 Morally grey MMC
I wake up naked. Hungover. And in the wrong bed.
Jett Santo’s bed.
Cardinal Saint’s star quarterback.
Arrogant. Untouchable. Dangerous.
He doesn’t even remember my name.
I should be grateful. I should disappear.
Pretend it never happened.
But I can’t.
Because my body already belongs to him.
And he knows it.
Now his future is on the line — and I’m no longer a mistake.
I’m his alibi.
His weakness.
His obsession.
Jett Santo doesn’t lose.
But I’m hiding a secret that could destroy us both.
Because that night wasn’t the ending.
It was the beginning.
And when the truth comes out, neither of us will walk away unscathed.
A scorching football romance full of obsession, secrets and a hero who breaks all the rules — perfect for fans of Meagan Brandy, Chloe Walsh, Parker S. Huntington, Rosa Lucas, L.J Shen, Rebecca Jenshak, Nikki Lawson or Becka Mack
Recommended for 18+.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 2, 2026
210 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Eve L. Mitchell
63 books772 followersEve L. Mitchell is a USA Today Bestselling author who writes contemporary romance and urban fantasy.
Being an avid reader from a young age, Eve still considers herself to be a reader first. She believes there is nothing better than getting that new book either on your e-reader or in your hands, and the fact she may bring that excitement to a fellow reader, fills her with wonder. She writes under a pen name because otherwise her Secret Agent status will be revoked.
Eve lives in the North East of Scotland, with her three coffee machines and her significant other, Mr. M. She enjoys NFL Football, music and having long conversations with the voices in her head, which sometimes turn into the stories she writes.
Being an avid reader from a young age, Eve still considers herself to be a reader first. She believes there is nothing better than getting that new book either on your e-reader or in your hands, and the fact she may bring that excitement to a fellow reader, fills her with wonder. She writes under a pen name because otherwise her Secret Agent status will be revoked.
Eve lives in the North East of Scotland, with her three coffee machines and her significant other, Mr. M. She enjoys NFL Football, music and having long conversations with the voices in her head, which sometimes turn into the stories she writes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 23, 2026
Ruthless Heart by Eve L. Mitchell is the brilliant and intoxicating beginning of the Ruthless Devils series.
The main characters, Ava and Jett are a dynamic duo and a couple who I found addicted to know how their story would pan out.
Each character had their own story to tell, and having this as a dual POV from both Ava and Jett’s perspectives, really helped to cement the storyline and allowed for the reader to understand the deep underlying thoughts and feelings of both characters, as well as the reasons for their actions.
Whilst there’s a level of hatred between these two, there’s also an intensity to their attraction towards one and another, which captures the enemies to lovers genre perfectly.
This is enhanced by the flashbacks which are so well entwined into the storyline that it’s a vivid experience for the reader, as we are drawn into what has happened and the emotions the character is feeling.
Ava has a few clever references of fairy tale stories rolled into everyday situations. But this story is anything but a fairy tale and I’m sure at times Ava would rather be living in one, rather than playing a real life cat and mouse game or maybe Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf, is more appropriate.
With witty remarks and sassy comebacks, you’ll find yourself giggle at scenes. Whilst for others you’ll be deeply drawn into the emotional journey that both Ava and Jett go on - both collectively and alone. At no time in Ruthless Heart, will you be starved for a gripping plot and addictive characters.
Oh and I almost forgot to mention the attention to detail in this story with the football references. I’ve never read a sports romance book that completely nails the sports analogies, whilst maintaining the true romance element of the book. I think this is a massive win and skill that Eve L. Mitchell has been able to capture this so perfectly, especially weaving it into Ava’s character by showing how much she loves football and the ease of understanding Jett’s life a QB for the Devils.
This enemies to lovers, college sports romance is a slow burn which heats up, along with light bullying aspects and mystery - which I can’t wait to see what the bigger picture is throughout the series.
Bonus chapter: I know Quinn is a side character in Ruthless Heart, but right from the first chapter Quinn appeared in, I need to know more of her story. I’m ecstatic that the second book will be Quinn’s!!
I feel like Ruthless Heart was just the warm up, as the Handoff to the Running Back will change the game. Overall I can’t wait to read more about the Santo’s guys and the women who they fall for, in the following Ruthless Devils books.
The main characters, Ava and Jett are a dynamic duo and a couple who I found addicted to know how their story would pan out.
Each character had their own story to tell, and having this as a dual POV from both Ava and Jett’s perspectives, really helped to cement the storyline and allowed for the reader to understand the deep underlying thoughts and feelings of both characters, as well as the reasons for their actions.
Whilst there’s a level of hatred between these two, there’s also an intensity to their attraction towards one and another, which captures the enemies to lovers genre perfectly.
This is enhanced by the flashbacks which are so well entwined into the storyline that it’s a vivid experience for the reader, as we are drawn into what has happened and the emotions the character is feeling.
Ava has a few clever references of fairy tale stories rolled into everyday situations. But this story is anything but a fairy tale and I’m sure at times Ava would rather be living in one, rather than playing a real life cat and mouse game or maybe Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf, is more appropriate.
With witty remarks and sassy comebacks, you’ll find yourself giggle at scenes. Whilst for others you’ll be deeply drawn into the emotional journey that both Ava and Jett go on - both collectively and alone. At no time in Ruthless Heart, will you be starved for a gripping plot and addictive characters.
Oh and I almost forgot to mention the attention to detail in this story with the football references. I’ve never read a sports romance book that completely nails the sports analogies, whilst maintaining the true romance element of the book. I think this is a massive win and skill that Eve L. Mitchell has been able to capture this so perfectly, especially weaving it into Ava’s character by showing how much she loves football and the ease of understanding Jett’s life a QB for the Devils.
This enemies to lovers, college sports romance is a slow burn which heats up, along with light bullying aspects and mystery - which I can’t wait to see what the bigger picture is throughout the series.
Bonus chapter: I know Quinn is a side character in Ruthless Heart, but right from the first chapter Quinn appeared in, I need to know more of her story. I’m ecstatic that the second book will be Quinn’s!!
I feel like Ruthless Heart was just the warm up, as the Handoff to the Running Back will change the game. Overall I can’t wait to read more about the Santo’s guys and the women who they fall for, in the following Ruthless Devils books.
February 23, 2026
This is a revision book (posted the link at the end of this review)
3 stars . There were moments I liked, then things I didn’t. I was interested enough that I preordered book 2. (ETA- Ngl I feel a little disappointed that this series is already out there and I didn’t know before I preordered)
(Possible spoilers ahead)
Let me set this group up. H (Jett) and his twin brother, Gray and their cousin, Ash. Also, they have a woman friend, named Quinn. They are called “The devils” and I guess they are all considered morally grey. 🤷♀️
h is not like other girls 🙃 She has a large friend group and her BFF, Mia- will probably be the 3rd book. I didn’t like Mia. Anyway, h is BIG TIME into football and knows all the random stats for players.
This book opens at the most embarrassing moment in h’s life. I laughed, but I was also horrified for her. h wakes up extremely hungover in a room she doesn’t know. She has the sheet over her whole body/face because she hears somebody getting out the shower. H was in the shower. He starts telling her to get her stuff and go, but she still pretends to be out. H’s brother comes in the room and they’re having a conversation about her (and it’s NOT nice)
H is still running around getting dressed and telling h she needs to go. The brother is laughing. H says disgusting things. She can’t help it, she has to run to the bathroom and puke. Now, the guys never see her face, just her naked backside. They have to leave her there because they are running late to practice. h sees a side profile of H and knows who he is. The campus quarterback, the biggest manho on campus. 😱 He literally sleeps with every woman on campus.
So H goes to football practice. H was drug tested and it’s positive for drugs. He was suspended from football. He knows h drugged him and he’s going to find her and ruin her life. He can only remember flashes of their night.
h stole H’s bedsheet when she left his room. Why? Because she was a V and got blood all over it. She is so embarrassed. h also doesn’t remember what happened that night, only flashes.
H starts to look for the woman from the ONS. He is also trying to piece together what exactly happened that night.
The above all happened on a Friday night. By Monday, H was already getting a BJ from another girl- which h saw. 😜 They keep having random run-ins with each other and at one point, he fingers her against a wall. H can’t understand why h seems to hate him. These two keep slinging insults back and forth at each other.
I will say it takes a while before H knows it was h from the ONS. H and his buddies engage in a campaign to bully her. h is NOT timid. She fights back. At one point, all 3 men corner her in a room and she basically ends up whipping them all. 😒
h is a scholarship student, but she also has a side job designing art. H finds out and basically snitches on her. She almost lost her scholarship. 😱😡
There are a lot of parties
It’s like everyday they were all going to parties. I couldn’t even understand why h would go when people were bullying her?? Ohhh yeah. She had BBS x’s 1000. 🙃
Personally, their chemistry felt weird to me. They also decided to not use protection. oof
The mystery wasn’t that complicated. h was the intended target that night. One of the creepy football players wanted her, so he drugged her water. He tried some stuff on her, and H rescued her. He also ended up drinking her water….so that’s how they both ended up drugged.
When H finds out, we have a 3rd act breakup, of sorts. He feels absolutely terrible for what he’s done to h. Now…he doesn’t deserve her 🥴 and NOW he’s worried he may have forced her that night. He thinks if they were not drugged, she never would have hooked up with him. Huh?
Anyway, he basically Ghosted her for a few days, then she shows up at his game wearing his jersey. She also sits with his family.
HFN (there’s no way I believe these two would last more than 3 months in the real world. No way! This H will definitely be getting BJs from some random in the near future)
I will say the sneak peek for the next book was extremely interesting. I can’t wait to see what happened between Quinn and Gray. As of right now, I don’t like Quinn. Then when you find out in the flashback (preview) that she was dating Ash, but also cheating with Gray- 😱😱😱 I was like *gasp* girrrrrl. No wonder you have a strained relationship with those two. Gray is definitely the devil I’m most curious about.
ETA- I just discovered this was a revision. I hate when it’s not noted beforehand.
Here’s the link to the original. It looks like I don’t have to wait to see how this all ends.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
3 stars . There were moments I liked, then things I didn’t. I was interested enough that I preordered book 2. (ETA- Ngl I feel a little disappointed that this series is already out there and I didn’t know before I preordered)
(Possible spoilers ahead)
Let me set this group up. H (Jett) and his twin brother, Gray and their cousin, Ash. Also, they have a woman friend, named Quinn. They are called “The devils” and I guess they are all considered morally grey. 🤷♀️
h is not like other girls 🙃 She has a large friend group and her BFF, Mia- will probably be the 3rd book. I didn’t like Mia. Anyway, h is BIG TIME into football and knows all the random stats for players.
This book opens at the most embarrassing moment in h’s life. I laughed, but I was also horrified for her. h wakes up extremely hungover in a room she doesn’t know. She has the sheet over her whole body/face because she hears somebody getting out the shower. H was in the shower. He starts telling her to get her stuff and go, but she still pretends to be out. H’s brother comes in the room and they’re having a conversation about her (and it’s NOT nice)
H is still running around getting dressed and telling h she needs to go. The brother is laughing. H says disgusting things. She can’t help it, she has to run to the bathroom and puke. Now, the guys never see her face, just her naked backside. They have to leave her there because they are running late to practice. h sees a side profile of H and knows who he is. The campus quarterback, the biggest manho on campus. 😱 He literally sleeps with every woman on campus.
So H goes to football practice. H was drug tested and it’s positive for drugs. He was suspended from football. He knows h drugged him and he’s going to find her and ruin her life. He can only remember flashes of their night.
h stole H’s bedsheet when she left his room. Why? Because she was a V and got blood all over it. She is so embarrassed. h also doesn’t remember what happened that night, only flashes.
H starts to look for the woman from the ONS. He is also trying to piece together what exactly happened that night.
The above all happened on a Friday night. By Monday, H was already getting a BJ from another girl- which h saw. 😜 They keep having random run-ins with each other and at one point, he fingers her against a wall. H can’t understand why h seems to hate him. These two keep slinging insults back and forth at each other.
I will say it takes a while before H knows it was h from the ONS. H and his buddies engage in a campaign to bully her. h is NOT timid. She fights back. At one point, all 3 men corner her in a room and she basically ends up whipping them all. 😒
h is a scholarship student, but she also has a side job designing art. H finds out and basically snitches on her. She almost lost her scholarship. 😱😡
There are a lot of parties
It’s like everyday they were all going to parties. I couldn’t even understand why h would go when people were bullying her?? Ohhh yeah. She had BBS x’s 1000. 🙃
Personally, their chemistry felt weird to me. They also decided to not use protection. oof
The mystery wasn’t that complicated. h was the intended target that night. One of the creepy football players wanted her, so he drugged her water. He tried some stuff on her, and H rescued her. He also ended up drinking her water….so that’s how they both ended up drugged.
When H finds out, we have a 3rd act breakup, of sorts. He feels absolutely terrible for what he’s done to h. Now…he doesn’t deserve her 🥴 and NOW he’s worried he may have forced her that night. He thinks if they were not drugged, she never would have hooked up with him. Huh?
Anyway, he basically Ghosted her for a few days, then she shows up at his game wearing his jersey. She also sits with his family.
HFN (there’s no way I believe these two would last more than 3 months in the real world. No way! This H will definitely be getting BJs from some random in the near future)
I will say the sneak peek for the next book was extremely interesting. I can’t wait to see what happened between Quinn and Gray. As of right now, I don’t like Quinn. Then when you find out in the flashback (preview) that she was dating Ash, but also cheating with Gray- 😱😱😱 I was like *gasp* girrrrrl. No wonder you have a strained relationship with those two. Gray is definitely the devil I’m most curious about.
ETA- I just discovered this was a revision. I hate when it’s not noted beforehand.
Here’s the link to the original. It looks like I don’t have to wait to see how this all ends.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
February 1, 2026
This book was
exactly
what I needed as a palate cleanser after fantasy brain. Short, fast-paced, messy, and FUN. Like the kind of book you inhale in one sitting and then immediately start side-eyeing the rest of the series because yes, I will be continuing 😌
We open right in the chaos. Ava wakes up naked, hungover, and very much in the wrong bed and the secondhand embarrassment hit immediately. That horrible, sinking feeling of realising you are the problem in someone else’s morning. You feel her humiliation in your bones, especially when the man in question does not even remember her name. Brutal.
Jett Santo is exactly what he says on the tin. Star quarterback. Arrogant. Untouchable. Dangerous. He is morally grey in that delicious, infuriating way where you want to shake him and kiss him in equal measure. He comes in hot with assumptions, control, and a whole lot of judgement, especially once he convinces himself Ava spiked his drink. Normally, I despise miscommunication as a trope, but here it actually worked. It fuels the tension, the bullying, and the obsession without feeling lazy, and when Jett realises he was wrong… the shift is chef’s kiss.
Ava, though? I adored her. She is unassuming and innocent on the surface, but she is no doormat. She stands up to Jett and the Devils at every opportunity, and her internal monologue is genuinely funny:
Ava clocking Ash’s energy immediately made me love her even more.
But what really sold this for me was the way obsession creeps in. Ava goes from mistake to alibi to weakness, and Jett does not even pretend he is in control anymore. Their dynamic around possession is subtle but intense, especially in moments like this:
Did I predict the twist? Yes. Did I mind? Not at all. Sometimes it is about the journey, not the shock factor, and I was having too much fun to care. The pacing never drags, the side characters are genuinely compelling, and the campus atmosphere feels alive, especially with lines like:
Four stars, zero regrets, and I will absolutely be picking up the next book because if Quinn and Gray are next… I am ready 😈📖
Thank you so much to Eve L. Mitchell and Choc Lit for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
We open right in the chaos. Ava wakes up naked, hungover, and very much in the wrong bed and the secondhand embarrassment hit immediately. That horrible, sinking feeling of realising you are the problem in someone else’s morning. You feel her humiliation in your bones, especially when the man in question does not even remember her name. Brutal.
Jett Santo is exactly what he says on the tin. Star quarterback. Arrogant. Untouchable. Dangerous. He is morally grey in that delicious, infuriating way where you want to shake him and kiss him in equal measure. He comes in hot with assumptions, control, and a whole lot of judgement, especially once he convinces himself Ava spiked his drink. Normally, I despise miscommunication as a trope, but here it actually worked. It fuels the tension, the bullying, and the obsession without feeling lazy, and when Jett realises he was wrong… the shift is chef’s kiss.
Ava, though? I adored her. She is unassuming and innocent on the surface, but she is no doormat. She stands up to Jett and the Devils at every opportunity, and her internal monologue is genuinely funny:
“Mia always went on about the chemistry. I think my PH level was neutral, as I had never encountered a chemical reaction yet.”Her banter with the Saints boys is elite, especially with Gray, who is very clearly morally black and enjoying every second of it.
“Yo, chick?”The Devils as a trio are such a good dynamic. Jett is morally grey, Gray is chaos incarnate, and Ash… Ash is giving cinnamon roll with an edge and I am already obsessed. His introduction in class was iconic.
“Chick? Do I look like poultry?”
i>“I told the administration to stop sending me jocks.”Professor Leitch saying that about Ash immediately set the tone, but then Ash follows it up with quiet confidence that had me folding.
“Anyway, I opted for this class, I’m not looking for easy credit. I was told you were good, was I misinformed?”Please. Calm down.
Ava clocking Ash’s energy immediately made me love her even more.
"I think Ash Santo just became my hero."The tension between Ava and Jett is sharp, sarcastic, and constantly crackling. Their dialogue is full of bite, especially when Jett is being at his absolute worst.
“So now you want to give me a blow job.”Men. Honestly.
“What is wrong with you?”
“You.”
But what really sold this for me was the way obsession creeps in. Ava goes from mistake to alibi to weakness, and Jett does not even pretend he is in control anymore. Their dynamic around possession is subtle but intense, especially in moments like this:
“You want me to wear your shirt?”That exchange says everything about how their relationship is shifting.
“It’s just a shirt.”
“Is it?”
"No. You okay with it?"
Did I predict the twist? Yes. Did I mind? Not at all. Sometimes it is about the journey, not the shock factor, and I was having too much fun to care. The pacing never drags, the side characters are genuinely compelling, and the campus atmosphere feels alive, especially with lines like:
“…the word on campus was that the Devils were hunting because Satan himself was angry.”Overall, Ruthless Heart was a scorching, addictive sports romance with great banter, morally questionable men, and a heroine who refuses to be steamrolled. It is not reinventing the genre, but it does what it sets out to do really well, and I had a blast reading it.
Four stars, zero regrets, and I will absolutely be picking up the next book because if Quinn and Gray are next… I am ready 😈📖
Thank you so much to Eve L. Mitchell and Choc Lit for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
March 13, 2026
*3.5⭐️
I've never read anything by this author before, and when I saw the cover and the synopsis of this book, I couldn't resist and pick it up! it was mostly a fun time.
I loved ash the best. he actually seemed like a good guy most of the time. gray also intrigued me, and I'm glad to know that we'll be getting a book for him too! jett... I liked him, but at times he was insufferable, and I think that was the point, but he was quite annoying to me with the way he treated ava, and it was hard rooting for him initially.
ava also wasn't the best character because she was quite naïve and a bit of a weak little girl type. I love my women fierce, but that's my preference!
the writing style was engaging and easy to read, I giggled a few times at some of the characters' dry humour lmao.
the spicy scenes at the end of the book were done quite well. it wasn't cringy or anything. jett definitely lives up to a bad boy reputation lmao.
honestly, if you love enemies to lovers, *lowkey* bully and sports romances, and an fmc that's quite introverted, this could be for you! I had a great time watching things unfurl in this one. 🤭
I've never read anything by this author before, and when I saw the cover and the synopsis of this book, I couldn't resist and pick it up! it was mostly a fun time.
I loved ash the best. he actually seemed like a good guy most of the time. gray also intrigued me, and I'm glad to know that we'll be getting a book for him too! jett... I liked him, but at times he was insufferable, and I think that was the point, but he was quite annoying to me with the way he treated ava, and it was hard rooting for him initially.
ava also wasn't the best character because she was quite naïve and a bit of a weak little girl type. I love my women fierce, but that's my preference!
the writing style was engaging and easy to read, I giggled a few times at some of the characters' dry humour lmao.
the spicy scenes at the end of the book were done quite well. it wasn't cringy or anything. jett definitely lives up to a bad boy reputation lmao.
honestly, if you love enemies to lovers, *lowkey* bully and sports romances, and an fmc that's quite introverted, this could be for you! I had a great time watching things unfurl in this one. 🤭
March 11, 2026
loved the characters but..
I wanted to love this book sooo bad, but it just didn’t hit the mark for me. The characters were great, but some of the chapters were just unnecessary conversations that didn’t guide the book anywhere. I’m a HUGE reader of college romance and I love finding another good one. This one just felt so slow to me.
The book starts off with and bang and immediately pulls me in and I thought.. oh yeah this is about to be good and spicy like the title says.. but there was absolutely no spice hardly at all. Then last 60 minutes of the books was probably the best. There was never a touch her and die moment AT ALL.
I loved the mystery of “who did it” and it made me want to finish the books but there weren’t any huge highs in the book AT ALL. It took almost the entire book for Jett to even want her.. so we didn’t see them in a relationship and we never got to see them being in love. I never got a chance to fall in love with the actual relationship and root for it. By the time the book got good, the ending was rushed. I was hoping for an update in the epilogue but still.. nothing. If this were my first college romance, I’d probably see it differently.
I wanted to love this book sooo bad, but it just didn’t hit the mark for me. The characters were great, but some of the chapters were just unnecessary conversations that didn’t guide the book anywhere. I’m a HUGE reader of college romance and I love finding another good one. This one just felt so slow to me.
The book starts off with and bang and immediately pulls me in and I thought.. oh yeah this is about to be good and spicy like the title says.. but there was absolutely no spice hardly at all. Then last 60 minutes of the books was probably the best. There was never a touch her and die moment AT ALL.
I loved the mystery of “who did it” and it made me want to finish the books but there weren’t any huge highs in the book AT ALL. It took almost the entire book for Jett to even want her.. so we didn’t see them in a relationship and we never got to see them being in love. I never got a chance to fall in love with the actual relationship and root for it. By the time the book got good, the ending was rushed. I was hoping for an update in the epilogue but still.. nothing. If this were my first college romance, I’d probably see it differently.
March 18, 2026
Note to self, full review to come; The whole "How TF did they end up fucking and neither of them remembers?" mystery really made this book intriguing and ultimately why I gave it 4 stars. I'm not sure if the story would hold up so well without it and I didn't have a desire to read any of the other books in this series. I wouldn however try the author again.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
❤️ Blurb -
Enemies-to-lovers
🖤 Sports romance
🖤 Bully romance
🖤 Morally grey MMC
I wake up naked. Hungover. And in the wrong bed. Jett Santo’s bed.
Cardinal Saint’s star quarterback.
Arrogant. Untouchable. Dangerous.
He doesn’t even remember my name.
I should be grateful. I should disappear.
Pretend it never happened.
But I can’t.
Because my body already belongs to him.
And he knows it.
Now his future is on the line — and I’m no longer a mistake.
I’m his alibi.
His weakness.
His obsession.
Jett Santo doesn’t lose.
But I’m hiding a secret that could destroy us both.
Because that night wasn’t the ending.
It was the start.
And when the fallout comes, neither of us will escape.
This angsty, dark, college, sports romance with a morally grey MMC is perfect for fans of Meagan Brandy, Chloe Walsh, Parker S. Huntington, Rosa Lucas, L.J Shen, Rebecca Jenshak, Nikki Lawson or Becka Mack
💜 Review -
Dark Romance novel fans will love this. This was such a brilliant and well written novel. From the very first page I was hooked and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. I'm not normally a fan of dark romance novels but this one was well written and any sensitive subjects were written with care. I loved the story, which I found easy to follow and had good pacing. Plus there was a great cast of characters. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Choclit and the author Eve. L Mitchell for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Enemies-to-lovers
🖤 Sports romance
🖤 Bully romance
🖤 Morally grey MMC
I wake up naked. Hungover. And in the wrong bed. Jett Santo’s bed.
Cardinal Saint’s star quarterback.
Arrogant. Untouchable. Dangerous.
He doesn’t even remember my name.
I should be grateful. I should disappear.
Pretend it never happened.
But I can’t.
Because my body already belongs to him.
And he knows it.
Now his future is on the line — and I’m no longer a mistake.
I’m his alibi.
His weakness.
His obsession.
Jett Santo doesn’t lose.
But I’m hiding a secret that could destroy us both.
Because that night wasn’t the ending.
It was the start.
And when the fallout comes, neither of us will escape.
This angsty, dark, college, sports romance with a morally grey MMC is perfect for fans of Meagan Brandy, Chloe Walsh, Parker S. Huntington, Rosa Lucas, L.J Shen, Rebecca Jenshak, Nikki Lawson or Becka Mack
💜 Review -
Dark Romance novel fans will love this. This was such a brilliant and well written novel. From the very first page I was hooked and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. I'm not normally a fan of dark romance novels but this one was well written and any sensitive subjects were written with care. I loved the story, which I found easy to follow and had good pacing. Plus there was a great cast of characters. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Choclit and the author Eve. L Mitchell for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2026
Here is my review for Ruthless Heart by Eve L Mitchell
This sports/bully/college dark romance was me stepping outside my normal genres and comfort zone as the bullying was of a young woman but she kicked their arse really well in one scene but it could have turned out worse. I’m not into American Football and the NFL but Ava, the mfc absolutely loves the game and knows all the stats especially for the team for her hometown of Knoxville. One morning, after a party, Ava woke up totally naked, with a humongous hangover, in the bed of someone she doesn’t like. It was Jett Santo’s bed! Cardinal Saints’ star quarterback, their number 8 player and captain. Unfortunately, Jett and his brother don’t know who she is apart from blonde hair and they think she is behind Jett being laid off for two weeks from the team. They say he hurt his ankle but really the hunt has begun and it’s not fair play! The story has been well thought out by the author to be a really great enemy to lovers' dark romance with Jett being a bit of a stud as well. Ava is a great mfc but she is up against the might of the devils. Jett is a mean mmc and comes as a package with a twin brother and a cousin. Some of the story was built up slowly and some seemed rushed towards the end which spoiled it a little bit. I was hooked right from the start of the book on page one, until the last page! I managed to read this book in one sitting but it took me quite a while. I really liked the descriptions of the characters used in the story as it helped to picture them as I read. I really enjoyed reading this story and I’m looking forward to the next book when it comes out. This is a new author to me who I haven’t read before but I will look to read her books in the future.
Blurb :
🖤 Enemies-to-lovers
🖤 Sports romance
🖤 Morally grey MMC
🖤 Bully romance
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Probably the best dark romance I have read.’
I wake up naked. Hungover. And in the wrong bed.
Jett Santo’s bed.
Cardinal Saints’ star quarterback.
Arrogant. Untouchable. Dangerous.
He doesn’t even remember my name.
I should be grateful. Pretend it never happened.
But I can’t.
Because my body already belongs to him.
And he knows it.
Now his future is on the line — and I’m no longer a mistake.
I’m his alibi.
His weakness.
His obsession.
Jett Santo doesn’t lose.
But I’m hiding a secret that could destroy us both.
Because that night wasn’t the ending.
It was the beginning.
And when the truth comes out, neither of us will walk away unscathed.
A scorching football romance full of obsession, secrets and a hero who breaks all the rules — perfect for fans of Meagan Brandy, Chloe Walsh, Parker S. Huntington, Rosa Lucas, L.J Shen, Rebecca Jenshak, Nikki Lawson or Becka Mack.
This sports/bully/college dark romance was me stepping outside my normal genres and comfort zone as the bullying was of a young woman but she kicked their arse really well in one scene but it could have turned out worse. I’m not into American Football and the NFL but Ava, the mfc absolutely loves the game and knows all the stats especially for the team for her hometown of Knoxville. One morning, after a party, Ava woke up totally naked, with a humongous hangover, in the bed of someone she doesn’t like. It was Jett Santo’s bed! Cardinal Saints’ star quarterback, their number 8 player and captain. Unfortunately, Jett and his brother don’t know who she is apart from blonde hair and they think she is behind Jett being laid off for two weeks from the team. They say he hurt his ankle but really the hunt has begun and it’s not fair play! The story has been well thought out by the author to be a really great enemy to lovers' dark romance with Jett being a bit of a stud as well. Ava is a great mfc but she is up against the might of the devils. Jett is a mean mmc and comes as a package with a twin brother and a cousin. Some of the story was built up slowly and some seemed rushed towards the end which spoiled it a little bit. I was hooked right from the start of the book on page one, until the last page! I managed to read this book in one sitting but it took me quite a while. I really liked the descriptions of the characters used in the story as it helped to picture them as I read. I really enjoyed reading this story and I’m looking forward to the next book when it comes out. This is a new author to me who I haven’t read before but I will look to read her books in the future.
Blurb :
🖤 Enemies-to-lovers
🖤 Sports romance
🖤 Morally grey MMC
🖤 Bully romance
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Probably the best dark romance I have read.’
I wake up naked. Hungover. And in the wrong bed.
Jett Santo’s bed.
Cardinal Saints’ star quarterback.
Arrogant. Untouchable. Dangerous.
He doesn’t even remember my name.
I should be grateful. Pretend it never happened.
But I can’t.
Because my body already belongs to him.
And he knows it.
Now his future is on the line — and I’m no longer a mistake.
I’m his alibi.
His weakness.
His obsession.
Jett Santo doesn’t lose.
But I’m hiding a secret that could destroy us both.
Because that night wasn’t the ending.
It was the beginning.
And when the truth comes out, neither of us will walk away unscathed.
A scorching football romance full of obsession, secrets and a hero who breaks all the rules — perfect for fans of Meagan Brandy, Chloe Walsh, Parker S. Huntington, Rosa Lucas, L.J Shen, Rebecca Jenshak, Nikki Lawson or Becka Mack.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This book drops you straight into chaos—in the best possible way. From the very first page, you’re thrown into a situation that feels equal parts reckless, humiliating, and impossible to ignore. Waking up in the bed of the most untouchable guy on campus should be a one-night disaster you bury forever. Instead, it becomes the start of something dangerously consuming.
Jett Santo is not your soft, cinnamon-roll quarterback. He’s arrogant, emotionally guarded, and fully aware of the power he holds—on the field and off. What makes him compelling isn’t just the confidence, but the way his control slowly fractures when the heroine refuses to be just another name he forgets. Their dynamic is built on tension, secrets, and a constant push-and-pull between desire and self-preservation.
The romance thrives on obsession. Not in a dreamy, idealized way—but in a messy, realistic way where both characters are making bad decisions while knowing better. The stakes feel real, especially as the “alibi” aspect comes into play, turning a personal relationship into something that could ruin futures, reputations, and careers.
What I loved most is how emotionally charged everything feels. This isn’t just spicy for the sake of spice—it’s about power, vulnerability, and the fear of being truly seen by someone who could destroy you. It’s angsty, addictive, and the kind of book that keeps you turning pages at 1 a.m. because you need to know how far it’s going to go.
If you love morally grey heroes, emotionally messy heroines, and sports romance that leans darker and more intense, this one hits hard.
Thanks to Choc Lit for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Jett Santo is not your soft, cinnamon-roll quarterback. He’s arrogant, emotionally guarded, and fully aware of the power he holds—on the field and off. What makes him compelling isn’t just the confidence, but the way his control slowly fractures when the heroine refuses to be just another name he forgets. Their dynamic is built on tension, secrets, and a constant push-and-pull between desire and self-preservation.
The romance thrives on obsession. Not in a dreamy, idealized way—but in a messy, realistic way where both characters are making bad decisions while knowing better. The stakes feel real, especially as the “alibi” aspect comes into play, turning a personal relationship into something that could ruin futures, reputations, and careers.
What I loved most is how emotionally charged everything feels. This isn’t just spicy for the sake of spice—it’s about power, vulnerability, and the fear of being truly seen by someone who could destroy you. It’s angsty, addictive, and the kind of book that keeps you turning pages at 1 a.m. because you need to know how far it’s going to go.
If you love morally grey heroes, emotionally messy heroines, and sports romance that leans darker and more intense, this one hits hard.
Thanks to Choc Lit for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 19, 2026
4.5⭐
Ruthless Heart is book 1 in the Ruthless Devils series, I honestly wasn't expecting to love it as much as I did. This book had me in a chokehold. I couldn't put it down for the life of me. Once I started it, I was done for. This is a one sitting read, so clear your schedule you won't want to put it down. Eve’s writing just captivated, grabbed and hooked me right off the bat. I loved the plot (which I can't wait to dive into more in the next book), the story, the characters (even if some are assholes), I just felt everything blended together seamlessly. For me it was light on the bully and darkness of it which I actually adored. I thought it was the perfect amount of both and kept me wanting more from Jett & Ava at all times.
The tension between them is absolutely insane. I could feel it coming out of the pages. The way they hate each other, the way he treats her (which I would've smacked him a few times), the way they are undeniably attracted to one another was just so damn addictive. Ava was such a sweet, down to earth, big hearted, smart girl and I loved her character. Jett was a complete ass, but his redemption arc was damn worth it. When he realized what he had with Ava, sparks ignited inside me. I just thought everything had the right amount, it wasn't dragged out, it played out nicely, kept me engaged and hooked throughout the entirety.
Overall, I'm so glad I dove into this one, I am now so excited to continue the journey. I had a blast reading this one and bingeing it way past my bedtime!
✨️ Thank you to @choclituk & @evelmitchell for my gifted ARC & goodies in exchange for an honest review.
Ruthless Heart is book 1 in the Ruthless Devils series, I honestly wasn't expecting to love it as much as I did. This book had me in a chokehold. I couldn't put it down for the life of me. Once I started it, I was done for. This is a one sitting read, so clear your schedule you won't want to put it down. Eve’s writing just captivated, grabbed and hooked me right off the bat. I loved the plot (which I can't wait to dive into more in the next book), the story, the characters (even if some are assholes), I just felt everything blended together seamlessly. For me it was light on the bully and darkness of it which I actually adored. I thought it was the perfect amount of both and kept me wanting more from Jett & Ava at all times.
The tension between them is absolutely insane. I could feel it coming out of the pages. The way they hate each other, the way he treats her (which I would've smacked him a few times), the way they are undeniably attracted to one another was just so damn addictive. Ava was such a sweet, down to earth, big hearted, smart girl and I loved her character. Jett was a complete ass, but his redemption arc was damn worth it. When he realized what he had with Ava, sparks ignited inside me. I just thought everything had the right amount, it wasn't dragged out, it played out nicely, kept me engaged and hooked throughout the entirety.
Overall, I'm so glad I dove into this one, I am now so excited to continue the journey. I had a blast reading this one and bingeing it way past my bedtime!
✨️ Thank you to @choclituk & @evelmitchell for my gifted ARC & goodies in exchange for an honest review.
February 15, 2026
Well that just blew my freaking mind.
Ruthless heart to say the least.
The devilishly handsome, untouchable quarterback, Jett Santo, can do no wrong in the eyes of everyone on campus. That is until he meets his match with Ava.
Kicking off with the morning after the event where Ava can’t remember what happened that night, throws you straight into the action. The rest of the story unfolds as piece of an intricate puzzle are slowly revealed and memories come back and evidence is discovered.
This story, while riddled with mystery and questions that are not all revealed (assuming the rest of the answers will be uncovered in book 2), there is an underlying feel of enemies to lovers throughout.
The two have definitely met their matches. Neither backing down and both eager to let the other know exactly how they feel about each other. This book had some cracking one liners and banter all the way through.
"Yo, chick?"
"Chick? Do I look like poultry?"
The slow burn and tension was everything for me. The back and forth until the slow realisation. The twisted moments of giving in and then the finale was just chefs kiss!
"You want me to wear your shirt?"
"It's just a shirt."
"Is it?"
"No. You okay with it?"
This had me in a choke hold!
So many questions that are still left to answer and I am waiting not so patiently for book 2! Give me more of those Santos boys please because I need to know more!
Thank you so much to Eve L. Mitchell and Choc Lit for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. These thoughts are my own.
Ruthless heart to say the least.
The devilishly handsome, untouchable quarterback, Jett Santo, can do no wrong in the eyes of everyone on campus. That is until he meets his match with Ava.
Kicking off with the morning after the event where Ava can’t remember what happened that night, throws you straight into the action. The rest of the story unfolds as piece of an intricate puzzle are slowly revealed and memories come back and evidence is discovered.
This story, while riddled with mystery and questions that are not all revealed (assuming the rest of the answers will be uncovered in book 2), there is an underlying feel of enemies to lovers throughout.
The two have definitely met their matches. Neither backing down and both eager to let the other know exactly how they feel about each other. This book had some cracking one liners and banter all the way through.
"Yo, chick?"
"Chick? Do I look like poultry?"
The slow burn and tension was everything for me. The back and forth until the slow realisation. The twisted moments of giving in and then the finale was just chefs kiss!
"You want me to wear your shirt?"
"It's just a shirt."
"Is it?"
"No. You okay with it?"
This had me in a choke hold!
So many questions that are still left to answer and I am waiting not so patiently for book 2! Give me more of those Santos boys please because I need to know more!
Thank you so much to Eve L. Mitchell and Choc Lit for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. These thoughts are my own.
February 4, 2026
My Thoughts: dark romance is quickly becoming one of my favourite genres and this book cemented for me why.
Jett and Ava find themselves in a compromising position when they wake up the morning after a party in bed together, with no memory of why/how it happened! When Jett then fails a drugs test and gets temporarily suspended from his football team he sees red, he doesn’t do drugs, never has done and is utterly convinced that the girl he found in his bed is the cause.. but with no idea who she is he is in deep trouble.
Ava suddenly finds herself getting trouble from the Santo’s, she knows she should keep her head down, stay out of their way but there’s just something that keeps pulling them together, they fight, they argue but yet they always find themselves in bed together, what she doesn’t know is that Jett is using her, or at least he thinks he is!
When I first started reading this I was worried that the college age characters would be too young for me, as a 35 year old woman I’m pretty sure I am not the target audience! – but once I looked past that I got so caught up in the story, I love an MMC who isn’t afraid to put himself out there in front of his friends, and although it took him a while Jett was possessive and protective 🥵 but Ava wasn’t afraid to give as good as she got!
Jett and Ava find themselves in a compromising position when they wake up the morning after a party in bed together, with no memory of why/how it happened! When Jett then fails a drugs test and gets temporarily suspended from his football team he sees red, he doesn’t do drugs, never has done and is utterly convinced that the girl he found in his bed is the cause.. but with no idea who she is he is in deep trouble.
Ava suddenly finds herself getting trouble from the Santo’s, she knows she should keep her head down, stay out of their way but there’s just something that keeps pulling them together, they fight, they argue but yet they always find themselves in bed together, what she doesn’t know is that Jett is using her, or at least he thinks he is!
When I first started reading this I was worried that the college age characters would be too young for me, as a 35 year old woman I’m pretty sure I am not the target audience! – but once I looked past that I got so caught up in the story, I love an MMC who isn’t afraid to put himself out there in front of his friends, and although it took him a while Jett was possessive and protective 🥵 but Ava wasn’t afraid to give as good as she got!
February 18, 2026
This is the first book in this brilliant new series - Ruthless Devils - and my very first read by this author too.
This front cover hinted at a sports romance but definitely had a touch of the darkness in there too with the black cover and contrasting flowers.
I couldn't wait to dive in and find out ....
I've read a fair few sweet (and spicy) football romances but this was something else, with Jett, our MMC being a little more than morally grey.
I actually felt quite frustrated with our pair at the start because poor Ava, waking up and realising just what had happened between her and Jett was shocking enough - but for him to be quite so off with her just made me a little apprehensive.
I wanted to just step in there and tell him to sort it out and get over himself.
However, we knew better really and of course, this was only the beginning of things and we watch as the pair navigate the consequences of what had happened.
I really liked Ava and Mia - the perfect friends - it was clear that they would be there for each other no matter what and they supported each other so well.
I loved the mix of genres we see here and can't wait to see how things develop for the Santos boys ...and the rest of the series.
I know I shouldn't, but I feel like I love these boys.
This front cover hinted at a sports romance but definitely had a touch of the darkness in there too with the black cover and contrasting flowers.
I couldn't wait to dive in and find out ....
I've read a fair few sweet (and spicy) football romances but this was something else, with Jett, our MMC being a little more than morally grey.
I actually felt quite frustrated with our pair at the start because poor Ava, waking up and realising just what had happened between her and Jett was shocking enough - but for him to be quite so off with her just made me a little apprehensive.
I wanted to just step in there and tell him to sort it out and get over himself.
However, we knew better really and of course, this was only the beginning of things and we watch as the pair navigate the consequences of what had happened.
I really liked Ava and Mia - the perfect friends - it was clear that they would be there for each other no matter what and they supported each other so well.
I loved the mix of genres we see here and can't wait to see how things develop for the Santos boys ...and the rest of the series.
I know I shouldn't, but I feel like I love these boys.
February 2, 2026
🖤 Ava & Jett
I honestly could not put the flipping book down!!! It was past 4 a.m. when I stopped reading, and the only reason I stopped then was because I had work a few hours later. #workruinseverything!
I was instantly taken in by both the MCs and the potential plot during "The Morning After". Ava is our fiesty but funny FMC, and Jett is the typical hotter-than-hell star QB with all the usual traits we love in our jacka$$ book boyfriends, and when the pair collide...mayhem!
Unfortunately, I did feel like the author missed a trick with Ava's "talent" and I do feel like the couple's story ended too quickly 😢. But I have spotted that Book 2 is in the works, so I'm hopeful we'll see some more of them throughout or maybe a cheeky bonus epilogue...?🤞🏻
I'd say this one is on the lighter side of dark romance and the bully aspect remained somewhat realistic, I don't know if that makes it harder to digest or worse...but check TWs just in case.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶.5
"I was close to believing aliens had abducted us both and put us in a sticky situation. And sticky I had been."
I honestly could not put the flipping book down!!! It was past 4 a.m. when I stopped reading, and the only reason I stopped then was because I had work a few hours later. #workruinseverything!
I was instantly taken in by both the MCs and the potential plot during "The Morning After". Ava is our fiesty but funny FMC, and Jett is the typical hotter-than-hell star QB with all the usual traits we love in our jacka$$ book boyfriends, and when the pair collide...mayhem!
Unfortunately, I did feel like the author missed a trick with Ava's "talent" and I do feel like the couple's story ended too quickly 😢. But I have spotted that Book 2 is in the works, so I'm hopeful we'll see some more of them throughout or maybe a cheeky bonus epilogue...?🤞🏻
I'd say this one is on the lighter side of dark romance and the bully aspect remained somewhat realistic, I don't know if that makes it harder to digest or worse...but check TWs just in case.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶.5
"I was close to believing aliens had abducted us both and put us in a sticky situation. And sticky I had been."
February 6, 2026
Ruthless Heart by Eve L. Mitchell is a dark, spicy, college romance by the author. Our two MC's are Ava and Jett who are in different worlds in the Cardinal Saints college. Jett is Mr. Football and Ava is not. The story opens where it's the morning after some sordid activities;) And Ava leaves as quickly as she can after Jett, hoping to never let him find out who she is. Ava lost something pretty important with Jett and she doesn't even like him, but she hoped to remember what happened that night. And neither does Jett who just finds out that he failed the team's drug testing, on that night in question. And he has no idea what happened but wants to find Ava and prove what happened and that he wasn't doing drugs to be kicked off the team. I really liked the banter between Ava and Jett, they have hilarious moments of 'hating' each other and then not. Ava eventually finds out that Jett is hunting for her, except he has no idea who she is of course. I liked th story as it was engaging for a college story and the characters are well written. This was a really well written college story and I am highly recommending it to my dark college romance fans!
March 27, 2026
I was fully prepared to give it a fair shot… and by fair shot I mean I made it to 20% before my brain clocked out
Let’s start with the main issue: the dual POV.
I genuinely could not tell who was narrating half the time because both the FMC and MMC sound identical. No distinction, no unique voice, just “copy, paste, rename.” Love that for them, not for me.
And then we have my personal favourite crime against writing:
“I thought to myself”
Oh good, thank you for clarifying. I was worried those thoughts were coming from the neighbour three houses down. Appreciate the confirmation.
The writing isn’t bad… which somehow makes it worse. It’s just… off. Like everything flows but also doesn’t. I wasn’t confused, I was just mildly irritated the entire time, which is honestly more exhausting than reading something outright terrible.
And look, maybe this gets better. Maybe there’s growth. Maybe the tension develops. But after my last read absolutely tested my will to live, I simply do not have the emotional bandwidth to push through “it might improve.”
So respectfully, I’m out ✌🏼
Let’s start with the main issue: the dual POV.
I genuinely could not tell who was narrating half the time because both the FMC and MMC sound identical. No distinction, no unique voice, just “copy, paste, rename.” Love that for them, not for me.
And then we have my personal favourite crime against writing:
“I thought to myself”
Oh good, thank you for clarifying. I was worried those thoughts were coming from the neighbour three houses down. Appreciate the confirmation.
The writing isn’t bad… which somehow makes it worse. It’s just… off. Like everything flows but also doesn’t. I wasn’t confused, I was just mildly irritated the entire time, which is honestly more exhausting than reading something outright terrible.
And look, maybe this gets better. Maybe there’s growth. Maybe the tension develops. But after my last read absolutely tested my will to live, I simply do not have the emotional bandwidth to push through “it might improve.”
So respectfully, I’m out ✌🏼
Review of advance copy received from Author
Reviewed by Abbey on behalf of The Plot Thickens Book Club
Title: Ruthless Heart
Author: Eve L. Mitchell
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 stars)
If you love your romances fast-paced, intense, and dripping in enemies-to-lovers tension, Ruthless Heart delivers just that. This book throws you straight into the chaos of college life, where reputations are everything and the football players rule the halls — especially Jett.
When Ava finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time, she’s suddenly on Jett’s radar… and not in a good way. What follows is a fiery clash of wills, secrets, and undeniable chemistry that kept me hooked from beginning to end.
It’s got all the best new adult vibes, sports romance, off-the-charts tension, and a slow unravelling of characters with far more depth than they let on. I loved watching Jett and Ava push each other’s buttons in every way possible!
A great start to a gritty, addictive series I’ll definitely be picking up the next book in The Ruthless Devils lineup.
Title: Ruthless Heart
Author: Eve L. Mitchell
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 stars)
If you love your romances fast-paced, intense, and dripping in enemies-to-lovers tension, Ruthless Heart delivers just that. This book throws you straight into the chaos of college life, where reputations are everything and the football players rule the halls — especially Jett.
When Ava finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time, she’s suddenly on Jett’s radar… and not in a good way. What follows is a fiery clash of wills, secrets, and undeniable chemistry that kept me hooked from beginning to end.
It’s got all the best new adult vibes, sports romance, off-the-charts tension, and a slow unravelling of characters with far more depth than they let on. I loved watching Jett and Ava push each other’s buttons in every way possible!
A great start to a gritty, addictive series I’ll definitely be picking up the next book in The Ruthless Devils lineup.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3 stars for me.
Ava wakes up with hungover in Jett Santo’s bed.Losing her virginity is not enough,as Jett thinks that she drugged him,and will stop at nothing to make her pay.She wants to avoid him,but it's hard when her body seems to want him.Will those two figure it out,or will Jett revenge push them apart?
It was a quick and spicy read.Bully romance with little mystery and lots of lust.I didn't like for the most part Jett,he didn't even question Ava innocence,just assumed without proof that she's quilty.For someone so smart Ava really was tangled up in lust,I though she will make him grovel at least. I warm up to them at the almost end,but their relationship for me lack emotional involvement,it was more about lust then falling for each other.It was a good story,just wish there was more connection between them.The end was interesting as there seem to be story for the second characters,and I hope to read it in future.
Thank you Joffe books publisher dor arc,my review is honest and my own.
Ava wakes up with hungover in Jett Santo’s bed.Losing her virginity is not enough,as Jett thinks that she drugged him,and will stop at nothing to make her pay.She wants to avoid him,but it's hard when her body seems to want him.Will those two figure it out,or will Jett revenge push them apart?
It was a quick and spicy read.Bully romance with little mystery and lots of lust.I didn't like for the most part Jett,he didn't even question Ava innocence,just assumed without proof that she's quilty.For someone so smart Ava really was tangled up in lust,I though she will make him grovel at least. I warm up to them at the almost end,but their relationship for me lack emotional involvement,it was more about lust then falling for each other.It was a good story,just wish there was more connection between them.The end was interesting as there seem to be story for the second characters,and I hope to read it in future.
Thank you Joffe books publisher dor arc,my review is honest and my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Listen, I made a mistake when I requested this book on NetGalley; I should have checked it on Goodreads first. I really liked the blurb, and I was so happy when my request was granted. However, after reading the first two or three chapters, I realized that it does sound somewhat familiar, and I checked GR, and it looks like I have read the ARC of the previous book with the same title and story. This is a revised version, but I don't want to read it twice, so in honor of the granted request and my mistake, I will rate it the same as the first (unrevised) book.
My review of the original book: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Also, I really hate it when authors don't mention it's a revised, updated version. I think that would be fair to readers.
ARC was provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own
My review of the original book: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Also, I really hate it when authors don't mention it's a revised, updated version. I think that would be fair to readers.
ARC was provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Overall I have mixed views, whilst I enjoyed the book overall, the romance between Ava and Jett felt rushed. I am still slightly perplexed at how everything negative that had happened to Ava in the college by Jett and his friends was suddenly undone, as if by magic, as soon as they got together. The initial start of the book was fantastic and really hooked me, but then it all got lost in translation between 15-65% where everything became confusing or at time pointless and childish (maybe I'm just too old for college nonsense). Additionally during this time there were numerous hints to something which I assume will be addressed in the next book but it felt more distracting than intriguing. I do appreciate it's the first in a series and authors certainly grow with time so I will definitely be continuing this series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ava wakes up in a strange bed, not remembering the wild night she had with her college’s star quarterback the night before. He doesn’t either, and what follows is intense, thanks to Jett’s belief that Ava drugged him in an attempt to sabotage his college career & NFL future. With the support of his twin brother Gray & cousin Ash plus Quinn, who is like a sister to him, Jett plans to destroy Ava for what she did to him, but uncovers a dark part of the story surrounding the night they met.
I was hooked on this story, but had some struggles because of a side story surrounding Quinn - I liked it, but at times it felt like a distraction that didn’t take the story forward or have any conclusion. Hoping that the next book brings answers to that!!
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy.
I was hooked on this story, but had some struggles because of a side story surrounding Quinn - I liked it, but at times it felt like a distraction that didn’t take the story forward or have any conclusion. Hoping that the next book brings answers to that!!
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy.
March 31, 2026
5/5⭐️ 3/5🌶
I loved this book! There was a true, believable reason causing the MCs animosity for each other, which makes the enemies to lovers/bully trope work so well. Too many times it is some contrived reason that doesn't build tension.
Ava is a BAMF while still being nice and funny. Jett was the perfect player/bully, but actual good guy underneath it all. Best thing was the closeness of all their friendships and having their friends/family members backs. Also unusual in dark academia, but a relief to see is that the have supportive parents that they have good relationships with.
After only a few chapters in on the first book, I bought the rest in the series, knowing I was hooked.
I loved this book! There was a true, believable reason causing the MCs animosity for each other, which makes the enemies to lovers/bully trope work so well. Too many times it is some contrived reason that doesn't build tension.
Ava is a BAMF while still being nice and funny. Jett was the perfect player/bully, but actual good guy underneath it all. Best thing was the closeness of all their friendships and having their friends/family members backs. Also unusual in dark academia, but a relief to see is that the have supportive parents that they have good relationships with.
After only a few chapters in on the first book, I bought the rest in the series, knowing I was hooked.
February 3, 2026
✨Eve L Mitchell does it again! I just love her writing. This is my 3rd book I’ve read of hers and it’s another 5 star read! I loved everything about this book. I especially loved the enemies to lovers in Ruthless Heart. The way the relationship began between Jett and Ava was crazy! I love me a good morally gray MMC who falls hard. 🤭
✨If you’re looking for a sports romance with a morally gray MMC and a fiesty smart FMC, then add this to your TBR!
🥀FAVORITE QUOTES🥀
“If unicorns were real, they’d fart rainbows.”
📚19/150
ARC REVIEW #14
✨Thank you to ChocLit and Eve L Mitchell for an opportunity to read this book. All opinions and thoughts expressed are my own.
✨If you’re looking for a sports romance with a morally gray MMC and a fiesty smart FMC, then add this to your TBR!
🥀FAVORITE QUOTES🥀
“If unicorns were real, they’d fart rainbows.”
📚19/150
ARC REVIEW #14
✨Thank you to ChocLit and Eve L Mitchell for an opportunity to read this book. All opinions and thoughts expressed are my own.
February 5, 2026
WOW just WOW !!!! This enemies to lovers book is just WOW. And it really is a proper hate to love story and boy did I hate Jett in the beginning....in fact he was a complete and utter A*** but once things started unravelling it kinda became clear why he was...still I think I could have quite easily nutted him myself. I was cheering Ava on when she got that moment in!!!! The background story of this book handles a difficult subject, one that shows how easy it can be, to be put into a really bad situation and its handled phenomenally well. Brilliantly written and yet another brilliant book by Eve
February 6, 2026
Was actually not a bad kindle book so I would say more 2.5 stars. The whole breaking into peoples houses was definitely random, there was no lead up to it and then it was just forgotten about. I’m assuming it’ll be in the second book.
The person that drugged her didn’t really give a reason, there was no meat to the idea and considering the whole book was leading up to it, it could’ve been more of a climax.
When Ava and Jett became lovers there wasn’t really any relationship building it just went from we’re sexually attracted to each other but also don’t like to each other to bam we’re in love.
The person that drugged her didn’t really give a reason, there was no meat to the idea and considering the whole book was leading up to it, it could’ve been more of a climax.
When Ava and Jett became lovers there wasn’t really any relationship building it just went from we’re sexually attracted to each other but also don’t like to each other to bam we’re in love.
February 2, 2026
This was one of those books that you pick up because holy heck the cover is 🔥 and then you completely lose yourself in the story, and it’s 5am and you wonder how you are going to get any sleep now or even begin to recover from your book hangover! It’s just that good!!! I think this was my first sports romance and it was everything I could have wanted it to be. I completely fell in love with Ava and her Take no bs attitude. Jett is the boy your mom warned you about and you will love him!!!! This is a must read book, I promise you will not be disappointed ❤️❤️❤️
February 8, 2026
I couldn’t put this book down and read it in 24 hours. Loved both the main characters, Ava was so quiet and unassuming on the surface but she packed a punch when she needed to, and seemed to always get one up on Jett. Jett was arrogant, rude, untouchable (and completely appealing).
I enjoyed how much Ava loved football and always knew the latest game stats and yet she didn’t pine after Jett like every other girl. It was good to read a sports mad FMC that didn’t play but just loved the game.
The bully romance wasn't over done and the chemistry between the MC was scorching, I’’ intrigued by the extra underlying plot which is clearly going to to continue in the next book and
I cannot wait to continue the series and read Grey and Quinn’s story at the end of the month.
I enjoyed how much Ava loved football and always knew the latest game stats and yet she didn’t pine after Jett like every other girl. It was good to read a sports mad FMC that didn’t play but just loved the game.
The bully romance wasn't over done and the chemistry between the MC was scorching, I’’ intrigued by the extra underlying plot which is clearly going to to continue in the next book and
I cannot wait to continue the series and read Grey and Quinn’s story at the end of the month.
April 1, 2026
An entertaining story
RUTHLESS HEART Ruthless Devils Book 1 by EVE L. MITCHELL: 4 stars
Jett/Ava — were at odds most of the book, except when they weren’t.. Readability was good with a nice pace and well developed, likable characters - with chemistry. Also angsty. However, the ending was too abrupt, and the epilogue was really a lead in to the next book.. I really enjoyed the book, but was left wanting more of Jett/Ava. I’m guessing they’ll show up more as the series continues?
—PTATORS
RUTHLESS HEART Ruthless Devils Book 1 by EVE L. MITCHELL: 4 stars
Jett/Ava — were at odds most of the book, except when they weren’t.. Readability was good with a nice pace and well developed, likable characters - with chemistry. Also angsty. However, the ending was too abrupt, and the epilogue was really a lead in to the next book.. I really enjoyed the book, but was left wanting more of Jett/Ava. I’m guessing they’ll show up more as the series continues?
—PTATORS
February 7, 2026
Definitely recommend.
Ruthless Heart by Eve L. Mitchell.
This was a really good read. I loved the cover and blurb of this book. This is a new author for me. I got into this book straight away. I loved the writing style and the story. I liked Ava straight away. I didn't like Jet. He was not nice. I read this in two sittings. I couldn't put it down. I loved everything about this book. I definitely recommend this book.
Ruthless Heart by Eve L. Mitchell.
This was a really good read. I loved the cover and blurb of this book. This is a new author for me. I got into this book straight away. I loved the writing style and the story. I liked Ava straight away. I didn't like Jet. He was not nice. I read this in two sittings. I couldn't put it down. I loved everything about this book. I definitely recommend this book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thoroughly enjoyed this book, it’s an easy read and I really liked the MFC, Ava! There is a mystery throughout the book that we try to solve with the characters.
I loved Jett and his relationship with Gray and Ash. He definitely had a soft spot for Ava but didn’t show it until much later into the book.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I loved Jett and his relationship with Gray and Ash. He definitely had a soft spot for Ava but didn’t show it until much later into the book.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
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