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Ruthless
- GenresRomance
228 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 16, 2026
517 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
January 25, 2026
I don’t understand how this book has such good ratings. I could get past the typos, and even some major plot holes due to detail inconsistencies (many of them), but what I could not get past was the fact that this was NOT a romance book. Not once do you read any sort of romantic chemistry between the MCs. There is no physical interaction besides one moment of interwoven hands during a moment of comfort (not described as romantic). Then all of the sudden the book ends with declared love on the second to last page of the epilogue? That was not a romance book. If anything it was a trauma recovery story (for him and his daughter). I’m so confused by the high ratings.
January 26, 2026
I wanted to throw my kindle against a wall by the time I finished this. This book is just … not good. I don’t even know how to elaborate on that. It’s surely not a romance. There’s zero romance, not even something I’d consider a friendship between the MCs, and then all of a sudden, they’re confessing their love in the epilogue. Huh? Sarah gets licensed in London and immediately has her own office and career to where the MC and his daughter spend more time in London than NY. Huh? How? I skipped some parts here and there when in reality, that should’ve been my sign to put this book down entirely. There’s nothing appealing about any of the characters except maybe the daughter. It’s only 200 pages, but isn’t worth the read at all.
February 7, 2026
What the heck was that?
Stumbling through all their various traumas for the entire story to get a couple paragraphs of random I love yous and a kiss.
Also, it seems totally legit that the crime group that had been threatening her for years gets taken out by a call to the cops.
I'm irritated.
Stumbling through all their various traumas for the entire story to get a couple paragraphs of random I love yous and a kiss.
Also, it seems totally legit that the crime group that had been threatening her for years gets taken out by a call to the cops.
I'm irritated.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2026
So, so bad
This one is terrible and I actually think the blurb was better written than the whole book. It seemed like a nice plot, but it was poorly executed. I get that romance is supposed to be an escape but there were so many things in this one that were simply not believable, period.
Do yourself a favor and skip this one.
This one is terrible and I actually think the blurb was better written than the whole book. It seemed like a nice plot, but it was poorly executed. I get that romance is supposed to be an escape but there were so many things in this one that were simply not believable, period.
Do yourself a favor and skip this one.
February 20, 2026
Incomplete Book & Misleading Synopsis ?!
I read an awful lot, so sometimes it’s inevitable that I pick up a dud. I read this book based on 2 factors it was available on KU and on the blurb in the synopsis. I wish I’d read the reviews first! It’s almost as though the wrong version was published after editing.
The book is riddled with inconsistencies or farcical concepts. Some are mentioned in other reviews. The wording on the book cover is even wrong:
Teacher & Single Dad - she’s a speech therapist not a teacher. Enemies to Lovers - well the book ends with him on his way to talk to her because he’s fallen for her. BUT they never actually get around to being in a relationship with each other. Nothing beyond employer : employee.
Why would loan sharks send goons to a different country to take a photo of a relative of someone that they’re trying to extort? How do they even know who he is and where to look for him? Or does this come under the “speculate to accumulate” part of their business model?
Another review mentions an epilogue if there was one it’s not there now.
The synopsis waffles on about a power cut and her having to stay overnight. There’s no relevance there at all she stays for a few weeks after finding her apartment ransacked.
On her way in one day she sees his car in the driveway outside his building but elsewhere it’s mentioned that he lives in the penthouse. It’s a big building “all steel and glass”. So it won’t have a driveway, they tend to have their own parking garage.
She discovers something awful from her past that impacts him now. She doesn’t tell him because she’s scared and thinks he will hate her. She was right to think that because he finds out her secret and then has a shouting match and fires her. This is the enemies bit in the enemies to lovers trope.
Her best friend is talented with two jobs, a photographer and as a Dance Teacher. At least someone is doing well.
It is a sad story that could have been a really good book there’s a lot of tension between the main characters but there’s a lot of emphasis put on a relationship between them that never actually happened. No touching, no hugs, no kisses, no going on a date.
Qualifying as a Speech Therapist - even this is problematic, all of her coursework and training happens in America but she sits the exam in London. The training and qualifying process is very different in both countries.
After the FMC has moved away, the reader is given the impression that she’s miserable because she loves him and misses him.
Beware of Book 2. After reading part of the intro and the synopsis for that book I definitely won’t bother reading it because the premise is very close to the one for this book. Dead relatives, one party carrying the burden of their father’s actions.
I read an awful lot, so sometimes it’s inevitable that I pick up a dud. I read this book based on 2 factors it was available on KU and on the blurb in the synopsis. I wish I’d read the reviews first! It’s almost as though the wrong version was published after editing.
The book is riddled with inconsistencies or farcical concepts. Some are mentioned in other reviews. The wording on the book cover is even wrong:
Teacher & Single Dad - she’s a speech therapist not a teacher. Enemies to Lovers - well the book ends with him on his way to talk to her because he’s fallen for her. BUT they never actually get around to being in a relationship with each other. Nothing beyond employer : employee.
Why would loan sharks send goons to a different country to take a photo of a relative of someone that they’re trying to extort? How do they even know who he is and where to look for him? Or does this come under the “speculate to accumulate” part of their business model?
Another review mentions an epilogue if there was one it’s not there now.
The synopsis waffles on about a power cut and her having to stay overnight. There’s no relevance there at all she stays for a few weeks after finding her apartment ransacked.
On her way in one day she sees his car in the driveway outside his building but elsewhere it’s mentioned that he lives in the penthouse. It’s a big building “all steel and glass”. So it won’t have a driveway, they tend to have their own parking garage.
She discovers something awful from her past that impacts him now. She doesn’t tell him because she’s scared and thinks he will hate her. She was right to think that because he finds out her secret and then has a shouting match and fires her. This is the enemies bit in the enemies to lovers trope.
Her best friend is talented with two jobs, a photographer and as a Dance Teacher. At least someone is doing well.
It is a sad story that could have been a really good book there’s a lot of tension between the main characters but there’s a lot of emphasis put on a relationship between them that never actually happened. No touching, no hugs, no kisses, no going on a date.
Qualifying as a Speech Therapist - even this is problematic, all of her coursework and training happens in America but she sits the exam in London. The training and qualifying process is very different in both countries.
After the FMC has moved away, the reader is given the impression that she’s miserable because she loves him and misses him.
Beware of Book 2. After reading part of the intro and the synopsis for that book I definitely won’t bother reading it because the premise is very close to the one for this book. Dead relatives, one party carrying the burden of their father’s actions.
February 27, 2026
Missed the mark by a mile
I picked up Ruthless by Cassidy Vail really hoping to fall in love with a new series, and honestly, the potential is there. The premise, the world, the characters — all the ingredients are sitting on the counter. But the execution? Yikes, it just didn’t come together.
The book ends on a brutal cliffhanger, and not the fun kind — more like the “wait… that’s it?” kind. And the worst part is that the second book doesn’t even pick up where the first one leaves off. Same characters (I think), but a totally different timeline, which makes the ending of Ruthless feel even more unresolved.
Throughout the story, the transitions between time periods are abrupt, sometimes confusing, and often feel like big chunks were skipped. It was like reading a rough outline or summary of a novel rather than the full, fleshed-out version. Add in the noticeable grammatical errors and typos, and it became hard at times to understand what the author was trying to convey.
The plot and concepts are genuinely interesting — that’s what kept me reading — but the rushed pacing and lack of development really held it back. I finished it in about an hour to an hour and a half, and not because it was gripping… just because it was thin.
Great potential, but it missed the mark by a wide margin.
I picked up Ruthless by Cassidy Vail really hoping to fall in love with a new series, and honestly, the potential is there. The premise, the world, the characters — all the ingredients are sitting on the counter. But the execution? Yikes, it just didn’t come together.
The book ends on a brutal cliffhanger, and not the fun kind — more like the “wait… that’s it?” kind. And the worst part is that the second book doesn’t even pick up where the first one leaves off. Same characters (I think), but a totally different timeline, which makes the ending of Ruthless feel even more unresolved.
Throughout the story, the transitions between time periods are abrupt, sometimes confusing, and often feel like big chunks were skipped. It was like reading a rough outline or summary of a novel rather than the full, fleshed-out version. Add in the noticeable grammatical errors and typos, and it became hard at times to understand what the author was trying to convey.
The plot and concepts are genuinely interesting — that’s what kept me reading — but the rushed pacing and lack of development really held it back. I finished it in about an hour to an hour and a half, and not because it was gripping… just because it was thin.
Great potential, but it missed the mark by a wide margin.
March 20, 2026
Beware reading this. Never would I want to take reads away from a small author, but this book makes NO SENSE!! It should not even be under the romance category. It claims an enemies to lovers plot, but lovers never come in. As mentioned by other people there's a lot of spelling mistakes(sentences said twice, and the chapter being from one character's perspective, but suddenly switching to another for one or two lines). There are plot holes and changes (like a whole chapter about her getting a new apartment after leaving his penthouse but two chapters later she talks about how he got her old apartment cleaned and the door fixed). Very confusing! The ending is not a true ending. Apparently it got better with the epilogue, which I did read however, it just put a lot of information into one "chapter". A love confession from him of all people at the end of the book truly makes no sense and there's no way in the world he'd be able to do his job spending all the time he was in London. Also, there's no way that if she was only gone for around six months that she would have taken her test...been licensed and have her own office in a country that she did not even live in when she started school! Either way, read at your own risk. Hopefully there are changes that can be made. The author claims their story continues in book 2, but book 2 is about a completely different couple and so book 3.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2026
Oh boy. These past few books have all been disappointing. The story didn’t make any sense whatsoever. You are just thrown into the plot almost at the climax of the book. The book mainly focuses on the trauma a little girl and her father experienced losing her mom. Lily the little girl has went mute due to the traumatic experience. Her father has essentially just shut her inside to avoid anything making her cry. While shutting himself out as well with his unprocessed grief. One day at a restaurant a waitress made the girl speak for the first time in years. Cue the dad immediately hiring her and being this broody presence. I know what you’re thinking. The tension is going to be chefs kiss and I can’t wait! Well you’re still at the diner waiting for an entree of disappointment. This book is not a romance. It’s not even a slow burn romance. It’s connection through grief I guess. The only physical contact is a hug and that’s it. There’s no communication at all. The only saving grace was Lily. There’s debt problems with a loan shark. Which was just there for that “get away from her” cliche. It made zero sense. The backstory was a complete mess and had zero information really. There was huge plot twist kinda at like 80% of the book. This should have been addressed way earlier. The last few pages were 100% rushed in all aspects just to finish it off.
February 7, 2026
I normally don’t read books that have less than a 4⭐️ rating. But on this one I just wanted an easy fast read. This was a short book so I figured I’d give it a try. I’m glad I did because honestly the ratings on this book is incorrect. This wasn’t my normal “romance” book that I read but it was such a great story. It made me shed several tears throughout the book.
This story was a beautiful story. The loss, the grief, the love that was in this book was huge. The way that Sarah was able to breakthrough with Lily. How her and Hector finally came around to their feelings. The side characters were just enough. They weren’t overdone and didn’t take up any more of the book than was needed. Lily’s grief was heartbreaking. It was written in the book to where you could actually feel for the little girl.
The make up didn’t come when you expected it. Sarah had to move on with her life until Hector was ready to heal his. But once he did and he came to find her it was in the sweetest way.
This story was a beautiful story. The loss, the grief, the love that was in this book was huge. The way that Sarah was able to breakthrough with Lily. How her and Hector finally came around to their feelings. The side characters were just enough. They weren’t overdone and didn’t take up any more of the book than was needed. Lily’s grief was heartbreaking. It was written in the book to where you could actually feel for the little girl.
The make up didn’t come when you expected it. Sarah had to move on with her life until Hector was ready to heal his. But once he did and he came to find her it was in the sweetest way.
January 30, 2026
three stars because I finished it
I literally only giving this three stars because I finished it and to be honest I never had any intention of not finishing it, but it is not good. The writing is fine, but the story was kind of awful. I guess I was completely misled because the blurb and the title of the book has nothing to do with the actual book. I mean, I guess I thought it was gonna be some kind of romance, but it's not. It's about the tragedy of a little girl losing her mom and the adults in her life trying to get past their own tragedies. if the story was about that and I was expecting that the book would've been fine good even but I was just expecting a romance and it's absolutely not that.
I literally only giving this three stars because I finished it and to be honest I never had any intention of not finishing it, but it is not good. The writing is fine, but the story was kind of awful. I guess I was completely misled because the blurb and the title of the book has nothing to do with the actual book. I mean, I guess I thought it was gonna be some kind of romance, but it's not. It's about the tragedy of a little girl losing her mom and the adults in her life trying to get past their own tragedies. if the story was about that and I was expecting that the book would've been fine good even but I was just expecting a romance and it's absolutely not that.
January 31, 2026
I am considering giving this book four stars because I tend to gravitate to everything that is deep, especially psychology, and I was fascinated by the development that was discussed. But this book should not be shelved as a romance one. Few scenes of the supposed intimacy in the kitchen where he cooks for her, a surprise birthday, few fighting scenes about the progress of Lily and him protecting her from loan sharks. The events at the last portion of the book felt rushed, and I was happy to read the book until we reached perhaps the last half of it, and I was thinking, Where is the romance I have been promised to get? ...
And the twisting was not twisting because at that point any reader would have figured it out.
But all in all, the original rating is 3 stars
February 16, 2026
The ending was such a letdown. This is why I don't read books under 300 pages. It's a good, easy read. I found myself really invested in the character arcs. I was rooting for them to get together and for Lily to smash all of her goals. Then there's a third act break up, FMC moves to a different country, MMC figures out his emotional baggage, and the book ends with him on a plane on his way to get the girl back. And the next book isn't even about these characters, it's interconnected but focuses on other people. The entire book I was wondering why it didn't have a higher rating. That's why. In addition to multiple typos, which I can easily look past if not for the fact that reading this is basically a waste of time. Not picking up the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2026
no consistency in writing
Average story and confusing writing. Her best friend’ photography job is doing well, but then she own dancing studio (which is on first floor, but later in the book 2nd floor…. And if it’s on second floor, how paparazzi can see inside?)
He lives in the city / penthouse but his car is in driveway and then estate is mentioned.
She lost everything in her old apartment, even her mother’s ring, but then she is packing only precious things when leaving NY which was her mom’s jewelry box.
Not worth money I paid for this book.
Average story and confusing writing. Her best friend’ photography job is doing well, but then she own dancing studio (which is on first floor, but later in the book 2nd floor…. And if it’s on second floor, how paparazzi can see inside?)
He lives in the city / penthouse but his car is in driveway and then estate is mentioned.
She lost everything in her old apartment, even her mother’s ring, but then she is packing only precious things when leaving NY which was her mom’s jewelry box.
Not worth money I paid for this book.
March 7, 2026
Talented author
The story the writing and the editing were really good. The story drew me in but it just drug on I didn't care for the MMC his personality matched his name Hector LOL because the name of the book was ruthless I thought it might have a little more angst and Spice. It was good book, it was just too bland for me I like a strong MMC and a little spice there wasn't even a kiss in this book. If you want a good story then this one might be for you it just wasn't for me.
The story the writing and the editing were really good. The story drew me in but it just drug on I didn't care for the MMC his personality matched his name Hector LOL because the name of the book was ruthless I thought it might have a little more angst and Spice. It was good book, it was just too bland for me I like a strong MMC and a little spice there wasn't even a kiss in this book. If you want a good story then this one might be for you it just wasn't for me.
January 28, 2026
Not a bad book but…
This book was not bad, but the title is misleading, and the blurb, as well. I don’t believe that the main characters were falling in love, and I don’t buy the ending. Again, I think the writing is good overall but the character development just wasn’t there for a romance. I’d buy a friendship, definitely.
This book was not bad, but the title is misleading, and the blurb, as well. I don’t believe that the main characters were falling in love, and I don’t buy the ending. Again, I think the writing is good overall but the character development just wasn’t there for a romance. I’d buy a friendship, definitely.
January 28, 2026
I actually thought maybe this was a first work for the author, but it turns out it just needs more work. There’s a core of a story here, but the author could do so much better with a good developmental editor to fix plot holes and give direction to the plot, and a proofreader to catch the spelling and grammar mistakes.
February 5, 2026
Disappointing read
The blurb to this book sounded interesting till you start to read. The story is all over the place. I didn’t find this book to be a romantic story. It was very disappointing. I would not recommend the read. Sadly. A lot did not make sense on how it was written.
The blurb to this book sounded interesting till you start to read. The story is all over the place. I didn’t find this book to be a romantic story. It was very disappointing. I would not recommend the read. Sadly. A lot did not make sense on how it was written.
February 15, 2026
Good until end
Loved this book and storyline..couldn't put it down until it just ended with no ending.it just went into the next book without finishing the story...like what the hell ??? I was looking forward to the next 2 books now not sure I want to waste my time..will they have an ending ???
Loved this book and storyline..couldn't put it down until it just ended with no ending.it just went into the next book without finishing the story...like what the hell ??? I was looking forward to the next 2 books now not sure I want to waste my time..will they have an ending ???
February 15, 2026
I was loving this story.... until the end literally dropped off an unfinished cliff and left the reader hanging on for dear life. And no the next book isn't a continuation, it's completely different characters.
Maybe the author will give us a hint as to how Sarah and Hectors relationship resulted but I won't be reading the next book to find out.
Maybe the author will give us a hint as to how Sarah and Hectors relationship resulted but I won't be reading the next book to find out.
February 21, 2026
Where's the ending???!!!
I read all the way to the end but there's no flipping ending!!! Book ends with the h thinking the H hates her and when you see there's a book 2 its like ok, I didn't want a book 2 but as long as we get an ending...but no, book 2 is evidently about another couple. So aggravating!
I read all the way to the end but there's no flipping ending!!! Book ends with the h thinking the H hates her and when you see there's a book 2 its like ok, I didn't want a book 2 but as long as we get an ending...but no, book 2 is evidently about another couple. So aggravating!
February 22, 2026
wtf - the book that I read on kindle did not have an epilogue, it straight up ended with him going to London but I never saw what happened once he got there.
It jumped right to the preview chapter of the next book - I am filled with rage.
I only know what happened because of the other comments here.
I was into the story until the abrupt cut off. zero romance.
It jumped right to the preview chapter of the next book - I am filled with rage.
I only know what happened because of the other comments here.
I was into the story until the abrupt cut off. zero romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2026
Sarah and Hector
Loved this. Cute story with heartbreak and love. Definitely recommend. The only confusing bit is that the story ends on a cliffhanger and the next book is from Gianna’s (one of the house workers) perspective with her own story. So…I want to know what happens in London with Sarah, Hector, and Lily.
Loved this. Cute story with heartbreak and love. Definitely recommend. The only confusing bit is that the story ends on a cliffhanger and the next book is from Gianna’s (one of the house workers) perspective with her own story. So…I want to know what happens in London with Sarah, Hector, and Lily.
March 1, 2026
Where is the rest of the book?
Too say I was disappointed would be an understatement. Did I miss something? Is there a part 2 I missed?
If youre looking for a satisfying ending, don't read this.
I was giving this book a solid 3, maybe inching up to 4 depending on the ending, but then there was no ending. Im so confused.
Too say I was disappointed would be an understatement. Did I miss something? Is there a part 2 I missed?
If youre looking for a satisfying ending, don't read this.
I was giving this book a solid 3, maybe inching up to 4 depending on the ending, but then there was no ending. Im so confused.
February 9, 2026
Well, I can’t say that this book is actually a great love story. It’s more about a story of healing with love thrown in at the end. The little girl and Sara were great characters, but Hector was kind of a grump and I was not impressed with him at all. However, it was a well written book.
February 19, 2026
Loved it!
This inaugural installment of the series was exceptional. The emotional arcs of the characters were impeccably portrayed, and the narrative progressed with remarkable fluidity. The conclusion was profoundly moving.
This inaugural installment of the series was exceptional. The emotional arcs of the characters were impeccably portrayed, and the narrative progressed with remarkable fluidity. The conclusion was profoundly moving.
February 24, 2026
Loved this. Cute story with heartbreak and love. Definitely recommend. The only confusing bit is that the story ends on a cliffhanger and the next book is from Gianna’s (one of the house workers) perspective with her own story. So…I want to know what happens in London with Sarah, Hector, and Lily.
March 1, 2026
Horrible ending
Book was good. Had me cryinga and smiling, and then all of a sudden you think you are turning pages to the next chapter and the story ends. No closure. Just here is the next book about someone else. No proper ending.
Book was good. Had me cryinga and smiling, and then all of a sudden you think you are turning pages to the next chapter and the story ends. No closure. Just here is the next book about someone else. No proper ending.
March 3, 2026
Heck no
This book ended on a cliffhanger. No ending to the story.
The next book in the series is about a different couple.
So that leaves the reader where? Nowhere. No ending, no closure.
I cannot tell you how freaking annoyed I am with this unwelcome surprise.
No.
This book ended on a cliffhanger. No ending to the story.
The next book in the series is about a different couple.
So that leaves the reader where? Nowhere. No ending, no closure.
I cannot tell you how freaking annoyed I am with this unwelcome surprise.
No.
March 5, 2026
good but the ending wasn’t even there??
Most of this book was really good, but the ending was left un finished and rushed. If you need a conclusion in your book I wouldn’t recommend this one, besides that it is worth the read.
Most of this book was really good, but the ending was left un finished and rushed. If you need a conclusion in your book I wouldn’t recommend this one, besides that it is worth the read.
March 11, 2026
Good
I dont know what i was expecting usual smut and predictable end but i was pleasantly surprised. Yes they get together in the end and its hinted happy ever after just not in way you usually get its a good read
I dont know what i was expecting usual smut and predictable end but i was pleasantly surprised. Yes they get together in the end and its hinted happy ever after just not in way you usually get its a good read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews