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Ruthless Desire: The spicy, touch her and die, friends-to-lovers, college sports romance
- GenresSports
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 26, 2026
About the author
Eve L. Mitchell
67 books781 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 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 16, 2026
the love and humor
This series and author! The humor just keeps you attached to the characters and the plot is great! Keep up the amazing writing
This series and author! The humor just keeps you attached to the characters and the plot is great! Keep up the amazing writing
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
❤️ Blurb -
Gray Santo. Unstoppable on the football field, lethal off it. The force driving the Cardinal Saints team. Cold. Dangerous.
And so damn beautiful, it hurts.
The same man who destroyed everything I thought I knew. Then walked away like nothing ever happened.
I was supposed to be the girl who played it safe.
But one touch, one kiss. That’s all it took to crave the chaos he promises.
I should hate him. I should walk away.
But every time I try, he pulls me closer — until I’m drowning in his darkness.
The truth is, he’s not the only one with secrets.
And when this is all over, I may never be able to escape.
But, do I even want to?
💜 Review -
I enjoyed the first book in the series and Ruthless Desire certainly didn't disappoint. If dark romance is your go to genre then you will love this. I was hooked from the very first page and I was soon drawn into the story. Which I found easy to follow with a great cast of characters. Even though there were some sensitive subjects they were handled with care. 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.
Gray Santo. Unstoppable on the football field, lethal off it. The force driving the Cardinal Saints team. Cold. Dangerous.
And so damn beautiful, it hurts.
The same man who destroyed everything I thought I knew. Then walked away like nothing ever happened.
I was supposed to be the girl who played it safe.
But one touch, one kiss. That’s all it took to crave the chaos he promises.
I should hate him. I should walk away.
But every time I try, he pulls me closer — until I’m drowning in his darkness.
The truth is, he’s not the only one with secrets.
And when this is all over, I may never be able to escape.
But, do I even want to?
💜 Review -
I enjoyed the first book in the series and Ruthless Desire certainly didn't disappoint. If dark romance is your go to genre then you will love this. I was hooked from the very first page and I was soon drawn into the story. Which I found easy to follow with a great cast of characters. Even though there were some sensitive subjects they were handled with care. 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 26, 2026
Ruthless Desire by Eve L. Mitchell is the second book in the Ruthless Devils series, and a beautifully written love story between Gray and Quinn, and one that showed true progression from childhood friends to lovers to enemies to lovers once more.
From the prologue you’ll be hooked, and for me I felt like this answered a lot of the backstory about Quinn and the Santos guys' relationship which I was curious about from Book 1, Ruthless Heart.
Quinn’s story is heartbreaking to read, but as a character her determination to get over her past shines through - she is in no way weak. Unfortunately the Santos won’t let Quinn forget, and her relationship with Gray is like a battle. Neither will allow the other victory, when together they both could win.
The moments of care and thought that Gray has to situations, softens his character at that particular time, but doesn’t stop you thinking he’s going to crush you and tear the world apart, with his fierceness and arrogant attitude. You don’t want to be on the receiving end of anything Gray!
Quinn and Gray are like no other couple you will read. EVER. They have so much history and such a deep connection that the dual POV’s are instrumental in understanding all that needs to be told. Their love is like no other, and the chemistry is off the charts.
The amount of times I cried is almost ridiculous, but that in itself shows just how deep the emotions are throughout the story, and this is what I love as a reader. Especially when the author can seamlessly make the characters come alive off the page and you feel so deeply through each moment of the story, and experiencing all that the characters have to tell.
I have such high anticipation for what’s still to come and how the Devils and their women’s story will conclude. I absolutely loved the way Ruthless Desire ended, as it left me wanting more, but at the same time, I was completely satisfied with how Quinn and Gray’s story finished.
Ruthless Desire absolutely broke me.
From the prologue you’ll be hooked, and for me I felt like this answered a lot of the backstory about Quinn and the Santos guys' relationship which I was curious about from Book 1, Ruthless Heart.
Quinn’s story is heartbreaking to read, but as a character her determination to get over her past shines through - she is in no way weak. Unfortunately the Santos won’t let Quinn forget, and her relationship with Gray is like a battle. Neither will allow the other victory, when together they both could win.
The moments of care and thought that Gray has to situations, softens his character at that particular time, but doesn’t stop you thinking he’s going to crush you and tear the world apart, with his fierceness and arrogant attitude. You don’t want to be on the receiving end of anything Gray!
Quinn and Gray are like no other couple you will read. EVER. They have so much history and such a deep connection that the dual POV’s are instrumental in understanding all that needs to be told. Their love is like no other, and the chemistry is off the charts.
The amount of times I cried is almost ridiculous, but that in itself shows just how deep the emotions are throughout the story, and this is what I love as a reader. Especially when the author can seamlessly make the characters come alive off the page and you feel so deeply through each moment of the story, and experiencing all that the characters have to tell.
I have such high anticipation for what’s still to come and how the Devils and their women’s story will conclude. I absolutely loved the way Ruthless Desire ended, as it left me wanting more, but at the same time, I was completely satisfied with how Quinn and Gray’s story finished.
Ruthless Desire absolutely broke me.
May 23, 2026
When she was 11, Quinn’s family moved in next to the three Santo boys and became one of the Devils. When she was 17, she broke one of their hearts and was exiled, but has never been able to get over the one she couldn’t let herself want, and the secrets she’s still keeping from all of them. While her feelings for him are just as strong as they always were, she pushed him away 18 months ago, and he won’t let her forget it.
Grey always assumed Quinn would be his, so when she dated his cousin instead, he couldn’t understand it. When they eventually broke up he saw his chance, but then everything fell apart. As Quinn’s secrets have come to light, he realizes just how much she betrayed him, and doesn’t know if he’ll ever be able to forgive her.
This book took me on quite the rollercoaster ride. While they were all a bunch of kids, they were put in adult situations and made the wrong decision, not realizing how far reaching the consequences would be. While the boys knew enough about what happened to Quinn to look into it themselves, the things they uncovered were a shock to all of them. I loved how even when Grey claimed to hate Quinn, he was still the first to show up when she needed him, and once all the cards were out, it was clear they really were always going to be end game.
Grey always assumed Quinn would be his, so when she dated his cousin instead, he couldn’t understand it. When they eventually broke up he saw his chance, but then everything fell apart. As Quinn’s secrets have come to light, he realizes just how much she betrayed him, and doesn’t know if he’ll ever be able to forgive her.
This book took me on quite the rollercoaster ride. While they were all a bunch of kids, they were put in adult situations and made the wrong decision, not realizing how far reaching the consequences would be. While the boys knew enough about what happened to Quinn to look into it themselves, the things they uncovered were a shock to all of them. I loved how even when Grey claimed to hate Quinn, he was still the first to show up when she needed him, and once all the cards were out, it was clear they really were always going to be end game.
April 28, 2026
This book definitely kept me engaged—I ended up devouring it and moving straight on to book three
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so I went straight into this one because I was already hooked on the characters and the world.
This book definitely kept me engaged—I ended up devouring it and moving straight on to book three but I’ll be honest, it didn’t hit the same as the first for me. There was quite a lot of miscommunication between the main characters, which at times became a bit frustrating and slowed things down.
The MMC especially wasn’t my favourite. These brothers are definitely unhinged (which I do love), but I personally prefer a more possessive, take-charge energy—and this one took a while to figure out what he actually wanted.
That said, the story still pulled me in, the writing kept me hooked, and I’m clearly invested enough to keep going with the series—so it’s still a solid read if you’re already in this world.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so I went straight into this one because I was already hooked on the characters and the world.
This book definitely kept me engaged—I ended up devouring it and moving straight on to book three but I’ll be honest, it didn’t hit the same as the first for me. There was quite a lot of miscommunication between the main characters, which at times became a bit frustrating and slowed things down.
The MMC especially wasn’t my favourite. These brothers are definitely unhinged (which I do love), but I personally prefer a more possessive, take-charge energy—and this one took a while to figure out what he actually wanted.
That said, the story still pulled me in, the writing kept me hooked, and I’m clearly invested enough to keep going with the series—so it’s still a solid read if you’re already in this world.
March 2, 2026
Ruthless Desire by Eve L. Mitchell is the story of a group of childhood friends: Quinn, Ash,Jett and Gray.
As they grow up and head into college, Quinn and Ash begin a relationship but Gray knows that they belong together and it’s not long before he tries to convince Quinn of this.
At its heart, this book is a story about relationships. About brothers and cousins, about friends. And about what it means to put it all on the line for the people you care about.
I enjoyed this book. I did not love all of the characters all of the time, but I thought that it was a great story and found myself quite invested in the dynamics within the group. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
As they grow up and head into college, Quinn and Ash begin a relationship but Gray knows that they belong together and it’s not long before he tries to convince Quinn of this.
At its heart, this book is a story about relationships. About brothers and cousins, about friends. And about what it means to put it all on the line for the people you care about.
I enjoyed this book. I did not love all of the characters all of the time, but I thought that it was a great story and found myself quite invested in the dynamics within the group. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
May 1, 2026
Ruthless Desire - Oh so ruthless, off the charts chemistry.
Quinn's secret is revealed, Gray's reaction is uncontrollable rage, both for her and the people she inadvertently got herself tied to. The Santa have been doing their own 'research', what they've uncovered so far has sickened them. Gray is raging, but he's finally realised that his feelings for Quinn are real, but he's equally determined to make her suffer. But when the chips are down he is in full protector mode. Gray and Jett's brother, Onyx, hates Quinn because he thinks it will ruin Gray's promising football career, but for Gray he assists in helping her . Chemistry between tRay and Quinn is off the charts.
Quinn's secret is revealed, Gray's reaction is uncontrollable rage, both for her and the people she inadvertently got herself tied to. The Santa have been doing their own 'research', what they've uncovered so far has sickened them. Gray is raging, but he's finally realised that his feelings for Quinn are real, but he's equally determined to make her suffer. But when the chips are down he is in full protector mode. Gray and Jett's brother, Onyx, hates Quinn because he thinks it will ruin Gray's promising football career, but for Gray he assists in helping her . Chemistry between tRay and Quinn is off the charts.
February 27, 2026
I was so happy to get back to this world, this time it's Gray & Quinn's Story!.
I was absolutely desperate to find out this couples backstory, I knew that it would be devastating but i didn't realise just how much.
The whole story has a sad undercurrent, it's just setting you up for the heartbreaking truth about what happened to Quinn.
The good outshines the dark in the story though and the story between Gray & Quinn is everything!
I was so excited to see characters from the previous book and book 3 hurry up!.
I was absolutely desperate to find out this couples backstory, I knew that it would be devastating but i didn't realise just how much.
The whole story has a sad undercurrent, it's just setting you up for the heartbreaking truth about what happened to Quinn.
The good outshines the dark in the story though and the story between Gray & Quinn is everything!
I was so excited to see characters from the previous book and book 3 hurry up!.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The second book in the Ruthless Devils series is definitely my favourite so far. The tension between Gray and Quinn is palpable throughout, the push and pull of them both had me turning those pages late into the night and wanting them both to get together. As both of them are stubborn, it takes a while but they're explosive when they do.
I'm not a huge fan of the friends to lovers trope, but Eve has done is perfectly and I can't wait to read the rest of this series!
I'm not a huge fan of the friends to lovers trope, but Eve has done is perfectly and I can't wait to read the rest of this series!
March 8, 2026
After reading Ruthless Heart only last month, I couldn't believe that this second book in the Ruthless Devils series was already coming up for release.
And of course, I jumped at the chance to read it.
I thought that book 1 was amazing, but how on earth could this one get even better.
We're obviously still with the Santos boys and oh how this reminds me just why I absolutely love these morally grey (/jet black) boys.
I know that in real life they would drive me insane - in fact, even whilst reading, I was laughing and crying but also screaming at the book to get them to listen to sense - but I couldn't get enough of it.
I loved Gray and his super silent and brooding demeanour which absolutely added to the atmosphere and the eventual relationship development with Quinn.
Quinn was such a great character to explore too and I definitely shed some tears as her harrowing story unfolds and we see just what she's had to endure.
It was great to see some of the characters that we met in the first book and to see the development of their situations.
This book continues the story on and weaves around all we already knew beautifully and so I'd definitely recommend that these be read in order.
Ideally binged together! So, so good.
I'm a little disturbed that I might have a much longer wait before grabbing the next book in the series - but I already cannot wait!
And of course, I jumped at the chance to read it.
I thought that book 1 was amazing, but how on earth could this one get even better.
We're obviously still with the Santos boys and oh how this reminds me just why I absolutely love these morally grey (/jet black) boys.
I know that in real life they would drive me insane - in fact, even whilst reading, I was laughing and crying but also screaming at the book to get them to listen to sense - but I couldn't get enough of it.
I loved Gray and his super silent and brooding demeanour which absolutely added to the atmosphere and the eventual relationship development with Quinn.
Quinn was such a great character to explore too and I definitely shed some tears as her harrowing story unfolds and we see just what she's had to endure.
It was great to see some of the characters that we met in the first book and to see the development of their situations.
This book continues the story on and weaves around all we already knew beautifully and so I'd definitely recommend that these be read in order.
Ideally binged together! So, so good.
I'm a little disturbed that I might have a much longer wait before grabbing the next book in the series - but I already cannot wait!
April 2, 2026
Love these characters!
RUTHLESS DESIRE Ruthless Devils Book 2 by EVE L. MITCHELL: 5 stars
Quinn & Grey have a lot of baggage, and they’re both stubborn.. so angsty with chemistry, and secrets. A good pace and likable characters- The family/friends relationships in this story are incredible.. There is an ongoing mission that threads thru this series, but each story is a HEA/HFN for each couple.
-PTATORS
RUTHLESS DESIRE Ruthless Devils Book 2 by EVE L. MITCHELL: 5 stars
Quinn & Grey have a lot of baggage, and they’re both stubborn.. so angsty with chemistry, and secrets. A good pace and likable characters- The family/friends relationships in this story are incredible.. There is an ongoing mission that threads thru this series, but each story is a HEA/HFN for each couple.
-PTATORS
May 11, 2026
I hated the main characters the whole time. They didn’t get better.
The only reason I carried on this book rather than DNF’ing is bc of Jett and Ava.
Great ending with seeing who Ash ends up with in her POV.
The only reason I carried on this book rather than DNF’ing is bc of Jett and Ava.
Great ending with seeing who Ash ends up with in her POV.
March 10, 2026
Queeny! what a woman she was a brilliant FMC, gray kind of pissed me off to start with but he grew on me when he shown his softer side
March 29, 2026
I was so sure as I read Ruthless Heart, book 1 in this series, that I had worked out exactly what had happened to Quinn.
Oh how wrong I was! Spectacularly!
Also, I was so sure that Quinn's other half would be Ash so even reading the blurb was a surprise.
I sobbed, more than once, whilst reading Ruthless Desire BUT I wouldn't have it any other way.
As I've come to expect from a novel penned by this author, it is very difficult to step away from it, even when you've finished.
Eve L Mitchell manages to capture my attention and my imagination amazingly easily and the story has a stranglehold on my attention far beyond the final page.
I love the strong but, entirely feminine women portrayed in this series and know that although as a romance reader I want them to have their HEAs, I also know these women would slay regardless of their relationship status.
I can wait to read Ash's story but I think I'll probably hate Onyx even more before his story comes along...Just saying!
Oh how wrong I was! Spectacularly!
Also, I was so sure that Quinn's other half would be Ash so even reading the blurb was a surprise.
I sobbed, more than once, whilst reading Ruthless Desire BUT I wouldn't have it any other way.
As I've come to expect from a novel penned by this author, it is very difficult to step away from it, even when you've finished.
Eve L Mitchell manages to capture my attention and my imagination amazingly easily and the story has a stranglehold on my attention far beyond the final page.
I love the strong but, entirely feminine women portrayed in this series and know that although as a romance reader I want them to have their HEAs, I also know these women would slay regardless of their relationship status.
I can wait to read Ash's story but I think I'll probably hate Onyx even more before his story comes along...Just saying!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews