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Ruthless Charm: The forced proximity, touch her and die, college sports romance
Forced ProximityCollege sports romanceGrumpy x SunshineSpicy
He’s the storm I never saw coming . . . and the wreckage I can’t resist.
I thought one night with Ash Santo would be easy.
No emotions.
No complications.
But Ash is not just Cardinal Saint’s top player. He’s a storm. A wrecking ball that crashes through every wall I’ve built around my heart.
He’s arrogant, dangerous, with a smile that promises everything I shouldn't want.
And yet, when he looks at me, it feels like I'm the only one he sees.
I tell myself I won’t fall into his world, that I won’t let him destroy the fragile peace I’ve built for myself.
But I’m addicted. And now he’s living under my roof — there’s no turning back.
I’m losing myself in him, and I hate it.
But the more I fight it, the more I realize it’s too late . . . I’m already his.
This angsty dark college sports romance is perfect for fans of, Meagan Brandy, Chloe Walsh, Parker S. Huntington, Rosa Lucas, L.J Shen, Rebecca Jenshak, Nikki Lawson, Becka Mack
‘[Mia and Ash]. He’s cocky, sure of himself, a player, super-hot, a joker, and my heart fell big time for him. These 2 together — wow — super hot times!!’
‘These two have such an intense push and pull that it was great to see, but wreaked havoc on my heart.’
'Amazing read. Love this series!’
’A beautifully written story, which is filled with drama, danger, suspense, twists, emotions, mystery, loyalty, friendships, and love, which leads to an entertaining and all-consuming addictive page turner.’
‘Hooked. The ride was wild while having an ending that left me satisfied while somehow hoping for more!’
He’s the storm I never saw coming . . . and the wreckage I can’t resist.
I thought one night with Ash Santo would be easy.
No emotions.
No complications.
But Ash is not just Cardinal Saint’s top player. He’s a storm. A wrecking ball that crashes through every wall I’ve built around my heart.
He’s arrogant, dangerous, with a smile that promises everything I shouldn't want.
And yet, when he looks at me, it feels like I'm the only one he sees.
I tell myself I won’t fall into his world, that I won’t let him destroy the fragile peace I’ve built for myself.
But I’m addicted. And now he’s living under my roof — there’s no turning back.
I’m losing myself in him, and I hate it.
But the more I fight it, the more I realize it’s too late . . . I’m already his.
This angsty dark college sports romance is perfect for fans of, Meagan Brandy, Chloe Walsh, Parker S. Huntington, Rosa Lucas, L.J Shen, Rebecca Jenshak, Nikki Lawson, Becka Mack
‘[Mia and Ash]. He’s cocky, sure of himself, a player, super-hot, a joker, and my heart fell big time for him. These 2 together — wow — super hot times!!’
‘These two have such an intense push and pull that it was great to see, but wreaked havoc on my heart.’
'Amazing read. Love this series!’
’A beautifully written story, which is filled with drama, danger, suspense, twists, emotions, mystery, loyalty, friendships, and love, which leads to an entertaining and all-consuming addictive page turner.’
‘Hooked. The ride was wild while having an ending that left me satisfied while somehow hoping for more!’
368 pages, Paperback
Published March 31, 2026
About the author
Eve L. Mitchell
97 books806 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 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 24, 2026
When Quinn’s past comes back to haunt her and those she is closest to, Mia finds herself caught in the crosshairs by association. With her best friend dating the football captain, all eyes are on the Devils and the girls in their company, Mia included. While she thought hooking up with the Santo cousin would be no strings attached, she realizes how wrong she is when the Devils force him to move into her apartment for her protection. Now she’s forced to share a space with a man who lights her up as much as he infuriates her, but as he and his family take over every aspect of her life, she wonders just how much she’s going to have to give up if she wants to survive.
After Ash was blindsided by his ex when they were 17, he made no apologies for how he chose to distract herself from the pain, or how many women he used to do it. He knew he should have stayed away from Mia, given that she’s best friends with his cousin’s girl, but he couldn’t resist the tempation. When he’s forced to move into her cramped apartment, he immediately takes over, trying to make it a better fit for him, but doesn’t realize how much he’s bulldozing over her in the process. However, once Mia is threatened, all bets are off, and he realizes that maybe he’s finally met his match, in every way.
I have to say I really enjoyed this book, and I love how the storyline carried forward through all the books, even though the relationships themselves can be taken as standalones. Ash seemed like such a lighthearted character in the previous ones, even despite everything that went down with Gray and Quinn, but in this one we really got to see all his different sides, the good, the bad and the ugly. Mia may come off as brash at times, but when we take into consideration everything that’s been forced on her in the past few months, I can’t say I blame her. I loved how deeply they fell for each other (even though they needed someone else to point it out for them), but even when they hadn’t yet defined themselves, they weren’t afraid to fight for each other. This book was a perfect conclusion to this generation of Ruthless Devils, and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
After Ash was blindsided by his ex when they were 17, he made no apologies for how he chose to distract herself from the pain, or how many women he used to do it. He knew he should have stayed away from Mia, given that she’s best friends with his cousin’s girl, but he couldn’t resist the tempation. When he’s forced to move into her cramped apartment, he immediately takes over, trying to make it a better fit for him, but doesn’t realize how much he’s bulldozing over her in the process. However, once Mia is threatened, all bets are off, and he realizes that maybe he’s finally met his match, in every way.
I have to say I really enjoyed this book, and I love how the storyline carried forward through all the books, even though the relationships themselves can be taken as standalones. Ash seemed like such a lighthearted character in the previous ones, even despite everything that went down with Gray and Quinn, but in this one we really got to see all his different sides, the good, the bad and the ugly. Mia may come off as brash at times, but when we take into consideration everything that’s been forced on her in the past few months, I can’t say I blame her. I loved how deeply they fell for each other (even though they needed someone else to point it out for them), but even when they hadn’t yet defined themselves, they weren’t afraid to fight for each other. This book was a perfect conclusion to this generation of Ruthless Devils, and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
March 18, 2026
Ruthless Charm is the third and final book in the Ruthless Devils series by Eve L. Mitchell, which follows Ash and Mia’s story as the primary characters, along with Ava, Jett, Quinn and Gray as the side characters.
Ash and Mia have such an intense and interesting dynamic, which we’ve gradually been led into their romance throughout the series and got to know each character separately from the POV’s of the other characters in the previous books.
These two are also so distinctively different to the other characters/couples in the series that I was wholeheartedly captivated by the beauty in the storytelling. There were moments that I felt like I was right next to the characters as the detail was just so perfectly written.
I deeply connected with Mia on a number of levels, and I think that drew me more into the story. Plus the swoon worthiness of Ash, is out of this world.
Ruthless Charm was the perfect finale, with each couple's stories entwined and captured through to the right moment in time. I might not have wanted this series to end, as I was fully submerged in the world of the Devils, the emotions and the mystery, but I’ve never felt so completely satisfied with the end of a series. I was left with zero questions, and it was rather lovely having this feeling of completeness.
I know in the coming months that I’ll definitely be re-reading the Ruthless Devils series, and I think it will stay as a favourite series from Eve L. Mitchell.
Eve L. Mitchell has honestly outdone herself with the storytelling of the Ruthless Devils series, and Ruthless Charm was the lighthearted bow we needed to wrap up these books.
Ruthless Heart, was intoxicating.
Ruthless Desire, absolutely broke me.
Ruthless Charm, captured my heart.
Ash and Mia have such an intense and interesting dynamic, which we’ve gradually been led into their romance throughout the series and got to know each character separately from the POV’s of the other characters in the previous books.
These two are also so distinctively different to the other characters/couples in the series that I was wholeheartedly captivated by the beauty in the storytelling. There were moments that I felt like I was right next to the characters as the detail was just so perfectly written.
I deeply connected with Mia on a number of levels, and I think that drew me more into the story. Plus the swoon worthiness of Ash, is out of this world.
Ruthless Charm was the perfect finale, with each couple's stories entwined and captured through to the right moment in time. I might not have wanted this series to end, as I was fully submerged in the world of the Devils, the emotions and the mystery, but I’ve never felt so completely satisfied with the end of a series. I was left with zero questions, and it was rather lovely having this feeling of completeness.
I know in the coming months that I’ll definitely be re-reading the Ruthless Devils series, and I think it will stay as a favourite series from Eve L. Mitchell.
Eve L. Mitchell has honestly outdone herself with the storytelling of the Ruthless Devils series, and Ruthless Charm was the lighthearted bow we needed to wrap up these books.
Ruthless Heart, was intoxicating.
Ruthless Desire, absolutely broke me.
Ruthless Charm, captured my heart.
April 2, 2026
OMG this band of brothers, or twins and cousin, and their stories are gut wrenching!
As each story has unfolded I've been blindsided by one thing or another that has come from left field.
Of course we have the usual mayhem and tomfoolery that I know goes on in every college campus, fictional and real, as well as this sometimes heartbreaking but heartwarming story.
Ash and Mia... I cried like a baby more than once and not all for the same reason! Their forced proximity and the resulting banter and battles are awe inspiring.
I knew that Ash was a different kettle of fish to his cousins. They are all attractive in their own unique way but there is something extra special about him and I don't claim to know what it is, it's just *sigh*!
I've thoroughly enjoyed getting to know these college aged Santo boys and I can't wait to determine whether I'll hate Onyx as much as I think I will!
As each story has unfolded I've been blindsided by one thing or another that has come from left field.
Of course we have the usual mayhem and tomfoolery that I know goes on in every college campus, fictional and real, as well as this sometimes heartbreaking but heartwarming story.
Ash and Mia... I cried like a baby more than once and not all for the same reason! Their forced proximity and the resulting banter and battles are awe inspiring.
I knew that Ash was a different kettle of fish to his cousins. They are all attractive in their own unique way but there is something extra special about him and I don't claim to know what it is, it's just *sigh*!
I've thoroughly enjoyed getting to know these college aged Santo boys and I can't wait to determine whether I'll hate Onyx as much as I think I will!
April 28, 2026
Another good one in this series!
Another good one in this series! I’m still completely hooked on these characters and their world, but I have to admit… I was frustrated with this one at times.
The MMC was so blind to what was right in front of him, and it definitely tested my patience 😅 I just wanted him to wake up already! I tend to prefer a much more possessive, sure-of-himself MMC who knows exactly what he wants and goes for it, so this one didn’t hit quite the same for me.
That said, I still really enjoyed the story. The chemistry was there, the tension kept me reading, and I flew through it because I needed to see how it all played out.
Overall, a solid addition to the series—and I’m already onto the next one 👀📚
Another good one in this series! I’m still completely hooked on these characters and their world, but I have to admit… I was frustrated with this one at times.
The MMC was so blind to what was right in front of him, and it definitely tested my patience 😅 I just wanted him to wake up already! I tend to prefer a much more possessive, sure-of-himself MMC who knows exactly what he wants and goes for it, so this one didn’t hit quite the same for me.
That said, I still really enjoyed the story. The chemistry was there, the tension kept me reading, and I flew through it because I needed to see how it all played out.
Overall, a solid addition to the series—and I’m already onto the next one 👀📚
May 31, 2026
Game on
What's a "fifth wheel" to do when the two men he's closest to are "wifed up"? Get with the other fifth wheel.
Ash and Mia have had a mutual attraction since Jett and Ava got together. He's also the ex to Gray's gf. So when their given the opportunity to hook up, they go for it, despite being warned not to do so.
With underlying issues afoot, the two are pushed together as a,safety precaution. Jealousy, anger, and mayhem aside, the two can't help falling for each other.
Its a chaotic world and these two are in for a bumpy ride.
What's a "fifth wheel" to do when the two men he's closest to are "wifed up"? Get with the other fifth wheel.
Ash and Mia have had a mutual attraction since Jett and Ava got together. He's also the ex to Gray's gf. So when their given the opportunity to hook up, they go for it, despite being warned not to do so.
With underlying issues afoot, the two are pushed together as a,safety precaution. Jealousy, anger, and mayhem aside, the two can't help falling for each other.
Its a chaotic world and these two are in for a bumpy ride.
October 14, 2026
Eve L. Mitchell, I could read your writing forever! Another storyline that had me hooked from start to finish.
Mia, Mia, Mia… I had your BACK for the first half, only for you to let me down in the second 😭 She was a complicated soul, but so many of her feelings were valid. The girl had her entire life turned upside down over something that wasn’t even her problem, and everyone just expected her to deal with it?!
And the side characters?! Ava especially… best friend WHO?! Girl, you really disappointed me.
Now ASH SANTO. What. A. Man. 🥵 Absolutely loved him.
The drama, the mind games, the constant questioning of whose side I was on 🤣 Not my favourite of the series, but still loved it!
And Onyx… you’ve officially got my attention 👀
Mia, Mia, Mia… I had your BACK for the first half, only for you to let me down in the second 😭 She was a complicated soul, but so many of her feelings were valid. The girl had her entire life turned upside down over something that wasn’t even her problem, and everyone just expected her to deal with it?!
And the side characters?! Ava especially… best friend WHO?! Girl, you really disappointed me.
Now ASH SANTO. What. A. Man. 🥵 Absolutely loved him.
The drama, the mind games, the constant questioning of whose side I was on 🤣 Not my favourite of the series, but still loved it!
And Onyx… you’ve officially got my attention 👀
April 5, 2026
Angsty in a good way
RUTHLESS CHARM Ruthless Devils Book 3 by EVE L. MITCHELL: 5 stars
Ash/Mia - repeated hookups become complicated and then more. Lots of chemistry.. Threats loom and mistakes happen, but family and friends are there for one another. I love the way this series grows and continues with the characters.
—PTATORS
RUTHLESS CHARM Ruthless Devils Book 3 by EVE L. MITCHELL: 5 stars
Ash/Mia - repeated hookups become complicated and then more. Lots of chemistry.. Threats loom and mistakes happen, but family and friends are there for one another. I love the way this series grows and continues with the characters.
—PTATORS
June 20, 2026
Sadly I couldn’t get in to this book too well, I found Mia annoying as hell with the way she behaved and acted towards everyone in the book.
I found her character boring, and so so immature.
I enjoyed the chapters whenever it wasn’t just solely focused on her and Ash, but sadly? This one missed the mark for me.
It just didn’t flow and I didn’t enjoy it as much as the previous one.
I found her character boring, and so so immature.
I enjoyed the chapters whenever it wasn’t just solely focused on her and Ash, but sadly? This one missed the mark for me.
It just didn’t flow and I didn’t enjoy it as much as the previous one.
October 26, 2026
Okay, this was definitely my favourite of the series so far. There was something about Ash and Mia that I just knew was going to be not just explosive, but in a sense, heartbreaking. I know to most, Mia may have come across as selfish, but seeing her stand up for herself and still try to navigate the situation she was unknowingly dragged into? It was a really good book. Highly recommend!
September 4, 2026
4.5 stars,
This was the series where teenagers had teenagers issues & were actually acting like teenagers.
This was the series where teenagers had teenagers issues & were actually acting like teenagers.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews