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The Ruthless Greek's Return
The jewel in his plan
Once Loukas Sarantos was bodyguard to the world’s richest men. Now the ruthless Greek is a CEO, with bodyguards of his own. And his most recent procurement means he can finally take revenge on Jessica Cartwright—the only woman ever to walk away from him.
As the face of Loukas’s new luxury jewellery company, formerly out-of-his-league Jessica now has to answer to him—and he will relish every second of having her under his control! But as the embers of their former fire reignite Loukas begins to realise that Jessica might be the most precious jewel in his possession…
Praise for Sharon Kendrick
Christmas in Da Conti’s Bed 4.5* RT Book Review
Kendrick’s romance is a war of wills between her charismatic hero and infamous, insecure heroine. Set in the lavish laps of New York and London, her mesmerizing narrative epitomizes raw powerful emotions.
The Housekeeper’s Awakening 4* RT Book Review
Kendrick writes an exciting romance. The European luxury adds relevance, the banter between the stars enlivens and the lovemaking sizzles.
The Greek’s Marriage Bargain 4.5* Top Pick RT Book Review
Kendrick’s couple radiates combative emotion and plays their roles well, and the ultimate opulent backdrop drips wealth as her beautiful and visual writing tells a marvellous tale.
Once Loukas Sarantos was bodyguard to the world’s richest men. Now the ruthless Greek is a CEO, with bodyguards of his own. And his most recent procurement means he can finally take revenge on Jessica Cartwright—the only woman ever to walk away from him.
As the face of Loukas’s new luxury jewellery company, formerly out-of-his-league Jessica now has to answer to him—and he will relish every second of having her under his control! But as the embers of their former fire reignite Loukas begins to realise that Jessica might be the most precious jewel in his possession…
Praise for Sharon Kendrick
Christmas in Da Conti’s Bed 4.5* RT Book Review
Kendrick’s romance is a war of wills between her charismatic hero and infamous, insecure heroine. Set in the lavish laps of New York and London, her mesmerizing narrative epitomizes raw powerful emotions.
The Housekeeper’s Awakening 4* RT Book Review
Kendrick writes an exciting romance. The European luxury adds relevance, the banter between the stars enlivens and the lovemaking sizzles.
The Greek’s Marriage Bargain 4.5* Top Pick RT Book Review
Kendrick’s couple radiates combative emotion and plays their roles well, and the ultimate opulent backdrop drips wealth as her beautiful and visual writing tells a marvellous tale.
192 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2015
55 people are currently reading
499 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Kendrick
1,240 books456 followersI was told off as a child for making up stories—little did I know that one day I’d earn my living by writing them!
To the horror of my parents, I left school at sixteen and held a bewildering variety of jobs: I was a London DJ (in the now-trendy Primrose Hill), a decorator and a singer. After that I became a cook, a photographer and, eventually, a nurse. I waitressed in the south of France, drove an ambulance in Australia, saw lots of beautiful sights but could never settle down. Everywhere I went I felt like a square peg—until one day I started writing again and then everything just fell into place. I felt like Cinderella must have when the glass slipper fit!
Today, I have the best job in the world, writing passionate romances for Harlequin. I like writing stories which are sexy and fast-paced, yet packed full of emotion—stories that readers will identify with, laugh and cry along with.
My interests are many and varied—chocolate and music, fresh flowers and bubble baths, films, cooking and trying to keep my home from looking burglarized! Simple pleasures—you can’t beat them!
I live in Winchester, one of the most stunning cities in the world, but don’t take my word for it—come see for yourself! I regularly visit London and Paris. Oh, and I love hearing from my readers all over the world…so I think it’s over to you!
To the horror of my parents, I left school at sixteen and held a bewildering variety of jobs: I was a London DJ (in the now-trendy Primrose Hill), a decorator and a singer. After that I became a cook, a photographer and, eventually, a nurse. I waitressed in the south of France, drove an ambulance in Australia, saw lots of beautiful sights but could never settle down. Everywhere I went I felt like a square peg—until one day I started writing again and then everything just fell into place. I felt like Cinderella must have when the glass slipper fit!
Today, I have the best job in the world, writing passionate romances for Harlequin. I like writing stories which are sexy and fast-paced, yet packed full of emotion—stories that readers will identify with, laugh and cry along with.
My interests are many and varied—chocolate and music, fresh flowers and bubble baths, films, cooking and trying to keep my home from looking burglarized! Simple pleasures—you can’t beat them!
I live in Winchester, one of the most stunning cities in the world, but don’t take my word for it—come see for yourself! I regularly visit London and Paris. Oh, and I love hearing from my readers all over the world…so I think it’s over to you!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
July 27, 2015
There is nothing I love better than a second chance at love romance,one of my favorite tropes in the romance genre.
The hero ,Lukas,and heroine Jess,were lovers eight years ago when she was a rising tennis star and he a bodyguard to a Russian billionaire.Jess's father finds out about the affair with Loukas and confronts him,Loukas offers marriage,but Jess turns him down.They part ways only to meet up eight years later when Jess is a model for the company that Loukas,now a billionaire,has taken over.
This was such a lovely romance and I must confess to loving Loukas ,Jess came off a bit cold,but with her family history I could see her pov.
I must check out the story sbout the twin brother Alek as I am sure a story was written about him and the Russian billionaire should have a book next up.
Overall satisfied with this read and enjoyef the epilogue.
The hero ,Lukas,and heroine Jess,were lovers eight years ago when she was a rising tennis star and he a bodyguard to a Russian billionaire.Jess's father finds out about the affair with Loukas and confronts him,Loukas offers marriage,but Jess turns him down.They part ways only to meet up eight years later when Jess is a model for the company that Loukas,now a billionaire,has taken over.
This was such a lovely romance and I must confess to loving Loukas ,Jess came off a bit cold,but with her family history I could see her pov.
I must check out the story sbout the twin brother Alek as I am sure a story was written about him and the Russian billionaire should have a book next up.
Overall satisfied with this read and enjoyef the epilogue.
October 17, 2019
Strong opening with a cruel hero, but the story loses energy as it goes along.
Greek bodyguard hero had an affair with rising tennis star heroine when she was 18. Her father found out and broke them up. The hero proposed to the heroine, but she turned him down because she was only 18 and wanted to pursue her tennis career. Hero never forgave her. He spent the next eight years whoring around and earning billions.
Heroine, on the other hand, injured her leg and lost her career. Her parents died and she ended up caring for her half-sister. She has had no men in her life since the hero. Her only income is a once-a-year ad campaign for a watch company.
Hero buys watch company so he can lord it over the heroine.
And that’s where the story falls apart. The hero quickly gets the heroine in bed and forgets everything (including a grovel for expecting an 18-year-old to restore his faith in humanity) because the author is busy moving these characters to random locations for random reasons.
H/h go to Venice for the heroine’s new image photo shoot. She is educated sexually by the hero so she can project a sophisticated image. Then the hero moves in with her in Cornwall to show his domesticated side. After a brief separation hero proposes for an HEA.
And I didn’t believe any of it because:
(1) The character changes weren’t necessary. A sporty, natural heroine is fine. As is a tycoon. Putting heroine in diamonds and having the hero play board games really made no sense.
(2) The character changes didn’t arise naturally. Why would an ambitious tennis player roll over and be passive for the rest of her life? Why would a manwhore suddenly become committed? These questions were never answered
Bottom line. Cruel hero faded away once the sunlight of “romance” fell on him. Emotionally frozen heroine stayed passive.
Greek bodyguard hero had an affair with rising tennis star heroine when she was 18. Her father found out and broke them up. The hero proposed to the heroine, but she turned him down because she was only 18 and wanted to pursue her tennis career. Hero never forgave her. He spent the next eight years whoring around and earning billions.
Heroine, on the other hand, injured her leg and lost her career. Her parents died and she ended up caring for her half-sister. She has had no men in her life since the hero. Her only income is a once-a-year ad campaign for a watch company.
Hero buys watch company so he can lord it over the heroine.
And that’s where the story falls apart. The hero quickly gets the heroine in bed and forgets everything (including a grovel for expecting an 18-year-old to restore his faith in humanity) because the author is busy moving these characters to random locations for random reasons.
H/h go to Venice for the heroine’s new image photo shoot. She is educated sexually by the hero so she can project a sophisticated image. Then the hero moves in with her in Cornwall to show his domesticated side. After a brief separation hero proposes for an HEA.
And I didn’t believe any of it because:
(1) The character changes weren’t necessary. A sporty, natural heroine is fine. As is a tycoon. Putting heroine in diamonds and having the hero play board games really made no sense.
(2) The character changes didn’t arise naturally. Why would an ambitious tennis player roll over and be passive for the rest of her life? Why would a manwhore suddenly become committed? These questions were never answered
Bottom line. Cruel hero faded away once the sunlight of “romance” fell on him. Emotionally frozen heroine stayed passive.
June 4, 2015
Hero is a bodyguard, a humble poor man who feels inadequate and unworthy of the heroine who is a socialite tennis player and high above him in social status. Their affair ends when he proposes marriage and heroine rejects him. 8 years later they meet again. Lucas is now a CEO, a playboy and very bitter when it comes to women. Jessica's career has ended after an accident and she now works as a model for a luxury jewelry company. Lucas takes over the company and naturally that means he can finally take revenge on Jessica for walking away from him.
I liked both hero and heroine. I love alpha Greek tycoons and Lucas was definitely that. Jessica resisted him but I liked how in the end she realized her mistake and stopped running from love. Very satisfying ending and a short but sweet epilogue.
I liked both hero and heroine. I love alpha Greek tycoons and Lucas was definitely that. Jessica resisted him but I liked how in the end she realized her mistake and stopped running from love. Very satisfying ending and a short but sweet epilogue.
July 12, 2015
I really liked these two characters. Both had depth and great development.
Also enjoyed how their relationship unfolded and how adult like it was.
Also enjoyed how their relationship unfolded and how adult like it was.
September 9, 2018
Just a few lines. I could not tolerate this major man-ho at all. I wish I hadn't read it as it has the kind of triggers that will keep me up all night.
I'm sorry I can't recommend it.
I'm sorry I can't recommend it.
March 3, 2016
Me encantó esta novela de Sharon. La prota me cayó bien, la historia, los personajes, todo. Prácticamente la devoré en un día. Es realmente agradable leer este tipo de protagonistas en romance contemporáneo y me hizo recordar a la Sharon de los libros de los '90. Disfruté con ese mismo tipo de sensación; acá no hay Paris Hilton ni modernas que se acostaron con veinte tipos y de repente se vuelven ruborizadas e inocentes. Jessica es una prota que me gustó, y Loukas también, porque a pesar de ser un héroe muy Kendrick, lo fue hasta que ella se lo permitió :P.
June 15, 2016
I had to take breaks while reading the first chapters because the hero was being way too cruel to the heroine, I was mad at the heroine for not asking the hero why was he so angry at her after all those years. Then it felt like the hero was tamed too fast and the heroine started annoying me a bit.
It had good parts and bad parts, I liked it.
It had good parts and bad parts, I liked it.
August 4, 2015
A very angsty second chance at love romance.
What worked was the storytelling. It was engaging. The hero was darkly edgy not perfect. The heroine was likeable. What made this a 2 starred read was the passion didn't leap off the pages. It was so clinical. Underwhelming which is odd because the angst was so engaging and emotional.
What worked was the storytelling. It was engaging. The hero was darkly edgy not perfect. The heroine was likeable. What made this a 2 starred read was the passion didn't leap off the pages. It was so clinical. Underwhelming which is odd because the angst was so engaging and emotional.
October 5, 2015
I really enjoyed this story. It was a second chance at love type story. Lukas worked as a body guard for Jess's family, when Jess was in high school. The two dated in secrecy. When Jess's father found out he was outraged. Lukas asked Jess to marry him, and she turned him down.
Jess is shocked to find out her new boss is Lucas. He is no longer a body guard working for other people. Now he is rich, and has people working for him. The chemistry is still there. Jess attempted to keep her distance, but the chemistry kept pulling them together. Sweet story
Jess is shocked to find out her new boss is Lucas. He is no longer a body guard working for other people. Now he is rich, and has people working for him. The chemistry is still there. Jess attempted to keep her distance, but the chemistry kept pulling them together. Sweet story
June 11, 2015
I like this story from beginning to end. The hero and heroine were 2 people accustomed to hide their feelings to preserve their hearts intact. With a shared past and a chemistry the type of burning pages, Jess and Loukas were made for each other.
As a sports fan I enjoyed that Ms. Kendrick did her homework and the tennis facts were great. The ending was flawless and Jess's redemption perfect. But I felt that there's something left, and that's why I didn't gave the 5 stars.
As a sports fan I enjoyed that Ms. Kendrick did her homework and the tennis facts were great. The ending was flawless and Jess's redemption perfect. But I felt that there's something left, and that's why I didn't gave the 5 stars.
January 20, 2016
No entiendo porque no la tenia puntuada... grrr.... con lo que me encanto
February 12, 2019
Nombres: Loukas & Jessica.
Profesiones: Tenista/Modelo & Empresario Joyero.
Paises: Londres, Venecia & Grecia.
Profesiones: Tenista/Modelo & Empresario Joyero.
Paises: Londres, Venecia & Grecia.
June 6, 2015
Loukas Sarantos a very rich man who's past included being a bodyguard for rich men and a lover to Jessica Cartwright. Loukas asks her to marry him but Jessica has dreams of a tennis career . She refused to be with Loukas for reasons known only to her. Loukas returns years later, after purchasing a luxury Jewelry company Jessica is a model for a second choice career as her tennis dreams ended with an injury. He decides he is going to get back at her for all she did to him but revenge is best served cold as they say, and these two are too hot for that. What starts as a model fighting against her new boss quickly becomes a renewed romance. Jessica has deep hidden hurts that affect their relationship but Loukas is a man who knows what he wants and will do all he can to get it. Ms. Kendrick always brings out the best in her characters and draws you into the story feeling both their pain. A wonderful story about second chances and even though you start out angry with Loukas you learn to love the man he has become. A book not to miss.
December 13, 2015
Me gustó. Pero una novela más.
June 18, 2017
Not the best. But I still felt the chemistry between them.
May 31, 2024
sweet delicious cringe 10/10 would read again
July 10, 2015
3 STARS
This is a good romance story with old and true plot. Where a Greek tycoon wants revenge on the woman who walked away from him in his past. The story works again. You want them to realize that they can't forget each other because they loved each other but things and people got in the way.
Loukas Sarantos was a bodyguard to a rich man when he met Jessica Cartwright. They became lovers in secret till they were caught by her father. Now Loukas is the new owner of luxury jewelry company.
Jessica was a athlete that everyone expected to go far. She was 18 when she met Loukas. Now she models for sport watches for the Lulu the past 8 years. She does not want to work for Loukas.
Loukas wants to get over Jessica and this time walk away from her.
I love how they both are talking more about their past this time around.
I like the scene where they are walking and talking in Venice and they run into a lost little boy.
I don't like all the love scenes and I skipped over them.
The setting for this book is London, Cornall, Venice and Greece.
I would read more books by Sharon Kendrick in the future..
I was given The Ruthless Greek's Return to read by Chatterbox and Harlequin. In return I agreed to give a honest review of it.
July 7, 2015
I found this to be a quick read and read it almost in one sitting. Although I really didn't like Loukas in the beginning because of his agenda after hearing his story I grew to appreciate him and his feelings better. Jessica on the other hand I kinda wanted to smack a few times because even though I could really understand her insecurities I felt like they were childish at times. Alot of hurt could have been avoided had she simply asked Loukas what she wanted to know instead of just always assuming the worst of him.
The chemistry is very apparent between the two main characters and they played equally well against one another. I mean the story wasn't so one sided like many are. This one throughly explained or gave you a general picture of the background between Loukas and Jessica and where they both were coming from.
The chemistry is very apparent between the two main characters and they played equally well against one another. I mean the story wasn't so one sided like many are. This one throughly explained or gave you a general picture of the background between Loukas and Jessica and where they both were coming from.
December 22, 2021
I really liked this one. The author has a deft touch and made this a brilliant read.
I loved the way we learned about the h/H backstory as it helped make total,sense of their motivations. I loved the settings and I loved how SK put the couple in situations which forced them to learn more about themselves and grow closer. I think this is one of my favourites by SK.
Jess and Loukas were a great couple and I liked the way the author gave them a second chance at love. I liked the way Loukas challenged Jess and the way she grew and developed over the story. This was sexy, emotionally satisfying and linked so well with the brother’s story. Excellent read.
I loved the way we learned about the h/H backstory as it helped make total,sense of their motivations. I loved the settings and I loved how SK put the couple in situations which forced them to learn more about themselves and grow closer. I think this is one of my favourites by SK.
Jess and Loukas were a great couple and I liked the way the author gave them a second chance at love. I liked the way Loukas challenged Jess and the way she grew and developed over the story. This was sexy, emotionally satisfying and linked so well with the brother’s story. Excellent read.
June 8, 2021
Once Loukas Sarantos was bodyguard to the world's richest men. Now the ruthless Greek is a CEO with bodyguards of his own. And his most recent procurement means he can finally take revenge on Jessica Cartwright—the only woman to ever walk away from him.
As the face of Loukas's new luxury jewelry company, formerly out-of-his-league Jessica now has to answer to him—and he will relish every second of having her under his control! But as the embers of their former fire reignite, Loukas begins to realize Jessica may be the most precious jewel in his possession
As the face of Loukas's new luxury jewelry company, formerly out-of-his-league Jessica now has to answer to him—and he will relish every second of having her under his control! But as the embers of their former fire reignite, Loukas begins to realize Jessica may be the most precious jewel in his possession
May 28, 2016
I received this book for free as part of a Chat Pack from Chatterbox. I liked this novel. I love the way Jessica and Loukas are re-introduced. I kept wondering when they would let their walls down and actually communicate with each other. Well written.
November 4, 2015
Απίστευτο αλλα αληθινο. Η Σαρον Κεντρικ εχει γραψει και βιβλιο που η ηρωιδα του διαθετει IQ ανωτερο μιας τυροπιτας.
Ποιος να το ελεγε!
Ολως παραδοξως, μου αρεσε. Δεν ξερω αν εχει και άλλα με ισορροπημενες ηρωιδες. Αν υπαρχουν, να τους ριξω μια ματια.
Ποιος να το ελεγε!
Ολως παραδοξως, μου αρεσε. Δεν ξερω αν εχει και άλλα με ισορροπημενες ηρωιδες. Αν υπαρχουν, να τους ριξω μια ματια.
July 5, 2015
This had the potential to be soooooo good, but it fizzled out in the end *sad face*
March 6, 2018
I first read the Ruthless Greek's Return (Mills & Boon Modern) by Sharon Kendrick on 2015 and really enjoyed it. Mills and Boon have been revamped with new covers and a new imprint (Dare) for 2018 and as I am a #MillandBoonInsider I was given the chance to review it.
Cover wise the front picture and lettering are very contemporary, eye catching and moody. The old front cover can still be seen on Amazon and certainly the new design which is going to be used for all Modern books is more cohesive and not as dated as the flowery fonts used in the old design whilst the picture is more atmospheric and interesting than the previous one.
When Jessica Cartwright had first known Luke Sarantos eight years ago when he had been a bodyguard to a Russian billionaire , she had been an up and coming tennis player. They had an affair, her father for nod out. Luke asked Jessica to marry him but she declined. Now the table have turned. Luke is a billionaire with accompanying bodyguards whilst she has had an accident that ended her tennis career and is working as the face of Lulu, the luxury jewellery company that he has just purchased. She is desperate to keep her job as she is financially supporting her half sister, Hannah and after paying off her father's debts they are living in a cottage on Cornwall.
This is a novel that focuses on the potential for a second chance for love and romance. The road is not always smooth, lots of bumps and fall out along the way, but Sharon, as always, develops her characters so they almost seem believable as they deal with their issues, obstacles and lack of trust. Their sexual chemistry and attraction almost bounces off the pages!
I received this book via Netgalley and Mills and Boon in exchange for an honest review, I am a #MillsandBooninsider #netgalley #TheRuthlessGreeksReturn .
Available from:
Amazon UK
Mills & Boon
Cover wise the front picture and lettering are very contemporary, eye catching and moody. The old front cover can still be seen on Amazon and certainly the new design which is going to be used for all Modern books is more cohesive and not as dated as the flowery fonts used in the old design whilst the picture is more atmospheric and interesting than the previous one.
When Jessica Cartwright had first known Luke Sarantos eight years ago when he had been a bodyguard to a Russian billionaire , she had been an up and coming tennis player. They had an affair, her father for nod out. Luke asked Jessica to marry him but she declined. Now the table have turned. Luke is a billionaire with accompanying bodyguards whilst she has had an accident that ended her tennis career and is working as the face of Lulu, the luxury jewellery company that he has just purchased. She is desperate to keep her job as she is financially supporting her half sister, Hannah and after paying off her father's debts they are living in a cottage on Cornwall.
This is a novel that focuses on the potential for a second chance for love and romance. The road is not always smooth, lots of bumps and fall out along the way, but Sharon, as always, develops her characters so they almost seem believable as they deal with their issues, obstacles and lack of trust. Their sexual chemistry and attraction almost bounces off the pages!
I received this book via Netgalley and Mills and Boon in exchange for an honest review, I am a #MillsandBooninsider #netgalley #TheRuthlessGreeksReturn .
Available from:
Amazon UK
Mills & Boon
May 27, 2018
The Ruthless Greek's Return
They had been together right years ago. When he was a bodyguard and she was an up and coming tennis star. Their love was not enough. Her father made her choose. Afterwards she had injuries that led to her not living out her tennis dreams. Now he is back in her life. Richer and wanting payback. She needs the money to support her sister. What happens when the chemistry is still there?
They had been together right years ago. When he was a bodyguard and she was an up and coming tennis star. Their love was not enough. Her father made her choose. Afterwards she had injuries that led to her not living out her tennis dreams. Now he is back in her life. Richer and wanting payback. She needs the money to support her sister. What happens when the chemistry is still there?
December 23, 2021
J'ai trouvé l'histoire irréaliste. Alors, oui, on est sur du Harlequin, mais généralement, dans le monde créé, l'univers pourrait-on dire, on peut y croire. Mais là... Sinon, l'histoire est belle, bien développée mais bon, un peu bancale dés les explications sur la soudaine richesse du héros.
April 24, 2018
The Ruthless Greek Return
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were interesting and the story line was good. I couldn’t put this book down until I finished it.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were interesting and the story line was good. I couldn’t put this book down until I finished it.
August 15, 2019
Nopee, totally not my tasted.
Second chance paling 'embuh' yang aku baca 😂😂
Second chance paling 'embuh' yang aku baca 😂😂
February 6, 2020
hot and endearing. Love this!
January 28, 2018
4.5
Gua suka bagaimana Loukas dan Jess tidak brengsek ataupun polos layaknya h/h harlequin pada umumnya. Sejak bertemu kembali Loukas terus terang dengan sejarah hidupnya. Ia tidak terkesan dingin dan brengsek krna effort nya untuk berbaikan dengan Jess jelas. Meskipun, tanpa ada embel-embel anak dan menikah diawal. Perkembangan karakter Jess juga masuk akal. Ada kesungguhan dia buat memahami Loukas dan memperbaiki kesalahannya dulu krna menolak lamarannya.
Endingnya... Duh tumben lamar ala harlequin anti mainstream gini? Apa emang gua yang kudet baca hq terbitan baru? Lol
Gua suka bagaimana Loukas dan Jess tidak brengsek ataupun polos layaknya h/h harlequin pada umumnya. Sejak bertemu kembali Loukas terus terang dengan sejarah hidupnya. Ia tidak terkesan dingin dan brengsek krna effort nya untuk berbaikan dengan Jess jelas. Meskipun, tanpa ada embel-embel anak dan menikah diawal. Perkembangan karakter Jess juga masuk akal. Ada kesungguhan dia buat memahami Loukas dan memperbaiki kesalahannya dulu krna menolak lamarannya.
Endingnya... Duh tumben lamar ala harlequin anti mainstream gini? Apa emang gua yang kudet baca hq terbitan baru? Lol
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews