Ruthless Spare

by Mia Thorn

I was hidden. I was safe.

My life was a grey, endless monotonous loop of my own creation.

For four years in Fort George, I lived in the shadows, as quiet as fog curling through pines, as invisible as ghosts in a dark forest.

Then, I made one mistake.

One.

I dared to cross a dangerous Fort man, a psychopath devoid of conscience, with the means to obliterate my life in exquisite detail.

Kane Berkeley is a cold strategist whose quiet lethal force is more dangerous than violence. A scion of a criminal dynasty, consumed with the need to weaponize every secret, desire, and weakness I have to claim me.

Now, I am a pawn on his chessboard.

His to move. His to break.

But you can’t break what’s already broken.

He thinks he’s won, but I have one last card to play.

Will I be able to escape his darkness or will the grim reaper drag me into the shadows with him?



Psychopath x Broken Good Girl
Morally Black Crime Family MMC
College Girl with a secret
Forced Proximity
Touch her & die
Trauma & Healing
Dark Romantic SuspenseDark
This Romantic suspense contains some dark elements. Please check trigger warnings. If you don't enjoy morally grey characters with questionable choices, this book may not be for you.

New to the series?
Ruthless Spare is an interconnected standalone featuring a new couple, and you can enjoy their story on its own. However, the books contain connections and references to previous events. If you prefer to experience the world from the beginning and avoid even minor spoilers, start with Faithless Heir (Also available on Kindle Unlimited)

Genres: Dark Romance

470 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2026

About the author

Mia Thorn is a dark romance author who lives in English Countryside.

Fuelled by coffee, chaos and red flags, Mia weaves stores that come with warning labels, morally grey men and strong fierce women.

Reviews

[Sim-fully Ever After · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

4.5🌟 | 3🌶️

The trouble with a man like Kane is that you know he’s bad news, but somehow I’m still rooting for him!

Thea catches his attention, and suddenly he’s everywhere, refusing to let her go. Their back-and-forth had me hooked, especially with both of them hiding secrets that kept me guessing. Just when I thought I’d figured things out, another surprise came along!

Thea has so much more going on beneath her organized, feisty exterior, and learning about her past made me root for her even harder. Kane is possessive, ruthless, and completely unhinged, but there’s something about him that makes him stand out. Watching his self-control unravel around Thea was a highlight, and their chemistry? Absolutely sizzling. There’s one particular booth scene I would LOVE to discuss, but I’ll behave!

Between the plot twists, the spice, and the emotional moments, this kept me thoroughly entertained. I laughed, gasped, and even got a little emotional along the way. Seeing these two stubborn souls find their way to happiness was so satisfying, and catching up with familiar faces was an added bonus.

Mia has created lovely addictive story, and I’m already invested in what this world has in store next!

~~~~

A sincere thank you to Mia Thorn and Love Notes PR for the ARC! 🥰📚

I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨

[Destiny | _readingwithdee_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tropes:
🖤Dark Possessive MMC
🖤Broken College Girl
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤Secret Relationship
🖤Primal Play / D*b Con
🖤Touch Her & Bye
🖤Trauma & Healing
🖤Elite Golden Girl x Crime Family Heir

Ruthless Spare is the second book in the Heirmarked Series. Mia Thorn has stolen my heart once again, as I knew she would. Her writing is immersive and compelling. You’ll be completely captivated by the storyline, and swooning for the villain in no time. It’s important to note that meeting these two main characters in Faithless Heir really built on the anticipation for this release. Also having many characters return alongside Kane and Thea was a great time. They delivered!!

Thea was a beautiful character, that really surprised me. I loved her drive and how brave she was. Her backstory was heartbreaking as you got to know it. Her being a broken college girl with a dark past showed how strong she was. I was not ready for those little plot twists at all!

My sweet pitch black Grim Reaper (Kane) has surpassed all my expectations, and I knew he was going to be my new favourite. He’s definitely an MMC I’d bring to a fight. I can’t believe I’m saying that I may have loved him a tad more than Mason?

In conclusion besties, the icing on the cake for me was every time that Kane would refer to Thea as Miss Ashbourne. Seriously, what a way to give me goosebumps every single time. His whole attitude and level of unhinged was just hot hot hot. Get it Thea!!!

[Beau H.J. · Rating 3.25 out of 5]

This story follows Thea and Kane, and it’s dark, unhinged, and spicy.

I really enjoyed the plot, especially how both characters had their own secrets that were slowly revealed throughout the story. If you ask me, they could’ve stayed enemies for a little longer. It felt like Kane was already in love after just three chapters and simply hadn’t admitted it yet. But he was incredibly caring—he protected Thea from everything, including herself.

The writing style took some getting used to, and there were moments when I felt a little lost in the story. However, I still really enjoyed it, and I’d love to read more about the other characters in this universe.

Especially Hugo. Apparently, I enjoy reading about unhinged men with a temper.

[Alva Schwung · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨✨ ARC review✨✨
if I’m being honest, I’m completely SPEECHLESS. I don’t even know what to say. it was a fucking MASTERPIECE.

okokokok NO but seriously ✋🏼✋🏼 LISTEN TO ME NOW.

when it comes to dark romance, there are certain things that just CLICK. certain things that take a book from good to THAT extra extra extra fucking good. and for me, it’s a morally BLACK psycho MMC. and no, I don’t mean psycho in a little way. I mean FULL ON. completely unhinged. absolutely no fucking limits. FULL. FUCKING. PSYCHO. the kind of fictional obsession where the moral boundaries are basically nonexistent. the kind of man who genuinely does NOT care who gets hurt, not even her, as long as he gets what he wants. no limits. no moral boundaries. no “but I would never hurt her” bullshit. just pure, completely unhinged obsession.

and that might not be for everyone, but holy FUCK is it for me 😭 this is my gateway fucking drug.

and when I tell you Kane Berkley??? HE IS THAT FUCKING MAN. he is the epitome of the blueprint motherfucking DR MMC. this is what I MEAN. THIS is the reason I learned how to read. so I could devour books like this. so I could escape into Thea and Kane’s world and completely lose my fucking mind. and I am genuinely fucking SPEECHLESS.

sure, I figured out the plot fairly quickly, but did I still GASP when things were revealed? YES. did I feel big brain? also YES🧠💅🏼 and honestly I love that for me.

but the plot wasn’t even the point for me. THEIR STORY had me HOOKED. completely fucking hooked. and I’m so sad it’s over😭

and Thea??? I genuinely can’t put into words how much I felt for her. her pain felt so fucking real and my heart HURTS. I was so invested in her and everything she went through.

no. I’m never getting over this.

this series is now my entire personality and I will be clawing at the walls until the next book comes out. PLEASE let me read about my deranged husband-to-be next because uhm??? hello??? he is BLOOOONDE. Hugo Hugo Hugo 🫠

Mia Thorn sure as FUCK knows how to write books. she needs to blow up as an author because people NEED to stop sleeping on her.

I am unwell. I am obsessed. I am already mourning this book. thank you and good fucking night🫡

also let’s talk in small groups about this quote:
“I’d rather she drove a blade through me again and let me bleed out at her feet than live a single second where she isn’t mine.” kill me now please. may this type of love absolutely find me idc anymore.

[Beesbooks02 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruthless Spare by Mia Thorn
Release Date: 1st October 2026
Spice level: 🌶🌶🌶

🅃🅁🄾🄿🄴🅂
🖤Dark Romance Suspense
✨️Primal Play
🖤Secret Relationship
✨️Forced Proximity
🖤Touch her & D!e

“𝕁𝕖𝕤𝕦𝕤 𝕗𝕦𝕔𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕘 ℂ𝕙𝕣𝕚𝕤𝕥. 𝕎𝕙𝕠 𝕜𝕟𝕖𝕨 𝕒 𝕘𝕠𝕠𝕕 𝕘𝕚𝕣𝕝 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕨𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕 𝕥𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖 𝕤𝕚𝕟,”

Mia Thorn has a way of writing psychotic MMCs that just make you want to somehow portal into the book just so you can have a piece of them and Kane Berkeley is now another MMC writen by this author who I need in my life!!!

"𝕊𝕨𝕖𝕖𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕥, 𝕚𝕗 𝕀 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕪 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕠 𝕣𝕦𝕚𝕟 𝕪𝕠𝕦, 𝕀 𝕨𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕𝕟'𝕥 𝕕𝕠 𝕚𝕥 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕒 𝕕𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖. 𝕀’𝕕 𝕓𝕖 𝕣𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖, 𝕚𝕟 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕓𝕖𝕕, 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕤𝕦𝕞𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕪 𝕡𝕒𝕣𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕝𝕕 𝕦𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕝 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕘𝕠𝕥 𝕙𝕠𝕨 𝕥𝕠 𝕓𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕥 𝕞𝕖. 𝕀𝕗 𝕀 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕕 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕙𝕦𝕣𝕥, 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕨𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕𝕟'𝕥 𝕓𝕖 𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕟𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕞𝕒𝕕—𝕪𝕠𝕦'𝕕 𝕓𝕖 𝕠𝕟 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕜𝕟𝕖𝕖𝕤 𝕓𝕖𝕘𝕘𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕞𝕖 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕒 𝕝𝕚𝕗𝕖𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕖."

Ruthless Spare is book 2 in the heirmarked series and oh boy was it a good one!! I loved the mystery surrounding both of the main characters with this story, for me it made the book more interesting and gave it some good plot twists. Not only that It has made me more invested in this series because of how well the side characters started to come out more and give you a sense of how good their books will be!!!

“𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕝𝕠𝕠𝕜 𝕓𝕖𝕒𝕦𝕥𝕚𝕗𝕦𝕝 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕞𝕪 𝕔𝕠𝕔𝕜 𝕤𝕥𝕦𝕗𝕗𝕖𝕕 𝕚𝕟 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕗𝕒𝕔𝕖, 𝕄𝕚𝕤𝕤 𝔸𝕤𝕙𝕓𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕟𝕖, 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖 𝕒 𝕘𝕠𝕕𝕕𝕖𝕤𝕤 𝕠𝕗 𝕤𝕚𝕟.”

Overall, do I recommend this book? Obviously!!! I do recommend that you read faithless heir first but you don't have to but It will definitely help you be integrated into the story better.

Thank you to the author and her team for gifting me this e-arc in exchange for my honest review!

[Kayla.bookish26 · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

🖤 Psychopath x Broken Good Girl
🖤 Brooding Morally Black MMC from a Crime Family (Mafia Links)
🖤 College Student FMC with a Secret
🖤 Forced Proximity
🖤 Secret Relationship
🖤 Touch Her & Die
🖤 Mental Health Representation
🖤 Dark Romance Suspense

Kane had me questioning my judgment but honestly I was too invested to care. 😂 I loved watching him figure out Thea and realize there was so much more behind everything she kept hidden. Her story hurt my heart and seeing him become someone she could lean on was what really got me. I loved these two together. Five stars and no complaints. 🖤

Stay bookish. Keep it wicked. 🖤
Yours between the pages,
Kayla📚

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨No Spoilers✨

“The world isn't complicated; it’s a chessboard. You’re either the one making the moves, or you’re a pawn waiting to get your throat slit for someone else's mistake.”

Tropes:
💚Dark Romantic Suspense
♟️Morally Black Crime Family MMC
💚Broken Good Girl FMC
♟️Secret Relationship
💚Forced Proximity
♟️Touch Her & ☠️
💚Primal Play / PEWPEW Play
♟️Trauma & Healing

“Not all of us get fairytales. Some of us get far less. It’s not rainbows and sunshine. It’s ashes and shadows. I was certain I was destined for doom, and I had accepted that.”

I don’t want to spoil anything for this book so my review is going to be short and sweet!

HOLY SMOKES! Once again Mia Thorn has seriously outdone herself! I ABSOLUTELY LOVED (book one) Faithless Heir, so I had been impatiently waiting for Ruthless Spare for Thea and Kane’s Story…and I DEVOURED this book! I could not put it down. The banter, the undeniable chemistry, the SPICE, the TWISTS!….Pure 🔥

If, like me, you are a sucker for a morally gray unhinged man who falls hard you definitely need to pick this one up!

**Please Check Trigger Warnings**

Ruthless Spare is the second book in The Heirmarked Series and can be read as a standalone, but WHY would you do that?! Faithless Heir (book one) is also a MUST READ! I seriously CAN. NOT. WAIT. for book 3!


𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐌𝐢𝐚 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲! 𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐬𝐨 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦! 🫶

[Raven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the chance to read this as an arc alongside the first book. I absolutely loved the flow of the first book, this one was a little slower for me to get into. In the end I grew to love the and kanes relationship.i love how we still got storyline for the characters in the first book as well.

[Cafedarc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ladies, gentlemen, and everyone else — buckle up, because Mia is about to take you on a ride so wild you won’t know what hit you. I had the honor of beta reading this book, and even now I tore through it in one sitting, absolutely devouring every page.

If you’ve read Faithless Heir, you’ve already met this cold, calculated psychopath Kane — and yes, I liked Mason and his morally grey version of chaos, but Kane completely swept me off my feet. This man isn’t just morally grey. He’s pitch‑black. There is nothing — absolutely nothing — Kane wouldn’t do to achieve his goal.

Thea is the perfect counterpart to him, challenging him at every corner. She’s a captivating mystery of strength and vulnerability. The secret she carries teases the reader’s nerves and curiosity, and when it finally comes out, it breaks your heart.

No one tells Kane “no”, and in this book Thea gets to experience that quite literally. And before that, there’s a rug‑pull twist that made me scream out loud in the middle of the night and send Mia furious messages.

And dear god… the spicy scenes. These moments are pure fire — intense, breath‑stealing, and unapologetically hot. The heat in this book is relentless, and Mia doesn’t hold back for a second.

I loved every moment of this book, and huge kudos to Mia for her ability to portray the coldness and emotional void of a true psychopath chasing his endgame. Some of the breadcrumb clues didn’t click for me during beta — which annoyed me so much I went back to check if they were actually there. And yes, they were.

This book is absolutely something you need to read — and it doesn’t matter if you haven’t read the first one. You can easily start with this.

[Sammyll · Rating 5 out of 5]

🤩🤩🤩💖🌶🌶
Another fantastic book in the series. Thea and Kane's story starts off fast paced and doesn't let go! Thea searching for answers breaks into one of the most ruthless Fort families deriloct houses, if not THE most dangerous. The Deserted Berkeley house, derilict in state is definately creepy, but Theo is on a mission for answers so she breaks in. She is desperate for answers though, not revealing to anybody what she needs answers for.
Kane comes across her where he gives chase. My heart was in my mouth when he catches her, he is The 'Grim Reaper' known to be death, always dressed in black his reputation isn't wrong.
This is where their story begins. Lots of twists and turns. Thea's best friends with Eva, Mason's fiancee and Kane's best friend, so their path's cross ALL the time. He keeps threatening her in a possessive way, wantimg his own answers to why she was in his families house.
I'm so glad to great to read about Mason and Eva again from the first book as they hold a special place in my heart and I know they will be dominant throughout this series. Things get heated in more ways than one and soon they become a 'thing' in secret.
Thea has secrets, but so does Kane. He soon becomes obsessed with Thea. He protects her at all costs. Their friends eventually find out, but are supportive in their own way.
I literally could not put this down, I love Mia's writing style, love the mafia theme, the dominant men, the defiant women, the secrets, ALL of it. I really hope this series goes on with the next generation too, this has so much potential.
The ending is a HEA but lots more to reveal, undertones of more to find out, lot's not answered within the friendship group. And Mason and Eva's WEDDING. 🥳
PIick this book up, but start with Book one as it does link even though written about s seperate couple. I eagerly await the next book Mia writes, I'm addicted to this Author's writing.

Thanks for the ARC copy from @lovenotes.pr and @author_miathorn.

[Shan · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

⚠️ Spoiler-Free Content Note:This is a dark romance with mature themes, crime/mafia elements, morally grey characters, psychological themes, violence, threats, manipulation, and mental-health struggles. Check the author’s full content warnings if you have specific triggers.

This book had me completely hooked from the beginning. The atmosphere, suspense, secrets, and morally grey characters made it such an addictive read that I genuinely struggled to put it down.

The FMC’s storyline really stood out to me. She’s been living quietly and trying to keep herself hidden, but one mistake throws her straight into Kane Berkeley’s world and from there, everything changes. I loved the mystery surrounding her past and the feeling that there was always another secret waiting to be uncovered.

Kane is the definition of a brooding, morally grey character. He’s calculating, intimidating, and impossible to predict, which made every scene involving him so tense. Their forced proximity and secretive dynamic kept me turning the pages because I never knew what was going to happen next.

I also really appreciated the darker atmosphere and the mental-health representation woven into the story. It gave the characters more emotional depth and made the story feel like more than just suspense.

There were twists that genuinely kept me guessing, and the overall atmosphere was exactly the kind of dark, tense reading experience I was looking for.

[Faiza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mia has officially ruined my ability to put a book down because Ruthless Spare completely consumed me. 😭🔥 I had the chance to beta read this one, and somehow I still flew through it like I was reading it for the first time. One sitting. Gone. Absolutely devoured.

After Faithless Heir, I already knew Kane Berkley was going to be a problem, but WOW. Mason had his morally grey moments, but Kane exists on an entirely different level. 🖤 This man is cold, calculating, ruthless, and so far beyond morally grey that there really isn’t much grey left. If Kane wants something, he will get it—and there is absolutely no line he won’t cross to reach his endgame. 😮‍💨

Then we have Thea, who was such a perfect match for him. She isn’t intimidated by Kane and constantly pushes back against him, which made their dynamic incredibly addictive. 🔥 There’s so much strength in her, but she also carries a vulnerability that slowly comes to light. The secret surrounding her had me suspicious and curious throughout the book, and when everything finally came together… my heart broke. 💔

And Mia KNOWS how to throw a twist. There was one particular reveal that completely blindsided me. I was sitting there thinking, there is no way she just did that and immediately needed to scream about it. 😂😭

One thing I really appreciated was how cleverly the story was put together. There were moments where I thought I had everything figured out, only for Mia to completely prove me wrong. 😂 Looking back, so many little details actually made sense once I knew where the story was heading, which made the reveals even more satisfying. I love when an author can surprise me without the twist feeling random. 👀🖤

Kane and Thea together are absolute insanity. The possessiveness, obsession, tension, and power struggle between them had me hooked. 🥵🖤 And the spice? GOOD LORD. 🔥🔥 Mia absolutely did not come to play. Those scenes were intense, filthy, and impossible to forget.

What impressed me most, though, was Kane himself. Writing a character who is genuinely cold and emotionally detached while still making him compelling is not easy, but Mia absolutely nailed it. You can feel how focused he is on his goal and how little emotion gets in the way of achieving it.

Thea and Kane’s backstories were also incredibly well done, and learning more about what shaped both of them made their connection even more fascinating. There’s so much darkness, suspense, obsession, and unpredictability packed into this book that I was never bored for even a second. 🖤👀

I went into this after Faithless Heir wondering whether Kane’s story could live up to the first book, and somehow Mia managed to make me even more obsessed. Kane Berkley may have officially stolen my favourite spot. 😭🖤

And if you haven’t read Faithless Heir yet, you can still jump into Ruthless Spare without being completely lost. But personally, I’d still recommend experiencing the series from the beginning.

This was easily one of my favourite reads, and honestly? Six stars if Goodreads would let me give them.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Mia, you have officially created another fictional man I absolutely should not be obsessed with… and yet here we are. 😂🖤🔥

[Bitzreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

 (I received an ARC copy of this book, all thoughts are my own) 

OMG another anticipated read for me. 
I have been so excited to read this book and Thea and Kane didn’t disappoint. 

Phew this book is spicy and I loved every minute of that! The primal play did not disappoint. I really liked Thea, so sweet and protective, with some very high walls. The only question being can Kane break them down? I wasn’t sure about Kane at the start, unsure of him and his motives. But it didn’t take long for him to break down my walls and my heart. Obsessed might not be a strong enough word for the Grim Reaper. Though I can’t deny that they did have great chemistry right from the start both as unmovable as the other. Ultimately I loved their story, the way it took it’s time and let everything unravel. 

Overall the beginning felt a slow to medium pace the second half picked up and flew away with me. It was great to be back in this world with the characters from the first book. Some new mysteries and secrets, along with a lot of tension, some violence and some moments that just left me heart broken. Bring out the tissues for this one. There are dark topics, I advise reading the warnings if needed. As for me I am already anticipating the next book. 

[Ciara Biggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advanced reader copy.

Wow. This was my first book by this author and ummm when can I read another book of hers? I am a dark romance reader and I love me an unhinged MMC. I think this MMC might just be my new favorite. Give me all of KANE!!!! The more unhinged the better in my opinion. And he checks those boxes!
Now our FMC she’s had a rough life and I feel for her. She deserves better and Kane will be that for her.

I loved the character development, everything flowed well and I was pretty much hooked from the beginning.

Don’t want to give too much away. But if you’re a dark romance girlie, read this one!!!!!

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

After reading Faithless Heir, I said SIGN ME UP for this series because I was HOOKED. And once again, Mia delivered an absolute masterpiece worthy of every single star.

THE TWISTS. THE TENSION. THE SPICE.

The twists just kept on twisting, the storyline had me in an absolute chokehold, and Kane?! That man is as dark as they come, and somehow you still end up falling head over heels for him.

The spice was 🔥🔥🔥 and that possessive, touch her or even say her name and I’ll kill you vibes?! Chefs kiss .

Someone throw a bucket of cold water over me because I need to calm down

[Scarlet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely phenomenal, this is the first book I've read by this author and she didn't disappoint in the slightest. This is the second book in thr heirmarked series, the mystery within this read had me on the edge of my seat and Kane 🔥 absolutely everything you'd want in an mmc. The twists in this beauty truly will have you guessing what happens next, such a page turner that you'll be immersed within minutes. If you love a dark possessive mmc with a story of trauma and healing then this is the book for you. Highly Recommend!

[Miki My-Last-Name-Is-None-of-your-bussiness · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

This book reminded me of Cecily and Jeremy from God of Wrath 😭🖤

So, OF COURSE, I had to love it 😂

I love Mason, but I think Kane is basically on the same level 👀🖤 I can’t even begin to explain how much I LOVE these two MMCs 😭🔥

The story was AMAZING, and the spice was just as good as in the first book, ergo... FUCKING PHENOMENAL 🥵❤️‍🔥

And I love the MFC so much (Thea) 😭🩷 She’s just as amazing as Eva, and that says everuthing 🖤✨

[Debbie Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

My biggest word for this is UNHINGED!!!! I like my dark romance dark and boy was this dark. The spice is this was on point!!!! I was blown away by how good this book was!!! Mia wrote another freaking winner!!!! Kane and Thea will live rent free in my head !!! Check your triggers please !!!!

[yeonjoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so grateful to be part of Mia Thorn’s arc team. 🙂‍↕️

Like the first installment in this series, this was a really fast read for me. It is pretty easy to get sucked into the character’s world and sympathize with (some of) them.

I don’t want to reveal too much about the plot, because I am glad that I went into it pretty much blindly. I think that’s why I was even more invested in the characters’ lives.

As I’ve mentioned in my previous review on Mia Thorn, her books aren’t the next literature prize winner. But that doesn’t defer to the fact that her books are able to get your mind off of life for a second. For that, I am beyond grateful. 😩

~arc for honest review~

[Hayley Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mia you had me in a chokehold with this book from the moment I opened it until i put it down

This book completely consumed me and I finished it at 1am and left wanting more

After meeting kane in Faithless Heir I knew he was going to be someone to watch but heck I've fallen head over heels for this morally Black mmc

Kane and The together were absolutely a match,. The power struggle between them was really great to read and the possessiveness of Kane was hot.
The Banter between them made me chuckle and laugh so much

The tension between the two of hot and consuming

The spicy scenes between them was intense and breathtaking hot

The loved every moment of this book, the plot was gripping and I was on the edge of the seat while reading and some things I didn't even see coming.

I can't wait to see what happens next as this book was a master piece


I'm sorry mason but I'm in love with kane

This is my honest review.

[Corinne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m so incredibly grateful that I get to be apart of Mia’s ARC team, because her books are phenomenal!

The men are obsessive, I think Kane being a little worse than mason lol Kane was depraved and wicked. He always wanted to win at everything even if it meant Thea believing something fabricated. Thea is perfect for Kane, puts him in his place, isn’t afraid of him, it was a beautiful relationship to watch blossom.
Big bad scary Kane finally turns soft lol

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Are you consumed by the thrill so much, you desire the man you should only fear?”

Secrets are carefully woven truths that can become the perfect weapons.

A move across a chessboard is determined by the player knowing every angle of the game.

Wicked thoughts can turn into uncontrollable desires and once you take a bite of the temptation…you’re hooked to the darkness as it consumes you.

“Scream your prayers all you want, sweetheart, but do not expect mercy. I will make you bow.”

An intruder in the form of the quiet, nerdy girl who keeps her cards close to her chest, was not who Kane Berkeley expected to find sneaking away from his home one dark night. Thea Ashbourne had now appeared on Kane’s chessboard and after a number of events she was becoming a new obsession on his radar.

Kane prided himself on his restraint, control and wielding his power over the residents of Fort. Only Thea was a delight that he needed to stick his teeth into. Who was this woman that captured his attention more than he wanted to admit and darkness that bended to his sinful touch?

His family's past lingers though and Kane knows that every move and decision must be made with careful planning…too recklessly and his composer will slip.

The mask is cracking.
Cards are being flipped.
Loyalties will be tested.

He’s ruthlessly hell-bent on one thing: owning me.

Thea may look like she’s got her world all put together but looks can be deceiving and pandora boxes can be wrapped up tightly. When something niggles her complicated mind though, Thea can’t rest and little did she know that one night would have her running in the wooded darkness…with the Grim Reaper hot on her trail awakening her deepest desire.

Never one to believe in fate, Thea is starting to second guess every move she takes now as Kane is becoming her shadow and now she wants nothing more than to beat him. However, Kane is a different kind of opponent and Thea is not ready for this man who holds no bounds in getting what he wants.

Which is her…

For once in her life Thea, is feeling exposed, off guard and dare she say…alive as she tastes his darkness with her own shadows. But Thea knows Kane's role, his family is legendary and powermoves are made with every gathering.

Could Thea ever allow herself to freely give herself over to Kane…accepting all that he is?

Or will the too many truths force her to run for good this time?


“So now, if I end up dragging you back to the dark with me, I hope you remember who opened the door first.”

Are you ready…because Kane Berkeley is going to bend YOU to HIS will!

I have been consumed by Ruthless Spare in all the best possible, dark and sinful ways…

Kane the Grim Reaper himself, where do I even start as this character was a puzzle I couldn’t wait to get my hands on and for good reason. After the tell-tale signs from book 1 he was able to grab your attention enough and now you're reading about the mastermind himself. I loved his character, you see inside his clever head and why his character holds soo much presence within this story as a whole.

Thea was certainly more than meets the eye character, I really wasn’t expecting her and made me fall for her even more. She was perfect for Kane and was not a push over as Kane tried to expose her weakness and use them against her…But when Thea lowered her guard Kane was able to see past everything.

The tension between these two became a deadly game of who was really winning and along with the emotions that drew you in as this story developed even more. I hope you have a good poker face when reading this, as some chapters will be burned into your memory and with twists mixed with the spice you will be flipping the pages quicker than Thea can work out Kane next chess move!

“Who knew a good girl like you would taste like sin.”

[Camryn Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

۶ৎ ᴘʀᴀɪꜱɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘɪᴛᴄʜᴇʀ ʙʏ ʜᴀɴɴᴀʜ ɢʀᴀʏ ۶ৎ

#arcreview

ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ★★★★★


𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩 - psychopath x good girl, trauma and healing, dark college romance suspense, secret relationship, forced proximity

—

I just knew this series was going to be the death of me and this freaking book proved it but in the best way, I went through so many emotions in this book but I still couldn’t put the book down cause every chapter had me hooked and begging for more. Did I crash out multiple times? Yes but I’m just a girl. But I do love Kane and Thea so much they went through so many things and I was kind of panicking about a cliffhanger but they worked through their issues and I just love that for them.

Thea girl do you have some secrets sweetie!! I knew there was more to her story when she was first introduced and there definitely is. But I love Thea real bad she’s everything and she went through so much my heart just broke for her especially the last 15% of the book because she didn’t deserve those things.

This freaking couple!! Ohhh did they put me through the wringer but I saw it coming when I realized that they were going to be a couple especially with Kane being a psychopath and Thea’s secret!? Gagged me lowkey. Their chemistry is so freaking good and their spice!?! The gün play scene had me whew. These two definitely belong together, I just love them they went through so many things for them to be together

Kane is a pitch black, in a crime family, and also a psychopath so you can imagine how this book went lol. Did I want to run him over sometimes? Yes but he’s my man okay!! I love him he just made me fall so hate for him.

This book will have you at the edge of your seat and wondering so many things and that’s what I love about this series so far each book gave me guessing so many things but I love it and the freaking plot!? So amazing I was SAT. I love how these two just go so well together and the way they just become so obsessed with each other.

I can’t wait for the next book in this series!!

Thank You So Much for this arc💖

[Rhi · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I got very blessed to be given the chance to read this as a ARC and I am obsessed. Girl…. unable to put it down.

First of all, I absolutely love the tension between Thea & Kane. There is so much chemistry between these two, and the push and pull had me completely invested. 👀
Kane hearing Thea’s name from another man… “Hearing her name in Hugo's mouth makes my hand pause over my cards.” Soo he doesn’t “like her” but he’s a jealous mannnnn 👀 Sir, we see you

Okkk Theaaa stab the man 🤣 I genuinely love when a FMC isn't afraid to get her hands dirty. Thea is definitely not someone who needs to be constantly rescued, and I was HERE for it

"Make it clear you're mine." He holds me an inch from his face, his eyes as dark as the night. "To her or anyone else who might be under the misconception that you're available." Happily!! 🔥 The possessiveness in this book?? Yeah… I was eating it up. There is something about Kane being completely unable to hide how much Thea has gotten under his skin

“I wish he weren't so far away. I wish he didn't have to stay away a second longer.” Girl has fallen and fallen HARD. 🥹 And honestly, I loved seeing those feelings develop because Kane isn't exactly making it easy for either of them

"You don't get to run from me,Miss Ashbourne. I'll chase you to the ends of the earth." No complaints from meeeee 👀 Because if Kane wants to chase her to the ends of the earth, I am absolutely going to sit back and watch 😂

THE MASKKKKKKKKK. That is all I’m saying. 👀🖤 There are certain moments where you just KNOW you need to keep reading because you have to know what is going to happen next

One thing I really loved was Kane noticing everything about Thea. The little things, the things other people might overlook… he pays attention. And I am SUCH a sucker for an MMC who quietly notices everything about his woman.
And speaking of Kane… MMC Kane losing his calm composure over FMC Thea will ALWAYS be one of my favourite things. Give me the usually-controlled MMC completely losing his shit because of his woman and I am SOLD😂🔥

"That's not his girl," I growl under my breath.She's mine. AGHHHHH KICKING MY FEET. 😭🔥 The possessiveness, the jealousy, the mine… yeah, Kane, we heard you loud and clear

Okkk so this took a turn I didn’t expect…. A private island AND kidnapping?! 👀 I genuinely did not see that coming, and suddenly everything felt so much more intense. The story definitely knows how to throw in a twist when you aren't expecting it

I am SO glad Thea the FMC got her revenge. I was waiting for this, and when it finally happened? YES. 👏🏻

"I understand perfectly, Ethan. But you see, a threat to me is a threat to her. A threat to her is a mistake you only get to make once." Man stands on business. 😮‍💨 Kane is NOT playing when it comes to Thea, and honestly? I wouldn't want him any other way

And then we get this… “As much as I want to shield her - to rip out the weeds choking her world - she doesn’t need a saviour. She just needs an anchor. Someone to catch her if she falls. And I’m not going anywhere”

[book.readerx25 · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

I’ve waited for this moment for so long and it did not disappoint! I was so excited to read Thea and Kanes story and I have to say I think I might love them more than Mason and Eva as a couple.

First off I want to talk about how HER birthday was so important to him like ahhh. And he takes the blame for everything he didn’t do because he wanted her to hate him for him to be her monster and oh my god it’s just so sweet and sad. This man never let her go for a second, even when he told her to leave he didn’t leave. Like no one understands how much I love him. I do wish we got a more of his back story I feel we got a lot of Thea’s and it was good and necessary for the story but I also would’ve liked a deeper dive on Kane’s.

I was also hoping for Thea to realize she didn’t want to leave him AND WOULDNT and while she finally admits she didn’t want to leave him she still did and I hurt so much for Kane because it felt like everyone around him had someone to pick over him. Like I think it would’ve been great to see some insecurities and the dept of them even if it was just one however we did see a good loss of control. But when he told her to leave that quite literally broke and screamed “DONT LEAVE HIM!” Sobbing for like 20 minutes straight and not moving on from that page. But she does have a great love confession so I’ll accept. And while Kane doesn’t outright say he loves her you can see and feel it so much throughout the book which is what I love so much about this book. Usually I want like a huge confession from the guy but I feel like that was the whole book!

Also Eva did slightly annoy me this book but I loved her in her own book. Loved all the bits of her and Mason we got to though. And I’m very try eager to see who our next couple is! Not sure who’s next but I definitely think Dan and Grace we be one. Overall I give 4.75 stars and would definitely RECOMMEND

[Kate Bellamy]

(ARC/ Beta read)
Rating
6/5
spice
5/5

If you are looking for a dark romance with a cat-and-mouse style, an obsessed MMC and suspense that will have you on the edge of your seat, then this is for you. Ruthless Spare by Mia Thorn is book 2 in The Heirmarked Series. It is an interconnected standalone, and you don't need to read book 1 before book 2. Firstly, I would like to thank Mia for not just giving me this ARC but also for allowing me to be a beta reader. IMPORTANTLY, this book contains topics that are triggering, so please please please check the trigger warnings before reading.

This story had everything I was looking for, from suspense, romance, tension, and so much more. The story would have to be my favourite part; I love how there was mystery to her past, and we only get to piece it together over time. You think that Kane is this mysterious person from the start, but really it is the opposite. I loved the cat-and-mouse style; it was very much a push and pull towards each other. If you didn't already see from the beta feedback post, there were so many times when this book would have me crying; there is such an amazing emotional side that is not seen a lot in these types of books.

Mia has created such a beautiful story between these two characters; the suspense and the dark topics did not take away from it. Seeing these characters in book 1 and seeing them in book 2 showed a completely different light. I loved seeing the other characters from book 1 in this book and can't wait for what might be next in book 3. There is so much I could go on about in this book, but I really want you to read it.

[Shannon Thetford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, Kane Berkeley is one seriously dangerous man! 🖤🔥 I love a morally black MMC who is possessive, obsessive, and absolutely terrifying to everyone except the woman who gets under his skin.

Kane and Thea had me hooked with their intense chemistry, power struggles, and all that delicious tension. He's cold, calculating, and the kind of man who always seems to be ten steps ahead. Thea has her own secrets and a painful past, and I loved seeing her stand her ground instead of simply letting him have his way.

The forced proximity, dark obsession, and touch her and die vibes were everything I wanted from this kind of romance. Their relationship is messy, intense, and full of those moments that make you want to scream at the characters while also desperately needing to know what happens next! 🔥🥵

I also loved that there was more to this story than just the spice. The secrets, suspense, and emotional struggles gave the characters depth, and watching Thea deal with her past while navigating Kane's dark world made their story even more compelling.

If you love possessive, morally black men, strong heroines, dangerous secrets, and a dark romance with plenty of tension and heat, definitely add this one to your TBR. Kane is absolutely not boyfriend material in the traditional sense, but let's be honest, dark romance readers know that's sometimes the whole point! 😂🖤

Mia Thorn definitely delivered a dark, intense read that kept me invested in Kane and Thea's story. Just be sure to check the content warnings before diving in!

[Sasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

🖤Primal Play
🖤Obsessive MMC
🖤Forced proximity
🖤Touch her and💀
🖤Dark college

“Choose your next words wisely. The right ones will drown you in pleasure, the wrong ones in pain.” 😮‍💨

Now then, a college setting with an MMC that is so obsessed with you and possessive? I couldn’t have asked for more, this was dark, intense and full of filthy secrets😈 I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend if the above is your vibe🖤

Thea gets caught lurking in Kane’s manor trying to find answers for a friend of some wrong doings, but of course Kane doesn’t miss a trick and catches her and he’s been hell bent towards her since. She is now a pawn in his game, his target and he wants to find out all her dirty little secrets.

Anyone that knows Kane knows how ruthless he really is, he is to be feared and described as the grim reaper himself🤪
But Thea does stand her ground and doesn’t make it easy for Kane for her submission, but I think we all love a challenge and Thea makes sure she puts up a fight! I love the dynamic between these pair, it’s a push and pull vibe and us girls can never make it easy for the guy, but it makes it more fun😉

Feelings develop, obsessions grow and times given into temptations which leads to all inevitable things👀 Thea runs from her feelings and Kane because that’s how she’s trained her mindset to be to protect herself, but will Kane always catch her?

I loved Kane and Thea, but what made me love this story more was the interconnected characters! They all have their own individual personalities that you can’t help but love and you know they all got their own stories to share, and I for one cannot wait to dive more into this universe.. Hugo I’m ready for you fingers crossed we hear his story🤞🏼

[Harmeet Kaur Ghai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okayyyy… this book had me in a CHOKEHOLD😭🖤 From the first chapter, I was hooked. The suspense? The twists? The constant “WHAT IS HAPPENING?!” moments? I genuinely could not put this book down. I kept thinking I had figured something out and then.. NOPE💀

And Kane and Thea??? The chemistry was CHEMISTRYING👀🤌 The tension between them was insane. The banter, the bickering, the push and pull… I was eating it ALL up. And Kane? Sir. You are a walking red flag, but unfortunately for me, I was into it😭💀

What I really loved about Kane was that the book never tried to make him something he wasn’t. He was obsessive, possessive, controlling and morally grey from the start, and he OWNED it. Watching his character development throughout the story, though? 🥹 Yeah… that got me.
And Thea! I loved watching her grow throughout the book. She was strong, stubborn, independent and absolutely not afraid to challenge Kane. Watching her find herself and take control of her own life made me so happy🖤

This book genuinely put me through EVERY emotion. I was laughing one minute, screaming the next, throwing my phone, and then SOBBING😭😭 The emotional whiplash was REAL.

Also, seeing Mason and Eva again was such a treat🥹 Eva is still the ultimate girl’s girl, and Mason’s banter with Kane and Hugo? PLEASE😂🤌

And that ending??? SO BEAUTIFUL😭🖤 I finished this book with the biggest smile and an emotionally exhausted heart.

[Emmy Wong · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE LOVE LOVE this book, it’s the perfect dark primal play romance for those who like their mmcs extra morally grey. Kanes possessiveness had me blushing and kicking my feet the entire time because the words coming out of his mouth should ILLEGAL. Mia Thorn knows how to write an obsessed stalker mmc, and she really outdid herself on Kane because he was PERFECT. He’s crazy, calls her “mine” 24/7 and also cares for her in his sweet but slightly messed up ways. Thea honestly is just a girl with incredibly bad luck. She’s so sweet and so many terrible things were put in her path, but it’s what led her to Kane and that man will stop at nothing to keep her safe. This book has a great plot and amazing twists that I did not see coming, but the whole book in itself feels familiar. It follows a very “classic” dark romance vibe and like I loved it because there is just something so satisfying or even comforting about. it’s spicy and dark in a way that feels like home. Kane to me feels like if Creighton King and Jeremy Volkov from The Legacy of Gods series were combined and I love it. I fell so hard for Thea and Kane and their stories touched my heart. Theres a darkness in both of them that calls to each other, and yes they can be a little toxic at times but they’re also perfect together. It’s dark, spicy, severely unhinged and there is nothing not to love about it this book. I give it a 5/5