Ruthless

The Bailey Boys #3

by P.J. Adams

Love changes everything. Even for a monster like me. I do not fall. I do not trust. I do not let people get close.

Damn it, Maggie, why didn't you just walk away then, while you could? Why did you straighten up, meet my look - the look that had broken so many before you - and let me fall?

I'll always blame you for that.


Welcome to the dark and ruthless world of Owen Bailey, retired London gangster with a price on his head and nothing to live for.

Welcome to the world of Maggie Petrauske, the mysterious young woman who challenges everything Owen has come to accept and gives him reason to hope.

Welcome to a world where nothing is as it seems, and maybe even love will not be enough.

Ruthless: a dark and headlong story of redemption and love, from the author of Trust, Hit Me and Black Widow.


Note: although Ruthless can be read as as a standalone novel, it is also the final part of the Bailey Boys trilogy: 1) Trust, 2) Hit Me, 3) Ruthless.

Genres: Romance

268 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 28, 2017

About the author

Writing under other names, P.J. Adams is a successful novelist, with several novels published by major publishing houses and optioned for movies. As P.J. Adams, she writes in the genre closest to her heart, erotic romance - love stories with that added heat.

Working as Polly J Adams, she writes best-selling erotica, relationship stories crammed full of explicit sex. Among Polly's most popular stories are the Knee-tremblers and Indulgence series about a young woman's relationship with the wealthy owner of a New England sex club.

Find Polly at: www.pollyjadams.com

This author also writes under the name Polly J. Adams.

Reviews

[Linda Levine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book that has really compelling characters and an interesting storyline. I like a little darkness in my characters. I love the strong female characters that the author writes. I really connect to these kind of stories.

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruthless stands out among its mafia genre for its spare writing and tight, fast paced plot. It's got twists and turns, a little suspense, a little intrigue, some action, and intriguing characters. Owen is the last of the Bailey Brothers who used to run London. He's walked away from it all and has a price on his head by the Russians who want him for taking out one of their own. He now spends his days fixing up his new house, just waiting for someone to walk in and take him out.

Then one day he gets a new house cleaner named Maggie, and she intrigues him. But, he doesn't know that she's got her own agenda, and it's an agenda that will end up putting them both in danger. She's using him for information he might have that she needs to find someone important to her. When she uses that information, it all comes down around her and Owen and he'll have to use his still considerable power to protect her.

I really enjoyed Ruthless. It's not like so many other mafia stories. It's less violent, more of a thinking man's (woman's) story. It's not as brutal, and not as steamy, but its got heart to spare. Owen is one of those characters you always remember, for his almost old school ways, for his heart, and for his mind. Maggie is less interesting to me, but only because she's not really the star of Ruthless. Owen is far and away the star, and the most interesting. But because Maggie has his heart, she gets a big pass from me, even though she is the idiot who caused so much trouble, albeit unintentionally.

If you like your mafia stories filled more with heart and strategy, then you really should read Ruthless.

I received an ARC for an honest review.

[Susan Burgess-Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

PJ ADAMS KNOCKED “RUTHLESS” OUT OF THE BALLPARK!!!!!
WILL THE BIG BAD BAILEY BOY GIVE IN TO LOVE?????

“RUTHLESS” is my favorite of the three Bailey Boys. I have been following P. J. Adams for a short time now and I love her work. She has this ruthless art about her writing that draws you into her books and keeps you until the end of the book. Her hero, Owen Bailey is a ruthless gangster and he is a killer. He sold out his brothers, but his way of looking at it he was protecting them. He has a price on his head and is just biding his time till someone comes to collect the bounty. He never intended to let his heart open to love, but along came Maggie. He tries to keep his distance from her, but she works her way in and gives him hope. The heroine, Maggie Petrauske is looking for her brother who has disappeared. She is hoping that the Owen Butcher she has found is the ruthless Owen Bailey the one person who could kill her or help her find her brother. She should leave and not come back. He has even told her that she should stay away from him. But she is drawn to him. Will Owen be the cause of Maggie to get hurt? Or will he be able to keep her safe? Does he dare to hope that his brothers will forgive him?

No Spoilers. Advanced Reader Copy read voluntarily and enjoyed every minute of it.

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Owen Bailey was hiding from the Russian mobsters and regretting his bad decisions that kept him away from his brothers. He didn’t expect to have feelings for Maggie, the cleaner. Maggie had a secret agenda too and it was one to endanger both. When all seemed lost, Owen had to take matters in his hands, again, and risk everything. This story had action, romance, strong emotions, suspense, betrayal, intrigue and friendship. The eldest of the Bailey brothers was a very interesting character with a cold and calculating image but able to feel strongly for those he cared for. Also, Reuben Glover, one intriguing, charming and maybe with some story behind, called my attention. After all, he was a Bailey boy too. Having read the story of the younger brothers it was a good surprise to put my hands in this story. Each book is a standalone but Owen’s story brought answers and closure to some past issues.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed a complementary copy from the author.

After reading book two in this series, I liked Lee better than Dean. Now after reading this book, I like Owen better than both Lee and Dean. Fickle, aren't I?
Anyway, this book is about Owen, the oldest Bailey brother. After leaving the life of crime behind, he is still waiting for the day the Russians find him and exact revenge for killing one of their own. But it isn't the Russians who find him, it is Maggie.
Maggie has been trying to find Owen Bailey and hopes that the man she has found is the man she has been searching for.
Both find something in each other that they weren't looking for.

[Racy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. Owen is the oldest of the Bailey brothers. He has had a lot of responsibility most of his life. He ended up betraying his brothers thinking he was doing the right thing and now here he is all alone.

Migle aka Maggie was a mystery for most of the book. I spent my time trying to figure her out. I would of never guess her real reason why she had worked herself into Owen’s life.

Maggie and Owen were some what a like but you will have to read the book to figure out how and why I say that. She finds she connects with him on a level she never thought she would. She was not looking to fall so hard for him. He was suppose to be a bad man but what she found was a good man she could not resist.

Owen had little trust and was bitting his time until the Russians would catch up to him and take him out. So I found it surprising to see him so quickly to warm up to Maggie. He never though he had time for love or would ever allow himself to fall in love but when Maggie walked into his life all things changed.

This books is about love, betrayal, forgiveness, and healing. It is about bounds that were once lost to be formed once again.

[Cassie Hess-dean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Although it didn't have as much action as the first two, it had more of a build up to a relationship. Maggie needs help finding her brother who has gotten hooked up with some bad people. So she goes looking for the man who was the leader of the gang, Owen Bailey. What she doesn't expect is to find a really nice guy. Will she find her brother? Or will she end up on the wrong end of the Russian gang?

Owen was just waiting for his past to catch up with him. Will he find happiness in being away from the mob? Or will he always be looking over his shoulder? When Maggie walks into his home, he doesn't expect to start having feelings for her. But when he realizes that she has walked into trouble looking for her brother, he puts his life on the line to help get her out safely. But when he leaves her and walks away, will she ever forgive him? Or will she walk away for good?

[Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by this author and I can't wait to read the 2 books before this. Even though I didn't read the other two I did not feel like I was missing anything as PJ Adams did an amazing job of explaining just enough about Owen's brothers to not feel completely lost...only more curious to read the other 2. Owen meets his cleaning lady Maggie only to see her as more than just another woman but as someone who makes him feel and want more...unfortunately she is there under false pretences. When she gets into trouble, Owen has to step back into his mob role to help and save her. Will she walk away? Will he go after her? You'll just have to read to find out. A great read that had me turning the pages to see what happens next.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Bailey Boys series, and is the story of Owen, the oldest of the Bailey Boys. He is a retired gangster, and after falling out with his brothers, is living in hiding from the Russians. Maggie is a cleaner who Owen employs, or is she? You really need to read this for yourself, no spoilers from me!
This author has written a flawless story, and she never disappoints with her work. I look forward to reading more, and I recommend this author for all book lovers.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I voluntarily received an Advance Reader Copy of this book**

Owen Bailey has a reputation for being the badest of the bad. Underneath he is a big softy. He just needed the right women to bring it out of him. Maggie certainly did that.

I enjoyed reading about the Bailey brothers because their romances are not easy. These boys all had big obstacles to overcome. In true Bailey fashion, they took on the challenge, and got the girl.

[*CJ* · Rating 3 out of 5]

So..
I was told the first two books were not needed to read this one- but that was partially true.
Story is between ex mob boss Owen and Maggie, the "polish" maid, who has her own agenda.
Told from two POVs, it alternates between how they understand each other, sleep together and the events that follow.
My main issues
- I really didn't feel the connect from Maggie's side
- The ending was abrupt.
Average read at the best. But I did like Owen.
Safe
2.5/5

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

PJ Adams delivers another great Bailey Boys book with Ruthless. This is the final book revolving around Owen the oldest of the three brothers. He has secluded himself away from the mafia lifestyle and his own brothers. That is until Maggie finds him and opens up herself as well as Owen to new unfamiliar feelings. This story has its plot twists that keep you reading until the last page! You will not be disappointed with Ruthless!

[Diann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a nicely done story. One of those that you just have to finish
in one sitting. I have loved all the stories about those wonderful
Bailey Boys. Owen's story is worth the wait, I thought he was
amazing. Dark, brooding and very sexy. I truly enjoyed it and
would highly recommend it to everyone.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read for me, I had a hard time getting into the book. I liked the characters as well as the story just needed a bit more.

[Melissa Ledet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the story line of this book. I liked the way the characters came together.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Charity Chimni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the last Bailey brothers’ book. Owen and Maggie worked their way under each others’ skin and walls. I enjoyed the updates on the other brothers as well.

[LaGina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this was a little hard for me to get into it was still a good read. The characters are good but the story was missing something for me.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome and amazing are not even close to what this book is.

[Lin ( Nerdy Bookworm) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Owen Bailey was in seclusion after leaving the organization and awaiting a revenge from a hitman for his betrayal to his brothers Dean and Lee Bailey. MIgle Petrauske (Maggie) lefted Vilnius (Lithuania) seeking her brother Alfreda (Freddie), who has turn to a life of crime and ran with the Bailey boys. Maggie seek her brother whereabouts through Owen's father, who was in prison and turn up at Owen house as a cleaner. After a night of intimacy she disappeared but things went down hill for her at the betrayal of her own brother. The plot point was good with great characters development full of betrayal, predictable events I have read many mafia genre and found several discredited issues but the author pulled it off well. Overall, a good story!

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wished I had read the other two books before this one. It doesn't mean that I didn't like this book because I did.

Owen Bailey is hiding out from the mob that he used to be in. He betrayed his two brothers and he's just killing time until he knows that he is found and killed. He doesn't let anyone in until his housekeeper and worker Maggie comes on the scene.

Maggie just wants to know if Owen is the man she is looking for. She is there under false pretenses. He really doesn't know much about her but that doesn't stop them from starting to have feelings for the other.

This book to me is kinda dark. I did enjoy this book and felt that I was missing out on somethings since I started with the third book instead of the first one. I will have to go back and read the other two so that I can get caught up.

This is the first book that I have read by this author and I have to say that I like her writing style.

I voluntarily read this book.

[Julie Jefferies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Owen Bailey has been living with the consequences of decisions he made, decisions to betray him family, now he has lost it all, has no family, well none that speak to him anymore. In hiding, waiting for they day that he will lose his life, Owen has too much time to dwell on his past. Maggie has deceived her way into Owens life, she's looking for someone, needs information. When Maggie disappears without a trace, Owens past life collides with his new one, both their lives in danger, unsure who is trustworthy.

I've really enjoyed the whole Bailey Boys series, and I must admit I didn't overly like Owen in the first two books, but I thoroughly enjoyed the way PJ wrote this book. Such a great read, totally different to the other books, but able to keep it tied in all the same, showing PJ's versatility as a writer. A great ending to a a brilliantly written series.

I received a free copy of this book and chose to VOLUNTARILY review it. My review is completely honest, and a non-incentivized review.

[Jackie D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Bailey Brothers! Reading Owens story was just the icing on the cake for me! Sad and a bit dark, yet humorous ( him going to the grocery store, and trying to cook ) sexy and intriguing! Loved the HEA in this one. This was an excellent Mobb Series, I was actually sad i didnt have more to read at the end of this book! If you haven't read any of these books yet I highly suggest that you do, these are easy books to get yourself caught up in! I am looking forward to what PJ Adams has in store for us next!
I voluntarily read an advanced reader's copy of this awesome book

[Jessica Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A man who wants to left alone until the time comes, that someone will off him. A woman who is bent on finding her brother no matter if it comes from the mouth of a monster.
All Maggie wants is to find is her little brother and let him know some information about family. Only she can't find him. She knew he last worked for the Bailey Boys, but all of them are gone. Or are they? Is the man on a big empty house, with a piano in the attic really the big bad Owen Bailey? The monster of London? What will he do when he finds out she lied to him?
Owen Bailey just wants to be left alone. Even with the painter Maggie, he would rather be alone. He doesn't want to see her beautiful curves, eyes, and lovely hair. Makes him feel all weird and he doesn't want to go down the road his two younger brothers went. But he may not have any choice, as he unwittingly sent her in a very hot situation. Will he be able to save her in time? Even better will he make it out alive and maybe confess to her?

[Crystal Wilke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruthless is the third book of The Bailey brothers. You don't necessarily have to read the books in order. This Owen's (the older brother) story. Owen had made a decision that cost a fall out between him and his brothers. Now he is hiding from the Russians but knows one day his time will come. He never expected to fall for his "cleaner". Owen starts to realize family means anything and he is slowly trying to make things better. Although Maggie isn't who she says she is and ends up in trouble. Will Owen save her and give everything up for her or will he remain the beast mobster?

I enjoyed reading Owen's story. The connection between the characters was ok. Owen kinda messed that up but eventually fixed it. Owen never gave up on his brothers and still made sure that they were safe. It's all about family and loyalty.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about the missing Bailey brother from the last book, Owen and his journey to some kind of happiness. You don't have to read the previous 2 books, but I highly recommend you do. It will give you the background to the interesting story to why Owen is where he is and you can establish a relationship with the other characters that are in this book. Maggie comes into Owen's life and brightens it up and gives him something to look forward to, BUT things don't always go well for the Bailey boys. This story kept me captivated from beginning to end. This is a little bit of hot sex that makes a good story even better!! So I definitely recommend this book and I really hope you pick up Trust (book 1) and Hit Me (book 2) if you haven't read them already. The whole series is REALLY good!! Enjoy!!

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent bad boy mafia romance. Owen grew up in the London mafia with his father and two brothers. He always was one to think over a situation before getting his brothers and 'family' involved. He was known for his intelligence but always placed family first until he made a grave mistake. Now he's living mostly in seclusion as he works in refurbishing his house. Maggie comes to the door and tells Owen she was sent by the construction company, only she wasn't. There is intrigue, suspense, living on the edge, violence (it is a mafia book) and romance. I enjoyed the way Ms. Adams had the characters go very slowly to learn about one another it wasn't just about getting hot under the sheets. I look forward to reading future books, especially in the Bailey Brothers set, and future books by this author. I received a complementary copy of this book and chose to write a review.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruthless, by author P.J. Adams, is the third book of The Bailey Boys series continuing in the London gangland romantic suspense theme. Enter the dark & ruthless world of Owen Bailey, retired. Then there is Maggie Petrauske, a young woman who challenges everything when it comes to Owen.

This story flows well, start to finish - it does not drag, leaving the reader when this story will finally finishes. This is written to draw you in and push you forward until you come to the last page. I enjoyed reading Owen's story, it was long awaited after reading the first two books of the series.

Note: although Ruthless can be read as as a standalone novel, it is also the final part of the Bailey Boys trilogy: 1) Trust, 2) Hit Me, 3) Ruthless.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one being the last in this series was also a puzzler for me at first. This brother Owen is the puzzle with wondering alot of why's on his behavior. Now he must live in the shadows with love stepping in. Maggie is interesting herself too. Of course the why's get some answers with him as silent hero who thinks he has no heart but I would say just buried deeper. He thinks he should not go where his brothers have but time will tell. This one will grip you as these two go along with you scooting more to the edge with them. Love the crescendo and the wrap up with this author delivering a good one.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one being the last in this series was also a puzzler for me at first. This brother Owen is the puzzle with wondering alot of why's on his behavior. Now he must live in the shadows with love stepping in. Maggie is interesting herself too. Of course the why's get some answers with him as silent hero who thinks he has no heart but I would say just buried deeper. He thinks he should not go where his brothers have but time will tell. This one will grip you as these two go along with you scooting more to the edge with them. Love the crescendo and the wrap up with this author delivering a good one.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Owen is hiding from the Russian mob however he feels he is living on borrowed time and they will find him soon enough however in the interim he is fixing up the house and plays piano to relax. Maggie is the housecleaner and as they spend time together a deep connection develops but Owen tries to keep his distance so that she will not be in danger. Little did he know that she had her own agenda for being there and they may not escape with their lives. This is a standalone with a HEA and the story is full and twists and turns and is a great conclusion to the series. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.