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Ruthless
Includes With No Regrets, Double Exposure, D Is For Dani's Baby
Dear Reader,
Early in my career, I wrote several novels inspired by Oregon’s stunning scenery. I’m thrilled that three of these books are now available again in one volume, with a new title, Ruthless. Best of all, here you’ll meet three of my favorite heroes: Attorney Jake McGowan, world-class skier Gavin Doel, and developer Brandon Scarlotti. Each is as rugged and memorable as the landscape—and as intriguing as the women they can’t forget.
Jake couldn’t feel much sympathy for the woman who’d married his wealthy, despicable, sworn enemy. But now that she was embroiled in a child custody battle, he would help her—and relish getting sweet revenge against her ex. . . . Superstardom hasn’t helped Gavin get over his first love, or the way she inexplicably left him. When he returns to Taylor’s Crossing and finds himself facing her, his bitterness is impossible to hide. But he’s determined to unearth the buried truth of their past. . . . No family, no strings. Except for his professional success, little has changed for Brandon since he left Rimrock—including his feelings for Dani Stewart. Now that he’s back, maybe he’ll discover what went so wrong between them. But what he doesn’t know will change both their lives forever . . .
If you enjoyed my previous collection, Revenge, then I’m sure you’re going to love Ruthless!
Lisa Jackson
Dear Reader,
Early in my career, I wrote several novels inspired by Oregon’s stunning scenery. I’m thrilled that three of these books are now available again in one volume, with a new title, Ruthless. Best of all, here you’ll meet three of my favorite heroes: Attorney Jake McGowan, world-class skier Gavin Doel, and developer Brandon Scarlotti. Each is as rugged and memorable as the landscape—and as intriguing as the women they can’t forget.
Jake couldn’t feel much sympathy for the woman who’d married his wealthy, despicable, sworn enemy. But now that she was embroiled in a child custody battle, he would help her—and relish getting sweet revenge against her ex. . . . Superstardom hasn’t helped Gavin get over his first love, or the way she inexplicably left him. When he returns to Taylor’s Crossing and finds himself facing her, his bitterness is impossible to hide. But he’s determined to unearth the buried truth of their past. . . . No family, no strings. Except for his professional success, little has changed for Brandon since he left Rimrock—including his feelings for Dani Stewart. Now that he’s back, maybe he’ll discover what went so wrong between them. But what he doesn’t know will change both their lives forever . . .
If you enjoyed my previous collection, Revenge, then I’m sure you’re going to love Ruthless!
Lisa Jackson
721 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2018
1981 people are currently reading
2033 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Jackson
271 books9,595 followersLisa Jackson is the number-one New York Times bestselling author of over ninety-five novels, including the Rick Bentz and Reuben Montoya Series, the Pescoli and Alvarez Series, the Savannah series, and numerous stand alone novels. She also is the co-author of One Last Breath, Last Girl Standing, and the Colony Series, written with her sister and bestselling author Nancy Bush, as well as the collaborative novels Sinister and Ominous, written with Nancy Bush and Rosalind Noonan. There are over thirty million copies of her novels in print and her writing has been translated into twenty languages.
Before she became a nationally bestselling author, she was a mother struggling to keep food on the table by writing novels, hoping against hope that someone would pay her for them. Today, neck deep in murder, her books appear on The New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly national bestseller lists.
With dozens of bestsellers to her name, Lisa Jackson is a master of taking readers to the edge of sanity—and back—in novels that buzz with dangerous secrets and deadly passions. She continues to be fascinated by the minds and motives of both her killers and their pursuers—the personal, the professional, and the downright twisted. As she builds the puzzle of relationships, actions, clues, lies, and personal histories that haunt her protagonists, she must also confront the fear and terror faced by her victims and the harsh and enduring truth that, in the real world, terror and madness touch far too many lives and families.
Visit http://www.LisaJackson.com where you can find a Media Kit with photos and more information.
Before she became a nationally bestselling author, she was a mother struggling to keep food on the table by writing novels, hoping against hope that someone would pay her for them. Today, neck deep in murder, her books appear on The New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly national bestseller lists.
With dozens of bestsellers to her name, Lisa Jackson is a master of taking readers to the edge of sanity—and back—in novels that buzz with dangerous secrets and deadly passions. She continues to be fascinated by the minds and motives of both her killers and their pursuers—the personal, the professional, and the downright twisted. As she builds the puzzle of relationships, actions, clues, lies, and personal histories that haunt her protagonists, she must also confront the fear and terror faced by her victims and the harsh and enduring truth that, in the real world, terror and madness touch far too many lives and families.
Visit http://www.LisaJackson.com where you can find a Media Kit with photos and more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
July 11, 2018
I really like Lisa Jackson. Unfortunately, I picked this up without reading about it; the Kindle edition shows that it was released in 2018. Yeah, well, it's a series of 3 stories she wrote many years ago. If I'd known that, I would have been prepared for a Harlequin-type romance. Not poorly written, but I think it's deceptive to give it a new title and a current publication date.
April 21, 2018
I received this book via a goodreads give-away. It is a collection of three novel length stories.
The first book centers around attorney Jake McGowen, who blames one man for the death of his step-brother. When he has the opportunity to take on that man who suddenly wants custody of his daughter, Jake does not realize what is in store for him, on any level!
The second book centers around Gavin Doel, a world class, champion skier. When he returns to his hometown after a bad break (literally) to recuperate and open an old ski lodge, he never expects to run into the woman he thought would always wait for him. How will he be able to overcome his anger and accept what hometown has to tell him?
The third book is about developer, Brandon Scarlotti. When he returns to his hometown because of a development, little does he know that the person he will be renting from will be the girl he left behind; a girl who has a deep, dark, secret that also affects him. Can they work their way through the secrets and find the one thing she needs to find to fulfill her?
While the stories each hold a semblance of similarity; they remain different enough to be interesting and in some cases, down right riveting!
The first book centers around attorney Jake McGowen, who blames one man for the death of his step-brother. When he has the opportunity to take on that man who suddenly wants custody of his daughter, Jake does not realize what is in store for him, on any level!
The second book centers around Gavin Doel, a world class, champion skier. When he returns to his hometown after a bad break (literally) to recuperate and open an old ski lodge, he never expects to run into the woman he thought would always wait for him. How will he be able to overcome his anger and accept what hometown has to tell him?
The third book is about developer, Brandon Scarlotti. When he returns to his hometown because of a development, little does he know that the person he will be renting from will be the girl he left behind; a girl who has a deep, dark, secret that also affects him. Can they work their way through the secrets and find the one thing she needs to find to fulfill her?
While the stories each hold a semblance of similarity; they remain different enough to be interesting and in some cases, down right riveting!
July 28, 2021
This book was actually three different short stories with feel good Hallmark endings.
August 1, 2021
I loved this book! I loved Kimberly so much and I loved Jake as well. I love how Kimberly was determined to do whatever she could to keep her child safe. I love how Jake can't resist her and ends up falling in love. I love how he buys Lindsay a little guinea pig and lets her stay at his house. I love how Jake realized Fisher was going to try to kidnap Lindsay before he fled and was able to protect her. I loved Melanie and how she didn't put up with Gavin's shit. I hate that she didn't tell him about the baby until she had to. I loved Gavin and how he couldn't stay away from Melanie even though he tried. I loved that they worked through the problems and ended up getting married. I liked Dani but didn't approve of all her choices. I liked Brandon and how he tried to help everyone. I love how they get close and she comes clean about their child. I love how Chris ended up being their kid and how they were finally able to have their family. This was a super great read and I can't wait to read more books by this author. Overall 10 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book...had everything in it that Lisa Jackson is known for...excitement, danger, intrigue, romance, etc.
October 26, 2019
different than im used to but still amazing
September 14, 2018
1.) With No Regrets: Attorney Jake Gowan agrees to represent Kimberly Bennett in her custody battle with ex husband, Robert Fisher. Jake agrees knowing he has a score to settle with Robert. Predictable.
2.) Double Exposure: A young couple, Melanie & Gavin Doel, an Olympic skier, dated and over time lost touch with one another. Once Gavin suffers a broken leg, he returns to Oregon and reopens Ridge Lodge as a ski resort. He falls for Melanie once again but not after much drama ensues. It was ok.
3.) D is for Dani's Baby: Brandon (Brand) Scarlotti & Danielle (Dani) Donahue-Stewart, a rancher in Eastern Oregon were long lost lovers. He left town for CA to make something of himself and returns to rebuild the McGruder Homestead located between Dawson City and Rimock. His dream is to have a horse ranch & resort getaway. Again, love blossoms for Brand & Dani into a perfectly blended family. It was ok, too.
2.) Double Exposure: A young couple, Melanie & Gavin Doel, an Olympic skier, dated and over time lost touch with one another. Once Gavin suffers a broken leg, he returns to Oregon and reopens Ridge Lodge as a ski resort. He falls for Melanie once again but not after much drama ensues. It was ok.
3.) D is for Dani's Baby: Brandon (Brand) Scarlotti & Danielle (Dani) Donahue-Stewart, a rancher in Eastern Oregon were long lost lovers. He left town for CA to make something of himself and returns to rebuild the McGruder Homestead located between Dawson City and Rimock. His dream is to have a horse ranch & resort getaway. Again, love blossoms for Brand & Dani into a perfectly blended family. It was ok, too.
January 23, 2021
TITLE OF BOOK IN 'RUTHLESS'.....actually 3 books in one.
1st.....WITH NO REGRETS - enjoyed it. 2nd......DOUBLE EXPOSURE...read as a stand alone a few weeks ago. and last D IS FOR DANI'S BABY - I figured the book out half way through...Love the letter that Dani wrote to her baby but loved the letter Brand wrote to Dani at the end.
1st.....WITH NO REGRETS - enjoyed it. 2nd......DOUBLE EXPOSURE...read as a stand alone a few weeks ago. and last D IS FOR DANI'S BABY - I figured the book out half way through...Love the letter that Dani wrote to her baby but loved the letter Brand wrote to Dani at the end.
April 30, 2018
This is three books written in the 1990s but into one book named Ruthless.
From the cover: Jake couldn't feel much sympathy for the woman who'd married his wealthy, despicable, sworn enemy. But now that she was embroiled in a child custody battle, he would help her--and relish getting sweet revenge against her ex. . . . Superstardom hasn't helped Gavin get over his first love, or the way she inexplicably left him. When he returns to Taylor's Crossing and finds himself facing her, his bitterness is impossible to hide. But he's determined to unearth the buried truth of their past. . . . No family, no strings. Except for his professional success, little has changed for Brandon since he left Rimrock--including his feelings for Dani Stewart. Now that he's back, maybe he'll discover what went so wrong between them. But what he doesn't know will change both their lives forever.
I received the book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
I don’t read a great deal of this genre (romance). I was thinking it was romance/suspense after reading the title. I’ve read some of her books with more of a mystery theme and enjoyed those books. Ruthless, though, is three earlier stories from the author but into one book. They are romance-to me straight romance. All were predictable and not that interesting to me. If you are someone who enjoys reading romance novels this would be a good one to read—three novels in one and none of the stories were exceedingly long.
From the cover: Jake couldn't feel much sympathy for the woman who'd married his wealthy, despicable, sworn enemy. But now that she was embroiled in a child custody battle, he would help her--and relish getting sweet revenge against her ex. . . . Superstardom hasn't helped Gavin get over his first love, or the way she inexplicably left him. When he returns to Taylor's Crossing and finds himself facing her, his bitterness is impossible to hide. But he's determined to unearth the buried truth of their past. . . . No family, no strings. Except for his professional success, little has changed for Brandon since he left Rimrock--including his feelings for Dani Stewart. Now that he's back, maybe he'll discover what went so wrong between them. But what he doesn't know will change both their lives forever.
I received the book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
I don’t read a great deal of this genre (romance). I was thinking it was romance/suspense after reading the title. I’ve read some of her books with more of a mystery theme and enjoyed those books. Ruthless, though, is three earlier stories from the author but into one book. They are romance-to me straight romance. All were predictable and not that interesting to me. If you are someone who enjoys reading romance novels this would be a good one to read—three novels in one and none of the stories were exceedingly long.
December 16, 2023
3.5 stars.. 3 short love stories. Distrust and lying isn't my idea of sexual tension. I hated that in two stories these teens had unprotected sex and are surprised when they turn up pregnant. That is not romantic. It is stupid and irresponsible.
With No Regrets by Lisa Jackson (11/30/23) ★★★.5
Kimberly knows how cruel and dishonest her ex-husband, Robert Fisher can be. But she refuses to believe that he is a criminal. Doesn't explain Robert's motives Jake McGowan has his secrets, but he is drawn to Kimberly and Lindsay. Wished I could have a neighbor like Lindsay's babysitter, Arlene.
Double Exposure by Lisa Jackson (12/1/23) ★★★.5
Gavin being angry, moody and distrustful wasn't very romantic, but I believed he was in lust. Gavin and his partner buy the local ski lodge. Melanie is a photographer for the local paper.
Seattle ~ where Melanie lived when she was married.
Just Me ~ ND sweatshirt
D is for Dani's Baby by Susan Lynn Crose/Lisa Jackson (12/2/23) ★★★.75
Dani gave her baby up for adoption after Brand left for LA. Dani kept the baby and father a secret. Brand is back and much too close for comfort for Dani. When Brand's mother goes into rehab for her alcohol problem, multiple secrets are revealed.
Just Me ~ "if wishes were horses, beggars would ride."
With reservation:
language, unprotected sex, unmarried pregnancy, deadbeat dads, alcoholism, underage drinking, libel, lying
With No Regrets by Lisa Jackson (11/30/23) ★★★.5
Kimberly knows how cruel and dishonest her ex-husband, Robert Fisher can be. But she refuses to believe that he is a criminal. Doesn't explain Robert's motives Jake McGowan has his secrets, but he is drawn to Kimberly and Lindsay. Wished I could have a neighbor like Lindsay's babysitter, Arlene.
Double Exposure by Lisa Jackson (12/1/23) ★★★.5
Gavin being angry, moody and distrustful wasn't very romantic, but I believed he was in lust. Gavin and his partner buy the local ski lodge. Melanie is a photographer for the local paper.
Seattle ~ where Melanie lived when she was married.
Just Me ~ ND sweatshirt
D is for Dani's Baby by Susan Lynn Crose/Lisa Jackson (12/2/23) ★★★.75
Dani gave her baby up for adoption after Brand left for LA. Dani kept the baby and father a secret. Brand is back and much too close for comfort for Dani. When Brand's mother goes into rehab for her alcohol problem, multiple secrets are revealed.
Just Me ~ "if wishes were horses, beggars would ride."
With reservation:
language, unprotected sex, unmarried pregnancy, deadbeat dads, alcoholism, underage drinking, libel, lying
March 13, 2018
Good Read
The three stories are believable and entertaining. I especially like the laid-back writing style of Lisa Jackson and the way she developed her characters. Although many romance novels are predictable, I still enjoyed the specific details as they unfolded. I suppose I will always be a sucker for romance novels. I can't believe the level of enjoyment they have brought me over the years. I first met Lisa Jackson on a trip to Italy for my 25th anniversary with Jon. We were in Rome for our third week of a three-week visit in Italy. I was a little bored, and found a book by Lisa Jackson in the apartment we were renting. It was more suspense novel than a romance novel but I was hooked after reading it. I don't recall the title but it was a wonderful introduction to a great writer.
The three stories are believable and entertaining. I especially like the laid-back writing style of Lisa Jackson and the way she developed her characters. Although many romance novels are predictable, I still enjoyed the specific details as they unfolded. I suppose I will always be a sucker for romance novels. I can't believe the level of enjoyment they have brought me over the years. I first met Lisa Jackson on a trip to Italy for my 25th anniversary with Jon. We were in Rome for our third week of a three-week visit in Italy. I was a little bored, and found a book by Lisa Jackson in the apartment we were renting. It was more suspense novel than a romance novel but I was hooked after reading it. I don't recall the title but it was a wonderful introduction to a great writer.
April 26, 2018
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway so thank you to Goodreads and to Kensington Publishing. I must admit this is not my usual genre so I'm not sure why I entered the giveaway. I have read many of Lisa Jackson's books but usually the ones with a mystery theme so I was probably going by name recognition. Ruthless is a compilation of three shorter stories, each a little over 200 pages in length and I did read them all although I confess I skimmed my way through the third one. They weren't bad stories but fairly predictable and I'm sure someone who likes romance would enjoy the book more than me. In fact I plan to pass the book on to a friend who reads a lot of this type of book. It was pretty exciting to win a giveaway though!
November 4, 2022
💭 There’s a good amount of months between each read of these short stories but I still remember enough.
With No Regrets ⭐️⭐️⭐️
The story was okay nothing that really jumped out. The smut though was nice Ahaha..
Double Exposure ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My favorite out of the three short stories. The two characters didn’t just fall in love instantly and had to have some build up which I’m 100% here for. I enjoyed it a lot
D is for Dani’s Baby ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I liked it in the beginning but the more I read it was like I was watching Days of Our Lives. I didn’t dislike Dani nor Brand but stuff was (for me) predictable. Maybe a different setting for them? Sorry Chris. But kudos for Brand’s mother. I liked her and hope in their world she is thriving
With No Regrets ⭐️⭐️⭐️
The story was okay nothing that really jumped out. The smut though was nice Ahaha..
Double Exposure ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My favorite out of the three short stories. The two characters didn’t just fall in love instantly and had to have some build up which I’m 100% here for. I enjoyed it a lot
D is for Dani’s Baby ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I liked it in the beginning but the more I read it was like I was watching Days of Our Lives. I didn’t dislike Dani nor Brand but stuff was (for me) predictable. Maybe a different setting for them? Sorry Chris. But kudos for Brand’s mother. I liked her and hope in their world she is thriving
June 30, 2018
While Lisa Jackson is best known for her thrillers, she previously wrote some romances. Now long out of print, three of them were put in this one book. The three novels are: With No Regrets, Double Exposure, and D is for Dani's Baby. These have three of her favorite heroes: Attorney Jake McGowan, world class skier Gavin Doel, and developer Brandon Scarlotti. And each book highlights Oregon's unique scenery. I really enjoyed these books, I liked the characters, the Oregon flavor, and the intense relationships. They were fun to read. There were some interesting twists along the way and some surprises. I won this book on Goodreads with no expectations of what to say.
March 14, 2020
DNF: I was recommended this book by a friend who was surprised that I hadn't read any "Lisa Jackson" books given my reading history. Unfortunately, I just can't get into this story. I feel like no matter what twists and turns pop up for this plotline, the main story is just so predictable. Given all the great books out that that once I start, I just can't put down - I can't bring myself to waste my time forcing myself through the rest of this book. Time to move on.
September 28, 2021
I don't understand all of the humdrum reviews here. I'm siding with the 4 & 5 stars. So many reads are predictable, but the fun and suspense is in all of the crap that happens along the way and how the author gets to that predictable conclusion. I really liked the 1st book. The 2nd one was okay. The 3rd one I loved. Actually I LOVE Lisa Jackson reads! Happy reading, everyone...whatever you're reading!
November 6, 2025
I really like Lisa Jackson. Unfortunately, I picked this up without reading about it.
IT TURNS OUT TO BE A series of 3 stories she wrote many years ago. If I'd known that, I would have been prepared for a Harlequin-type romance. Not poorly written, but I think it's deceptive to give it a new title.
I enjoyed reading this book...had everything in it that Lisa Jackson is known for...excitement, danger, intrigue, romance, etc.
IT TURNS OUT TO BE A series of 3 stories she wrote many years ago. If I'd known that, I would have been prepared for a Harlequin-type romance. Not poorly written, but I think it's deceptive to give it a new title.
I enjoyed reading this book...had everything in it that Lisa Jackson is known for...excitement, danger, intrigue, romance, etc.
February 21, 2019
Three books in one--Wow! I have been a big Lisa Jackson fan for years and she NEVER fails to entertain!! Always, always from the very first page to the last you are pulled into the story and held captive for the thrill ride! The ending never disappoints. Keep em coming, Lisa! Can't wait for the next one!
April 23, 2018
A must read!! I couldn't put it down. Lisa Jackson always makes you feel like you aren't just reading about someone but that you are part of their lives feeling their emotions as they are! I'll be rereading this one again! :)
July 11, 2018
Three tales of stupid chidren
Lisa Jackson tells three similar stories of teenage females that made really stupid decisions and paid for them in the years to come. For me there were way too many self remembrances and self pity for the tales to be an enjoyable read
Lisa Jackson tells three similar stories of teenage females that made really stupid decisions and paid for them in the years to come. For me there were way too many self remembrances and self pity for the tales to be an enjoyable read
July 17, 2018
I liked the 3 stories, but in this day and age, if 17 year old girls (and boys) don't know to use a condom, then something is terribly wrong as all the girls in this story end up pregnant and alone as teenagers. That spoiled the stories for me, but overall I enjoyed them.
July 25, 2018
Horrible. I never read the back of books or inside sleeve jackets but in this case I should have. I was expecting a thriller from Lisa Jackson not romance novel (or 3 novels in one.) Read back of book to get an idea of the plots.
August 19, 2018
RUTHLESS
There are three different stories in this book, all of them are nice romances. I prefer this author's suspense thriller books, but these were a nice change - she knows how to write them.
There are three different stories in this book, all of them are nice romances. I prefer this author's suspense thriller books, but these were a nice change - she knows how to write them.
September 25, 2019
This is the second book I have read by this author and it keeps you wanting to read until it is finished and you find our what happens. I am not going to give away the story line in this review, you will have to read it yourself, but if you have ever read one of Lisa Jackson's books, you won't want to miss this one.
October 18, 2019
These tended to end incredibly abruptly and I didn't particularly love the men in these stories. Having read more works by the author and knowing these were early in her career, I'm willing to extend some grace towards these.
November 28, 2020
Great deal.
I was surprised that this was actually 3 books. Enjoyed them all and had some tears over two of the stories. They all had happy ever afters. I highly recommend this book. These are earlier works of this author.
I was surprised that this was actually 3 books. Enjoyed them all and had some tears over two of the stories. They all had happy ever afters. I highly recommend this book. These are earlier works of this author.
September 9, 2021
This is three books in one..
I have thoroughly enjoyed this book. Even though it was over20 hrs long. Each story was good. I would recommend this book. I don't tell what is in the books I read. That is for you to read and find out. Off to my next adventure.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this book. Even though it was over20 hrs long. Each story was good. I would recommend this book. I don't tell what is in the books I read. That is for you to read and find out. Off to my next adventure.
February 16, 2022
Another group of good reads from Lisa Jackson
All books 1 of their own and not needing the next to blend in. And all typical Jackson style reading. Love, contention and ending in happiness.
All books 1 of their own and not needing the next to blend in. And all typical Jackson style reading. Love, contention and ending in happiness.
June 22, 2022
I’m usually a fan of Lisa Jackson but this one was not my favorite. The first two books / stories were good (yet predictable) however the endings felt very rushed and abrupt. To be honest, I skimmed the last storyline because I had lost interest after 400+ pages.
March 12, 2018
Good book!
It was a good read- 3 different stories-
2 of the 3 was more interesting & kept your suspense- 3rd a little too simillar
It was a good read- 3 different stories-
2 of the 3 was more interesting & kept your suspense- 3rd a little too simillar
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews