Ruthless

by Christine Besze

Eight years I've lived in Hell.

Eight years their faces have plagued me.

Eight years the darkness has consumed me.

Eight years the demons have haunted me.

Loud and demanding to be set free.

Zane Savage has struggled to make peace with his past and leave them behind him, but that's the thing about secrets—nothing ever stays buried.

Kennedy Donnelly has followed the rules her whole life and been the perfect Irish princess. The one night she decided to break free of her family name and be wild left her with more than she bargained for.

She's everything he didn't know he needed. The one who silences his voices. They'll be sorry they ever touched her.

Ruthless is what he'll become to save her. To save them. And no mercy will be given.

***This book is part of a connecting series and contains mature/graphic subject matter. Please see the author's note for TW/CW. For readers 18+***

Genres: Contemporary

Unknown Binding

About the author

Christine Besze is a writer, reader, mother, and wife. She's fluent in sarcasm and can have entire conversations in movie quotes. Most days she lives in her own world of crazy because the voices inside her head hold some great conversation. When she does have to return to reality and act like an actual grown-up, she spends her time with her handsome hubby Z, their two gorgeous gingers, and their mini-herd of German Shepherds. Born in sunny Southern California, she recently made the big leap with her family to the East Coast and couldn’t be happier. You'll still find her in flip-flops all year round.

Reviews

[Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5)
Trope: ONS, accidental pregnancy
Angst: 😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥

Fantastic read! This is my first read by Christine Besze, but it definitely won't be my last. Ruthless is the third book in the Revenge Series and *theoretically* can be read as a standalone (I've only read this one), but I'd HIGHLY suggest reading the other two books first. There was a lot of hinted at previous interaction between the Zane and the Donelly family that I had a hard time guessing at that I think occurred in the other books. Overall, it did not take away from the story if it's the accidental pregnancy trope your after, but it would definitely be better reading them in series order.

So many things I loved about this book. The writing is fantastic and the storyline definitely kept my interest. The relationship and interplay between characters was also great. Loved the chemistry between the Zane and Kennedy and their smexy times were super hot. Also enjoyed the relationship between the brothers as well as between Kennedy and her siblings as well. The book also talked about Zane's trauma from Afghanistan and the discussions surrounding his PTSD realistic. The only other thing that I noticed that seemed off to me is that in their first super passionate encounter (where she got pregnant), she never mentions he had a piercing, but then notices it when she had smexy with him the next time around 🤷🏻‍♀️. Not important, lol, but had me scratching my head. Still almost a 5 star read though, it was that good! Super excited to see what's next from this author!

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for Z's book since I met the brothers. I love all three of them but Z is hands down my favorite. This book did not disappoint. I absolutely loved it. Kennedy and Zane have such a good relationship and the naughty bits are awesome. I also love how this book reunite us with all our favorite couples and introduce us to new characters (I need everyone's book like yesterday!) If you like fine af alphas, Irish hotties, some dark parts, naughty romance, did I mention hot af alphas!!??, then this book is for you.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruthless by Christine Besze is book Three in the Revenge Series. This is the story of Kennedy and Zane. Zane struggles with his time in Afghanistan that has left him with physical and mental scars. Kennedy is the protective daughter of a Irish Family but she is a strong women that can handle Zane if she can get him to open up to her. This was a really good story and I hope to read more from this author.

[Lynn Stifle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t wait to read Zane’s book and it definitely didn’t disappoint. Zane and Kennedy had this undeniable connection, they brought out the best in each other, and just seemed to fit perfectly together. I loved getting to meet new characters, as well as catching up with some old. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend you read it for yourself, you’ll be happy you did.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

Eight years I've lived in Hell. Eight years their faces have plagued me. Eight years the darkness has consumed me. Eight years the demons have haunted me. Loud and demanding to be set free.
Zane Savage has struggled to make peace with his past and leave them behind him, but that's the thing about secrets-nothing every stays buried.
Kennedy Donnelly has followed the rules her whole life and been the perfect Irish princess. The one night she decided to break free of her family name and be wild left her with more than she bargained for. She's everything he didn't know he needed. The one who silences his voices. They'll be sorry they ever touched her. Ruthless is what he will become to save her. To save them. And no mercy will be given.

I have to admit that this is my first book by Christine Besze. And I'm kicking myself for not picking up a book that she has written before now. I hadn't read the first two books but I will be going back and reading them. This is an interconnected series but I didn't feel like I had missed anything but know from reading so much that I'd probably have learned a lot more about Z had I read the first two book. And if there anything like Ruthless, then I really am missing something.
This is the story of Zane and Kennedy who had a one night stand that lead to marriage and here is where you might feel like you have missed something but I just didn't focus on what I probably missed and just really enjoyed this book. I really thought my heart was going to shatter for Zane. He has these horrible nightmares and so many scars from his time in Afghanistan. He however doesn't really want to let Kennedy know about that part of his life and has become an overprotective man who is terrified that someone hurt her and the very special gift that she is carrying. And he just isn't worried about other people he is worried that he could be the one who hurts her. Kennedy however is no wall flower. She is the only girl in a family of three overprotective brothers and she doesn't scare easily over anything. She really does love Zane and she would do anything in the world for him. But when his past comes calling will she still not be scared and have the strength to face what she will be facing. You have to of course read to find out. I can't really tell you much about this story because I fell like anything I would say would be a spoiler. I really loved this story and it really will have you all over the place emotionally. I really loved Zane and Kennedy and the edge of your seat thrill ride of a story that they had to tell.

[Sophie Ruthven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another page turning suspense from this talented author.
I absolutely adored this series and wish there were more brothers so it could continue.
Just like the other two I couldn't put this book down once starting and couldn't believe what I was reading.
As previously stated I've loved thus whole series but this was definitely my favourite. I knew from previous books his story would be rough but wow, reading what he went through was a kick in the guts.
Absolutely adored this couple together, but will they survive the past coming back to haunt them?
Definitely recommend that you one click to find out.
Can't wait to see what the author comes up with next.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

All great things must come to an end... but whyyyy? I am so invested in each one of these characters it’ll be hard to say goodbye to them, but that’s what rereads are for right? Between Asher, Axel, & Zane Savage, I thought Christine Besze did an incredible job making each brother a character of their own. You have Asher the dark and mysterious one, Axel, the witty sarcastic hottie and then there’s Zane that I believe he is his own damn entity. So, if you’re looking for a dark series with sexy alphas, men that will protect their women, their family and take the words like loyalty, brotherhood, and darkness to the next level, well then this series is for you.

[R Rais · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruthless is a connected standalone. That mean its better you read the two books before diving in this book.
Which was my mistake for not doing so. And that leave me with quite lots of holes on whats going on.

Open scene with a one night stand then follow with Vegas wedding with suprise baby, i feel like i jump a hole on how do they know each other when on that one night stand, they didn't gave out each other names??

And then the relationship between The Savage and The Donelly's... I need tp read from the first book to understand clearly.

But beside of the holes and spoiler of the previous couples, the two Savage brothers and their women, Ruthless have quite promising story line.

With military background, Zane have his own demon to walk with for the rest of his life. But when one past demon targetting his family, the Savage way is the only way to kill it.

As the only girl in the Donelly clan, the İrish mobster family, Kennedy is sheltered and protected but not blind to all the darkness her family in. That's one of her arsenal when facing Zane's old demons.

Love the scene when Ken was captive but wish to see more of the action part. But fall out with the rescue part. It feels like anti climax after what happened to Kennedy during captiviti.

Not enough intense or mystery on the cat and mouse game with the villain. İts all feels too "easy" fall to place and bit reckless for i tought it said the Savage have ways to know things in their line of work.

The chemistry between H/h along with the Savage brothers and their women are strong. I love their bond as family and couple. With the guys all have their own demons to walk with, love seeing the women dancing with them and bring out the light in the dark.

One thing i love the most? The guys dont magically heal from their demons. Even in this book, Asher, the older brother-who i believe was in book one, is only getting his mind straight for his woman in this book. Love how the guys fight their demons to stay in the dark with the women love to keep the light.

Oh one last thing that bug me.
How can Kennedy can't remember or it was said she was suprise to see Zane's piercing in his D while it wasn't their first time?
I mean, even when you can see it, you absolutely will feel it when its inside you specially intach with something huge like whats Zane have.

Anywaaaay... Overall, i quite like this book. But definitly need to start from the first book in the series.

[bobamami · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read, fast paced with lots of interesting and intriguing details and events.

However, I was a bit lost and confused when I first started this book, and at some points along the way as well, that I think if I’d read other books in the series before this, the storyline would make a lot more sense here.

Because there were lots of (side) characters mentioned on page but with very little of information or any indication of who they were, what they did or their relationship with the main and the secondary characters, and ngl, I was even confused about the secondary ones at first lmao.

Til this day, I still have no ideas who Aidan was, as he was mentioned in early chapter 2 then disappeared literally right after. So I’m guessing we’re having a mixed up kind of situation here, let’s hope so.

Anyway, aside from that, I really enjoyed this and was kinda sad that we didn’t get to see more of the interactions between the babies and the adults in the epilogue, which was so freaking cute I seriously need more!!!

[Kelly Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book but although it’s classed as a stand alone I wish I had read the other 2 books to understand a bit more of the background between Zane and Kennedy.
The story goes from the prologue of a 1 night stand to them getting married as if the reader knows the history between the pairs family’s and unfortunately I didn’t.
That being said once I got over that fact and embraced myself in the story I did really enjoy it.
Zane has soul crushing nightmares and scars of his time in Afghanistan, he struggles to let Kennedy in and is overly protective, scared that someone could harm her and his unborn child even that person being himself.
Kennedy being the only girls in a strong Irish family with 3 brothers doesn’t scare easy but when Zanes past comes back and her life is threatened will her strength be enough

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first I've read from this author and though it is book 3, I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything of importance. Now, that may change once I go back and read the first two, but as of now, I followed along just fine.
I enjoyed meeting Z, his brothers, Kennedy and the rest of the Donnelly's. The ghosts that haunt Zane have been working overtime and almost slip between he and Kennedy. When someone from the past puts a dangerous play in motion, Z realizes exactly what lengths he has to go to to keep history from repeating itself.
Plenty of action, hot alpha's that butt heads, seggzy time that is off the charts hot and a new author that I'm sure to follow and read more of and this was well worth the time.

[Becca Whaley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this crazy possessive man with all of my soul and his broken pieces just make me love him more…. This story isn’t for everyone, I’m not gonna lie there are some dark moments in here… So prepare yourself… But everyone has demons, some are just louder than others… I also love how well the author portrayed the military aspects and all that comes with seeing and doing sometimes unthinkable things… Kennedy is not someone you would ever picture being with a Savage brother … but she keeps him on his toes and stands her ground even tho he’s a giant compared to her little self… She’s sassy and crazy independent but when it comes to Zane she’s putty in his hands …. I mean I can’t really blame her …

[Christine Woinich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very gritty story. With his past, Zane was so intense and almost afraid of happiness. His connection to Kennedy was his light. Kennedy was looking to have her own independence and free will, until her surprise showed up. She knew she did not want to be unhappy, whether with Zane or her father's choice, and was willing to be on her own. With all the differences between his brothers and her brothers, once they found a common threat, they worked well together. I enjoyed this story and recommend it.

I received a copy of this story through Elle Wood Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.

[M Will · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by Christine Besze and it will not be my last. I absolutely loved the characters she created in this story. Zane is tormented by his past. He is tied to his family yet still distances himself as he's plagued by demons. Crossing paths with the daughter of a rival family, he finds himself entranced by her and unable to get her out of his mind.
I really felt the author did a fantastic job capturing the internal turmoil for Zane. His shame and secrets keeping him distanced even from his own family. Watching both Zane and Kennedy face their fears and grow together was wonderful. Great book.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Lilian · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5⭐️
It’s my first time reading this author and what a wonderful introduction this was. While I did not read the previous books in the series, it wasn’t too difficult to follow the plot.

Even as Zane seeks to overcome his past trauma, he slowly learns to let Kennedy in, bit by bit. I loved their chemistry and their banter was so good.

The side characters were also amazing and ensured that the pace was never boring. The suspense factor also surprised me with that twist at the end.

[Shirley Rentzel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awful

I made it to chapter nine and that's enough, at that point there was absolutely nothing to make me Cate about anything or anyone in this book! It's so bad I'm going to ask for a refund. Shirley

[Christine Besze · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎉🎉🎉Zane is LIVE! 🎉🎉🎉

Who's ready to meet the final Savage Brother?