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The Clans #8

Ruthless

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Carla

Throughout my entire life I’ve only wanted one thing — independence. It might seem easy, but it’s quite the contrary. It’s nothing but a myth in my family because my life is not my own. It never has been and it never will be.

At least, not until now.

I made a deal with my father to gain some aspect of freedom. I would marry a Romanian Clan leader to unite their vast mafia with our family hitman business. Two powerful families coming together, creating the most feared partnership in the world.

I only wonder if my new husband will take the independence I cherish so dearly away from me, or will he open the door to my cage and set me free.

186 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 25, 2019

45 people are currently reading
102 people want to read

About the author

Iris Sweetwater

87 books183 followers
I have been writing since I was just 4 years old, starting with poetry and short stories. Writing has always been in my blood, and I began writing as a professional in marketing and ghostwriting almost 7 years ago. After writing thousands of things for others, I decided it was time to share my own things with the world. I hope to start doing this full time and be at least somewhat of a success.

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5 stars
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50 (28%)
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20 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
7,813 reviews65 followers
November 7, 2019
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. It was a great with the having characters that are well developed and engaging and have plenty of chemistry. The flow of the storyline was steady and smooth.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
717 reviews16 followers
June 5, 2025
Carla is the only daughter of the leader of the Arcane. They are a family of assassins. In order to make a connection with The Clans Carla will now be set to marry the head of the Romanian Clan in Germany. Carla just wants freedom from her father and only agreed to the marriage after her father gave her a restaurant. Carla is a free spirit who does what she wants when she is not around her family. Philippe is the leader of the Romania Clan in Germany. He is not as mean spirited as most clan leaders. Philippe has had the same secretary for years, Luna. Luna is not what she seems and has always wanted Philippe for herself. Luna and her sister are from a disgraced clan from Romania. The plan is to blow up the wedding but Luna wants to save Philippe. Carla was out with her friends the night before Philippe was to come to Seattle to get to know her better before they marry. Carla went home from a club with two of her friends and Philippe showed up early finding his fiancée with two women. Things start off kind of rocky between Philippe and Carla but they persevere to try and make the relationship work. Luna drugs Philippe and has sex with him and she ends up pregnant. Carla knows that something isn’t right with Luna. Will Philippe and Carla make it to their wedding? Will Luna and her sister actually bomb the wedding? Will Philippe and Carla fall in love and get a happy ever after?

Superb The Clans Book 8!
Profile Image for Sophie Koufes.
1,994 reviews27 followers
August 11, 2020
Audio review:
Ruthless (The Clans, Book 8) is told in multi pov and involves a different couple in each book. I have missed a few books in between listening to this one, however this one is my least favourite in the series so far. I really liked the concept of the story and the background, however the characters I couldn’t relate to. The characters were not fully definedd and the plot was not fully supported most likely due to the time factor. However, the struggles along the way to get there hea were well written. Part of my issue is I think missing some books leads to missing parts that correlate. Overall, I was happy with the ending.

Narator Elle Hart's performance of Carla worked well. However, she struggled with the male counterpart. This would have been better told in dual pov rather than single. I found it difficult to differentiate between who was talking as her inflection didn't change enough and was too feminine for the male characters.

I hope I get a chance to listen to the other audio's in this series.
Profile Image for Margaret Reichert lesniak.
738 reviews5 followers
September 14, 2020
It was another WTF kind a book for me....

I was looking forward to this book....

I don't get any not even a tiny bit of feeling from the heroes....

Philippe all he did was try to make her happy and did anything and everything she wanted...And f... apologies when she did the wrong.

Carla was just a B.... all she cared about was herself and her needs.....

Their was no feelings no love or even like from Carla to Philippe all she cared about was getting her freedom from her father and doing anyone else she wanted....

🙄
Profile Image for Romaine Heart.
2,337 reviews30 followers
October 8, 2020
Carla wants freedom and  independence. In order to accomplish this she gives in to her father to marry a man of the Clan hoping that he will give her the independence she so desires. Joining two Clans will be powerful.
Phillipe is somewhat conservative whereas Carla is more open to her sexuality. Loved the banter and steamy scenes.
When threats try to destroy the Clans they must unite in order to survive.
Cliffy.
1,796 reviews2 followers
June 2, 2020
Great!

I chose this rating because this was a pretty interesting book. I really enjoy most of the characters.This book was straight out to the point.I think the author did a pretty good job in writing this book in the series. Pretty good read.I recommend this book to all romance readers. Overall and okay but.
Profile Image for Charlotte.
867 reviews
May 7, 2024
Philippe & Carla

Elizabeth Knox & Iris Sweetwater, your collaboration on this series of books is phenomenal! Ruthless (The Clans Book 8) is a fine example is this. Loved it On to Book 9!
Profile Image for Angela.
3,403 reviews33 followers
January 19, 2020
A great addition to the series

3 1/2 - 4 stars

This was a great story with lots of unexpected twists and turns that kept it intriguing until the end. I really enjoyed it, but the reason why I gave it a lower rating was because there were a few important details that were either glossed over with barely any answers, or completely ignored after being introduced into the story. Unfortunately, these things left several questions unanswered which I am certainly not happy about. If I honestly thought that these things would be addressed in the future stories, I wouldn't have lowered the rating, but this isn't the first time this has happened in this series, and I have yet to see anything regarding the previous unanswered questions. I hope that I'm wrong, and that there will be more related to what happened in this book.
I would recommend this book, series, and authors. However I do caution regarding the issues stated above.
1,088 reviews31 followers
November 1, 2019
Carla Isn't Terribly Likable, And Philippe Is Too Gullible. Only His Earnest Desire To Love Her Can Overcome Her Shortcomings.

Carla Moretti, an Italian woman in Seattle in her early thirties, wants freedom from her assassin father and his rules. She loves to play around and let loose as an escape - and doesn't discriminate between men and women. Her one thing that belongs to her is her restaurant, which she pours herself into.

The Romanian Clan is into arranged marriages which solidify alliances, and Carla sees agreeing to one as her only chance at freedom from her father. The clan matches her with Philippe from Munich. A good match, her Romanian sister-in-law tells her. Philippe is a good man who will be very good to her.

Philippe Sala, roughly mid-thirties to early forties, is a procrastinator and sometimes speaks without thought. He isn't prepared when he discovers that Carla has a wild side and says a few things he probably shouldn't have. He is fairly conservative, but he committed to the arrangement and has to give Carla a chance.

Carla and Philippe have a very odd courtship. Little is known about Philippe, and what is known of Carla isn't terribly likable. Only Philippe's earnest desire to love her can overcome her shortcomings. They seem to earn an HEA, but the biggest obstacle to that appears to be MIA, and without an explanation of how that resolved, how happy their ever after is remains a mystery.

There are many inconsistencies which may frustrate some readers. First, Carla states she is closest in her family to Enzo, then states that Sal is the only one she considers real family. Next, before anything has been defined, Carla talks Philippe into a threesome when at the same time she is upset he was with another woman, accident or not. Moreover, she had justified her promiscuity by explaining she lets off steam with people she knows, which is better and less risky than finding a stranger, yet she brings a stranger into their bed. Further, Carla desperately wants freedom throughout the book. It is her driving motivation, yet it is not well defined. Another oddity is the two friends Carla makes roughly three to four months prior to her wedding - Phoebe and Nicola. Though she has just befriended them and cannot meaningfully further the friendship after marriage and moving to Germany, she is considering asking them to stand up for her in the wedding. Towards the end, it is inexplicable why Philippe, who has wisely limited his contact with Luna, moved her away, and limited her involvement with the wedding, would choose to pick her up personally on his wedding day and have her participate with him on pre-wedding activities. And there is no excuse for dropping her off at his apartment, which is also Carla's home. Cab fare would have been the correct choice. Luna's whereabouts are never addressed after this. Does she survive? Is paternity established? Finally, Philippe's second in command, Florin, betrays him much too quickly for much too little. It is not credible.

This book is an easy read. The POV alternates between Carla and Philippe, with a few chapters from Luna's POV. The plot is somewhat developed but not tight. The characters aren't well defined but the length puts limitations on their depth. Carla is not terribly likable, and Philippe comes across as too gullible to make a credible clan leader. I rate this book 3.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,265 reviews19 followers
October 27, 2019
Ruthless by Iris Sweetwater and Elizabeth Knox is another outstanding book in this series by these two amazing authors. This story was exciting, riveting and raw from the first page of this sexy love story between Phillipe, Romanian Clan leader and Carla Mafia princess and what transpires during their arranged engagement to join the clans and the mafia. The interaction between conservative Phillipe and uninhibited Carla who is bold and sensual and has no regrets for her actions was engaging. Carla is so into sex with both men and women, that at times Phillipe is left amazed trying to understand this strong independent beautiful woman that he is engaged to and how far will he have to go to join Carla's bedroom activities to keep her satisfied? When these two interact with each other the sparks between them is explosive and steamy, can these two opposities become romantically involved with each other? Ruthless had so much drama and intrigue about the dealings between the Clan and Mafia as well as betrayals and revenge that is being devised by someone close to Phillipe. As their wedding day arrives, the threat is put into place to destroy everyone that Phillipe and Carla loves. Who will survive this attack? Once the threat is exposed, you witness feisty Carla take on danger head first and when reunited with Phillipe nothing can stop these two. But true to Iris and Elizabeth's creative writing, we are left wondering what happened to the other characters in this story that had such an impact with the relationship between Phillipe and Carla. You will be captivated by this story which will have you on edge from beginning to end, this sexy, exciting story is a must read! Can't wait for the next book. I voluntairly reviewed an advanced copy of this book
Profile Image for Carolina.
384 reviews
October 24, 2019
If you've not read the previous books in the Clan series, you need to do so. This book is a standalone, but you're missing out on terrific story lines that intertwine between the "families" in the Clan series. Also, make sure to read about Carla's brother Enzo in Skulls Renegade MC's book "Retribution" for more background on him. Yes, it's important to know who these people are in the story.

Carla is a "mafia princess" of sorts and she's being "offered" in an arranged marriage to Philippe whose family is a member of the Clans. Talk about polar opposites, these two characters are on the opposite spectrum in practically everything. In the beginning, I wasn't sure they were going to make it especially how they initially "meet" to spend some time together before they're supposed to marry. Oh! The sparks fly! Meanwhile, there is a subplot in the book that involves Philippe's "secretary" and a hidden villain from the Clans past. All of the drama comes to head at Carla and Philippe's wedding day!

If you like strong female characters, Carla is the perfect independent, sassy, and inspiring woman. She's unconventional for the more conservative and reserved, Philippe. While his family is Romanian, they live in Munich now as their family base. You get to see the traditional viewpoints of marriage of Italian and Romanian families. Yet, Carla and Philippe aren't going to necessarily fit into the traditional marriage arrangement.

The Clans series continues to get better and better. I can't wait for the next one! However, I highly recommend this read!! Fantastic job, Elizabeth and Iris!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,263 reviews11 followers
November 4, 2019
I'm in the minority in this one, sorry just not for me.

I thought the writing was very well done, but the storyline just wasn't for me. As a mafia romance, Philippe was a contradiction. Fully immersed in the mafia lifestyle but still wanting to be a good guy, which he was. I liked him and his character a lot, but he always seemed one step behind, and was a bit gullible especially when it came to Luna. His whole reaction and dealings with Luna were frustrating and painful to read.
I disliked the heroine in this story, but there were parts that I really liked about her. She was strong, feisty, and no shrinking violet even though her father called all the shots for her life and future. I loved the way she stood up to any woman who threatened her relationship with Philippe, she was way more assertive in what she wanted and more protective of their relationship than he was. I didn't like her dishonesty, selfishness and her cheating. Doesn't matter to me if it was FF relationships, it was still cheating.
Her whole personality kind of revolved around her sexuality and the FF scenes were always popping up in this storyline. It didn't enhance her relationship with Philippe. By the end of the story, I had a hard time caring about the outcome of this uneven couple.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for SBee Reviews.
2,671 reviews80 followers
November 12, 2019
★ One very wild mafia princess ★

—>>> Review Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars - My first read into this series brings me into Carla’s world, a mafia princess who is used to getting her way, though her father does not realize it. An advantageously arranged marriage will open more doors for Carla, allowing her more freedom, she reckons, with a man whom she hopes to mold to the new life she intends to live without limits. Her independence is fiercely guarded, and she intends to keep it no matter what, along with making her dreams come true and taking what pleasures she wishes along the way. Philippe is the leader to the Romanian Clan, older than her, and his eyes are opened wide when he sets them upon her one year later after their agreement to be married is firmed, in sudden realization of what kind of woman she is: wild, strong-willed, and uninhibited.

There is a third POV from Luna, Philippe’s assistant, which took the reader on a tangent when it came to her intentions, but it did ultimately serve to move the story along. I did not find Philippe’s character to be solidly developed, as it was contradictory in parts, and his actions were those not expected of as a leader of a powerful clan.
11.7k reviews49 followers
November 14, 2019
Not sure about this one for me

Ruthless is the first book in The Clans series by Elizabeth Knox which I have read. I have read and liked other books by this author so had high hopes when I started this one, plus the book description looked like would be very interesting. For the most part I thought the story-line was good but there were definitely things which had me wondering what I was reading. Both Carla and Philippe are characters who have split personalities in a way.
For me I found this story hard to finish as I just did not really care that much for Philippe and really was wondering what Luna's character was doing telling parts of the story from her POV, as she is Philippe's assistant. I may go back and read some of the previous books in this series to see if I can get a better understanding on The Clans world by this author and see if I can then get a better understanding on Carla and Philippe.

I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Profile Image for Zelda.
1,466 reviews
October 31, 2019
I've missed a couple of the books in this series, and I’ll need to go back & read them to get the full benefit of the plot arc. Carla is being used to unify her family with Philippe's. Carla needs a lot more freedom than her family allows, and hopes her loveless union to Philippe will provide that. Philippe's expectations are completely different, and watching the two of them figure this out together is fascinating. Carla's character was so confident & sexually free. Watching Philippe trying to catch up to Carla was the best part of this book for me. He was patient & tried to be understanding, & be a good man to her. There is the element of looming danger and it was killing me to wait & see what was coming. Now, before Covert arrives, I have some catching up to do because this series is great!

I received a copy of this book. My honest review is voluntarily provided.
Profile Image for Char Davis.
583 reviews8 followers
October 26, 2019
When growing up Carla new as the daughter of the lead contract killer for the Italian mob she was to be a certain way.When he fall came to her an says he wants her to have an arraigned marriage to a Romanian Mob boss she knew she had to do so but will Carla really go through with it?Will Philippe Wild child Carla decides to have some fun before the wedding.Will the two fall for each other an have a real marriage?There are so many twists and turns to this story will keep you riveted until the very last page.I love the way this amazing author brings the characters to life before your eyes and makes you feel their emotions and their pain.I can hardly wait to see whats next by this multi talented author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
812 reviews2 followers
November 24, 2019
If you're looking for an easy to follow, hot, steamy, sexy, smooth flowing read that captures your attention from the start. Congratulations my friends you've found it. The characters and scenes are realistic and believable. Twists and turns and unpredictable surprises that kept my eyes on the pages and on the edge of my seat. I followed the characters fascinated as their personalities transformed and blended. Vivid detailed descriptions were so life like and on point. The storyline was solided and well defined. Cold showers may be in order when your finished. Elizabeth Knox did a remarkable job bringing this story together beautifully.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
237 reviews3 followers
October 28, 2019
An arranged marriage is Carlas way to freedom or so she hopes.Living under the rule of her Italian Mafia family she has done whats is expected of her.She hopes that the man she had a say in choosing will still allow her the freedom she craves. Philippe is an Romanian Clan Leader and Is hoping that he and Carla can find common ground and fall in love,she is proving to be a handful for him.As their wedding day draws nearer things don't go as smoothly as they want.One woman is on a mission to destroy it all and claim Philippe for herself.
The Clan series is a page turner and you will love it from start to finish .
5,942 reviews30 followers
November 14, 2019
Loved the book it was great, the story was well written and the characters are interesting. Carla is sick and tired of not having any freedom, she has gone as far as asking for an arranged marriage which will benefit both family's. Philippe is willing to marry Carla but was not prepared on her wildness. They are total opposites they do match perfectly, it hot, excitement, drama, chaos and stimulation that the mind just has to have more especially with this book.
Thank you for allowing me to review your book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Claire Powell.
116 reviews
October 21, 2019
Another home run, I absolutely love this series and the books seem to get better without making the others seem like lesser works.
You'll definitely need to be open to the unexpected and leave your prudish side by the door to enjoy this book.
Carla's and Philippe story is definitely one to remember ,how much did I enjoy reading this...planning to reread it very soon that's how much.
I'm totally an Elizabeth Knox book addict and have no shame saying it, I want to have a dark side like Carla that chick could be classified as inspiring Haha.
Highly recommended read.
Profile Image for Kim.
220 reviews5 followers
October 22, 2019
Ruthless by Iris Sweetwater and Elizabeth Knox is an awesome read. This story is book 8 of The Clans series. This book had me laughing, crying, angry, wanting to hurt someone, abuse. I had all the feels. This story has The Clans, Mafia, violence, romance, twists and turns, highs and lows, action, suspense. I absolutely loved this book and definitely recommend it. I can’t wait to read the next book by these amazing authors. The book is well written and has very likeable characters. I did not want to put the book down.
Profile Image for Heidi.
1,516 reviews15 followers
October 26, 2019
This series keeps getting better and better. This is Carla and Philippe’s story. Carla is such a strong and holds no barred female. She agrees to a marriage to Philippe in order to get her freedom from her father. Philippe is conservative, but is willing to be open minded for Carla. I loved this story and all the characters. Of course, since it is a Clan story, you get to see the characters from the previous books. This will make you feel lots of different feelings, from happy to angry and all the others in between. There is suspense, action and some hot scenes. Be sure to snatch this up.
Profile Image for Denise.
4,120 reviews12 followers
October 27, 2019
Carla gives you all she has in this one. We will get to know her inside and out. A kinda outdated event is to happen but in this one we will see how it unfolds with taking us over bit by bit. Philippe isn't what I thought he would be like, finding that I was becoming engrossed in this one for sure. This one slowly sneaks up on you taking you by surprise. You will soon forget what you thought going into this while it gives you new ones with what really is going on as this unfolds that by the time you reach the end, you think already?
1,464 reviews7 followers
October 30, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book.
The story was well written and had me hooked from
page one until the end. This is the 8th book in The Clans series.
Carla wants her independence and the only way to get it is to
marry. Philippe is the leader of the Romanian Clan. So they agree to marry.
Their chemistry is sexy.
I laughed and cried and wanted to throw something. I have many questions that
need answers.
I can not wait to read the next book in this series.
I would recommend this book to others.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Carmela Dimattia.
1,923 reviews22 followers
Read
November 2, 2019
Ruthless was a great book. The ninth book in the clans series and I can never get enough.
Phillipe and Carla’s relationship is unorthodox with a couple of spicy surprises. This book has sex, suspense and drama and I could not put this book down until I was finished. I hope they appear more in future books because I’d love to see how their story continues. Thank you Iris Sweetwater and Elizabeth Knox for another great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for LUZCELENIA V.
93 reviews1 follower
Read
October 25, 2019

Carla and Phillipe’s story was one with a lot of twist and turns. Phillipe is a conservative traditional man, Carla is very open with her sexuality, loving both men and women. The story takes the reader the new levels as they come to a happy medium in their relationship. The ending, however, left me with several unanswered questions and a cliffhanger that popped up out of nowhere.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
Profile Image for Scharme Grider.
213 reviews8 followers
October 26, 2019
I can honestly say that Carla and Philippe’s story shocked me just a little. I love Carla’s attitude about life in general. She does not let anyone rule her. Not even Philippe!! Philippe seems a little more reserved than most of the Mafia Men in this Series, but that’s what I love about him most. This book is a great Five-Star read and it definitely leaves you wanting more!!! Great Great Book!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for L.
92 reviews
October 23, 2019
Wow!!! Book 8 of the Clans series and I have so many questions left unanswered after reading that one. Oh how you make us love and hate you for wanting more. I can’t wait for the next one. When is Covert coming? Haha, thank you Elizabeth and Iris for pulling us in and making us addicted to your stories! Love them.

I received an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Phyllis Wolford.
1,853 reviews
October 26, 2019
They both met briefly, to arrange a combining of two Clans together thur marriage. They both wanted freedom to be theirselves, what they got was the freedom and love .
When there is a plot to destroy the clans, they come together and stop the threat,but there are some casualties.
They come to understand and love each other and with that there is true freedom.
Profile Image for Jojo Reeves.
1,142 reviews21 followers
October 29, 2019
Oh how I love these books !!!!!! Carla is so sassy but we knew that and even though I know Phillipe is head of his clan and has to be ruthless I still want to shake him so he’s not so stuffy, these 2 are opposites attract. Now I need the next episode to know what happened and I kind of need that now
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