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Captive #5
Ruthless Savior
My pretty little captive thinks she can run from me. She doesn’t understand how ruthless I truly am…
Guarding my lovely hostage has become my obsession. I protect Marisol from the vicious men in my brutal cartel, including myself. I’ve kept the promise I made to my boss on the night of her capture: No one touches her.
But she runs from me at the first opportunity, escaping the safe cage I built for her.
I’ve denied myself for far too long. She’s made the mistake of believing I’m gentle and forgiving. There’s nothing gentle about what I intend to do to her once I catch her, and she’ll have to beg for my forgiveness.
I’ve spent endless nights imagining so many delicious ways to torment her. Now that she’s defied the cartel, I can indulge all of my twisted desires.
I’ll never let her escape me again. Marisol is mine.
Guarding my lovely hostage has become my obsession. I protect Marisol from the vicious men in my brutal cartel, including myself. I’ve kept the promise I made to my boss on the night of her capture: No one touches her.
But she runs from me at the first opportunity, escaping the safe cage I built for her.
I’ve denied myself for far too long. She’s made the mistake of believing I’m gentle and forgiving. There’s nothing gentle about what I intend to do to her once I catch her, and she’ll have to beg for my forgiveness.
I’ve spent endless nights imagining so many delicious ways to torment her. Now that she’s defied the cartel, I can indulge all of my twisted desires.
I’ll never let her escape me again. Marisol is mine.
ebook
First published November 17, 2020
332 people are currently reading
890 people want to read
About the author
Julia Sykes
138 books2,018 followersJulia Sykes is a USA Today bestselling author of edgy, emotional romance. When she's not writing, she's usually reading.
Other than reading, her obsessions include iced coffee, unicorns, charcuterie, aged Manchego cheese (or any cheese, really), and fancy dresses.
An American expat, Julia now lives in her adopted, beloved home of York, England. Most days, you can find her wandering the cobbled streets and daydreaming about her next novel.
Other than reading, her obsessions include iced coffee, unicorns, charcuterie, aged Manchego cheese (or any cheese, really), and fancy dresses.
An American expat, Julia now lives in her adopted, beloved home of York, England. Most days, you can find her wandering the cobbled streets and daydreaming about her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
November 15, 2020
4 STARS
The Captive series is one of my favorite guilty pleasure reads. I'm a sucker for a good captive romance, and Julia Sykes writes some of the most delicious antiheroes. They're ruthless criminals that become borderline obsessive and uber protective when it comes to their females and I am so here for it.
Ruthless Savior is the story of Marisol and Ruel, who we met in Wicked King. Marisol was Carmen's maid and a long time captive of the cartel. She yearns for freedom but seems to always get in the crosshairs of dangerous and ruthless men. This time her captor is Stefano's right hand man, Raul.
Raul is fiercely protective of Marisol, but he's no different than all other men in Marisol's life; he wants to own her. She's been planning an escape and when she finally takes it, she knows he'll stop at nothing to bring her back. And when he does catch up to her, he won't let her out of his sight again. She becomes his captive and even though he vows to protect her at all costs, she still knows that he won't let her leave. Haunted by her past mistakes with dangerous men, Marisol can't stop fighting for her freedom. her past haunts her and her dark urges for Raul terrify her.
If you like dark romance to dip your toe into the genre, this is the series. It has just the right amount of danger and darkness to be delicious, without being overwhelming. Raul is fiercely protective and dangerously lethal. But there's enough characterization to humanize this cartel criminal that you also feel for him. I love how Sykes captures that in all her romances. This was a sexy romance full of grit and danger and just the right amount of suspense. I'm already salivating for my next fix in this series.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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My dark affinity for dangerous men would be my ruin.
The Captive series is one of my favorite guilty pleasure reads. I'm a sucker for a good captive romance, and Julia Sykes writes some of the most delicious antiheroes. They're ruthless criminals that become borderline obsessive and uber protective when it comes to their females and I am so here for it.
Ruthless Savior is the story of Marisol and Ruel, who we met in Wicked King. Marisol was Carmen's maid and a long time captive of the cartel. She yearns for freedom but seems to always get in the crosshairs of dangerous and ruthless men. This time her captor is Stefano's right hand man, Raul.
Raul is fiercely protective of Marisol, but he's no different than all other men in Marisol's life; he wants to own her. She's been planning an escape and when she finally takes it, she knows he'll stop at nothing to bring her back. And when he does catch up to her, he won't let her out of his sight again. She becomes his captive and even though he vows to protect her at all costs, she still knows that he won't let her leave. Haunted by her past mistakes with dangerous men, Marisol can't stop fighting for her freedom. her past haunts her and her dark urges for Raul terrify her.
If you like dark romance to dip your toe into the genre, this is the series. It has just the right amount of danger and darkness to be delicious, without being overwhelming. Raul is fiercely protective and dangerously lethal. But there's enough characterization to humanize this cartel criminal that you also feel for him. I love how Sykes captures that in all her romances. This was a sexy romance full of grit and danger and just the right amount of suspense. I'm already salivating for my next fix in this series.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
May 4, 2022
Recensione in Anteprima sulla mia pagina Bookstagram
https://www.instagram.com/p/CdITiInM1...
Il pensiero che il suo carceriere potesse morire a causa del suo tradimento stava facendo impazzire Marisol. Raúl Guerrero era un criminale e l’aveva visto fare cose mostruose, il mondo sarebbe stato un posto più sicuro senza di lui, e allora perché il pensiero di non rivederlo mai più la faceva soffrire?
Era stata costretta a tradirlo non soltanto per assicurarsi la libertà, ma per liberare Carmen Ronaldo che si trovava in una situazione di gran lunga peggiore della sua.
Per settimane, la principessa prigioniera del cartello, era stata sottoposta alla lussuria possessiva di un folle signore della droga, tale Stefano Duarte, lo sapevano tutti nell’ambiente, e Marisol non poteva certo lasciarla intrappolata in quell’inferno, non quando aveva la possibilità di portarla al sicuro, perché Carmen lo meritava.
Si era consegnata ai propri nemici in cambio della parola di Duarte che a Marisol non sarebbe stato fatto alcun male. Le aveva salvato la vita ma l’aveva anche condannata ad essere tenuta in ostaggio, intrappolata in un mondo di criminali.
Fino a che Raúl l’aveva reclamata. Il suo carceriere era bestiale, ma quella feroce prigionia aveva nella realtà i connotati di una vera e propria protezione. Nessuno infatti aveva osato avvicinarsi a lei da quando Raúl aveva detto a tutti che era sua.
Ma la decisione di tradirlo non poteva essere cambiata, non si poteva più tornare indietro.
🖋️Il format del criminale spietato che, nonostante non sia intenzionato ad avere una relazione stabile, alla fine si innamora del proprio ostaggio in modo ossessivo, è presente in ogni volume della serie.
Spietato salvatore è del genere mafia romance e troviamo anche elementi bondage che hanno apportato alla storia risvolti lussuriosi.
Raúl è un criminale del cartello messicano, spietato e pericoloso, ma possiede anche un animo generoso e leale. Marisol rappresenta la sua ossessione, la desidera molto e intende proteggerla con tutto se stesso, anche a rischio di mettere a repentaglio la sua vita.
Per scoprire se Raúl sia effettivamente il carceriere di Marisol, come la ragazza lo ha definito in più di un’occasione, o il suo salvatore, non resta che leggere il romanzo per scoprirlo.
*Ringrazio la CE per la copia ARC in Anteprima
https://www.instagram.com/p/CdITiInM1...
Il pensiero che il suo carceriere potesse morire a causa del suo tradimento stava facendo impazzire Marisol. Raúl Guerrero era un criminale e l’aveva visto fare cose mostruose, il mondo sarebbe stato un posto più sicuro senza di lui, e allora perché il pensiero di non rivederlo mai più la faceva soffrire?
Era stata costretta a tradirlo non soltanto per assicurarsi la libertà, ma per liberare Carmen Ronaldo che si trovava in una situazione di gran lunga peggiore della sua.
Per settimane, la principessa prigioniera del cartello, era stata sottoposta alla lussuria possessiva di un folle signore della droga, tale Stefano Duarte, lo sapevano tutti nell’ambiente, e Marisol non poteva certo lasciarla intrappolata in quell’inferno, non quando aveva la possibilità di portarla al sicuro, perché Carmen lo meritava.
Si era consegnata ai propri nemici in cambio della parola di Duarte che a Marisol non sarebbe stato fatto alcun male. Le aveva salvato la vita ma l’aveva anche condannata ad essere tenuta in ostaggio, intrappolata in un mondo di criminali.
Fino a che Raúl l’aveva reclamata. Il suo carceriere era bestiale, ma quella feroce prigionia aveva nella realtà i connotati di una vera e propria protezione. Nessuno infatti aveva osato avvicinarsi a lei da quando Raúl aveva detto a tutti che era sua.
Ma la decisione di tradirlo non poteva essere cambiata, non si poteva più tornare indietro.
🖋️Il format del criminale spietato che, nonostante non sia intenzionato ad avere una relazione stabile, alla fine si innamora del proprio ostaggio in modo ossessivo, è presente in ogni volume della serie.
Spietato salvatore è del genere mafia romance e troviamo anche elementi bondage che hanno apportato alla storia risvolti lussuriosi.
Raúl è un criminale del cartello messicano, spietato e pericoloso, ma possiede anche un animo generoso e leale. Marisol rappresenta la sua ossessione, la desidera molto e intende proteggerla con tutto se stesso, anche a rischio di mettere a repentaglio la sua vita.
Per scoprire se Raúl sia effettivamente il carceriere di Marisol, come la ragazza lo ha definito in più di un’occasione, o il suo salvatore, non resta che leggere il romanzo per scoprirlo.
*Ringrazio la CE per la copia ARC in Anteprima
November 13, 2020
What an absolutely MARVELOUS & EVOCATIVE story Ms. Sykes has penned with 'Ruthless Savior'. I'm still in a romance induced 'floaty happy' place several hours after finishing this wonderful, wonderful book.
I have read a majority of Ms. Sykes books & truly loved them: the characters, the plots, the writing. But this one, for me, had a somewhat different but wonderous 'feel' as I read it, one that at first was hard for me to quantify. It was an ever increasingly heartwarming feeling that as I continued to read, I realized was an emotionally MAGICAL feel.
The two main characters are Raul (anti-H, Cartel Leader & Enforcer) & Marisol (heroine, captive of two cartels). Both have dark, sad & tragic pasts littered with abuse & betrayal that utterly shattered humanity (in Raul's case) & ability to trust (in Marisol's case).
For Raul, the only things he acknowledges mean anything to him is Power, Money & Strength. But then he's given a fragile & traumatized Marisol, the lush beauty Raul swears an oath to protect & never let another man ever touch. And in keeping with his oath, Raul ensures he avoids physical contact with his lost 'little lamb' for whom he intensely hungers. Her fragility calls to his intense need to protect, her curves call to his deep desire to claim & her huge chocolate brown eyes pull at his soul in a way no others have done.
For Marisol, the only things she equates with men are betrayal, pain, abuse. That when they see her, they see a prize to be taken, a toy to use & discard, prey to be used & consumed. And while Raul most certainly is an apex predator of the most savage kind, while he is her captor, he HAS protected her from everyone & while she sees the lust for her in his eyes, he's never once physically imposed himself on her. And as time goes by Marisol has an epiphany when she suddenly realizes Raul will NEVER harm her.
The fact that BOTH Raul AND Marisol THINK & use their BRAINS is a refreshingly delightful joy. While they both occasionally have an intense understandable negative kneejerk reaction or thought to the other's actions or words, once they calm down they analyze the event that precipitated their response allowing them to realize that their initial understanding wasn't necessarily correct or the full story. And THAT is what was most magical for me about this dark yet utterly heartwarming book, their ability to acknowledge that just 'maybe' things (& people) aren't always what they seem to be.
Ms. Sykes takes two strong but severely damaged & deeply wounded people who based on their pasts, have no reason to ever trust much less love again, & she slowly, delicately, beautifully unfurls their emotional rebirth in a wondrously deft & supremely skilled way. This rebirth is an absolutely beautiful thing to read as they slowly but surely see another color added to their palette of black & white as each epiphany comes to them.
For Raul, it is the joy he finds in providing for his treasured 'little lamb' & the lack of fear in her eyes when she looks at him.
For Marisol, it is the wonder of realizing this lethal, dangerous, massive, HARD man cares for her, wants to provide protection for her, physical needs for her; of seeing how his eyes soften when he looks at her.
And no matter how dark the book got, it was a temporary darkness that was skillfully, deftly & beautifully (I've used this word a lot but it FITS!) banished by the light produced by understanding, forgiveness, acceptance, patience & love.
'Ruthless Savior' is a wonderfully written romance; it is dark, intensely sensual in parts, contains memories & scenes of betrayal, abuse & violence. BUT the overall theme (for me) was hands down the beautifully crafted awakening to love that both Raul & Marisol experience. I seriously found myself smiling & tearing up throughout this one, I had EVERYTHING crossed for their relationship to end up as a HEA for them both: TOGETHER.
This is a stellar dark romance for readers who want to be moved by the characters, who want to become a part of the story, who want a book that cannot be put down once started. For readers who crave, consume, appreciate writing that has that magical ability to pull you from reality & causes you to forget you're reading words on a page. For readers who love writing that allows you to be deeply & intensely impacted emotionally, that brings you concern, worry, fear for the characters; makes you smile, happy, joyful for them as their past created shackles are shed one by one as you journey with them to a hopeful future.
Marvelous.
Wonderful.
Beautiful.
MAGICAL.
In my opinion: absolutely PERFECT.
I have read a majority of Ms. Sykes books & truly loved them: the characters, the plots, the writing. But this one, for me, had a somewhat different but wonderous 'feel' as I read it, one that at first was hard for me to quantify. It was an ever increasingly heartwarming feeling that as I continued to read, I realized was an emotionally MAGICAL feel.
The two main characters are Raul (anti-H, Cartel Leader & Enforcer) & Marisol (heroine, captive of two cartels). Both have dark, sad & tragic pasts littered with abuse & betrayal that utterly shattered humanity (in Raul's case) & ability to trust (in Marisol's case).
For Raul, the only things he acknowledges mean anything to him is Power, Money & Strength. But then he's given a fragile & traumatized Marisol, the lush beauty Raul swears an oath to protect & never let another man ever touch. And in keeping with his oath, Raul ensures he avoids physical contact with his lost 'little lamb' for whom he intensely hungers. Her fragility calls to his intense need to protect, her curves call to his deep desire to claim & her huge chocolate brown eyes pull at his soul in a way no others have done.
For Marisol, the only things she equates with men are betrayal, pain, abuse. That when they see her, they see a prize to be taken, a toy to use & discard, prey to be used & consumed. And while Raul most certainly is an apex predator of the most savage kind, while he is her captor, he HAS protected her from everyone & while she sees the lust for her in his eyes, he's never once physically imposed himself on her. And as time goes by Marisol has an epiphany when she suddenly realizes Raul will NEVER harm her.
The fact that BOTH Raul AND Marisol THINK & use their BRAINS is a refreshingly delightful joy. While they both occasionally have an intense understandable negative kneejerk reaction or thought to the other's actions or words, once they calm down they analyze the event that precipitated their response allowing them to realize that their initial understanding wasn't necessarily correct or the full story. And THAT is what was most magical for me about this dark yet utterly heartwarming book, their ability to acknowledge that just 'maybe' things (& people) aren't always what they seem to be.
Ms. Sykes takes two strong but severely damaged & deeply wounded people who based on their pasts, have no reason to ever trust much less love again, & she slowly, delicately, beautifully unfurls their emotional rebirth in a wondrously deft & supremely skilled way. This rebirth is an absolutely beautiful thing to read as they slowly but surely see another color added to their palette of black & white as each epiphany comes to them.
For Raul, it is the joy he finds in providing for his treasured 'little lamb' & the lack of fear in her eyes when she looks at him.
For Marisol, it is the wonder of realizing this lethal, dangerous, massive, HARD man cares for her, wants to provide protection for her, physical needs for her; of seeing how his eyes soften when he looks at her.
And no matter how dark the book got, it was a temporary darkness that was skillfully, deftly & beautifully (I've used this word a lot but it FITS!) banished by the light produced by understanding, forgiveness, acceptance, patience & love.
'Ruthless Savior' is a wonderfully written romance; it is dark, intensely sensual in parts, contains memories & scenes of betrayal, abuse & violence. BUT the overall theme (for me) was hands down the beautifully crafted awakening to love that both Raul & Marisol experience. I seriously found myself smiling & tearing up throughout this one, I had EVERYTHING crossed for their relationship to end up as a HEA for them both: TOGETHER.
This is a stellar dark romance for readers who want to be moved by the characters, who want to become a part of the story, who want a book that cannot be put down once started. For readers who crave, consume, appreciate writing that has that magical ability to pull you from reality & causes you to forget you're reading words on a page. For readers who love writing that allows you to be deeply & intensely impacted emotionally, that brings you concern, worry, fear for the characters; makes you smile, happy, joyful for them as their past created shackles are shed one by one as you journey with them to a hopeful future.
Marvelous.
Wonderful.
Beautiful.
MAGICAL.
In my opinion: absolutely PERFECT.
March 31, 2022
❤~🌟~❤ 4.5 SAVAGELY DELICIOUS STARS ❤~🌟~❤
“Marisol would be mine.”
The Captive series by Julia Sykes is my KRYTONITE! She is my go-to author in regard to penning the thrillingly evocative and scorching hot capture fantasy trope--so whenever she announces the next book in his wildly addictive series I am positively euphoric know my next fix is forthcoming !
PREMISE:
Marisol Cortés has been a captive of the cartel for years and now Carmen Ronaldo’s beleaguered maid is Raúl Guerrero‘s property. Ever since she and Raúl first crossed paths, there’s always been something about the fragile “little lamb” that roused his every primal, possessive, predatory instinct. And while Stefano Duarte’s right-hand man knows his skittish captive is STRICTLY OFF LIMITS she makes him nearly bloodthirsty with the need to protect her from his enemies!
Marisol has suffered so much in her life, at the hands at vicious, cruel, evil men. But despite the fact that the traumatizes beauty yearns for freedom outside the drug lord’s fortress, there is something about this savage cartel enforcer that taps into her most hedonistic, forbidden desires. Because, as it turns out, rather than cowering in the presence of her ferocious keeper, she feels cherished and cossetted by him. And even though her raw, unbridled need for him fills her with fear, her traitorous heart aches to his domination! But regardless of her tumultuous feelings for Raúl , she knows all hell will break loose once her dark secrets are exposed and she must follow through on her plans to slip from his clutches.
Yet her beastly captor will not only go to the ends of the earth to hunt down his sweet prey if she dares to escape , but her defiance and betrayal will unleash his primal, PUNISHING wrath! As the forced proximity between this powerfully commanding criminal and his pretty little hostage soon morphs into a dangerous, all-consuming love, will the sins of their pasts , and their mortal enemies, permanently tear them asunder?
MY MUSINGS:
Holy moly! Each new books that Julia Sykes pens in the Captive series somehow feels even more exhilarating than the last one, and RUTHLESS SAVIOR is no exception. This hauntingly beautiful, dark mafia tale, which features a ruthless mob enforcer who is tasked with guarding his pretty hostage at all costs, completely electrified my heart!
I will preface this review by saying that while overall this story reads fine as a standalone, the circumstances leading up to Marisol and Raúl’s alliance overlaps with the plot of WICKED KING so their story begins “mid-action.” I think a prologue setting up how she became Raúl ’s hostage, and the subsequent fallout of her desperate actions to try to save herself and Carmen, would have provided a smoother segue to this story and would have been particularly helpful for readers who are not privy to the chain of events in Carmen and Stefano’s book.
That aside, I was so transfixed by Raúl and Marisol’s brutally tender romance that I was breathlessly turning the pages from beginning to end! RUTHLESS SAVIOR has the perfect blend of darkness and light, edge of your seat peril, aching poignancy and fiery passion to satiate my wickedly besotted heart. I just TREASURED the journey that these two traversed together. Both have tumultuous pasts that have been riddled with pain and betrayal, treachery and torment, that have rendered them incapable of trusting again. Until they find each other that is!
Gah! I just swooned so hard for Raúl in all his growly, GLOWERING caveman glory! He is big and menacing, a lethally dangerous cartel enforcer who is not to be crossed. Yet just so happens to have a soft spot for his pretty hostage. But even though he would not hesitate to lay down his life for her, this savage beast WILL mete out severe consequences if she dares to defy him. One of Ms. Sykes extraordinary gifts is her talent for crafting her characters with so many nuances that even when you have a baddie like Raúl who has done “monstrous” things in his brutal line of work, she never fails to shed light on his humanity. Through Marisol’s eyes we see the “shred of goodness in him” but at the same time the author brilliantly showcases how mighty he wrestles with his inner demons.
And while his “corderita,” soothes the feral beast in him with her “soft sighs and sweet submission,” and he yearns to stake his claim on his lost little lamb, he cannot. For he’d “made an oath, issued an edict: No one touches her.” It is this dichotomy within himself, as he struggles to not succumb to his dark proclivities and to keep her at a physical distance—for her sake- that’s utterly riveting. And yikes anyone who dares to even THINK about hurting a hair on her head, or tries to betray him, will HEAR HIS BEASTLY ROAR! Bottom line? The more I immersed myself in his plight, the deeper I fell under his primal mafia enforcer’s hypnotic spell!
As for our beleaguered heroine... Marisol has been trapped in a world of vicious drug lords and their brutal power plays, and is haunted by her past. She has been horribly used and abused by sadistic men and has lived in a constant state of terror. But there’s something different about her ruthless savior with the hard jade green eyes and forbidding scowls that burrows into her morrow. Raúl is merciless with his enemies , and demands she obey his every command, but he is exquisitely kind to her and makes her feel safe and cherished. Which ignites her own molten lust and dangerous dark impulses. But he is her jailer, a dangerous criminal, and as a woman whose been conditioned to fight for her survival very second of every day, she’s left feeling both empowered AND petrified by her fierce protector’s lordship over her.
“Lust was my ruin, my curse.”
But even though she’s delicate and emotionally fragile, she’s also a woman of immense courage and incredible resilience. She can’t bear the thought of history repeating itself and lives for the day when she can break free from the shackles that keep her imprisoned. But when she falls for her criminal captor will her quest for liberation be worth it in the end?
I loved this books foray into the dark and dangerous cartel world—the plot is chock full of riveting action,, cruel betrayal, bloodshed and nail biting suspense—but as is always the case with this author’s novels, the main allure is the enthralling, emotion fraught love story between Raúl and Marisol. The metamorphosis of both these characters as they find sweet salvation, soul deep healing and emotional awakening in one another’s arms despite the danger and treachery swirling around them was absolutely breathtaking. And ultimately, this magnificently penned, darkly entrancing, gloriously sensuous and fast paced mafia romance took me on a truly unforgettable emotional odyssey that had me shivering with ecstasy, blinking back tears, and left me all aglow when our beloved duo eventually slayed all their dragons and finally got their HEA!
Now I shall wait with bated breath for the next book in the series,
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
“Marisol would be mine.”
The Captive series by Julia Sykes is my KRYTONITE! She is my go-to author in regard to penning the thrillingly evocative and scorching hot capture fantasy trope--so whenever she announces the next book in his wildly addictive series I am positively euphoric know my next fix is forthcoming !
PREMISE:
Marisol Cortés has been a captive of the cartel for years and now Carmen Ronaldo’s beleaguered maid is Raúl Guerrero‘s property. Ever since she and Raúl first crossed paths, there’s always been something about the fragile “little lamb” that roused his every primal, possessive, predatory instinct. And while Stefano Duarte’s right-hand man knows his skittish captive is STRICTLY OFF LIMITS she makes him nearly bloodthirsty with the need to protect her from his enemies!
Marisol has suffered so much in her life, at the hands at vicious, cruel, evil men. But despite the fact that the traumatizes beauty yearns for freedom outside the drug lord’s fortress, there is something about this savage cartel enforcer that taps into her most hedonistic, forbidden desires. Because, as it turns out, rather than cowering in the presence of her ferocious keeper, she feels cherished and cossetted by him. And even though her raw, unbridled need for him fills her with fear, her traitorous heart aches to his domination! But regardless of her tumultuous feelings for Raúl , she knows all hell will break loose once her dark secrets are exposed and she must follow through on her plans to slip from his clutches.
Yet her beastly captor will not only go to the ends of the earth to hunt down his sweet prey if she dares to escape , but her defiance and betrayal will unleash his primal, PUNISHING wrath! As the forced proximity between this powerfully commanding criminal and his pretty little hostage soon morphs into a dangerous, all-consuming love, will the sins of their pasts , and their mortal enemies, permanently tear them asunder?
MY MUSINGS:
Holy moly! Each new books that Julia Sykes pens in the Captive series somehow feels even more exhilarating than the last one, and RUTHLESS SAVIOR is no exception. This hauntingly beautiful, dark mafia tale, which features a ruthless mob enforcer who is tasked with guarding his pretty hostage at all costs, completely electrified my heart!
I will preface this review by saying that while overall this story reads fine as a standalone, the circumstances leading up to Marisol and Raúl’s alliance overlaps with the plot of WICKED KING so their story begins “mid-action.” I think a prologue setting up how she became Raúl ’s hostage, and the subsequent fallout of her desperate actions to try to save herself and Carmen, would have provided a smoother segue to this story and would have been particularly helpful for readers who are not privy to the chain of events in Carmen and Stefano’s book.
That aside, I was so transfixed by Raúl and Marisol’s brutally tender romance that I was breathlessly turning the pages from beginning to end! RUTHLESS SAVIOR has the perfect blend of darkness and light, edge of your seat peril, aching poignancy and fiery passion to satiate my wickedly besotted heart. I just TREASURED the journey that these two traversed together. Both have tumultuous pasts that have been riddled with pain and betrayal, treachery and torment, that have rendered them incapable of trusting again. Until they find each other that is!
Gah! I just swooned so hard for Raúl in all his growly, GLOWERING caveman glory! He is big and menacing, a lethally dangerous cartel enforcer who is not to be crossed. Yet just so happens to have a soft spot for his pretty hostage. But even though he would not hesitate to lay down his life for her, this savage beast WILL mete out severe consequences if she dares to defy him. One of Ms. Sykes extraordinary gifts is her talent for crafting her characters with so many nuances that even when you have a baddie like Raúl who has done “monstrous” things in his brutal line of work, she never fails to shed light on his humanity. Through Marisol’s eyes we see the “shred of goodness in him” but at the same time the author brilliantly showcases how mighty he wrestles with his inner demons.
And while his “corderita,” soothes the feral beast in him with her “soft sighs and sweet submission,” and he yearns to stake his claim on his lost little lamb, he cannot. For he’d “made an oath, issued an edict: No one touches her.” It is this dichotomy within himself, as he struggles to not succumb to his dark proclivities and to keep her at a physical distance—for her sake- that’s utterly riveting. And yikes anyone who dares to even THINK about hurting a hair on her head, or tries to betray him, will HEAR HIS BEASTLY ROAR! Bottom line? The more I immersed myself in his plight, the deeper I fell under his primal mafia enforcer’s hypnotic spell!
As for our beleaguered heroine... Marisol has been trapped in a world of vicious drug lords and their brutal power plays, and is haunted by her past. She has been horribly used and abused by sadistic men and has lived in a constant state of terror. But there’s something different about her ruthless savior with the hard jade green eyes and forbidding scowls that burrows into her morrow. Raúl is merciless with his enemies , and demands she obey his every command, but he is exquisitely kind to her and makes her feel safe and cherished. Which ignites her own molten lust and dangerous dark impulses. But he is her jailer, a dangerous criminal, and as a woman whose been conditioned to fight for her survival very second of every day, she’s left feeling both empowered AND petrified by her fierce protector’s lordship over her.
“Lust was my ruin, my curse.”
But even though she’s delicate and emotionally fragile, she’s also a woman of immense courage and incredible resilience. She can’t bear the thought of history repeating itself and lives for the day when she can break free from the shackles that keep her imprisoned. But when she falls for her criminal captor will her quest for liberation be worth it in the end?
I loved this books foray into the dark and dangerous cartel world—the plot is chock full of riveting action,, cruel betrayal, bloodshed and nail biting suspense—but as is always the case with this author’s novels, the main allure is the enthralling, emotion fraught love story between Raúl and Marisol. The metamorphosis of both these characters as they find sweet salvation, soul deep healing and emotional awakening in one another’s arms despite the danger and treachery swirling around them was absolutely breathtaking. And ultimately, this magnificently penned, darkly entrancing, gloriously sensuous and fast paced mafia romance took me on a truly unforgettable emotional odyssey that had me shivering with ecstasy, blinking back tears, and left me all aglow when our beloved duo eventually slayed all their dragons and finally got their HEA!
Now I shall wait with bated breath for the next book in the series,
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
September 14, 2021
3 - 3.5 stars!
I'm going to be lazy on this review. This was fine but I found it lacking any real uniqueness both with the story and the characters. There wasn't anything in particular that grabbed me and kept me engaged with the story. The writing is fine so maybe it's a "me not you" thing. But if you're looking for a dirty captive(ish) romance, then go for it!
I'm going to be lazy on this review. This was fine but I found it lacking any real uniqueness both with the story and the characters. There wasn't anything in particular that grabbed me and kept me engaged with the story. The writing is fine so maybe it's a "me not you" thing. But if you're looking for a dirty captive(ish) romance, then go for it!
May 12, 2022
4.5
recensione di Virgy sul blog https://www.leggereromanticamente.com...
Ecco che cosa dovete aspettarvi: un Dark Romance con Narcos spietati e senza scrupoli, una storia d'amore contorta e passionale e, soprattutto, tanta tanta adrenalina.
recensione di Virgy sul blog https://www.leggereromanticamente.com...
Ecco che cosa dovete aspettarvi: un Dark Romance con Narcos spietati e senza scrupoli, una storia d'amore contorta e passionale e, soprattutto, tanta tanta adrenalina.
November 16, 2020
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
"Ruthless Savior" is the fifth book of the "Captive" series by Julia Skyes. I have been reading this series and believe me when I say that it's one of the best ones! Get ready to read the story of Raul and Marisol.
Marisol has had a tough life. She has suffered at the hands of countless men and has totally lost her faith in them. When she is captive under Raul's eye, her only aim is to be free of him. She tries to ignore the way he never touches her no matter how much he wants to and how he promised her that he would always protect her. In the end he was also going to betray her. And now she will finally be able to escape him and the others. She will be able to get the freedom she wanted.
Raul is the second of Stefano. He had been tasked to protect Marisol , and no matter how much he wanted to touch he knew he couldn't do it. So he offered the petite beauty his protection. That is until she betrayed him. She ran away the first chance she got and now the moment he caught her , he was going to show her how ruthless he actually was. And this time , there would be no way for her to run away.
If you are into fast paced Kidnapping stories with a mix of Erotica in them , then make sure you read the full series! Each book is a Standalone , however the plots of the next book of the series overlap with the previous ones , giving us an insight to the upcoming couple which makes the anticipation for the series even more for me! A definite recommendation to all the dark Romance lovers out there.
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May 5, 2022
https://emozionidicarta2020.blogspot....
Marisol Cortés era fuggita da un ex fidanzato violento, aveva lasciato la sua vita e la sua famiglia per poi incontrare sulla sua strada solo uomini violenti, era stata catturata per il loro uso insensibile e trascinata in un mondo criminale, finita in un incubo, incapace di fuggire e di liberarsi da mani avide, era stata prima usata e poi venduta per diventare la domestica di Carmen Ronaldo, la protagonista del libro precedente.
Carmen era stata buona con lei e aveva affidato la sua protezione a Raùl Guerrero, il braccio destro del marito Stefano Duarte capo del cartello Messicano.
Marisol è convinta di doversi salvare dal suo carceriere Raùl e salvare a sua volta Carmen dal marito credendola sua prigioniera. Organizza la sua fuga con la complicità di Daniel, un uomo che ha un unico scopo, un golpe per distruggere Stefano e la sua organizzazione, è troppo tardi quando Marisol capisce il suo errore e che solo coi loro aguzzini erano al sicuro.
L'unica cosa che le resta da fare è fuggire prima che Raùl scopra il suo coinvolgimento nel golpe.
Non appena Raúl ha messo gli occhi su Marisol ha capito quanto fosse una donna speciale, da proteggere e tenere al sicuro, nessuno l'avrebbe più toccata, aveva messo da parte i suoi bisogni pur di prendersi cura di lei, era diventata la sua ossessione proteggerla e desiderarla e avrebbe fatto di tutto per tenerla al sicuro.
"Il prezzo che avevo pagato per la mia indulgenza passata mi aveva quasi spezzata. Se non fossi fuggita dalle forti braccia di Raùl, sarei andata in frantumi."
Ma per Marisol non era facile fidarsi del tutto di Raúl, dopo l'esperienza passata col precedente fidanzato, sapeva che anche se lui era stato buono con lei era pur sempre un crudele criminale e non poteva permettersi di andare a fondo un'altra volta se le cose fossero andate male. Era stanca di lottare, per la sua indipendenza, per la sua libertà e per la sua vita. Aveva paura della possessività di Raùl, tutto aveva un prezzo e la sua gentilezza sicuramente alla fine avrebbe richiesto un pagamento.
Sarà difficile imparare a fidarsi l'uno dell'altro, troppe incertezze, dubbi e intromissioni incrineranno il loro rapporto.
Sarebbero riusciti ad andare oltre, a guardarsi e vedersi realmente senza dubitare più?
Raúl è un personaggio molto contraddittorio, un attimo prima è un uomo feroce pronto a punire chi ha osato tradirlo, pieno di dubbi e di insicurezze, l'attimo dopo si trasforma in un uomo dolce, amorevole, passionale, rude, possessivo e protettivo nei confronti del suo agnellino, avrebbe dato la vita pur di proteggere la sua corderita.
"Lei era diventata la mia ossessione: la bella e fragile Marisol. La prima cosa bella è fragile che ero riuscito a proteggere, anziché a frantumare tra le mie mani ruvide e avide."
Marisol è una donna che ha fatto delle scelte che l'hanno allontanata dagli affetti più cari, ha perso e ha sofferto tanto, farà fatica a fidarsi di Raúl ma soprattutto farà fatica a fidarsi del suo cuore. Pian piano però la gentilezza di Raúl, le sue premure, i suoi gesti affettuosi faranno breccia nel suo cuore, fino ad innamorarsene.
Una lettura di poche pretese, senza colpi di scena, veloce e scorrevole, la passione tra i protagonisti è esplosiva, Raùl è un uomo molto focoso e passionale che farà di tutto per far sciogliere la sua corderita sotto i suoi abili tocchi e far in modo che non scappi più.
Ringrazio la Grey Eagle Publications per la copia ARC
Marisol Cortés era fuggita da un ex fidanzato violento, aveva lasciato la sua vita e la sua famiglia per poi incontrare sulla sua strada solo uomini violenti, era stata catturata per il loro uso insensibile e trascinata in un mondo criminale, finita in un incubo, incapace di fuggire e di liberarsi da mani avide, era stata prima usata e poi venduta per diventare la domestica di Carmen Ronaldo, la protagonista del libro precedente.
Carmen era stata buona con lei e aveva affidato la sua protezione a Raùl Guerrero, il braccio destro del marito Stefano Duarte capo del cartello Messicano.
Marisol è convinta di doversi salvare dal suo carceriere Raùl e salvare a sua volta Carmen dal marito credendola sua prigioniera. Organizza la sua fuga con la complicità di Daniel, un uomo che ha un unico scopo, un golpe per distruggere Stefano e la sua organizzazione, è troppo tardi quando Marisol capisce il suo errore e che solo coi loro aguzzini erano al sicuro.
L'unica cosa che le resta da fare è fuggire prima che Raùl scopra il suo coinvolgimento nel golpe.
Non appena Raúl ha messo gli occhi su Marisol ha capito quanto fosse una donna speciale, da proteggere e tenere al sicuro, nessuno l'avrebbe più toccata, aveva messo da parte i suoi bisogni pur di prendersi cura di lei, era diventata la sua ossessione proteggerla e desiderarla e avrebbe fatto di tutto per tenerla al sicuro.
"Il prezzo che avevo pagato per la mia indulgenza passata mi aveva quasi spezzata. Se non fossi fuggita dalle forti braccia di Raùl, sarei andata in frantumi."
Ma per Marisol non era facile fidarsi del tutto di Raúl, dopo l'esperienza passata col precedente fidanzato, sapeva che anche se lui era stato buono con lei era pur sempre un crudele criminale e non poteva permettersi di andare a fondo un'altra volta se le cose fossero andate male. Era stanca di lottare, per la sua indipendenza, per la sua libertà e per la sua vita. Aveva paura della possessività di Raùl, tutto aveva un prezzo e la sua gentilezza sicuramente alla fine avrebbe richiesto un pagamento.
Sarà difficile imparare a fidarsi l'uno dell'altro, troppe incertezze, dubbi e intromissioni incrineranno il loro rapporto.
Sarebbero riusciti ad andare oltre, a guardarsi e vedersi realmente senza dubitare più?
Raúl è un personaggio molto contraddittorio, un attimo prima è un uomo feroce pronto a punire chi ha osato tradirlo, pieno di dubbi e di insicurezze, l'attimo dopo si trasforma in un uomo dolce, amorevole, passionale, rude, possessivo e protettivo nei confronti del suo agnellino, avrebbe dato la vita pur di proteggere la sua corderita.
"Lei era diventata la mia ossessione: la bella e fragile Marisol. La prima cosa bella è fragile che ero riuscito a proteggere, anziché a frantumare tra le mie mani ruvide e avide."
Marisol è una donna che ha fatto delle scelte che l'hanno allontanata dagli affetti più cari, ha perso e ha sofferto tanto, farà fatica a fidarsi di Raúl ma soprattutto farà fatica a fidarsi del suo cuore. Pian piano però la gentilezza di Raúl, le sue premure, i suoi gesti affettuosi faranno breccia nel suo cuore, fino ad innamorarsene.
Una lettura di poche pretese, senza colpi di scena, veloce e scorrevole, la passione tra i protagonisti è esplosiva, Raùl è un uomo molto focoso e passionale che farà di tutto per far sciogliere la sua corderita sotto i suoi abili tocchi e far in modo che non scappi più.
Ringrazio la Grey Eagle Publications per la copia ARC
January 31, 2023
Tacco12 - per RFS
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Raul sa bene quanto sia pericoloso l’ambiente dei Narcos di cui fa parte. Lui stesso è temuto per la freddezza e la crudeltà con le quali affronta i nemici, caratteristiche che gli hanno consentito di sopravvivere, guadagnando potere e soldi.
Niente è più importante fino a quando la bella Marisol viene presa in ostaggio sovvertendo le sue priorità. Proteggere la donna sarà una promessa, ma farla sua diventerà una missione di vita.
Marisol sa bene che la sua è una prigione dorata. Purtroppo nella sua breve vita ha conosciuto la violenza degli uomini e ha dovuto imparare sin troppo velocemente che certi legami con il cartello si pagano a caro prezzo.
Tenterà quindi il tutto per tutto pur di riavere la sua libertà… scontrandosi con l’ossessione e la determinazione di Raul.
Due personalità complesse e opposte, ma che nella loro diversità si completano alla perfezione.
L’uomo capace di uccidere a mani nude un nemico mostra di avere anche un lato dolce e protettivo, mentre Marisol, che appare come una fragile fanciulla, dentro di sé nasconde un coraggio incredibile.
Due anime estremamente passionali capaci di dare origine a incontri davvero spicy ma mai volgari.
Le personalità di questi due protagonisti sono davvero ben approfondite e ciò consente a chi legge di capire le motivazioni che ne generano sia i pensieri che le azioni.
Ambientato in Messico, ho apprezzato moltissimo la descrizione della casa natale di Marisol. L’autrice è stata davvero brava a trasmettere il sentimento di profondo amore che lega i componenti della famiglia.
Una bella e adrenalinica storia d’amore, scritta con uno stile scorrevole che vi terrà compagnia sotto l’ombrellone. Consigliato!
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Raul sa bene quanto sia pericoloso l’ambiente dei Narcos di cui fa parte. Lui stesso è temuto per la freddezza e la crudeltà con le quali affronta i nemici, caratteristiche che gli hanno consentito di sopravvivere, guadagnando potere e soldi.
Niente è più importante fino a quando la bella Marisol viene presa in ostaggio sovvertendo le sue priorità. Proteggere la donna sarà una promessa, ma farla sua diventerà una missione di vita.
Marisol sa bene che la sua è una prigione dorata. Purtroppo nella sua breve vita ha conosciuto la violenza degli uomini e ha dovuto imparare sin troppo velocemente che certi legami con il cartello si pagano a caro prezzo.
Tenterà quindi il tutto per tutto pur di riavere la sua libertà… scontrandosi con l’ossessione e la determinazione di Raul.
Due personalità complesse e opposte, ma che nella loro diversità si completano alla perfezione.
L’uomo capace di uccidere a mani nude un nemico mostra di avere anche un lato dolce e protettivo, mentre Marisol, che appare come una fragile fanciulla, dentro di sé nasconde un coraggio incredibile.
Due anime estremamente passionali capaci di dare origine a incontri davvero spicy ma mai volgari.
Le personalità di questi due protagonisti sono davvero ben approfondite e ciò consente a chi legge di capire le motivazioni che ne generano sia i pensieri che le azioni.
Ambientato in Messico, ho apprezzato moltissimo la descrizione della casa natale di Marisol. L’autrice è stata davvero brava a trasmettere il sentimento di profondo amore che lega i componenti della famiglia.
Una bella e adrenalinica storia d’amore, scritta con uno stile scorrevole che vi terrà compagnia sotto l’ombrellone. Consigliato!
November 19, 2020
Marisol has only ever know hurt and pain from the men in her life so what she dreams of is fundamental to most people and that is the independence to make her own choices. When she finds herself being held against her will once again all she wants to do is escape with no conception of the chain of events that would unfold.
Raul is a powerful man who is accustomed to having his requests followed. He is drawn to Marisol in spite of himself, but he is determined to keep her safe even if it is from him until her escape unleashes feelings that he can’t control.
The characters are captivating, the heat between them radiates off the pages, the intrigue draws you in and the emotional pull of the story definitely makes you feel and will keep you entertained from beginning to end.
Raul is a powerful man who is accustomed to having his requests followed. He is drawn to Marisol in spite of himself, but he is determined to keep her safe even if it is from him until her escape unleashes feelings that he can’t control.
The characters are captivating, the heat between them radiates off the pages, the intrigue draws you in and the emotional pull of the story definitely makes you feel and will keep you entertained from beginning to end.
November 17, 2020
Marisol and Raul are everything just wow so beautifully written and all the emotion of heartbreak and doing what's right even though it's wrong.
The forgiveness and passion expressed in their story will have your heart beating a mile a minute just fantastic.
Such strong characters with so much to give I'm so so happy we got their story.
The forgiveness and passion expressed in their story will have your heart beating a mile a minute just fantastic.
Such strong characters with so much to give I'm so so happy we got their story.
May 20, 2021
3.5 ⭐✨ Deep!
A Mafia story. Raue'l who's part of a Mexican Cartel. He's convinced he's evil for that's what his mom and stepdad called him growing up. He's looking for softness, someone to see goodness in him. Marisol, running for her life, looking for freedom from cruelty lands with Raue'l which leads to a rollercoaster of ups and downs. Overall quality of writing was good. No cheating or cliffhanger, some intense intimacy scenes and you get the beginning of a happy ever after. Enjoy 🤓
A Mafia story. Raue'l who's part of a Mexican Cartel. He's convinced he's evil for that's what his mom and stepdad called him growing up. He's looking for softness, someone to see goodness in him. Marisol, running for her life, looking for freedom from cruelty lands with Raue'l which leads to a rollercoaster of ups and downs. Overall quality of writing was good. No cheating or cliffhanger, some intense intimacy scenes and you get the beginning of a happy ever after. Enjoy 🤓
November 29, 2020
RUTHLESS SAVIOR is book 5 in the CAPTIVE series by Julia Sykes. I’ve read the whole series and this is a perfect addition.
Marisol is haunted by the pain from her past mistakes. When she finds herself being held against her will once again all she wants to do is escape with no idea of what the consequences of her actions will be.
Raul is a powerful man who is accustomed to having his instructions followed. Marisol brings out something in him that even he doesn’t understand but he is determined to keep her safe even if it is from himself.
A great entertaining and captivating story.
In a nutshell: 5/5 Captive Stars • Hero (Raul) • Heroine (Marisol) • Plot 5/5 • Writing Style 5/5 • Steam 4/5 • Romance 4/5 • Pacing Fast • MF • Mafia • Emotional • Big Romantic Gestures • HEA
#MSBB
Marisol is haunted by the pain from her past mistakes. When she finds herself being held against her will once again all she wants to do is escape with no idea of what the consequences of her actions will be.
Raul is a powerful man who is accustomed to having his instructions followed. Marisol brings out something in him that even he doesn’t understand but he is determined to keep her safe even if it is from himself.
A great entertaining and captivating story.
In a nutshell: 5/5 Captive Stars • Hero (Raul) • Heroine (Marisol) • Plot 5/5 • Writing Style 5/5 • Steam 4/5 • Romance 4/5 • Pacing Fast • MF • Mafia • Emotional • Big Romantic Gestures • HEA
#MSBB
April 6, 2021
An enjoyable cartel romance.
This romance was enjoyable, primarily because I the reader never saw the hero commit any cartel atrocities. I would have liked more danger, action, or suspense. The lack of such was a little disappointing. The hero was deliciously alpha and the heroine was sweet and pure under her trauma. I really enjoyed this novel because it used the Morality Chain trope, which is one of my favorite tropes. The heat level was four chili peppers, so I enjoyed that. I liked this novel far more than the previous novel in this series, since the hero of this one was not a sociopath. My personal attitude is that people who are incapable of love have no business being the protagonist of a romance novel. Reading this was a fun way to spend an afternoon waiting in various waiting rooms.
This romance was enjoyable, primarily because I the reader never saw the hero commit any cartel atrocities. I would have liked more danger, action, or suspense. The lack of such was a little disappointing. The hero was deliciously alpha and the heroine was sweet and pure under her trauma. I really enjoyed this novel because it used the Morality Chain trope, which is one of my favorite tropes. The heat level was four chili peppers, so I enjoyed that. I liked this novel far more than the previous novel in this series, since the hero of this one was not a sociopath. My personal attitude is that people who are incapable of love have no business being the protagonist of a romance novel. Reading this was a fun way to spend an afternoon waiting in various waiting rooms.
June 25, 2022
Ci sono persone che nella vita hanno una scelta, hanno uno scopo, hanno una prospettiva da cui guardare il mondo con fiducia come se fosse una vetrina in cui scegliere le innumerevoli possibilità che la realtà offre. Ma ci sono altre persone che una scelta non l’hanno mai avuta. Persone nate dall’odio e dal dolore, spinte ad andare sempre a fondo della propria crudeltà. Come se la prospettiva di loro stessi fosse un muro di gomma che rimbalza ogni prospettiva di bene che nella vita possa accadere.
Per chi ha avuto un’infanzia in una casa con una famiglia che ti ha amato incondizionatamente, una realtà con delle condizioni di vita “normali” della maggioranza della gente è difficile pensare che possano esistere persone a cui la vita tutto quello l’ha negato solo perché il destino come in una roulette russa ti ha fatto scegliere di nascere dal lato sbagliato del mondo. Quando ti ostini a sopravvivere in un mondo che ti vuole buttare giù al fondo non ti chiedi più come sia meglio farlo. Ogni scelta diventa possibile lecita o non lecita.
L’oscurità diventa il tuo mondo e la criminalità un’opportunità di sopravvivenza dove solo il più spietato vince, dove solo chi non ha nulla da perdere va avanti fino a trovare uno pseudo equilibrio. Leggere la storia di Raul e Marisol mi ha posto molte di queste considerazioni in mente. È una storia dolorosa, feroce a tratti ma al tempo stesso è straziante vedere due cuori feriti che non credono più in niente e che finalmente trovano il giusto incastro.
Raul già nel romanzo precedente della serie mi aveva colpita perché nella sua oscura brutalità c’era un codice d’onore che gli impediva di usare violenza sulle donne. Ha dato solo a Stefano la sua lealtà ma al tempo stesso ha rinchiuso fuori dalla sua vita chiunque. Marisol è quella scheggia impazzita che fa tremare i polsi. Averla vicino lo rende bisognoso di una brama di possessione mai avuta. Ai suoi occhi è così preziosa da essersi conquistata un posto tutto suo nella sua esistenza senza che nemmeno se ne rende conto perché lui è il male, il dolore, la sofferenza e non merita altro nel suo cuore.
“Era tutto troppo bizzarro. Da quando lo conoscevo, ero stata suo ostaggio, costretta a vivere nella fortezza di un signore della droga e a lavorare come cameriera di Carmen Ronaldo. L’avevo tradito e avevo messo in pericolo la sua vita. Quanto tempo prima era stato? Due giorni? Tre? E ora, ero precipitata in quella che era sicuramente una realtà alternativa, in cui il burbero Raúl mi lasciava dormire nel suo letto peccaminosamente comodo, mi comprava bei vestiti e mi preparava i pasti con le sue stesse mani. Tutto senza chiedere nulla in cambio.”
Marisol vive con il senso di colpa di aver voluto buttarsi a capofitto in un amore che si è rivelato tossico e feroce al punto da costringerla a fuggire per salvare la sua famiglia dalle conseguenze. Marisol è in perenne fuga, è perennemente braccata da uomini che la abusano, da una realtà che non le appartiene. Marisol anela alla libertà, alla sua indipendenza. Un’anima non la puoi imbrigliare in una prigione seppur dorata perché sarà nella sua indole sfuggire.
Ma Marisol non può nemmeno fuggire da colui che la possiede nella mente e nel cuore, colui che brutale ha erto muri invalicabili e solo con lei dà spiragli di umanità. Raul è il male, è la crudeltà spietata con i nemici, ma con lei è protettivo. È come un liquido oscuro che entra nelle vene ed infetta ogni organo del tuo corpo. Lui è colui che c’è, colui che l’ha salvata anche da sé stessa, è colui che ha imparato ad amare a partire dalla sua oscurità.
È un romanzo avvincente e molto sensuale, oscuro a tratti, che gioca su una sensualità perversa di dominazione. La penna di quest’autrice sa delineare personaggi controversi ed intriganti che sa assortire con molta maestria. Non ho amato l’aver iniziato questa storia direttamente da un passaggio del precedente volume perché mi ha spiazzato e ci ho messo un po’ a rendermi conto di dove fossi finita. Ma una volta entrata nel mood del mafia romance l’ho bevuto in un sorso fino alla fine. ù
Se come me amate dark mafia romance con quella componente sensuale di dominazione, non potete non continuare a leggere questa penna sublime ed accattivante in questa serie molto forte.
Per chi ha avuto un’infanzia in una casa con una famiglia che ti ha amato incondizionatamente, una realtà con delle condizioni di vita “normali” della maggioranza della gente è difficile pensare che possano esistere persone a cui la vita tutto quello l’ha negato solo perché il destino come in una roulette russa ti ha fatto scegliere di nascere dal lato sbagliato del mondo. Quando ti ostini a sopravvivere in un mondo che ti vuole buttare giù al fondo non ti chiedi più come sia meglio farlo. Ogni scelta diventa possibile lecita o non lecita.
L’oscurità diventa il tuo mondo e la criminalità un’opportunità di sopravvivenza dove solo il più spietato vince, dove solo chi non ha nulla da perdere va avanti fino a trovare uno pseudo equilibrio. Leggere la storia di Raul e Marisol mi ha posto molte di queste considerazioni in mente. È una storia dolorosa, feroce a tratti ma al tempo stesso è straziante vedere due cuori feriti che non credono più in niente e che finalmente trovano il giusto incastro.
Raul già nel romanzo precedente della serie mi aveva colpita perché nella sua oscura brutalità c’era un codice d’onore che gli impediva di usare violenza sulle donne. Ha dato solo a Stefano la sua lealtà ma al tempo stesso ha rinchiuso fuori dalla sua vita chiunque. Marisol è quella scheggia impazzita che fa tremare i polsi. Averla vicino lo rende bisognoso di una brama di possessione mai avuta. Ai suoi occhi è così preziosa da essersi conquistata un posto tutto suo nella sua esistenza senza che nemmeno se ne rende conto perché lui è il male, il dolore, la sofferenza e non merita altro nel suo cuore.
“Era tutto troppo bizzarro. Da quando lo conoscevo, ero stata suo ostaggio, costretta a vivere nella fortezza di un signore della droga e a lavorare come cameriera di Carmen Ronaldo. L’avevo tradito e avevo messo in pericolo la sua vita. Quanto tempo prima era stato? Due giorni? Tre? E ora, ero precipitata in quella che era sicuramente una realtà alternativa, in cui il burbero Raúl mi lasciava dormire nel suo letto peccaminosamente comodo, mi comprava bei vestiti e mi preparava i pasti con le sue stesse mani. Tutto senza chiedere nulla in cambio.”
Marisol vive con il senso di colpa di aver voluto buttarsi a capofitto in un amore che si è rivelato tossico e feroce al punto da costringerla a fuggire per salvare la sua famiglia dalle conseguenze. Marisol è in perenne fuga, è perennemente braccata da uomini che la abusano, da una realtà che non le appartiene. Marisol anela alla libertà, alla sua indipendenza. Un’anima non la puoi imbrigliare in una prigione seppur dorata perché sarà nella sua indole sfuggire.
Ma Marisol non può nemmeno fuggire da colui che la possiede nella mente e nel cuore, colui che brutale ha erto muri invalicabili e solo con lei dà spiragli di umanità. Raul è il male, è la crudeltà spietata con i nemici, ma con lei è protettivo. È come un liquido oscuro che entra nelle vene ed infetta ogni organo del tuo corpo. Lui è colui che c’è, colui che l’ha salvata anche da sé stessa, è colui che ha imparato ad amare a partire dalla sua oscurità.
È un romanzo avvincente e molto sensuale, oscuro a tratti, che gioca su una sensualità perversa di dominazione. La penna di quest’autrice sa delineare personaggi controversi ed intriganti che sa assortire con molta maestria. Non ho amato l’aver iniziato questa storia direttamente da un passaggio del precedente volume perché mi ha spiazzato e ci ho messo un po’ a rendermi conto di dove fossi finita. Ma una volta entrata nel mood del mafia romance l’ho bevuto in un sorso fino alla fine. ù
Se come me amate dark mafia romance con quella componente sensuale di dominazione, non potete non continuare a leggere questa penna sublime ed accattivante in questa serie molto forte.
December 16, 2021
This is the fifth in the author's series about high-ranking members of a cartel and the women they love. Because the MC and several lines of action first appeared in Wicked King, I don't consider this a standalone.
Here, we get second in command, Raúl, and Marisol, former maid to the head of the cartel's woman. Despite her betrayal (detailed in the last book), he's sworn to protect her. Can this damaged woman ever return his feelings?
I really liked the last book; sadly, this wasn't for me. While the prose was decent, the plot and relationship were boring for three reasons. First, most of the relation-building took place in the previous book. Second, opportunities for organic conflict are squandered, any tension between the two resolved too neatly and too quickly. Finally, perhaps realizing this, the author, rather than flesh out the more interesting conflicts inherent in the narrative, substitutes them with concerns for another character we never see; wild erratic mood swings on the MMC's part; and a completely absurd concern on the MFC's (really, she's worried that she ? I was far more invested in her character when she wanted her freedom). I skimmed most of this book and didn't feel I missed anything.
2 1/2 stars. The plot was filled with holes and demands huge suspensions of disbelief (it's never clear to me why Raúl believed anything that Arturo tells him and the mental gymnastics the author engages in to assure us that this cartel isn't really bad is mind-numbingly absurd). I will say that the MMC treats the MFC decently. I recommend this only to those who like cabin romance with light BDSM. Side Note: Are all erotic authors obsessed with the phrase "s/he blew out a breath?" Because I see it multiple times throughout these books.
Here, we get second in command, Raúl, and Marisol, former maid to the head of the cartel's woman. Despite her betrayal (detailed in the last book), he's sworn to protect her. Can this damaged woman ever return his feelings?
I really liked the last book; sadly, this wasn't for me. While the prose was decent, the plot and relationship were boring for three reasons. First, most of the relation-building took place in the previous book. Second, opportunities for organic conflict are squandered, any tension between the two resolved too neatly and too quickly. Finally, perhaps realizing this, the author, rather than flesh out the more interesting conflicts inherent in the narrative, substitutes them with concerns for another character we never see; wild erratic mood swings on the MMC's part; and a completely absurd concern on the MFC's (really, she's worried that she ? I was far more invested in her character when she wanted her freedom). I skimmed most of this book and didn't feel I missed anything.
2 1/2 stars. The plot was filled with holes and demands huge suspensions of disbelief (it's never clear to me why Raúl believed anything that Arturo tells him and the mental gymnastics the author engages in to assure us that this cartel isn't really bad is mind-numbingly absurd). I will say that the MMC treats the MFC decently. I recommend this only to those who like cabin romance with light BDSM. Side Note: Are all erotic authors obsessed with the phrase "s/he blew out a breath?" Because I see it multiple times throughout these books.
November 18, 2020
A simply wonderful read, totally captivating
This is a wonderful read filled with plenty of dark elements and those that have no regard for human life except what it’s worth might be. I have to admit that once again this was another book by this author that once I began reading, I found impossible to put down so I had a very late but enjoyable night reading.
Raul is a drug dealer and also the enforcer in the Stefano Duarte cartel and since he kidnapped Marisol’s employer Carmen he has been told that it is one responsibility to ensure that she is kept safe and healthy which is not as easy as you might think.
The desire that Raul has for his captive is off the charts and he knows that he should try and tramp down these feeling but simply has failed at every attempt, for the first time in forever Marisol has actually felt safe under his watch and if she was honest is also attracted to this giant of a man.
The horror that she has already been through prior to being sold to Carmen as another one of her girls is more than most women could have lived with, many would have taken their own lives but she is stronger than that.
She had always dreamed of escaping and reaching America where she would be able to start her life all over again, no one would know her or her story but now that she has been with Raul if she is honest would she still want her freedom?
Would Raul be prepared to let her go now that he cares for her and considers her his responsibility?
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
This is a wonderful read filled with plenty of dark elements and those that have no regard for human life except what it’s worth might be. I have to admit that once again this was another book by this author that once I began reading, I found impossible to put down so I had a very late but enjoyable night reading.
Raul is a drug dealer and also the enforcer in the Stefano Duarte cartel and since he kidnapped Marisol’s employer Carmen he has been told that it is one responsibility to ensure that she is kept safe and healthy which is not as easy as you might think.
The desire that Raul has for his captive is off the charts and he knows that he should try and tramp down these feeling but simply has failed at every attempt, for the first time in forever Marisol has actually felt safe under his watch and if she was honest is also attracted to this giant of a man.
The horror that she has already been through prior to being sold to Carmen as another one of her girls is more than most women could have lived with, many would have taken their own lives but she is stronger than that.
She had always dreamed of escaping and reaching America where she would be able to start her life all over again, no one would know her or her story but now that she has been with Raul if she is honest would she still want her freedom?
Would Raul be prepared to let her go now that he cares for her and considers her his responsibility?
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
November 17, 2020
Can I just say "Wow," just WOW!?!
I've been a Julia Sykes fan for quite a few years now. Her stories keep getting better and better. Before Raul and Marisol's story, Mateo was my favorite of her antiheroes.
Well, I think Raul just claimed Mateo's throne! There was something so raw and engaging about Raul's character. I felt drawn to him like no other. I was NOT expecting his history to be what it was! I won't spoil that for you though.
Julia Sykes is known for her BDSM novels and dark romance. What I liked about this particular novel is that it had that taste of the D/s relationship but it didn't overpower the story. It wasn't like the main crux of the plot line.
Raul and Marisol are two very broken people who fall in love in a dark but still very sweet and swoon worthy way. They are caught up in the cartel world but (thankfully) it doesn't touch them the way most stories do. And I think that is a major selling point for me. The prior books in the series all held major cartel storylines. It was refreshing to read something still in that arena but not so consumed in that world.
I think what I liked the best about this novel is there wasn't a ton of angst. I've been reading some dark books lately that were just too much. While Ruthless Savior was that perfect mix of dark romance, suspense, and love.
Great job on another wonderful tale, Ms Sykes!
Note: I received an ARC from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I've been a Julia Sykes fan for quite a few years now. Her stories keep getting better and better. Before Raul and Marisol's story, Mateo was my favorite of her antiheroes.
Well, I think Raul just claimed Mateo's throne! There was something so raw and engaging about Raul's character. I felt drawn to him like no other. I was NOT expecting his history to be what it was! I won't spoil that for you though.
Julia Sykes is known for her BDSM novels and dark romance. What I liked about this particular novel is that it had that taste of the D/s relationship but it didn't overpower the story. It wasn't like the main crux of the plot line.
Raul and Marisol are two very broken people who fall in love in a dark but still very sweet and swoon worthy way. They are caught up in the cartel world but (thankfully) it doesn't touch them the way most stories do. And I think that is a major selling point for me. The prior books in the series all held major cartel storylines. It was refreshing to read something still in that arena but not so consumed in that world.
I think what I liked the best about this novel is there wasn't a ton of angst. I've been reading some dark books lately that were just too much. While Ruthless Savior was that perfect mix of dark romance, suspense, and love.
Great job on another wonderful tale, Ms Sykes!
Note: I received an ARC from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
May 5, 2022
♥️🌺 Distrayant et surprenant.
Marisol voulait s’échapper et fuir le cartel de narcotrafiquants à tout prix.
Pour celà, elle était prête à croire les belles paroles de l’ennemi Daniel Vera...
Mais Marisol avait une inquiétude.
Qu’allait-il se passer pour son geôlier protecteur Raúl Guerrero ?...
---------
Un tome captivant à lire qui raconte l’histoire improbable du couple Marisol/Raúl.
Les deux personnages principaux sont à l’opposé l’un de l’autre au possible, ce qui rend le roman très attractif et mystérieux.
Un petit air de "la Belle et la Bête " pour ce tome très réussi et distrayant à lire.
J’ai beaucoup aimé la fin.
Je recommande !
♥️🌺
#################$############################################$###########################################
♥️🌺 Entertaining and surprising.
Marisol wanted to escape and run away from the drug cartel at all cost.
For that she was ready to believe the words of the enemy Daniel Vera...
But Marisol had a worry.
What would become of her protective keeper Raúl Guerrero ?...
-----------
A captivating volume to read that tells the improbable story of the Marisol/Raúl couple.
The two main characters are the most opposite of each other, which makes the novel very attractive and mysterious.
A little air of "Beauty and the Beast" for this very successful and entertaining volume to read.
I really liked the ending.
I recommend !
♥️🌺
Marisol voulait s’échapper et fuir le cartel de narcotrafiquants à tout prix.
Pour celà, elle était prête à croire les belles paroles de l’ennemi Daniel Vera...
Mais Marisol avait une inquiétude.
Qu’allait-il se passer pour son geôlier protecteur Raúl Guerrero ?...
---------
Un tome captivant à lire qui raconte l’histoire improbable du couple Marisol/Raúl.
Les deux personnages principaux sont à l’opposé l’un de l’autre au possible, ce qui rend le roman très attractif et mystérieux.
Un petit air de "la Belle et la Bête " pour ce tome très réussi et distrayant à lire.
J’ai beaucoup aimé la fin.
Je recommande !
♥️🌺
#################$############################################$###########################################
♥️🌺 Entertaining and surprising.
Marisol wanted to escape and run away from the drug cartel at all cost.
For that she was ready to believe the words of the enemy Daniel Vera...
But Marisol had a worry.
What would become of her protective keeper Raúl Guerrero ?...
-----------
A captivating volume to read that tells the improbable story of the Marisol/Raúl couple.
The two main characters are the most opposite of each other, which makes the novel very attractive and mysterious.
A little air of "Beauty and the Beast" for this very successful and entertaining volume to read.
I really liked the ending.
I recommend !
♥️🌺
November 17, 2020
Firstly, this book is a little different from what we normally get from Julia. There's still some drama and still full of HOT scenes; but the way it's written is quite outstanding and seems to have a little more of a personal touch. Normally, the books are relatable to a certain extent but Raul and Marisol's story seemed so realistic. Raul, your typical "bad guy with a soft side" and Marisol, your typical "independent woman pushed beyond her comfort zone" drew me in since they were mentioned in her previous book. Raul is quiet and calculated as he has always been because of his line of work in the cartel. Marisol is full of life but has been adapting to her surroundings and living life with a heavy heart due to her guilt of her past. We learned plenty about these two throughout the story. The way they met may have been unconventional but the choices that were made throughout the book were pure of heart. This book definitely kept me on the edge of my seat and kept me wondering if these two could ever move past the life they were living separately and could ever be happy together. Did they end up together? I can't answer that, you should get the book and take the journey for yourself. You will not be disappointed.
November 17, 2020
Ruthless Savior is a dark story right up my alley, and I want more immediately. Marisol is a girl who has been treated very badly by men & not by choice. It's made any sort of trust for men nonexistent. Raul is our dark tortured soul anti-hero who is tasked with protecting/watching over her but she's not down with it. She takes things into her own hands to run from him. I'm not going to lie, I really loved that part because I get tired of heroines not making their captor's lives a living hell. Of course it was only fleeting since he saw it as a betrayal so he would hunt her down & show her exactly how ruthlessly dark he could be, and cartel enforcers don't play around. That doesn't change the fact that the sparks they're throwing won't be denied for long, no matter how much they try to deny it. Oh, and the twists are coming in hot while my f-bombs are dropping loudly so a good time was had by this dark & twisty soul! I simply CANNOT WAIT for the next book in this series, and HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL BRAVE ENOUGH!
November 18, 2020
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "RUTHLESS SAVIOR" This is such a tremendously interesting, entertaining, suspense dark intense drama, passion, with adrenaline pumping dangerous scenes that have you on the edge of your seat.
Raul is Stefano's second & Enforcer of the Cartel he's been given Marisol to guard & protect she's a beatifully fragile woman who's been through a very tough life abuse at the hands of many men she's lost her trust & faith in any man.
Marisol betrays Raul's trust by running away first chance she got when he catch her she see there won't be another chance to run she's his he's kept his promise never to abuse her she can see in his eyes his desire for her, he cares for her, protects her she feels safe with him.
Raul & Marisol are two damages souls drawn together can they find a HEA with love with all the danger & darkness that surrounds them their journey together is such a beautiful story it's definitely a must have book you don't want to miss so well worth the read it won't disappoint I thoroughly enjoyed their story.
Raul is Stefano's second & Enforcer of the Cartel he's been given Marisol to guard & protect she's a beatifully fragile woman who's been through a very tough life abuse at the hands of many men she's lost her trust & faith in any man.
Marisol betrays Raul's trust by running away first chance she got when he catch her she see there won't be another chance to run she's his he's kept his promise never to abuse her she can see in his eyes his desire for her, he cares for her, protects her she feels safe with him.
Raul & Marisol are two damages souls drawn together can they find a HEA with love with all the danger & darkness that surrounds them their journey together is such a beautiful story it's definitely a must have book you don't want to miss so well worth the read it won't disappoint I thoroughly enjoyed their story.
December 8, 2020
This year has been filled with up's, downs and some of the craziest things I've ever seen. Ruthless Savior was delayed because life was....We've all been though this together. Nothing went as planned and after reading this book it was well worth the wait.
Raul is one of the most complex male's I have read in such a long time. I often found myself seeing him as almost a civil (at times) caveman who knew what/who he wanted and by any means necessary made sure he got it. He was ruthless for those he was loyal to and loved.
His obsession with Marisol was a beautiful emotional dance between the two. Both strong and amazingly broken. Neither of them let the things life threw at them stop them from living. Coming from somewhere broken wasn't going to break them down. It built them up and made them strong on their own. Together they were a beautiful masterpiece.
The hot scenes were like I always come to expect from Ms. Sykes. Hot as sin.
Beautiful story and it will for sure be on my reread list. <3
Raul is one of the most complex male's I have read in such a long time. I often found myself seeing him as almost a civil (at times) caveman who knew what/who he wanted and by any means necessary made sure he got it. He was ruthless for those he was loyal to and loved.
His obsession with Marisol was a beautiful emotional dance between the two. Both strong and amazingly broken. Neither of them let the things life threw at them stop them from living. Coming from somewhere broken wasn't going to break them down. It built them up and made them strong on their own. Together they were a beautiful masterpiece.
The hot scenes were like I always come to expect from Ms. Sykes. Hot as sin.
Beautiful story and it will for sure be on my reread list. <3
November 17, 2020
I cannot express how much I missed this author and was beyond elated to dive into this book which gives readers Raúl and Marisol’s story. Marisol is a woman who has been captured by the cartel and would like nothing more than to escape. Raúl is the cartel’s enforcer and a leader in his own right. For Raúl the only meaning is in the power he wields along with strength and money, rounding out the top three. Yet when it comes to Marisol, one gets the feeling that Raúl has a bit of a soft spot in his hardened heart for her. The common denominator between them is their shared knowledge of tragic pasts filled with abuse and betrayal. The magic of this storyline is the way Ms. Sykes takes these two complex characters and begins to thread the holes to create a resurgence of learning to trust as they each realize what they mean to the other and goes to prove that one’s past does not define him/her. I volunteered to read a copy of this book.
November 18, 2020
I absolutely love everything Julia writes. The entire series is a must read and although each book can be read by itself it soooo much better together.
Marisol has a thing for bad boys, honestly who doesn’t. Unfortunately her last experience made her run and now she feels the only way out of being a captive is be betraying her only protector, Raul.
Raul and Marisol have amazing chemistry but she’s his captive, his new obsession to protect. When Marisol chooses her freedom and helping someone she believes is in danger, she realizes her betrayal is also her biggest mistake and now she must run to save her life. Raul turn his anger on the object of obsessive protection and vows to get Marisol back.
What happens when you can’t run anymore... you get a page turn by Julia that’s work every paper-cut.
Marisol has a thing for bad boys, honestly who doesn’t. Unfortunately her last experience made her run and now she feels the only way out of being a captive is be betraying her only protector, Raul.
Raul and Marisol have amazing chemistry but she’s his captive, his new obsession to protect. When Marisol chooses her freedom and helping someone she believes is in danger, she realizes her betrayal is also her biggest mistake and now she must run to save her life. Raul turn his anger on the object of obsessive protection and vows to get Marisol back.
What happens when you can’t run anymore... you get a page turn by Julia that’s work every paper-cut.
November 16, 2020
Raul is a drug dealer, and enforcer in the drug cartel of Stefano Duarte and since Stefano kidnapped Marisol's employer Carmen, he has been tasked with protecting Marisol...and he has. Raul is watching, dreaming and wanting his little captive, but keeping his hands off and threatening or killing anyone who does touch her...but because he never abused her or tried to harm her, Marisol feels safe with Raul and knows deep within herself, that he would not harm her, unlike the man she was running from when she was raped and trafficked into Carmen's service...but she wanted to escape life in the Cartel and needed to flee to try to gain entry to the U.S....but could Marisol escape from her dark anti-hero or would his obsession with her lead to their destruction...you will need to read this thriller to find out...I voluntarily read this book through an Advanced Reader Copy.
November 18, 2020
Julia Sykes has been one of my favorite authors for a while now. She writes beautiful and strong characters, and you can't help but love her antiheroes.
In Ruthless Savior, we get a look at Marisol and Raul's story. Both are involved in a dangerous world, one by choice, one not so much. Their paths cross, and you can see, and feel, how well they fit together. Both have their own demons, but they each find a way to work through them together, understanding each other on a deeper level. They complement each other so well, and know how to push each other.
Their story is a standalone in this series, but reading the rest of them helps give you more of the bigger picture in their world, along with seeing familiar faces. I can't wait to see what else this author has in store.
In Ruthless Savior, we get a look at Marisol and Raul's story. Both are involved in a dangerous world, one by choice, one not so much. Their paths cross, and you can see, and feel, how well they fit together. Both have their own demons, but they each find a way to work through them together, understanding each other on a deeper level. They complement each other so well, and know how to push each other.
Their story is a standalone in this series, but reading the rest of them helps give you more of the bigger picture in their world, along with seeing familiar faces. I can't wait to see what else this author has in store.
November 18, 2020
OMG, author Julia Sykes knows how to keep her readers happy and hooked to her amazing storytelling from start to end. She writes the best ruthless, obsessive but protective anti-heroes and strong, feisty but vulnerable heroines every single time.
Ruthless Savior is an unputdownable read with surprising twists and turns, scorching hot chemistry, suspense, and lots of dangerous situations. Raul and Marisol's journey is intense, steamy, passionate, toe-curling and entertaining.
This read is not for the faint of heart, but if you're fan of dark romance, with dangerous man, intrigue, intense dark psychological situations, and passionate steamy encounters, this is the book and the series for you.
Ruthless Savior is an unputdownable read with surprising twists and turns, scorching hot chemistry, suspense, and lots of dangerous situations. Raul and Marisol's journey is intense, steamy, passionate, toe-curling and entertaining.
This read is not for the faint of heart, but if you're fan of dark romance, with dangerous man, intrigue, intense dark psychological situations, and passionate steamy encounters, this is the book and the series for you.
November 17, 2020
Julia Sykes strikes again with an amazing book that plays out within a cartel. Oh how I love Raul. He is such an interesting character. Ruthless, fearless, strong and has no mercy. On the inside however he is longing for something more solid but he is so unsure about so many things when it comes to relationships. Marisol is the one woman that is able to break through his walls and see the man he truly is.
Julia Sykes is THE author when it comes to Mafia and Cartel stories. There is not one book I did not devour multiple times. Not only is there a strong alpha male but also extremely strong women in every single book. No story is alike and each series is so well written that you just want to sink your teeth in. 10 stars are not enough for this book.
Julia Sykes is THE author when it comes to Mafia and Cartel stories. There is not one book I did not devour multiple times. Not only is there a strong alpha male but also extremely strong women in every single book. No story is alike and each series is so well written that you just want to sink your teeth in. 10 stars are not enough for this book.
November 18, 2020
I have read a lot of Dark Romance and this one was like no other. Raul was not your typical dark romance Leading male. He was a dream instead.
Raul had a dark past and while that helped shape him he didn’t become a monster. He was perfect for Marisol. She in my opinion was broken. She was used to pain and abuse from a man. But Raul knew how to be patient. Well except when she ran! Then my oh my what a spanking she got!
I think if Raul had been a typical dark male then he would not have been able to reach her. But he did. I won’t tell any more and spoil it for you. I will instead tell you to not only read the book but start the series from the beginning. It is soooo worth it!
Anyways Happy Reading. I love this book!
Raul had a dark past and while that helped shape him he didn’t become a monster. He was perfect for Marisol. She in my opinion was broken. She was used to pain and abuse from a man. But Raul knew how to be patient. Well except when she ran! Then my oh my what a spanking she got!
I think if Raul had been a typical dark male then he would not have been able to reach her. But he did. I won’t tell any more and spoil it for you. I will instead tell you to not only read the book but start the series from the beginning. It is soooo worth it!
Anyways Happy Reading. I love this book!
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