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Zetas #6
Ruthless Sinner
Determined to get her mother the healthcare she needs, drop dead gorgeous Spirit Westcott works as a stripper, not caring that it cements her reputation as the Beauview village bad girl. But when Spirit falls foul of John Cooper, the newest member of the notorious Zeta Cartel, she loses her job. Furious, Spirit confronts Coop–only to discover his secret drug lab. When Coop decides to save her, by disappearing her and keeping her captive, Spirit is less than impressed. However, she quickly learns that Coop has an even deadlier secret, and one that may drag her into the abyss.
When dangerous, single-minded John Cooper learns his best friend was murdered, he resolves to exact bloody vengeance. The knowledge that his prey is a Zeta, one of Mexico's most dangerous cartels, doesn’t stop him. Coop joins the organisation, only to discover that finding his prey won't be easy. To his annoyance, sexy Spirit Westcott is also a spanner in the works. After embarrassing him in public, Coop suddenly finds himself saddled with her as an unwanted captive. Then, just as things couldn't get worse, a killer starts to pick off Beauview village girls. As Coop is drawn further into the cartel, he is forced to make decisions that may cost him his life–and that of his love.
Ruthless Sinner is a gripping tale of vengeance, murder, cartel violence and finding love in the darkest of times.
Warning: This bad boy romance contains explicit adult themes and graphic violence. It is for adults only.
When dangerous, single-minded John Cooper learns his best friend was murdered, he resolves to exact bloody vengeance. The knowledge that his prey is a Zeta, one of Mexico's most dangerous cartels, doesn’t stop him. Coop joins the organisation, only to discover that finding his prey won't be easy. To his annoyance, sexy Spirit Westcott is also a spanner in the works. After embarrassing him in public, Coop suddenly finds himself saddled with her as an unwanted captive. Then, just as things couldn't get worse, a killer starts to pick off Beauview village girls. As Coop is drawn further into the cartel, he is forced to make decisions that may cost him his life–and that of his love.
Ruthless Sinner is a gripping tale of vengeance, murder, cartel violence and finding love in the darkest of times.
Warning: This bad boy romance contains explicit adult themes and graphic violence. It is for adults only.
469 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2020
About the author
A.J. Adams
22 books262 followersAJ Adams married her best friend and moved to the tropics where they are living their own Happily Ever After. She believes writing is not so much a passion as an obsession.
She writes twisted stories of love, mayhem, and murder as AJ Adams and sweet romance novels with strong women and very hunky men as Ellen Whyte, her IRL name.
When she's not writing, she's cooking and gossiping with her friends. She is also personal maid to rescue cats Target, Swooner and Tic Tac.
She's no longer on Goodreads but please do come and chat on FB at www.facebook.com/ewhyte (no friendship request required)
Don't miss new releases, discounts and special offers. Sign up for the newsletter at https://dirtydangerous.blogspot.my/p/...
She writes twisted stories of love, mayhem, and murder as AJ Adams and sweet romance novels with strong women and very hunky men as Ellen Whyte, her IRL name.
When she's not writing, she's cooking and gossiping with her friends. She is also personal maid to rescue cats Target, Swooner and Tic Tac.
She's no longer on Goodreads but please do come and chat on FB at www.facebook.com/ewhyte (no friendship request required)
Don't miss new releases, discounts and special offers. Sign up for the newsletter at https://dirtydangerous.blogspot.my/p/...
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 10, 2021
The fact that the Zetas are on iTunes is a good excuse to re-read the series,because i adore the Zetas!
https://books.apple.com/nl/book/ruthl...
This is the final story,a story that made a lasting impression the first time i read it,and still manages to touch my soul.
A story of surviving hell,and coming out stronger.
A story of having a bad rep,but being able to stand above that.
A story of recognizing the beauty in the ugly.
A story of fighting for what is right,and of fighting for the one you love.
And a story of defeating evil,together.
A beautiful story!
AJ Adams’ Zeta Cartel is back with a vengeance,and i love it!London branche is expanding business and needs new blood.
But it has to be someone that understands chemistry.
Their kind of chemistry.....
Seeing your parents murdered in front of you,and being forced to work as a kid in a South African goldmine with your best friend after that,it does something to you.
Getting out alive,with the kids you worked with,is a miracle.
Or very clever(and ruthless) planning.....
Making a good living with those friends afterwards is a well deserved reward.
Until it all goes horribly wrong,and you’re the only one still alive.
Coop took his revenge,and the ones responsible for the deaths of his “brothers” are dead.
That is to say,most of them.
The one that was responsible for his best friend Thando’s death is still out there,and all he knows is that it’s a Zeta...
Hearing they need a chemist is a lucky coincidence,and getting hired on his terms means he can start the search from the inside.
Only problem is,the Zeta’s he meets all have alibis.
And to make matters worse,he likes them....
Adding to this mix comes another “problem” and it’s of the female kind.
Spirit has been the girl with a bad rep in Beauview for a very long time.
But she won’t let Beauview win,no way!
She has a job at Glitters as a stripper,and she’s good at it.
She enjoys developing new dance routines and seeing the costumers enjoy them.
It also pays the bills for the care her mother needs....
When Coop and Spirit meet,they like eachother.
Problem is,she’s at work and when she turns down his offer,he takes it the wrong way.
When she loses her job because of him,she is pissed!
He had no right and she is going to tell him exactly what she thinks of him!
Storming into his house was a very bad idea,though....
Being forced to spend time with him shows her there’s more to this man than she thought.
Having her in his house shows him there’s more to this girl than just a lying,shallow stripper....
Searching for Thando’s killer,dealing with Spirit ánd a hostile village,working in his lab,starting to feel guilty towards those generous and welcoming Zeta’s,it gets a bit much.
So when a serial killer starts leaving bodies near his house,he’s very grateful the Zeta’s step in to help.
This story....it held me hostage.
From page one until the very last word.
I laughed and cried,i held my breath and braced for the worst.
I loved Coop and i adored Spirit.
They were both scarred by life but still managed to see the good things.
He was so protective,and she was so sweet.
Showing her she was beautiful,inside and out.
Soothing him when he needed it.
https://books.apple.com/nl/book/ruthl...
This is the final story,a story that made a lasting impression the first time i read it,and still manages to touch my soul.
A story of surviving hell,and coming out stronger.
A story of having a bad rep,but being able to stand above that.
A story of recognizing the beauty in the ugly.
A story of fighting for what is right,and of fighting for the one you love.
And a story of defeating evil,together.
A beautiful story!
AJ Adams’ Zeta Cartel is back with a vengeance,and i love it!London branche is expanding business and needs new blood.
But it has to be someone that understands chemistry.
Their kind of chemistry.....
Seeing your parents murdered in front of you,and being forced to work as a kid in a South African goldmine with your best friend after that,it does something to you.
Getting out alive,with the kids you worked with,is a miracle.
Or very clever(and ruthless) planning.....
Making a good living with those friends afterwards is a well deserved reward.
Until it all goes horribly wrong,and you’re the only one still alive.
Coop took his revenge,and the ones responsible for the deaths of his “brothers” are dead.
That is to say,most of them.
The one that was responsible for his best friend Thando’s death is still out there,and all he knows is that it’s a Zeta...
Hearing they need a chemist is a lucky coincidence,and getting hired on his terms means he can start the search from the inside.
Only problem is,the Zeta’s he meets all have alibis.
And to make matters worse,he likes them....
Adding to this mix comes another “problem” and it’s of the female kind.
Spirit has been the girl with a bad rep in Beauview for a very long time.
But she won’t let Beauview win,no way!
She has a job at Glitters as a stripper,and she’s good at it.
She enjoys developing new dance routines and seeing the costumers enjoy them.
It also pays the bills for the care her mother needs....
When Coop and Spirit meet,they like eachother.
Problem is,she’s at work and when she turns down his offer,he takes it the wrong way.
When she loses her job because of him,she is pissed!
He had no right and she is going to tell him exactly what she thinks of him!
Storming into his house was a very bad idea,though....
Being forced to spend time with him shows her there’s more to this man than she thought.
Having her in his house shows him there’s more to this girl than just a lying,shallow stripper....
Searching for Thando’s killer,dealing with Spirit ánd a hostile village,working in his lab,starting to feel guilty towards those generous and welcoming Zeta’s,it gets a bit much.
So when a serial killer starts leaving bodies near his house,he’s very grateful the Zeta’s step in to help.
This story....it held me hostage.
From page one until the very last word.
I laughed and cried,i held my breath and braced for the worst.
I loved Coop and i adored Spirit.
They were both scarred by life but still managed to see the good things.
He was so protective,and she was so sweet.
Showing her she was beautiful,inside and out.
Soothing him when he needed it.
June 22, 2020
Thank you so much Cecile for recommending me this book. ❤ I enjoyed being lost in this dangerous crimnal world.
A stripper and a chemist menaced in the dark world of criminals. My first read from this author and it was the best read. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books from the series once I tackle and stop getting distracted from the other reads. Ruthless Sinner was of two people looking out to fulfill terminus. It's a tightly woven tale which carries violence.
Coop's happy life changed drastically when his parents were murdered and he was sold as a slave to abusive miners. Along with him his best friend Thando was taken, both of them worked for years until they finally broke free. But fate was cruel. Thando was killed which was disguised as an accident and Coop has made it a mission to discover the murderer. His search for the murderer led him to Zeta Cartel, a mob gang, in London. There he works for them as a specialized chemist of drugs in a well set up lab with the intention of finding Thando's murderer. His lab was later discovered by a stripper, which complicates his mission. Instead of killing her he chains her in his bedroom, protecting both of them from unwanted questions.
Spirit was an epitome of sassyness holding a large heart of forgiving people and not able to hold grudges. She shoulders a lot of responsibilities. Being a stripper wasn't easy with all the taunt, bullying and degradation she had to face. But to keep her sick mother in a caring home with good facilities she needs money. Meeting Coop at the low point of her life was a blessing not that she knows. Life becomes unstable.
Both the hero and heroine has flaws. Spirit's reputation is in tatters for she is a stripper and the villagers are not kind to that profession but Coop manages to stich them up. Coop was loyal and protective, he looses his coolness whenever anyone badmouths Spirit. Spirit's ability to stay positive after all the things happened/happening in life was boundless. What I liked mostly about this book is the language. I'm not expert in English (English is my second language) but I can figure out the difference in American and British English and wowza I'm impressed by the dialogues created here, espeacially Spirit's side of British English. The writing was so good that I could hear the characters conversations loud.
I think I guessed the Toturer by 60% into the book. The conversation between Coop and Rip confirmed my suspicion. Rip's conversation in figuring and describing the killer was facinating to me. I know I must be crazy. The conversation was trembling and beyond perversion; you'll know when you get to that part.
The crime/thriller element compliments the romance. I love the culture and language used in this book. This book leans on the dark erotic side and is suspenseful.
Highly recommend this book.
A stripper and a chemist menaced in the dark world of criminals. My first read from this author and it was the best read. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books from the series once I tackle and stop getting distracted from the other reads. Ruthless Sinner was of two people looking out to fulfill terminus. It's a tightly woven tale which carries violence.
Coop's happy life changed drastically when his parents were murdered and he was sold as a slave to abusive miners. Along with him his best friend Thando was taken, both of them worked for years until they finally broke free. But fate was cruel. Thando was killed which was disguised as an accident and Coop has made it a mission to discover the murderer. His search for the murderer led him to Zeta Cartel, a mob gang, in London. There he works for them as a specialized chemist of drugs in a well set up lab with the intention of finding Thando's murderer. His lab was later discovered by a stripper, which complicates his mission. Instead of killing her he chains her in his bedroom, protecting both of them from unwanted questions.
Spirit was an epitome of sassyness holding a large heart of forgiving people and not able to hold grudges. She shoulders a lot of responsibilities. Being a stripper wasn't easy with all the taunt, bullying and degradation she had to face. But to keep her sick mother in a caring home with good facilities she needs money. Meeting Coop at the low point of her life was a blessing not that she knows. Life becomes unstable.
Both the hero and heroine has flaws. Spirit's reputation is in tatters for she is a stripper and the villagers are not kind to that profession but Coop manages to stich them up. Coop was loyal and protective, he looses his coolness whenever anyone badmouths Spirit. Spirit's ability to stay positive after all the things happened/happening in life was boundless. What I liked mostly about this book is the language. I'm not expert in English (English is my second language) but I can figure out the difference in American and British English and wowza I'm impressed by the dialogues created here, espeacially Spirit's side of British English. The writing was so good that I could hear the characters conversations loud.
I think I guessed the Toturer by 60% into the book. The conversation between Coop and Rip confirmed my suspicion. Rip's conversation in figuring and describing the killer was facinating to me. I know I must be crazy. The conversation was trembling and beyond perversion; you'll know when you get to that part.
The crime/thriller element compliments the romance. I love the culture and language used in this book. This book leans on the dark erotic side and is suspenseful.
Highly recommend this book.
May 26, 2020
A well crafted, captivating and thoroughly enjoyable story.
Spirit is definitely full of just that, a tough cookie of a heroine who, even when life kicks her down, paints on a happy face and thinks of others. Coop is a mystery wrapped up in an enigma, all parceled up in one gorgeous package. Both of them have secrets, both of them have known suffering, both of them are loners, used to coping on their own.
When Coop first met Spirit he really didn't impress me, he wouldn't take a polite no and then took offence when she stretched the truth to fob him off. It took a loooooong time but Coop did eventually realise just how wrong he had been, but not until Spirit has suffered through a few fraught encounters, and a lot more, with him.
I don't want to say too much due to spoilers, so I'll stick with how much I loved these characters. We get glimpses of old favourites, from previous books, though this story could very easily be read standalone. Neither of the main protagonists are perfect, they both have made mistakes but equally they are incredibly loyal people. The chemistry between them felt very natural, meaning it was incredibly easy to believe in the developing relationship.
The romance between Spirit and Coop is only one element of the book. There are also a couple of different mystery elements and plenty of action filled plot that add up to one really great read. Ruthless Sinner is quite a long book, allowing plenty of time to fully develop both the characters and the story line. It was the perfect balance, so that nothing felt rushed but at the same time it didn't drag either.
I sort of guessed who the bad guy was, though it was more of a hunch. I wasn't totally convinced it was definitely that person, for a while, and I did waver over other suspects too. The suspense element was really well written through the story and the big "show down" was unexpected, twisty and amazing. I loved how it drew in previous elements of the story, how it sort of drew a line under things and allowed a fresh start of sorts.
Elements of the book are pretty thought provoking, Coop is a "chemist" who cooks up drugs for the cartel to sell, he kills other bad guys and makes no apologies for that. Spirit, with no qualifications and in need of money, spent a brief period as a sex worker and she seemed to be the more judged for that past. She had done nothing to harm anyone, but was a pariah in her community. Looked down on, disregarded as trash, yet she had the most caring and forgiving soul. In real life I really wouldn't want to know a Coop, because drugs to ruin lives, but (a) this is fiction and (b) in all other aspects he was a very honorable man. He drove himself into the ground to try and ensure the safety of local women. He was also loyal to those who had earned his trust and respect. We can be pretty quick to judge and in some ways this is a case of 'let he who is without sin cast the first stone'.
TL;DR
In summary this is an action packed, well written, steamy mafia romance with two great main characters and a fantastic plot. Highly recommended.
Spirit is definitely full of just that, a tough cookie of a heroine who, even when life kicks her down, paints on a happy face and thinks of others. Coop is a mystery wrapped up in an enigma, all parceled up in one gorgeous package. Both of them have secrets, both of them have known suffering, both of them are loners, used to coping on their own.
When Coop first met Spirit he really didn't impress me, he wouldn't take a polite no and then took offence when she stretched the truth to fob him off. It took a loooooong time but Coop did eventually realise just how wrong he had been, but not until Spirit has suffered through a few fraught encounters, and a lot more, with him.
I don't want to say too much due to spoilers, so I'll stick with how much I loved these characters. We get glimpses of old favourites, from previous books, though this story could very easily be read standalone. Neither of the main protagonists are perfect, they both have made mistakes but equally they are incredibly loyal people. The chemistry between them felt very natural, meaning it was incredibly easy to believe in the developing relationship.
The romance between Spirit and Coop is only one element of the book. There are also a couple of different mystery elements and plenty of action filled plot that add up to one really great read. Ruthless Sinner is quite a long book, allowing plenty of time to fully develop both the characters and the story line. It was the perfect balance, so that nothing felt rushed but at the same time it didn't drag either.
I sort of guessed who the bad guy was, though it was more of a hunch. I wasn't totally convinced it was definitely that person, for a while, and I did waver over other suspects too. The suspense element was really well written through the story and the big "show down" was unexpected, twisty and amazing. I loved how it drew in previous elements of the story, how it sort of drew a line under things and allowed a fresh start of sorts.
Elements of the book are pretty thought provoking, Coop is a "chemist" who cooks up drugs for the cartel to sell, he kills other bad guys and makes no apologies for that. Spirit, with no qualifications and in need of money, spent a brief period as a sex worker and she seemed to be the more judged for that past. She had done nothing to harm anyone, but was a pariah in her community. Looked down on, disregarded as trash, yet she had the most caring and forgiving soul. In real life I really wouldn't want to know a Coop, because drugs to ruin lives, but (a) this is fiction and (b) in all other aspects he was a very honorable man. He drove himself into the ground to try and ensure the safety of local women. He was also loyal to those who had earned his trust and respect. We can be pretty quick to judge and in some ways this is a case of 'let he who is without sin cast the first stone'.
TL;DR
In summary this is an action packed, well written, steamy mafia romance with two great main characters and a fantastic plot. Highly recommended.
December 13, 2022
Oh my I’m seriously in love with this author's books this was again another winner this is the series that just keeps on delivering it’s just so good. We again have the usual darkness and grit that I’ve come to anticipate from this but every book feels completely diverse it’s not the same old rehash of plot. I feel like each instalment has its own particular flavour and this latest certainly hit the spot for me.
Coop is a chemist a designer of illegal drugs and he’s good at it he’s, of course, got a very shitty backstory probably the worst so far and it’s definitely shaped the man he has evolved into. After his friend who also shared his pain and torment dies of an apparent cardiac he’s gutted and naturally suspicious. When he then later learns of information on the dark web connecting this death to the Zeta’s he decides to investigate.
Coop has always been an independent contractor but for answers and vengeance, he’s willing to enter a temporary contract working exclusively for the Cartel. It’s here he encounters Spirit a stripper who he’s instantly attracted to but when she apparently disrespects him he’s livid and the result is her losing her job.
Spirit is a leper in her small community though close to London her home environment is small and rumours persist. Her job and background mean she is treated with constant derision and disrespect something she has grown accustomed to but still cuts deeply. She’s practically alone in the world her mum is in a nursing home after an accident and she works long hours stripping to finance this. She is aware she’s ageing out of the industry younger girls taking her place but it’s the only thing she’s good at now with the Zetas taking over her workplace things are changing and losing her job is a worrying prospect.
After Spirit discovers through her own stupidity just what the known chop-shop is really hiding she’s a security risk and Coop knows she needs to disappear unable to bring himself to do what he knows he should he instead takes her hostage claiming he’ll let her go free when his work is complete.
So i definitely thought Coop was the opposite of subtle when it came to his so-called covert investigations. It was also obvious he was digging for information on his late friend. Coop, as a character was such a contradiction in attitudes his later behaviour with Spirit, was so much of an extreme switch to his earlier temperament and unpredictability. He’s definitely a cauldron pot of repressed emotions his background and frustration making him see disrespect where there really isn’t any. He hates being controlled probably a leftover from his earlier incarceration definitely isn’t a people-person and he finds chaining Spirit opens him back up to all of his prior buried trauma. He also has a volatile temper.
I did love how protective he became of Spirit though and any slight or disrespect to her was punished by him Coop was all in once he got past his own skewed reasonings and logic and realised in his own ego that he’d fucked up that he was willing to hold his hand up to this gets him definite brownie points for sure.
I also liked how he tried to support Spirit with her goals despite his jealousy of her job he realised it was important to her so tried to temper his reactions and emotions accordingly. Despite his initial volatility Coop is actually a big softie when it came to his girl she alone got a free pass.
Spirit is a great girl with so much to give she’s just been incredibly misunderstood. I was actually heartbroken for her the way she was constantly treated was demoralising. When things began to improve and she was given the credit she deserved I was ecstatic for her she so deserved a break and I’m glad this happened for her. The relationship between Coop and Spirit was intense and they definitely had plenty of chemistry and heat together they were actually rather playful and did make a fabulous pair and as a couple, I liked them a whole lot.
This was also different in we get some added suspense in the form of a serial killer offing local girls. This gave an edge of your seat biting of the nails vibe that I massively appreciated. I definitely guessed who the protagonist was here quite soon but I really didn’t care I still loved it all the same and I was on absolute pins when this all came to a head it was so fabulously intense there for a while what a gripping conclusion.
My only gripe was I think Spirit was far too magnanimous in her forgiveness towards her community especially Lilith maybe I just am quite a vindictive person but I don’t think I could ever socialise with someone who had treated me so shitty. I’d accept their platitudes and then be polite but that’s as far as I’d go for sure. Spirit had a heart of gold in my opinion.
This series as a whole is fabulous and I highly recommend it if you like dark and gritty criminal elements combined with unconventional heroes and heroines. It’s well written with some fabulous world structure and unforgettable characters and I’m never bored.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/63435390
May 29, 2020
Ruthless Sinner by AJ Adams
A Zeta Cartel Novel #6
Compelling story that left me flipping pages as quickly as possible as I eagerly read each word to find out what would happen next. I love this author’s glimpse into a life I would never personally enter but thoroughly enjoy hearing about and enjoying vicariously.
With a gritty beginning I was hooked as I met Coop and those he was with. I was grateful he survived and then managed to thrive as he moved forward in life. Meeting Spirit was interesting…a “naughty” girl with a heart of gold and, in the end, a perfect partner for Coop just as he was for her.
What I liked:
* The unflinching look at child slave labor
* Coop: strong, silent, lethal, scarred and yet still able to care and see his own version of right and wrong
* Spirit: strong, resilient, positive, caring – despite what happened in her life
* Seeing old friends from the Zeta Cartel
* Rip’s look-see to help Coop and the Zeta team find The Torturer
* That there were few hints prior to the unveiling of The Torturer’s identity
* Being reminded that no matter what a person may suffer it does not have to define them
* Realizing how resilient some people truly are
* That love can thrive in the darkest times
* That the bad guys were dealt with
* Pretty much all of it…
What I did not like:
* The treatment of Spirit by more than one person in the story
* The treatment of Cooper, Thando and those he was with in the beginning
* Having to say goodbye at the end of the book
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Definitely
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
A Zeta Cartel Novel #6
Compelling story that left me flipping pages as quickly as possible as I eagerly read each word to find out what would happen next. I love this author’s glimpse into a life I would never personally enter but thoroughly enjoy hearing about and enjoying vicariously.
With a gritty beginning I was hooked as I met Coop and those he was with. I was grateful he survived and then managed to thrive as he moved forward in life. Meeting Spirit was interesting…a “naughty” girl with a heart of gold and, in the end, a perfect partner for Coop just as he was for her.
What I liked:
* The unflinching look at child slave labor
* Coop: strong, silent, lethal, scarred and yet still able to care and see his own version of right and wrong
* Spirit: strong, resilient, positive, caring – despite what happened in her life
* Seeing old friends from the Zeta Cartel
* Rip’s look-see to help Coop and the Zeta team find The Torturer
* That there were few hints prior to the unveiling of The Torturer’s identity
* Being reminded that no matter what a person may suffer it does not have to define them
* Realizing how resilient some people truly are
* That love can thrive in the darkest times
* That the bad guys were dealt with
* Pretty much all of it…
What I did not like:
* The treatment of Spirit by more than one person in the story
* The treatment of Cooper, Thando and those he was with in the beginning
* Having to say goodbye at the end of the book
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Definitely
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
June 8, 2021
I have to confess I read this twice because I loved it so much. I fell in love with Spirit with her sassy sexiness and her forgiving ways. I was a little envious of her ability to not hold grudges and live in the moment outlook. I cried when she backs out of a blind date because she realizes someone doesn’t think she is good enough. When she meets Coop, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to hug him or drop-kick him. I decided I liked him. He was loyal, protective, and wasn’t apologetic for who he was. I had to laugh at his inability to be subtle, trying to find out Thando’s killer, because he is so contained and focused. I liked the Zetas with their fierce loyalty and different abilities, and I hope each of them has their own story.
I read and reviewed a copy of this book.
I read and reviewed a copy of this book.
May 29, 2020
A.J Adams you did it again.
As soon as I started reading about the Zetas. I was back there, in their world.
This is the story of Coop and Spirit.
Coop had the worst possible experience as a child. My heart bled for him.
Spirit has also had a rough ride from the people in her village. Unfounded it broke my heart.
Add the Zetas to the mix. You get one hell of a book. I wanted to finish to get all my unanswered questions but didn't want it to end.
It was so good to hear from previous characters. Lots more scope for another book? Yes please.
As soon as I started reading about the Zetas. I was back there, in their world.
This is the story of Coop and Spirit.
Coop had the worst possible experience as a child. My heart bled for him.
Spirit has also had a rough ride from the people in her village. Unfounded it broke my heart.
Add the Zetas to the mix. You get one hell of a book. I wanted to finish to get all my unanswered questions but didn't want it to end.
It was so good to hear from previous characters. Lots more scope for another book? Yes please.
May 29, 2020
I absolutely love the Zeta cartel series from A.J Adams so couldn't wait to get my hands on this latest addition, and "Ruthless Sinner" did not disappoint. It introduces us to two new, fabulous characters, Coop and Spirit and centres around the London branch of the Zetas and features several favourites from previous books. That said, it can easily be read as a standalone as the story is self contained.
Coop has had a horrific past and has come to London to join the Zetas, seeking revenge when Spirit catches his eye. Spirit is the sort of heroine I love and that A.J. Adams creates so well. She is something of a local pariah, being a down on her luck stripper, just trying to get by. She is feisty and independent with a soft centre and a heart of gold. Initially scorned, Coop takes Spirit captive but soon starts to fall for her, and when it becomes clear that there is a serial killer on the loose he is determined to protect her.
This author really knows how to create a bad boy hero. Coop is flawed, he's brooding and has no qualms operating outside the law. He's a celebrated drugs "chemist" and perfectly happy to kill when it suits. But he is loyal and loving too. We see a softer side to him as he forms friendships with the Zetas and the locals, and when it comes to Spirit there's nothing he won't do to try to save her.
As usual, A.J. Adams delivers. The story is clever, well crafted with twists and turns so this is more than just a romance. But there is plenty of romance too and well developed characters to love. For readers of previous books in the series there are welcome appearances from some favourites such as Jorge, Paco and James, and even briefly from "El Jefe", Arturo, and Rip (Dark Hunter). These stories are billed as dark romance but really they are so much more. There is a large thriller element to this story to complement the romance and as usual, I loved the British language and culture that was flavoured with hints of Spain, South America and Africa. It was the kind of book that keeps you up too late at night but was well worth every minute and I'm only sorry that I've finished it. Highly recommend!
Coop has had a horrific past and has come to London to join the Zetas, seeking revenge when Spirit catches his eye. Spirit is the sort of heroine I love and that A.J. Adams creates so well. She is something of a local pariah, being a down on her luck stripper, just trying to get by. She is feisty and independent with a soft centre and a heart of gold. Initially scorned, Coop takes Spirit captive but soon starts to fall for her, and when it becomes clear that there is a serial killer on the loose he is determined to protect her.
This author really knows how to create a bad boy hero. Coop is flawed, he's brooding and has no qualms operating outside the law. He's a celebrated drugs "chemist" and perfectly happy to kill when it suits. But he is loyal and loving too. We see a softer side to him as he forms friendships with the Zetas and the locals, and when it comes to Spirit there's nothing he won't do to try to save her.
As usual, A.J. Adams delivers. The story is clever, well crafted with twists and turns so this is more than just a romance. But there is plenty of romance too and well developed characters to love. For readers of previous books in the series there are welcome appearances from some favourites such as Jorge, Paco and James, and even briefly from "El Jefe", Arturo, and Rip (Dark Hunter). These stories are billed as dark romance but really they are so much more. There is a large thriller element to this story to complement the romance and as usual, I loved the British language and culture that was flavoured with hints of Spain, South America and Africa. It was the kind of book that keeps you up too late at night but was well worth every minute and I'm only sorry that I've finished it. Highly recommend!
March 19, 2023
I really enjoy this series, and I appreciate how each story is quite different. In this case, I've added the "mystery-thriller" tag because there is a very good mystery running in parallel with the general mayhem associated with a drug cartel. The Zeta family remains charming in their Latin mafia way. In addition to brewing drugs, they are involved in strip clubs and sexy escort services, all next to the Thames, down-river from London.
The mystery itself is excellent. Lots of red herrings. The real villain is revealed slowly and subtly - I was able to figure it out, but only a few pages before the characters did. The climax is very scary. The resolve might be a touch too simple, but there are no loose threads, and everyone gets their HEA.
With each book, I find the story more compelling, and the sex scenes less intense. It's a trade-off I am happy with. Is it wrong to wish for sex and plot in the same book?
I will read the next one when it comes out.
The mystery itself is excellent. Lots of red herrings. The real villain is revealed slowly and subtly - I was able to figure it out, but only a few pages before the characters did. The climax is very scary. The resolve might be a touch too simple, but there are no loose threads, and everyone gets their HEA.
With each book, I find the story more compelling, and the sex scenes less intense. It's a trade-off I am happy with. Is it wrong to wish for sex and plot in the same book?
I will read the next one when it comes out.
May 30, 2020
Spirit and Coop a pair made in a Champagne room
The 6th Zeta book goes again to London. Mrs Adams continues the story of the London cartel in their new adventure to expand business and make it sucessfull. Enter Coop a chemist specialized in artizan drugs with a hard past that made one of the best in the security and drug field. His search for finding the killer of his best friend Thando drives him to sign a contract for a year with the London Zeta cartel. He goes in Beauview undercover as an environmental engineer and starts to concot his drugs for the Zetas. His lab is discovered by the town black sheep and currenty best strip dancer, Spirit. Of course Coop needs to make her disappear hence, he keeps her in his bedroom chained both to protect himself of his actual whereabouts as well as to protect Spirit from the Zetas. Things are rough to say the least in the begining, but when the town and Zetas business are menaced by a serial killer, things get a new turn.
I loved the two characters that mrs Adams created, both Coop and Spirit were well developed through the book. The chemistry between the two characters needed a bit to be more developed but I understood it was not coup de foudre, it was just a love story that developed over the course of time. It is a thriller book more than is dark and if I am alllowed a suggestion, Mrs Adams should dare to adventure more into the dark side of the erotica. She has a different style that most of dark erotica writers and I believe she will have many more readers in the future. She is worth it!
The 6th Zeta book goes again to London. Mrs Adams continues the story of the London cartel in their new adventure to expand business and make it sucessfull. Enter Coop a chemist specialized in artizan drugs with a hard past that made one of the best in the security and drug field. His search for finding the killer of his best friend Thando drives him to sign a contract for a year with the London Zeta cartel. He goes in Beauview undercover as an environmental engineer and starts to concot his drugs for the Zetas. His lab is discovered by the town black sheep and currenty best strip dancer, Spirit. Of course Coop needs to make her disappear hence, he keeps her in his bedroom chained both to protect himself of his actual whereabouts as well as to protect Spirit from the Zetas. Things are rough to say the least in the begining, but when the town and Zetas business are menaced by a serial killer, things get a new turn.
I loved the two characters that mrs Adams created, both Coop and Spirit were well developed through the book. The chemistry between the two characters needed a bit to be more developed but I understood it was not coup de foudre, it was just a love story that developed over the course of time. It is a thriller book more than is dark and if I am alllowed a suggestion, Mrs Adams should dare to adventure more into the dark side of the erotica. She has a different style that most of dark erotica writers and I believe she will have many more readers in the future. She is worth it!
May 24, 2020
Ruthless Sinner is the 6th book in the Zetas Series. This is Spirit Westcott and John Cooper’s story.
Coop is after revenge and joins the Zeta Cartel as their chemist as he makes designer drugs and starts hunting for the person that murdered his best friend.
Spirit has a lot of responsibilities on her shoulders and when she is fired because of “Coop”. She goes to give him a piece of her mind and gets a lot more than she bargained for. She witnesses Coop working in his secret drug lab. He decides not to kill her. So, he makes her disappear and then holds her captive. Spirit has spirit and I love that spirit!
I know that this is a dark story but I didn’t feel that it is as dark as some of the other Zeta books. Or maybe I am just a little screwed up and it is really dark. There certainly is a dark theme to this book.
Ruthless Sinner kept me on the edge of my seat and I had to find out what was happening next. I read this book in 1 go since I couldn’t put the book down! I can’t wait to see what is next for AJ Adams because I will be in that virtual line to buy that book!
Coop is after revenge and joins the Zeta Cartel as their chemist as he makes designer drugs and starts hunting for the person that murdered his best friend.
Spirit has a lot of responsibilities on her shoulders and when she is fired because of “Coop”. She goes to give him a piece of her mind and gets a lot more than she bargained for. She witnesses Coop working in his secret drug lab. He decides not to kill her. So, he makes her disappear and then holds her captive. Spirit has spirit and I love that spirit!
I know that this is a dark story but I didn’t feel that it is as dark as some of the other Zeta books. Or maybe I am just a little screwed up and it is really dark. There certainly is a dark theme to this book.
Ruthless Sinner kept me on the edge of my seat and I had to find out what was happening next. I read this book in 1 go since I couldn’t put the book down! I can’t wait to see what is next for AJ Adams because I will be in that virtual line to buy that book!
May 29, 2020
“Ruthless Sinner” is the 6th fantastic page turner in the riveting world of the Zeta Cartel. Despite the darkness, violence, murder and a serial killer, there is romance and suspense that kept me glued to my seat on this wild roller-coaster ride that I did not want to put down when I had to! I love the unique plot, the attention to detail & the well defined H/h, Coop & Spirit as well as the dialogue that makes this a must read for all adult 18+ fans of fiction!
May 30, 2020
And we're back with the London branch of the zetas, for another wild ride!
It's no secret that I'm a huuuuuge fan of those guys, AJ Adams' zetas are probably my favorite cartel book series!
Adams brings her zetas to life ( to the point that sometimes seeing headlines about the real cartels, I end up wondering if they thought about getting in on it as if they weren't imaginary people: like to they have invested in avocado fields, how much are they buying goodwill at the moment by helping people getting through the pandemic, or how the heck do they move safely their drugs at the moment... yep, I'll admit my brain is a weird place to live...)
Ruthless Sinner, like all the Zeta Cartel series is a standalone in a connected universe, you don't need to read previous stories to get into it, but knowing the previous stories gives extra spice to the secondary characters dropping by in this installment.
Ruthless Sinner follows Coop and Spirit
Hidden in plain sight in a quaint english town close to London, the zetas are setting up their new chemist, Coop.
Coop, a chemist prodigy and up until then an independent contractor just joined the Zetas, but he did it with an ulterior motive: finding his best friend's killer, who according to his source is a Zeta. A dangerous game to play...
Next door lives Spirit. She is known as the village bad girl, stripping being the only career that brings her enough money to pay for her mother's care.
She accidentally discovers the lab, and puts Coop in a quandary, to be safe he should kill her, as she knows too much, but he can't do it, so he ends up keeping her captive in his apartment, until his mission is complete.
Cherry on top, a serial killer has the village girls in their aim, bringing unwanted attention to the Zeta's operations.
Ruthless Sinner is on the lighter side of dark romance in the Zeta Cartel series :) If you read and liked Dirty Dealings, you'll love Coop & Spirit story
The Zetas dropping by show their most jovial faces, their camaraderie ( AJ Adams definitely knows how to make the bad guys way more likable than the good guys)
Spirit and Coop are both survivors. She is a powerful woman as AJ Adams knows how to craft them. While he maybe is the most tragic hero of the series, and OMG did I cry for him...
( okay, if you want to split hair Dark Hunter's hero, Rip, has a really tragic background too... but he became a monster to survive, Coop didn't ;) )
I so loved them... and can only hope we'll see them again!
A side note, I'll add a TW if you're really claustrophobic, the prologue might be really hard to read!
It's no secret that I'm a huuuuuge fan of those guys, AJ Adams' zetas are probably my favorite cartel book series!
Adams brings her zetas to life ( to the point that sometimes seeing headlines about the real cartels, I end up wondering if they thought about getting in on it as if they weren't imaginary people: like to they have invested in avocado fields, how much are they buying goodwill at the moment by helping people getting through the pandemic, or how the heck do they move safely their drugs at the moment... yep, I'll admit my brain is a weird place to live...)
Ruthless Sinner, like all the Zeta Cartel series is a standalone in a connected universe, you don't need to read previous stories to get into it, but knowing the previous stories gives extra spice to the secondary characters dropping by in this installment.
Ruthless Sinner follows Coop and Spirit
Hidden in plain sight in a quaint english town close to London, the zetas are setting up their new chemist, Coop.
Coop, a chemist prodigy and up until then an independent contractor just joined the Zetas, but he did it with an ulterior motive: finding his best friend's killer, who according to his source is a Zeta. A dangerous game to play...
Next door lives Spirit. She is known as the village bad girl, stripping being the only career that brings her enough money to pay for her mother's care.
She accidentally discovers the lab, and puts Coop in a quandary, to be safe he should kill her, as she knows too much, but he can't do it, so he ends up keeping her captive in his apartment, until his mission is complete.
Cherry on top, a serial killer has the village girls in their aim, bringing unwanted attention to the Zeta's operations.
Ruthless Sinner is on the lighter side of dark romance in the Zeta Cartel series :) If you read and liked Dirty Dealings, you'll love Coop & Spirit story
The Zetas dropping by show their most jovial faces, their camaraderie ( AJ Adams definitely knows how to make the bad guys way more likable than the good guys)
Spirit and Coop are both survivors. She is a powerful woman as AJ Adams knows how to craft them. While he maybe is the most tragic hero of the series, and OMG did I cry for him...
( okay, if you want to split hair Dark Hunter's hero, Rip, has a really tragic background too... but he became a monster to survive, Coop didn't ;) )
I so loved them... and can only hope we'll see them again!
A side note, I'll add a TW if you're really claustrophobic, the prologue might be really hard to read!
June 1, 2020
Pulled no punches….
Wow, did this story happily slam me right back into the twisted world of the Zetas! Coop was focused and successful as he embraced the darker side of life with open arms. His past meant his future was what he made it and no one was going to stand in his way. He would do whatever it took and that covered a whole heck of a lot… Smart, cunning, he was going to be challenged from a surprise encounter. What happened when Spirit crossed his path, threw a huge spanner into everything. Dangerously so…
It didn’t matter though. There was just something about her which quickly meant all that he was would be at risk. At the end of the day, he couldn’t find a reason to regret it, even as both their futures were now in jeopardy…
Before you start, read those warnings! Adult themes, no holds barred violent scenes so vivid it was impossible not to feel it all. Did I squirm on occasion? Definitely, but it didn’t stop me reading at a furious pace, eager to find out what twisty turn was next. A mix of harsh darkness and unexpected (to the lovers) romance created a love story hard to comprehend but easy to imagine…
May 29, 2020
This book is about a woman named Spirit she works as a stripper to pay for her mom's healthcare. When she has a run-in with Coop a new member of the Zetas her life gets turned upside down. Will things work out for the better or end in disaster?
SPOILERS!!!!
This book was awesome! I loved Spirit and Coop they were both great characters. Spirit has well spirit and she's feisty and Coop starts out as a jerk but turns out to be a really cool guy. The mystery of his friend's death and then the murder of the girls was unexpected and had me trying to find suspects. When the killer is revealed and Spirit is kidnapped I was on the edge of my seat and was scared for her. The water thing was terrifying and the killer was crazy! The first half of the book is low to start but the second half I couldn't put it down the suspense and mystery was so much fun!
I would recommend this book if you like enemies to lovers, murder, mystery and suspense with great characters a really fun read.
SPOILERS!!!!
This book was awesome! I loved Spirit and Coop they were both great characters. Spirit has well spirit and she's feisty and Coop starts out as a jerk but turns out to be a really cool guy. The mystery of his friend's death and then the murder of the girls was unexpected and had me trying to find suspects. When the killer is revealed and Spirit is kidnapped I was on the edge of my seat and was scared for her. The water thing was terrifying and the killer was crazy! The first half of the book is low to start but the second half I couldn't put it down the suspense and mystery was so much fun!
I would recommend this book if you like enemies to lovers, murder, mystery and suspense with great characters a really fun read.
July 17, 2020
Book 6 and it is still as wonderful as Book 1. This story is about Coop and Spirit who though they have a rocky start find love they both have been looking for. This story puts you in the thick of cartel life and you do get hit with the gritty, violent, adult parts of it but it adds to this story and brings it all to life. From the first page to the last you are caught up and are attached to the characters in the story.
This is the 6th book in this series and the author never skips details and always vividly draws pictures where as you are reading you find it is like a movie unfolding. So many turns that when the end comes you are blindsided and can't believe you didnt figure it out before.
Do yourself a favor and just read the book!!
This is the 6th book in this series and the author never skips details and always vividly draws pictures where as you are reading you find it is like a movie unfolding. So many turns that when the end comes you are blindsided and can't believe you didnt figure it out before.
Do yourself a favor and just read the book!!
June 1, 2020
Another amazing installment of the Zeta Cartel story.
This takes place in the London chapter with Jorge in charge with a brief cameo of Arturo
The story follows Spirit, a feisty stripper, and Coop a traumatiser drug maker on the search for his friends killer.
The story was compelling and tense at times
There was the touch of dark that I love
And the characters again and fleshed out.
In short it was everything I love in a story and why I love AJ Adams books so much
Also it can be read separate from the series like all the others
This takes place in the London chapter with Jorge in charge with a brief cameo of Arturo
The story follows Spirit, a feisty stripper, and Coop a traumatiser drug maker on the search for his friends killer.
The story was compelling and tense at times
There was the touch of dark that I love
And the characters again and fleshed out.
In short it was everything I love in a story and why I love AJ Adams books so much
Also it can be read separate from the series like all the others
July 2, 2020
I've thoroughly enjoyed the Zeta Cartel series, and was looking forward to this latest novel from A J Adams. Each book is completely different and can be read as a standalone story, but my advice is to immerse yourself in the dirty goings-on right from the start.
Read the whole review at https://www.jaynelockwood.com/2020/06...
Read the whole review at https://www.jaynelockwood.com/2020/06...
June 4, 2020
Wow! This finale is Ms Adams Zeta Cartel packed a PUNCH for me in several ways.
There's delicious vengence & revenge, a dark & horrifying serial killer, a brave heroine determined to care for her mother no matter how or what, a stalwart anti-H who WILL find who murdered his best friend from childhood & the ice cold Zeta Cartel members who value loyalty & money above all else.
Coop (anti-H) is the main character is this one, along with Spirit (h).
The plot & action centers in the small English town in which Spirit was born & has lived her entire life. Viciously & unrelentingly castigated since her teens due to an attack no one believes happened to her, Spirit struggles daily to earn enough money to pay for her mother's care in a quality care facility without any assistance. The only way open to her since the town has blackballed her ability to obtain other more preferable employment is by stripping at the local nightclub newly acquired by the London branch of the Zeta Cartel.
And Coop, sure his lifelong friend's death was murder by a Zeta is enraged & determined to find & kill the responsible Zeta member who did so, no matter how high up that guilty party is in the cartel. But that requires he be a part of the cartel in order to search for the perpetrator. And thus he joins them as a chemist, renowned for his 'products' to 'cook' the Zeta's recipes as well as his own for the cartel.
This one is INTENSE & loaded to the brim with action, sizzle, hidden agendas, danger, death & on the edge of your seat suspense. As well as possible romance between a hard hearted lethal anti-H & a heroine who despite the slings & arrows of a flat out nasty town populace manages to keep her head & pride high.
IMO, there is just NO PLACE in this book where it is a good place to stop. None.
And when the tortured bodies of women begin to proliferate the woods & river of the small town & the local police are either too lazy or budget constrained to research & hunt the killer, the Zeta Cartel is determined the serial killer WILL be found & punished.
For the reader familiar with Ms. Adams Zeta Cartel, for those wanting action, danger, suspense that keeps you on tenterhooks, wanting sizzle & romance, a beautifully detailed wonderfully complex plot & characters, for action that makes you bite your lip & asp: Read this one.
I thoroughly truly enjoyed it!
There's delicious vengence & revenge, a dark & horrifying serial killer, a brave heroine determined to care for her mother no matter how or what, a stalwart anti-H who WILL find who murdered his best friend from childhood & the ice cold Zeta Cartel members who value loyalty & money above all else.
Coop (anti-H) is the main character is this one, along with Spirit (h).
The plot & action centers in the small English town in which Spirit was born & has lived her entire life. Viciously & unrelentingly castigated since her teens due to an attack no one believes happened to her, Spirit struggles daily to earn enough money to pay for her mother's care in a quality care facility without any assistance. The only way open to her since the town has blackballed her ability to obtain other more preferable employment is by stripping at the local nightclub newly acquired by the London branch of the Zeta Cartel.
And Coop, sure his lifelong friend's death was murder by a Zeta is enraged & determined to find & kill the responsible Zeta member who did so, no matter how high up that guilty party is in the cartel. But that requires he be a part of the cartel in order to search for the perpetrator. And thus he joins them as a chemist, renowned for his 'products' to 'cook' the Zeta's recipes as well as his own for the cartel.
This one is INTENSE & loaded to the brim with action, sizzle, hidden agendas, danger, death & on the edge of your seat suspense. As well as possible romance between a hard hearted lethal anti-H & a heroine who despite the slings & arrows of a flat out nasty town populace manages to keep her head & pride high.
IMO, there is just NO PLACE in this book where it is a good place to stop. None.
And when the tortured bodies of women begin to proliferate the woods & river of the small town & the local police are either too lazy or budget constrained to research & hunt the killer, the Zeta Cartel is determined the serial killer WILL be found & punished.
For the reader familiar with Ms. Adams Zeta Cartel, for those wanting action, danger, suspense that keeps you on tenterhooks, wanting sizzle & romance, a beautifully detailed wonderfully complex plot & characters, for action that makes you bite your lip & asp: Read this one.
I thoroughly truly enjoyed it!
June 7, 2020
AY-YAY-YAY this author!!!
Spirit is the favorite topic of village gossip. She struggling to keep her mom in a comfortable nursing home and her in her home that is falling apart. Then an assumption puts her life in danger, or was it already?
Coop had a tough teenage life, I know, don’t we all? But really, his was unlike anything imaginable. His pursuit for information on a friend brings him to a small village in England where he plans to stay under the radar while doing his job for the Zeta Cartel and gathering information. Life doesn’t always go as planned.
This author is quit the storyteller and she NEVER disappoints. Twists, turns, violence, romance, yup it’s all there! Fenomenal!! Can’t wait for the next book by AJ Adams. Definitely an author to follow. 5 Stars!!
Spirit is the favorite topic of village gossip. She struggling to keep her mom in a comfortable nursing home and her in her home that is falling apart. Then an assumption puts her life in danger, or was it already?
Coop had a tough teenage life, I know, don’t we all? But really, his was unlike anything imaginable. His pursuit for information on a friend brings him to a small village in England where he plans to stay under the radar while doing his job for the Zeta Cartel and gathering information. Life doesn’t always go as planned.
This author is quit the storyteller and she NEVER disappoints. Twists, turns, violence, romance, yup it’s all there! Fenomenal!! Can’t wait for the next book by AJ Adams. Definitely an author to follow. 5 Stars!!
June 5, 2020
Ruthless Sinner - Coop and Spirit
Coop is a chemist for the Zeta Cartel. Spirit is a stripper in a small village. She works as a stripper to support her mother who lives in a nursing home. Coop joined the Zeta's to search their ranks for the man who murdered his best friend. They join up to take down a serial killer who is targeting the girls in the village.
Coop is a chemist for the Zeta Cartel. Spirit is a stripper in a small village. She works as a stripper to support her mother who lives in a nursing home. Coop joined the Zeta's to search their ranks for the man who murdered his best friend. They join up to take down a serial killer who is targeting the girls in the village.
June 3, 2020
Book 6 for the Zeta Cartel, and what a book it is. We have love, romance, mystery, and even a serial killer. What more can you ask for in a book. 's. Adams has a full story and characters. Great book. I loved it and can't wait for the next one.
June 1, 2020
*4.5 stars*
Read full blog review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Read full blog review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
January 7, 2025
One of my all time favourite series, and all time favourite authors…felt like a reread and it was just as good the second time around…AJ Adams is the author I most often reread, her books are just that phenomenal
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