Ruthless Queen

Ruthless Royals #2

by Amanda Richardson

Hunter, Ash, Ledger, and Samson.
The Kings of Ravenwood Academy.
Their names still send shivers down my spine, for more than one reason.

Back then, they didn’t expect me to fight back.
But I did.
And now I’m theirs.

After making a pact with them, they help me get revenge on the one man who wronged me.
I’m not the same meek, little girl that got taken advantage of.
Now, I have four ruthless guys willing to risk everything for me.

The only problem is, I promised them everything I had in return for their help.
So while I may be the new Queen of Ravenwood, the Kings still own me, body and soul.

And I’m not quite sure I’m ready to hand over my crown.

Ruthless Queen is full-length high-school bully reverse harem romance. It is book two of the Ruthless Royals duet. It is advised to read them in order. *Please note Ruthless Queen contains explicit language, bullying, violence, and flashbacks of abuse/trauma. It also features four hot AF guys who would do anything to protect their feisty Queen. The story concludes with this book and does have a HEA.

Genres: Romance, Why Choose, Dark Romance, High School, Smut, Contemporary, Dark

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 14, 2021

About the author

I write love stories with badass heroines and mysterious, brooding heroes. I survive on coffee and live in Yorkshire, England with my family.

Reviews

[Rachel (rachellynnreadss🪩🩵) Hunt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay so I enjoyed the first book of this RH for the most part! I really liked the guys & felt like the plot was pretty interesting. My biggest issue with the first one was that there was really no relationship buildup for each of the guys & I felt it was a little rushed. This one gave me the same vibe but with the plot this time. In this book we are dealing with the unfinished business of Briar’s past & seeing how the guys really step up for her. I LOVED the spice in this book, I mean that is one thing this book gives you is great spice - the sexual chemistry is just hot (this is does contain MM content within group activists just a heads up). The plot for this one was a little predictable but hey I was okay with that because I really liked where it was going until we got to the climax. I felt like the “big moment” was rushed & I didn’t feel any kind of accomplishment when Briar finally slayed her demon. I guess I was hoping for just a bit more. It just felt like it was missing something to make me really just LOVE IT, ya know?

The other thing that kind of got on my nerves was the epilogue. We get a very (IMO) view of the RH as it is in the future & there is a very wishy washy feeling of exactly how they are all functions as “couples” & it’s not really as a cohesive unit but as several individual couples. I’m more of a “group relationship” type of RH ending if that makes sense & this just didn’t make me all giddy & happy for them.

Overall it was a good duet & if you feel like this type of RH is your jam then you’ll enjoy it! The writing is great & the spice is fantastic!

[Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars**

I enjoyed this more than the first one and it was just a super hot, super fun poly romance!! This duet is def worth checking out if you’re looking for something quickly, steamy, and a little dark and taboo.

Samson is still my fave of the guys 😘

~ also i can’t wait for the spin-off trilogy ~

TW: SA

[Alecia (The Staircase Reader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

My review for Ruthless Queen will be posted soon

[dais · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE LOVE LOVEEEEEEE
I’m ridiculously in love with the kings.
this was filled with romance, spice, revenge and amazing twists.
i loved the relationships between them all, they was all in love with each other and nothing was ever going to come between them.
I want to give all of them a bloody cuddle, my heart aches for them all…
I was literally cheering when they finally got their revenge!!
I loved Briar’s mum and Hunters dad!!!! Best parents ever.
I’m so relieved for Ash’s mum, she deserves nothing but happiness 😢
Ash’s dad can rot in hell 😘
i was a little surprised by the epilogue, it definitely wasn’t what I was expecting but I know that not every RH relationship is the same. I’m so glad they all stayed together though 🥺
I’m going to miss the Kings and their Queen.

[Patricia Charlton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

I’m not going to lie but I did prefer book one to book two even though two was good.
TRIGGER WARNING there is flashbacks to rape and child abuse with some of these characters so be warned just like it’s discussed in book one, there is also murder discussed in these books.
I love the relationship and they are still together 9 years later in the epilogue but I didn’t like the separate lives part or other relationships are allowed.
I want my characters to end up together in one home and sharing life as normal folk do this living separately and having set days with each partner or a day with Easton didn’t work for me, just sharing my honest opinion on what I love in a HEA.

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Voto 3,5
.
Tacco 12 - per RFS
.
L’evasione dell’uomo che le ha quasi rovinato la vita e la sua comparsa a Greython hanno contribuito a stringere ulteriormente il legame tra Briar, Hunter, Ash, Ledger e Samson: la ragazza è determinata a non essere più una vittima, mentre i re di Ravenwood sono disposti a tutto pur di proteggere la loro regina.
La loro è certamente una relazione non convenzionale, difficile da accettare, ma con il tempo Briar è sempre più consapevole che le sarebbe davvero difficile fare a meno anche di uno solo di loro. Ognuno è diverso e le offre qualche cosa di speciale. Tutti si prendono cura di lei, entrando in sintonia con un aspetto diverso della sua personalità e sostenendola. Hunter è cupo e pericoloso, ma è casa. Ash è volgare e tenebroso, ma è leale. Ledger è oscuro e provocatore, ma la spinge a migliorare. Samson è protettivo e dolce, lui è conforto.
I POV alterni di tutti i protagonisti ci consentono di conoscerli meglio, soprattutto Hunter, Ash, Ledger e Samson che in Cruel Kings erano rimasti un po’ in secondo piano. In questo romanzo si definiscono i loro caratteri, si approfondiscono le loro storie personali, le loro debolezze… rendendoli più umani. Si sviluppano inoltre le dinamiche di gruppo, oltre che i diversi legami emotivi che uniscono Briar con ognuno dei quattro ragazzi.
Nell’attesa della prossima mossa di Cam, per Briar diventa una missione il mostrare che i quattro re non sono solo dei bruti come crede l’intera scuola, Jack e Scarlett in particolare, e cosa meglio di un ballo studentesco per attrarre consensi?
Tanti e impegnativi i temi affrontati: violenza sessuale e psicologica, vendetta personale, promiscuità sessuale, omicidio… Motivo per cui ne consiglio la lettura a un pubblico adulto e consapevole.
Non concordo con tutte le scelte effettuate da questi ragazzi nel corso della storia, ci sono però diversi messaggi che condivido, ma che lascerò siano le parole stesse dell’autrice a svelarvi:

“Smettila di essere sempre convinta che non sarai mai capace di fare niente, Briar”. Mi mordicchia il labbro inferiore, tirando un po’ la carne prima di lasciarla andare. “Solo il fatto che hai deciso di voler migliorare significa che sei mille volte più forte di chiunque altro lo pensi e basta. Le persone che arrivano a compiere grandi cose non sono quelle che hanno fortuna. Sono quelle che si fanno il culo, ogni singolo giorno”.

E poi…

“Un amore come questo non è per chi rimane ad aspettare. È per i coraggiosi che si impegnano a realizzarlo.”

Il coraggio di vivere una sessualità libera da schemi e pregiudizi con un epilogo non scontato ma che ho apprezzato molto.
Consigliato!

[Ren || Reading What I Want · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre/Tropes: NA, RH, MMFMM
POV: 1st, Multiple
Series: Ruthless Royals, Book 2
STEAM LEVEL: 🔥🔥🔥

I wanted more depth and development and I got it! Picking up right after Ruthless Crown ended, Briar, Samson, Hunter, Ash, and Ledger are thrown into a game of cat & mouse as Briar’s past catches up with her. But this time around she has four guys who vow to keep her safe.

I really enjoyed this duet. It had everything I’ve come to expect from a new adult, RH romance without being too cliche. The storyline flowed smoothly and I really thought the length of it fit the story. It wasn’t too heavy, but heavy enough to keep my attention and make me crave more. The relationship between Briar and each of her guys was distinctive and I loved what everyone brought to the dynamics.

I’ll admit I’m loving these duets here recently. Instead of a REALLY long book we get two shorter books that each deliver enough punch and meat to escape for an afternoon. And let us not forget the HOT covers! Love them so much!

[Alexandria G · Rating 3 out of 5]

“The air turns then - and I’m suddenly so aware of the fact that all five of us are out here together. Alone. Teenage hormones raging, dirty thoughts racing…”

Well, this book was hella sexy. I mean, I can be slightly disappointed when I read a reverse harem and it doesn’t have some filth. That’s one thing this book didn’t lack of, which is a plus in my books! The characters all had straight fire chemistry both with the heroine… and with one another! However, I found that there was a lack of build between the characters and the plot. I understood where it was leading from book one, but I just felt something missing, if that makes sense. It may have been the rushed feeling of the plot twist. I was expecting a little bit more angst and heartache. I did love seeing the guys step up though, like man, they became straight up hero’s and each of them was so lovable by the end of book two.

I really liked Briar’s character. She was strong, but had no problem leaning on her four men once when smartened up. Each guy was different in their own way, and would easily make you swoon. Them altogether is a whole other discussion. The tent scene? PHEW🥵

If you’re looking for a light reverse harem duet with wicked chemistry and even sexier filthy scenes; this is a great and quick read. I’m happy I read it because in the end it was a sexy reverse harem HEA which makes my heart happy😌

I’d give this novel 3✨
Steam rating: 3🔥

🏷

#bookstagrammer #bookstagram #bibliophile #reading #reader #romancereader #raunchyromance #booklover #bookaddict #bookreview #bookworm #bookreview

[Whitney · Rating 3 out of 5]

this one was better because of the Cam plot. I can’t believe she actually stayed with all of them

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
😈
🥵🥵

This just gets better and better with every page.
Excellent characters and very well written.

[Shay Bahjat · Rating 3 out of 5]

bruh… but make it part 2

[TheUsualBookworm - Evie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.8 stars

Spoiler free review:
I think I enjoyed the first one a bit better, both because it was a little longer and because I kind of liked the ending of that one more. Personally I think these two books could've been made into one slightly chunkier romance novel, but that's just a preference.

[Books A-Brewin' · Rating 1 out of 5]

Briar has some tumultuous waters to navigate. Her rapist has escaped and is after her once more. Her mother and stepfather have no idea the intimacy she has formed with her new stepbrother and his friends. She has grown tired of the Kings' reputation and has decided to do something about it. She has a lot of balls in the air and not a lot of time to rectify them. The boys and Briar are now tied completely together and there is nothing they won't do for her. Even trap her rapist stalker so Briar can polish him off for good. But will her stalker get to her before they can capture him?

I feel like this book was not really needed. It was much shorter than the first and just felt more like an excuse to write more sex scenes with very little plot. It read more like porn than an actual story. If some of the sex scenes had been cut the left over plot could have filled maybe an extra 20 or so pages in the first book making it a stand-alone and perhaps a bit better received for me.

Is anyone but Briar actually straight anymore? I mean, Hunter and Ledger claim they are straight but they're constantly talking about how they find things done between Samson and Ash to be "hot". I have read my fair share of reverse harem books. Believe me. And most of the time if the partners have a sex scene together the straight men are more focused on the female protagonist's reaction than the actual acts going on around them. If there is a MM scene their eyes are focused more on how turned on the female is not what the guys are doing to each other. So... if you're going to claim that a male protagonist is straight, stick to that. If you want them all to be hetero fluid or bisexual, then own that too. This wishy-washy-ness is inconsistent and a bit frustrating.

I am trying not to spoil too much but the ending of this book? The epilogue? I was appalled. I understand that this was more polyamorous and less reverse harem after reading it but it was presented as a reverse harem. At the end, they reaffirm they are poly by saying they live in separate houses, are free to date outside their group as long as they are honest about it, and so forth. That, to me, is not a reverse harem. So many inconsistencies and it frustrated me.

So, on the note, this book was not needed. It was just another excuse to add more intimate scenes and tie up loose ends that could have been done in the first book.

[Lauren.readsx_ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️⭐️⭐️
I enjoyed seeing them come together and the getting answers. I did feel like it was all a little rushed. I loved the relationship between them all while they were out school but I have to admit I HATED the epilogue 😬 It didn’t feel like a RH style ending like they ended up more in a group relationship/open relationship then actually all together fully which was a little disappointing.

[Anja · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so amazed with this Duet starting with book 1, from the first time I got it in my email. I mean c’mon. There is stepbrother, his 3 best friends, a lot of sex and dark past. Could it BE any better ? (Chandler Bing voice). This HEA is all I needed. I enjoyed reading this book. (Even if I started it in front of my family, got to the chapter 7 “spiciest chapter ever, btw” and had to put it down. I couldn’t wait for all of them to go to sleep so I can continue with my book). Just pick this book, starting with Ruthless Crown, you will not regret, I swear. Now let me share with you a little about it. ( I will have to add a little spoiler maybe, for your benefit, ofc).

After Briar learns that her past came to hunt her back, she has to be strong. For her that won’t be a problem, because she has four sexy guys as her backup, who are ready to do anything for her. Share her, please her, love her and protect her. While fighting her past, she also builds her relationship with four guys who trapped her heart. To do all that she will need all strength she can get. Maybe is not a bad Idea to go on a camping trip and relax a little, right ? To gain that strength. Now imagine Briar with 4 guys, stucked in a tent with poker cards. What could happen there ? 😉 Grab this book, and see for yourself 😋

Loved, loved, loved this DUET and i wish there will be more ☺️

[Ryann Rice · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️ 4 🌶️
This book felt a bit more rushed than book 1. I still loved it and the guys are all superb but A LOT got squeezed into 212 pages. I almost wish it was 50 pages longer to give more in between time.

The spice —> IMMACULATE
The plot —> a bit rushed
The FMC —> fkn amazing
The guys —> even better than book 1!!
The ending —> kind of vague?

There was a lot more spice scenes in this and a lot more group activities. Ash and Samson scenes were 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵⚔️ I want MORE!!!!!!!

The ending I wish was all of them together instead of in separate house la loving all open relationships but oh well. It was a new way to end a why choose book that’s for sure.

I’m off to read anything else the author writes bc I love her characters and the way she writes dirty talk and spice scenes. 🥵🥵🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠

[Aleah Persaud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Read

An end of an era.
Again a really fast read. I loved this one just as much as I loved the first one. That camping scene? Omg I thought I died and when to heaven.. First Ms. Briar, she found her strength to battle her demon and she slayed it. Her four kings who stood by her side and embraced her when she needed it the most.
They were there for each other. Learning from each other as they battled with their own demons and the uncertainty of the future. It was a good story. Although I wasn't too happy with the ending. I thought they would all be together. Not separately together.

[Gelysen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining read. Love the characters. I"d read these again. Not a super lengthy review as it was a very entertaining book but it didn't shake me to my core with how nerve wrecking the story was. The characters and how well they're worked out is the most memorable and fun about these books. The conclusion is nice, I prefer my books to have happy endings.

My biggest critique is just how immensely tired I am of having book covers look like this tbh. I"m so done with half naked people on the covers xD

Oh well, it's not a secret to those who follow me on Goodreads that my head is messed up and I read stuff like this 😂 there's no keeping up appearances for me anymore haha.

[Daniela Quintanilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

READ TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE READING THIS BOOK

I enjoyed the book, the story it’s great and I truly enjoy HR so it’s a win win for me, but I don’t know what was it but took me too long to read it because I just wasn’t that interested in the book. Don’t get me wrong, while reading jt was great and some scenes were definitely 10 out of 10 but I like the first one a little bit more. I truly enjoyed the development of the characters and the end was cute and great. Don’t think I will be reading it again but was good.

[Melissa Gloria - Meli’s Books and Coffee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talk about a great ending for Briar, Ash, Hunter, Ledger and Samson. Ruthless Queen kept me on edge. This book is is full of twists and turns and every time a truth unraveled it sucked me even more. Briar's relationship the guys oh so hot and steamy. This group was determined to seek revenge on those who wronged them and that was entertaining as all hell to read! Ruthless Royals is an incredible duet I'm just sad it's over. I can't wait to see what else Amanda writes next.

[JL Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Briar's past is coming for her but she's stronger than she was before and now she has Hunter Ravenwood, Ash Greythorn, Ledger Huxley, and Samson Hall. The Kings of Ravenwood. Feared by all except Briar. She is their new queen who they will protect with everything they have. I did love the wrap-up with Cam being taken down and Briar's push for the rest of the school to accept the guys as themselves and not as they were perceived to be in the beginning. What I didn't like was the years later and no details on how it got to that point. Over all still a great duet.

[Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well that was an entertaining ride albeit a little odd and very unrealistic. And very guessable but at last, it was what I needed right now.

Favorite non-spoiler quote: “The people who accomplish great things aren’t the people who get lucky. They’re the people who work their ass off, day in and day out.”

[Dirk de’llorchidea · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Ive never felt so indecisive. Even with in reverse harems I always have a favourite but I could not pick in these books AT ALL. Anyways, recommend:)
The -0.5 is because it can be cringey sometimes but I still loved it.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

True rating: 3.75

[Nuvolina Leggere Romanticamente · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stelline

[Shannon McIntyre · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was just one big orgy after another! Besides the sec scenes nothing really happened!

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wowza! Now that’s some spice!

[hailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. Not a great book, but entertaining if you’re looking for something that is 98% smut, 2% plot. Quiteee spicy.

[Alana · Rating 2 out of 5]

*insert tik tok sound*
the woman was too stunned to speak

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true bad B Queen.

Do not mess with Briar. She doesn’t need men to protect, only to please her. Love this series and it had a good ending!