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Ruthless Elite #0.5
Deviant Royals
Money. Power. Danger.
Welcome to the world of New York’s elite—an empire steeped in sin, secrets, and lies.
I’m Killian Knight, heir to the country’s biggest entertainment conglomerate. I’m filthy rich, ruthless, and not afraid of playing dirty to get what I want.
Shay Sinclair is my latest challenge. My new obsession. She’s just learned my darkest secret… and there’s nothing I won’t do to keep it buried.
I’m going to take her and break her. Make her pay for daring to cross me.
But not yet.
See, I live for the hunt. The chase.
For now, I’ll watch Shay from the shadows and get to know her inside and out. When the time is right, I’ll steal her away from everything she knows.
She’s mine. She just doesn’t know it yet.
Deviant Royals is the short prequel to the Ruthless Elite trilogy. It is not a standalone book.
Welcome to the world of New York’s elite—an empire steeped in sin, secrets, and lies.
I’m Killian Knight, heir to the country’s biggest entertainment conglomerate. I’m filthy rich, ruthless, and not afraid of playing dirty to get what I want.
Shay Sinclair is my latest challenge. My new obsession. She’s just learned my darkest secret… and there’s nothing I won’t do to keep it buried.
I’m going to take her and break her. Make her pay for daring to cross me.
But not yet.
See, I live for the hunt. The chase.
For now, I’ll watch Shay from the shadows and get to know her inside and out. When the time is right, I’ll steal her away from everything she knows.
She’s mine. She just doesn’t know it yet.
Deviant Royals is the short prequel to the Ruthless Elite trilogy. It is not a standalone book.
96 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 12, 2021
About the author
Stella Hart
41 books311 followersStella Hart is the dark romance pen name of Alessandra Hart. She loves animals, red wine, and rainy days where she can curl up inside and plot new books instead of having to go out.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 2, 2022
Deviant Royals is the prequel teaser and a great start to the Ruthless Elite series. In this prequel we meet the main characters Shay and Killian and get a taste of what is to come in the Ruthless Elite series. This is a quick read about a young woman caught in a rich man's web. I look forward to reading the next book in the series to see what happens next for Shay and Killian.
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December 15, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (12/15/2021)! 🎁
October 16, 2026
My Rating: ★★½☆☆
Okay, so before we get into Deviant Royals by Stella Hart, I feel like I need to explain something because this is one of those reviews where my rating probably makes it look like I enjoyed the book significantly less than I actually did.
And honestly? That's not entirely the case.
Because I DID enjoy reading it. It was an easy book to get through, I had no real issues with the writing, and there were definitely elements that kept me interested. But unfortunately, my brain decided to do that incredibly annoying thing where it latches onto a completely unrelated book and refuses to stop making comparisons.
And once that happened, apparently there was no turning back.
The frustrating part is that the two books aren't even the same. Different authors, different series, different writing styles and different plots. Logically, I KNOW they're separate stories and should be appreciated as such.
But did that stop my brain from constantly drawing comparisons? Absolutely fucking not.
And I think that's what ultimately affected my experience with Deviant Royals. Rather than being able to completely immerse myself in Killian and Shay's story, I kept finding myself thinking about the other book, even though I couldn't necessarily explain WHY my brain had decided to connect them in the first place.
Which is particularly annoying because this is exactly the kind of premise that would normally catch my attention. A ruthless, morally questionable billionaire? An obsession that's already heading into dangerous territory? Secrets, power and a man who apparently thinks healthy boundaries are merely a suggestion?
On paper, that's absolutely something I'd pick up, and I did, but I just couldn't quite switch off that comparison long enough to become properly invested.
What I do want to emphasise is that this isn't me saying Stella Hart has written a bad book. Far from it. The writing was easy to follow, the story was accessible, and as a short prequel to the Ruthless Elite trilogy, it introduces the darker dynamics and tension readers can expect from the series.
My issue was much more about the experience I personally had while reading it than anything fundamentally wrong with the book itself.
And sometimes those are the hardest reviews to write because there isn't a neat little explanation for why something didn't completely work.
It just... didn't.
⚠️ This book contains darker themes including bondage, exhibitionism, abduction and betrayal, so please check the content warnings before reading. Also, remember that Deviant Royals is a prequel and not a standalone story.
Stella Hart, I'm sorry. Apparently my brain decided we weren't going to appreciate this one entirely on its own merits, and honestly, I'd quite like to know what the fuck its problem was too.
Okay, so before we get into Deviant Royals by Stella Hart, I feel like I need to explain something because this is one of those reviews where my rating probably makes it look like I enjoyed the book significantly less than I actually did.
And honestly? That's not entirely the case.
Because I DID enjoy reading it. It was an easy book to get through, I had no real issues with the writing, and there were definitely elements that kept me interested. But unfortunately, my brain decided to do that incredibly annoying thing where it latches onto a completely unrelated book and refuses to stop making comparisons.
And once that happened, apparently there was no turning back.
The frustrating part is that the two books aren't even the same. Different authors, different series, different writing styles and different plots. Logically, I KNOW they're separate stories and should be appreciated as such.
But did that stop my brain from constantly drawing comparisons? Absolutely fucking not.
And I think that's what ultimately affected my experience with Deviant Royals. Rather than being able to completely immerse myself in Killian and Shay's story, I kept finding myself thinking about the other book, even though I couldn't necessarily explain WHY my brain had decided to connect them in the first place.
Which is particularly annoying because this is exactly the kind of premise that would normally catch my attention. A ruthless, morally questionable billionaire? An obsession that's already heading into dangerous territory? Secrets, power and a man who apparently thinks healthy boundaries are merely a suggestion?
On paper, that's absolutely something I'd pick up, and I did, but I just couldn't quite switch off that comparison long enough to become properly invested.
What I do want to emphasise is that this isn't me saying Stella Hart has written a bad book. Far from it. The writing was easy to follow, the story was accessible, and as a short prequel to the Ruthless Elite trilogy, it introduces the darker dynamics and tension readers can expect from the series.
My issue was much more about the experience I personally had while reading it than anything fundamentally wrong with the book itself.
And sometimes those are the hardest reviews to write because there isn't a neat little explanation for why something didn't completely work.
It just... didn't.
⚠️ This book contains darker themes including bondage, exhibitionism, abduction and betrayal, so please check the content warnings before reading. Also, remember that Deviant Royals is a prequel and not a standalone story.
Stella Hart, I'm sorry. Apparently my brain decided we weren't going to appreciate this one entirely on its own merits, and honestly, I'd quite like to know what the fuck its problem was too.
December 29, 2021
Deviant Royals: A Dark Captive Romance is Prequel to Ruthless Elite Trilogy Series. It's depraved, twisted, raw, and engrossing. It's filled with dark twisted secrets, danger, power, manipulations, stalking, money, murder, bloodshed, confusion, and obsession. "Welcome to world of New York's elite an empire steeped in sin, secrets, and lies." Killian Knight and his two brothers are heirs to country's biggest entertainment conglomerate. He's handsome, extremely rich, ruthless, dirty and underhanded, he will do anything to get what he want. Shay Sinclair is beautiful, naive, and lonely. Shay and her four best friends are all aspiring actresses, they all a job to work at the same birthday party for Killian grandfather since most of his friends cancelled after it came out that he was touching someone inappropriately.
While there Shay and her friends stumbled upon Killian and his brothers and his friends in the grotto where they were killing someone. The girls were fascinated and intrigued by what they were witnessing and thought it was a movie being filmed. But Shay was shook with she saw and had to cover her mouth to hold my the scream because she believed they were actually witnessing a murder. She was messing with clap on her bracelet because it kept digging into her skin. But it broke and and flew over the rocks alerting Killian and his friends that they were being watched the entire time. Shay bracelet is engraved therefore she can easily be located. Killian is worried about the intruder and what she may have seen unbeknowing to him that five people knows is darkest secrets.
Shay has become is latest challenge thanks to her bracelet and there's nothing that Killian won't do to keep the secrets of Hellfire Club buried. He hated that she was one who was there because of their burning attraction towards each other. But he will do what he have to do. I am going to take her and break her. She's mine. She just doesn't know it yet. Deviant Royals was fascinating with intriguing characters and twisty plotline. A well written story that keeps you engrossed into story and outcome of the characters. I can't wait for book one. A great start to the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
While there Shay and her friends stumbled upon Killian and his brothers and his friends in the grotto where they were killing someone. The girls were fascinated and intrigued by what they were witnessing and thought it was a movie being filmed. But Shay was shook with she saw and had to cover her mouth to hold my the scream because she believed they were actually witnessing a murder. She was messing with clap on her bracelet because it kept digging into her skin. But it broke and and flew over the rocks alerting Killian and his friends that they were being watched the entire time. Shay bracelet is engraved therefore she can easily be located. Killian is worried about the intruder and what she may have seen unbeknowing to him that five people knows is darkest secrets.
Shay has become is latest challenge thanks to her bracelet and there's nothing that Killian won't do to keep the secrets of Hellfire Club buried. He hated that she was one who was there because of their burning attraction towards each other. But he will do what he have to do. I am going to take her and break her. She's mine. She just doesn't know it yet. Deviant Royals was fascinating with intriguing characters and twisty plotline. A well written story that keeps you engrossed into story and outcome of the characters. I can't wait for book one. A great start to the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 9, 2022
Jillian Knight is the heir to the county's biggest entertainment group To say the man is filthy rich and ruthless would be an understatement When you are in the world of it the New York elected there are secrets aplenty and a whole lot of sin and lies going on. Killian is also a man who loves the hunt and this time he plans to play with his meal for a while before HR takes her and breaks her. After all What has leaned his deepest darkest secret and he can't have her running her pretty little mouth You for sure don't ever cross Jillian and that's a lesson he's willing to teach Shady the hard way
I loved this little sneak into Stella Harts new world I can not wait to get my hands on the entire first book
I loved this little sneak into Stella Harts new world I can not wait to get my hands on the entire first book
January 10, 2022
This short book is the Prequel to the Ruthless Elite series. The series title gives a good indication of what you are in store for. First, we find out about Shay. Shay is an aspiring actress that is waiting to get into a prestigious performing program. Her and her friends, also actresses, are contacted by their agent for a job. Play a guest at a birthday party - should be easy. Shay catches the attention of one of the birthday host's son's. Not the worst night but it is just getting started. Shay and her friends find themselves running for their lives and then having to truly act like the happy party guest for the remainder of the party. The question is....can their true identity be found out? If so, then what? I am looking forward to book one of this trilogy. Enjoy!
December 16, 2021
I always look forward to a new series by this author. She is Brillant at bringing the level of darkest to her romance books, that I haven't read in others. This prequel was no disappointment. Shay is an actress trying to make a name for herself along with her eclectic group of friends. A rare and weird audition leads to more than they bargained for. Killian is a mystery. I just know what the girls saw will only lead to pain, suffering for Shay, but enjoyment for the reader, as we work through the story and try to fit the missing pieces together. I can't wait for book 1.
December 16, 2021
What a fantastic start to a series! I can't believe the author packed so much In to this prequel.. I literally have so many questions that I'm dying to get the answers for.
I am also loving these characters! Killian is my kind of anti hero, he's mysterious, dark and likes control, I literally am so excited to see how it pans out and I'm sure we will get plenty of fireworks between him and Shay in the next book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am also loving these characters! Killian is my kind of anti hero, he's mysterious, dark and likes control, I literally am so excited to see how it pans out and I'm sure we will get plenty of fireworks between him and Shay in the next book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 15, 2022
Intriguing Beginning
Right from page one, this story has you wondering what's being hidden and what you'll never know. For a short novella, there are several twists. The storyline could evolve any number of ways. I am definitely looking forward to this series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Right from page one, this story has you wondering what's being hidden and what you'll never know. For a short novella, there are several twists. The storyline could evolve any number of ways. I am definitely looking forward to this series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 21, 2021
Great start to the series, cannot wait to see where this is going! Wondering what the beginning means to the story?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 29, 2026
This was well written but very slow and the prologue didn’t seem to have anything to do with the rest of the novel. I imagine it will be tied in to the rest of the sequels but it felt random to include that in the prequel. And hellfire club, really?
January 9, 2022
Yes!!!
Shay and Killian's story has heat, intense interactions, fantastic characters and will hook you into wanting more, more, more of this series!!!
Shay and Killian's story has heat, intense interactions, fantastic characters and will hook you into wanting more, more, more of this series!!!
February 7, 2022
A nice set up for a new series.
Shay won't know what hit her! Killian won't known what hit him either!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Shay won't know what hit her! Killian won't known what hit him either!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 9, 2023
Wow! I need more Shay and Killian! Can’t wait to see what’s going to happen with them!
July 7, 2024
Will Read
I’m definitely going to read the rest of these stories. It was an interesting read and kept me moving. A must read.
I’m definitely going to read the rest of these stories. It was an interesting read and kept me moving. A must read.
Want to Read
December 17, 2021
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→ Submit or subscribe to The DARK Newsletter! ←
Blurb:
Money. Power. Danger.
Welcome to the world of New York’s elite—an empire steeped in sin, secrets, and lies.
I’m Killian Knight, heir to the country’s biggest entertainment conglomerate. I’m filthy rich, ruthless, and not afraid of playing dirty to get what I want.
Shay Sinclair is my latest challenge. My new obsession. She’s just learned my darkest secret… and there’s nothing I won’t do to keep it buried.
I’m going to take her and break her. Make her pay for daring to cross me.
But not yet.
See, I live for the hunt. The chase.
For now, I’ll watch Shay from the shadows and get to know her inside and out. When the time is right, I’ll steal her away from everything she knows.
She’s mine. She just doesn’t know it yet.
Merged review:
→ Free for maybe a limited time. Grab your copy now! ←
→ Submit or subscribe to The DARK Newsletter! ←
Blurb:
Money. Power. Danger.
Welcome to the world of New York’s elite—an empire steeped in sin, secrets, and lies.
I’m Killian Knight, heir to the country’s biggest entertainment conglomerate. I’m filthy rich, ruthless, and not afraid of playing dirty to get what I want.
Shay Sinclair is my latest challenge. My new obsession. She’s just learned my darkest secret… and there’s nothing I won’t do to keep it buried.
I’m going to take her and break her. Make her pay for daring to cross me.
But not yet.
See, I live for the hunt. The chase.
For now, I’ll watch Shay from the shadows and get to know her inside and out. When the time is right, I’ll steal her away from everything she knows.
She’s mine. She just doesn’t know it yet.
January 30, 2025
This short prequel provides a quick look into the world of the Ruthless Elite series. Set in a college environment, the protagonists are both 21, which helps ground the stakes in a relatable, albeit dark, setting.
The central conflict is straightforward: the hero, Killian, isn’t looking for revenge against Shay—he is desperate to ensure she keeps quiet about a secret she uncovered. The tension escalates because of his heavy-handed tactics; had he left her alone, she likely would have kept her silence, but his interference forces a confrontation.
There is a sequence where Shay is briefly held in a cage, though it is worth noting that this is a relatively minor aspect of the narrative rather than the primary focus of the story. Overall, it serves as a functional, high-intensity introduction to the power dynamics and the central relationship of the trilogy.
The central conflict is straightforward: the hero, Killian, isn’t looking for revenge against Shay—he is desperate to ensure she keeps quiet about a secret she uncovered. The tension escalates because of his heavy-handed tactics; had he left her alone, she likely would have kept her silence, but his interference forces a confrontation.
There is a sequence where Shay is briefly held in a cage, though it is worth noting that this is a relatively minor aspect of the narrative rather than the primary focus of the story. Overall, it serves as a functional, high-intensity introduction to the power dynamics and the central relationship of the trilogy.
December 21, 2021
A fan of Stella Hart and never missed any secret society series from her. Usally it used to be the male lead taking revenge on female lead thinking she or someone close to her is the murderer of his close relative. But Ruthless Elite storyline seems different in spite of being yet another secret society theme. Waiting to read more of Killian and Shay's story.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews