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Ruthless Elite #1
Merciless Prince: A Dark Captive Romance
Step into the scandalous lives of America’s elite and find out what dark, twisted secrets they’re hiding...
His world. His rules. His ownership.
I never intended to take Shay Sinclair, but once she learned my darkest secret, I knew I had to do it. Steal her away. Cage her. Stop her from revealing the terrible truth.
As my captive, she’ll abide by my rules. Submit to my will. Satisfy my every whim.
I’ll control her, break her, and make her pay for her sins... and I won’t be gentle about it.
Deep down, she knows she was born to serve me. Knows she deserves everything she gets. By the time I'm done with her, she’ll be begging for more...
Welcome to my world, Shay. You’re mine now.
Note: This novel contains disturbing content that may be offensive to some readers. Merciless Prince is the first book in the Ruthless Elite trilogy. The story continues in Twisted Knight.
His world. His rules. His ownership.
I never intended to take Shay Sinclair, but once she learned my darkest secret, I knew I had to do it. Steal her away. Cage her. Stop her from revealing the terrible truth.
As my captive, she’ll abide by my rules. Submit to my will. Satisfy my every whim.
I’ll control her, break her, and make her pay for her sins... and I won’t be gentle about it.
Deep down, she knows she was born to serve me. Knows she deserves everything she gets. By the time I'm done with her, she’ll be begging for more...
Welcome to my world, Shay. You’re mine now.
Note: This novel contains disturbing content that may be offensive to some readers. Merciless Prince is the first book in the Ruthless Elite trilogy. The story continues in Twisted Knight.
- GenresDark RomanceDarkRomance
374 pages, ebook
Published January 14, 2022
81 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Stella Hart
33 books302 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 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 14, 2022
3⭐️⭐️⭐️
Style: Dark Romance (College)
Story: 3/5
Enjoyment: 3.5/5
Dark Level: 3/5
Sexual Level: SEX-CITINGLY APPEALING
Triggers: Yes
Violence: No
Male: Intense
Series: Book 1
Pages: loc.4980
Audio: N/A
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
STORY:
What I liked:
This book was interesting. The author didn’t give the usual sweet and innocent heroine. Shay surprised me with her character as she wasn’t what I expected in this role. Killian gave me intense. His stalker-ish ways mixed with his anger and sexual need gave you a little excitement. The author takes it there with the shock value with certain scenes and that was appealing.
What was so so:
I felt like this story was a bit similar to her other book I have read. The University, the rich men, the weak female they can prey on, a mystery or secret held by the wealthy, being held captive, drugged etc. I was also not a 100% a fan of the plot or the mystery/secret aspect of the story. It did not suck me in all the way.
SEXUAL CHEMISTRY
The sex scenes felt dark as the encounters progressed because of the characters. Some scenes involved items that some may not want to read or can be considered too much for others. I personally did not have any issues as with each sex scene it became more appealing even the dark intense ones.
SECONDARY CHARACTERS:
There were other characters at play but no one really stood out to me.
OVERALL:
Was I entertained? Sometimes. Did I like the story? I was not a fan of the plot, but was still enticed by certain things. Would I read the other books in the series? Maybe.
TRIGGERS: being drugged, held captive, degrading etc.
****I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinionsand preferences with what we read. I based my book reviews on my preferences and what I like, and while these preferences may not be the same for others, I hope this review was still helpful.
Style: Dark Romance (College)
Story: 3/5
Enjoyment: 3.5/5
Dark Level: 3/5
Sexual Level: SEX-CITINGLY APPEALING
Triggers: Yes
Violence: No
Male: Intense
Series: Book 1
Pages: loc.4980
Audio: N/A
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
STORY:
What I liked:
This book was interesting. The author didn’t give the usual sweet and innocent heroine. Shay surprised me with her character as she wasn’t what I expected in this role. Killian gave me intense. His stalker-ish ways mixed with his anger and sexual need gave you a little excitement. The author takes it there with the shock value with certain scenes and that was appealing.
What was so so:
I felt like this story was a bit similar to her other book I have read. The University, the rich men, the weak female they can prey on, a mystery or secret held by the wealthy, being held captive, drugged etc. I was also not a 100% a fan of the plot or the mystery/secret aspect of the story. It did not suck me in all the way.
SEXUAL CHEMISTRY
The sex scenes felt dark as the encounters progressed because of the characters. Some scenes involved items that some may not want to read or can be considered too much for others. I personally did not have any issues as with each sex scene it became more appealing even the dark intense ones.
SECONDARY CHARACTERS:
There were other characters at play but no one really stood out to me.
OVERALL:
Was I entertained? Sometimes. Did I like the story? I was not a fan of the plot, but was still enticed by certain things. Would I read the other books in the series? Maybe.
TRIGGERS: being drugged, held captive, degrading etc.
****I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinionsand preferences with what we read. I based my book reviews on my preferences and what I like, and while these preferences may not be the same for others, I hope this review was still helpful.
January 14, 2022
Great start to a new series! Shay is visiting a college when she sees something she shouldn’t, and the she starts getting these messages and feels like she is being watched. Killian knows that Shay saw something he just isn’t sure what, but he will take her to keep revealing his secrets. Fast-paced read with loads of dark twists and turns. Intense chemistry and sizzling scenes. I was hooked from beginning to end. I loved it!
January 15, 2022
4.4 stars
This was a crazy train ride. So many secrets, suspense galore, and complex characters. There were a few areas that I wished had been fleshed out more but I'm hoping that will be in the next book. This ended on a cliffhanger. I cannot wait to get answers.
This was a crazy train ride. So many secrets, suspense galore, and complex characters. There were a few areas that I wished had been fleshed out more but I'm hoping that will be in the next book. This ended on a cliffhanger. I cannot wait to get answers.
January 16, 2022
A simply wonderful read, great characters and a plot that holds your attention
There are a group of elite students that are enrolled in the university and they are a very select few that come from a linear-age of entitlement and they have continued with some of the centuries old traditions including sacrifice and murder of unfortunate individuals.
Shay and a small group of her friends had come across a secret trap door in the garden and had followed the steps below ground where they had watched a captivating celebration and pretend sacrifice to the gods. Unfortunately for Shay it had in fact been all real and this secret society were not al all happy about being spied on and would do whatever it takes to keep their secret including murdering the watchers.
Shay had been annoyed about losing her bracelet that night below ground and had to hope that no one would know who it belonged to, most likely it had probably not even been discovered…..
How wrong she was about this fact!!
She knew that she was being watched since she had arrived at the university and even though she had the security number changed on the door, someone had been able to get in and not only take photographs whilst she slept but had also even stolen her toothbrush and she knew she was in deep trouble.
He had decided that he was going to continue listening into her conversations and phone calls to ensure she did not mention the sacrifice she had seen on that night below ground, however should she actually spill the beans he had no option but to ensure she never spoke out again no matter what it takes.
A really intense and creepy story that keeps you totally invested in the book and I assure you that you will not be able to put this down until you discover the outcome.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
There are a group of elite students that are enrolled in the university and they are a very select few that come from a linear-age of entitlement and they have continued with some of the centuries old traditions including sacrifice and murder of unfortunate individuals.
Shay and a small group of her friends had come across a secret trap door in the garden and had followed the steps below ground where they had watched a captivating celebration and pretend sacrifice to the gods. Unfortunately for Shay it had in fact been all real and this secret society were not al all happy about being spied on and would do whatever it takes to keep their secret including murdering the watchers.
Shay had been annoyed about losing her bracelet that night below ground and had to hope that no one would know who it belonged to, most likely it had probably not even been discovered…..
How wrong she was about this fact!!
She knew that she was being watched since she had arrived at the university and even though she had the security number changed on the door, someone had been able to get in and not only take photographs whilst she slept but had also even stolen her toothbrush and she knew she was in deep trouble.
He had decided that he was going to continue listening into her conversations and phone calls to ensure she did not mention the sacrifice she had seen on that night below ground, however should she actually spill the beans he had no option but to ensure she never spoke out again no matter what it takes.
A really intense and creepy story that keeps you totally invested in the book and I assure you that you will not be able to put this down until you discover the outcome.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
January 22, 2022
Merciless Prince is the first book in the Ruthless Elite Trilogy Series. It's a continuation from the prequel Deviant Royals. It's dark, twisted, psychotic, and cruel. The story picks up with Shay and her friend on the heading to Bellingham. She can't shake the feeling like she's being watched. She was right because she got off the in Bellingham and ran into none other Killian who informed her that he was also a student of the school. It was bad enough that she could not that night of what she and her four friends witness in the grotto with Killian and his friends out of her head and she's pretty she that they commit murder and now she has deal with Killian on campus every day. Killian couldn't understand why she didn't tell anyone and wanted to know what she knew so he started to torment Shay slowly.
Shay made some friends and she started enjoying Bellingham with only one run in with Killian. But but some strange things started happening to her like toothbrush went missing, a strange phone call in the middle of the night with a live video feed of her room. But when she went to the Dean he didn't believe her because there's was no record of the call. The mask man at the party who the chemistry is off the charts. Killian kidnaps Shay, but she escape his crutches with help of her friend Cooper. Merciless Prince is filled with lies, secrets, deception, lust, passion, secret order, hatred, resentment, attraction, suspense, mystery, and intrigued with one mind blogging cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Shay made some friends and she started enjoying Bellingham with only one run in with Killian. But but some strange things started happening to her like toothbrush went missing, a strange phone call in the middle of the night with a live video feed of her room. But when she went to the Dean he didn't believe her because there's was no record of the call. The mask man at the party who the chemistry is off the charts. Killian kidnaps Shay, but she escape his crutches with help of her friend Cooper. Merciless Prince is filled with lies, secrets, deception, lust, passion, secret order, hatred, resentment, attraction, suspense, mystery, and intrigued with one mind blogging cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 16, 2022
OMG! Off the top suspense that had me turning the pages til the end!
I was pulled quickly in to story as Shay starts at Bellingham and meets Killian who she witnessed in an intense scene in a hidden grotto at a party that was in the prequel, Deviant Royals which you should read. Killian seems to have a hidden agenda to torment Shay which she tries to put off as nothing. While Shay makes new friends on campus, strange occurrences happen to Shay that ramps up the tension. Add in the mysterious man she meets at a mask party that you can feel the steam coming from the combustible attraction between the two. I hate Killian’s actions as he torments Shay to get to the bottom of what she witnessed in the grotto, yet an unexplained attraction is there between the two that can’t be denied. Enter in the ultimate cliffhanger when Shay escapes Killian with the help of Cooper, her Bellingham friend who has his own secret agenda from Shay’s past. I can’t wait for Twisted Knight to come out!
I was pulled quickly in to story as Shay starts at Bellingham and meets Killian who she witnessed in an intense scene in a hidden grotto at a party that was in the prequel, Deviant Royals which you should read. Killian seems to have a hidden agenda to torment Shay which she tries to put off as nothing. While Shay makes new friends on campus, strange occurrences happen to Shay that ramps up the tension. Add in the mysterious man she meets at a mask party that you can feel the steam coming from the combustible attraction between the two. I hate Killian’s actions as he torments Shay to get to the bottom of what she witnessed in the grotto, yet an unexplained attraction is there between the two that can’t be denied. Enter in the ultimate cliffhanger when Shay escapes Killian with the help of Cooper, her Bellingham friend who has his own secret agenda from Shay’s past. I can’t wait for Twisted Knight to come out!
February 8, 2022
You are in for one wild ride with this one. Not the bad kind but the one you do not want to get off of. There are so many secrets in this book. You spend a lot of time on the edge of your seat so make sure you have a comfortable edge. Poor Shay is in college and comes home seeing something that she shouldn't have on the way and it isn't long before the messages that creep her out start coming in and she just knows that she is being watched. Killian is the man who knows that Shay saw something but he isn't sure at all what or how much she saw. But he will figure it out if he has to take her and make her tell all her little secrets. I loved this book and devoured it and can't wait to find out what happens next.
February 15, 2022
An intense page turner
Merciless Prince is the first book in the new Ruthless Elite series. Before you read this book I would suggest you read the prequel, Deviant Royals, so that you better understand the world that you are about to get mesmerized by. The story is about Shay Sinclair and Killian Knight, two people who could not be more different but yet are so drawn to each other in a perverse way. Be warned that this book does end with a cliffhanger, as the series is about the two man characters. This story is dark, twisted, mysterious, dangerous, suspenseful, action filled, fast-paced and has a lot of intense and sizzling chemistry.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Merciless Prince is the first book in the new Ruthless Elite series. Before you read this book I would suggest you read the prequel, Deviant Royals, so that you better understand the world that you are about to get mesmerized by. The story is about Shay Sinclair and Killian Knight, two people who could not be more different but yet are so drawn to each other in a perverse way. Be warned that this book does end with a cliffhanger, as the series is about the two man characters. This story is dark, twisted, mysterious, dangerous, suspenseful, action filled, fast-paced and has a lot of intense and sizzling chemistry.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
January 14, 2022
Shay is visiting the college she plans on attending when she and some friends stumble upon something they should have never seen. It has haunted Shay since, and she can't help but think there is more too it. She tries to move on and forget about it but when she starts college, she starts getting strange messages and the feeling she is being watched. Of course, it has to be all in her head, right? When she meets a fellow student, Killian she can't help but think there is more going on. Will Shay learn the truth of what really happened that night? This was such a good read! Full of suspense and drama!
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.
January 20, 2022
On the fence....2 1/2 Stars!
I am struggling to review this book. On the one hand the story was pretty entertaining and somewhat intriguing. On the other hand the characters exhibited a lot of juvenile behavior, which did not mesh well with the dark parts of this story. There is also the issue of credibility. Unfortunately, some parts of the book where just not believable. Overall it was an OK read that had a lot of potential. I hope author takes this as constructive criticism and better develops her characters to match the dark theme of her books. Not sure yet if I will read the next book of this series.
I am struggling to review this book. On the one hand the story was pretty entertaining and somewhat intriguing. On the other hand the characters exhibited a lot of juvenile behavior, which did not mesh well with the dark parts of this story. There is also the issue of credibility. Unfortunately, some parts of the book where just not believable. Overall it was an OK read that had a lot of potential. I hope author takes this as constructive criticism and better develops her characters to match the dark theme of her books. Not sure yet if I will read the next book of this series.
February 7, 2022
This is the first in a new trilogy and what a thrilling start this tale is. Shat is visiting a college with some friends when they stumble upon something they should not have witnessed, and when she starts college, she starts to receive messages. Killian is one of the elites in a secret society, and he knows Shay witnesses something, but he is unsure what or how much she saw. This is a fast-paced story which is dark, raw, gritty, and with secrets, twists, suspense, drama, emotions, undeniable chemistry, complex characters, which leads to an intense and steamy addictive page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
January 15, 2022
The cover and blurb are absolutely misleading.
I did not expect a university bully romance.
The dark and captive part starts way past 50% and I kept wondering if I read the wrong blurb.
Might just me but the guy on the cover looks way older than Killian should be.
It's well written and I nearly feel bad for only giving 3* but honestly I wouldn't have touched the book if the blurb would have been more accurate. I only finished it because I kept waiting for the dark captive part. I am not even sure where the romance part was.
I did not expect a university bully romance.
The dark and captive part starts way past 50% and I kept wondering if I read the wrong blurb.
Might just me but the guy on the cover looks way older than Killian should be.
It's well written and I nearly feel bad for only giving 3* but honestly I wouldn't have touched the book if the blurb would have been more accurate. I only finished it because I kept waiting for the dark captive part. I am not even sure where the romance part was.
January 18, 2022
Gripping page turner...
Tension headache near the end & now I have to get the next in this series, gah...cliffhanger on steroids! Pretty certain this author cast a spell because I couldn't put the book down even for a comfort break! It was edgy, not everything was as it seemed, the villain was actually not that bad, & the heroine came to realise how good he was in the bedroom! Never saw the conclusion of this book#1 coming. Please don't keep us waiting too long Stella & thank you for the arc. This is my honest & voluntary review. Highly recommended.
Tension headache near the end & now I have to get the next in this series, gah...cliffhanger on steroids! Pretty certain this author cast a spell because I couldn't put the book down even for a comfort break! It was edgy, not everything was as it seemed, the villain was actually not that bad, & the heroine came to realise how good he was in the bedroom! Never saw the conclusion of this book#1 coming. Please don't keep us waiting too long Stella & thank you for the arc. This is my honest & voluntary review. Highly recommended.
February 5, 2022
Merciless Prince is book one in the Ruthless Elite series and is dark and suspenseful from beginning to end. Killian and Shay's story does have triggers so if you trigger easily this series might not be for you. But if you like the dark, twisted, and gritty then this is for you. Not only do we learn about Killian and Shay we also learn more about the elite society. This is a steamy story filled with intense chemistry, intrigue and so much more. After that cliffhanger ending, I can't wait to read the next book to find out what happens next. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
February 15, 2022
Wow!
This is such a well written, dark and thoroughly riveting story. Shay is an aspiring actress who has just started attending Bellingham college with her best friend Cori. A few weeks before, they had witnessed something that they shouldn’t have and Killian Knight is attending Bellingham waiting for Shay. He’s dark and twisted and determined to never let Shay go. But just when there’s light at the end of the tunnel, the story finishes on a curveball of a cliffhanger. Brilliant.
This is such a well written, dark and thoroughly riveting story. Shay is an aspiring actress who has just started attending Bellingham college with her best friend Cori. A few weeks before, they had witnessed something that they shouldn’t have and Killian Knight is attending Bellingham waiting for Shay. He’s dark and twisted and determined to never let Shay go. But just when there’s light at the end of the tunnel, the story finishes on a curveball of a cliffhanger. Brilliant.
January 14, 2022
I enjoyed this book and thought it was a rock-solid way to kick-off this new series. The story is dark, intense and suspenseful, and it captured and maintained my interest well. Shay and Killian are quite intriguing characters, and each of their interactions was gripping. I found their chemistry evident and the heat they generated steamy. I look forward to continuing their story in book two. This is my frank, freely posted review.
January 19, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, the characters and storyline, a few twists along the way, especially at the end (didn’t see that coming) I was confused that the prequel didn’t seem to fit in and make sense and then it did!
The only reason for not giving 5 stars was that it just felt very long, but really looking forward to reading the next book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The only reason for not giving 5 stars was that it just felt very long, but really looking forward to reading the next book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 14, 2022
This was a great intriguing book which captures your attention and submerges you into a dark and dangerous world, with twists and turns to keep you emerged and captivated. Suspenseful and full of secrets and drama.
This is part of a series and ends on a cliff hanger. I can't wait for the next book.
This is part of a series and ends on a cliff hanger. I can't wait for the next book.
January 17, 2022
Page Turning Suspense
Wow, with twists and turns all over the place, I could not turn the pages fast enough! Killian is hot but psychotic and Shay is lonely and trusting. The twist at the end I kinda saw coming but the one on the last page or two I did not! Great writing!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow, with twists and turns all over the place, I could not turn the pages fast enough! Killian is hot but psychotic and Shay is lonely and trusting. The twist at the end I kinda saw coming but the one on the last page or two I did not! Great writing!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 7, 2022
Okay, bring it on!
If you have triggers, don't bother! Seriously, it has some questionable themes. Oh and it ends in a cliffhanger!
Otherwise jump in and hold on. This is dark and messed up and twisty and sexy and, and...just yeah, hold on!
I'll not go into details so no plot is given away, but the characters are amazing as is the storyline!
ARC
If you have triggers, don't bother! Seriously, it has some questionable themes. Oh and it ends in a cliffhanger!
Otherwise jump in and hold on. This is dark and messed up and twisty and sexy and, and...just yeah, hold on!
I'll not go into details so no plot is given away, but the characters are amazing as is the storyline!
ARC
January 14, 2022
Following on from the prequel, shay finds herself doubting her own mind and finding a dark and dangerous world is closer to home than she would like. Fearing for herself and that of her friends, Shay steps deeper into the darkness that Killian creates. Amazing read.
January 15, 2022
Shay only thought she met crazy, and now it is official. She's engaged to crazy. She thought her biggest problem was Killian, but they say it is the quiet one to watch out for.
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.
March 14, 2022
loved it!
I love everything Stella writes and every time I see a new series I can’t wait to start reading it. This one is soo good and with a fantastic cliffhanger. Starting book 2 now!
I love everything Stella writes and every time I see a new series I can’t wait to start reading it. This one is soo good and with a fantastic cliffhanger. Starting book 2 now!
January 20, 2022
I’m loving Killian & Shay’s book. It’s an exciting & mysterious read. Can’t wait for more. I got a copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
February 21, 2022
good book
Would definitely read again, great 2nd book looking forward to the next one should be a good read. Lots of details and twists
Would definitely read again, great 2nd book looking forward to the next one should be a good read. Lots of details and twists
July 2, 2022
Wow!!
Shay and killians story is intense! Secrets, danger, heat, and amazing characters keep you glued to the pages!! What's next in the series?
Shay and killians story is intense! Secrets, danger, heat, and amazing characters keep you glued to the pages!! What's next in the series?
July 13, 2024
Wow, talk about a dramatic cliff hanger. Merciless Prince has both stalkers and serial killers wanting the same person. I'm rotting for the Knight.
September 15, 2025
Oh my goodness! Shay and Killian definitely had me on the edge of my seat! I couldn’t get enough of them! I’m definitely rooting for them! Can’t wait to see what happens next!
January 18, 2022
This was a great start to a new series! The story will pull you in from the very beginning. You won’t want this dark twisted story to end. I can’t wait to see where the next book takes us.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews