What do you think?
Rate this book
Ruthless Society #0.5
Ruthless Temptation
Professor Holmes is everything I can’t have.
He’s dark, ridiculously hot and enigmatic. Oh, and twenty-one years older than me.
My father’s promised my hand in marriage to the leader of our syndicate. Not only is falling for my professor scandalous, it could get us both killed.
Yet, every scorching touch, every good girl whispered from his lips, and each delicious dose of punishment leaves me begging for more. He’s all I can think about.
How long can we keep this our little secret?
Professor Holmes is everything I can’t have, but some rules are meant to be broken.
He’s dark, ridiculously hot and enigmatic. Oh, and twenty-one years older than me.
My father’s promised my hand in marriage to the leader of our syndicate. Not only is falling for my professor scandalous, it could get us both killed.
Yet, every scorching touch, every good girl whispered from his lips, and each delicious dose of punishment leaves me begging for more. He’s all I can think about.
How long can we keep this our little secret?
Professor Holmes is everything I can’t have, but some rules are meant to be broken.
134 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 20, 2022
22 people are currently reading
1150 people want to read
About the author
Raven Rage
8 books115 followersRaven is a dark romance author who writes about unhinged, possessive love interests and the BIPOC leads they are obsessed with. She favors the dark, demented and the deviant. Say her name three times on a full moon, and she might materialize in your room holding a copy of a half-written manuscript.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
June 23, 2022
A dark engagement
When Tara finds out she is to leave university to marry an abusive monster, she loses all sense of hope. She becomes withdrawn and stops caring about school—what does any of it mean now that her life is no longer her own? She neglects her studies and her classes, not caring for the consequences. After all, the worst that can happen has already happened.
A sweet punishment
But Professor Erik Holmes as other ideas. Tara is special, and he’s not about to let her get away with neglecting her work in his class. With his dark hair, his deep voice and his mysterious tattoos, he is equal parts irresistible and intimidating. Tara should have known better than to miss handing in one of his assignments, but when he summons her to his office to discuss her punishment, it’s not just fear she feels…
A tantalising tale
Ruthless Temptation is everything you’d want from a dark teacher/student romance. The characters are complex, and their chemistry jumps off the page; Tara is a fascinating mix of submissive, passionate and fiery, and Professor Holmes is dominant, intimidating and yet fiercely protective. This novella is full of tension, secrets and punishment, and the steamy scenes are absolutely to die for.
My only warning: don’t read in a public place—unless you’re planning on being turned on in public 🫣
When Tara finds out she is to leave university to marry an abusive monster, she loses all sense of hope. She becomes withdrawn and stops caring about school—what does any of it mean now that her life is no longer her own? She neglects her studies and her classes, not caring for the consequences. After all, the worst that can happen has already happened.
A sweet punishment
But Professor Erik Holmes as other ideas. Tara is special, and he’s not about to let her get away with neglecting her work in his class. With his dark hair, his deep voice and his mysterious tattoos, he is equal parts irresistible and intimidating. Tara should have known better than to miss handing in one of his assignments, but when he summons her to his office to discuss her punishment, it’s not just fear she feels…
A tantalising tale
Ruthless Temptation is everything you’d want from a dark teacher/student romance. The characters are complex, and their chemistry jumps off the page; Tara is a fascinating mix of submissive, passionate and fiery, and Professor Holmes is dominant, intimidating and yet fiercely protective. This novella is full of tension, secrets and punishment, and the steamy scenes are absolutely to die for.
My only warning: don’t read in a public place—unless you’re planning on being turned on in public 🫣
July 18, 2022
“I told myself that I could make it through the year, even when you waltzed into my classroom looking like you were just begging me to bend you over the table and fuck you senseless. I noticed every one of your attempts.” My mouth goes dry, but a wet heat pools in my belly. “This isn’t a fucking habit for me, Tara. It’s only you.”
What a read! This is a forbidden student/teacher romance book with elements of suspense and intrigue. I read Ruthless Chaos first. While both books are great, I prefer this one because of the forbidden aspect. Four stars!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What a read! This is a forbidden student/teacher romance book with elements of suspense and intrigue. I read Ruthless Chaos first. While both books are great, I prefer this one because of the forbidden aspect. Four stars!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 7, 2022
This was very cringe, first of the guy had a moustage. Second Tara was really fucking desperate for him it was really hard to read about that. Third, why did the author think that if someone if having a rough time that they immediately wear black lipstick?
July 9, 2022
This book is so good. I had already read the follow up to this book Ruthless Chaos, so I had a little bit of knowledge about some of these characters. This story sets the stage and I highly recommend you don’t follow my lead by reading the bigger story first, start with this book, it won’t take you long and you’ll be glad you did. I really love Tara, so to get a chance to read more about her is fantastic and I hope she’s an even bigger player in the next RC book, or it would be even better if she gets her own spin-off series.
5 ⭐️s= Perfect story, exciting, engrossing, well developed complex characters, solid plot with few to no holes, descriptive environments and place settings, great mystery elements, realistic dialogue, believable reactions and behaviors, loved this story so much I’d buy it.
4 ⭐️s= Great story, highly entertaining and enjoyable, exciting storyline, well developed characters and settings, a few discrepancies but nothing that can’t be overlooked. Believable actions and reactions, realistic dialogue, a book I would consider buying.
3 ⭐️s= Good but not great story, noticeable discrepancies, grammatical and or spelling errors, undeveloped characters or unbelievable behaviors but still readable. Nothing majorly wrong with the story, just not interesting enough for me to continue. Would not buy the book.
2 ⭐️s= Not offended by the story, but not interested enough to finish. Unbelievable characters, poor writing, many mistakes, big holes or discrepancies, many spelling or grammatical errors, characters not believable, unlikeable or TSTL.
1 ⭐️= Offensive, extremely poor writing, horrible characters, victimization, gaslighting, blatant abuse, unnecessary violence, child endangerment, or any other highly objectionable behaviors by Main characters. Would never buy this book, and do not recommend it to anyone.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5 ⭐️s= Perfect story, exciting, engrossing, well developed complex characters, solid plot with few to no holes, descriptive environments and place settings, great mystery elements, realistic dialogue, believable reactions and behaviors, loved this story so much I’d buy it.
4 ⭐️s= Great story, highly entertaining and enjoyable, exciting storyline, well developed characters and settings, a few discrepancies but nothing that can’t be overlooked. Believable actions and reactions, realistic dialogue, a book I would consider buying.
3 ⭐️s= Good but not great story, noticeable discrepancies, grammatical and or spelling errors, undeveloped characters or unbelievable behaviors but still readable. Nothing majorly wrong with the story, just not interesting enough for me to continue. Would not buy the book.
2 ⭐️s= Not offended by the story, but not interested enough to finish. Unbelievable characters, poor writing, many mistakes, big holes or discrepancies, many spelling or grammatical errors, characters not believable, unlikeable or TSTL.
1 ⭐️= Offensive, extremely poor writing, horrible characters, victimization, gaslighting, blatant abuse, unnecessary violence, child endangerment, or any other highly objectionable behaviors by Main characters. Would never buy this book, and do not recommend it to anyone.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 27, 2022
“Why?” My voice comes out as a sob, and my eyes burn. “Please,” I say. I’m not above begging for him to give me this. “I’ll do anything.” His eyes glint wickedly. “Be careful of the promises you make. You will not come this time,” he says. “This is your punishment.” “I chose for you,” he says. “If you want me to make you come, you’ll start showing up early to my class, dressed the way I like.”
Ruthless Temptation is a taboo teacher student novella. It fell short for me as there was nothing of real substance to hold my attention. I skipped pages of s3x scenes as they became boring. Tara finds out her family has arranged a marriage with her childhood tormentor who is now the head of the Colombian Cartel. Her professor notes the change in her behaviour and calls her out for punishment. He whispers that he overheard a conversation that revealed her crush on him. Like a good girl she is only too eager to please him.
Ruthless Temptation is a taboo teacher student novella. It fell short for me as there was nothing of real substance to hold my attention. I skipped pages of s3x scenes as they became boring. Tara finds out her family has arranged a marriage with her childhood tormentor who is now the head of the Colombian Cartel. Her professor notes the change in her behaviour and calls her out for punishment. He whispers that he overheard a conversation that revealed her crush on him. Like a good girl she is only too eager to please him.
July 3, 2022
Taboo, Darkish Romance
This book is about Tara and Professor Holmes from 2 years prior to when Ruthless Chaos is set. Here we are introduced to Tara and Cassandra and see what led to the breakdown of their friendship. We also see how Tara and the ‘good’ professor come to be. This is a short, hot story that leaves you rooting for this couple. I love the devotion Erik has for Tara and the lengths he is willing to go for her. I feel that there must be another book about these two in the future based on what we read about them in Ruthless Chaos!
I describe this book as darkish because the themes revolving around this world and some of the storylines in the book have dark elements, however, the book does not delve deeply into them. There are also hints of some DD/lg elements as well. I love this author’s writing!!! I can’t wait to read more from her!!!!
This book is about Tara and Professor Holmes from 2 years prior to when Ruthless Chaos is set. Here we are introduced to Tara and Cassandra and see what led to the breakdown of their friendship. We also see how Tara and the ‘good’ professor come to be. This is a short, hot story that leaves you rooting for this couple. I love the devotion Erik has for Tara and the lengths he is willing to go for her. I feel that there must be another book about these two in the future based on what we read about them in Ruthless Chaos!
I describe this book as darkish because the themes revolving around this world and some of the storylines in the book have dark elements, however, the book does not delve deeply into them. There are also hints of some DD/lg elements as well. I love this author’s writing!!! I can’t wait to read more from her!!!!
November 12, 2022
Raven did amazing with this forbidden professor/student romance! This little novella packs a punch, tons of steam and I couldn’t stop myself from devouring it in one sitting.
Tara is a sweet soul that has her world ripped out from beneath her when past demons come back demanding her hand in an arranged marriage her father can’t refuse.
Professor Holmes (aka Erik) is an intelligent man who doesn’t tolerate slacking in his class and takes what he wants.
I love how Raven wrote this - it’s fast paced and Professor Holmes is 🥵🥵🥵. I really enjoy how she developed the character while keeping a certain air of mystery. The only things keeping me from giving this five stars is Raven could’ve added a little more background to the professor and expanded the plot a little more, but I overall I am happy with this delicious quick read and will be checking her other works.
Tara is a sweet soul that has her world ripped out from beneath her when past demons come back demanding her hand in an arranged marriage her father can’t refuse.
Professor Holmes (aka Erik) is an intelligent man who doesn’t tolerate slacking in his class and takes what he wants.
I love how Raven wrote this - it’s fast paced and Professor Holmes is 🥵🥵🥵. I really enjoy how she developed the character while keeping a certain air of mystery. The only things keeping me from giving this five stars is Raven could’ve added a little more background to the professor and expanded the plot a little more, but I overall I am happy with this delicious quick read and will be checking her other works.
January 19, 2023
This novella is part of the Ruthless Society series, dark and steamy. Tara is a student at SFU, school for Kingmakers, mafia kids, and others that need to "disappear" from society for protection. Her father tells her that she is to be married to the mafia don who violated her years ago. She knows there is no way out without risking her life and the lives of her family. Professor Erik Holmes is her Psych professor. He notices a change in her behavior and appearance. When he demands her to stay after class, things really heat up from there. So many tropes that I love in this one - age gap, student/teacher, arranged marriage, mafia... a dark romance cocktail. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 19, 2023
I recieved this as an ARC read in exchange for my honest review.
I would give this story a 3.5/5 ⭐️ for the story and 4/5 🌶️ for the spice.
I think this is the perfect book to dive into taboo (professor x student), agr gap, or mob genre of smut books.
This was fast paced book, the spice scenes did just the trick and overall an enjoyable introduction into Raven Rage’s writing style.
This made me really interested in seeing what their other books entail and how they develop relationships especially in longer books.
A perfect introduction to this author and super excited to see what else they have in store!
I would give this story a 3.5/5 ⭐️ for the story and 4/5 🌶️ for the spice.
I think this is the perfect book to dive into taboo (professor x student), agr gap, or mob genre of smut books.
This was fast paced book, the spice scenes did just the trick and overall an enjoyable introduction into Raven Rage’s writing style.
This made me really interested in seeing what their other books entail and how they develop relationships especially in longer books.
A perfect introduction to this author and super excited to see what else they have in store!
August 26, 2022
Ok, normally I'm not drawn to age gap type stories. However, this book changed my opinion on the matter. Erik's control and intensity was fire. Tara was not too naive and not too strong, I found her a perfect balance true to her age.
I loved their chemistry and more importantly loved their story. I'd gladly read more about these two!
I highly recommend for a hot,enjoyable quick read that leaves you wanting more! This author is quickly becoming one of my favorites.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved their chemistry and more importantly loved their story. I'd gladly read more about these two!
I highly recommend for a hot,enjoyable quick read that leaves you wanting more! This author is quickly becoming one of my favorites.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 29, 2022
Honestly my biggest gripe with this story was that I wanted it to be so much more. This is one of my favorite tropes ever and I literally loved every second that they were building tension and cashing in on that tension! I just hate how rushed novellas can feel and when it's a super hot couple like these two, it didn't seem fair to not get more of their story. Also, I wanted to know more about the backstory - the ties to the SFU universe were clear, but I wanted more of the drama.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 14, 2022
Raven Rage's books are always fun to read. Ruthless Temptation follows after the teacher/student relationship of the friend from the big novels in Ruthless Society.
Regardless of who it is, this book was quite good. i really liked the mafia's expectations of her and then how she fell in love with the "wrong" person... the ending was actually quite great to, seeing as I've read the other two books first in the series, and yes they have some correlation on the story of this character, even though it's not the main focus.
Great job, and I await for the next book in the installments.
Regardless of who it is, this book was quite good. i really liked the mafia's expectations of her and then how she fell in love with the "wrong" person... the ending was actually quite great to, seeing as I've read the other two books first in the series, and yes they have some correlation on the story of this character, even though it's not the main focus.
Great job, and I await for the next book in the installments.
January 23, 2023
I thought this was a steamy hot taboo romance. Tara crushes on Professor Holmes (Erik) though is dealing with some unhappy news from home. Erik is attracted to Tara and realizes that something is wrong one day and speaks to Tara about it. This forbidden romance has a little bit of suspense, and is entertaining though I felt that there could’ve been a little more explanation about certain events.
I received a free advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest review.
I received a free advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest review.
July 2, 2022
Hot Student - Professor story.
Heat: 7/10
Emotion 6/10
Story: 6/10
Characters: 7/10
Interest:7/10
Pov: Heroine's pov
No cliffhanger
Nice short story. Not much character development, not much drama. Hot and Steamy taboo professor-student romance with a touch of mafia feeling.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Heat: 7/10
Emotion 6/10
Story: 6/10
Characters: 7/10
Interest:7/10
Pov: Heroine's pov
No cliffhanger
Nice short story. Not much character development, not much drama. Hot and Steamy taboo professor-student romance with a touch of mafia feeling.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 8, 2022
4.5 Stars
This was a great book. I enjoyed the taboo forbidden romance in this book but also the touch of Mafia that came through as well. I really enjoyed this book with the darkness and steam that Tara and Erik had. I am looking forward to more books in this series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a great book. I enjoyed the taboo forbidden romance in this book but also the touch of Mafia that came through as well. I really enjoyed this book with the darkness and steam that Tara and Erik had. I am looking forward to more books in this series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 14, 2022
I was so excited to read this book and see the backstory of Erik and Tara. You can definitely feel the passion between them. I absolutely loved this book, it was a page turner! I definitely recommend this book and the series it goes with.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 1, 2022
I absolutely loved this story. Raven really knows how to write strong male leads and she didn't disappoint with this one. I fell in love with both main characters since they first interact with one another from and the steam is out of control fabulous! Definitely would recommend this book and can’t wait to read the remaining books in the series.
October 20, 2022
Wow This is a brand new author to me I got this book review As An ARC absolutely loved it short But it's sets of the scene for her new series which I'm currently reading I liked the story building I hope the other books Show a little bit more about Tara and Eric the world Raven has created is,
very intriguing I definitely recommend the start to the series
very intriguing I definitely recommend the start to the series
November 14, 2022
Wow!! What a fantastic book filled with tons of forbidden heat and steam. I devoured the book and loved the characters Tara and Erik captivated me with their chemistry. Great job done by rhe author on this one and look forward to seeing this couple again in future books!!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 17, 2022
This is my first book form this author definitely won’t be my that’s for sure. I devoured this in this in go I couldn’t put it down wanting to know what happens next . I don’t want give anything away but if you into Dark , twisted, age gap ,
Steamy then this book is for you . I can’t wait for Ruthless Chaos
Steamy then this book is for you . I can’t wait for Ruthless Chaos
December 14, 2022
Holy hottest age gap, professor/student, mafia, forbidden romance, spicy hell!
I thoroughly enjoyed this novella, it served all the juicy plot points in a short read to hit that spot. I would have liked a little more development around Tara as she felt a little one dimensional but it didn't ruin the story for me.
This is a "read it for the spice" kinda book and I loved it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novella, it served all the juicy plot points in a short read to hit that spot. I would have liked a little more development around Tara as she felt a little one dimensional but it didn't ruin the story for me.
This is a "read it for the spice" kinda book and I loved it.
February 2, 2023
What an absolute thrilling page turner! Tara and Erik have an intense and undeniable chemistry regardless of the age-gap. There's plenty of passion with some twists and turns thrown in too. Enjoy this forbidden spicy romance!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 16, 2023
Short and spicy(ish)! This is a little novella with a little darkness and a lotta steam between a forbidden student/teacher relationship with a good sized age gap. I haven't read any other books in this series yet so I'm excited to see how this adds into the storyline.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 30, 2022
Another fantastic instalment in the Ruthless Society. Deliciously dark and dangerous, not for the fainthearted. Great characters, and a well written storyline. Would recommend.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 17, 2022
What can I say about the mistress of chaos, she's managed to right an amazing story again! I was already hooked from the first chapter. The story between Tara and professor Holmes was steamy and full of intrigue. I loved the story and wished it hadn't ended, but it was an amazing story!!!
August 26, 2022
I absolutely love this author. I got introduced to this author through the first book in the series and I was hooked from page 1. This prequel did the exact same thing & I just cannot get enough of this world & these characters! 100/5 stars ⭐️
August 28, 2022
I just love the student teacher romance trope. It's something about the forbidden that really gets me going. The secrets in here are dark and hot. Professor Holmes is tempting. Tara is a really great character.
September 7, 2022
I was so excited to read this book and see the backstory of Erik and Tara. You can definitely feel the passion between them. Pre warning this book is a novella, read Ruthless Chaos first.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 18, 2023
This one was enjoyable but honestly if it had more context on who he actually was and more into that it would of easily been 5⭐️ for me.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 23, 2022
I enjoyed professor Erik & Tara's story. It was an entertaining, fun read. I got a copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews