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Ruthless Desires #4

Wretched Corruption

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Elliot, Rhett, and Oliver have accepted a job that will bring them closer to taking down their number one enemy. After spending some time prioritizing their relationship, the guys and Wren head to Florida to guard Ludo Holloway’s fiancée. Barely recovered from her kidnapping, Wren is fighting through the aftereffects of what Jordan did to her. She’s determined to overcome her fears, but she’s struggling to find her limits. The guys want to help, but they’re not sure how to support her without overstepping.

As the guys’ job progresses, they realize Ludo has big plans for them. The problem is, they’re not sure why. And the closer they get to figuring things out, the more questions they end up with. While trying to gain more information on Ludo, secrets are kept and others are revealed. Elliot, Rhett, Oliver, and Wren soon find themselves right where Ludo wants them. If they can’t figure a way out, lives could be lost. The four of them come to one to get through this, they’ll all need each other—and maybe a few others.

Wretched Corruption is the fourth book in the Ruthless Desires Series. It's a dark MMMF polyamorous/why choose romance book that contains high heat and dark themes. Please check the Before You Read section at the beginning of the book for more information.

267 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 28, 2023

580 people are currently reading
3532 people want to read

About the author

Elira Firethorn

16 books914 followers
Elira Firethorn is an author of dark, steamy, suspenseful romance. Writing has been her passion since she was fourteen years old, and it continues to be her favorite pastime—aside from reading.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
Profile Image for Bookish Meag &#x1fa75;.
234 reviews101 followers
August 8, 2023
“Kindness is my type, and you fit that perfectly,”

Wretched Corruption is book four of the Ruthless Desires series by Elira Firethorn. This book picks up shortly after book three ended. This is getting so good and I’m fully invested. I can’t wait for the release of the next two books. I think I could read this series forever. Elira you are an amazing author. I’m completely entrapped by the world you created.

“You’re asking for trouble.”
“Give me hell.”

This book has more of a plot, it still has some spicy scenes but less compared to the other books. The scenes it has are hot and steamy. I love that this one has more character development and growth of the storyline. We get are first sign of trouble in the group between all four of them and how they work out the issue, Wren kept some important information from them.

“You have someone willing to fund your reading habit, and you’re saying no? Honey, do you know how expensive books are?” They gesture to my books on the counter. “Especially hardcovers.”

I am enjoying reading this series and getting to continue to follow Wren’s, Elliot’s, Rhett’s and Oliver’s journey. These books are MMMF/Reverse Harem, and dark romance.

Book five and six are not out until later this year. I can’t wait to pick this series back up.

Make sure your aware of the trigger warnings before reading.

TW:
Emotional: anxiety attack/flashback, reliving childhood trauma (emotional abuse and neglect, death of a young sibling, police corruption) and dealing with the aftereffects, suicidal thoughts in the past, internalized misogyny, fear of water, running anxious thoughts, aversion to vulnerability, skipping meals (due to anxiety/lack of appetite), feelings of unworthiness, and infidelity (not between the MCs, in backstory). Physical: insomnia, threats of torture, violence, and a threat to a child’s safety. Sexual: degradation, bondage, impact play, spitting, semi-public sex, domination and submission, and roughness.

Happy Reading 🖤
Profile Image for Garima Dhanawat ^♡^.
111 reviews2 followers
February 24, 2023
In Elira's book you never have to worry about the smut...she makes sure we get all the juicy bits regularly...My bad boys take such good care of our girl Wren...They are hot, sexy, and just perfect...

In my personal opinion this was not on the level that she usually writes. It was more on story building than action. But nonetheless...to understand the next part this is a must read.

So don't just read the reviews...Go and read...
Profile Image for elara.
231 reviews14 followers
February 11, 2024
i haven’t read a lot of reverse harem/why choose books because they’re not my favorite but THIS SERIES WILL ALWAYS BE MY FOREVER EXCEPTION. THESE PEOPLE ARE MY FAMILY.
Profile Image for Rhi.
384 reviews2 followers
March 30, 2025
The suspense in this book is insane! We are really getting to THAT POINT of the story now, and I was hanging on for dear life the entire time 🙇‍♀️ Every chapter had me gripping my book like it personally offended me. The tension was nearly unbearable from time to time and my emotional stability gone, istg 😭😭

And the friendship aspect in this book? 😭🙌 Listen, I am absolutely feral for the romance (these main characters own my soul) but the female friendship in this book?? I love seeing the fmc outside of her romantic relationship, growing, struggling, and bonding in ways that make everything feel so much richer. It makes the world feel real, and it makes me love her even more.

If Elira Firethorn keeps writing like this, I may not survive the next book. But oh, what a way to go 😮‍💨
Profile Image for Jenn Reads .
104 reviews18 followers
March 13, 2023
Book 4 of 6 I believe.
This was the least enjoyable.
It's very character driven with little forward movement in the plot. I respect the focus on trauma healing and developing communication techniques.
The spice is still there, but this definitely felt like filler.
If you're looking for a great MMMF why choose I'd still rec this series, but maybe hold off reading this book til the next comes out. 😉
Profile Image for Ivy.
156 reviews6 followers
February 20, 2023
Such a great addition to the series! One of my favorite aspects was getting to see more of the smaller dynamics within their group relationship, like Rhett and Ell. Their spicy scene together was fantastic, as always, but it also gave a lot of depth to their connection and dynamic.

The story was also amazing! Every book I’m more and more invested in how the boys are going to take down Ludo. We get to see a lot of new players in this book too, and I’m excited to see how they’re going to play into the last two parts of the series.

I don’t want to spoil the story for anyone, because it gets VERY juicy, but it’s an absolute must read!
Profile Image for eclair &#x1f9f8;&#x1f90e;☕️.
26 reviews1 follower
April 28, 2023
Honestly… the plot thickens and i love it (but im also hella scared)

Can’t wait for book five and six to see what happens.
But tbh some of the spice scenes made me laugh so hard😭 like how can one even position themselves like that💀?

Anyhow def recommend this series to anyone who wants a quick MMFM (or however you type it) kinky read..

Bye im gonna go rethink my life choices
Profile Image for Michèle .
386 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2023
This book honestly felt like a FILLER !

Having to wait 2 months for the next release makes it so much worst 🥲
Profile Image for Kendra Way.
106 reviews
February 16, 2023
**ARC review**
As a huge fan of the other books in this series, I was absolutely stoked to receive an ARC for an honest review.
Wretched Corruption is the 4th book in this series and while it lives up to the same hype I would give the other 3, there are some differences.

This book seems to be more plot heavy than the others, which isn’t a negative, just something to note. Given there’s a lot of ground to cover, I think this should be expected.
There was still spice in this book but it felt different and I couldn’t initially put my finger on it, but ultimately I think the scenes are just shorter than in the other books. Again, this really isn’t a negative, but I’ll admit one of my favorite parts of the other books is the length and detail that went into those scenes. For me, that’s part of what separated this series from others. Pertaining to the spice, something I love that this author seems to do in almost every book, is a foreshadowing of a spicy scene! It’s happened in the last 3 where something is casually mentioned and then happens later on, I’m hoping we get to see Elliot’s suggestion/comment between Wren and Oliver play out in the next book… maybe with El and Rhett watching? 🥵 TBH I’d also love to see that happen between Wren and Elliot as well *swoon*

We see some new characters this book which I loved! Aubrey was fun and I’m hoping we see more of her and she and Wren can remain friends somehow in a future book. Andrew isn’t a new character and while he’s just a kid, his behavior makes him very unlikable at the moment for me. I’m hoping once we see more of him that changes.

Lastly, and the only part of the book I truly didn’t enjoy, was the fighting. It seemed forced because of what it was about. Given the guys know and understand the need for boundaries around Wrens trauma, it doesn’t make sense that Rhett would be upset she withheld information that, from what I can grasp, doesn’t ultimately effect their plan for Ludo. I would think they would respect the judgement call she made, given they all eventually agreed with it. The fact they kept saying she “lied” didn’t sit well with me. I enjoyed the reality of showing an argument, I just don’t think it was realistic given what we know about all of our characters personalities. I think the other reactions from Wren were on brand as far as not feeling forgiven, and the entire situation definitely plucked at my heart strings, I just wish they’d fought about something else.

Overall, if I had to rank it, I think this would be my least favorite of the series, but that’s truly because it’s a different vibe than the others; not because it’s bad at all. The others in the series are more heated, there’s more chemistry, and it’s more smut based. This book has more plot, new characters to meet, and more stress for the characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Christina (Christina's Book Corner).
907 reviews180 followers
October 29, 2023
October 24-29

Elliot, Rhett, and Oliver have accepted a job that will bring them closer to taking down their number one enemy. After spending some time prioritizing their relationship, the guys and Wren head to Florida to guard Ludo Holloway’s fiancée.

Barely recovered from her kidnapping, Wren is fighting through the aftereffects of what Jordan did to her. She’s determined to overcome her fears, but she’s struggling to find her limits. The guys want to help, but they’re not sure how to support her without overstepping.

As the guys’ job progresses, they realize Ludo has big plans for them. The problem is, they’re not sure why. And the closer they get to figuring things out, the more questions they end up with.

While trying to gain more information on Ludo, secrets are kept and others are revealed. Elliot, Rhett, Oliver, and Wren soon find themselves right where Ludo wants them. If they can’t figure a way out, lives could be lost.

The four of them come to one conclusion: to get through this, they’ll all need each other—and maybe a few others.


Review : love this series

The guys get hired by Ludo to bodyguard his fiancé Aubrey.

Wren is still dealing with the trauma of being drowned and is still afraid of water


Wren forms a friendship with Aubrey. Aubrey is only getting married to Ludo to have her parents protected


The spice in this book so hot I love all these men.

The kid that gave Wren the blanket Andrew is Rhett brother and he also has a younger brother to .

They are so close to taking Ludo down .

Quote

because I don’t really have a good excuse. The cashier gives me a bewildered look. “You have someone willing to fund your reading habit, and you’re saying no? Honey, do you know how expensive books are?” They gesture to my books on the counter. “Especially hardcovers.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ari Taylor.
131 reviews6 followers
June 29, 2023
Wretched Corruption

I love how they get longer and more detailed. Elira lets imagine the men however we want. This book is a time snatcher. It will suck you in. It has world and character building. It is so so good, I definitely recommend 18+ please read CW!
Profile Image for lil_tunataco.
119 reviews
February 15, 2023
First of all, thanks for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Second of all, Elira did her thing again. I👏just 👏love👏these👏characters👏so 👏 much. Easily one of the best "why-choose" romance books I've read. This book revealed more about Rhett than any of the previous books have and I'd been dying to know more about him. More secrets revealed and it had me curious. Wren, sweetie, you're doing amazing 🤳 📸

And obviously, the smut was 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 😗🤌
Profile Image for Ara.
70 reviews13 followers
February 16, 2023
{ARC Review}
I want to thank, miss Elira Firethorn for sending me this arc in exchange for an honest review. I was beyond elated to receive this arc, this is my comfort series for so many reasons, again thank you!

Here are a list of Trigger Warnings as well as the blurb: https://www.elirafirethorn.com/wretch...

POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD.

Where do I begin? I just love Oliver, Rhett, Elliot and Wren so much. I love their dynamic & their way of loving each-other so passionately and fiercely. The way they’d all die for one another, no questions or doubts. They just all fit together, like puzzle pieces.

I want to take a moment to appreciate the detail that went into describing Wren’s anxiety/panic attack, the moment she stood in front of that sink full of water. There’s so many of us, unfortunately, that know too well what it’s like to be paralyzed with fear and the little relief it is to get those (hard to get) breaths in. Seeing Wren fight herself to overcome her trauma, was very emotional and I felt like a proud mother in those moments of braveness.

Ludo *side eye*, called her cowardice, but she proved him and herself otherwise. She is brave. And like the guys told her repeatedly, she is allowed to feel what she feels, she allowed to take however long it takes to get comfortable around water, there’s no need to force it. I just love how supportive and patient they are with her—and with each other.

Side note: I’d like someone to fuck the anxiety out of me too, preferably Rhett as well LOL.

Speaking of Rhett, I thoroughly enjoyed watching him come out of his shell a little bit more in this book. He didn’t even realize it, but he was a lot more affectionate this time around than the last 3 books, and I love seeing that. I know he’s got demons he’s fighting, but I love seeing the others ground him and be patient with him. Seeing him opening up to wren, that moment of trust between them, it was emotional and my heart broke for him. I love their love for each other, all four of them.


Oliver fighting his insecurities. It’s a daily battle I know too well. “Self-expression is nothing to be ashamed of.” I love Rhett and Wren for letting Oliver know how okay it is to be yourself and how loved you are no matter what. That he didn’t have to hide a part of who is for them to love him more. It’s the reassurance I wish so many people out there, including myself, had.

As for Aubrey, I don’t know how I feel about her yet but I’m going to trust her for now. I like her friendship with Wren and I hope it’s truly genuine.

ANDREW?
Now that was a plot twist I didn’t see coming! I’m still processing all of it. And I have so many questions! For example is he the rat??? And Why?
Ahh I cant wait to see how this all unfolds!


Now here are some of my favorite quotes:

“Sometimes just being there is enough,”… “Especially when it comes to healing. You can’t make someone do that.”

“Pretty? You’re a piece of art all on your own, love. But seeing you in my favorite color? It does something to me I can’t even describe. All I can think about is fucking devouring you. Touching you.” My head dips down, and I kiss her neck before saying lowly in her ear, “Making you scream for the whole museum to hear.”

With a gulp, I focus on his eyes. I used to dream about getting lost in them when we were younger. There’s so much to them. Like how they soften and somehow pull me in whenever he looks at me, or how they sparkle when he gets that stupid grin on his face. There’s so much depth, so much care, just in this one part of him. Fuck. This man can put me in a goddamn chokehold just by looking at me. No touch required.

“Good Girl” (this just does things to me and I know I’m not the only one lol)

“I don’t care about the total, love. Spend however much you want. And keep the card.” ( I wish I had someone who would let me do this 😭)

“She inspired me.” Aubrey taps the cover of her book, which is now sitting in my lap. “The woman I found as I poured my heart out onto paper. I realized I could actually disappear.”


BE SURE TO PRE ORDER YOUR COPY OF WRETCHED CORRUPTION, AVAILABLE 2/28/23!!
Profile Image for Dasani86.
2 reviews
February 17, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

Advanced Reader Copy REVIEW 🪷
SPOILER FREE

First and foremost.. Thank you Elira for sending me an early copy of your newest work! I loved it from start to finish and can’t wait to see what you have in store for the next two <3

I thoroughly enjoyed every second I spent reading this book, and just like the past three, it left me wanting to read more!! Getting to see Rhett’s POV is honestly my favorite aspect of each book, as I know he struggles with being affectionate. Seeing deeper into his mindset and knowing how hard he’s trying for the others is so heart warming.

These four have honestly become my comfort characters over the last year and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Elliot with his wits and comforting touches, Oliver opening up more to expressing himself care-free, Rhett being the best kind of overprotective over each of them, and Wren, who is in my opinion not a coward at all and has proven herself time and time again. (*AHEM* Ludo..) Her fear of water is nothing to be ashamed of especially given the reason behind it. She’s such a brave soul and has the best support system I’ve ever seen. The way they take care of each other has me in a million pieces by now, and I’m 100% here for it!! I relate to each character and have built deep connections with them in my own way, making each book more special than the last as I read through their story.

Learning more about what happened to Sammy was extremely heartbreaking and I can’t imagine the type of pain they each must feel. Ludo will get what’s coming to him, I have no doubt about that and although it’ll be challenging, all four of them are capable!

The spice… don’t even get me started.. I loved every scene and was definitely satisfied by the end of each one.. All I can say is, Ms. Firethorn KNOWSSSS what she’s doing and I hope she creates more enticing series’ for us in the future when Ruthless Desires is finished <3

My favorite quotes.. 🪷
~ “She deserves justice.”
“So do you. And I’m here with you every step of the way until you have it” (Wren / Rhett)

~ “Pretty? You’re a piece of art all on your own, love.” (Elliot)

~ “Sometimes just being there is enough.. Especially when it comes to healing. You can’t make someone do that.”

~ “Kindness is my type. And you fit that perfectly..”
Profile Image for filipa:).
195 reviews
March 5, 2023
this book. oh my lord.

i dont think i am able to put into words how much of a wreck ive been left after finishing this freaking literary masterpiece.

everything about this was so good and i would give anything to be able to read all these 4 books for the first time all over again.

i know there are 2 more books coming out this year but goddamnit i just love them so much.

elira did such an amzing job writing these books and i am completely and utterly in love with them.

the characters are so amazing i forget that they arent even real, they just feel like real people you know? at least to me they do and i already miss them although i just freakinv finished the book.

i dont think you understand my obsession with these 4 people, they are the best ever and reading this book and being able to read about these characters again felt like i was being wrapped with a huge and fuzzy blanket.

the way that wren’s healing is portaited is so freaking beautiful and she is such a strong and brave person i really love her with all my heart.

also, rhett being so much more affectionate in this book warmed my little heart so very much, it was something i wasn’t expecting but also im not complaining that it happened because we got to see this side of rhett that is so much deeper than anything ever.

elliot and oliver they, i have no words because my love for them runs so deep. they are literally the best supporters in the entire world and i feel like they just want whats best for everyone.

i just want the nest book right now because i am already missing them so much.
Profile Image for Lucile *:・.
74 reviews5 followers
March 7, 2023
♡ First of all, I wanted to thank the author for sending me an ARC of her book!!! I'm so honored ♡

⚠ Be sure to check the TW before reading this book. The topics aborded are not for everyone. Respect your boundaries if you think this book might trigger you. ⚠

♡ Tropes:
• Why Choose
• Dark themes
• MMMF
• Multiple POV
• Spicy
• Kinky
• Healing from trauma
• Mild cliffhanger

♡ As always, Elira's books are absolutely incredible!!! I don't even know how to explain this, but I fell in love with the characters nearly instantly. They're so touching, cute, and respectful to each other!! I think this is one of the reasons that made me fall in love so hard with this series: how communication, trust, respect, and consent are so important, put at the center of their relationship.
 
♡ This book was absolutely perfect. I wouldn't say it was my favourite because I just cannot tell between all of them as they are all so good, but it clearly surpassed my expectations. I took so much time to finish this book, and I kind of wish I had read it in one sitting because I love doing so. But I just cannot. This is the fourth book in the series, which means there are still two other books to read about these amazing characters, but it also means there are only two more books before this series ends. And I am so not ready to leave them... Anyway, I'll stop speaking (or writing?) so much, but the only thing to remember is that this book got me in a chokehold. What was this plot twist?! I was so not prepared for it!!! But it only made me even more impatient to read the rest of their story!
Profile Image for Isabella Crea.
5 reviews
February 18, 2023
I just wanted to say a big thank you to the author Elira Firethorn for letting me be one of her arc readers for Wretched Corruption. Just a little warning I will try not to spoil the book in my review but you’ve been warned.

Overall, Wretched Corruption was by far one of my favorite books in this series. The twists and turns in this book weren’t as drastic in this book as the others. However, it all came together in the end. The introduction of new characters really added to the plot and I can’t wait to see how the plot develops with these new characters. As for the spice… 10/10 it was so steamy and good. I wouldn’t recommend this series for anyone under the age of 18 due to the content but if you feel like a dark romance reverse harem is what you need then definitely give this book a chance. I am really hoping we get to see more one on one scenes between Rhett and Wren. I’d love to see more of Rhetts emotions within the next two books since he has been opening up and showing affection more.

I’d recommend this series for anyone who likes dark romance but also likes to read shorter books with a good plot line. This is my honest review of this book so if you don't agree then that is okay.
Profile Image for Kayleigh.
92 reviews
February 28, 2023
This is one of my favorite why choose series that I’ve read! I love how different the four of them are but how well they work together. I really can’t pick a favorite of the four (yes, including Wren) so don’t even ask me to 💀
I really enjoyed how the plot with Ludo progressed but I cannot wait to see that asshole go down 😒
Oh and the plot twist with a certain person from book 3??? GIRL. Shocked was an understatement. The fly on the wall watching me probably loved my face when I read that part!
AND DONT FORGET THE SPICE🥵
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ folks. F I V E. Elira knows what she’s doing. We’ll leave it at that👌🏻
If you like why choose/mmmf/kink/touch any of them and you’re done/side of sweetness (and more that I’m probably forgetting) don’t sleep on this series folks!
Thank you SO MUCH to Elira Firethorn for an ARC! I can’t wait for Ruthless Desires 5! ❤️‍🔥😮‍💨🫡
Profile Image for Natasha Allen.
617 reviews15 followers
March 1, 2023
Ok so I feel very mixed about this book!! I was so super excited about this release, I even put a reminder in my calendar. However my first gripe was that it was previously lead to believe that this was to be the final book. Now two more have been listed.

Then there were elements of this story where I got so frustrated! With Wren with Rhett, like come on!! For guys that are meant to be these amazing assassins sometimes they don’t use their brains!!!

I still really love these characters, and they’ve worked their way into my heart, but I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the others!
Profile Image for Emily Jorgensen.
65 reviews1 follower
March 1, 2023
This is my favorite reverse harem/ why choose series by far. I love that she’s with all the guys but I love that the guys are all with each other separately too!! So refreshingly different from most RHs where it’s all about the female MC. This one was more plot heavy but the spice was in NO way lacking!! 17 stars for all the spice. Can’t wait to see how this wraps up in the next books.
Profile Image for Adriana Camacho.
173 reviews2 followers
April 1, 2024
STOP THE SMUT GETS BETTER. THE "SPIT ON ME" HAS ME ON A CHOKEHOLD. also the plot gets even better with each book. i was scared of how everything was going to pan out but it worked great at the end. im so excited to what happens next, now that they got one more ally.
Profile Image for Jude ❦.
126 reviews1 follower
June 9, 2023
4/5

I enjoyed this book so much. Wren's relationship with the boys and how they take care of her is so freakin cute.

I love this series so much, I can't wait for books 5 and 6!!
Profile Image for Jocelyn .
77 reviews1 follower
June 19, 2023
Oh no no no no fuck no.
Reading a series and realising it’s not finished sucks 😭😭 I hate this oh man I thought it’s completed

One thing needs to be said again tho
Rhett 🔛🔝 🤭
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