Ruthless Billionaire: 50 Loving States, Connecticut

Holt: Ruthless Duet #2

by Theodora Taylor

Forbidden Love...

Holt Calson was born with an 11-figure spoon in his mouth to one of the wealthiest families on the globe. The night they met, Sylvie Pinnock only had 11 dollars in her purse, and it was all the money she had in the world. They were never supposed to meet, much less be together. But Holt didn't care. He just wanted Sylvie. And what Calsons want, Calsons get. For one blazing summer, they had it all...until everything fell apart with a terrible betrayal.

Twelve Years Later...Sylvie is happy and thriving in a solid relationship with a good guy. Until Holt shows up at the resort where she works as a Kids Club manager. She's moved on, but he definitely hasn't. Also, the now single-dad billionaire is in desperate need of a capable nanny to manage his out-of-control son, and he decides that his ex is perfect for the job--whether she wants it or not. If Sylvie thinks all is forgiven now that they're all grown up, she's about to find out….

Revenge is best served BOSS!

Reader Note: This is part 2 of the Holt: Ruthless Duet, and it completes the epically romantic story of Holt and Sylvie.

Genres: Romance, Interracial Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Second Chance, Forbidden Love, Adult

278 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 17, 2017

About the author

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Theodora Taylor writes hot books with heart. When not reading, reviewing or writing, she enjoys spending time with her amazing family, going on dating nights with her wonderful husband, and attending parties thrown by others.

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Theodora Taylor schreibt feurige Bücher mit Herz. Wenn sie nicht gerade selbst liest, schreibt oder Deutsch lernt, verbringt sie am liebsten Zeit mit ihrer Familie oder geht mit ihrem wundervollen Mann aus.

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Reviews

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holt and Sylvie, two people who would've never met under normal circumstances, find a connection that eventually turns into first love. Holt has a painful past which he tries to numb through a variety of agents. Sylvie finds him during a high and low point in his life. Through choice, Holt is cut off from human interaction through fear save his two best friends and weekly moochers. Meeting Sylvie is a breath of fresh air until it's not. As with most first loves, sometimes they can't stand the test of time due to bad timing, lack of maturity or external manipulations.

Years later, the universe decides to reunite the two of them and the reunion is anything but happy. Holt is cold, angry and very bitter. Sylvie just wants her very comfortable life to not be upended by the ghosts of her past. Holt and Sylvie find they both moved on for the best and worst reasons. When the wounds of the past rears its ugly head -- who will survive?

Ender + Wes are very precocious and stole this book! I want to give special kudos to the author for NOT revirginizing the heroine. After Holt, Sylvie went on the enjoy a pleasurable sex life. Finally ... that hug ... you will know what I mean when you get to this part ... was everything!

I loved this story and it goes straight into my re-read pile!

[Mstcat · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hate to say it, but it's true... I didn't really care for this book.

This is probably going to be an unpopular opinion, but it's mine so I'm sticking with it. As a fan of this author, I really do look forward to reading her work. With that, I really do expect her work to continue to grow. This book doesn't reflect that in my opinion. The writing here wasn't terrible and as always Theodora Taylor can tell a story. Unfortunately, this seems like the same story that I've read on several occasions now. It came off like the love child of Owner of Her Heart and Her Russian Billionaire. I get that the formula works, but it was just a little too rinse and repeat for me.



To really get into a romance story, I need to understand why two people fall in love and it needs to be somewhere in the realm of believability. Even if I don't think the couple is a great match, I have to be able to at least admit that they are attracted to or love each other. I couldn't see it with these two characters. Colt is a drugged up alcoholic turned asshat of the year. His behavior to Sylvie only grows from bad to worse and many of his actions are beyond redeemable in my opinion. Unless you're a weak woman. And well, yes, Sylvie is just that kind of woman. She's a weak woman who occasionally has moments of pseudo-strength. She should have told Holt to kiss her a$$ after what he put her through (more than once), but unfortunately, she does not.

So my final word: This book disappointed me. A rinse and repeat storyline, a hero that's truly unworthy, and a heroine that alternates between innocence and being too weak to do what's best for her life and everything in it. This is a 2.5 star read for me.

[DeeReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bravoooo Theodora Taylor! You've done it again with yet another descriptive state and "Holt, Her Ruthless Billionaire: 50 Loving States-Connecticut (Ruthless Tycoon #1)"! Holt and Sylvie's story was an enthralling journey to read. It was funny without being silly. It was sexy without being too smutty and foremost, the H/h were both relatable to me due to their sad and flawed past experiences thus making them imperfect yet perfect for each other in a somewhat forbidden relationship.

So without giving away spoilers of Holt and Sylvie's unforgettable story just read it for yourself and be prepared for all the 'feels' necessary with reading another fascinating 50 States' story!
Believe me you won't have any regrets doing so!

(I did it-- no spoiler in review or tags!)

ARC provided by author for a honest review.

5 Hott Holt stars *****!!!!!!!!!

[Deloris · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I loved about Holt? He wasn’t afraid to say I love you from the beginning . He didn’t play games he opened himself up to love . But Holt had baggage that made it hard for Sylvie to stay , his father and his addiction . Two things that eventually send the in two different directions , Love still between them , but not enough to keep them together . When Holt runs in to Sylvie ten years later , that’s when the fire 🔥 starts! I enjoyed this book , the kids were great , the lessons the author included in the story for Holt and Sylvie were spot on . I loved the comedy, laughed. Out loud a few times . Theodora Taylor has created a world where somewhere all of her characters exist , and that makes you smile as she read the connection between , the people you loved I other books 📚. It may be a small connection but it’s enough to to put a smile on your face 😁

[★Codie Abibliophobic ★]

DNF 20%

Since I didn't make it far, I won't be rating it. Three plots/themes I absolutely hate in romance:

-Revenge
-Second Chance
-Billionaires + Virgins/ Billionaires + poor heroine/ Asshole Billionaires (only)

Everything I hate is what this book is. Plus there was this scene where something happens that's terribly unrealistic and just sad. This is a no for me.

[Paganalexandria · Rating 4 out of 5]

02/15/19 currently free https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077C38JMF/...

Really 4 1/2 stars. Review to come

[Karen's Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Holt and Sylvie's story. I laughed, got emotional, felt angry and then celebrated right along with this couple. The characters were a joy to get to know and their journey of finding their way engrossing. Ms Taylor has a way of building characters that you hate one minute and love the next, and Holt was definitely one. I enjoyed the ride immensely and can't wait to see what's up next in the Ruthless Tycoons series.

[Xyla Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Theodora does it again! Another exciting and wild ride with Holt and Sylvia. Love the kids, story line and the craftsmanship. Highly recommend!

[EbonyMonae · Rating 3 out of 5]

I waited patiently for this book and it was good. It was just rushed to me. The characters were developed well but I felt like the problems they had could of been explained better.

[Skyler Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just adore this book! Sylvie is up there with some of my favorite romance heroines of all time. I highly recommend this book! (Full review to come after I finish my re-read)

[♡Meme♡Reads love♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, this was really good it was like watching a novella series on Telemundo! I know your thinking girl you serious?
Yaaasss I'm serious I love those shows wish they would caption them in English though so I know what they're saying lol.
Anyhoo this had great drama with some twist and turns kept up at night reading till my eyes burned. Holt and Sylvie's story was for me, bittersweet. I can't wait to find out what happens next with his two friends.

Heres my couple

[Dora Koutsoukou · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 💖🌟🌟🌟🌟s!

[Miss D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 for me. I really enjoyed this story. I thought it would actually be darker, so it was a surprise that it has dark elements but it more angsty than truly dark.

Sylvie is a poor girl who just graduated from school and is looking for work when she meets Holt at a party. Holt is a very rich young man with a serious drug problem among other issues. He is a total mess when Sylvie first meets him. A warm, nurturing soul, Sylvie is both drawn to Holt and extremely wary of him due to his use of recreational pharmaceuticals and his intensity towards her. Not to mention, Sylvie has an extremely strict and domineering mother whose cultural beliefs clash mightily with Holt's lifestyle.

Sylvie and Holt do not meet cute but there's an awareness of her by him that's instant. Sylvie takes a little longer to warm due to her fear. They fall in love and soon after things fall apart. 10 years later, they meet again and it's game on!

Sylvie and Holt are flawed protagonists who feel real. Neither one is perfectly right or wrong. Both make [obvious] mistakes but never does it NOT come across that deep down the story is about two people who are very hurt, scared, and still in love. I get Holt's anger... here's a woman he loves deeply who left him when he needed her most. He's so angry at her for seemingly rejecting him while also still being that lost boy who loves her deep down that he's all over the place in how he responds to her. The book does shows well why Holt is a hot mess and so very bitter toward Sylvie. Sylvie is a bit of a tougher to see all the parts and it takes a while before all the pieces click. Sylvie is slower to come out of her shell plus she is a runner, so it can make it frustrating when half the pairing keeps disappearing or hiding when you hope she'll stay and fight. I do like Sylvie, it is just think that Holt is more immediately obvious about his emotions whereas Sylvie plays everything closer to the vest or hides so I felt a bit more sympathetic towards him throughout the book even with him being so ruthless at times. All that said, they do make a good coupling once they stop playing games with each other. I really like them and their story together.

Sylvie and Holt's story is solidly entertaining. Extra points for the author including children who are interesting being incorporated instead of overly precocious or contrived. Wes and Barron make for excellent secondary characters in the story.

I am already ready for Zahir's story, which I assume will be with Prin.

[L. Connelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

There’s no love or romance in this book. Disappointing read

I wanted to enjoy this book, but it was problematic on so many levels. First, the attempt at a Jamaican heroine. No Jamaican speaks like her. None. Her language was stilted and the attempts at Patois were awful. Also, she spoke standard English, so why did Barron who she homeschooled, and was a genius, have trouble with English???? And still get into college at ten?!
*
*minor spoilers*

Second, Holt. Initially his drug addiction intrigued me. He clearly was suffering some post Traumatic stress from his mom’s suicide. He was so crushed by her loss, he developed agoraphobia. He self medicated with drugs and alcohol to cope. I understood why Sylvia would fall for him. He was in pain.
But how does someone who uses drugs to cope with pain get sober from the pain of the love of his life’s betrayal? The fact is Holt need to be in treatment. It was unbelievable that he just decided to walk away from drugs, and cured himself of his PTSD because he lost his girlfriend. Ms Taylor brushed major issues aside, swept them under the rug. It was unrealistic. Holt needed professional help.

Also, Wes. Holt was aware his son had mental issues like his mom, but got him no help? He allowed his son to spiral and did nothing? Just new nannies? He didn’t seem to care about the boy at all. And the way he went about ruining Sylvia’s life because dumped a man who loved drugs more than her, even after he OD.
And I didn’t like how Sylvia sold herself to Holt for her freedom. Holt’s treatment of her was not love. Not sure Holt knew how to love, based on the way he treated Sylvia and Wes. They were more possessions than anything else. And just when we think maybe, just maybe Holt has matured, and come to realize all he and his father put poor Sylvia through, he tries to punish Sylvia once again using Barron. Seriously?! Honestly, the whole time I wished Sylvia would get a decent man, because Holt was not it. And if I read “Carlson’s don’t apologize” or “Carlson’s don’t know no” one more time. Ugh. Holt was a selfish, privileged and entitled prick from beginning to end who was in lust with Sylvia.
He had no redeeming qualities.

[Suzy · Rating 2 out of 5]

After this book I have finally decided to stop reading books written by Theodora Taylor.

Her writing style just does not suit me at all. My main gripe with her is that her heroes are always huge *ssholes and she always takes away the chance for them to grovel to redeem themselves. After the H found out how h really didn’t betray him he should’ve been making amends for all the TERRIBLE things he did to her but he immediately does something else even more terrible. If it’s possible, they don’t ever get the chance to become likable.

And then her heroines, who seem like likable and independent characters at the start, are always complacent and weak at the worst times. The H uprooted h’s life and she didn’t do anything except hop into bed with him.

Next she always has this nasty essence of “rape” over her books. It’s not as apparent in this book as her other’s but the H is so damn aggressive it might as well be. I cringed when some of the sex scenes were described.

And lastly the turn of events happens so quickly and chaotically I feel like I get whiplash.

No matter how many of her books I read I always find that I have the same complaints.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not going to lie, I was really hesitant when it came to reading this book. I’ve read some books in the past where all the authors got where “5 star” reviews and when I read the book, I was deeply disappointed.

The books started off slow to me and started to pick up around 45% in. I have to say, I’m not a fan of books when I read about the h keeping their child a secret from H. I figured that out pretty quick but I still gave the book a chance.

This story is about Holt (I LOVE that name) and Sylvie. Their relationship starts off as toxic but underneath all of that, they really fall in love with each other. A horrible incident occurs to where Sylvie “leaves” Holt. Well, 10 years later and by chance, they cross paths. Their journey is definitely not easy but it’s worth it. I have to say, I didn’t think Holt was ruthless as the title suggests. I think Sylvie was. I really liked Holt’s character more than Sylvie’s.

This is my first book by Taylor and I plan on reading so many more of her books.

Happy reading, friends ❤️📖

[MB (What she read) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars
I've read a couple of books by Taylor now and I have complicated feelings about them.

The general plot progression is usually the same. Due to the usual economic disparity and racial differences between the main characters, and the way the powerful one uses his power in an abusive way, bothers me. In that sense, they feel kind of old skool romance or dark fantasyish to this reader.
In a way, reading these plots are to similar to reading about a slave falling in love with her owner. I can't relax enough to be comfortable with this usual TT story line. But, on the other hand, they do end up sweet and cute. So, YMMV... (I am only one individual and this is not my fantasy--which colors my reaction, of course.)

If you want to comment, feel free. I'm interested in what others think about this type of plot.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/17/2019)! 🎁

Blurb:
Forbidden Love...

Holt Calson was born with an 11-figure spoon in his mouth to one of the wealthiest families in the world. The night they met, Sylvie Pinnock only had 11 dollars in her purse, and it was all the money she had in the world.

They were never supposed to meet, much less be together. But Holt didn't care. He just wanted Sylvie. And what Calsons want, Calsons get.

For one blazing summer, they had it all...until everything fell apart with a terrible betrayal.

Twelve Years Later...

Sylvie is happy and thriving in a solid relationship with a good guy. Until Holt shows up at the hotel where she works. She's moved on, but he definitely hasn't. And if Sylvie thinks all is forgiven, she's about to find out...

Revenge is best served…BOSS

[*di~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

ouuuuf
second chance romance with a 10 year time jump AND a secret baby?
i live for these types of romances and this one did not disappoint !!
love the plus size black heroine that brings the hero to his knees!
kinda bummed that the ending added so much unnecessary drama and they hastily had their HEA 😩

[Scarlett Leva · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring

The book started out interesting but after a couple chapters it went downhill. It became boring. Jamaicans don't say, "Mon" all the time. It was also placed awkwardly in sentences, which made no sense.

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick Summary: A full circle second chance romance

My Review: Ruthless Billionaire by Theodora Taylor is part two of Holt and Sylvie's story.

Just as with book one, this book was written largely with a love to hate vibe. It was intensely emotional. More secrets and hidden agendas were revealed. More peoples hearts were involved. Wrongs were made right.

My Final Say: Part two was a fitting conclusion to the love story of Holt and Sylvie. Readers who appreciate first love, multicultural, second chance romance stories will love this book.

Other: The sneak peek setup for Prin's story was everything!

Rating: 4.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: 🔥🍬

[Steph's Romance Book Talk · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars / 3.5 Steam Fans

WHAT AN ENDING!!! I am still unsure if I like Holt or if I hate him, but one thing I do know is that I am about to dive DEEP into a Theodora Taylor book hole!!

CW: Family Secrets, Racism, Corporate Espionage, Degradation, Blackmail

Video review available in Week 49: Dec 5 – Dec 11, 2021, full weekly book reviews available on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon.

For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.

[Debra Crosby · Rating 5 out of 5]

From beginning to end this was a great story. Holt and Slyvie shared a summer of loving and living together but it ended abruptly because of Holts demons and other influences. The story is well written with characters that are fully developed although far from perfect. one of those books that you want to keep reading but at the same time don't want to finish

[BreakingtheEpigraph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Theodore Taylor in her interracial/multicultural romance Holt: Her Ruthless Billionaire explores a relationship between Holt and Sylvie two people from a very different background. While I like the story, Holt and Sylvie's first time read more like Sylvie was in a dream state, so much like that drug-induced fog Holt found himself in the first time they met. These two went through so far at the hand of his father and Holt's lack of forgiveness when they meet again; you can tell that the love is still there.

I would say that this is one of her better books that did not leave me wondering what did I just read. It had all of the elements of a terrific story, and I just wish it was a little longer and had given Holt and Sylvie more of there moment in time. The Barron and Wes were too cute! This is my review and how I see it. I love this author's writing and can't wait to see what magic she brings to use in the future.

[Sonia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lost potential.

The start of the story had great potential; then it was downhill after that. Very disjointed story with a very, very limited HEA, much unnecessary and unconnected angst and lots of preaching and editorializing that just cluttered the story. The h did not grow a backbone until about 95 percent of the book... the HEA started at about 98 percent. The h rationale for having sex, I believe the author called it hate-f$$k, was simply bad business. The sad part is that there was the basis for a great story because of how the relationship started, the h background, the issues with the H and his father, and the children. The author simply failed to execute and connect the dots.

[Sheena Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Okay so I thought that this book would mirror the Russian Billionaire storyline featuring my boy Alex I Rustanov, but in a way it did but in other ways it didn't. Although a relative threatened Sylvie just as Eva was in Her Russian Billionaire, that's where similarities end. Holt was a troubled soul and Sylvie gave him that peace of mind his soul craved. That authenticity that you can't find within the lifestyle of the extremely rich circles. I don't believe in giving away the storyline paragraph to paragraph nor chapter to chapter. Read it and find out what some relationships face

[Mrs. Strawhat · Rating 1 out of 5]

What?

I did not read anything after chapter 3. I couldn't! What was this book?

The main girl is Jamaican, and dark skinned which is super cool to me because I'm from Jamaica and also black.

Her dialogue is so sfiff, who talks like her, anywhere?

I love the idea of this book although I was just expecting another alpha storyline but I'm personally offended by this book. I didn't look for the authors ethnicity or race but this person has never met any Jamaicans.

[Laronda · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are looking for characters easy to hate, then this book is full of them. This book was not an endorsement for parenthood, more of what not to do if you want to be a decent parent. Holt was true to the title of ruthlessness with a few redeeming qualities. Sylvie had me shaking my head at her more than a few times but I guess they knew something we didn't. The kids I must say were the true bright spots in this story and I am happy for the way it turned out.

[Izzie d]

This is a good story.
If you are looking for super angst, misunderstandings and second chances this book is for you.
The couple have huge issues and problems, they are together for a while then break up and reconnect 10 years later.
There is a lot of pain and hurt but they do get a HEA even if you think they are never going to get there.

[Flip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow

I liked it I had two other books to read before I can read this one. But I did enjoy what I read.