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This situation has spiraled out of control so quickly.
I can’t fall in love with my daughter’s nanny.
Can’t spend hours rolling around in bed, making her shout out my name.
Can’t have her on her back all day, thighs parted, eyes rolled up in her head.
Because I have the watchful gaze of the entire world on me right now.
But I can’t seem to bring myself to care…

The Caress is a contemporary billionaire romance from Wall Street Journal Bestseller Vivian Wood. It's the third of three full-length books in the gritty, raw, passionate Ruined Castles Series.

232 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 28, 2022

256 people are currently reading
291 people want to read

About the author

Vivian Wood

156 books2,798 followers
Vivian likes to write about troubled, deeply flawed alpha males and the fiery, kick-ass women who bring them to their knees.

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5 stars
171 (32%)
4 stars
153 (29%)
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126 (24%)
2 stars
52 (9%)
1 star
23 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
Profile Image for Kari.
184 reviews2 followers
January 24, 2023
Can't get past the grammatical errors and poor writing - clothes magically change in mid scene, locations magically change. Someone desperately needed to do a continuity and editing check before this series went live.
274 reviews1 follower
March 3, 2023
Truly terrible. I don’t think this was meant to be published as is. So many glaring mistakes, grammar, punctuation, capitalization. And things like: she’s dressed in “only sheer, lacy leggings” then talking about the jeans she’s wearing.

I read all three bc I hate stopping a series but save yourself!
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.2k reviews91 followers
January 2, 2023
Ella has always put the best interests of Keir and Ella first and that continues. She may love Keir and Isla but is willing to sacrifice her happiness for their wellbeing which means distancing herself from them. Her attempt to leave takes a surprising turn when she finds herself fighting a threat she didn’t see coming.

Although Keir is still fighting his feelings for Ella he is having doubts that separating is the best course of action especially when that places her in danger. He now realizes that the only person he trusts to keep her safe is himself, but the secrets and suspense are far from over.

The chemistry between them is stronger than ever and the angst continues as although Ella and Keir may not have started under ideal circumstances, they have become the perfect partner to each other.
Profile Image for Anshul (stories.buddy).
1,011 reviews18 followers
December 22, 2022
The story is nice and is to be read as a series since it’s a trilogy with a prequel novella, so read them first. The book is very fast-paced and Ella & Kieran had to go through some crazy stuff and a lot of emotional issues. Both being from different backgrounds had to struggle with their feelings as well as public opinion too with paparazzi being on Keir’s tail all the time. The spiciness of the book is fire.

The concept of the story is nice but gets lost in the emotions, we could have seen more of the situation being addressed and tackled strategically. The main threat which was there from book 1 and got stretched with a trilogy was brushed up pretty fast. Although in the end, we had all the answers it still felt that something is missing. The threat for Ella is not directly conversed just the assumption is there.

The book is written fine and even was going fine but sometimes in the change of paragraphs, I had to read again to realize that ohh the time frame has changed and they are doing what they were talking about doing or going or suddenly 2 days have passed kind of thing. It really puts off the mood for reading and you want to skim it sometimes but you can’t do it, in the thought of that you might miss something vital.
Profile Image for Karin.
2,178 reviews
December 29, 2022
The conclusion to Keir and Ellas story was perfect. This trilogy kept me engaged beginning to end and was super enjoyable
Profile Image for Marnie.
1,280 reviews31 followers
December 30, 2022
Great finish to an addictive series.

THE CARESS is the much anticipated fourth book in Author Vivian Wood’s hot as all hell RUINED CASTLES series and picked up where THE NANNY left off meaning you definitely have to read the first three books before hitting this one.

As always happens when there is a gap between series releases and other books read, it was no hardship that I needed to re-read the last few chapters of THE NANNY to brush up on the happenings, the characters and to renew the bonds I’d developed during the series thus far.

Ella has remained the true and stoic disciple of unconditional love and strength to Keir and Isla, although I have to admit to a little disappointment in part with Ella this time round. Since the beginning, even through her insane attraction to Kier, she has stood strong, and it was in this book that she was a little too quick in forgiving I thought. I tried to not cough *doormat* in her direction but failed, even if she did get some serious and hot ‘loving’ out of it all!! What I loved most about her was her unfailing devotion to Isla, always thinking of her young charge’s feelings before her own as any (would-be) parent should – She was a star.

Even as Keir was still flip-flopping his way through their relationship, Ms Wood brilliantly provided Keir’s internal thoughts as he questioned and tried to validate his own inconsistent behaviour towards Ella. For such a clever CEO, the man really was misguided, but remained a devoted father to Isla. For that alone, he won me over.

Saffron, Keir’s sister was a champion and great support for Ella while Deacon, Keir’s best friend provided the unsolicited advice that he needed. Between Saffron and Deacon there was a hidden chemistry, and I hope we get a story about them.

All up, Ms Wood pulled together a great finish for this hella hot series that had murderous intent happening throughout and while it was mostly resolved to a twisted satisfaction, I felt that it could’ve come across with a little more emphasis considering that it was been part of the underlying plot thread that kicked off their whole situation from the start.

But, I’ll reiterate here, if a Lord-billionaire, single-father, re-written fairy-tale and forbidden romance is what you love to read, then you need to be picking up this RUINED CASTLES series. I’m loving it. 4 Stars 🌹🤍🩰

#mumsalwaysreading #bookblogger #bookreviewer #marnsreads #marnsj
Profile Image for Dora Harvey.
1,120 reviews10 followers
December 28, 2022
THE CARESS is the conclusion to Kier and Ella’s bittersweet love story. There is so much to unpack… blackmail, secrets, murder, turmoil, heartbreak, suspense, and passion. This story is also fun, witty banter between Kier’s daughter, Isla, and the main characters. To say I love this story is an understatement. The emotional angst! The drama! What a ride! I was thinking this story was going one way when BAM—out of nowhere it turns! I was captivated from start to finish, and I was consumed with every word. This story picks up from where the last book (The Nanny) left off from that surprising cliffhanger.

Ella has developed feelings for Kier, and Kier is trying to figure out his feelings and his relationship with Ella while opening up to Ella because he trusts her. After an incident occurred, Kier is more determined to keep his daughter and Ella safe. The threat is now more discernible than ever after the incident happened. Kier and Ella are two strong people who are perfect for each other, but Ella can be somewhat naive. Don’t let this innocent spitfire fool you because Ella can be a force to be reckoned with. Kier and Ella are forced to surrender to the forbidden flame that burns between them. Despite their differences, the explosive attraction and passion between Kier and Ella is undeniable and intense—it’s off-the-chart HOT! After another incident happens, Kier is set on an unwavering quest to protect his daughter and Ella. Then all of a sudden, that trust is betrayed. How far will Kier go to protect those he loves? But when you find out that the truth isn’t always what it seems, what do you do about it? Well, find out what happens next when all the secrets unfold, the masks that they hold in place slips off and everything will soon be revealed. The road to Kier and Ella’s happiness seems wrought with blackmail, threats, heartache, secrets, lies, and family drama. There are several twists and turns within the story that will tempt the characters in ways they could have never envisioned. Vivian Wood delivered a powerful, emotional, and loving-consuming story that left me obsessed and yearning for more. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Lauren.
1,438 reviews5 followers
April 15, 2024
And it does get worse.

Seriously needs editing. So many errors.
Mid-scene you have a clothing changes often. It’s these little things that take you out of a scene.
Then there’s the bigger stuff, problems are never resolved so you are left with so many questions.

1) so who was behind the sex tape - Kieran’s parents?
2) seriously!? James releases said sex tape and calls your gf a whore, etc. He never apologizes, but it’s ok, you forgive him.
3) the body guard trying to kill Ella - so it was Kieran’s mother behind it!?
4) Joy and Ella’s father. Rarely brought up regarding the cancer and then finally it’s revealed she had none (and at one point Ella did take a check from Kieran) when Ella’s father shows up at the castle (because of course) and that’s what makes Kieran send Ella away??!
5) Ella’s mother calling about losing the house - then nothing about it again even though supposedly it made Ella so distraught, of course until Kieran dazzles her to distraction I guess.
6) the castle fire - who? How? What?
7) a studio in NY because they’re going to split time between there and Scotland (huh!? Why?)
8) that’s the make up scene between Ella and Kieran - really!? Easy as that? What a let down!

This story held some promise in book 1, but is ultimately just a huge disappointment. I don’t know how it got so many positive ratings. Maybe people really like the MCs (even though they never have any kind of honest conversation and work through their problems. They mostly throw sex at it and voila, alls good.) But it just felt so rushed and incomplete when it came to plot. And too repetitive when it came to the sex and the anger and trust.
Profile Image for Anakalia.
1,824 reviews17 followers
December 26, 2022
Keir and Ella's story picks up right where it left off in The Nanny.
And what a sequel it is! It is so fast-paced that my head was constantly spinning and I exclaimed "WTF" more than once. It's so suspenseful that I literally sat on the edge of my seat biting my nails, and so sizzling hot and steamy that several times I felt like I needed a cold shower.

However, at times I felt that the plot lacked a bit more substance. I would have liked a little more information on how each situation was ultimately resolved, rather than just a passing mention THAT it was resolved, even though there remained no loose ends in the story. The Caress focused more on the emotional part of Keir and Ella's story than the straight facts of the plot, and Vivian did a fantastic job of conveying those feelings. I really felt like they spilled over from fiction into reality. A better balance would have been the icing on the cake of an otherwise perfect love story.
But still, I love Keiran, Ella, Isla and Saffron so much that I'm truly sad that this is the final part of their epic love story, though I hope to see them again when maybe - just maybe - Keiran's sister Saffron gets her own story? Well, I'm definitely keeping my fingers crossed that that happens.
Profile Image for Amy.
1,482 reviews35 followers
December 24, 2022
“We balance each other out in a way I’ve never experienced with anyone else before.”

The Caress was a nice conclusion to the Ruined Castle trilogy. Both Ella and Keir are struggling with their feelings for each other while trying to find out who is the threatening their safety. When all secrets are revealed, will they turn toward each other or push each other away?

Ella is still confused about her relationship with Keir and wants to define it. Keir is focused on her safety, but slowly beginning to put a name to his feelings while being loathe to admit them out loud. Through the danger and the many obstacles and betrayals determined to keep them apart, they finally define their relationship and confront their fears. I did feel like the threat was pretty anticlimactic and wrapped up with little fanfare.

Full of sizzling heat and emotional growth, The Caress wraps up Ella and Keir’s story and gives us a glimpse of the future. Their banter and chemistry is on fire as usual and I loved watching their growth and communication evolve throughout this series. I’m hoping that we see Deacon and Saffron’s story next.
Profile Image for Cynthia Carpenter.
1,671 reviews15 followers
December 29, 2022
Ella and Keir are back and what a ride they will take you on. Ella heartbroken after being told to leave is on her way to the airport and Keir has to try and stop her. When she gets there someone tries to run her over and than chases her and tries to shoot her but Keir get there and saves her but they have to go on the run. After they arrive things get heated and they both realize they have feelings but they won't open up about it. When his brother James shows and tells him a few interesting facts about their mother and than Ella's father shows and tells him things and tells her truth about her sister, they split again and she goes back to New York. Will they work everything out? Will Keir figure out how to control his temper? Can they forgive each after everything is said and done? This book was freaking amazing. So many twists, turns, emotions, ups and down, and so much more I didn't want it to end. These have been thur a lot and than some. I was pulled right in and wanted more. Can't wait to read what she has next.
Profile Image for Heidi.
1,515 reviews15 followers
January 7, 2023
This is the finale of Keir and Ella’s story and Vivian did such a great job of bringing it full circle and tying everything up. Keir has a lot to deal with and Ella is caught in the middle. He is dealing with his family and ex and Ella is dealing with the brunt of it all. Keir is pushing her away because he doesn’t want to lose Isla, but he has strong feelings for Ella. He doesn’t know what to do and Ella is getting whiplash from him. She also has to deal with her father and his ‘blackmailing’ her. Who is coming after her? It seems like everyone who knows about the sex tape is turning up dead and she could be next. These two have a lot to work through, will they be able to get through it all be together? There is suspense, angst, drama, meddling, blackmail, secrets, surprises, exposed truths, deceit, meddling family, more drama, and twists. This is a great ending with sone great characters and one adorable little girl.
Profile Image for Heather Miller.
1,488 reviews51 followers
January 1, 2023
You will need to read the previous books in the series as they pick up after each is completed.

In this book we continue with Ella & Kieran - Kier. Keri has crazy paparazzi following him all the time. They can never be alone out in public together it seems. Keri isn’t opening his heart at all to Ella. He always calls her his daughters Nanny, never girlfriend or partner, like he doesn’t want to admit what she really is to him.

Ella wants that from Kier, she wants him to define their relationship, she knows she’s more to him but he never wants opens up to her.

A few turns happen along the way. In the prequel and the 1st novel we always read about how awful Kier’s daughter was - throwing temper tantrums and now in this book nothing about her past bad behavior comes to light.

I did receive a free ARC copy of this book. I am freely leaving an honest review.

Profile Image for Sevehn.
22 reviews5 followers
April 18, 2023
READ IF YOU’VE READ THE REST OF THE SERIES



Honestly this series was a fun little journey and i enjoyed myself a lot✨

I wish there there was more effort on remembering the details of the characters and the details of situations because in the first book a character is discribed as a blonde with straight hair in the next she has mane like hair?? and in the next she has brown curls which is confusing. Also in a chapter the male lead requests the chauffeur to drive him to rescue the female lead but then in the next chapter he is driving it himself. Grammar mistakes and inconsistencies like these are all throughout the series which can be very confusing and leads to re-reading chapters sometimes.

Also, the main character Facetimes to her sister like every day so the fact that she didn’t ask or notice during those months if her sister had cancer or not was so ridiculous😂

But the drama was good and messy as hell and i needed to know how it would end so i chose to look past that.

Anyways it was a nice lil’ read nonetheless :)
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,570 reviews
December 30, 2022
The Caress, the last book in the Ruined Castle series, was everything I wanted it to be!! This starts right where The Nanny left off and thank goodness I didn't have to read too far to find out what happened to Ella! Even as Ella's world is crashing down around her she can't help but worry about Isla. Keir has managed to keep Ella with him, until her father shows up and tells Keir about his scheme involving Ella. Ella was blindsided by her father's truths and now she fears she has lost Keir for good. The danger is still lurking and as the drama mounts, secrets are uncovered that will change both of their lives. Can the love that is still in their hearts overcome the assumptions, lies and deceptions? I devoured this and would read the entire series again, I loved it!
Profile Image for Charlotte  Marie.
78 reviews
December 31, 2022
Couldn't have asked for a better ending for Ella and Keir! After how The Beast (book 1) and The Nanny (book 2) ended its about time they got their HEA.

The Caress was a roller coaster from the very page and it got to the point where I was unsure of if they got their HEA or if Vivian Wood would he cruel enough to keep them apart.

This series has been amazing. I have loved Ella and Keir's character growth and take responsibility instead of blaming and acting like the victim. Ella became more confident and found her worth. Whereas Keir became less grumpy and more a man that Ella deserves.

I really wish I could read this series for the first time again! I will definitely be rereading this series in the future.
Profile Image for Amber.
371 reviews10 followers
January 6, 2023
Get ready for a bumpy ride!



The Caress picks up right after the Nanny and let me tell you if they Nanny was crazy you’re not ready for what the Caress has in store for you.

Keir is upset borderline explosive really because he has to send Ella packing even though he really doesn’t want to all because of the court summons his ex wife requested.

But that’s not even the end of it. Ella is about to make her way back to New York City when her life is threatened and Kier pursues her and sees everything okay out with his very eyes now both are in danger once again.

Keir has no choice but to keep Ella with him and whisks them all away from the danger at home, but danger seems to follow them no matter where the go to hide and it seems that the one person you wouldn’t think was the danger is one that should be feared most.

Then let’s not forget about Ella’s dear old dad that sniveling snake that he is only trying to get what he wants.

I’m glad they got their HEA even if it took a s.3x tape, two murders, a crazy ex wife, a few bullets and a crazy father to get there.

Disclaimer I received an arc copy for an honest and voluntary review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Laura Hall Cox.
37 reviews5 followers
January 3, 2023
The final installment of Keir and Ella is good but left me somewhat confused and lost at times. Some of the chapters are very long then the next one is too short and so many things get resolved but the reader gets no answers. I agree with other reviewers that Ella is much weaker in the final story and Kier is as well. He is supposed to be some ruthless billionaire but never hires anyone to figure out who is targeting them. His divorce becomes final with no other appearance of his ex. Isla is barely even in this story and mostly in passing references when she was such a great addition in the other installments. It was a good story and all the main questions were answered but I just felt like it could have been so much more.
1,555 reviews11 followers
January 11, 2023
This was a great ending to a wonderful Series. Keir and Ella have a crazy ride of a relationship and at every turn he is pushing her away and then pulling her back in. Keir has a lot of baggage to deal with and process before he can ever be in a relationship. Ella is too good to him she always forgives and moves on caring for him more and more. We finally get the twists revealed and who murdered the reporters. You will never guess it was a crazy twist. Keir has to lose Ella to finally be able to see what exactly she means to him, and Ella needs to move on with her life and start something for her. These two are both so in love they just have so many things to overcome. While you read you will have a wide range of emotions Keir makes you want to yell at him somethings and Ella will have you saying just let him have it make him really see you. I have enjoyed each book and was extremely happy with the ending.
Profile Image for Angela.
8,474 reviews121 followers
December 31, 2024
3 Stars

The Caress (aka The Billionaire’s Caress) is Book #3 and final instalment in the Ruined Castle series by Vivian Wood. Even though I have quite a few books by Ms. Wood on my Kindle/TBR this book/series is the first time I have climbed between her covers.
This is the continuation of Kieran (Kier) and Ella’s story and picks up where The Nanny left off. It's an age-gap, contemporary romance with a billionaire Scottish Lord, and his daughter’s new nanny. This is not a standalone, so I recommend reading all the books, in sequence, to get the most out of your reading experience.
It has got chemistry, sizzle, angst, drama, darker elements, tension, mystery, suspense, twists, and emotion.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Vivian Wood!
2,090 reviews31 followers
December 27, 2022
Keir and Ella both still have trust issues. With his ex-wife and parents putting pressure on him to do the right thing Keir loses sight of what’s important to him. Is there too much between them to fix this? Ella has been stalling with her father and when he shows up unannounced ready to throw her to the fire with his truth will Keir give Ella the chance to explain herself or will he just walk away? So many great elements to this series that I loved. Their story is full of angst, heartbreak, compassion, steaminess and love. The only problem is will either of them admit their feelings before it’s too late?
Profile Image for Debbie Brown.
2,035 reviews18 followers
December 27, 2022
Caress is the conclusion of the series. Ella and Kieran have been explosive and this book doesn’t disappoint. Secrets are revealed in this emotional fast moving story. The book picks up where Kieran forced Ella to leave after his soon to be ex-wife threatened to take his daughter Isla. Kier keeps sending mixed signals does he want a relationship with Ella? Is he afraid to love and get hurt again? Ella loves both Kier and Isla, her emotions are all over the places with Kier’s outburst and throwing their relation out the door. A good conclusion with a few twist and turns along the way. I’m voluntarily leaving a review for this book.
Profile Image for Mindy Lopez.
2,290 reviews13 followers
December 28, 2022
This is Book 4 in the Ruined Castles Series by this author. It is the stunning conclusion to the raw and passionate romance between billionaire Lord Greyrose and his daughter's nanny, Ella. Their riveting love story ends with more emotional angst, drama, danger, suspense, betrayal, family issues, and steam on every page. Add to that an interesting cast of supporting characters. An intriguing read, with lots of frustrating moments, sweetness, sizzling heat, and witty, flirtatious banter that made it flow seamlessly. Seriously entertaining.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Profile Image for Kira.
1,636 reviews
January 3, 2023
Keir and Ella's story concludes in The Caress and this book topped this entire Ruined Castle series for me! The heat between these two main characters was beyond intense. Everything has been leading up to this moment, and while there were certainly bumps along the way, I am so glad to see their perseverance even with so much stacked against them at times. Especially coming from their families! It was nice to see them both open up and accept what is between them fully, finally! As always, I am excited to see what is next by this author. Highly recommend this series and reading all of the books in order!
Profile Image for Donna Gomez-Rivera.
1,111 reviews
January 20, 2023
The emotional conclusion Ruined Castle series. The twist and turns up and downs the who dunnit roller coaster of a ride. Enjoyable storyline with likable characters that come to life and keep you intrigued and turning the pages rapidly and rooting for their HEA. And try not yelling at the characters. These two have emotional explosive chemistry with an intense, undeniable connection. You’ll have to lose the one you love before you can realize you can’t live without them. The other needs to move on before emotionally trapping oneself. A must read. Grab your copy of the series today and start reading. Enjoy happy reading 📚
1,226 reviews3 followers
December 29, 2022
This is book three and the conclusion to Ella and Kiers story…and what an ending it was. It picks up where the previous book left off, but it’s hard for me to remember the characters and what happened. So many twists and turns, it almost seemed like too much at times. Both had their own emotions and problems to work through. Overall,a good story, but if you can read them one right after the other, that’s the way to go in my opinion. I received an advanced copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Carla Roman.
191 reviews8 followers
December 31, 2022
Amazing ending to this series, even though i wish their story could keep going. Not only do Keir and Ella have pressure coming from both their families, now they got someone trying to kill Ella. Keir does the best he can to protect Ella and his family from this person. Will Keir finally admit he has feelings and wants to be with Ella since Isla already loves her? What happens with Ella finds out her little sister Joy is not even sick; it was her father's sick plan to get money out of Keir? I am glad that Joy gets to come be with Ella and Isla away from her father.
1,814 reviews7 followers
January 3, 2023
It seems like Ella and Keir are up for some more hurdles to their relationship, with the roadblocks up ahead, but can they still find their way together? Or is their relationship doomed due to things beyond their control? I enjoyed this conclusion to Ella and Keir's story, it has enough angst/drama (that kept me reading), and steamy screens, although I would have enjoyed a bit more revenge on some character I think deserved it.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received, and giving my thoughts and opinions on it.
Profile Image for Mary Mutisya-Astin.
498 reviews1 follower
January 3, 2023
Fantastic end to this series!

After the revelations at the end of the last book Keir is left scrambling to figure out how and why these events keep happening to him and Ella. He finally realises that with their lives in danger he will stop at nothing to be the one to protect her and Isla.
So does that mean he truly is ready to commit and have a real relationship with her now.

More secrets are revealed in this action packed finale to this series.
I recommend reading these books in order as each one starts where the last one left off.

I read this book voluntarily for an honest review.
1 review
January 16, 2024
While I was excited to see where Kier and Ella’s story would go, it was very hard to get through with all the grammatical and continuity errors. Clothes changed, chapters were labelled as incorrect POV and locations jumped mid scene.
There were several plot points that were a large part of the story in the first two books and those same points were practically brushed aside or left unresolved by the end of the third book.
I’m glad I stuck it out to finish the series, but it will not be one I choose to read over again.
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