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Born Villains #2
Ruthless Touch
From USA Today bestselling author Abbi Cook comes the second generation of the Rule family in the Born Villains series!
Gideon Rule, the consummate gentleman who runs the Villa Aurelia, has everyone fooled. They think he’s simply a businessman catering to the wealthiest of the Amalfi Coast.
But I know what hides behind that mask of civility.
The younger son of Helix Rule has mastered the art of pretending to be that perfect gentleman while behind the scenes he’s as ruthless as any of the villains in his family.
He claims he took me from my ex-boyfriend for my own safety, but it’s him I need protection from once we’re alone. The man whose job it is to gather intel for his father knows my deepest thoughts and desires.
And he intends on using them for his own pleasure.
Gideon Rule, the consummate gentleman who runs the Villa Aurelia, has everyone fooled. They think he’s simply a businessman catering to the wealthiest of the Amalfi Coast.
But I know what hides behind that mask of civility.
The younger son of Helix Rule has mastered the art of pretending to be that perfect gentleman while behind the scenes he’s as ruthless as any of the villains in his family.
He claims he took me from my ex-boyfriend for my own safety, but it’s him I need protection from once we’re alone. The man whose job it is to gather intel for his father knows my deepest thoughts and desires.
And he intends on using them for his own pleasure.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 20, 2023
9 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 18, 2023
4.5 stars
The Rule men are 🤤 and Gideon is no exception!
One thing I love about this series is that these characters are villains and they don’t change that. Yes there is growth but they stick true and I love that about the characters and this authors writing. Of the characters in this book Aria grew the most- she started out insecure and unsure of her place but she quickly figured out who she was.
These two didn’t have it easy between fighting each other and outside forces their relationship was anything but easy. I enjoyed the push and pull as well as the supporting characters and story line. I definitely recommend this book if you like a dirty talking anti hero!
The Rule men are 🤤 and Gideon is no exception!
One thing I love about this series is that these characters are villains and they don’t change that. Yes there is growth but they stick true and I love that about the characters and this authors writing. Of the characters in this book Aria grew the most- she started out insecure and unsure of her place but she quickly figured out who she was.
These two didn’t have it easy between fighting each other and outside forces their relationship was anything but easy. I enjoyed the push and pull as well as the supporting characters and story line. I definitely recommend this book if you like a dirty talking anti hero!
January 29, 2023
Ruthless Touch is Gideon Rule’s dark romance with Aria who he wins in an auction from her boyfriend and then holds her captive in his penthouse. Gideon, the son of Helix Rule, manages the family’s hotel on the Amalie Coast while gathering vital information for the family. Aria and Gideon’s relationship has secrets, revenge, danger, banter, sizzling passion, and an interesting journey to love. This is a well written book by Abbi Cook which I highly recommend!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
March 4, 2023
I was really hyped up for this one after the first in the series. I struggled to build a relationship with the characters. I struggled with too much detail in one area and not enough of another AND THAT ALL HAD TO DO WITH MY WANTS. The author wrote a fantastic story. The story has spectacular character development. I enjoyed the visualization of Italy. I enjoyed the Dark matters of the book and if I has Aria, I probably would have done the same exact things. I am very much looking forward to book 3, even if there is time before it is released.
March 18, 2023
Rules all about the villains of the world…
Gideon gives civility a distinct advantage over barbarism and we see the real world through his eyes. Growing up Helix’s son also let’s us see how twisted the next generation of Rule’s are as we see the future in his hotel Auerelia and the beauty of Aria and his lives joining.
Gideon gives civility a distinct advantage over barbarism and we see the real world through his eyes. Growing up Helix’s son also let’s us see how twisted the next generation of Rule’s are as we see the future in his hotel Auerelia and the beauty of Aria and his lives joining.
December 27, 2025
Gideon and Aria have a story that held my attention. I didn't realize this was book 2 in a series, but I didn't feel lost at all. It's completely a standalone. I will say that I'm going to go back and read the first book. Tantalizing and angsty, suspenseful and gritty. Five stars.
January 25, 2023
Wow
I wasn't expecting a Rule with moral rules. Story was totally different from the rest, but still within the story lines of the Rules family ways.
I wasn't expecting a Rule with moral rules. Story was totally different from the rest, but still within the story lines of the Rules family ways.
February 19, 2023
I love the Rule Men! They are villains and don't apologize for who they are. This time around we get Gideon Rule and his heroine Aria. If you love a dirty talking anti-hero then Gideon is your man!! Gideon and Aria had a lot of push and pull throughout their journey to HEA. This story is intense, emotional and captivating. I really enjoyed this story and can't wait for the Alex Rule's story.
January 14, 2023
I ABSOLUTELY ADORE THESE RULE GUYS!!!!
They are the most delicious gift that keeps on giving. Gideon Rule is the youngest son of Helix Rule and he's oh so dirty. Aria is his captive and she really, really likes his kind of dirty. Gideon "aquires" Aria in a most unusual, unethical way and she has no idea why. Truth is, he really doesn't know either I don't think, until later. These two have the most fantastic journey filled with excitement, emotion and adventure. I felt a little bad for Sasha initially but, after the ending, I'm anxiously waiting for her and Alex's story. Like I said, the most delicious gift that keeps on giving, these are the Rule guys.
"Gideon Rule is like a priceless statue carved out of marble, he’s breathtaking while at the same time colder than any man I’ve ever encountered."
They are the most delicious gift that keeps on giving. Gideon Rule is the youngest son of Helix Rule and he's oh so dirty. Aria is his captive and she really, really likes his kind of dirty. Gideon "aquires" Aria in a most unusual, unethical way and she has no idea why. Truth is, he really doesn't know either I don't think, until later. These two have the most fantastic journey filled with excitement, emotion and adventure. I felt a little bad for Sasha initially but, after the ending, I'm anxiously waiting for her and Alex's story. Like I said, the most delicious gift that keeps on giving, these are the Rule guys.
"Gideon Rule is like a priceless statue carved out of marble, he’s breathtaking while at the same time colder than any man I’ve ever encountered."
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews