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Dreaux: The Ruthless One

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After the untimely death of his father, Rosier “Zoo” Boudreaux rightfully inherits Boudreaux Enterprises. Although he anticipated being in charge his entire life, he could have never prepared for the dark secrets, dirty money, and unethical practices that lived after his father’s demise. Though thrown for a loop, he wastes no time claiming his seat at the head of the table and demanding the respect of his constituents. After all, Zoo was trained for it.

In an attempt to right his father’s transgressions, he amasses a number of enemies who feel he’s disrupted the flow of business. And if a war between families isn’t enough, at the center of this conflict lies a beautiful, timid yet elegant layer that threatens to change the course of everyone’s lives.

Zoo quickly shows the nonbelievers why his father appointed him as the heir to the business. Trust that no one wants to cross the ruthless one.

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 5, 2024

881 people are currently reading
633 people want to read

About the author

Nek Mills

30 books336 followers

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5 stars
1,725 (62%)
4 stars
752 (27%)
3 stars
221 (8%)
2 stars
33 (1%)
1 star
11 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
Profile Image for Jahda.
1,058 reviews316 followers
October 11, 2024
Characters not developed good enough
Profile Image for Annette Williams.
1,195 reviews414 followers
March 13, 2025
“Listen to me and listen good…” I grabbed him by the collar and ignored his sobs. For him to be an older ninja, he sure was a bytch. “Don’t let my age fool you. I’m a grown azz man, and you along with every ninja in here, will treat me as such. Like it or not, I’m the fu*kin’ Boss, and if you want to keep getting this money, I advise you to get over your feelings about your whore of a daughter. Don’t lose your life over her wack azz p*ssy not getting chosen.” Oop! 🫢

We love an unhinged mafia boss on this side of Goodreads. Rosier has known since he was 12 years old, he would be become the head of the Boudreaux family. He just didn’t expect it to be so soon. With the untimely death of his dad, Rosier inherits Boudreaux Enterprises and assumes the role as the new Boss of the Boudreaux Mafia. But, one cannot be a strong leader without an equally strong woman at his side. Arranged marriages are a part of their world and Rosier is expected to wed the mother of his son who happens to be the daughter of an equally powerful mafia boss.

Gabby has not had an easy life. After her parents died in a car accident, she was forced to live with her aunt and uncle who treated her like a slave. She was a modern day Cinderella and Amanda and the rest of the girls were her evil stepsisters. Her only solace was her friendship with Bridgette but, when her uncle’s criminal activities come to light, that comfort is snatched away along with her freedom. The title of this book was very fitting because, Rosier was definitely ruthless. He played no games and had no problem introducing Zoo to anyone who tried him. The Ruthless One was a great introduction to this series and I can’t wait to get into Jules and Bridgette’s story.
Profile Image for _SimplyRead.
106 reviews21 followers
January 18, 2025
Zoo & Gabby 😍

Poor Gabby… Her story felt like the step sister from Cinderella. Basically being the slave to her “uncles” house of hoes. To go from a loving set of parents who died in a tragic accident to living with this aunt and uncle duo was like living in hell! Uncle David and his wife was NASTY WORK, and I was ultimately satisfied with the way things turned out.

Zoo was problematic for me, I loved his character overall but it were certain things about him that just didn’t add up to me.

1. He’s written to be this ruthless leader that rules with an iron fist, yet he openly knows his “fiancé” is sleeping with other niggas, and he still fucking her too? (Yea major side eye)
2. The addition of him being a “DOM” and the scene of BDSM felt anticlimactic. It really wasn’t needed. It didn’t add any value to the story and further contradicted his “ruthless leader” characteristic.
Outside of those 2 points I loved the way he treated and protected Gabby well before she was his…

Gabby & Noemi relationship was the perfect balance of feel good energy that this dark story needed, it was light and refreshing and gave major girls girls energy! Both of them needed each other for different reasons and I loved how that relationship flourished on page. The way the family embraced and protected Gabby overall was top tier…

I’m excited to read the next addition to this series.
Profile Image for ashley.
892 reviews17 followers
October 9, 2024
Slower paced but good

I enjoyed this story. It was slower in pace and deeper so it a bit get all together but once it did i was wishing wonderful news for Gabby. Happy the darkness didn't win for her and also how unlike his father Zoo was.
Profile Image for Crystal (Melanatedreader) Forte'.
397 reviews171 followers
July 8, 2025
All I have to say is…

Nek is wild for that zoo baby I don’t want no parts 😩 definitely a wild ride with what I love the most an unhinged MMC.
Profile Image for SheaButtahBookhead.
466 reviews21 followers
November 26, 2025
Character dev: 👤👤👤
Originality: 📝📝📝📝📝
Narration: 🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️
Plot: 📖📖📖
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Action: 👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽
Troupe: mafia romance, AA Romance
Triggers: trafficking, physical abuse, violence

Although slow I couldn’t put this down. It is a black mafia romance with an age gap. Rosair is no nonsense, touch her and die boss. Gabi is a young woman although she is inexperienced she’s not weak and worthless (unlike most age gaps and captive romances). I couldn’t get enough of Rosair and how he handled business. The revenge was so sweet too! It’s not often the villains in these books often get back what they put out.
371 reviews
November 5, 2024
decent read

This book was a good read overall. It started off a bit slow, but once the story picked up, it kept my interest and delivered a satisfying finish. The pacing might have lagged at the beginning, but it was worth sticking with it as the plot developed. A solid story with a rewarding ending!
Profile Image for Tazja Lewis.
409 reviews7 followers
September 3, 2025
Zoo is…CRAZY lol. Gabby lived up to be his match.


My first reading I gave this book a 4⭐️ rating but now…I gave it a 5⭐️. I don’t know what changed between the first time in May to now…but I loved it so much more.
Profile Image for Donnesha.
128 reviews
July 13, 2025
Zoo and Gabby

I absolutely loved this book!! Granted I read them out of order meaning I read the Mills Brothers books first where I was introduced to Rosier, Jules and Noemi and decided to go back and read this series.

I love how despite Zoo’s hard exterior to every one he didn’t display that side of himself to Gabby. Due to all her trauma it was nice to see her get a happy ending! There’s so much drama in this book but the story was really amazing!!! Can’t wait to read Jules book next.
Profile Image for Cardi Blue.
443 reviews6 followers
August 2, 2025
Smh

Books have ruined me because I want people killed before they get a chance to do even worse. Gabby background was so sad.
Profile Image for SM.
592 reviews1 follower
January 19, 2025
Not the movie theater scene 😂 a whole bucket of popcorn on his head.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mz_MELLO YELLO from the BAY.
424 reviews4 followers
October 17, 2025
Not Your Average ZOO!!!

Family, trust and loyalty means a lot but your name and word means much more! Blood doesn’t always make you family. Family are thethe ones that will hurt you the most. Love can exist where it’s needed and wanted. A man with change his ways and mindset for the woman he wants. Let’s chat!!

Gabriella aka Gabby, was that girl that received the short end of the stick. Life was lifing for her and my heart went to her😔. She honestly didn’t deserve the life she was living. From her parents to her trifling so called Uncle David and Aunt Elana😡. Now we all know that we have been told that family was everything and we look out each other, in the same breath being told that family will do us the worst🫣. That’s exactly what happened with Gabby. Learning how her uncle & auntie earned their money was sickening to her and had me ready to jump into the book 🤣. Like IKYL!! Outside of not know what happened to her best friend Bridgette, she learns what they had in store for her😔! My girl was green to what was happening and I honestly felt bad for her as no woman should have to experience that. Ya girl was something that every man wanted and that was being pure in all aspects of the word 🫣. Oh but when that one person you least expect to step in did just that and saved her in more ways than one - Rosier🥰! My girl may have been green, but she didn’t allow you to play in her face at all🤣! The way I was cheering for them from the moment they met! It was something about them that had me believe they would be each other’s peace🫶🏽 and I was here for it. The outcome was everything and then some🤏🏾!

Rosier aka Zoo was everything and then some🫶🏽! He let it be know that not the to play with and that he handles all that come his way disrespectfully. Through this read, I was lite stop playing with this man🫣🤭! Taking the throne that he was raised to take after his father was worse than he thought. The way my mouth dropped at all the secrets that unfolded was diabolical and left me speechless 😳! The thing he learned that his Uncle Claude was into had him hot around the collar and rightfully so. Not only that to learn that he was in business with the sick Claude left him seeing red😡! I can I say that regardless of the type of business they had, I was so happy when Zoo stepped up and did what he did. However, what he didn’t expect was to have a soft spot for her - Gabriella🥰. See let me be honest as I didn’t like the Fiancé and BM Ari as she irritated my soul. It was just something about her that didn’t sit right with me and I was right - she’s the ops 😡! The way I was excited when everything came to the forefront and the way he checked her s well as her father was🤏🏾🤏🏾! The way he confronted all the snakes the family!! When all said and done, the way he was coming behind Gabby no one was ready for it. All I’m going to say is I never want to go to what he calls the ZOO!!!!

Jules, listen I would never want to be the one to upset him🤭! Like ya boy played too much and cracked joke but you upset him it was another story. The way he did Elana, David and his Uncle Claude had me crying laughing🤣🤣! One thing for sure he stood 10 toes down behind his brother and the family business. Hope to learn more about him. Then there is Andre 😔! The decision he had to make was a hard one especially as it had everything to do with his father Claude! Learning about how his father was moving was very hard to swallow but he did what he needed to do - stand with family🥰!

Now Ari, I’m not about to give her too much energy but will say she deserved everything she received.🤭 Like how do you do your child that you carried for 9 months the way she did. She had me wishing I was part of the book 🤣! Besides her, you have Ginny. She just knew she was that chick but my girl Gabby shut that down asap 🤣! Heck not just her Rosier clown her so bad, I wouldn’t want anything to do with him. Hey we all know that say - you just can’t fix stupid 🤣!

Though this is only the 2nd book I’ve read from this author, she currently has my undivided attention. Though I’m not a fan of skin trafficking, this read wasn’t one that made you cringe nor did it have me uncomfortable. This was an amazing read and can’t wait to start book 2.
Profile Image for alissa a ᖭིᖫྀ.
94 reviews4 followers
January 4, 2026
the way Zoo saved Gabby from her own family? my heart actually ached. 🤎


❛❜ She glanced at me over her shoulder and gave me that smile that I fall in love with every day. Life with this girl is going to be nothing short of amazing, and I’m ready to spend each and every day loving her the way she deserves. She came into my life in some fucked up circumstances, but I’d go through the storms all over again if all roads led me to this moment. I’d spend all the money in the world just to have forever with her. ❛❜

i am officially starting my 2026 reading journey with a bang. i just finished Dreaux by Nek Mills, and to say i’m obsessed is an understatement. this book didn't just pull me in; it sparked a whole new obsession with crime family and mafia-style urban romance for me. watching Zoo save Gabby from her aunt and uncle made my heart melt into a puddle. even when she was at her lowest, he was her shield. i loved how patient he was with Gabby, he didn’t pressure her to do anything she didn’t want to do. he didn’t just talk about it—he handled business. watching him handle mfs had me literally laughing out loud! 😂💀 let me say this, zoo is THAT man🤭😩just by reading this book, i had visuals in my head..and in MY head? the dude is fineee🤏🏽😩 also, Gabby is my absolute favorite. she has been through so much pain, but watching her transform into a strong woman was the most beautiful part of the story.

w͟h͟y͟ ͟i͟ ͟l͟o͟v͟e͟d͟ ͟i͟t͟

• Zoo: he is exactly who he said he was. the way he protected Gabby from her toxic aunt and uncle? my heart actually melted. he’s officially my first book boyfriend of the year. 💍🤎
• Gabby: watching her transformation was everything. she is so resilient. i love how she was able to have someone that can show her how’s she suppose to be loved and cared for. also, despite everything she went through, seeing her find safety in Zoo and build that beautiful bond with his son, RJ, was the highlight for me. 🥺
• The Plot: the drama was top-tier. Ari stayed on my nerves, and don’t even get me started on the family drama! and when everything unfolded, i was ‘this b!tch’ but watching Zoo handle business? i said this earlier, but i was literally laughing at how he handles mfs.😂
• The Writing: Nek Mills is so descriptive. the spice? Chef’s kiss. the ending? perfect, hot, and left me wanting so much more.
The Mess: let’s talk about Ari and those relatives… they stayed on my nerves! 🙄 but the drama was top-tier and kept me glued to every single page.
THE ZOO EFFECT: let’s just say... when Zoo is on the scene, you better buckle up. 🎢 those moments were absolutely crazy—intense, protective, and so well-written that i felt like i was right there. i won’t spoil it, but the way he handles business is something you have to read for yourself. he definitely owned up to his name,my jaw was on the floor! 😲🔥

i am 100% committed to finishing this series. Nek Mills has a new fan for life! i’m so excited for this new era, i’m in..i’m loving it🥰



Profile Image for Monique.
439 reviews19 followers
May 12, 2025
The author did not play with the title of this book. Because Rosier definitely was Ruthless. I love a good unhinged Mafia boss🤣I even liked Gabby too. I feel like sometimes in a Stockholm-ish type story the FMC is usually a weak damsel in distress type. And while it started that way because of what she’d been through, Gabby really did come out of her shell and into her own! She wasn’t afraid to pop her sh*t and I loved that for her. I do wish we saw just a little bit more of their love story played out on page, but what we saw was 🥰. This was an engaging story full of mafia business, humor, and some 😧 moments. Can’t wait to get into the next one!
Profile Image for Goddess’ Smut Library &#x1fa77;.
490 reviews24 followers
November 24, 2025
3.75⭐️🌶️🌶️ Please check your trigger warnings before starting this book. The beginning of the book had me sick to my stomach, but maybe I’m twisted in the head, but all of the villains in the story got exactly what they deserved. So Gabby definitely has Stockholm syndrome immediately, and not for nothing, Zoo. Is it really nice, man? He’s a little bit unhinged, but what else can you expect of a mafia boss? I really liked Jules. He’s funny as hell, so I really want to read the next book, and Mimi was a good friend to Gabby. I would’ve liked more of their relationship past all the drama/trauma, and the epilogue just didn’t get me there.
Profile Image for Ashanti Burton.
646 reviews13 followers
August 15, 2025
Slow burn mafia romance. Took them longer than I expected to get together. Wish their was more buildup. More yearning or stolen glances to show his interest.Zoo was engaged and in a toxic relationship when he met Gabby. He rescued her from toxic family. My favorite part of this is her surge in confidence and the bonds she built. I would recommend.
Profile Image for Tee.
34 reviews
August 22, 2025
Wow!!

U have a wild imagination!! This book was so good. On to the next book. I really enjoyed this read
Profile Image for M.K. Seven .
64 reviews
November 13, 2025
Gabby & Zoo ❤️❤️❤️

This book was good AF! Zoo was unhinged and I loved it. This was my first Nek Mills book and I can't wait for Jules book 2. Bravo, NM!!
Profile Image for Nikki.
132 reviews11 followers
December 22, 2025
I do wish the audiobook gave better trigger warnings because this was darker than I expected but I really did enjoy the story!
Profile Image for 5 Star Delta.
219 reviews
May 2, 2025
I’m rounding up to 4; but I think 3.75 is sufficient. I enjoyed it; but I think a bit too long to really get me going. I unfortunately knew who the “betrayer” was going to be right from the start and I don’t like that.
Also, there were some words misused that was a bit distracting.

Overall, I’d recommend it and I’m on to the 2nd book.
Profile Image for Te.
16 reviews
November 27, 2024
My star rating system
3⭐️ Liked it
4⭐️ Loved It
5⭐️ Obsessed with it
_________________
Zoo becomes the head of his family after the untimely death of his father.
Gabby has been in a living nightmare since the death of her parents and living with her aunt and uncle. Zoo realizes that his dad and uncle may have been into some human trafficking and ends up buying Gabby to get to the bottom of the issue.

There is lots of betrayal, jealousy, a crazy baby mom, and plenty of people going to meet their maker in this book. And when I tell you Ari, Zoo's baby mom had it coming ... I couldn't wait to get rid of her. She was always doing too much.
Profile Image for Isabooklover.
130 reviews
February 7, 2025
3 stars would be nice tbh and it’s only because the Nek’s syntax didn’t make me wanna gauge my eyes out.

As a feminist this was terrible and in real life I might’ve killed Zoo. Now as someone who reads all types of romance books including dark/mafia/taboo etc… Im still not feeling this.
The concept of the story exist but everything including the characters feels underwhelming and boring which is crazy given that it’s a mob story.

I think that this story needed to be longer to fully flesh out both characters and plot
7 reviews1 follower
August 30, 2025
Wifebeater?

How is wife beater not a trigger? It's not a shirt. This story had women being assaulted verbally and physically on the page. Women were sexually assaulted and trafficked. To described a shirt as a wife beater as if it has no negative connotation is offensive to me. To use the word wife beater lightly is irresponsible. Please stop using that phrase.
Profile Image for Lia.
264 reviews6 followers
April 2, 2025
It was an okay read. Not too keen to read part 2. Didn't capture me enough to be curious about any of the characters.
Profile Image for melaninpages.
10 reviews3 followers
January 20, 2025
This was quite enjoyable for me ! This is my first read from Nek Mills and she was able to make a fan out of me also she made me enjoy the kidnapping  trope (which Im not a big fan of AT ALL) That is simply because of how well the execution of this story was written. 
The pacing was perfect! Not too quick to where you feel just thrown in and confused but not too slow to where you are bored. Gave us back story on both main characters  before diving into the plot and once we got into it  WE GOT INTO IT! 🤯🤯
Characters:
Zoo was FUCKING CRAZY and I loved it he was entertaining and did not fuck around. I was weak when he was throwing that damn popcorn at her and her date that Man was strategically INSANE. I applaud the author because the Tourture techniques were creative and some of them I’ve never seen done especially the ⚔️⚔️🤣🤣 Jules and his shit had me weak! 

Gabriella 
Okay first sis was pissing me off and I was screaming STAND UP but she did get her courage and I was proud of her by the end especially how she was telling that lady to bark like a dog 🤣🤣🤣YEAHHH SHE DESERVED THAT GET BACK She was sweet and definitely the calm to his storm!! 
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️& and half stars for me!!! I wanted more pertaining to the their relationship before (more date scenes and them hanging out ) I love yous were exchanged.
Great Job Nek! 
Profile Image for Salene Whyte (thee_book_connoisseur_).
419 reviews3 followers
January 9, 2025
Dreaux 🫶🏼

Nek Mills delivers an intense and captivating story in Dreaux: The Ruthless One, a tale of legacy, power, and redemption. The novel follows Rosier “Zoo” Boudreaux, who inherits Boudreaux Enterprises after his father’s untimely death. Amid this turmoil lies Gabby, a quiet yet graceful character whose presence brings an emotional depth to the story. Their relationship, while unconventional, adds a heartfelt dynamic to the high-stakes drama. Zoo’s ruthless determination to honor his father’s wishes while carving his own path shows why he’s a force to be reckoned with.

I absolutely loved this story! Zoo and Gabby’s relationship was far from typical, but it was touching in its rawness and sincerity. The moment Zoo stepped in and saved Gabby melted my heart—he didn’t owe her anything, but he chose to protect her from her abusive uncle, which showed his depth of character. I also admired Gabby’s growth as she began standing up for herself.

The Boudreaux family embodied the true meaning of loyalty and unconditional support. They embraced Gabby as one of their own without hesitation, showing a beautiful example of acceptance. Overall, the balance of action, emotion, and family made Dreaux: The Ruthless One an unforgettable read. Nek Mills nailed it!
438 reviews5 followers
October 11, 2024
The Zoo Keeper

Zoo and Gabby were cute. I did low-key think Gabby may have a bit of Stockholm Syndrome though because of the situation. Zoo was a boss, but his home life was chaos. I can’t say I agreed with all the double standards he placed on Ari though—both were cheaters. She may have been a snake, but neither were good partners to one another. I was lowkey disappointed in how quickly Gabby gave in to the physical aspect of the relationship too because I didn’t feel like he had done anything to deserve her fully—romantically that is—but it worked for them.

Now Ms. Mills…Zoo was cool, but I think Jules might be bae for me. He was comedic, yet unhinged one I was drawn too. I need his story!
Profile Image for Jerrica (Mrsmar10Reads) Martin .
1,653 reviews9 followers
November 30, 2024
Ruthless

Let me start by saying, read the warnings before proceeding because things are heavily intense in this book. I was prepared and yet wasn't. However, Zoo and Gabby made me warm and fuzzy amidst the carnage and realities of the life. Zoo was ruthless, but the love for RJ, his mom, his sister, and ultimately Gabby showed the side no one got to see besides them. The devils in this story all got what they deserved and more. David, Claude, Elana, Ari, and Dupont where some real live snakes that tested the wrong man, even after he gave them a chance. I admit I would have loved to see more of Zoo and Gabby as their relationship built. I would have loved to see more of their "late night conversations." As I said, it's a heavy hitter, but pretty well balanced.
Profile Image for KweenBee.
297 reviews3 followers
November 6, 2024
Dark and Heavy

Although there was a trigger warning, the tone of this book was still heavier and darker than I expected. The main male lead character's energy was portrayed very dark and heavy towards almost everyone around him for more than half of the book. And I have never wanted a father and 2 uncles to be killed off in a book as much as I wanted Zoo's father and the two uncle to be. Thankfully, Gabby became the light that was needed, and my hope for her to overcome was the singular reason why I saw this storyline to the end. Overall, though, I unfortunately did not enjoy this book very much.
872 reviews5 followers
February 8, 2025
The Ruthless One

So when I first started this I kept saying what the hell Zoo gonna do with Gabby. She's younger and not really experienced with life as she was homeschool and then basically locked up for a good part of her life. But then they met and it's like I can't see nothing but them together. Once she was comfortable she knocked down his rough exterior without even trying. She became something to him no one else has but he also became something to her that no one has. I loved how patient he was with her and understood her situation. They both came into each other's life and changed it for the better!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews

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