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Ruthless

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All I have to do is spy on Dimitri Brokov. The Dimitri Brokov. Billionaire, CEO, Russian Mobster, and my step-brother.

I can have it all. A fling with the hot, tattooed and totally off-limits cocky prick, half a million dollars and, best of all, the sweet taste of revenge to mend my broken heart

I'm supposed to be in control, but I keep going back for more. His hands on me are addictive, the danger he's in thrills me. And when he ties me to his bed so I can't run, we share more than a night of passion; we share a purpose. A mission. One that threatens everything we thought we knew.

294 pages, Paperback

First published October 13, 2015

187 people are currently reading
1216 people want to read

About the author

Alexis Abbott

58 books1,747 followers
Alexis Abbott is a Wall Street Journal & USA Today bestselling author who writes about dangerous men and the women who love them. If you can't resist a bad boy who is a good man, you just found your next addiction. With heart-stopping action, mouth watering sex, and passionate romances that will leave you breathless, Alexis Abbott writes romantic thrillers like no one else can.

When she's not writing your next book boyfriend, you'll find her living a real life romance novel with her own bad boy soulmate in Bonavista, Newfoundland, Canada.

http://alexisabbott.com/newsletter

*****

Are you excited to hear about what I'm up to next? There's lots of ways to connect with me!

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Series

Alexis Abbott's Hitmen Series:
Owned by the Hitman (Hitman, #1) by Alexis Abbott Sold to the Hitman (Hitman, #2) by Alexis Abbott Saved by the Hitman by Alex Abbott Captive of the Hitman (Hitman #4) by Alexis Abbott Stolen from the Hitman (Hitman #5) by Alexis Abbott Taken by the Hitman (Hitman #7) by Alexis Abbott Hostage of the Hitman (Hitman #6) by Alexis Abbott

Bound to the Bad Boy Series:
Bound for Life (Bound to the Bad Boy, #1) by Alexis Abbott Bound to the Mafia (Bound to the Bad Boy, #2) by Alexis Abbott Bound in Love (Bound to the Bad Boy, #3) by Alexis Abbott

Standalones
Criminal by Alexis Abbott Ruthless by Alexis Abbott Sights on the SEAL by Alex Abbott [bc:Rock Hard Bodyguard|37327685|Rock Hard Bodyguard|Alexis Abbott|https://i.gr-assets

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5 stars
337 (36%)
4 stars
255 (27%)
3 stars
220 (23%)
2 stars
73 (7%)
1 star
48 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 240 reviews
Profile Image for XxTainaxX Curvy and Nerdy.
1,563 reviews504 followers
February 16, 2016
Dimitry has a lot going for him. He's cocky, sexy, and as we find out later, also faithful. Even if he is in deep with the mafia, he gives us plenty of reasons to get all swoony. Sarah has been jonesing for him for years even though he's her stepbrother. What she doesn't know is that he's cared for her just as much. His mom is ambitious and more deserving of the "ruthless" tag than Dimitri is for sure. At 18, she manages to cut Sarah off and leaves her homeless and penniless. Sarah comes back into Dimitri's life, only this time... the sparks catch fire. Sarah gets an up close and personal view of Dimitri's involvement with the mafia. Let me tell you, folks: the author does not skimp on the details lol The story was good, where it fell a little flat for me was the heroine. I couldn't quite connect with her. There's also one love scene that had me raising my eyebrows. Kudos for those sexy as hell scenes... with the noted exception that was weird but no less hot lol
Profile Image for Ashleyjo.
826 reviews524 followers
October 26, 2015


From chapter one, this book asks you to defy rational thinking, and my boat just don't float like that.

Set Aside Your Brain, Please!

Chapter One....

Backdrop: A stepmother marries your rich daddy. Your step bro is hot as hell and becomes your BFF that you also want to fuck. Daddy dies, leaving everything to step mommy. Step mom immediately kicks you to the curb penniless. Step bro sits back and does absolutely nothing. You don't talk to either for two years.

After all that^^^, step mom calls you up and offers you 500k to go work for her son (your step bro) and provide her copies of his illegal, cooked books.

1. It's not believable that she'd want to help her wicked stepmom.
2. It's not believable that a wicked step mom would want her to be the help to spy on her son.
3. Am I supposed to actually like a fucking person that would tell me how much she wanted and still wants to give the guy she's spying on her virginity as she's betraying his trust and already screwing him?

By chapter 10....

I'm asked to believe that anyone would sob hysterically over the death of a person that abandoned you and left you penniless. Wtf?

By chapter 17....

I'm asked to believe that a billionaire's will, leaving a huge trust to a daughter, could be hidden from said daughter. That she'd have no clue it existed, despite the fact that ALL heirs would be legally present for the reading of a will when her dad died two years ago. Shit just doesn't LEGALLY work that way, especially when this is a fucking billionaire's will.

But, the author has to take it a step further into lala land~ Is she mad when she finds out step mom spent millions of her trust? Of course not, you silly twits!!!!

Could She Be Any More Stereotypical?

•Pollyanna
•platinum blonde hair
• 5'3"
•size 4
•blue eyes
•sugary sweet
•virgin at 20
•obedient in the bed, and

Stubbornly TSTL every where else. She knows he is deep with the mob. He tells her that her spying will get her killed. He tells her to let him handle his 'meetings' and not get involved. YET, she is following him around to see exactly what and who he is meeting with. Why? Well, not because she's gonna leave him if she sees anything seedy. No, she just wants to know because she's fucking curious & wants to protect him.

The Writing Style Just Isn't For Me

I know that a lot of readers like the dime store romance lingo. I don't. This:



"I'm splayed open by his passions, my knees pulled back wide, my soft, puffy petals sundered and stretched around his veiny, throbbing girth."


makes me laugh, not swoon!

The whole stepbrother thing isn't taboo in the least to me. But, what is nasty is when a character SCREWS the stepbrother and then still refers to him as:



"I've gone from my biggest stress being filing season to stalking my brother .

"The same man my brother beat up all those years ago."



After you screw him, it's not so great to call him a stepbrother, but damn sure don't call him your brother. Damn, damn, damn... No!

Of Course There's A Kidnapping

I expected nothing less, and of course all the gore and blood makes sweet little Polyanna hot *eyeroll*

Repetition Rules The Roost

The actual scenes and dialogue pretty much stay focused and trudge forward through the plot. Likewise, the sex scenes are all a little different in action.

I can't, however, say the same for the inner monologues, which just continually play on a loop anytime there's not dialogue or descriptions of sex acts.

Speaking Of Sex

The author kinda gets a little kinky-winky here in her sex scenes.

Just a heads up for timid readers - a little hand around the throat, spanking for punishment, mild bondage, anal, etc.

IMHO it was aggressive to go this hard when the chick was a virgin. I mean anal THE DAY AFTER SHE LOSES HER VCARD?!? Really?!

I don't mind spanking when done for pleasure, but the spanking here was intended as punishment and done in anger on his part; lol she just happened to enjoy it tremendously vs it being the "punishment" it was intended. My issue is anger during such an act.

Where Is The Rest Of The Book?

I barely made it to the end of the story and was thankful it was over, mind you! However, paying readers might want to know that this book is advertised as 325 pages but actually ends at the 50% mark, making it a little over 150 pages. The remainder of the story is another book by the author.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, for me, I require shit to make good sense ... Ie an MC that doesn't cry over the person that stole everything from them w no remorse and that doesn't go full BDSM to the anal sex X's nymph a mere 24 hours post losing her V-Card.

That said, I can see where some readers that appreciate Pollyanna and favor overlooking details for heat could enjoy this book.

It's a 1 1/2 star read .


Profile Image for I.Heart.Romance.
351 reviews185 followers
February 13, 2016
⭐️ 3.5 Stars ⭐️

* Possible Spoilers *

♦️BOOK: Standalone. Full length.

♦️HERO: Dimitri Brokov, 23--C.E.O. & ruthless Russian mafia killer. Big, muscular, covered in tattoos.

♦️HEROINE: Sarah Fairfax, 20--Bookkeeper. Virgin. Grew up very privileged but after her father's death, was thrown out and cut off from the family at age 18.

♦️PLOT: On her own for two years and barely making ends meet, Sarah is contacted by her former stepmother and asked to spy on her ex-stepbrother, for a hefty sum. Getting a job working for Dimitri's company, Sarah quickly discovers his ties to the Russian mob as well as the fact that their attraction hasn't diminished whatsoever. Then Dimitri's mother is murdered and Sarah is in danger.

♦️REVIEW: A quick read with lots of steamy sex, some action, suspense and violence. A little unrealistic at times, Sarah made an idiotic decision or two and tends to think with her vagina quite a bit, but overall an enjoyable read with a yummy, bad-boy H.

♦️EDITING: no significant errors found

♦️POV: first person, heroine

♦️STEAM LEVEL: Hot, 4.5/5

♦️OW / OM ISSUES: None - No OW/OM mentioned. Virgin h, celibate H.

♦️WARNINGS: graphic violence, murder

♦️ENDING: HEA, No cliffhanger

♦️QUOTES: "I claimed you first. If I ever find out another man touches you..." His index and middle finger press inside of me, and I moan in pleasure, "You'll be the last thing he ever fucking touches."
Profile Image for Maya.
858 reviews497 followers
January 2, 2016
description

What happens when hot, yummy and extremely dangerous clashes with sexy, smart and loyal? You got it! An explosive romance with lots of action and sexy times. ;)

This is my life now. A double edged sword of passion and fear, of pain and pleasure.


Profile Image for Jenn.
1,035 reviews256 followers
October 25, 2015
1 Star with 5 shades of pain

Ridiculous non-sense. It reminded me of Fifty Shades of Grey in the sexual department. None of it should be romanticized.

I wanted to love the story, as I thought it had great potential to be more however- the wild, crazy, and brutality of their sexual escapades was a major turn off. She knows he's a killer and every time she's seriously hurt from a mob attack- he does some killing- then they have crazy, bruising, wild, painful, screaming sex with blood on them? Nope! Not for me. Once they had sex with the dead body in the next room.

I didn't need pages and pages of their 'steamy' scenes. That took up a lot of the book and to be honest I eventually skipped or skimmed what I could from those parts.

It really had a good base for the plot - why ruin it with the crazy brutality of the sexual scenes? Give me more Mafia parts! Give me more depth and more story- especially with the step-mother. That really needed to be fleshed out better, and it could have lengthen the story had she been around longer! So much could have been done with this book. *Sigh.*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for 100sweet.
1,600 reviews
October 26, 2015
DNF @ 38%.

This had a good premise but the characters were annoying as hell. The h was super pathetic and kept lusting and chasing after the H. She was thrown out of the house at 18 and was homeless for 3 days. The H DID NOTHING to help her!! When she mentions it to him as adults he just laughs and tells her she survived so whats the big deal. He was extremely arrogant and acted like a complete a-hole. All he did was smirk and taunt the h. He knew she lusted after him and liked to treat her like an object. At one point someone close to the H dies and the h's BF tells her to have sex with him so he will feel better. By the way the h is a virgin at this point and this donkey decides that it is a great idea. Plus, what kind of stupid BF encourages you to lose your virginity like its something bad to be rid of as soon as possible? Why don't women value their virginity and value sex more? It is a real shame.
Profile Image for Book-Bosomed  blog.
516 reviews258 followers
October 15, 2015
4.5 Stars
Sarah Fairfax has been distanced from her former step-family for two years, cut off by her step-mother at the age of eighteen. Now Rebecca is summoning her back and she wants a little favor.

Dimitri Brokov is Sarah’s former step-brother, the object of her desires, and his company is a topic of interest to his mother. She wants Sarah to spy on Dimitri’s accounting practices, and thus Sarah and Dimitri’s lives become intertwined once again.

Dimitri is certainly alluring. He curses in Russian during sex, is alpha in and out of the bedroom, and projects a devilishly flirtatious yet cocky attitude.

“‘Mr. Brokov wants to know if this is about his Uncle.’”

Until taking this job from her step-mother, Sarah has walked the straight and narrow, but she knows the dark and dangerous side that Dimitri has played.

“‘Here’s a hint, Sarah. You show up at two in the morning for a booty call and then you withhold the booty, bad things happen. You’re just lucky—‘”

I loved how the story focused on just them, the drama coming from their dangerous ties.

“‘This is about more than you and me….If you want this, it’s all or nothing.’”

The taboo step-sibling aspect isn’t exaggerated for unnecessary angst as there’s plenty of excitement with this action-adventure plot and steamy, dirty scenes. While Dimitri is obviously quite talented between the sheets as evident by the detailed times they spend there, he’s thankfully never characterized as a manwhore, just a bad boy on the ruthless side.

“‘You’ve always been too afraid to lose it to this dick, haven’t you?...You’ve wanted it for so f*cking long. And tonight, you’re finally going to get it. And I’m not going to let you go until I show you what I can really do.’”

On top of their hot scenes together, there’s a little swoon-worthy confession from him towards the end that was a pleasantly surprising plus.

While at first I thought the premise was a little shaky, there was an interesting twist that I didn’t see coming that propelled the story on a bit of a mystery arc which added some intrigue to the seriously super sexy tale.

“…every pulse of his heart is a throb of his thick cock inside me, and I want it.”

I wouldn’t have minded a few more flashbacks from their past to see how it all started—a prologue would have been fitting. The story is told solely from Sarah’s first person point of view, but a few chapters would have benefited from Dimitri’s narration.

But all in all, it’s a steamy read with danger and intrigue that should keep you turning pages as you root for Sarah and Dimitri to uncover the truths and conquer the true bad guys.

“‘Once this shit is over with, I’m going to make you scream so loud we’ll get the cops called on us.’”


*Unedited ARC received in exchange for an honest review./No rating points deducted for grammatical issues.
Profile Image for ↜ƈɦǟռ☂ɛℓℓɛ↝.
1,296 reviews139 followers
October 27, 2015
 photo bridesmaidstree.gif
Finally back at home, I am trying to get this all caught up. And man do I wish I was reading this, rather than all the crap I've been dealing with for the last 3 weeks.
I loved this book. I really couldn't ask for anything else.
Bad Ass Alpha
Danger
Female who gets shit done
Bed breaking raw sex
Forbidden love
Step-Brother
Really, what more can I need, lol?!?!?
Alex, bring on the next. I can't wait.
Profile Image for RCK *don’t be all, like, uncool*.
782 reviews64 followers
Read
January 2, 2016
DNF at 20%

The constant mentioning of being siblings not step siblings while lusting after one another is gross to read.

The heroine always being aroused around the hero, who she hasnt seen in 2 years after she got kicked out, doesn't do it for me. I need a heroine who can think and not get wet at just a glimpse or touch from the hero.
Profile Image for Mojo_Mama.
1,586 reviews826 followers
January 26, 2016
Jesus. Another TSTL virgin taken by a bad boy who gives her multiple-orgasms while poppin' her cherry.

THEN it gets all FSoG...Bratva style.

#icanteven

I realized halfway through this I just read Criminal last week and 1 starred that puppy...pretty much for the same reasons here. Though, I think this one was slightly better.

There are so few words to spare in a novella it's hard to move plot fully forward unless the author has serious talent. Here, not so much. Suspend all belief and hold on cuz shit just happened and that was that.

Fuck the explanation, why get caught up in the minutiae? Or believability?

*eye-roll*

Yeah, I'd skip this unless you're really just looking for a quick taboo fuck. I didn't even know it going into it...imagine my surprise. Snarf.
Profile Image for Linda.
887 reviews83 followers
October 24, 2015
Arc copy graciously provided by the author for an honest review.

Sarah Fairfax, had it all a loving father, a wonderful home and a stepmother and hot step brother, until her father is murdered and she discovers after that , the step brother is involved in something dangerous however that does not quit change the feelings she has for him. However once Safah turns eighteen she finds herself thrown out if her family home left homeless with no family to spite her father having been a billionaire; over the next two years she pulls herself together and has her life on a road foward when her stepmother shows up offering her five hundred thousand dollars. To spy on her step- brother Dimitri for her. The offer is tempting but will require her to be close to Dimitri, the man who broke her heart , ignored her , and let his mother toss her out of her own home with nothing. The money is tempting too tempting to spite it all,Sarah agrees to Rebecca's plan.
Dimitri , has not seen Sarah on years , he has kept himself away to spite how he feels for her, but he could not deny her request to see him, and one look at his beautiful Sarah and he is gone again, but he know to spite it all he should keep his distance but when she asks for employment he can not deny her .
Dimitri may not be able to deny her employment. And he may have to suffer having her around but he will do his best. To keep her safe , keep her safe from his life in the Russian mafia.
Dimitri is intense, dangerous and everything Sarah still wants , to spite their past, but her curiosity and spying may get her in trouble. The more time Dimitri spends with. Sarah , the harder it is to resist her until his desire out rules his common sense once Dimitri looses his tenuous control of his desire this book turns scorching! Can they survive dimitir's mothers machinations , Dimitri 's involvement with the mafia and Sarah' s curiosity?
Profile Image for Nadine Bookaholic.
3,723 reviews520 followers
May 3, 2016
This was an interesting story, there were some good things and then some not so good things. The sex was hot, so obviously that's a good thing, Dimitri is an interesting Alpha Male that has a lot going on - not only is he CEO of his company but he is also in the Russian Mob (as if one high pressure job isn't enough). I liked Dimitri but the thing that confused me was Sarah. Sarah's father was married to Dimitri's mother for a few years before he died, once Sarah turned 18 her stepmother threw her out of the house penniless. Sarah's father was a billionaire and Sarah didn't know that their was a trust fund for her? She didn't fight for her money, she didn't think anything was left to her, this is a big red flag for anyone...and where were her friends you think someone would have made her realize that there is absolutely no way that she should be penniless and homeless. Anyway, the wicked step-mom summons her and asks a favor of her....Most people would have said NO WAY but Sarah goes along with it because she misses Dimitri.

The chemistry between Dimitri and Sarah was scorching! There is some domestic discipline that comes into play when Sarah is caught doing something that could have gotten her killed, but seriously were talking Russian Mob you don't go spying on them - oh brother. We have everything tied up at the end since this is a standalone and Dimitri and Sarah get their HEA.

Ruthless: A Mafia Step-Brother Romance by Alexis Abbott

Ruthless: A Mafia Step-Brother Romance by Alexis Abbott

Ruthless: A Mafia Step-Brother Romance by Alexis Abbott
Profile Image for Mandie .
631 reviews15 followers
October 16, 2015
Omg I love Alex Abbott she is one of my favorite Authors. She is such a detail writer when it comes to her books. Alex Abbott knows how to describe in detail some amazing naughty scenes. I love stepbrother books, but when you mix a hot bad ass mafia stepbrother you know the books going to be a good read. The kind of read where you can't put the book down. And Ruthless is one of those books. I just from the beginning fell in love with Sarah and Dimitri's story and how much they loved each other and how even though they had not seen each other for years they were still so devoted to each other. Dimitri may have let Sarah go for a good reason but that does not mean he never forgot about her. And of course when he has her back he will kill anyone who tries to take her away from him. If you have not read this book please read you will not be disappointed at all. I received this wonderful delicious book in a ARC from the Author in exchanged for my honest review. And I loved every part of this book so thank you Alex Abbott for giving me the chance to read another one of your yummy books.
Profile Image for Adrianne.
224 reviews6 followers
July 14, 2016
3.5 confused stars



This was... different, which is always good, because you don't want to read the same story every single time. Very entertaining, and not too long, but some of the parts were just too much for me. Far fetched plot and convenient situations. And SPOILER ALERT I don't know about you, but I draw the line on some things when it comes to enjoyable sex scenes, and bumping uglies practically on top of a dead body, when you're covered in their blood...



For more of my reviews check out my Facebook or Adrianne's Book Cave. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Mojo_Mama.
1,586 reviews826 followers
January 26, 2016
Jesus. Another TSTL virgin taken by a bad boy who gives her multiple-orgasms while poppin' her cherry.

THEN it gets all FSoG...Bratva style.

#icanteven

I realized halfway through this I just read Criminal last week and 1 starred that puppy...pretty much for the same reasons here. Though, I think this one was slightly better.

There are so few words to spare in a novella it's hard to move plot fully forward unless the author has serious talent. Here, not so much. Suspend all belief and hold on cuz shit just happened and that was that.

Fuck the explanation, why get caught up in the minutiae? Or believability?

*eye-roll*

Yeah, I'd skip this unless you're really just looking for a quick taboo fuck. I didn't even know it going into it...imagine my surprise. Snarf.
Profile Image for angela .
785 reviews161 followers
January 5, 2017
Awesome

This is a great book the main man Dimitri is HOT + DREAMY, this book does have explicit sex/swearing/violence. So this is a book about true love, scheming, manipulation, revenge, and two people finding their place in each other's lives. They have tons of chemistry, but just have a bit of navigating finding what they need to be for the other, in a dangerous life. Dimitri will make you melt if you like the big muscular, tattooed, dangerous type.
Profile Image for Roisin.
97 reviews28 followers
April 29, 2016
Ugh. Lemme' sum this story up for you.
Overly-descriptive & down right tedious.

description

I skimmed a large chunk of this book because it left nothing to the imagination. It's hard to make a sex scene boring, but this author managed it! They went on for freakin' days!!! (like 6 pages)!!!

description

The heroine was seriously annoying too. She had zero depth and was still a virgin. I'm so over the whole virginal thing at the moment. Like seriously??? 18 & a virgin I can deal with. 20+? Not so much.

description

Dimitri didn't do it for me either. Not only is that guy on the front cover not my type (I couldn't stop picturing him!!!) but his character just didn't add up for me. So he's this psycho macho mafia soldier but 'saved' himself for Sarah? Puh-lease.

description

Also, why the eff did he leave her homeless for so long? The story just doesn't add up and there are so many holes. I can't even be bothered to analyse it and write anymore because it isn't worth my time. Read at your own risk, you've been warned.
Profile Image for April Symes.
5,013 reviews448 followers
October 16, 2015
Sarah Fairfax has been distanced from her former step-family for a couple years now due to her step mother and suddenly her step mother is summoning her back, wanting a her to do something for her. And what she wants is quite odd.
Dimitri Brokov is Sarah’s former step-brother and the person she was quite in love with several years ago and to tell the truth still in love with. Now the thing her former step “mommy” wants is for Sarah to go and “spy” on her son’s business and in doing so, Sarah and Dimitri end up becoming involved again. I am, Dimitri is quite dominant person. There is a backstory as to why they weren’t together before and so now they are back together , this time.
Dimitri has this fabulous alpha , dominant thing going on and he lets Sarah know who is boss. Oh and his Russian is to die for –you will be able to read it when going thru the story. There is elements of suspense and action because there is a killer in this story and Sarah is in danger and Dimitri will be there to protect her as they hunt down who the killer is and who is trying to hurt the “family” and what the heck her step mom is up to…I found this to be a great story and different from your usual stepbrother romances that are out there.
My Rating: 4.7 stars *****
***A gifted copy was provided by the author for my honest review***
Profile Image for Lin ( Nerdy Bookworm).
1,049 reviews4 followers
February 12, 2016
It is obvious that the writer is very talent however there is something lacking therefore; what made her other book so interesting was lacking in this book. This is my first stepbrother book by this author and I can tell she’s struggling with the storyline at first, even though I didn’t connect with THIS story. This is a story of Sarah and Dimitri....Sarah Fairfax is hired by her stepmother (Dimitri mother)to infiltrate her son's company and gather information. The very same son who she hasn't seen for more than two years because her stepmother kept them separated and who she's had a crush on since she was eighteen.... Dimitri Brokov, the stepbrother, who is broody,dark, dangerous, sexy, rich and the CEO of his own company with ties to the Russian Mafia. Sarah meets with him to see if he can offer her a job and give her a position where she can spy on him.The story is told in Sarah POV and I would have enjoyed more to read Dimitri POV. The story takes off from there and I don't want to ruin it for you by saying too much. Most of all, I am happy to see there is a HEA and well worthy for poor Sarah. I highly recommend this book, if you haven’t done so already.
750 reviews7 followers
October 15, 2015
I am a huge fan of mafia romance and this boom didn't disappoint. This is primarly about the relationship between Sarah and her step-brother Dimitri. The two were falling for each other until Dimitri is forced to push Sarah away to keep her safe. After Sarah's father passes, Dimitri's mother decides to throw Sarah out and he we see Sarah struggle to make it on her own. That is until one day she reunites with Dimitri and when he see's Sarah again he will not let her go this time. Together they track down a killer and manage to have some pretty steamy love scences. Definitly a book to check out.
Profile Image for Yvette89.
2,985 reviews45 followers
October 18, 2015
Recieved copy from author for honest review
This is the 2nd book I have read by this author. I enjoyed this one more than the last. The story was better. There was plenty if sex and a lot of action. While Sarah was innocent and a little naive she wasn't a complete waste. When times got tough she did fight and do what she had to do. Dimitri is the rich "stepbrother". He is part of the Russian Mafia and a very dangerous man. Again the main characters are extremely young so it was kind of hard to get into the plot. Not a bad book. It is ok and the action when it occurs, will entertain you.
Profile Image for Cheryl   Graham-Petit.
4,123 reviews26 followers
October 14, 2015
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review and I can honestly say, Ruthless is a definite must-read. Alexis Abbott creates characters that you start to believe are real. She leaves her readers breathless and wanting more. Ruthless is full of suspense, mystery, secrets, lies, heartache, lust, scorching sex scenes, and eventually love. This book is a dark, edgy, intense, and oh so naughty.
Profile Image for Mia Searles (The Muses Circle).
319 reviews52 followers
October 24, 2015
Good, but not great. It's one of those romances that is hard to express what about it I didn't like, which drives me crazy since I like to be fair and list the reasons why I liked it and what didn't work for me. It took me awhile to warm up to Dimitri, but once he finally claimed Sarah, I was hooked. I love me some hot alpha males, and he definitely fits into that category. The sex scenes were scorching and the author did a decent job unfolding the mystery-- not just about a certain someone's death, I mean, why Dimitri walked away and allowed his mother to kick Sarah out at 18.

I think the reason why this story is good and not great is two main reasons. One, I think the book would have been better if it were told with dual perspectives. We only get to see things through Sarah's eyes and while some authors and stories can pull it off, this is not one of them. I think there was a huge void and so many questions about Dimitri's character that really didn't get resolved until close to the end of the novel. That is okay, but being able to get in his head, to see things through his eyes a little might have kept me more on the edge of my seat. I think the other reason this is just a 3 star rating for me is the Russian / Bratva (Russian Mafia) / Billionaire thing. I'm not saying that Bratva members can't be billionaires or use that has their cover. I know they are loaded. But it just felt like the author was trying to take what's popular in romance right now (Billionaire / office romance and Russian Mafia) and throw it together. Sometimes it works, but again, I think the reason it didn't in this case is because we only see things through Sarah's eyes. If we could have had Dimitri's perspective, to learn more about him growing up, his entanglement with the Bratva, how he got those tats-- I think the story would have felt more cohesive.

I am not trying to take anything away from the author. She writes well, the sex scenes were off the charts, and even though we only see things through Sarah's eyes, there is no denying that Dimitri is one sexy alpha. But I do think some authors need to pick a "theme" and focus on that instead of trying to mesh popular themes together to try to appeal to everyone.
Profile Image for Avephoenix.
1,088 reviews
October 14, 2015
ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC 4.5 STARS

This edgy, kind of action-suspense thriller story, is well-written. There is killing, shoot-outs, fist-fights, betrayal, angst, steamy passionate scenes, and an unexpected chase that takes and unexpected turn that have one of the main characters in a life & death struggle against one very angry and vicious sociopath mobster. In addition, the rest of the characters are well developed, staying close to basic story, which make it remarkably believable.

In my PERSONAL OPINION, its a great story, at times very dark. I must say that it went above my expectations, and more. It was a page turner for me. There is nothing like being able to read an amazing story in its entirety, all at once, without being able to stop, but at my own pace so that I can enjoyed it even more. And there is nothing like having the feeling of being in the middle of the action.

Dimitri Brokov, is a very loving, passionate individual, who just happens to be a Billionaire, CEO, Russian Mobster, and Sarah's step-brother. Add to this unexpected criminal activities and his violent temper when he meant business, or his beloved is in danger. Which is exactly the mix that fascinates Sarah completely and at the end Dimitri became a bit of a hero in her eyes (and also on mine).

One of the delights of this book is that I couldn't quite figure what will happen next, since every time I tried I fell. I was constantly on edge as the story unfold; well to be honest it was from the moment Sarah and Dimitri met for the first time after being apart for two years. I love the humanity and protectiveness Dimitri exhibits as he struggles with decisions and hard choices from the moment his mother force him to let Sarah go. And yet, he never stop loving her.

Why not make it 5 STARS if I loved it? Well, I didn't like the very beginning of the story, and the weakness shown by Sarah by so easily giving in, knowing what kind of woman her stepmother was.

Alex Abbott's stories are only getting better and better each time!
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews189 followers
October 16, 2015
OH HOLY HELL! WHAT. DID. I. JUST. READ?! Alexis Abbott, you just took me on a highly intense dark ride, and I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT! I'm finding it a bit hard to fall asleep because I'm feeling all kinds of Ruthless now.

Sarah Fairfax has had nothing to do with her former step-family since her step-mother threw her out at 18. Now, two years later, she has the nerve to call Sarah back, asking for a favor. Dimitri Brokov is Sarah's former step-brother, and the man she never got over. His mother wants Sarah to spy on his company, bringing them face to face again. She says yes, because she wants revenge for his callous attitude when she was put on the streets, but as soon as she sees him, all the old feelings resurface making revenge not so appealing now. Will Sarah put aside her revenge to find happiness?

WOW! I haven't read this author before, and boy was I missing out. All my feelings are swirling around in every direction after physically experiencing Ruthless because she blew my mind. The character development is amazing, with characters that seem very real to me. I'm in no way shape or form, one of those women that will let a man dominate me, but I would totally let Dimitri handle me. A fast-paced, action packed storyline flows extremely well. Alexis Abbott's brilliant diabolical writing style didn't just hook me, it grabbed me by the throat, holding me hostage in a story that completely took over my reality while immersed in it. Hell, it still feels real to me, as I still have a massive book hangover in the light of day. The intense suspense, and non stop action had my heart pounding, and it at times it felt like it was going to pound out of my chest. Last, but not least, with the tangible chemistry flying out of my kindle, the sexy scenes were full on EXPLOSIVE, panty melting EPIC goodness! I'm a new fan, and CANNOT WAIT to read more of Alexis Abbot!
Profile Image for Kat DM.
321 reviews33 followers
October 22, 2015
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4.5 Ruthless Chaotic Stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
*copy provided by the author in exchanged for an honest review*


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Ruthless is a dangerously fast paced addicting mafia romance that involves two step siblings. Sarah, was born with money, but was then kicked to the curb by her evil step-mother after her father had passed away. With no one to turn to, including the one person who she thought would always be there for her. Dimitri, her stepbrother. Dimitiri, is a dangerous man who is part of a mafia. He doesn't play by the rules and will go out of his way to protect what is his. He'll do anything in his power to keep the one person he loves. For some unfathomable reason, Dimitri can't understand why Sarah would want to be with him and get to know more about him. But Sarah sees something in Dimitri. She loves all of him. The good. The bad. And the in between. Together Dimitri and Sarah, fight to stay alive when danger threatens their safety. When chaos ensues, will Sarah be able to stand by his side? Can Sarah get the happily ever after that she deserves? And can this dangerous man who lived his life always on the edge find himself dangerously in love with the one person he has been wanting since he first laid eyes on her? I guess the only way to find out is to read Ruthless and be prepared as Alex Abbott takes her readers on one palpitating, exhilarating sexy steamy love affair.

REVIEW IS ALSO ON FOUR CHICKS FLIPPING PAGES
http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...
Profile Image for Sivutha.
634 reviews79 followers
October 12, 2015
5 Ruthless Killer Stars

I love this author writing. Dimitri pushed away his only true love in order to protect her. But Sarah is trying no for an answer and fight her way to be with Dimitri. If you love romance with action, then this is the book for you. Also, the H loves to spank the h. I love this book.

“How can you love someone like me?”

“It’s easy. I know you’ll never hurt me. That you’ll never do anything to hurt me. Isn’t that what everyone wants? Someone to protect them and make them feel wanted? Desired? You do all of that and more. It’s not... pretty, but Dimitri, it’s not like you killed those guys for no reason. They were bad guys.”

“That’s my job as a husband. Your job as a wife is to save me from what I have to do. Can you do that?”

Finally, I nod, because I finally understand what he needs me to be. He doesn’t need me to be his spy or his lookout; he needs me to be his anchor. The spot of good that remains in his life and makes him feel better at the end of the day.

My mouth presses against his, tender and sweet, and his tongue traces along the seam of my lips.

“This will all be settled soon, lover,” he growls as he rolls off of me, tugging me into his broad chest. “And then you can start planning our wedding.”

ARC/R2R received for my honest review.
Profile Image for Melissa Ogletree.
186 reviews6 followers
November 3, 2015
I received this book for an honest review.
Sarah hasn't seen her step-brother since the day his mother put her out of the house. Left to fend for herself she's discovered she's strong enough to stand on her own but when her stepmother makes an offer she can't refuse to spy on Dmitri and become financially independent she can't help but jump at the chance. Dmitri thought he was doing the right thing when he let Sarah go all those years ago not she's back in his world and he can't walk away a second time. When the danger starts to hit close to home can these two work together to make it out in the end or will his world tear them apart again?
Torn is how this book had me feeling there were times I couldn't put it down an then times I felt I couldn't get into it and had to power through finishing it. I don't want to get too detailed as I hate spoilers in reviews so I try not to give them but I think the parts i enjoyed the most is when Sarah and Dmitri were interacting with each other whether it was tense banter, fighting for each other, or hot bedroom scenes together they jumped off the page and left me wanting more but the in between scenes with just one or the other just moved at a different pace for me. I liked both characters and the ideas behind the story and the book is well written just kind of left me wanting more. This is a standalone with no cliffhanger.
Profile Image for Racy.
1,711 reviews16 followers
October 14, 2015
I received this for an honest review. This has the taboo bad boy step-brother going on. Have to warn you it is a dark romance. There is lots of sex scenes and killing. Dimitri who is the step-brother is in the Russian Mob so what can you except. I just loved the book.

Sarah Fairfax who lost her mother to cancer and shortly after her mother’s death her father marries Rebecca. After Sarah’s father’s death she finds herself kicked out at the age of 18 to defend for herself. This hurt deeply. The one person she thought would be there was her step-brother but not once did he try to find her or contact her.

Sarah finds herself sent in by her step-mother to spy on Dimitri. Sarah knowing Dimitri’s past knows this can be very dangerous. Which having to work for Dimitri and spy on her cause Sarah to have to spend time with him. Old feelings start to surface. Sarah finds herself in more danger then she can handle on her own.Will Dimitri be there to help her out or will he side with the mob?

Dimitri is hot, sexy, dangerous and a billionaire. You can not help but fall in love with him. Trust me when I say you will either toys on hand or a cold shower. There are some pretty hot and steamy parts in this book.
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