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Merciless Knave
Published inside Noble Savages - A Dark High School Bully Romance Box Set
I was traded like the Queen of Diamonds in a game of cards, before I was old enough to spell the word 'marriage'.
He says I'm his. Always have been, always will be.
Not while I'm still breathing.
Til death us do part?
If that's the way it has to be, I'm dragging him to hell with me.
I was traded like the Queen of Diamonds in a game of cards, before I was old enough to spell the word 'marriage'.
He says I'm his. Always have been, always will be.
Not while I'm still breathing.
Til death us do part?
If that's the way it has to be, I'm dragging him to hell with me.
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2019
367 people are currently reading
469 people want to read
About the author
Esme Devlin
26 books329 followersEsme is a Scottish romance author who writes books about demanding and possessive alpha-heros. Or anti-heros, when the mood takes her. They're usually gruff and hard, but that is until they meet the women who bring them to their knees.
In her spare time Esme writes sci-fi romance and sometimes remembers to eat. She's a mum of two very fiesty heroines and a wolf-hybrid, and she lives with her very own highlander-husband who she is trying to convince to do her audiobooks ;-)
You can keep up to date by subscribing to her spam-free mailing list (honestly, she is a tech-phobe). https://www.subscribepage.com/x2k2t8
In her spare time Esme writes sci-fi romance and sometimes remembers to eat. She's a mum of two very fiesty heroines and a wolf-hybrid, and she lives with her very own highlander-husband who she is trying to convince to do her audiobooks ;-)
You can keep up to date by subscribing to her spam-free mailing list (honestly, she is a tech-phobe). https://www.subscribepage.com/x2k2t8
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
January 11, 2020
Merciless Knave.
3.5 stars out of 5. This is the story of Tommy Heenan and Michelle McLean whose marriage was arranged by their parents when they were eight years old. I didn’t like this story quite as much as the others. I think it was because Michelle was the bully. She was also very spoiled and selfish and quite a huge brat, which is a word I rarely use but true in this case.
Of course she has reasons to hate her situation, I mean technically her father sold her future in a business deal. They are now rich and she has saved up money to run away and get set up somewhere until she can get a job. However, her plans fail, she is found out and Tommy starts to keep a very close eye on her. Tommy drives her to school and back and he keeps her car from her.
Michelle hates Tommy, she has ever since that engagement party their parents had for them at eight years old. Though Tommy feels the same way about her, he knows that what their parents did was in the best interest of both their fathers companies and the reason for the arranged marriage is so both kids can inherit the two businesses and run them. Tommy wasn’t always rich, so he knows what it is like to go without and what this opportunity is for them.
Michelle can only see that she is losing her freedom and she crosses Tommy at every turn when he tries to tell her what to do. Though it is her own fault for getting caught doing a runner. Though Tommy does get back at her a few times, she brings it all the more and even manipulates his emotions. I just didn’t like her at all through most of the book.
Michelle does start to get better when she begins to feel an attraction for Tommy. She gets confused as to what she really wants. One last thing about this book that was not as good as the others was the supporting characters. Both main characters had friends and family, but we really didn’t learn anything about them or hear more than a few words from them. Though the book was not quite as good as the first three, it was still worth reading. Esme Devlin wrote a good story that held my interest and I really enjoyed how it all wrapped up. Though I’m only giving this a heat rating of 2 flames 🔥🔥.
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3.5 stars out of 5. This is the story of Tommy Heenan and Michelle McLean whose marriage was arranged by their parents when they were eight years old. I didn’t like this story quite as much as the others. I think it was because Michelle was the bully. She was also very spoiled and selfish and quite a huge brat, which is a word I rarely use but true in this case.
Of course she has reasons to hate her situation, I mean technically her father sold her future in a business deal. They are now rich and she has saved up money to run away and get set up somewhere until she can get a job. However, her plans fail, she is found out and Tommy starts to keep a very close eye on her. Tommy drives her to school and back and he keeps her car from her.
And then things kicked off when we were sixteen. That’s the legal marriage age in Scotland, with parental consent, and of course parental consent is the one thing we have in fucking abundance.
Tommy was determined I should leave school, marry him, and start learning my place as his wife. It’s all the rage in his community apparently, even though his family aren’t your typical Gypsies. They live in a house, for starters.
But whatever, I refused, and thankfully my dad backed me up for once in his life. We’d wait until we were both eighteen. I found this out via Tommy, when he pushed me up against a wall in the gym changing rooms and whispered in my ear: “This is the one crumb of mercy you will ever get from me, darlin, so you enjoy it while it lasts.”
Michelle hates Tommy, she has ever since that engagement party their parents had for them at eight years old. Though Tommy feels the same way about her, he knows that what their parents did was in the best interest of both their fathers companies and the reason for the arranged marriage is so both kids can inherit the two businesses and run them. Tommy wasn’t always rich, so he knows what it is like to go without and what this opportunity is for them.
Michelle can only see that she is losing her freedom and she crosses Tommy at every turn when he tries to tell her what to do. Though it is her own fault for getting caught doing a runner. Though Tommy does get back at her a few times, she brings it all the more and even manipulates his emotions. I just didn’t like her at all through most of the book.
Being free isn’t ridiculous; it’s her idea of being free that is. Like working long hours in a low-paid job and struggling to pay bills and having no friends is aspirational, just because it means she’s “free”. That’s not being free to me.
You have to find your own ways of feeling like that, in the life you’ve been given.
Michelle does start to get better when she begins to feel an attraction for Tommy. She gets confused as to what she really wants. One last thing about this book that was not as good as the others was the supporting characters. Both main characters had friends and family, but we really didn’t learn anything about them or hear more than a few words from them. Though the book was not quite as good as the first three, it was still worth reading. Esme Devlin wrote a good story that held my interest and I really enjoyed how it all wrapped up. Though I’m only giving this a heat rating of 2 flames 🔥🔥.
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September 27, 2019
I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by this one.
The dialogue was hilarious - very Scottish, which is AWESOME because it's been forever since I've read a REALISTIC UK-based NA novel! Michelle and Tommy had some great scenes and I loved the development of their relationship.
Bit of manufactured drama at the end and I would have liked a longer epilogue, but I really did enjoy this book.
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The dialogue was hilarious - very Scottish, which is AWESOME because it's been forever since I've read a REALISTIC UK-based NA novel! Michelle and Tommy had some great scenes and I loved the development of their relationship.
Bit of manufactured drama at the end and I would have liked a longer epilogue, but I really did enjoy this book.
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November 7, 2019
I loved this story so hard!!
July 13, 2020
In this story we have Tommy and Michelle they have not only known each other for practically their whole lives but they have been in arranged marriage agreement between their families since they were 10. They have had a mutual hatred towards each other because Tommy thought Michelle was just a spoilt entitled child, while Michelle just thought Tommy wanted to keep her held back as a house wife taking care of kids. Michelle only wants to be free to choose what she wants from her own life and time and time again she tries to escape but Tommy has a sense of duty and pride that will not allow it. They fight, they push each other’s buttons, and then they find attraction. This hate they had for one another was tangible while reading it and I sympathized with Michelle because she just wanted out of this agreement but I also felt for Tommy as well because he just wants to do the right thing by his family. While they torment each other they find that there is an underlining attraction, but would it be enough to keep Michelle to stay? I really enjoyed their banter and push/pull I found myself routing for Tommy because he ended up falling for Michelle.
Want to read
July 16, 2023Apparently this has Romani representation and that instantly has me intrigued.
April 26, 2024
shut up
was going to give this 1 star but i only give books i dnf that rating. and i actually finished this one 😔
was going to give this 1 star but i only give books i dnf that rating. and i actually finished this one 😔
October 10, 2022
No I love yous?!!! Have u gone mad?!
June 17, 2020
𝐫𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝟎𝟔.𝟏𝟔.𝟐𝟎
3.5 stars, this book was just as good as i remembered it being especially for the genre it's in. technically classified as dark romance, but instead it has more of a dark ya-na feel.
𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐜. 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐢 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝:
- the setting. this book takes place in scotland, and the characters accents and local dialect was amazing. it also provided an atmospheric setting.
- mention of the romani. tommy's background is romani and it was only touched on but it gave me major peaky blinders vibes ala lee family.
- childhood betrothal/arranged marriage trope. tommy and michelle's parents arranged their marriage when they're 10 years old to further their mutually beneficial business partnership. there's something really satisfying about characters growing up together, knowing they're meant to be together one day.
- enemies to lovers trope. childhood arranged marriage AND antagonistic relationship? the tension this generates is amazing.
- no ow drama whatsover (sadly, amazingly rare for na books lol)
𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬:
- tommy heenan: pretty interesting male character. he's fine with the arrangement their parents made even though he's clearly not happy about it. he gives michelle plenty of chances to get used to everything, he actually WANTS to treat her well and help her achieve her dreams, and in turn asks for her compliance and maturity. seems fair to me.
- michelle mclean: she got irritating at times with the "i want freedom" attitude especially because it became very clear that tommy wasn't trying to hold her back, but i understood her reluctance. not a shy submissive character with no backbone but not a bad bitch type either, she was just a stubborn girl who was set on getting what she wants. i thought her character development was really good though and you see her come to terms with tommy and their relationship.
3.5 stars, this book was just as good as i remembered it being especially for the genre it's in. technically classified as dark romance, but instead it has more of a dark ya-na feel.
𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐜. 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐢 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝:
- the setting. this book takes place in scotland, and the characters accents and local dialect was amazing. it also provided an atmospheric setting.
- mention of the romani. tommy's background is romani and it was only touched on but it gave me major peaky blinders vibes ala lee family.
- childhood betrothal/arranged marriage trope. tommy and michelle's parents arranged their marriage when they're 10 years old to further their mutually beneficial business partnership. there's something really satisfying about characters growing up together, knowing they're meant to be together one day.
- enemies to lovers trope. childhood arranged marriage AND antagonistic relationship? the tension this generates is amazing.
- no ow drama whatsover (sadly, amazingly rare for na books lol)
𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬:
- tommy heenan: pretty interesting male character. he's fine with the arrangement their parents made even though he's clearly not happy about it. he gives michelle plenty of chances to get used to everything, he actually WANTS to treat her well and help her achieve her dreams, and in turn asks for her compliance and maturity. seems fair to me.
- michelle mclean: she got irritating at times with the "i want freedom" attitude especially because it became very clear that tommy wasn't trying to hold her back, but i understood her reluctance. not a shy submissive character with no backbone but not a bad bitch type either, she was just a stubborn girl who was set on getting what she wants. i thought her character development was really good though and you see her come to terms with tommy and their relationship.
September 18, 2019
Michelle's wonderful life was turned on its axis at a party when she was 8. Promised to a boy she despised, Michelle spends the next 10 years plotting her escape from Tommy. Now at 18, the wedding is weeks away. He claims that she always has and will always be his, but not if she can help it - she will fight tooth, nail, bare soled and frozen wet if it means she can escape the plan she had no say in, and doesn't want. But will the consequences break her worse than Tommy ever could? 📖📚
This book had all the feels! I chuckled, open mouth gasped, and may have had a little something in my eye at one point... Esme is a new author for me and I absolutely loved her writing technique. I loved the Irish dialect and I quite happily read along in my god awful interpretation of an Irish accent... luckily only in my head 😂 The characters were so easy to relate to, although the MFC was to be fair - a brat, she was still likeable and the dynamics between her and Tommy were awesome. Tommy was everything 🥰. The plot is fast paced, a beautiful standalone in a series, with loads of action, suspense, drama and of course steamy scenes! I can see this doing really well when it releases 26th September 19. 🌟🥰📚📖⭐ Best Quotes...
💛⭐She tries to wrestle me again, probably even more angry now that she’s ended up sitting on my cock. It’ll be her throne one day; she needs to get used to it⭐
⭐You’re running from the monster, but tell me, darlin, what are you running towards?⭐💛
This book had all the feels! I chuckled, open mouth gasped, and may have had a little something in my eye at one point... Esme is a new author for me and I absolutely loved her writing technique. I loved the Irish dialect and I quite happily read along in my god awful interpretation of an Irish accent... luckily only in my head 😂 The characters were so easy to relate to, although the MFC was to be fair - a brat, she was still likeable and the dynamics between her and Tommy were awesome. Tommy was everything 🥰. The plot is fast paced, a beautiful standalone in a series, with loads of action, suspense, drama and of course steamy scenes! I can see this doing really well when it releases 26th September 19. 🌟🥰📚📖⭐ Best Quotes...
💛⭐She tries to wrestle me again, probably even more angry now that she’s ended up sitting on my cock. It’ll be her throne one day; she needs to get used to it⭐
⭐You’re running from the monster, but tell me, darlin, what are you running towards?⭐💛
September 21, 2019
Merciless Knave by Esme Devlin <3
Esme Devlin is a new to me author- and I love finding new authors and jumping into a book, not knowing what to expect and I was blown away by the soul the writer put into her characters, the story line and the hot chemistry between the hero and the heroine.
Let's talk about Tommy! *sigh* Lawd...this guy. There were times where I wanted to punch him in the throat and pray to the Gods he steps on a lego...but then he would be sweet and I would just want to cuddle. Tommy is everything I want in a hero- he's alpha, he has no filter and at the end of the day he's just book boyfriend/husband/one night stand material. You'll both fall in love and hate with him. DON'T GIVE UP ON HIM.
Michelle- was just such a sweet and humble soul. I loved her attitude and how she fought for what she wanted. I loved how her weakness and her strength just blended together, making her the perfect match for Tommy.
All in all- I loved this book! I loved the author's writing style and how she told the story to make it realistic and scorching!
I can't wait to dive into another book by Esme.
November 24, 2019
I so enjoyed a book not set in the good ol U.S. of A - well done Esme.
I really liked Tommy he was mature for an eighteen year old boy, but then the implication was that his life had been hard and the early part spent as a traveller or Romany.
I really didn't see him as so much a "school bully" more as a young man who is dominant, young and knew what he wanted and how he wanted it.
Michelle I found equal parts annoying and a character you could related to - wanting her own life and her selfishness was a result of her parents greed. I felt sorry for her, as her parents never bothered to explain why they the made decisions that impacted on her life. She made some stupid decisions with only thought to herself, but that's fairly typical for 18.
She however grew up.
I giving this 3.5 stars as the ending was abruptly thrown in and needed more added. we move from Tommy buying Michelle a shop ( for what?) to them having a 4 year old and getting married I would have liked to read how Michelle cope with a pregnancy/child at 18/19. Tommy had much to teach Michelle about life and herself.
A wee Sequel - especially with Tommy's hard case mates?
I really liked Tommy he was mature for an eighteen year old boy, but then the implication was that his life had been hard and the early part spent as a traveller or Romany.
I really didn't see him as so much a "school bully" more as a young man who is dominant, young and knew what he wanted and how he wanted it.
Michelle I found equal parts annoying and a character you could related to - wanting her own life and her selfishness was a result of her parents greed. I felt sorry for her, as her parents never bothered to explain why they the made decisions that impacted on her life. She made some stupid decisions with only thought to herself, but that's fairly typical for 18.
She however grew up.
I giving this 3.5 stars as the ending was abruptly thrown in and needed more added. we move from Tommy buying Michelle a shop ( for what?) to them having a 4 year old and getting married I would have liked to read how Michelle cope with a pregnancy/child at 18/19. Tommy had much to teach Michelle about life and herself.
A wee Sequel - especially with Tommy's hard case mates?
December 19, 2019
Four "really liked it" stars!
This was my first read from this author, but it won't be the last! I read it as part of the Noble Savages anthology, which is all bully reads (I KNOW, right?!). Highly recommended to all fans of bully romance! I'm two for two now with authors and stories from that anthology.
I loved the language in this book. I chuckled nearly every time at the use of the word "wee." I so want to hear these characters speak. Audiobooks set in Scotland, anyone? Many of the words/phrases used were new to me, but nothing I couldn't grasp from the context. It wasn't confusing at all- the different vernacular actually added to my enjoyment of the story. It made the characters that much more real to me because of that unique characteristic that set them apart for me.
I loved the chemistry between Tommy and Michelle. True, she was kind of bratty at times. But he was pretty childish himself in a couple of instances. They both had some growing to do, though admittedly her more than him.
I really enjoyed this story, and look forward to more from this author!
This was my first read from this author, but it won't be the last! I read it as part of the Noble Savages anthology, which is all bully reads (I KNOW, right?!). Highly recommended to all fans of bully romance! I'm two for two now with authors and stories from that anthology.
I loved the language in this book. I chuckled nearly every time at the use of the word "wee." I so want to hear these characters speak. Audiobooks set in Scotland, anyone? Many of the words/phrases used were new to me, but nothing I couldn't grasp from the context. It wasn't confusing at all- the different vernacular actually added to my enjoyment of the story. It made the characters that much more real to me because of that unique characteristic that set them apart for me.
I loved the chemistry between Tommy and Michelle. True, she was kind of bratty at times. But he was pretty childish himself in a couple of instances. They both had some growing to do, though admittedly her more than him.
I really enjoyed this story, and look forward to more from this author!
June 1, 2020
I loved this story! ❤
I feel like books that take you back to when they were kids always get me.💘
I liked the perspective of both of them and why they hated each other and how they liked each other without knowing. I liked the whole story and couldn't put it down until the end.
The only thing I wish -of course- is that it would have been longer. I wish I could have seen more flashbacks of when they were younger and see their current, hate filled, relationship more before the 'change' 😉. Wish I could've seen more of the confusion after that.
JUST WISH THERE WAS MORE TO READ lol
[ childhood non-friends → turn to hate → then love]
and I loved every second of it.
I feel like books that take you back to when they were kids always get me.💘
"I've never kissed a boy before, but I have seen The Little Mermaid." ~ so freaking cute😍
I liked the perspective of both of them and why they hated each other and how they liked each other without knowing. I liked the whole story and couldn't put it down until the end.
The only thing I wish -of course- is that it would have been longer. I wish I could have seen more flashbacks of when they were younger and see their current, hate filled, relationship more before the 'change' 😉. Wish I could've seen more of the confusion after that.
JUST WISH THERE WAS MORE TO READ lol
"People don't stick around when things get difficult, they just move on to the next new shiny thing, the greener grass, if you will."
[ childhood non-friends → turn to hate → then love]
and I loved every second of it.
September 19, 2019
This is the third book of Esme devlin for me and I lmust say she has amazing writing skills..I read this book in a slow and steady pace coz I enjoyed reading every single page and now that itz over I cant help sulking around till the next book is out!
Tommy is every inch an alpha and I think characters like these tend to stay with us for a long time..Michelle was a bit bratty but I love how she fights for what she wants..This book was very realistic and more relatable to our regular lives..My emotions were all over the place when I finished it..Chemistry was way off the charts and it was amusing to see them push and pull each other around..
Perfect bully romance and definitely a gripping experience!
Tommy is every inch an alpha and I think characters like these tend to stay with us for a long time..Michelle was a bit bratty but I love how she fights for what she wants..This book was very realistic and more relatable to our regular lives..My emotions were all over the place when I finished it..Chemistry was way off the charts and it was amusing to see them push and pull each other around..
Perfect bully romance and definitely a gripping experience!
October 3, 2019
I loved it! The love/hate relationship between Tommy & Michelle was absolutely perfect. I loved it all. I connected immensely with Shelly and her fierce attitude and I was so drawn to Tommy's sex bad boy alpha-like qualities but had SO much gentle teddy bear in him. And the sex scenes were HOT! My first read by Esme Devlin and definitely NOT the last. Absolute win.
February 13, 2020
Gripping storyline
4 stars
This was a great young adult book. I loved the setting of the book, the way the language was written, the chemistry between our two leads.
It had a very real feel to it, and a very simple, yet gripping storyline. It was well paced and had me turning the pages to read it in 2 days.
My only comment is that it was not as merciless as I’d hoped. The male lead was easily fooled and kept making the same mistakes with our heroine. It could have been a little darker, however that is my opinion.
Loved it.
4 stars
This was a great young adult book. I loved the setting of the book, the way the language was written, the chemistry between our two leads.
It had a very real feel to it, and a very simple, yet gripping storyline. It was well paced and had me turning the pages to read it in 2 days.
My only comment is that it was not as merciless as I’d hoped. The male lead was easily fooled and kept making the same mistakes with our heroine. It could have been a little darker, however that is my opinion.
Loved it.
March 18, 2020
There's a fine line between love and hate!!
Ever since Michelle was eight years old she's been promised to Tommy. She's always looked at it like it was a death sentence and she's continually trying to figure a way out. Tommy hates Michelle because he believes she thinks she's to good for him, so he's always being a jerk to her. These two are so busy fighting each other they don't see what's right in front of them. This is a great read and I highly recommend it!
Ever since Michelle was eight years old she's been promised to Tommy. She's always looked at it like it was a death sentence and she's continually trying to figure a way out. Tommy hates Michelle because he believes she thinks she's to good for him, so he's always being a jerk to her. These two are so busy fighting each other they don't see what's right in front of them. This is a great read and I highly recommend it!
July 23, 2023
First book from this author and i must say, i did not expect to like it this much! I love her writing style. The scottish words and slangs make me wanna watch Outlander. Thats how i know this book deserves my 4stars. Only 4 bcos i need more. That ending was quite rushed tbh but its still beautiful af. Might try out a few more books from Esme😉
March 22, 2020
Good YA read
I enjoyed this coming to age book. The h has a hard time dealing with what her dad did when she was young. She felt like she didnt have a voice or choice in her life and rebelled. I really enjoyed this book.
I enjoyed this coming to age book. The h has a hard time dealing with what her dad did when she was young. She felt like she didnt have a voice or choice in her life and rebelled. I really enjoyed this book.
March 23, 2020
Keep me pulled in!
Knocked this book out in less than 24 hours! I couldn’t stop reading it, just when you thought one thing would happen you were pulled in a different direction! So good!
Knocked this book out in less than 24 hours! I couldn’t stop reading it, just when you thought one thing would happen you were pulled in a different direction! So good!
January 28, 2020
4.5 ⭐️s
February 3, 2020
Omg!!! I love this one!!
Arranged marriage, bully, dark romance all wrapped into one? WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE!!! Esme has done it again. I can't wait to read more!!
Arranged marriage, bully, dark romance all wrapped into one? WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE!!! Esme has done it again. I can't wait to read more!!
May 15, 2020
One of the best books I’ve ever read on this app
This was such a great book. It was funny and kept me guessing and wondering what would happen next. In a word; wonderful.
This was such a great book. It was funny and kept me guessing and wondering what would happen next. In a word; wonderful.
April 26, 2021
Truth is, it was not so bad..
Read
August 28, 2023Dnf
August 14, 2024
the book is too short but the ending is cute 🥺
August 16, 2024
dnf
couldn't get past that British language writing...here's a thing.
If A character has an accent just tell it...don't spell every word as they would say it. WRITE NORMAL ENGLISH PEOPLE
couldn't get past that British language writing...here's a thing.
If A character has an accent just tell it...don't spell every word as they would say it. WRITE NORMAL ENGLISH PEOPLE
September 28, 2024
I've been hunting for the title of this books for months after I read it and forgot the title but I've finally found it!
This book was a perfect read
This book was a perfect read
May 22, 2025
Short and un-engaging book. Tommy and Michelle had a nice enemies to lovers story, which was wrapped up quickly and effectively.
September 5, 2020
ABSOLUTELY ADORED THIS BOOK. the writing, the chemistry, the personalities.... loved it!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews