Ruthless Rose

Rosehaven Academy #3

by Leila James

Micah Robertson
Talented football tight end.
A guy who plays the field like nobody’s business.

He’s ruthless.
He can’t want me like he says he does.

Because I’m less than nothing to him.
Until he steals my heart.
And now he has the power to break me.

Welcome back to Rosehaven Academy.

Genres: Enemies To Lovers, Sports Romance, Romance, Contemporary, High School

276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 18, 2021

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't take notes so I'm going to start with a small summary.

This is book 3 of the Rosehaven Academy series. It says it needs to be read in order but I don't think you do as long as you're content not knowing specific details. 1 & 2 go together and need to be read in order. 3 (this book) ended with a cliffhanger so 3 & 4, 5 & 6, 7 & 8, and 9 & 10 need to be read in tandem together. 1 & 2 are bully romance, then bad boy romance, then enemies to lovers, then MM, the dark romance. I am reading the books in order of publication.

This book focused on Scarlett's BFF and thorn, and one of the other guys in Xander’s group and fellow Rose. Daphne is an introvert. Until Scarlett got with Xander, she existed with minimal attention. Now, she finds out her college applications are not enough for a scholarship and the school offers her a few solutions: all of them bring her in direct conflict with Micah and his vicious booty-call, Alora. 

I enjoyed this book and already have the next book in my shopping cart. 

[Yames Bond · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 🍭🍭🍭🍭🍭

ARC Review

English & Spanish Opinion

ENG ::

Micah was definitely one of my favorite characters since the past books.
In this story, he starts with a part of his personality that we didn’t know, but he compliments it with the guy we all like because he’s kind and nice (besides gorgeous).

Daph is the nice, shy girl that feels out of place, but is an amazing friend, has an enormous heart and it’s beautiful without her knowing.

The couple is hot and lovable, but there’s always someone who doesn’t want happiness for others. Lots of obstacles will come between them and the ending is a cliffhanger (which I hate because now I have to wait to know what will happen!)

I’m enjoying this series too much and I need the next book ASAP!

ESP ::

Micah se convirtió en uno de mis personajes favoritos desde los libros pasados. Este es su libro y descubrimos partes de su personalidad que no conocíamos, donde parece cruel y bastante cínico. Sin embargo, solo es el complemento de su persona, pues sigue presente el galán lindo y considerado que nos gusta desde antes.

Daph es una niña linda, tímida y geek. Siente que no pertenece al entorno del colegio, pero en realidad se subestima. Es divina, con corazón enorme, súper inteligente y hermosa, es una forma en la que hasta ella desconoce.

Son una pareja súper tierna y se complementan. Obviamente, su felicidad no le gusta a varios y tendrán que superar muchos obstáculos. El final del libro nos deja en suspenso y justo quiero ya saber qué pasará.

Me urge el siguiente libro YA.

[Brittany (happy.ending.always) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Gosh. That ending!!! That freaking ending!!! How could you do that to me, to us Leila James!!! I cried two times while reading this story! It gave me a rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish. Seriously though, Leila James that ending, but that is how you write a book! You are amazing!!! This book had me hooked from the first chapter. I read it in a day and couldn’t put it down!

Daphne and Micah are from two different worlds. She is on the path to academic excellence. She is smart, beautiful and independent. But a certain football who she thinks is out of her league catches her eye and she can’t seem to look away from him. Micah is the star tight end on the football team. Popular, every girl wants him and he exudes confidence! These two couldn’t be more different. However, when they are put together in an unusual situation, they realize they have more in common then they expected. Will they be able to get over how different their social circles are? Or will their be a flag on the play?

I loved everything about the book even that ending that tore my heart to pieces. Leila James has easily become a favorite authors of mine. Her steamy and captivating books draw me into the story and make me never want to put the books down. This book was no exception to that. It was so very steamy, holy moly was it steamy. I caught myself fanning myself a lot during this book! The book had so much depth to the story. Daphne has so much more going on in her life, that left so many unanswered questions! I highly recommend this book and I can’t wait to see where the story goes in book 2! I need book 2 so soon!

[Savannah Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Daphne & Micah. Whew! This is a love story I have been looking forward to since I first watched them interact in Savage! They are just... steamy! Oh my goodness the nerdy Star Wars bonding & swoony sexy times make this one of Leila's absolute best! Micah is stern & gruff & haunted in ways we are just learning to understand, but I love that he slowly opens & warms up to Daphne as they're in forced proximity. And Daphne has enough struggles & stress going on in her own life, adding new responsibilities to it feels like a lot to shoulder in the beginning, but we soon discover that she wouldn't take it back for anything. This cliffhanger is going to have you on the edge of your seat until the second half of the duet comes out, because it is a doozy! I enjoyed every second of this book & I'm already counting down the seconds until Ruined Rose is released! I hope you clear your schedule, you won't be able to put this down! 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[C.M. Danks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Savage Rose and Tainted Rose, but I think I loved Ruthless even more... It was adorable! Don’t get me wrong, there were plenty of mouth watering scenes leaving you panting. But there was just something about Micha and Daphne that felt like it was out of a fun teen movie.

“You like my hands on you, Daphne?”

Daphne is the shy, awkward, sweet girl and Micha is one of the hot shots at school. So, put these two together and boom, ADORABLE. So many moments were sexy, but cute.

*I received this book as an ARC*

[Rudy.reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness!! This series just keeps getting better.  The roller coaster ride continues.  I read wanting to know what's coming next but never knowing what the twist is, drove me bananas, gosh it's so good. 🥴🥴😜🔥🔥🤯🤯😳😮 I can't wait till Ruined Rose is released this girl needs some serious closure lol. (P.s. it's was HAWT!!!!🥴🥴😲😲🤯🤯) just go read it ...run go order now lol and while your at it preorder Ruined Rose because OMG!!!! And Leila James if you read this... I hate that I love you for that ending 🤣

[Michelle Mastandrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Xander was savage...
Get ready for Micha because he's downright ruthless...

Another Rose, Another Thorn...

Micha Robertson....Popular, Hot, and Rosehaven's star football player. He's the type of guy who could have any girl he wants and he's just set his sights on Daphne Davis. This Rose is about to school his tutor when she becomes the Thorn in his side...

Daphne Davis....Smart, beautiful, and a Star Wars loving physics nerd. Tutoring her secret crush was not how she expected to help beef up her college extracurricular's. Falling for him would be a terrible idea but, she's finding it hard to resist everything about Micha the more time that they spend together. As Daphne gets pulled deeper into Micha's world will he protect her heart or will she become his latest forgotten conquest ....

Welcome back to Rosehaven Academy indeed! This book like the others had me on the edge of my seat! The chemistry between Micha and Daphne is beyond explosive and so DAMN HOT! Of course Leila leaves their story with another EPIC cliffhanger and me DYING in suspense until the next book...

Delicious, dark, and OH SO GOOD!! Ruthless Rose brings more drama, angst, and heat to this completely ADDICTIVE series....
Seriously, Leila James has me looking for her next book like a junkie waiting for their next fix!

Get Ruthless Rose on your TBR NOW and continue this FANTASTIC series! Daphne and Micha's story is one you won't want to miss! 😘

*I was generously given an ARC copy of this book by the author for an honest review *

[Jennifer Beegle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t get enough of Rosehaven Academy! Book 3 of the series will take you on a wild ride to the Deathstar and back! 😉 I couldn’t put it down! Daphne and Micah will steal your heart and the end will leave you dying for the rest of their saga.

[Tammy Manning · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m sitting here having just finished the book, and I’m speechless. The only words that have come to mind so far are a multitude of some very creative cuss words. I feel like I need a few, or 20, minutes to digest that ending. Well that and the beginning of the next book because right now, as much as I love Micah I’m ready to punch him in the balls, since a throat punch is too good for him right now.

Okay…now that I’ve had some time to calm down, lets do this.

Daphne and Micah are from completely different worlds and she is completely dependent on getting scholarships to be able to attend the colleges that she’s interested in. Daphne is extremely intelligent but she’s also extremely shy due to an incident in her past. Micah is a player that has stated many times that his goal is to get out of high school having never been in a relationship. But when the two are thrown together when Daphne is recruited to tutor Micah, sparks fly.

I have been wanting this story more than any others since I started reading this series. A large part of that is because I knew there was some type of past between Daphne and Micah and whatever is was caused her to be uber uncomfortable around him and I really wanted to know what that past was. It helps that I loved how Daphne was there for Scarlett when she was going through all the crap she had to deal with when she transferred in. I also loved Micah from the get go in the series. He seemed like a quiet but lovable guy and the fact that he had Scarlett’s back after Xander broke up with her at the of Savage Rose, is the only thing that is making me give him the benefit of the doubt right now. The chemistry between Daphne and Micah is so damn hot that fans were needed to cool myself off multiple times. But that just makes what he did at the end of the book so much worse. Going in knowing that this was the first book of their duology, and knowing how Savage Rose ended means that I wasn’t surprised that it was going to end, but I was still thrown for a loop. I mean, damn, that ending was ROUGH!

All I have to say at this point is that Leila has the ability to bring the heroine up to this incredible high where she is feeling absolutely fantastic to then just push her out of an airplane with no parachute. At this point, I’m just going to assume that all of the first books in her duologies are going to end this way and try to adequately prepare myself. Now, if you’ll excuse me I need to go immediately start the next book so that I can see how Micah is going to dig himself out of this hole and make me like him again.

[M Mendes Bookstagram · Rating 5 out of 5]

O.M.G… I just finished Ruthless Rose and have tears in my eyes from the cliffhanger ending. Wow….is all I can say on that. Micah’s and Daphne’s story will be continued in Ruined Rose 🥀, book 4, which I plan on reading as soon as I post my reviews of Ruthless Rose 🥀 . So, so glad the series is almost completely out already so I can do so. Wrecked Rose 🥀 , book 7 of 8 in the Rosehaven Academy series will be released in a matter of days! Ruthless Rose 🥀 has so many surprises, secrets, angst, emotions, ups, downs, things going sideways, twist, turns, revelations, lots and lots of heat, and the most surprising cliffhanger. Ruthless Rose definitely elicited a number of emotional responses and I absolutely loved it. I have to commend Leila James in a job well done with Ruthless Rose 🥀 . Leila was able to bring out a variety of emotions and kept me so engaged in my reading I could not put Ruthless Rose 🥀 down. I have to apologize to my husband because I did not want to be interrupted and did not cook dinner or stop reading to eat. He was not happy but I just had to know what else was going to happen and that cliffhanger did not help. I highly recommend Ruthless Rose and the whole Rosehaven Academy. It is a must read for any type of reader as it is well written with characters that are easy to relate to and empathize with, a creative “world” that helps with the story line, and being able to elicits emotional response from readers. Daphne and Micah both had struggles they had to overcome and they are still struggling. Ruthless Rose 🥀 is told from Daphne’s point of view so readers will be able to empathize with her angst, self doubt, insecurities, and emotions. I am hoping Ruined Rose 🥀 will have more of Micah’s view point of view. Well, I hope you enjoy Ruthless Rose 🥀 and the Rosehaven Academy as much as I do. I am off to post my reviews so I can dive back into the Rosehaven Acdemy “world” and find out what happens next with Daphne and Micah.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow…wild ride with epic Bad Boy Vibes

Book 3 begins Daphne & Micah’s story that is a whirlwind of angst, jealousy, betrayal, and a bit of heartbreak. Daphne is a scholarship kid at the Academy. She keeps her grades up and she works hard because the only way she is going to college is through hard work and a scholarship. She is a Thorn among the Roses elite and she doesn’t mind because she has her two best friends Scarlett & Max to make it worth the BS that filters through the campus. She is voluntold that she needs to tutor Micah the buff and ladies man who is letting his grade slip and if he doesn’t get them up he’ll be benched and won’t be able to play football. She is reluctant at first because he’s a god and is way out of her league and she is so nervous around him she doesn’t know how this will ever work. However, when they begin tutoring she has this pull towards him that makes her come out of her shell and she trust him when he promises to make the bullying stop when he openly admits he wants to be with her. However, Alora refuses to let Micah go without a fight and she doesn’t play fair. Micah likes Daphne and he wants to prove to her his feelings are true but his actions aren’t really demonstrating that and he’s lying to his friends and keeping secrets. This book ends on a heartbreaking scene where you will not be happy with his actions!! Their story concludes in Book 4 but I’m not sure if Micah can be redeemed. Happy Reading!!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

RUTHLESS but Oh so good.

OMG!!! Micah......Ruthless Rose is right....WTF!! That Ending!!

I'm really loving this series, it's exhilarating, angsty full of drama and WTF! moments.

Micah is a Rose, a ruthless jock who's popular and confident. I really liked his character it's clear he has some issues that he's hiding. I wanted to slap him a few times but I don't think he's as cold hearted as he came across at the end

Daphne is the nerdy quiet academic girl who gets roped into helping Micah for extra credit. I loved Daph she's sweet and funny with her sci-fi obsession, she made me laugh.

Micah and Daphne have a hard time but there is a serious about of chemistry between them even at the beginning. I loved how Micah could so easily tease Daph with just a look or a few words and know exactly the affect he had on her....It was hottt.

I loved Micah and Daphne together, I think Micah is being himself when he's with Daph and I feel he genuinely liked her but there's some serious background stuff going on in Micahs life that make him Ruthless in his behaviour at the end.

I'm really hoping he redeems himself because he and Daphne are good together. I loved their easy banter and shared love for Star Wars made me smile.

Let's hope he has a good reason and she can forgive him, bring on Ruined Rose.

[Ashley Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book, I read the entire book in one day it was that good. I absolutely adore Daphne and Micah. Daphne is the thorn and Micah is the Rose. Daphne is the scholarship student who catches the eye of Micah when she becomes his tutor. Although secretly Micah is super smart and doesn’t need a tutor because he is trying to get his absent parents attention. Daphne is smart nice, beautiful and has an amazing caring heart that makes anyone wish they can be her friend. Micah is the star tight end who is rough around the edges and soft and sweet in his center. He has been one of my favorites in the last book and definitely in this one. I loved when Daphne found out that Micah is a secret Star Wars fan and she goes all nerdy over Star Wars and the Mandalorian because hello I love Baby Grogu. I totally felt for Daphne at the end of the book with what Micah did to her, but I think that an earlier seen in the book has something to do with the ending and I am looking forward to reading the next book and seeing if I am right.
OMG, OMG, OMG. Cliffhanger at the ending. GAH!!!! But honestly who doesn't secretly love a cliffhanger. I need to read the next book like ASAP!!!

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in this phenomenal series and is the 1st part of Micah and Daphne’s journey. These two are from totally different worlds as he is ruthless and is the star football player, while Daphne is shy, sweet, kind, and independent, but when they are placed in a position to help each other they realise that they have more in common than they thought. As Daphne and Micah are drawn to each other and the chemistry between them is sizzling and undeniable, this places her firmly in the path of path of some vindictive and bullying girls, and they have some challenges to overcome along the way. My word I did not see that cliffhanger coming, and my heart broke for Daphne! This is a well written seamless story which is an emotional roller coaster, and is dark, intense, and with twists, drama, angst, friendships, heartbreak, and bullying, which all leads to a steamy and riveting page turner. I cannot wait to read more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Stephanie Hutchison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a duet for Micah and Daphne's story so the book does end on a cliffhanger.

Daphne has her future all planned out. She's worked hard to keep her grades where they should be and not be derailed. But then she's tasked with tutoring Micah. And joining social things because she needs them for college apps.

Micah does not need to be tutored. Especially not by Daphne. But when coach mandates it, he has no choice.

Micah is falling for Daphne. And Daphne is falling for Micah. She's a thorn. Not part of his world. And he's not good for her. They both know this. But they can't stop the pull. Do they give in. Try this thing? Or will he break her completely?

I was hanging on to every word in this and can't wait to find out how they work to get their worlds to merge.

[Misty Schott · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in Micah and Daphne's story.

Since this is the first book in Micah and Daphne's story be prepared for the "he's such a jerk" cliffhanger at the end of this book. Their story concludes in Ruined Rose, which I am going to read next.

Micah is a total playboy and he plans to get through high school without ever being in a serious relationship. He just likes having his regular girls that he sleeps with and he's fine with never having a girlfriend. Daphne is a book worm, quiet, and someone like Micah just looks right through, like she's not even there. Until she gets put right in front of him, in the form of his new tutor. Will Daphne and her heart come out unscathed? Start reading now to find out.

[Kayla Pocernich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daphne and Micah are two completely different people but there worlds collide when there best friends Xander and Scarlett start dating. Daphne is smart, very beautiful and independent as they come. Micah is star football player who needs some help with his classes. This book was so amazing that you feel the chemistry between these two coming off the pages as you read it. Micah and Daphne both realize that they have some of the same interests. The twist and turns in this book will keep you guessing as to what is going to happen next and you really don't know what is going to happen next. But I didn't see that ending coming though and I need the conclusion to there book STAT!!

[Gemsbookishvibe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daphne and Micah... I did not see this pairing coming. But it works. This book is from Daph’s POV and I presume the next one with be dual POV like the previous book.

I love Daphne as a character, but her constant being down on herself for me gets a bot grating at first. I love how spunky she gets as we get to know her more.

Her relationship with Micah is tenuous and Alora, Micah’s ex ‘bunny’ makes things so difficult. It’s obvious from quite early on that there is an attraction between Micah and Daphne.

Good points
Lots of twists and turns
Daphne doesn’t put up with his crap
Complex male lead
Good storyline
You get to see more of Xander and Scarlett

Bad points
Daphne’s lack of confidence sometimes drove me insane, but this is just a small thing.

Highly recommended

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series

Wow! This book series is so good it just keeps leaving you wondering what is happening next. All the characters are engaging, well described and each of the personalities are very clear as to the type of individuals they are. The cliffhanger left me in shock, not expected. The only complaint is I have is the wait to read the ending. The book seriously brings me back to high school and the petty, vindictive antics that happen. Well Done.

[Kimberly Karma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sooooo Freaking Good!!!!

Wow, once again this author has me turned about in this Bad boy/ bully series...It's Lyla and Micha's story and Ohhh Boyyy is all I'm gonna say because, This ends on a cliffy... But the conclusion is in the book I'm reading right after I tell you about what an edgy, "Sh*t, I'm holding my breath again" story!! This is a book I never knew I needed to read... Legit. All. The. Feels. and more!!!

[Lisa Kniceley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Home run in the making for author Leila James. Two peas in a pod, in a pot of water turned on ""HOT"" !!! The chemistry between these two is EXPLOSIVE !!! Definitely did not see the book ending like this, as in the previous book. CLIFFHANGER for sure and I'm on pins and needles waiting.....waiting.....waiting !!! ❤❤❤

[Sarah Bradburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking

I llove Daphne so much, she’s an insecure geeky girl that guy’s dont look twice at but she has caught the eye of Micah the hot football player. They have an instant connection and hr comes across like he really likes her but that cliffhanger ending i want to throat punch him!

[Candy Nicholas · Rating 3 out of 5]

So so read

Reminds me of the first 2 books🙄 but except things moved fast in this one! Will read the next one just to see how Alora got Micah by the balls to have him treat Daphne that way.

[Erika · Rating 2 out of 5]

THIS IS THE THIRD BOOK BUT THAI GOES FOR THE WHOLE SERIES: i hate how the author doesn't make the bullying, the harassment and sëxual assault the main characters goes through a bigger deal??? like.... those poor doormat girls just take it and still let the mmc do whatever they want

[Kasey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daphne is my spirit animal person...or whatever. I love her, she's so sweet and I too have a collection of character undies. Don't judge it's not like they're super easy to find for adult females lol
Micah...idk what's going on with him. I stoll love him but I'm ready for Alora to fuck right off.

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

💛

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yep I like this couple better than the first one.

[sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Micah, Daphne, and Grogu 😉 the nerd and the jock gets me every time! Can’t wait to get to the next book because that cliffhanger…

[Monikat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it but, damn, that ending....I inhaled this book and am diving into book two.

[wendy wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG