4.5
-
17,488 ratings
Dark, sexy mafia romance where the fast-paced tension of John Wick meets the high stakes love of Romeo and Juliet.
Savage (adjective):
He’s a myth. A ghost. A legend.
A Bratva assassin so feared, some won’t even dare to speak his name.
He comes in search of vengeance for the death of his brother, but what he finds instead is me.
A girl he thinks is someone else.
Someone unrelated to the man who killed his brother.
Except I am.
And when he finds out my true identity, he decides to take me as repayment for what he lost.
Now, I’m a little bird trapped in a cage, and the only way to survive is to make friends with the monster who captured me.
But friendship isn’t what the monster has in mind.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
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Print length
392 pages
Language
English
Publisher
Bramble
Publication date
November 29, 2023
Where are you hurt? he shouts, clawing at my shirt with shaking hands. Riley! Talk to me! Where are you hurt, baby?
Highlighted by 326 Kindle readers
Oh, one more thing— I know a way to keep that mouth quiet, he snaps. Then he kisses me.
Highlighted by 314 Kindle readers
Live, little bird, Mal says, close to my ear, his voice low and urgent. Fly back to me.
Highlighted by 298 Kindle readers
ASIN :
B0CNNJV4XM
File size :
3171 KB
Text-to-speech :
Enabled
Screen reader :
Supported
Enhanced typesetting :
Enabled
X-Ray :
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Praise for J.T. Geissinger:
I swear, I am not exaggerating at all when I say that this author knows how to create hell of a book!!...Think of it as a perfect mixture of suspense, thrill, humor and kink, and BAM you get Ruthless Creatures...A definite recommendation for the dark romance lovers out there!–The Abstract Books Blog
“Ruthless Creatures was such an amazing read…Overall I had a blast with this one…and I delighted in every moment that this author delivers here.”–Addicted to Romance
“Ruthless Creatures delivers on all the steam and danger mafia romance lovers are looking for.”–RT Book Reviews (“30 best Mafia Romance Books and Authors”)
"This started out as a wild ride and a battle of wills and I ended with a bang. I am so in love with these characters, and I am nervous to see what is next for them, but oh boy... Am I looking forward to seeing what this author does next."-The Book Refuge
"Brilliantly witty and intensely passionate, the author slays with Sloane and Declan. The banter is sexy foreplay but when they come together it is utterly explosive. The author never fails to deliver a couple that you will love hard." -Keri Loves Books
"I am OBSESSED with her books. She always delivers HOT AF chemistry, amazing rapid-fire banter and the most engaging storyline everrrr!! I am soo addicted to her stories it is not funny!" -Bookgasms Book Blog
1
RILEY
When my phone rings, I’m in the middle of editing a manuscript I’m behind on, so I ignore it and let the machine pick up.
Answering machines and landlines are old-school, I know, but I don’t own a cell phone. I hate the idea of my every movement being trackable. And that Siri thing is just straight-up creepy, if you ask me.
A phone that’s smarter than I am? No, thank you.
After my outgoing message informs the caller that I’m currently on another astral plane and they should leave a message I’ll return when I manifest into flesh again, there’s a beep. It’s followed by a heavy sigh.
“Riley. It’s your sister.”
I send the answering machine on my dresser across the room a look of shock. “Sister?” I think for a moment. “Nope. Pretty sure I don’t have one of those.”
Sloane’s voice turns bossy. “I know you’re listening, because you’re the only person in the world who still owns an answering machine. Plus, you never leave the house. Pick up.”
It’s amazing she thinks barking insults and orders at me would work. It’s like she doesn’t even know me.
Oh, wait. Now I remember! She doesn’t know me. Which is totally not my fault, but leave it to Sloane to call out of the blue and act like I owe her money.
Shaking my head in disgust, I turn back to the computer screen and get back to work.
“Riley. Seriously. This is important. I need to talk to you.” There’s a heavy pause, then her voice drops. “Please.”
My fingers freeze over the keyboard.
Please? Sloane doesn’t say please. I didn’t think she knew the word. Divas don’t have it in their vocabularies.
Something must be terribly wrong.
“Oh, shit,” I say, panicking. “Dad.”
I rush over to the phone and yank the receiver up to my ear. “What’s happened?” I shout. “What’s wrong? Is it Dad? Which hospital is he in? How bad is it?”
After a short pause, Sloane says, “Gee, overreact much?”
I can tell by her tone that there’s nothing wrong with our father. I’m relieved for half a second, then pissed.
I don’t have time for her bullshit right now.
“I’m sorry, you’ve reached a disconnected number. Please hang up and try again.”
“Ah, sarcasm. The last resort of the witless.”
“Speaking of witless, I’m not in the mood to have a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent. Call me back when you grow a brain.”
“Why do you insist on pretending I’m not a genius?”
“An idiot savant isn’t the same thing as a genius.”
“Just because you graduated summa cum laude from an Ivy League college doesn’t mean you’re smarter than me.”
“This from a person who once asked me how many quarters there are in a dollar.”
“If you’re so smart, tell me again why you’re a freelance editor with no health insurance, job security, or retirement savings?”
“Wow. Straight to money. It must be convenient, having no soul. Makes all those poor men you chew up and spit out that much easier to deal with, huh?”
We sit in tense silence for a while. Finally, Sloane clears her throat and says, “Actually, that’s what I’m calling about.”
“Money?”
“Men. One in particular.”
I wait for an explanation. When it doesn’t come, I say, “Are we going to play twenty questions, or are you going to tell me what the hell you’re talking about?”
Sloane takes a deep breath. She blows it out. Then, in a tone like she almost can’t believe it herself, she says, “I’m getting married.”
I blink an unnecessary amount of times. It doesn’t help clarify anything. “I’m sorry, I thought I just heard you say you’re getting married.”
“You did. I am.”
I huff out a disbelieving laugh. “You. The cockaholic. Married.”
“Yes.”
I say flatly, “Impossible.”
Unexpectedly, she laughs. “I know, right? But it’s true. Pinky swear. I’m getting married to the most wonderful man in the world.”
Her sigh is soft, satisfied, and totally fucking ridiculous.
“Are you high right now?”
“Nope.”
“Am I being punked?”
“Nope.”
I cast around for some other explanation for this bizarre turn of events, but can’t come up with anything except, “Is someone holding a gun to your head and forcing you to tell me this? Have you been kidnapped or something?”
She bursts into raucous laughter.
“Why is that so funny?”
She laughs and laughs until she’s sighing again. I imagine her on the other end of the line wiping tears of joy from her face.
“I’ll tell you later. The point is, I’m getting married, and I want you to meet him. The wedding will be spontaneous, not a big event or anything. I don’t know the exact date yet, but it could happen any day, so we’d like you to come visit us as soon as you can.”
Visit us?
Not only is she getting married, she’s obviously living with this guy, too. I open my mouth to respond, but nothing comes out.
“I know,” she says sheepishly. “It’s unexpected.”
“Thank you for having the decency to realize how weird this is.”
“It is weird. I know. For all the reasons. But…” She clears her throat again. “You’re my sister. I want you to meet the man I’m going to spend the rest of my life with.”
“Please hold. I’ll be right back after I’m finished with this stroke I’m having.”
“Don’t be mean.”
Oh, the things I could say to that. Ho ho ho, the things I could say. But I choose the higher road and ask the next obvious question. “What about Nat?”
“What about her?”
“Why aren’t you calling her about this guy?”
“She’s already met him.”
There’s something odd in her tone that makes me suspicious. “And she knows you’re going to marry him?”
“Yeah.”
“So what does she think about all this?”
“Probably the same things you do.” Her voice gains an edge. “Except she’s happy for me.”
Man, this conversation is a minefield. I’ll be lucky if I survive with all my limbs intact.
Trying to keep my tone civil, I say, “I’m not not happy for you, Sloane. I’m just in shock. Also confused, to be honest.”
“That I’m finally settling down?”
“No. Well, yes, but not mainly that.”
“What, then?”
“That you’re reaching out to me. That you’re telling me about it. That you’re inviting me to visit you. I mean, we haven’t exactly been close.”
“I know,” she says softly. “I think that’s probably my fault. And I’d really like to see if we can fix that.”
After a long pause, she says, “What are you doing right now? ”
“Lying flat on my back on the floor, staring at the ceiling, wishing I’d never taken all that ecstasy at Burning Man last year.”
She says drily, “You’re not having a drug flashback.”
“I beg to differ.”
She runs out of the infinitesimal amount of patience she has, and snaps, “You’re coming to visit us. It’s settled. We’ll send the jet for you—”
“Excuse me. Jet?”
“—on Friday night.”
I sit up abruptly. The room starts to spin. She’s dislodged my brain with all this nonsense talk of matrimony. “Wait, do you mean this Friday? As in, three days from now?”
“Yes.”
“Sloane, I have a job! I can’t just jet off to … Where would I be going in this jet you’d send?”
She hesitates. “I can’t tell you that.”
I deadpan, “I see. How illuminating.”
“Quit being a pain in the ass, Riley, and say you’ll come! I’m trying to be a good sister, here! I want us to be closer. I know after Mom died, things were rough, and we’ve never really been, you know…”
“‘Friends’ is the word you’re looking for,” I say acidly.
She draws a quiet breath. “Okay. That’s fair. But I’d like to change that. Please give me a chance.”
Another “please.” I lie back down again, utterly confused.
Whoever this guy is that she’s marrying, he must really be something else to morph the world’s biggest ballbuster into such a softie.
I decide on a whim that I have to meet him. I bet he’s putting Valium into her morning coffee, the evil genius! He’s spiking her afternoon wine with Xanax!
God, why did I never think of that? “Okay, Sloane. I’m in. I’ll see you Friday.”
She squeals in excitement. I hold the phone away from my ear and stare at it.
I have no idea what’s happening, other than that aliens have obviously abducted my sister and replaced her with an insane wifebot.
If nothing else, this trip should be interesting.
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J.T. Geissinger
J.T. Geissinger is USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Amazon Charts bestselling author of thirty-two novels. Ranging from funny, feisty romcoms to intense erotic thrillers, her books have sold over fifteen million copies worldwide and been translated into more than twenty languages.
She is a three-time finalist in both contemporary and paranormal romance for the RITA® Award, the highest distinction in romance fiction from the Romance Writers of America®. She is also a recipient of the Prism Award for Best First Book, the Golden Quill Award for Best Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, and the HOLT Medallion for Best Erotic Romance.
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Customer reviews
4.5 out of 5
17,488 global ratings
mrsburns
5
What a great book!
Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2024
Verified Purchase
Malek and Riley continue the series with an unconventional meet cute, just a slight miscommunication about him assuming she needs to be rescued. But like a moth to the flame, these two are drawn to each other, even if at times by hate. They have a back-and-forth banter that is dry and hilarious, even when it’s dark at times. JT’s writing spins a tale that keeps your attention, and she may or may not force you to stay up reading way past your bedtime. To really appreciate this book, I would highly recommend reading the first two books in the series. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one in the Queens and Monsters series.
𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘓𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 𝘖𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘙𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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witchy_book_babe
5
Freaking Loved!
Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2022
Verified Purchase
This book was the best hands down I’ve read in the Q&M series!!! The spice was top tier once it got going. The freaking humor in this book was totally unexpected and literally the best I’ve come across in a long time. I was laughing so hard at the banter. And also, smiling like a fool when Mal and Riley would reuse the words they used towards one another at a different time. Their love was a lot of jabbing and so incredibly tangible I had heart eyes with these two! I love nothing more than when two people have been wandering around lacking life and then they find their person that breathes it into them; the whole “it’s you I’ve been waiting for all this time”.
From beginning to end I was so invested in Mal and Riley. To be honest this book made me dislike Sloane a bit because I became Team Riley so fast. But, the whole plot was beautifully crafted as usual with great little plot twists and surprises to keep me on my toes.
I am a little nervous for Spiders book which is the next in series…he has become a heartbroken douche. But, I would love more glimpses of Riley and Mal. They’re now in my top five Mafioso favorite power couples. I can’t say enough good things about this book. The writing was on fire and I will always cherish this story.
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Sonia
5
Dark Mafia Romance
Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2024
Verified Purchase
Riley Keller(24) is the little sister of Sloane, the fiancé of the Irish Mafia boss. She is an expiring writer/editor which lives an entirely different life from her sister. She is not glitz and glam like her sister….She is more comfy Homily/Bohemian, kind of girl…..She prefers her comfy sweats and weeb lifestyle even though she does have one thing in common with her sister….. she has the same sassiness, smart wit And humor…..she refuses to admit that her and her sister are more like peas in a pod then she thinks….. 🤭😏🥰 Her world gets turned upside down when she agrees to go visit her sister, which she meets a mysterious stalker assassin, who brings out her inner she dragon spirit while challenging her mind, body and soul 🤭😏🥰
Malek Antonov(33) is a mysterious Russian mafia assassin, which comes from the Moscow branch of the mafia life…He’s on a mission for vengeance for the death of his brother and his only family that he had….His mind, body, and soul Gets turned upside down by a Bohemian/dragon spirited girl which he thinks she is something that she is not 🤭
Riely & Mal’s relationship is like: I want vengeance…. I want blood….. I want you…. I will take you…. I will protect you…. I love you BUT I hate you….
There love is like phantom of the opera with fierce dragon vibes 🎭+🐉 = 🥰
Savage Hearts book 3 of Queens and Monsters is a dark mafia romance that will take you on a ride of stocking, kidnapping, love and desire. The 🌶️ lvl for me being 4/5 because of Breath play.
P.S. Will spider ever find his ever after fairytale? Will Declon be able to keep his promise to Sloane? Will Nat & Kage ever get married? Or did they already get married? Will Riely & Mal get married in the US or in Russia? What plans does killian & the 13 secret spy band group have for all three families?
😘
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Jeeves Reads Romance
5
Absolutely LOVED it
Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2021
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There’s a reason why I’ve been one-clicking JT’s books without hesitation for years, and she just keeps getting better and better. I never know where the story will lead, but I’m always eager to hang on for the ride. This series has been blazing hot and immensely compelling, so this had a lot to live up to - and it exceeded all expectations. It might've even surpassed the other two books in the series. Going in, we knew absolutely nothing about either main character, and that made this an epically unpredictable adventure. I had zero idea what I was getting into, and that meant it was a fun, immersive read. This one plays up the dark humor, the banter, and the seriously smokin' chemistry. I laughed out loud as often as I fanned myself over the steam. I LOVED this couple together, and the first half just flew by for me. Things get heavier and tenser as the story progresses, and the intimacy escalates along the way. It's the perfect addition to a stellar series, approaching the mafia trope from a different direction. I loved every minute of it.
The story follows Riley, a woman whose life is turned upside down when she discovers that her estranged sister is dating a mafia boss. While the sisters haven't been close for years, Riley agrees to take a trip and meet Sloane's new guy. She had no idea what she was getting into. It's not long before Riley realizes that she's in way over her head, and there's a Giant Hot Dangerous Stranger following her every move. The man is fierce and intimidating, obviously up to no good, and yet... strangely appealing. There's just something about him that calls to Riley, and he seems equally confounded by her. As the two continue their strange interactions, things take an unexpected turn.
Now, I'm not gonna spoil the book for you. I think most of us expected Diego to be the next antihero, but let me say that I was NOT disappointed by Malek. He is soooo not what I was expecting, and I loved seeing the different sides of him. While this feels very much a part of the same series, this particular story has a completely different feel than the others. It's JT at her best, with some softer, subtler moments and an antihero who is obviously bad, but... not. These two are fantastic together, and I loved going in blind. I want to tell you all the things that I loved about Malek, but I also don't want to give the story away, so I'll tell you that he is a fascinating man and leave it at that. This book also makes the series as a whole richer and stronger; sure, it can technically be read as a standalone, but you don't want to do that. It also opens up some interesting paths for future books in this world, and I. AM. READY. Buckle up, because this is a sexual tension-filled, unpredictable read.
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66 people found this helpful
Filipino Bookworm
5
The series just keep getting better and better
Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2022
Verified Purchase
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ STEAM: 🔥🔥🔥.5
The Queens and Monsters series just keeps getting better and better that I almost feel bad at the high bar that Brutal Vows (Book Four) must meet.
Malek wants vengeance, and Declan, the hero of Carnal Urges, is his target. The ghost assassin of the Russian Bratva never misses his mark, but when he crosses paths with Riley, he finds that he is distracted from his main objective.
Riley did not sign up for this. She is not even speaking with her sister Sloane, Declan's beloved and her complete opposite, and now she is in the middle of Malek's war with Declan. When the Ghost takes her away, is she in danger, or will she find that she has more similarities with her sister when it comes to love?
Just when I thought the bar could not be set higher, Malek and Riley's story elevated the series with its witty banter, action-packed suspense, and spicy romance. The politics of this mafia world are certainly complicated, but J.T. Geissinger weaves a tangled web that engages completely. She develops incredible arcs, turning antagonists into lovable anti-heroes. Malek is no different. He is broody, mysterious, and deadly, but his kind heart and gentle hand, especially when it comes to Riley, make him so endearing.
And Riley! Her awkward but charming diatribes not only capture the hearts of those who cross paths with her but also this reader's. I feel so bad about her constant miscommunication with Sloane, making their sibling relationship so realistic and relatable. This was Riley's time to shine, however, and shine she did. She comes to her own, finding her strength and voice among strong personalities, and it was so beautiful to witness.
This book can be read as a standalone; Geissinger provides great context to the characters from previous books. While I was a bit uneasy about the potential love triangle, it was a nice segue to Spider's story, which comes next. I cannot wait!
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3 people found this helpful
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