What an absolute banger of a book. Hands down a favorite. Rebecca never misses and the way this book takes a classic and puts such a great twist on it. The characters are so real, so vibrant and pull you into the story immediately

eArc provided by the Publisher through NetGalley. Thank you in advance.

The book is the third in a series of individual stories that are interconnected in some points. I did not read the two books before this one. If you are looking to have zero spoilers for the first two books, I recommend you read those first. Even if this book is a story of itself, it brings out characters from those books, and because of my procrastination and not reading them first, I got hints about things from those books. (Nothing too crazy) 🙁

The start of the book was made perfectly to hook you, introducing you to Heathcliff and his powers, giving you hints of mystery, and the connection to the supernatural.

Cathy has a big secret that she needs to keep from her community and “church” (vibes more of a cult). 

The introduction of Cathy’s life is full of grief; she feels death before it comes to collect, making her have episodes of uncontrollable grief where she isolates herself from people to avoid any suspicion from the community about her supernatural power. After a coincidental initial meeting with Heathcliff and a first spicy encounter, the two main characters continue to cross paths until it is inevitable. There are a series of deaths that brought tension to the community and attention towards Cathy, deaths that Cathy did not perceive, developing the story of what is behind this series of deaths.

In my opinion, the story is entertaining and provides you with a mystery. Heathcliff’s character felt a bit underdeveloped. I was expecting this big thing from him, but it was… okay. Nothing that would surprise you and keep you on the edge of your seat. For Cathy’s character, there are moments when I wanted to connect with her and what she was going through, but I was just unable to.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. The plot was right there on your face, but the story was well organized to keep you moving forward and finish it to find the truth. I am looking forward to knowing what’s next after this book.

3.75 stars

I enjoyed this one! It was a fun twist on Wuthering Heights but not a direct retelling. I wish it wasn't so insta lusty and had some more build up and tension between the main characters. But the spice was soooo good, so I was able to overlook that. I loved the Southern Gothic vibes.

This isn’t a direct retelling of Wuthering Heights, but it captures the same tragic, intense, and passionate spirit. Inspired rather than adapted, Ruthless Devotion gives us a raw, chaotic Heathcliff and Cathy whose connection is immediate and electric—much spicier than I expected. Their love is messy, obsessive, and completely addictive.

Set in a small town steeped in religious fervor, the story also carries a dark, menacing, and paranormal undercurrent that adds to its eerie atmosphere. The ending felt a bit rushed and chaotic, and I think I would’ve connected more with the story had I read the first two books, which likely give more depth to the side characters.

2.75/5

Ruthless Devotion is a retelling of Wuthering Heights that hooks you within the first few pages; it has a captivating plot and a gothic setting that I really enjoyed. This story includes a very unexpected twist, drawing from Irish folklore to add a new layer of fantasy to the famous tale of passion and tragedy that is Wuthering Heights. The tone becomes more macabre and twisted as you keep on reading, which was a pleasantly surprising turn for me. Necromancers, forbidden love, gods, and pagan creatures—it's a highly enticing mix, indeed.

However, despite really liking the premise of this novel, I have to say that there were certain elements that I wasn't keen on and ultimately impacted my reading experience. In my opinion, the smut in this book felt forced (especially in the second chapter) and while I’m aware that the relationship between Catherine and Heathcliff is already quite toxic in the original, the fact that there was instalove here was a deal-breaker for me.

Additionally, I would’ve liked to know more about the secondary characters introduced later on (their vibe reminded me of the Cullens from Twilight, actually), but I did think it was a smart move by the author to present Cathy and Heathcliff as deeply flawed characters. They're brimming with human emotion and, therefore, they’re incredibly selfish, cruel, obsessive, vengeful, and immature at times. You don’t always like them, but that gives them an added layer of depth somehow.

I've seen quite a few positive reviews of this book, so if it piques your interest, I encourage you to give it a try.

THIS BOOK....was *chefs kiss*. I am obsessed with books that use different types of lore to create magic systems. This book is so different to other fantasy type books. It uses Irish and Roman lore to build the basis of its magic system. The characters have these awakening moments that drive amazing character development and there's some great twists and turns. Plus, I'm always a sucker for a man that falls head over heels for a woman instantly and becomes obsessed. And the fact that it's set in modern time and the characters are battling societal issues that are still being dealt with today. Plus the writing was amazing - the descriptions and spice, all of it was great!

Dnf at 45%

I really wanted to like this book. I mean it has all the elements to keep me hooked when I read the blurb. First few chapters were fun but the sudden smut gave me major ick. I'm a slow burn enthusiast ergo it was hard for me connect with these characters. And the way both fmc and mmc wanted to merge souls?right after the second spice scene? bye. that was my last straw.

Thank you netgalley and publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

Unexpectedly Captivating – A Dark, Twisting Tale of Love and Obsession

I truly didn’t expect to fall so hard for Ruthless Devotion. It’s a bit outside my usual comfort zone—I tend to gravitate toward romantasy rather than modern paranormal romance—but this book surprised me in all the best ways. What drew me in initially was the comparison to Wuthering Heights, one of my all-time favorite classics. And while it draws on that same tragic, intense emotional core, Ruthless Devotion puts its own bold, fresh spin on the concept—delivering the devastation without shattering your heart completely.

Heathcliff is anything but a conventional romantic lead. He’s raw, damaged, and more than a little abrasive, especially early on. His approach to love is far from gentle, and his inner monologue is steeped in self-loathing and weariness. But that vulnerability made him instantly compelling to me. His voice is gritty and authentic, and it grounds the entire story in a very real, emotional place. Once I adjusted to his tone, I was completely hooked.

Cathy is pure, chaotic magnetism. She’s fierce, flawed, and fiercely alive—her grief, rage, and desires all feel so palpable. I was rooting for her from the beginning, especially against the oppressive backdrop of the community around her. When she and Heathcliff finally come together, their chemistry is undeniable. Their relationship is messy, obsessive, and completely enthralling—the kind of love that feels inevitable, like gravity pulling them toward each other no matter the cost.

The setting also deserves praise. The author crafts a beautifully eerie atmosphere full of small-town secrets, cultish undertones, and a constant sense of something sinister just out of sight. It’s immersive and unsettling in the best way.

If I had one minor critique, it would be that the narrative voice—particularly Heathcliff’s—takes a little time to get used to. His coarseness can feel jarring at first, but once the rhythm settles, it becomes one of the story’s strengths.

Overall, this was a bold, addictive, emotionally intense read. Ruthless Devotion is perfect for fans of dark, obsessive love stories with a paranormal edge and a touch of danger. I’m giving it a solid 4 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rebecca Kenney, Sourcebooks Casablanca for the eARC!

I really enjoyed this book! I was interested in the abilities and struggles of both the MC's. The story is set in a small town with a cult-like church which set the mood for the book. The FMC, Cathy is a banshee and the MMC, Heathcliff, is a necromancer and I loved learning about their gifts individually, how they fit into modern times, and how their gifts can be used together. I wish that the romance had more depth at the beginning instead of "instalove" and I was almost expecting to hear that they were "mates" but it did gather more connections by the end.

I am a new fan of Rebecca Kenney's writing style! The pace is trotting along which adds to the urgency of the events nearer the end. I am excited to read more in this series!

This was such an interesting take on the “Wuthering Heights” book. Packed with plenty of spice and forbidden love, it’s deliciously enticing. Set in a small southern community with a family that is rejected and deemed dangerous, alongside a church that veers on the cultish side.

Deadly, dark & dangerous themes throughout, I really did love this one!

Thank you so much to Rebecca Kenney and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca | Sourcebooks Casablanca for the eARC of this book. This is a retelling of Wuthering Heights, for being a retelling I liked it. took me a little longer than I would have liked to get through it but it was good! Its a great spicy sci-fi take. The way Rebecca spins the retelling in her books is amazing. I do recommend the series this book is apart of.

I am a huge fan of Rebecca Kenney’s books!! I am obsessed with these modern retellings, she does an absolute phenomenal job! I cannot wait to order this book and add it to my collection!! Thank you!

Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this story!!


I really enjoyed this story and it was almost a 5 star for me but there were a few things I wish were different. I dont care for insta-love so I do wish the MCs first meeting had went a little different but oh well. I also wished Gatsbys group was talked about more throughout the story. What exactly does the group do that they went searching for the god and then helped a stranger fight the god. They felt kind of conveniently thrown in the story to eventually help wrap it up. (also i hope it wasnt just me but when the group first came into the book the way the author described them getting out of the car and looking beautiful all i could think about was the Cullens entering the cafeteria in twilight lol) Im not sure how well of a retelling this is. I have had wuthering heights on my TBR for about a year but i prefer romance stories with supernatural elements and this was perfect. I think people who liked Slewfoot will enjoy this as well. i read the book last year and it quickly became a favorite. I have tried finding other books that give the same vibe and this is the closest I have come to it.

I think the cover of this is a bit off though. Before reading I thought it was cute and seems similar to other romantasy covers but after reading this I think the cover should be a little spookier. While I wouldnt say anything in this is gory but the cover gives a more cutesy feel which doesnt really portray the story well.

I really like Rebecca Kenney's books, but this one wasn't quite for me. For those looking for a Wuthering Heights retelling, only make it modern day, I think you'll enjoy the appropriately spooky, gothic feel that this book has. This book is smooth to read and would be a good book to throw in a carry-on or beach bag this summer. The plot moves quickly and once I got more immersed in it, I found the book quick to read. I thought that the character of Cathy Earnshaw was really interesting, and I think the spin that Rebecca has put on these classic re-tellings in the Gilded Monster series is unique.

Thank you to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and Rebecca F. Kenney for allowing me to read an eARC of this story for review.

Star Rating: 4.5 🌟

Thank you so much Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for this eArc!

Okay, quick little summary before I go all in on gushing about this book. This is a modern reworking of Wuthering Heights, set in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. Cathy Earnshaw is the daughter of a deacon in her small community. A community has dedicated their Sunday services to preaching about the power of blood and faith to keep an ancient being buried in the ground. There's something inside her that makes her scream through the forest when she senses death coming to her neighbors. Heathcliff was stolen as a child, raised along side other necromancers. He is trapped under his adopted brothers thumb, forced to resurrect those who make deals, even though his power outweighs Hindley's. Cathy and Heathcliff meet in a moment of reckless need. But, as the walls of the village start to close in around them, their love grows, and maybe it will save them.

Holy cow guys!! I absolutely loved this book! As a preface, I haven't read the other books in the series (that will be remedied soon I promise) and haven't read the source material. I picked this up because it sounded like the perfect blend of creepy cults, romance, and angst. And dang did it deliver! I loved Cathy and Heathcliff, not only as stand alone character, but also as a couple. Cathy had a boiling rage but also a well of sadness inside her and it only made her that much more interesting. Heathcliff was both tender in his affection but also strong and ready to fight anything that would dare hurt Cathy. Sometimes in dual POVS, I feel like the men just sexualize the fmc, but not at all with Heathcliff. He found her beautiful, yes, but he also respected all aspects of her. Their tension and love for each other was swoon worthy and had me kicking my feet. Now, this book is not marketed as horror but it definitely had it's moments of unsettling imagery which is a huge plus for me.

I only have a few critiques. There's a little bit in the beginning of the book, after our main characters have met but aren't officially together yet, that was not my favorite. They both set out to make each other jealous and it does have a bit of weird language about another female character. While the ending was great and well deserved, I was hoping for Cathy to get revenge against the people who hurt her. It felt a little...lackluster I suppose?

went into Ruthless Devotion blind—without reading the first two books—and still finished it in a day. The writing is fast-paced and colloquial, making for a smooth, addictive read. It reminded me of Harley Laroux’s Souls Trilogy with its eclectic mix of horror, religion, and the supernatural. There’s also a hint of Keri Lake’s dark romance style, though this leans less gothic.

That said, I found the blend of literary and mythological references a little clunky. Naming the main characters Heathcliff and Catherine, alongside references to ancient gods, felt distracting and occasionally heavy-handed. It pulled me out of the story more than it added to it. And for the record, while this may be a Cathy and Heathcliff retelling in spirit, it’s definitely not one in execution—don’t go in expecting a modern adaptation of Wuthering Heights.

I liked this story enough that I’m planning to go back and read the first two books. I’m especially curious about the other characters I met here. If more books are coming, I’ll absolutely be on board!

Thank you to NetGalley, Rebecca Kenney, and Sourcebooks Casablanca for this ARC!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
* Instalust (at first, then slow burn)
* Romantic suspense with a dash of mystery!
* Touch her and die
* Supernatural and spicy modern retelling of “Wuthering Heights”

Thank you to NetGalley, Rebecca Kenney, Sourcebooks Casablanca for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!

I’m so glad this is a dual POV modern retelling of Wuthering Heights! It’s such a good twist to the story and I love all of Rebecca Kenney’s retellings that she released thus far so I was very excited to read this! I liked the setting of this book too, as it adds to the moody vibe of the book this is based on, but in an American setting. I could totally see a cult like church like this in this place 😳

Well, that was lucky timing for Heathcliff in just chapter two! 🤭

I like seeing others from past two books in this series! They fit in so well with the plot line in the end.

I wanted to slap Heathcliff for making her jealous with Isabella. But then when he saves her and they are together again, this time it’s more carnal and emotional at the same time. It means something to them both. They seem so drawn to each other both physically, emotionally, and supernaturally. It’s a heady combination and makes it so steamy.

What happens to Cathy is horrifying in its gory detail and so sad but I’m so glad Heathcliff chose the tattoos to save her, and how she in turn saves him. Both instances are pretty devastating!

I also like the mystery of this that adds to the suspense of what happens to Cathy and Heathcliff about 75% of the way in the book. When they finally reveal their true selves and their pasts to each other, it allows them to fully be more to one another. They both connect emotionally so well as they both do whatever they can to save and protect each other. They accept each other for what and who they are wholly, and their steamy scene in the church was so charged with emotion and passion, I had to read it more than once because I enjoyed it so much!

It’s of course the kind of ending I had hoped for Wuthering Heights, so then finding that freedom they’ve both desired even before meeting each other was beautiful to read.

I didn’t expect this book to hit as hard as it did. Ruthless Devotion isn’t just dark and obsessive for the sake of it. It’s deeply emotional and surprisingly tender in places, which made the intense moments land even harder. I loved how Rebecca Kenney built the tension between Elise and Luca - it’s messy and complicated but never thoughtless. Their connection feels earned, not just steamy.

There were a few spots where I wished the pacing had slowed down so certain scenes could breathe a little more, but overall I was hooked. The themes of agency, healing, and power were woven in with care, and I appreciated that the story let both characters grow. If you’re into morally grey love interests and high-stakes emotional intimacy, this one absolutely delivers.

Ruthless Devotion is probably the most original story I’ve ever read in my life. The book was gripping, dark, and even a little creepy and scary at times, and I could not put it down.
It’s a Wuthering Heights retelling (disclaimer: I have not yet the original) with a magic twist, and it incorporates a whole slew of Irish folklore and brings it into a modern Southern setting.
From what I understand, it doesn’t follow Wuthering Heights closely and pretty much just uses the names, but this story was truly so captivating, I finished it in one sitting.

The book follows Cathy Earnshaw and Heathcliff Lockwood, a banshee and a necromancer, respectively — two supernaturals in a town where such gifts are not welcome. Not inly do they get involved with one another, but also a mystery surrounding Cathy’s cult-like church and their true chilling intentions.

The pacing was on the faster side, but with the elements of mystery and suspense, it worked well for the story. I wish the romance between Heathcliff and Cathy had been a little more developed and not as insta lust-y, but by the halfway point, I was extremely invested in them and their relationship.
I also felt like the plot got a little out of hand towards the end and it became a little hard to follow, and then not everything was resolved — which I’m guessing will happen in the next book.

I personally didn’t anticipate a lot of the plot twists, so the story kept me on my toes and surprised me at every turn! The romance was also so swoony and steamy, and the spicy scenes were scorching hot. I was almost sad when I finished the book because I didn’t want the story to be over. I may need to go back and read the first two books as they’re interconnected standalones.

Thank you to Rebecca Kenney and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC of Ruthless Devotion via NetGalley!

This one surprised me. TBH, at first, I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this—but a few chapters in, I was all in. Ruthless Devotion is dark, spicy (like chapter two spicy), and heavy on the emotional tension. The atmosphere gave Midnight Mass vibes, which I loved, and the small-town church setting added this eerie, pressure-cooker feel that really worked.

Cathy and Heathcliff are both deeply scarred by their pasts, and watching them open up and trust each other was very satisfying. There’s something raw and messy but also really tender about their connection. I found myself rooting for them hard.

I haven’t read Wuthering Heights, so I can’t speak on the retelling, but the intensity and angst definitely come through. I also didn’t realize going in that this was part of a series of standalones—I'll definitely be checking out the others.

If you’re into dark romance with emotional depth, and quick heat, this one’s worth picking up.