Yes yes yes yes ! Absolutely YES !
🙌🏼 the steam, romance , story , characters just all the yes’s . I had to much fun reading this book !!

This was my first book by Rebecca Kenney and it won't be the last. I loved the fantasy aspects of this story. I fell in love with Heathcliff. It had some of my favorite tropes, touch her and die, forced proximity, great banter. The chemistry between the 2 characters was great and very believable. I will definitely be picking up the rest of this series.

i felt the writing style was unique from the usual standards set for fantasy books— it had the tone of sarcasm, frustraation and all other emotions the characters were feeling as it was written in first point of views. but at the same time, i had problem with getting into the flow of the book.

other than this, i appreciate the spicy scenes in the second chapter— it was perfectly written, and the themes exploring the dark side of churches/christianity was perfectly done as it's a major plot point (this theme is focused more on as in the dedication, the same is mentioned).

i felt the characters somehow lacked depth, as themes of abusive families were a major part of the book— but, the characters were like "oh, he had beaten me", there was no hurt, frustration and any other major emotions felt in the first half of the book, for me that was a major turn off.

this is my opinion and what i felt after reading the book. i won't be leaving reviews anywhere else.

I adore Wuthering Heights and I adore Rebecca's books, so I was really looking forward to this. And as expected, this book once again showcased why I say Rebecca is the queen of retellings.

Ruthless Devotion jumps right in where Charming Devil ends, so while this is a new couple, I recommend reading Beautiful Villain and Charming Devil before starting this. That said, I was immediately drawn into this story, and could not put the book down. Cathy and Heathcliff have an instant chemistry that was a pleasure to read grow into something more.

And like the other books in this series, the southern Gothic setting in the story is spot on and helps bring these classic stories into the modern age, but with its paranormal and dark twists. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.

Cathy Earnshaw and Heathcliff Lockwood live in remote, deliberately unwelcoming towns, hostile to strangers and cloaked in generations of secrecy. Despite coming from historically rival families, they’re irresistibly drawn to each other. Both carry heavy secrets (some better kept than others…looking at you, Cathy), and both are outsiders in their own homes, mistreated and overlooked.

Well, I think it’s safe to say I’m in the minority here. There were parts of this book I genuinely enjoyed… and others that just didn’t work for me.

The good: the lore. I loved the mix of supernatural elements, it gave me major True Blood vibes, but with an eerie cult twist. Absolutely here for it. I really applaud the author for her originality and the creativity behind the world-building.

The not-so-good: the characters and the pacing. The characters spent a surprising amount of time reminding everyone (and themselves) that they’re adults… yet I often found myself pausing—literally pausing—at the sheer immaturity of their behavior. It made it hard for me to connect or really care about them. The pacing also threw me off at times. Some emotional beats felt rushed, leaving me more disconnected than invested.

Because of that, I have to land at two stars. It started strong, but my interest faded as it went on.

That said, I completely understand why others loved it. It just wasn’t for me. Still, I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a unique fantasy setting, particularly readers who enjoy moody, gothic supernatural drama. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with a banshee main character before, and I love that.

Thank you to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and Rebecca Kenney for the privilege of this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Rebecca Kenney ventures into a fascinatingly dark and magical world with "Ruthless Devotion," the latest addition to her "Gilded Monsters" series. This modern, gothic retelling of "Wuthering Heights" infused with banshees and necromancers is a bold and often brilliant ride, offering a unique twist on a classic while delivering a potent and spicy romance.

The concept alone is compelling: Cathy, a banshee tormented by her gift, and Heathcliff, a necromancer from a reviled clan, drawn together despite the deep seated hatred between their communities. Their connection is raw, passionate, and undeniably electric from the start. Kenney excels at building the intense, all consuming bond between them, showcasing how their shared trauma and understanding create an irresistible force. The enemies to lovers dynamic, driven by societal prejudice rather than personal animosity, is cleverly handled.

The Southern Gothic atmosphere of the Lowcountry setting is beautifully rendered, adding a rich, oppressive layer to the narrative. The exploration of religious trauma and the cult like community Cathy inhabits adds significant depth and darkness, making her journey towards Heathcliff a true act of rebellion and self-preservation. The high spice level is definitely present, contributing to the intense intimacy between the protagonists.

While "Ruthless Devotion" is a strong and memorable entry, there were moments where the pacing felt a little uneven, occasionally rushing through certain emotional beats that could have benefited from more development. However, this is a minor point in an otherwise compelling and original story.

Overall, "Ruthless Devotion" is a triumph of dark romance. It's a testament to Kenney's ability to take a classic tale, inject it with powerful supernatural elements, and craft a love story that is both devastating and deeply captivating. If you're looking for a gothic, spicy, and emotionally charged read that pushes boundaries, this one is well worth your time.

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

Ruthless Devotion is the third part in a series of standalones that follow retellings of classic couples. This story follows Heathcliff and Catherine, loosely based off of Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. Wuthering Heights is a classic gothic tale, and Ruthless Devotion is it's modern Southern Gothic twist. It's an incredibly dark story, which makes it so compelling. Catherine and Heathcliff are both misunderstood and tested individuals in their small southern town. This story has a little bit of everything that has to do with the occult, which is what I genuinely enjoyed. I thoroughly appreciated the interwoven complexities of belief systems that the author chose to implement in this story. The idea of folk beliefs versus a cult like puritanical Christian sect was what kept me continuing to read. When I thought the belief system was already fleshed out, there was more information added.

2.5🌟 I have very mixed feelings about this book. I didn't realise it was a part of a series until i started the book. I was intrigued by the plot throughout as it was very different from anything else I've read before with mythical/folklore elements however due to the amount of religious content I found myself not enjoying a lot of the book it just wasnt for me. The romance throughout was okay but nothing very special in my opinion

Thank you again, NetGalley, for sending me a copy of this book!

No, because from beginning to end, this book had every ounce of my attention! This series has been so fun to read, and there was no moment when I felt bored or disconnected from the characters.

What an absolute wild ride this book has been. I didn't want it to end! I was so connected to these characters, to the point where if something went wrong, I was anxiously waiting for everything to work out. I can't wait to see where the next book takes the next set of characters that were introduced.

This book will be stuck in my head for a while, that's for sure. Cathy and Heath are just so perfect together. With all the hardships they faced throughout their lives, I'm so happy they finally got the happy ending they so desperately deserved.

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

Ruthless Devotion is a fantastic original retelling of Wuthering Heights that blends the brooding intensity of the classic with fresh, imaginative elements like Irish folklore, cult dynamics, and a darkly magnetic romance.

I was hooked from the first page. Cathy and Heathcliff’s love is intense and messy in all the best ways.

The blending Irish myth, supernaturals, and a cult into the story added a we wonderfully eerie and haunting layer to the story.

This book is dark, intense, and completely addictive. If you’re into gothic romance, messy obsession, and bold retellings, Ruthless Devotion is a must-read.

ARC Review of Ruthless Devotion by Rebecca F. Kenney
* * * * *
A british classic takes a twist of the supernatural and intensifies the pull between characters, bound to suck you in to the darkness.

Heathcliff, a young man with a power and a purpose, a past filled with questions now stuck in a legacy he cannot escape.
Cathy, a woman confined in her world with her intense ability that has her body wracked and her mind filled with hopelessness.
Apart, they felt lost. Together, they find understanding. Death could tear them apart, even a God could stand in the way of what they want, but they are going to fight for one another even if it ends in their demise.

Another fantastic edition to the series of wild and dark romance. Read Wuthering Heights once years ago, and now after this read, I want to revisit. I imagine there is not much hot stuff like this read, but it's a good refresher. Definitely spicy!
Cathy's character as a banshee, a wailing woman sensing death to those around her, is faced with so many challenges. She craves release - the hard, hot and heavy kind - to help her deal with the overwhelming ability she faces every day, but beyond her power, she's stuck in a place with people she doesn't particularly want to be.
Then, Heathcliff Lockwood's apparence into her life just has to make it even more interesting...and slightly difficult especially with his connections and background. He himself is in a world he cannot escape from, force to use his own necromancer abilities in a family that does not care what he wants beyond what he can do for them.
Their connection is instant, even when they don't share names after their 'time together'. Wink, wink. It increases overtime, and we are dragged into their drama and blissful escapes, fighting the control in their world to be free.

My favourite book in the Gilded Monsters series so far! I absolutely loved the relationship between Heathcliff and Cathy, and the connection they had throughout it.

The way that this book brought in the previous two was quite enjoyable. It was nice to see those characters again and get a clearer picture of what is happening in this universe.

Looking forward to the conclusion of this story!

Thank you Rebecca for the eARC of this book for an honest review.

My review is also posted on my GoodReads account.

This book is dark, fast, and totally addictive. Ruthless Devotion is a gothic, magic-laced retelling of Wuthering Heights—but you don’t need to be familiar with the original to get completely pulled in. I haven’t read it myself and still devoured this.

Cathy and Heathcliff are both damaged, both dangerous, and both completely obsessed with each other in the best way. The first chapter hooked me right away—gritty, mysterious, and full of eerie magic that lets the dead come back. And their first meeting? Hot. I was absolutely rooting for these two from the start.

The setting is super atmospheric—swampy, culty Southern gothic vibes with a magical twist—and the chemistry between the leads is 🔥. It deals with heavy topics like family abuse and trauma, so heads up for that. But it’s also snarky, fast-paced, and completely unputdownable.

If you like intense romance, morally grey vibes, and a side of necromancy, you’ll probably love this. I’ll definitely read more from Rebecca Kenney.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 Stars !! I really enjoyed the author's book Beautiful Villain so I jumped at the opportunity to read this one. I was especially excited to read it since it was a fantasy retelling of Wuthering Heights, which is one of my favorite books. It grabbed my attention right away and kept me hooked most of the book. There were some times where I felt a little disconnected but then I got hooked all over again. I loved that some characters from the other books in the Gilded Monsters series make an appearance more than once in the book. I would highly recommend giving this one a read if you enjoy a fast paced Romantasy with great writing and lots of spice.

Thank you Netgalley and SourceBooks Casablanca for the digital arc in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

I DEVOURED this in less than 24 hours! It pulled me out of a several month long slump.

It's third in a series but can be read as a standalone. I haven't read the other books in the series but will now! This was easy to read and fast paced. Loved the lore, I'll be reading the other books to get more.

This book is ruthlessly delightful; though Rebecca Kennedy has been an author I enjoy usually, this novel took me by surprise. This novel is a retelling of the classic Wuthering Heights; though, other than names, and location, that’s where the similarities end. The twists within Rebecca’s work are focused on erotica and the paranormal, which are some of my favorite things to read when done well. I have read the other two books in the series, though technically it is a standalone, I would suggest reading the pre-existing installments before this one.
Cathy and Heathcliff (though his name leaves more to be desired), become absorbed in the southern gothic horror show that is their lives as Cathy senses death and Heathcliff is friends with death. Every trope that I enjoy is in this novel; forbidden romance, paranormal activity, cults, a little smut here and there. I think that the violence could have been focused on more for a horror feeling, but for what this novel is; delicious and reminding name a little of Crimson Peak, I throughly recommend it.

Some of the plot was a little confusing but mostly it kept me intrigued and wanting to continue to know how all the pieces fell into place. I enjoyed the link to old mythology and Cathy really was such a badass. The connection between Cathy and Heathcliff was very instalove which I’m not a big fan of.

I wasn’t a huge fan of the writing style. I also felt like the spice wasn’t exactly necessary as often as it happened. They just KEPT hooking up. It started and ended with that and I just like more plot in my books.

Overall it was good. Not for me but it was a fun read.

I picked up this ARC based off of its description and had good hopes for it. Sadly, I was left hanging a little bit. I know it was based on Wuthering Heights, which I haven't read, so the story might have had less impact on me because of that too.

The story gets told from the perspective of Cathy and Heathcliff, who both have supernatural gifts. They're both part of families or communities that don't mingle at all because of their history.

I honestly had a lot of struggles with this story, and it starts right at the beginning. Cathy and Heathcliff meet when Heathcliff makes a delivery to Cathy's workplace. Without establishing anything, no connection, no chemistry, no nothing, Cathy instantly jumps him. Like you are kissing and fornicating with a random stranger on the job? I know you have your 'condition', but girl... As the story progresses I think it stays about that same. It irked me that they supposedly were super connected, they want each other, but I felt like they barely had any relationship at all on the pages. Apart from him saving her over and over again.

I also noticed, especially in the first 50% of the book that the Cathy chapters are substantially longer as compared to the Heathcliff ones. I thought this was a pity, because I felt more in sync with Heathcliff as a character. Although generally, the characters really didn't speak all that much to me either.

This was book 3 in a series, but I definitely could be read as a standalone, so it gets some points for that. Maybe it was a wrong book, wrong time situation, but I feel like this book just... lacked for me personally.

And to end I want to thank Netgalley, SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and Rebecca Kenney for providing me an eARC of this book. As always I write this review voluntarily and my opinion is solely my own. I hope this book finds its intended audience, because it wasn't really me.

Ruthless Devotion
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“I love things that are raw, wild, crooked, unfinished. They're so much more honest than things that are cultivated, symmetrical, punched out of identical molds.”

“That's what I love about her— she's wild as the cold wind, sharp as broken shells on the beach, tough as the old Southern oaks.
She's like the Spanish moss on the trees— lacy and fragile from a distance but wiry and rough up close.”

This is an arc read and this book releases July 22nd.

This is the third book in the Gilded Monsters series and is a dark, Southern gothic romance reimagining of Wuthering Heights. Cathy Earnshaw is a banshee trapped in a religious cult like town in the American South who try to convince her she has the devil inside her because she is haunted by loss and cursed with supernatural abilities that foretell death. When Heathcliff, a mysterious necromancer, arrives in town, he brings secrets that could change everything for her but she can’t fight the feeling he’s the other half of her soul.

I am yet to find a Rebecca Kenney book I’m not totally fucking obsessed with, she is the queen of fairytale / literature reimaginings with the perfect amount of spice, darkness and morally grey men. Anyone who knows me, knows Wuthering Heights is one of my favourite classics of all time so this really excited me and this book did it so much justice as was like reading a top tier horror movie. The premise was so different, the characters had depth and the romance was INTENSE, such a darkly fun retelling that you’ll devour.

Thank you Rebecca Kennedy and NetGalley for the ARC and opportunity to read Ruthless Devotion.
Ruthless Devotion is a retelling of Wuthering Heights with a fantasy and southern gothic twist. Cathy is a supernatural that lives alone with her drunken abusive father who is part of a cultish church. Heathcliff, a necromancer, is from a family that Cathy has been warned to stay away from, but when they meet, they are instantly drawn to each other.
I was captivated from the very beginning with the unique twist and elements of magic intertwined in this tragic romance. The love story between Heathcliff and Cathy was beautiful and heartbreaking, both hurt by trauma in their life and finding comfort with each other. Irish lore is a large portion of the magical element in the book, and I enjoyed this fresh take on a fantasy romance. The story is well written and has a nice balance of plot, character development and spice. I would recommend, if you enjoy fantasy, trauma and forbidden romance.