I have mixed feelings about this one. There were parts that I loved, the chemistry between them was great and although I'm not completely on board with such a controlling main male character, I can go with that. Where I struggled was that the story seemed to be reaching a conclusion, and then we'd have some seemingly irrelevant details thrown in, or I remembered that one area hadn't been resolved.
For me, the pacing didn't work; it went from gripping at parts to dragging at other moments.
It all became clear to me when the book ended on a cliffhanger. Obviously, the author wanted to make this into a duet, but it really probably shouldn't have been one. In her notes at the end, she mentions that the story is a bit of an indulgence, having worked in this field in her past. Sadly, it was too much of an indulgence, and from a book that I really enjoyed, it just fell short of the mark. So much so, that I really can't be bothered with reading the next in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

I am really a bit conflicted with this book. It had its good moments, but then the pacing felt off or the relationship derails and the push and pull was a bit much. Having said that with a cliffhanger ending like that I think book 2 has a place in my tbr

#netgalley #Ruthlesslove

This was kinda disappointing. Everything kinda came out of left field and none of it made much sense. There was continuity issues, the overall relationship just wasn’t there and… meh.

I have read a few of Laura Carter's novels and knew this would be a bit different to her usual contemporary romance so was a little nervous about reading it but there was no need. This was a great spicy billionaire story but it had a bit more drama to it. I loved the characters of Scarlett and Gregory. I can't wait for the next instalment as it ended on such a cliffhanger.

Ruthless Love has an intriguing premise — the mix of passion, danger, and complicated relationships hooked me at first. There’s definite chemistry between the characters, and Laura Carter knows how to keep the tension high.

That said, some moments felt a bit over-the-top for me, and I didn’t connect as deeply with the characters as I hoped. The pacing sometimes wavered — intense in places, but dragging in others. Still, it’s a steamy, dramatic read if you’re in the mood for something fast-paced and full of emotional fireworks.

A solid read overall — just not quite the unforgettable ride I wanted.

Fabulous steamy read! Gregory and Scarlett were 🔥🔥

"Your body's reactions to me tell me one thing but your words tell me something else. It's...perplexing."

This story was full of tension, passion, emotions, and intrigue. I was pretty hooked! Scarlett was a loving daughter and a great lawyer with a lot of integrity, which she used to fight against her growing feelings for Gregory. However, she also had a lot of empathy, and her attraction and feelings ended up steering her decision to help Gregory. He had a ton of baggage which motivated and kept him on the path he'd set out for himself. They were both strong people with soft hearts. The ending was a killer! Can't wait for the next book!

If Legally Blonde went rogue and traded pink pantsuits for murder and revenge, you’d get Ruthless Love. This dark, twisty romance kept me hooked from start to finish, with a beautiful slow-burn relationship at its heart. I loved the way the tension and chemistry between Scarlett and Gregory built gradually—it never felt rushed, and the emotional payoff was incredibly satisfying. Beyond the romance, the revenge-driven plot added just the right amount of intrigue and suspense to keep me turning the pages. The combination of wit, scheming, and passion made this a standout dark romance that I thoroughly enjoyed.

And now I’m desperate for book 2—I need to know what happens next!

I struggled to get into Ruthless Love as much as I have with the author’s previous books. The shift into a different subgenre may have played a part, but I also found the tension between the characters inconsistent—sometimes gripping and meaningful, other times skimming only the surface. Gregory’s behaviour, in particular, felt easily forgiven and a little too quickly glossed over, which left me wanting more depth and accountability from his character. Combined with an overall storyline that often felt unclear, I found myself unable to fully connect with the book in the way I’d hoped.

This is the first in the Billionaires of London series - which I realized, but what I didn't know before reading this one is that it ends in a huge cliffhanger. That annoyed me, but I did mostly enjoy the story.

I liked the characters, Scarlett is a lawyer called in to help with a merger for Gregory's company. There is a lot happening in this story - workplace intimidation, workplace romance, a parental illness, romance and spice!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

This is a great start to a new series from Laura and I am now left eagerly anticipating the next book!

This is a delicious slow burn romance that is filled with heart, emotion and angst mixed with red hot chemistry and romantic suspense.

I really enjoyed the build up and connection with the main characters Gregory and Scarlett. The connection was instant even if they are trying to draw the professional line between them. Gregory is the morally grey, mysterious alpha male we can't help but love! Scarlett has a lot to deal with at work and personally but she never thought she would find comfort and support in her new hot client!

After the way this book finished i am now wanting the next book NOW!!

Another hit from Carter, I adored the change of pace from her usual romances and adored how well this was done. Scarlett was such fun to follow and I was obsessed with the chemistry with Gregory! I am so excited for the next installment now!!!

4.25

I enjoyed this one and found the characters interesting. They have many complex layers between them and it’s interesting to watch them draw each other out from their shells. Gregory is definitely a tough nut to crack and I’m still not one hundred percent sure on what I think of him, as he gives off a lot of whiplash and I’m trying to figure out what side of him is his true side.. I personally would have liked to have seen a dual POV for this book, as I think it would have added an extra layer to the tension of the plot as well as the relationship between the characters. I did find one of the side characters to be a little bit annoying and when she appeared on the page I would have to brace myself because I found her to not fully respect the FMC and her choices. The plot is interesting, tense and well connected, although I must say again for me personally, I do feel like it is being dragged out a little bit. Obviously I have the second book to read and I’m intrigued to pick it up and see what happens with the characters and the rest of their story, I do have a few inklings into what could happen. The writing in itself was really good and flowed nicely, I was hooked straight in from the start, it literally only took me a couple of sittings to read. I did get emotional at a couple of points and found myself really connecting with Scarlett.

Scarlett Heath is a brilliant mergers and acquisitions lawyer, fighting to prove herself in a male-dominated firm while caring for her sick father at home. The last thing she needs is distraction—but she finds herself captivated by billionaire Gregory Ryans, the enigmatic CEO of Eclectic Technologies. Gregory is powerful, ruthless, and determined to have her both professionally and personally. He assigns Scarlett to handle his planned takeover of Sea People International, but the deal raises troubling ethical questions that test her integrity.

Scarlett can’t resist Gregory’s intensity, though his mysterious past and thirst for revenge pull her into dangerous territory. Their attraction grows through witty banter, stolen moments, and undeniable chemistry, but Gregory’s secrets and obsession with control threaten everything. Just as Scarlett begins to trust him, shocking revelations shatter her certainty. With tragedy looming and loyalties torn, their future hangs in the balance—ending on a heart-stopping cliffhanger.

Unfortunately I just couldn't connect to the story right now, I have put this down at 25%. I enjoyed the authors writing so I will pick this up in the future but right now it's just not doing anything for me.

This book was so good! I love the characters and the plot line! I would absolutely recommend this book!

Ruthless Love is book one in Laura Carter’s new Billionaires Of London series. It is a slow burn, grumpy / sunshine romance between billionaire Gregory Ryans and lawyer Scarlett Heath. It is also a dark romantic suspense full of drama, danger and tension due to a revenge plot and the past coming back to haunt Gregory.

Scarlett specialises in corporate mergers and acquisitions. She’s smart, strong and a very independent woman who has diligently worked her way up. She is under a lot of stress because at work her immediate boss is misogynist and lazy, and at home she is nursing her sick father. When they bid for becoming the lawyers for Eclectic Technologies, Scarlett is shocked by her reaction to their CEO. She is very attracted to him and he makes her nervous.

Gregory has worked hard to get what he wants because he had a horrendous childhood and experienced a trauma that has never left him. He wants to take over Sea People International and chooses Scarlett to take charge of the deal. He is impressed and very taken with her so is determined she will be his.

There is so much tension between the pair both professionally and personally. She is concerned at the reasons for the deal and has reservations over her involvement. She thinks he’s plotting with his colleagues, Lawrence and Williams so is the deal unethical or illegal. Is it a hostile takeover and if so why? He really affects her with his intensity and confidence. His attitude is slightly mysterious which draws her to him. She knows she can’t fall for a client as it would ruin her career but this deal could do that !! I loved the fun emails between them as the lines blur and their relationship develops. His need for revenge could put her in danger and he worries she’ll never want to see him again if it backfires. Can he stop letting the past dictate his life and find a way for them to be together.

Amanda is her best friend from university and now a work colleague. She is quite funny but I feel for Williams because it seems he likes her more than she likes him. I liked his mother, she’d gone through so much and tried to protect him. She sees how much he likes Scarlett and is desperate that she doesn’t blame him for things he has no control over. Sandy is a sweetheart and a great friend to Scarlett but the star of the show is Jackson, he’s adorable and his budding relationship with Sandy is so sweet.

When the truth is revealed it is more complicated than she thought. Gregory’s deal has led to a series of events that have disastrous consequences and she has helped him with it. She can’t believe she’s fallen in love with him and how it has affected her life in ways she could never have predicted. How will she react to everything that happens and will that love turn to hate as things escalate and tragedy strikes.

This ends in a terrifying cliffhanger which could cause serious problems for the couple. The story continues in Twisted Love #2. I did find at times the story dragged and their romance was overshadowed by other events but I did think the scenes with her father were very well done.

Laura Carter sure knows how to make a girl swoon with her words in Ruthless Love.
I couldn’t stop reading once I started. I stayed up late to read and I read before everyone else woke up for the day. Ruthless Love was the perfect storyline.
Scarlett and Gregory were swoon worthy characters. Scarlett is a strong and fierce person. That boss of her Jack shew, he’s a man I wouldn’t be able to work for. He grinds my gears.
I couldn’t get enough of reading Scarlett doing her work. She knows what she’s doing, she’s brilliant. Jack is most definitely lucky to have her working with him.
I love the support Scarlett does have. She goes through a lot with having her dad not being well. I loved that she had someone as caring as Sandy.
The chemistry between Scarlett and Gregory was 🫠.

I ended up not finishing this book after a few chapters purely due to not finding a connection with either characters.

I will return to this book at s later date as think I just wasn’t in the mood for this type of book at the time

4 Star Read!

Thank you to the Laura Carter, Boldwood Books, NetGalley and LBT for allowing me to tour this read!

I really enjoyed this book, but then I thought I would as I've read previous works by the author before. I've not read any dark romance by her so this is brilliant first in that department as its my favourite type of romance.
This story follows Scarlett, the FMC, lawyer + a lady who knows how to stick up for herself, and billionaire CEO Gregory who enlists the help of Scarlett in taking over another company. But all is not quite as it seems and things soon blossom between the pair... that's it, you not getting anymore spoilers! You'll have to find out what happens yourself!
There was emotion, insta-lust, tons of chemistry, a hot MMC, and an ending that will having you shouting for the next instalment!
So why you still here... get along now, grab your copy of Ruthless Love and go see what all the fuss is about! <3

Scarlett and her boss are pitching for legal work for a new client. Meeting the CEO, Gregory Ryans, Scarlett has an immediate and powerful attraction to him which shakes her but managing to summon all her professional calm she makes a successful pitch. Once started on the due diligence she senses something wrong with the deal – why does the CEO want to buy this company only to destroy it? There’s nothing wrong legally with the plans but is it morally the right thing to do? She agrees to carry on with the transaction but then vows to herself that she’ll cut all future contact with Gregory. Difficult though when the aftermath of her decision hits home.

I really enjoyed this book. Romances, of whatever genre, usually follow the route of attraction, misunderstanding, break up and then get back together. This one was refreshingly different as it went along a different path, yes there were misunderstandings and arguments but no real break up. The follow up in the story was completely different and interesting. The main characters were strong and gave as good as they got from each other, but I also really enjoyed the fact that there was a good set of secondary characters with their own storylines.

Little disappointed though with the ending that wasn’t!