Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
I'm sad to say that I really was not a fan of this book. The concept was great, the setting compelling, but that's about where the good parts end.
The chemistry between the two main characters was non-existent. Also, the whole "I need sex to drown out death" in the second chapter? Where's the tension?
I feel like there was so much info dumping trying to disguise itself as dialogue, as well. Whole monologues that felt so unnatural and inappropriate for the situations.
There were a few instances where the sentence structure didn't make sense, or the author named one character while meaning another.
Overall, I forced my way through a book that should have taken a day to read, when in reality it took me about a week.
I'm sad to say that I really was not a fan of this book. The concept was great, the setting compelling, but that's about where the good parts end.
The chemistry between the two main characters was non-existent. Also, the whole "I need sex to drown out death" in the second chapter? Where's the tension?
I feel like there was so much info dumping trying to disguise itself as dialogue, as well. Whole monologues that felt so unnatural and inappropriate for the situations.
There were a few instances where the sentence structure didn't make sense, or the author named one character while meaning another.
Overall, I forced my way through a book that should have taken a day to read, when in reality it took me about a week.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I love retellings, especially with a unique twist, which Ruthless Devotion definitely gave me, with tons of passion and lots of gothic flair. This book not only took the original Wuthering Heights and flipped it upside down in its retelling, but it added a supernatural twist and added dashes of folklore to boot. I’ve personally been obsessed with the folklore surrounding the Tuatha de Danaan for years as they are linked to Irish culture and believed to be a supernatural race of god-like beings, or fairies with magical abilities and such. To say that I loved that it was woven into the fabric of this story is an understatement.
All of the Wuthering Heights bones are there; Heathcliff and Catherine are still the main characters of this centuries old tale, along with the judgmental church goers, the creepy-gothic feel of the town, the abusive families, death and passion, but it’s still just the bones. This is a different story with two very different people who happen to have the same name. Heathcliff and Catherine do fall for one another, on a level that is soul-deep and beyond words. Their love, ends up transcending the supernatural as it also delves into the mythological folklore part of the book.
How does something go beyond the supernatural…that is the brilliant part and twisted mix of this story. Heathcliff is a necromancer who has powers to revive the recently deceased. Cathy is a banshee whose driving purpose is to weep the loss of the deceased. Her power is to sense when death is looming and for a necromancer who profits off of giving someone a second chance at life, they could make a powerful team, or he could just use her and take all the profit for himself. That seems like a very Heathcliff-y thing to do. However, life is never easy and things are never that black and white, especially when these two have never met and they know nothing about the other or what their supernatural ability is, until their chance hook-up. Plus…this Heathcliff is not like the 1800’s Heathcliff, which is quite wonderful. There isn’t this deep need for revenge on Heathcliff’s part, even though he’s obsessed with Cathy, which is on-par, but it’s a different kind of obsession. Cathy returns his love and isn’t seeking social status or a future within their community, she wants to escape just as much as he does. These two face different hurdles than the 1800’s version and thankfully this Heathcliff gets to be the good guy even though his supernatural power is reviving the dead. Trust me…it all works out.
Heathcliff and Cathy were the heart of the story while everything else around them was the gray rainy storm that eventually built into a hurricane. It was their heart that kept the beating pulse of the story moving and kept the pages turning. I will say, people who are not as familiar with Irish folklore, might have a hard time with some of the mythology, just because it’s not as familiar like Greek mythology or the long-eared fae that are popular in romantasy books right now, but give this a chance and it might resonate.
Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the advance review copy and all opinions are my own.
I think it was okay. The set up was different and unique and I think a lot of people will love this. For me, the story was great. Plot was great. Pacing was fine. For some reason, I was not emotionally invested in it. I’m not sure why. I read it and it was good but I wasn’t deep into it. A good read though.
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
This had potential, but was way too vague and wanted too much in the supernatural department. Now, this is the third book in a series of interconnected standalones, so there might be some context I missed by not having read the first two books, but I felt lost. Especially with all of these supernatural creatures that these characters are supposed to be. Now, a banshee and a necromancer, I get behind, but this cameo of Jay Gatsby and Dorian Grey - I'm guessing the love interests of the first two books in the series - with their vampirism and weird hybrid powers, but none of the worldbuilding simply made this whole thing messy and not well thought out.
The dialogue was pretty cringey, the overall writing was okay (exceptions: rizz and to rez (abbreviation of resurrecting)). I also feel like there was an opportunity missed to dive more into the fanaticism that rears its head in this book.
What I'm most confused about, however, was the retelling part. Retelling where? Why call it a retelling when the only things that refer to Wuthering Heights are the names? None of the personality traits were there, the paranormal aspects of it created this entirely different dynamic, a wholly different plot. So what was the reason?!
The romance wasn't that bad, but it wasn't good either. It started off with "chemistry" which was lots of telling, not showing. Then it started getting a little better and I was on board. But the book lost me again from the moment they started getting matching tattoos. The lust part was okay, but it absolutely failed to let these characters connect on a deeper level, which made their sacrifices during the last acts not make a whole lot of sense.
I really think this story had potential. It's just that this book could have done with a few more rounds of edits.
The dialogue was pretty cringey, the overall writing was okay (exceptions: rizz and to rez (abbreviation of resurrecting)). I also feel like there was an opportunity missed to dive more into the fanaticism that rears its head in this book.
What I'm most confused about, however, was the retelling part. Retelling where? Why call it a retelling when the only things that refer to Wuthering Heights are the names? None of the personality traits were there, the paranormal aspects of it created this entirely different dynamic, a wholly different plot. So what was the reason?!
The romance wasn't that bad, but it wasn't good either. It started off with "chemistry" which was lots of telling, not showing. Then it started getting a little better and I was on board. But the book lost me again from the moment they started getting matching tattoos. The lust part was okay, but it absolutely failed to let these characters connect on a deeper level, which made their sacrifices during the last acts not make a whole lot of sense.
I really think this story had potential. It's just that this book could have done with a few more rounds of edits.
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
i will say that i hadn’t read wuthering heights so i can’t compare this retelling to the original. i also hadn’t read the first 2 books in this series, it wasn’t difficult to follow along with this book but i would recommend reading those first just because it is interconnected standalones.
i overall had a lot of mixed thoughts while reading this but my main conclusion is that it was a fun read!
*some spoilers*
things i loved include the supernatural elements & inclusion of irish folklore mixed with that, the church/cult, a strong FMC, the southern gothic setting, the action scenes, the pacing of the book, and the writing style.
the things that weren’t my favorite were the name dropping of celebrities & brands (personally it threw me off in comparison to the story setting), the insta-lust aspect of the romance, the jealousy plot point, and the slight miscommunication leading to assumptions plot point.
this book was quickly paced and well written that i was able to push the things that i didn’t love to the back of my mind as i read on.
i overall had a lot of mixed thoughts while reading this but my main conclusion is that it was a fun read!
*some spoilers*
the things that weren’t my favorite were the name dropping of celebrities & brands (personally it threw me off in comparison to the story setting), the insta-lust aspect of the romance, the jealousy plot point, and the slight miscommunication leading to assumptions plot point.
this book was quickly paced and well written that i was able to push the things that i didn’t love to the back of my mind as i read on.
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
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!
dark
tense
fast-paced
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.
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 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 offically 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?
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 offically 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?
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
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.
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.
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced