A review by roksyreads
Ruthless Creatures by J.T. Geissinger

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Five years ago, Nat’s fiancé disappeared the night before their wedding, leaving her with emotional scars that can’t be healed and questions she believes will never be answered—until a mysterious stranger arrives in town. Kage is tall, dark, and dangerous; Nat knows he’s hiding something, yet she can’t deny the heat in his gaze or the temptation of his touch as it ignites desires she thought she’d never experience again. But secrets have a way of revealing themselves, and soon she discovers the real reason for Kage’s sudden arrival: he’s been sent to collect a debt from Nat’s missing fiancé, and in his absence, she’s the next best thing. 

Nat is a great FMC, with that perfect blend of dark humour and vulnerability. I get why some readers think her emotional journey is unrealistic, but I found her development felt natural when considered in perspective. MMC Kage was a little too intense in the beginning, becoming instantly obsessive, but the underlying aspects of forbidden love and falling for a target that drove him were addictive to read, and I loved his slightly snarky, unashamedly direct nature. A big plus for me was that the Bratva element was central to Kage’s personality and characterisation rather than being a convenient minor point in the background, like some stories I’ve read recently. It made the story and romance that much more intense, especially with the overarching mystery plot related to his task and the missing fiancé. The whole book was very engaging from start to finish, and there was a perfect balance between plot and ultra-steamy spice.