Ruthless

House of Rohan Series, Book 1

By: Anne Stuart

Narrated by: Susan Ericksen

Length: 11 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

Few outsiders will ever witness the dark misdeeds of the Heavenly Host. And among this secret society, where exiled Georgian aristocrats gather to indulge their carnal desires, fewer still can match the insatiable appetite of their chief provocateur, the mysterious Viscount Rohan. Pursuit of physical pleasure is both his preferred pastime and his most pressing urge, until he encounters the fascination of a woman who won't be swayed. And while his dark seduction appalls the pure and impoverished Elinor Harriman, she finds herself intrigued...and secretly drawn to the man behind the desire.

©2010 Anne Kristine Stuart Ohlrogge (P)2011 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Witty, inventive, dark and sexy---a wild adventure for the mind...and the heart." (Susan Wiggs)

Grand Gestures Make Good Endings

I have enjoyed this series. What I like about it is that it’s a little different from many regency books because the main male character is always a little devilish/hedonistic and the main female character is a combination of innocent and not, but always sassy! For all the setting and build up of the Heavenly Host, I was worried the love scenes would be a little crazy or kinky, but they were actually fairly traditional and well done (that early carriage scene was prettttty good). That’s not to say that there weren’t plenty of surprises. I have to say, there’s something about these books that I kept thinking about them after I’d finished them. Power differences between the two main characters were simultaneously disturbing and titillating. Of the four full-length books, the secondary love story was one of the least interesting here, but sweet nonetheless. The series seems to follow the sons or daughters of the Rohan family, and while I listened to them in order, it’s probably not necessary. I enjoyed the banter and characters and had a hard time putting this down. I was pretty darn touched by the ending!

I sought out this series specifically because I wanted to hear more of Susan Ericksen’s narration, so it goes without saying how I felt about the performance. <3 (Ok, I’ll say it: superb!)

Repeat listen - classic dangerous hero

I've listened to this so many times, first from the library, then from Audible when I could buy it. Historical derring do. A hero whose manners are as deadly as his blade. The classic dangerous guy who might kill her as soon as kiss her - until he learns to respect the heroine as his equal and lays his heart at her feet in a move as elegant as his manners and clothes.

Bias alert - I'm already a sucker for Anne Stuart, but this one got me hooked on the entire series. Absolutely packed with dangerous men and as irresistible as one of those old Hollywood historical where the dialogue flies as fast as the swordplay.

Good

I enjoyed listening to Susan Ericksen's narration. Good story. It was a little long, and I like Long stories, in my opinion. I guess cause its predictable too. But worth the credit. 😁

Great Start to a Series

The story and the characters draw you into their lives. It was hard to stop listening to sleep. Once I finished the book I was disappointed at how abruptly it ended, kind of leaving you hanging. The secondary love story was nice, but it just wasn't enough. Susan Ericksen was fabulous as usual.

More please!

I am thrilled to have discovered Anne Stuart!
This was my second book by this amazing author and I aim to read them all!

WOW!

I decided to try this book on a whim. I haven't been very impressed with the author's work in the past, but this was SPECTACULAR!! I felt it was very well written and the story was very entertaining! Definitely worth the credit/money!

wow

It was so good there is a second book yayayayayaya so excited! I love this book!

Susan Ericksen is an outstanding narrator

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I'd recommend this for romance lovers.

What about Susan Ericksen’s performance did you like?

Ms Ericksen makes me completely forget that the book is being read to me. The characters are done well, and the men don't sound silly.

The King of Hell gets a heart!

Where does Ruthless rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I would save above average. It is a sweet love story with sweet love scenes and also a bit of mystery and humor. Only mild sex scenes, nothing explicit which was nice for a change.

What did you like best about this story?

I enjoyed the banter between Elenore and Rohan. Their story line was the best.

What about Susan Ericksen’s performance did you like?

FABULOUS......loved it all.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The end when all comes together...

Meh

I didn’t buy the attraction between the leads and the plot was a little too convoluted. I didn’t really feel bad for Elinor for anything except being sold to an old man. She seemed too angry and unlikable.