Ruthless

I started *Ruthless* expecting another Steel romance, but this is something grittier—a cautionary tale about the price of ambition disguised as a family saga. The narration is crisp and unadorned, which works for a story that thrives on dialogue and sharp exchanges. That said, the reader’s monotone delivery occasionally dulled the emotional punches, especially during key confrontations where inflection could’ve added bite. Adrian is fascinating precisely because she’s unlikable: her cold pragmatism is both impressive and chilling, like watching a chess grandmaster sacrifice pieces without blinking. Steel’s world-building, usually a strength, stumbles slightly with the supporting cast—some characters feel like placeholders rather than flesh-and-blood threats. The production quality is solid, though the audio occasionally swallows quieter lines. That said, the story’s momentum carries you through to an ending that’s as satisfying as it is unsettling. If you crave narratives about women who win at all costs, this delivers—just don’t expect a fairy-tale resolution.