Ruled by Elle Kennedy Series: Outlaws,
Published by Berkley Publication Date: November 1st 2016
Pages: 368
Also in this series: Claimed
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The latest novel in the series with the “sexiest, baddest, hottest”* outlaws around, from the New York Times bestselling author of Claimed. In the latest novel in the series with the “sexiest, baddest, hottest”* outlaws around, one woman must choose between the two men who want to claim her... ...Or does she? Despite his magnetic personality, Rylan can’t seem to seduce Reese, the deadly leader of their town of outlaws. Winning her over is a welcome challenge, but her indifference isn’t the only thing standing in his way. If he wants Reese, Rylan must also win over Sloan, her stoic protector... Sloan has always loved Reese, but their painful past has stolen his chances of a future with her. Rylan’s interest in Reese only intensifies the tension—until Sloan begins to wonder if the reckless man might be the one person who can bridge the distance... The last time Reese fell for the wrong man, she had no choice but to kill him. Now, she desperately wants to take what both Rylan and Sloan are offering. But if she makes the wrong call again, she risks losing them both.
Cocktails and Books received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect our opinion of the book or the content of our review.
Steamy and salacious! This read was all kinds of yummy and hot. “Ruled” is the third book in this series, but I didn’t have to read the first two to understand what was going on. In fact, this is my first read by this author and I loved it!
Reese is the Outlaw Queen, as she’s been dubbed by the community of outlaws that follow her. She’s tough as nails and has a deep desire to see the stifling reign of the Global Council come to an end for her own vengeance but also so that her people can live free. So war is being waged all the while trying to provide a peaceful and open life to those who have chosen to side with her.
Reese was complex. She’s strong, independent and fearless on the outside, but on the inside, she’s afraid and vulnerable and I loved watching her fight for her people.
Her right hand man, Sloan, has been by her side for years and he’s been with her through the best and worst of times. He’s her best friend. Her confidant and he’s also been secretly in love with her since the beginning, only stepping aside when his best friend laid claim to her. That relationship ended tragically, but Sloan stands by the woman he longs for, even if it’s just as her best friend.
Sloan was sexy and dominant and intense. Whew! I had to fan myself a couple of times during his scenes.
Then there’s the mischievous, thrill-seeking, live hard or die trying Rylan, who scares Reese to her core. However, on the night she gives in and lets Rylan into her bedroom, Sloan by her side to both guide and protect her, she discovered something wonderful in letting herself fall apart so her men can put the pieces back together again. Rylan was HOT. And FUN! And there’s a vulnerability about him that made my heart swoon.
I loved these three together. They were smokin’ hot and the dynamics of their relationship were spectacularly done. Sloan needed Reese to be complete. Reese needed to learn to trust again. Rylan, whose own past has it’s dark spots, needed the both of them to find the peace he didn’t know he wanted.
But… there wasn’t a lot of action in this book. There’s a tension behind the scenes as the Enforcers circle around and cause trouble, but the resolution came a little to swiftly for my tastes. However, I want to go back to the first book and check out the story from the beginning. I want to see all these interesting characters from the moment this world the author has so wonderfully created, opens up.
Sexy and fun and definitely a keeper!
