Review: Ruthless People by J.J. McAvoy

Published: July 2014

Pages: 342

Synopsis: “To the outside world, they look like American Royalty, giving to charities, feeding the homeless, rebuilding the city. But behind closed doors is a constant battle for dominance between two Bosses, cultures, and hearts.

Ruthless People is a romantic crime fiction set in modern day Chicago, following the life and marriage of Melody Nicci Giovanni and Liam Callahan—rivals by blood and leaders through fear. Their marriage was arranged by their fathers in hopes to end years of bloodshed between the Irish and the Italians.

Liam, next in line to lead the Irish, believes he’s getting a simple-minded wife, one he can control, one who bends to his every need . . . the complete opposite of Melody. Bred to be a Boss, a world-class marksman, master of disguise, with no mercy and no fear. Twenty-four years later, she has achieved more than any man could even dream of, killing anyone who steps in her way. She knows exactly what type of man Liam is, and she would rather die than give up the power she has spent her whole life building. But with no other family left, she must not only learn to work with Liam, but the whole Callahan clan.

The Mafia of the past is evolving, and with rival bosses gunning for them, Melody and Liam will have to figure out how to work as one to take down those who stand in their way, all while keeping up appearances.

Power, Family, and Respect are everything.”

Rating: *****

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Ruthless People was one of those free books I downloaded because it was suggested to me on one of those emails you’re sent which list reduced or free books for Amazon kindle. I came across it by chance, but I was glad that I did!

I was hooked from the very beginning, where we meet Liam Callahan on the morning he is due to meet his fiancée and future wife Melody Giovanni. Melody is just as ruthless as her future husband and the first meeting between the pair is electric – full of passion, lust and violence. Amazing stuff. The violence was graphically written but fit with the plot and the characters so it didn’t seem out of place in the slightest.

Ruthless People was brilliantly 3-dimensional, with a whole host of incredibly well thought out characters. There was defined character development, especially with regards to how both Liam and Melody felt about their arranged marriage. One of Liam’s sisters-in-law also went through a major period of development.

For obvious reasons, I would advise only readers over 16 read Ruthless People as the violence and sex is very graphic.

Ruthless People is the kind of book I wish I could write. I would recommend it to fans of Roberta Kray and Martina Cole, as well as readers with an interest in true crime and gangland families. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series.