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Seattle Scorpions
Ruled Out
They think my greatest gift is my ability on the ice. But they’re wrong.
I’ve been hailed as the guy who has it all when it comes to hockey. Powerful people have invested their time and money, determined to turn my potential into their reality.
The most influential of those people? Graham Jenkins—former NHL player and the General Manager of the Dallas Destroyers. The second he set eyes on me in the little leagues, he piled all his resources into my success. And when the Destroyers were awarded the first-round draft pick, he didn’t hesitate to snap me up.
He thought I was the golden boy, the star that would make his team as successful as his playing career. Only I wasn’t. Instead of unleashing my potential in front of the goal, he discovered my real talent—secrets.
And I have many that I will never share. One for every scar disguised beneath the tattoos painting my body, along with the childhood memories either buried deep inside my broken mind or drowned out by empty bottles lining my kitchen counter.
There’s only one secret I wish I didn’t have to keep. She’s also the addiction I know I’ll never kick. A detox my heart could never survive since it only beats for her. And even years after we were torn apart, my fixation hasn’t changed. Although neither have our circumstances—I’m still the broken boy, suffocated with trauma. And she’s still Mia Jenkins, the good girl, and daughter of the man who offered me everything except his blessing to date her.
But one thing about addiction? It never seeks permission.
Genres/Tropes:
Broken Boy x Good Girl
Second Chance
Forbidden Love
GMs Daughter
He Falls First
He can't stay away
Spicy Lessons
Found Family
Virgin FMC
Mental health (PTSD) rep
TW include: Abusive parents, domestic violence, substance abuse, off page child loss (not involving the main characters) mental health rep namely PTSD, off page discussion of self harm.
I’ve been hailed as the guy who has it all when it comes to hockey. Powerful people have invested their time and money, determined to turn my potential into their reality.
The most influential of those people? Graham Jenkins—former NHL player and the General Manager of the Dallas Destroyers. The second he set eyes on me in the little leagues, he piled all his resources into my success. And when the Destroyers were awarded the first-round draft pick, he didn’t hesitate to snap me up.
He thought I was the golden boy, the star that would make his team as successful as his playing career. Only I wasn’t. Instead of unleashing my potential in front of the goal, he discovered my real talent—secrets.
And I have many that I will never share. One for every scar disguised beneath the tattoos painting my body, along with the childhood memories either buried deep inside my broken mind or drowned out by empty bottles lining my kitchen counter.
There’s only one secret I wish I didn’t have to keep. She’s also the addiction I know I’ll never kick. A detox my heart could never survive since it only beats for her. And even years after we were torn apart, my fixation hasn’t changed. Although neither have our circumstances—I’m still the broken boy, suffocated with trauma. And she’s still Mia Jenkins, the good girl, and daughter of the man who offered me everything except his blessing to date her.
But one thing about addiction? It never seeks permission.
Genres/Tropes:
Broken Boy x Good Girl
Second Chance
Forbidden Love
GMs Daughter
He Falls First
He can't stay away
Spicy Lessons
Found Family
Virgin FMC
Mental health (PTSD) rep
TW include: Abusive parents, domestic violence, substance abuse, off page child loss (not involving the main characters) mental health rep namely PTSD, off page discussion of self harm.
404 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 23, 2025
512 people are currently reading
6,019 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Stilling
10 books518 followersRuth Stilling is a lover of all things escapism and can be mostly found with her head buried in a spicy book, writing her latest romance novel or out in the open air and nature, away from the bustle of life. As clumsy as she is crazy, Ruth enjoys creating relatable, loveable, swoon-worthy and strong willed main characters who find their happy ending. That said, she prides herself on taking her readers on emotional rollercoasters and always recommends reading her books with tissues on hand to wipe away the tears of joy, laughter and sometimes heartache.
Ruth lives in Derbyshire, England with her own personal book boyfriend (lucky girl), her six year old son and her two feisty chihuahuas.
Keep up to date with Ruth's latest content and exciting projects by following her on social media: @authorruthstilling
Ruth lives in Derbyshire, England with her own personal book boyfriend (lucky girl), her six year old son and her two feisty chihuahuas.
Keep up to date with Ruth's latest content and exciting projects by following her on social media: @authorruthstilling
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 481 reviews
January 22, 2025
“𝑰 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒈𝒊𝒓𝒍—𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒈𝒊𝒓𝒍𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒐𝒚𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒎𝒆.” and like always SHE ATE and left no crumbs 🤤
This book is the 4th in her series, and the way she KILLSSSS IT every single time! 🏒❤️ Ruth’s books aren’t just your silly little sports romances, they bring the raw emotion of reality and real mental health struggles in a professional sports atmosphere. These issues affect not only how you play but your whole way of life. Yes, it’s that deep!
You’ve got Jessie Callaghan, the famous winger for the Scorpios 🏒, who had a rough childhood that you learn about from the start. His only brightness? Mia Jenkins, who lit up his life for 9 months before they had to end it...oh did I mention she's the GM's daughter of Jessie's old team? Fast forward 4 years later, and they’re in the same city, and JESSIE CAN’T STAY AWAY. AAAAH SCREAMS 🥵
“𝑴𝒊𝒏𝒆. 𝑨𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆, 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒆. 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆, 𝑴𝒊𝒂.”
We all know second chances are to die for, but this one brought the good, the bad, and the ugly. It made this couple go through struggles that felt so relatable because they do happen irl! Ruth Stillings’ books are a must-read because they’re filled with mental health elements, but she also knows how to balance it out with hilarious banter and swoon-worthy moments. It’s perfection.
“𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒐 𝒅𝒂𝒎𝒏 𝒄𝒖𝒕𝒆—𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕?” 𝑯𝒆 𝒓𝒖𝒏𝒔 𝒂 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒄𝒓𝒖𝒇𝒇 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒋𝒂𝒘. “𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒃𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒔𝒍𝒆𝒆𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈.”
THIS BOOK shows a good girl who never breaks rules fighting for her man while he battles with himself because he thinks she deserves better. MY HEART ACHED SO MUCHHHHH IN THIS BOOK. People deserve love, PERIOD. ❤️🔥
Anywayyy, read it pls and thanks, it’s amazing 🏒✨
Tropes
💜 broken boy x good girl
💜 second chance romance
💜 hockey romance
💜 forbidden love
💜 GM's Daughter
💜 He can't stay away
Thank you Wordsmith Publicity & Ruth Stilling for giving me a chance to read this BEAUTY in exchange for my honest review
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅ this girl is ready for her first sports romance of 2025 LET'S GOOO! I receive this ARC and i'm ready!
This book is the 4th in her series, and the way she KILLSSSS IT every single time! 🏒❤️ Ruth’s books aren’t just your silly little sports romances, they bring the raw emotion of reality and real mental health struggles in a professional sports atmosphere. These issues affect not only how you play but your whole way of life. Yes, it’s that deep!
You’ve got Jessie Callaghan, the famous winger for the Scorpios 🏒, who had a rough childhood that you learn about from the start. His only brightness? Mia Jenkins, who lit up his life for 9 months before they had to end it...oh did I mention she's the GM's daughter of Jessie's old team? Fast forward 4 years later, and they’re in the same city, and JESSIE CAN’T STAY AWAY. AAAAH SCREAMS 🥵
“𝑴𝒊𝒏𝒆. 𝑨𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆, 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒆. 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆, 𝑴𝒊𝒂.”
We all know second chances are to die for, but this one brought the good, the bad, and the ugly. It made this couple go through struggles that felt so relatable because they do happen irl! Ruth Stillings’ books are a must-read because they’re filled with mental health elements, but she also knows how to balance it out with hilarious banter and swoon-worthy moments. It’s perfection.
“𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒐 𝒅𝒂𝒎𝒏 𝒄𝒖𝒕𝒆—𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕?” 𝑯𝒆 𝒓𝒖𝒏𝒔 𝒂 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒄𝒓𝒖𝒇𝒇 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒋𝒂𝒘. “𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒃𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒔𝒍𝒆𝒆𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈.”
THIS BOOK shows a good girl who never breaks rules fighting for her man while he battles with himself because he thinks she deserves better. MY HEART ACHED SO MUCHHHHH IN THIS BOOK. People deserve love, PERIOD. ❤️🔥
Anywayyy, read it pls and thanks, it’s amazing 🏒✨
Tropes
💜 broken boy x good girl
💜 second chance romance
💜 hockey romance
💜 forbidden love
💜 GM's Daughter
💜 He can't stay away
Thank you Wordsmith Publicity & Ruth Stilling for giving me a chance to read this BEAUTY in exchange for my honest review
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅ this girl is ready for her first sports romance of 2025 LET'S GOOO! I receive this ARC and i'm ready!
January 23, 2025
What an incredible way to end this series! Jessie Callaghan was absolutely worth the wait. This book was hands down the most emotional in the series, and I absolutely devoured it. Jessie and Mia’s story was beautiful, heartbreaking, and unforgettable. It wasn’t easy for them, but their love felt timeless.
I loved seeing all the characters again. There’s such a great energy when they’re together! I’m so happy with how their stories wrapped up, but I know I’m going to miss this friend group so much. They’ve made me laugh, cry, and feel everything in between.
This book was the perfect conclusion to the series, and while I’m sad to see it go, I’m also excited for what’s next with the new generation in the upcoming books! This series will always hold a special place in my heart.
Read this if you like:
❤️🔥 Second Chance
❤️🔥 Forbidden Love
❤️🔥 Found Family
❤️🔥 Mental Health Rep
🚨🚨 TW: Abusive parents, domestic violence, alcoholism, death of a sibling, death of a parent, intrusive thoughts
I loved seeing all the characters again. There’s such a great energy when they’re together! I’m so happy with how their stories wrapped up, but I know I’m going to miss this friend group so much. They’ve made me laugh, cry, and feel everything in between.
This book was the perfect conclusion to the series, and while I’m sad to see it go, I’m also excited for what’s next with the new generation in the upcoming books! This series will always hold a special place in my heart.
Read this if you like:
❤️🔥 Second Chance
❤️🔥 Forbidden Love
❤️🔥 Found Family
❤️🔥 Mental Health Rep
🚨🚨 TW: Abusive parents, domestic violence, alcoholism, death of a sibling, death of a parent, intrusive thoughts
January 18, 2025
OMG what a wonderful way to end this series! This was definitely the most emotional/heaviest book of the series. I would definitely recommend checking out the trigger warnings before diving in. That being said, Ruth did a really great job addressing some heavy topics and though I haven't experienced them myself I found myself thinking that what I was reading seemed to accurately depict emotions associated with abuse. I was excited to read Jessie's story. We got some sneaks of it and learned a little more about him in JJ and Kate's book, but I wanted more. This gave us SOO much more. Jessie has been THROUGH it yall. He found the love of his life but after her father realized what was happening between them, Jessie was shipped off to another team (the Scorpions). He has been drinking and performing at half-mast being in Seattle. When he realizes that Mia is in the same city her can't resist. Watching these two come together was magical. It just goes to show how much you can change for the good when you are with the right person and have the right people in your life. Mia was on the other side of making a stand for her independence with her dad. She had left her heart with Jessie all those years ago. She was beyond ecstatic to see him but her first priority was HIM. She wanted to help him. Get him in a better headspace. She was so selfless and played such a key role in Jessie getting on the other side of his addiction. These two had a HARD road to get their HEA. Reading about jessie's shame of his past and how he finally shed that shame was amazing.
Jessie is basically just doing the motions of life at this point- he goes to work. He goes out with friends. And in the meantime he drinks to forget everything. But mostly he drinks to forget her. The love of his life. Mia. Who he had to cut out and hasn't spoken to since. His friends can tell something is off but Jessie isn't ready to open up yet. But then he finds out Mia is in the same city. He can't help it. He is a moth drawn to a flame. And when he sees her for the first time in all this time, it's like seeing the sun. She just sets the world right for him. She gives him a chance. She doesn't make him feel judged at all. She gives him space to process his own stuff while also giving him her heart and her body. He wants to do everything right this time. He wants to prove to her dad that he is worthy. All the while he is taking care of his mom and trying to avoid his dad. But after going home to protect his mom he comes home and hides like he always does. But this time he show Mia behind the curtain. He lays it all out. He expects her to run away and leave him and his baggage at the door. But she doesn't. She holds him. She is there for him. She makes him feel safe. Their plan of telling her dad changes when he finds out first and then Jessie can't hide his past anymore. His mom has had an accident and even though he asks her to stay Mia follows him. And when she is put in danger. All bets are off. Because he doesn't want to live without her anymore. And he isn't going to let anyone stand in the way of that.
Mia has left her heart in Texas. It was broken long ago by the one man she thought she understood. Now she has taken a stand on what she wants with her Dad and is in the same city as said love- Jessie Callaghan. She tried to see him a while ago but that went sideways so she pretends like seeing him on tv doesn't affect her how it does. She expects nothing to change. He has made his stance clear. But then he shows up at the library one night and everything changes between them. He doesn't let her all the way in but he shows her that he never stopped caring. He made the wrong choice and now he wants to make up for it. And here they are a week or so later, spending the night together. All over each other. Experiencing things together she has never experienced. All the while when he gets a call from his mom it's like he changes. She gives him space to process but at the same time she wants in. They decide they are going to do it right this time. They are going to tell her dad- they just have to wait for the right time. But then that decision is taken from them. And Jessie is done hiding his past. Mia is beyond amazed at what Jessie has overcome. And now so is her dad. It feels good that he knows. But then Jessie runs home to save his mom again and this time Mia goes with him. She thought she knew what he had endured but she was wrong. She finds herself on the wrong side of a convo with his dad but Jessie makes it in time to save her. Now she just has to show Jessie that nothing of his past affects how she feels about him. She has to prove to him that he is worthy of her.
This book made me feel sooo many things. Like I said it was heavier than I expected but it was also SOOO healing. This was such a wonderful way to wrap up the series. Though this one says it is a standalone, I would recommend reading at least book 3 ahead of time BUT I enjoyed all of them. I do wish we had gotten a LITTLE sneak of where Jack's story is going. I am PUMPED for the spin off that is coming.
Thank you to Ruth for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!!
Jessie is basically just doing the motions of life at this point- he goes to work. He goes out with friends. And in the meantime he drinks to forget everything. But mostly he drinks to forget her. The love of his life. Mia. Who he had to cut out and hasn't spoken to since. His friends can tell something is off but Jessie isn't ready to open up yet. But then he finds out Mia is in the same city. He can't help it. He is a moth drawn to a flame. And when he sees her for the first time in all this time, it's like seeing the sun. She just sets the world right for him. She gives him a chance. She doesn't make him feel judged at all. She gives him space to process his own stuff while also giving him her heart and her body. He wants to do everything right this time. He wants to prove to her dad that he is worthy. All the while he is taking care of his mom and trying to avoid his dad. But after going home to protect his mom he comes home and hides like he always does. But this time he show Mia behind the curtain. He lays it all out. He expects her to run away and leave him and his baggage at the door. But she doesn't. She holds him. She is there for him. She makes him feel safe. Their plan of telling her dad changes when he finds out first and then Jessie can't hide his past anymore. His mom has had an accident and even though he asks her to stay Mia follows him. And when she is put in danger. All bets are off. Because he doesn't want to live without her anymore. And he isn't going to let anyone stand in the way of that.
Mia has left her heart in Texas. It was broken long ago by the one man she thought she understood. Now she has taken a stand on what she wants with her Dad and is in the same city as said love- Jessie Callaghan. She tried to see him a while ago but that went sideways so she pretends like seeing him on tv doesn't affect her how it does. She expects nothing to change. He has made his stance clear. But then he shows up at the library one night and everything changes between them. He doesn't let her all the way in but he shows her that he never stopped caring. He made the wrong choice and now he wants to make up for it. And here they are a week or so later, spending the night together. All over each other. Experiencing things together she has never experienced. All the while when he gets a call from his mom it's like he changes. She gives him space to process but at the same time she wants in. They decide they are going to do it right this time. They are going to tell her dad- they just have to wait for the right time. But then that decision is taken from them. And Jessie is done hiding his past. Mia is beyond amazed at what Jessie has overcome. And now so is her dad. It feels good that he knows. But then Jessie runs home to save his mom again and this time Mia goes with him. She thought she knew what he had endured but she was wrong. She finds herself on the wrong side of a convo with his dad but Jessie makes it in time to save her. Now she just has to show Jessie that nothing of his past affects how she feels about him. She has to prove to him that he is worthy of her.
This book made me feel sooo many things. Like I said it was heavier than I expected but it was also SOOO healing. This was such a wonderful way to wrap up the series. Though this one says it is a standalone, I would recommend reading at least book 3 ahead of time BUT I enjoyed all of them. I do wish we had gotten a LITTLE sneak of where Jack's story is going. I am PUMPED for the spin off that is coming.
Thank you to Ruth for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!!
January 9, 2025
Miss Ruth! Boy did you deliver with this one! As sad as I am to see this series come to an end, you really went out with a bang with this one! Not only did we get everything wrapped up in a nice little bow but you also gave us a little snippet of what is to come.
If you have read this whole series, than you know out boy Jessie has always been rather mysterious. I knew that he had a story tell but I the story that Ruth gave us was one that was so impactful, emotional and moving! It is also one that I didn't see coming! My heart broke for Jessie. This poor boy is broken and the things that he has had to endure throughout his life was truly heartbreaking. And to see him work through his demons to come out on the other side was nice to see.
I really loved Mia. She is truly a perfect match for Jessie. Not only is she understanding of his past but she is so accepting. She sees past his "flaws and demons" and encourages him to see the good in his life. The way she just supports him was so beautiful. I also loved how this was a forbidden relationship. Mia is the daughter of Jessie's old GM and mentor. And boy is there an unresolved past that they need to work through. But I loved how Jessie didn't care that his future in hockey was on the line if he pursued Mia. He was going to make her his again no matter the consequences. And we love a man who will stop at nothing to make his woman his.
Ruth, again, thank you for a 5 star banger! You really outdid yourself with this one. I know you poured your heart and soul into Jessie's story and it shows. This one was pure perfection!
You should most definitely read this book if you like:
- Hockey Romance
- Second Chance Romance
- Forbidden Romance
- GM's daughter x Hockey Player
- Broken Boy x Good Girl
- Virgin FMC
- cPTSD Rep
- Found Family
* I would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to Ruth Stilling and Wordsmith Publicity for allowing me the absolute pleasure to read Ruled Out as an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinion and review.
If you have read this whole series, than you know out boy Jessie has always been rather mysterious. I knew that he had a story tell but I the story that Ruth gave us was one that was so impactful, emotional and moving! It is also one that I didn't see coming! My heart broke for Jessie. This poor boy is broken and the things that he has had to endure throughout his life was truly heartbreaking. And to see him work through his demons to come out on the other side was nice to see.
I really loved Mia. She is truly a perfect match for Jessie. Not only is she understanding of his past but she is so accepting. She sees past his "flaws and demons" and encourages him to see the good in his life. The way she just supports him was so beautiful. I also loved how this was a forbidden relationship. Mia is the daughter of Jessie's old GM and mentor. And boy is there an unresolved past that they need to work through. But I loved how Jessie didn't care that his future in hockey was on the line if he pursued Mia. He was going to make her his again no matter the consequences. And we love a man who will stop at nothing to make his woman his.
Ruth, again, thank you for a 5 star banger! You really outdid yourself with this one. I know you poured your heart and soul into Jessie's story and it shows. This one was pure perfection!
You should most definitely read this book if you like:
- Hockey Romance
- Second Chance Romance
- Forbidden Romance
- GM's daughter x Hockey Player
- Broken Boy x Good Girl
- Virgin FMC
- cPTSD Rep
- Found Family
* I would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to Ruth Stilling and Wordsmith Publicity for allowing me the absolute pleasure to read Ruled Out as an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinion and review.
February 27, 2025
♾️⭐️ Ruth, this is going to be hard to put into words how much I truly loved this book. So, here goes nothing. Listen, I thought Ruth was kidding when she said this book would hit close to home and thought I’ll be fineeee. News flash, I’M NOT FINE.
We really start to see more of Jessie in Dead Rinker. Jensen (JJ) tries to be a friend for Jessie to lean on. Jessie has such a broken past and probably one of the best representations of the broken boy trope I’ve read to date. The depth in this story was truly unmatched. Jessie had a terrible home life growing up and a lot of it stuck with him into his adult life and why he struggled so much. I thought Amie was the most hated character of this series, no that dishonor goes to Wayne Callaghan. That slimy POS. Jessie truly believes he’s better off alone. “You can’t just snap your fingers and break a futile cycle of self-loathing because someone tells you you’re worthy. I have to believe it myself.” The flashbacks in this book were heartbreaking but were done so well. The honesty he finally gives to Mia and tells her everything, swooooon.
Until he meets Mia, who really sees him. But she deals with her own issues including an overbearing father who is the GM of the team he used to play for and absolutely despises Jessie. There is no stopping Jessie and Mia from being together. I have to say though, when it all came out and the conversation between Jessie and Mia’s dad. The way Mia showed up for Jessie, she didn’t back down when he tried to shut her out. Mia is just overall a badass FMC in her own way. Also, can we appreciate how well the spicy lessons and virgin FMC trope was done?! Chapter 27, is all I’m gonna say.😮💨Mirror scenes 🤝 me. He wasn’t lying when he said he has a filthy mouth. The spice in this book was *chefs kiss.”
The found family trope in this book. Seriously, bravo Ruth. It really comes full circle in this book. The way the whole friend group rallies around these two is the best. The guys being there for Jessie while they help him reach his full potential and the girls supporting Mia and being the friend she needs. “Successful women support successful women. Stick with the right people, and you can have or be anything you want.” The friendship between JJ and Jessie is probably one of my favorites ever.
Some favorite moments
🖤the closet, TWICE
🖤chapter 27😮💨
🖤Mia’s “fuck it” moment
🖤“under jacket hugs”🥹
🖤the crocodile onesie 🐊😂
🖤Jon & his obsession with planning weddings
🖤The kids birthday party, ALL of it
🖤Mia going to Jessie in Dallas
🖤JJ & Jessie’s talk
🖤THE EPILOGUE 😭👏🏼
Tropes
💜broken boy x good girl
🏒second chance
💜virgin FMC
🏒spicy lessons
💜found family
🏒GMs daughter
💜he falls first
🏒mental health rep (complex PTSD)
💜no third act breakup
I could literally continue to talk about this book but I will leave you with this. If you want a hockey series that will have you kicking you feet and giggling one minute, swooning the next, and sweating from the spice, PLEASE pick this series up. This series will forever hold a special place in my heart because I personally related to so many things in every one of these books. I am so excited for Jack’s book next!
Thank you Ruth & Wordsmith Publicity for the early ARC in exchange for my honest review and opinions!
We really start to see more of Jessie in Dead Rinker. Jensen (JJ) tries to be a friend for Jessie to lean on. Jessie has such a broken past and probably one of the best representations of the broken boy trope I’ve read to date. The depth in this story was truly unmatched. Jessie had a terrible home life growing up and a lot of it stuck with him into his adult life and why he struggled so much. I thought Amie was the most hated character of this series, no that dishonor goes to Wayne Callaghan. That slimy POS. Jessie truly believes he’s better off alone. “You can’t just snap your fingers and break a futile cycle of self-loathing because someone tells you you’re worthy. I have to believe it myself.” The flashbacks in this book were heartbreaking but were done so well. The honesty he finally gives to Mia and tells her everything, swooooon.
Until he meets Mia, who really sees him. But she deals with her own issues including an overbearing father who is the GM of the team he used to play for and absolutely despises Jessie. There is no stopping Jessie and Mia from being together. I have to say though, when it all came out and the conversation between Jessie and Mia’s dad. The way Mia showed up for Jessie, she didn’t back down when he tried to shut her out. Mia is just overall a badass FMC in her own way. Also, can we appreciate how well the spicy lessons and virgin FMC trope was done?! Chapter 27, is all I’m gonna say.😮💨Mirror scenes 🤝 me. He wasn’t lying when he said he has a filthy mouth. The spice in this book was *chefs kiss.”
The found family trope in this book. Seriously, bravo Ruth. It really comes full circle in this book. The way the whole friend group rallies around these two is the best. The guys being there for Jessie while they help him reach his full potential and the girls supporting Mia and being the friend she needs. “Successful women support successful women. Stick with the right people, and you can have or be anything you want.” The friendship between JJ and Jessie is probably one of my favorites ever.
Some favorite moments
🖤the closet, TWICE
🖤chapter 27😮💨
🖤Mia’s “fuck it” moment
🖤“under jacket hugs”🥹
🖤the crocodile onesie 🐊😂
🖤Jon & his obsession with planning weddings
🖤The kids birthday party, ALL of it
🖤Mia going to Jessie in Dallas
🖤JJ & Jessie’s talk
🖤THE EPILOGUE 😭👏🏼
Tropes
💜broken boy x good girl
🏒second chance
💜virgin FMC
🏒spicy lessons
💜found family
🏒GMs daughter
💜he falls first
🏒mental health rep (complex PTSD)
💜no third act breakup
I could literally continue to talk about this book but I will leave you with this. If you want a hockey series that will have you kicking you feet and giggling one minute, swooning the next, and sweating from the spice, PLEASE pick this series up. This series will forever hold a special place in my heart because I personally related to so many things in every one of these books. I am so excited for Jack’s book next!
Thank you Ruth & Wordsmith Publicity for the early ARC in exchange for my honest review and opinions!
January 23, 2025
♾️✨ 📖 𝑹𝒖𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝑶𝒖𝒕 𝒃𝒚 𝑹𝒖𝒕𝒉 𝑺𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈
HANDS DOWN MY FAVORITE BOOK IN THIS SERIES.
“𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘪𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘴, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘺 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦. 𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦.”
Ruth Stilling pulled ZERO punches in this book. Jessie & Mia’s story is going to put you through an emotional ringer but just know, their love is worth the journey!
Freaking phenomenal story!
“𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘐’𝘮 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦, 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘩, 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘮𝘺 𝘷𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘴, 𝘮𝘺 𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘧 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘺, 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦, 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘣𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘔𝘪𝘢.”
My heart broke for Jessie. He’s struggled with his demons for most of his life. Everything he struggled with including alcoholism, was so visceral. Ruth did a great job fleshing out Jessie’s character and it had me on the edge of my seat praying he could defeat his past and get the girl he’s always loved.
I loved Mia’s character. She grows a lot during the story. The connection/chemistry with Jessie is on a soul level.
This was very much a slow burn that will have you MELTING by the time the spice fully enters the room. Jessie is a man obsessed with his one and only love.
“𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘶𝘱𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”
If you are a second chance romance lover, you should definitely add this story to your TBR! I am beyond sad to say goodbye to these characters but I am so excited for Ruth’s next series!
𝘛𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘴:
👀 𝘎𝘔’𝘴 𝘋𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘳
⛸️ 𝘕𝘏𝘓 𝘏𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘺
🤭 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘣𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘙𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦
💞 𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦
🔥 𝘚𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘉𝘶𝘳𝘯
❤️🔥 𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘺 𝘌𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯
🪞 𝘔𝘪𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘳 𝘚𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘦
🫶🏼 𝘍𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘍𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺
✨ 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘹 𝘗𝘛𝘚𝘋 𝘙𝘦𝘱
🥹 𝘌𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭
HANDS DOWN MY FAVORITE BOOK IN THIS SERIES.
“𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘪𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘴, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘺 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦. 𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦.”
Ruth Stilling pulled ZERO punches in this book. Jessie & Mia’s story is going to put you through an emotional ringer but just know, their love is worth the journey!
Freaking phenomenal story!
“𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘐’𝘮 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦, 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘩, 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘮𝘺 𝘷𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘴, 𝘮𝘺 𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘧 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘺, 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦, 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘣𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘔𝘪𝘢.”
My heart broke for Jessie. He’s struggled with his demons for most of his life. Everything he struggled with including alcoholism, was so visceral. Ruth did a great job fleshing out Jessie’s character and it had me on the edge of my seat praying he could defeat his past and get the girl he’s always loved.
I loved Mia’s character. She grows a lot during the story. The connection/chemistry with Jessie is on a soul level.
This was very much a slow burn that will have you MELTING by the time the spice fully enters the room. Jessie is a man obsessed with his one and only love.
“𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘶𝘱𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”
If you are a second chance romance lover, you should definitely add this story to your TBR! I am beyond sad to say goodbye to these characters but I am so excited for Ruth’s next series!
𝘛𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘴:
👀 𝘎𝘔’𝘴 𝘋𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘳
⛸️ 𝘕𝘏𝘓 𝘏𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘺
🤭 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘣𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘙𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦
💞 𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦
🔥 𝘚𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘉𝘶𝘳𝘯
❤️🔥 𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘺 𝘌𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯
🪞 𝘔𝘪𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘳 𝘚𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘦
🫶🏼 𝘍𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘍𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺
✨ 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘹 𝘗𝘛𝘚𝘋 𝘙𝘦𝘱
🥹 𝘌𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭
January 21, 2025
Ruled Out by Ruth Stilling
∞/5⭐
3/5🌶️
"When you love someone the way I love you, they're impossible to forget. I never wanted to forget the way it felt to be yours."
I finished my first book by Ruth, and oh my gosh, I’m obsessed! I stayed up way too late—until 3 AM to finish it, and I have zero regrets. This book completely wrecked me in the best way! I cried right from the start, and by the end, I was full-on sobbing. It’s been months since I’ve cried that hard over a book! Even the prologue had me hooked, but I didn’t expect how deeply it would touch my heart. It was such a roller coaster ride and the ending? Perfection!
The story follows Jessie and Mia, who have been secretly dating for months. But when Mia's dad, the GM of Jessie’s hockey team, catches them in the act, he transfers Jessie to a different team in Seattle. Fast forward years later, and Mia is in Seattle pursuing her degree in Psychology. Jessie knows he should stay away, but he just can’t. Their feelings for each other never really disappeared, and now he’s determined to win Mia back.
"The pain in my body is nothing compared to the thought of spending another fucking second without touching you like you're mine."
Jessie is an incredibly talented hockey player, but he carries secrets that nobody knows about. He’s never opened up to his friends and has been burying his feelings and pain for years. I felt for him throughout the book—his sadness, anger, and desperation were so palpable. He longs to be loved and to feel worthy. I just wanted to give him a big hug the entire time! His love for Mia is so selfless and passionate; he would do anything to make her happy. Once he decides he wants Mia for himself again, he’s all in, no matter the consequences. He wants to make things right and show that he’s worthy of her love.
On the other hand, Mia is supposed to step into her father’s role as GM, but that's not her passion. She bravely tells her dad and heads to Seattle to follow her dreams. I loved Mia—she’s the perfect match for Jessie. She’s so understanding and never judges him; she just accepts him for who he is. The way she supports and loves him unconditionally is beautiful. She becomes the light in his life, helping him open up and become the best version of himself.
"My love for you isn't like anything you've ever had, Jessie. You don't get to have a say in that either. You're my priority, and you always will be. I love you unconditionally."
Watching their journey together was beautiful. It shows how much we can grow for the better when we’re around the right people. The friendship and found family in this book is so well done. All the characters are so supportive of one another, and I loved the friendship between Jessie and Jensen. Mia seamlessly fits into their circle, which was so heartwarming. Ruth’s portrayal of mental health in this story is incredible. This book will always hold a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to dive into the previous books in the series. A huge thanks to Ruth Stilling and Wordsmith Publicity for sending me this amazing eARC!
"For as long as I'm here, on this earth, while blood is running through my veins, my existence will always revolve around you. Even if one day, your dreams don't involve me, mine will always be of you, Mia."
"Always? Are we always, Jessie?"
"Yes, Mia. Always."
∞/5⭐
3/5🌶️
"When you love someone the way I love you, they're impossible to forget. I never wanted to forget the way it felt to be yours."
I finished my first book by Ruth, and oh my gosh, I’m obsessed! I stayed up way too late—until 3 AM to finish it, and I have zero regrets. This book completely wrecked me in the best way! I cried right from the start, and by the end, I was full-on sobbing. It’s been months since I’ve cried that hard over a book! Even the prologue had me hooked, but I didn’t expect how deeply it would touch my heart. It was such a roller coaster ride and the ending? Perfection!
The story follows Jessie and Mia, who have been secretly dating for months. But when Mia's dad, the GM of Jessie’s hockey team, catches them in the act, he transfers Jessie to a different team in Seattle. Fast forward years later, and Mia is in Seattle pursuing her degree in Psychology. Jessie knows he should stay away, but he just can’t. Their feelings for each other never really disappeared, and now he’s determined to win Mia back.
"The pain in my body is nothing compared to the thought of spending another fucking second without touching you like you're mine."
Jessie is an incredibly talented hockey player, but he carries secrets that nobody knows about. He’s never opened up to his friends and has been burying his feelings and pain for years. I felt for him throughout the book—his sadness, anger, and desperation were so palpable. He longs to be loved and to feel worthy. I just wanted to give him a big hug the entire time! His love for Mia is so selfless and passionate; he would do anything to make her happy. Once he decides he wants Mia for himself again, he’s all in, no matter the consequences. He wants to make things right and show that he’s worthy of her love.
On the other hand, Mia is supposed to step into her father’s role as GM, but that's not her passion. She bravely tells her dad and heads to Seattle to follow her dreams. I loved Mia—she’s the perfect match for Jessie. She’s so understanding and never judges him; she just accepts him for who he is. The way she supports and loves him unconditionally is beautiful. She becomes the light in his life, helping him open up and become the best version of himself.
"My love for you isn't like anything you've ever had, Jessie. You don't get to have a say in that either. You're my priority, and you always will be. I love you unconditionally."
Watching their journey together was beautiful. It shows how much we can grow for the better when we’re around the right people. The friendship and found family in this book is so well done. All the characters are so supportive of one another, and I loved the friendship between Jessie and Jensen. Mia seamlessly fits into their circle, which was so heartwarming. Ruth’s portrayal of mental health in this story is incredible. This book will always hold a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to dive into the previous books in the series. A huge thanks to Ruth Stilling and Wordsmith Publicity for sending me this amazing eARC!
"For as long as I'm here, on this earth, while blood is running through my veins, my existence will always revolve around you. Even if one day, your dreams don't involve me, mine will always be of you, Mia."
"Always? Are we always, Jessie?"
"Yes, Mia. Always."
February 13, 2025
This is absolutely my new favorite of Ruth's. I can't even put into words how much I loved this second chance hockey romance.
Jessie and Mia were once so in love, until everyone else broke them apart. He broke her heart and in turn, broke his. Jessie's past is heavy and traumatizing and he kept it all to himself...
Until she came back, and he couldn't do it anymore. They are forbidden to be near each other. It might end his career but he doesn't care. As long as he can get back the woman he has always loved.
Read this book. You will not regret it. The emotions, the love, the found family. What an amazing conclusion to this series.
5/5 stars
2.5/5 spice
Tropes:
-second chance
-forbidden
-broken boy
-v!rgin fmc
Jessie and Mia were once so in love, until everyone else broke them apart. He broke her heart and in turn, broke his. Jessie's past is heavy and traumatizing and he kept it all to himself...
Until she came back, and he couldn't do it anymore. They are forbidden to be near each other. It might end his career but he doesn't care. As long as he can get back the woman he has always loved.
Read this book. You will not regret it. The emotions, the love, the found family. What an amazing conclusion to this series.
5/5 stars
2.5/5 spice
Tropes:
-second chance
-forbidden
-broken boy
-v!rgin fmc
January 17, 2025
Soooo good!!!!
March 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
January 5, 2025
ARC REVIEW- RULED OUT
Stars: ♾️/5 ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
🏒Hockey Romance
🏒Second Chance
🏒Forbidden Romance
🏒GM’s Daughter
🏒Found Family
🏒PTSD Rep
🏒Last in the Series
__________________________
😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
That’s my entire review. THIS WAS UTTER PERFECTION. I’m calling this already as TOP BOOK OF THE YEAR.
But seriously, OMFG. RUTH MOTHERF’ING STILLING. What have you done to me?!! I know I was warned but I was not mentally, emotionally, physically or spiritually prepared for Jessie. That is the most BROKEN BOY in EXISTENCE. You are a goddess among women and I will pray at your altar for all time. THANK YOU for giving me Jessie. I will treasure him always. This is your best book yet, you only get better darling.
Jessie Callaghan will make you fall in love with him, have your soul ripped out and then put back together. How he was remotely functional after all the god forsaken TRAUMA he went through was beyond me. He has the absolute kindest soul, a heart of gold and just wants to be enough for everyone. BUT YOU ARE MY LOVE!!!
Jessie and Mia have given me life and as quickly as they fell in love with each other, I fell in love with them. The flashbacks absolutely destroyed me but gave such insight into how Jessie became the way he is and just how much he’s loved Mia all along. Mia is a treasure and such a lovely human being. She is literal sunshine.
We got JON F’ING MORGAN, Wedding planner extraordinaire again. The whole Scorpions crew, all the men and their best ladies. The kiddos too! I am so so sad to see an end to this series, it’s honestly probably my fave series to date. But I am so freaking excited for Jack’s story!!
If you haven’t read the Seattle Scorpions series, drop whatever you’re doing immediately and read them. In order. They are a freaking delight.
Stars: ♾️/5 ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
🏒Hockey Romance
🏒Second Chance
🏒Forbidden Romance
🏒GM’s Daughter
🏒Found Family
🏒PTSD Rep
🏒Last in the Series
__________________________
😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
That’s my entire review. THIS WAS UTTER PERFECTION. I’m calling this already as TOP BOOK OF THE YEAR.
But seriously, OMFG. RUTH MOTHERF’ING STILLING. What have you done to me?!! I know I was warned but I was not mentally, emotionally, physically or spiritually prepared for Jessie. That is the most BROKEN BOY in EXISTENCE. You are a goddess among women and I will pray at your altar for all time. THANK YOU for giving me Jessie. I will treasure him always. This is your best book yet, you only get better darling.
Jessie Callaghan will make you fall in love with him, have your soul ripped out and then put back together. How he was remotely functional after all the god forsaken TRAUMA he went through was beyond me. He has the absolute kindest soul, a heart of gold and just wants to be enough for everyone. BUT YOU ARE MY LOVE!!!
Jessie and Mia have given me life and as quickly as they fell in love with each other, I fell in love with them. The flashbacks absolutely destroyed me but gave such insight into how Jessie became the way he is and just how much he’s loved Mia all along. Mia is a treasure and such a lovely human being. She is literal sunshine.
We got JON F’ING MORGAN, Wedding planner extraordinaire again. The whole Scorpions crew, all the men and their best ladies. The kiddos too! I am so so sad to see an end to this series, it’s honestly probably my fave series to date. But I am so freaking excited for Jack’s story!!
If you haven’t read the Seattle Scorpions series, drop whatever you’re doing immediately and read them. In order. They are a freaking delight.
January 24, 2025
The H breaks up with the h after the h’s father finds out they’re dating. Fast forward 4 years, they get back together while still being “secretive”. The H was celibate but the h fooled around (oral sex with random guy).
Side note- the H used to be a manhoe before.
Anyway, the writing style was not the best, not the best connection between the MCs.
DNF
Side note- the H used to be a manhoe before.
Anyway, the writing style was not the best, not the best connection between the MCs.
DNF
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2025
♾️⭐
3.5🌶️
I’m really not sure how to put into words how much I loved not only Jessie’s story, Ruled Out, but the world she has built with the Seattle Scorpions. If you have been along this ride since “Boarded Hearts”, you know this friend group continues to grow and slowly but surely we start seeing more layers to everyone. Jessie really starts to become a major player in “Dead Rinker” as JJ starts on his journey to winning over Kate Monroe. As JJ embarks on opening himself up emotionally and love, Jessie starts to shed little glimpses of his past with JJ. We see Jessie at the end of “Dead Rinker” reveal a little more about his past and how he ended up in Seattle, and what it costs him.
When “Ruled Out” picks up we see Jessie at his highest and lowest moments, all revolving around Mia. We see how broken and lost he really is, only finding the light when Mia is within his space. Jessie’s past trauma runs deep and has a vice grip on him even though he tries to push it away. I have never seen the type of trauma written as well as Ruth has. She shows the emotional, mental, and physical toll Jessie’s childhood and past has taken on him and how it is constantly threatening to rear its head and ruin him. So many times I wanted to wrap Jessie up in one of the famous “under jacket hugs” he shares with Mia. He is so determined to protect others from Dallas Jessie and do it all on his own, it is hard to watch sometimes knowing he has an army of people who love him and would go to the ends to save him.
Speaking of that, the found family trope here is top notch, literally may be the best I have ever read! In every book we see how they welcome the FMCs into their group and rally together to bring them together as one cohesive unit. They banter like an actual family, they support one another like family does and boy do they love as hard as an actual family does! We see each and every one of the MCs struggle and move beyond those struggles with the help of the others, and this is no different. Not only do the guys support Jessie but they give him the space to just be, always lingering in the background ready to jump in with advice or a form of saving. And the girls are no different, Kate specifically says “successful women support successful women. Stick with the right people, and you can have or be anything you want.” I love that from that first encounter the group has with Mia they do nothing but support and push these two together for the sake of love and happiness, something they all know all too well thanks to each other. And when their friends aren’t supporting them, they are there supporting one another. Jessie never fails to tell Mia how he feels and that she is it for me. Mia continues to show up time and time ago for Jessie, showing him his past scars and any future ones won’t scare her off or make her run. The way she just shows up without him asking, and gives him the love and words he needs even when he doesn’t feel deserving.
If the emotional journey you go on with Jessie and Mia isn't enough, I can promise you the spice journey you go on with them will be chef’s kiss! We love a man with a filthy mouth and one that loves to watch! Ruth really brought her a-game with the mirror scenes, spicy lessons and a virgin FMC who knows what she wants and how she wants it. Literally these two had me sweating
“Ruled Out” was the perfect ending to one of the most amazing series I have read to date. Ruth perfectly captures the growth of each character and their friend group, giving closure to this wonderful world. There are so many moments in “Ruled Out” that will forever live in my head, making it so that I literally may never be over this series and will need constant re-reads.
Ruled Out Tropes:
- Broken boy x Good girl
- Second Chance
- Virgin FMC
- Spicy Lessons
- Found Family
- Forbidden romance
- Mental Health Rep
3.5🌶️
I’m really not sure how to put into words how much I loved not only Jessie’s story, Ruled Out, but the world she has built with the Seattle Scorpions. If you have been along this ride since “Boarded Hearts”, you know this friend group continues to grow and slowly but surely we start seeing more layers to everyone. Jessie really starts to become a major player in “Dead Rinker” as JJ starts on his journey to winning over Kate Monroe. As JJ embarks on opening himself up emotionally and love, Jessie starts to shed little glimpses of his past with JJ. We see Jessie at the end of “Dead Rinker” reveal a little more about his past and how he ended up in Seattle, and what it costs him.
When “Ruled Out” picks up we see Jessie at his highest and lowest moments, all revolving around Mia. We see how broken and lost he really is, only finding the light when Mia is within his space. Jessie’s past trauma runs deep and has a vice grip on him even though he tries to push it away. I have never seen the type of trauma written as well as Ruth has. She shows the emotional, mental, and physical toll Jessie’s childhood and past has taken on him and how it is constantly threatening to rear its head and ruin him. So many times I wanted to wrap Jessie up in one of the famous “under jacket hugs” he shares with Mia. He is so determined to protect others from Dallas Jessie and do it all on his own, it is hard to watch sometimes knowing he has an army of people who love him and would go to the ends to save him.
Speaking of that, the found family trope here is top notch, literally may be the best I have ever read! In every book we see how they welcome the FMCs into their group and rally together to bring them together as one cohesive unit. They banter like an actual family, they support one another like family does and boy do they love as hard as an actual family does! We see each and every one of the MCs struggle and move beyond those struggles with the help of the others, and this is no different. Not only do the guys support Jessie but they give him the space to just be, always lingering in the background ready to jump in with advice or a form of saving. And the girls are no different, Kate specifically says “successful women support successful women. Stick with the right people, and you can have or be anything you want.” I love that from that first encounter the group has with Mia they do nothing but support and push these two together for the sake of love and happiness, something they all know all too well thanks to each other. And when their friends aren’t supporting them, they are there supporting one another. Jessie never fails to tell Mia how he feels and that she is it for me. Mia continues to show up time and time ago for Jessie, showing him his past scars and any future ones won’t scare her off or make her run. The way she just shows up without him asking, and gives him the love and words he needs even when he doesn’t feel deserving.
If the emotional journey you go on with Jessie and Mia isn't enough, I can promise you the spice journey you go on with them will be chef’s kiss! We love a man with a filthy mouth and one that loves to watch! Ruth really brought her a-game with the mirror scenes, spicy lessons and a virgin FMC who knows what she wants and how she wants it. Literally these two had me sweating
“Ruled Out” was the perfect ending to one of the most amazing series I have read to date. Ruth perfectly captures the growth of each character and their friend group, giving closure to this wonderful world. There are so many moments in “Ruled Out” that will forever live in my head, making it so that I literally may never be over this series and will need constant re-reads.
Ruled Out Tropes:
- Broken boy x Good girl
- Second Chance
- Virgin FMC
- Spicy Lessons
- Found Family
- Forbidden romance
- Mental Health Rep
January 26, 2025
⭐️⭐️
I’ve realized I’m not a second chance/back in time kind of person. I want to be able to see the romance be built not a reconnection. I was ok with both MCs on their own, but I couldn’t get into the romance, they see each other, Jessie can’t decide whether or not to distance himself, and then all of sudden there’s a click at 40ish% and they have sex every time they see each other.
Now I’ve recently realized that people aren’t fans of when reviews are overly expressive in what they don’t like, but no one around me reads so I need to get my feelings out. That being said here are my complaints…
* Mia meets a wife of one of Jessie’s teammates in a bar bathroom and the wife, Felicity, gives her a hairtie and offers Mia to put her drinks on her tab. Now it’s nice but why would you actually take her up on that offer if you’re not even sitting with her and I’m pretty sure Mia added her friends drinks to it too. AND when she goes to babysit their kids, she eats her icecream after Jessie says it could be her secrete stash. Who does that.
* Jessie is a fancy NHL player with drunk gambling parents and he’s been sending them TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS A WEEK FOR SIX MONTHS! That’s just enabling point blank. And then gets upset when the mom call for more money when the dad spends it. Like be reasonable. You know they’ll just make that money disappear why would they ever need that’s much a week.
* Mia answers Jessie’s phone when he sees his mom’s name come up even though last time she called she knew he ignored it. This is just something that annoys me in any book.
* Now we get the backstory of Jessie’s dead twin brother. And oh brother I just can’t take it. His twin died after they were born early, which sure that’s traumatic for the parents but my real issue was that they were born at 26 weeks and Jessie was magically able to go home after a couple days. A quick google search says he would have to stay at least a couple weeks in the NICU. Whatever.
* This whole book is about Mia’s father saying Jessie’s from the wrong side and not good enough. But it always kind of felt like he knew Jessie’s parents were shitty. Then during the big I love your daughter moment the dad had an epiphany “were you abused Jessie?” Like YES this whole book I thought he knew.
* Now from another book one of the couples have twins and the boy is named after Jessie’s dead twin for some reason, probably need to read that book to understand that connection, and for the twins birthday Jessie gets the boy a picture snow globe or something and it’s very sweet and nice but now the boy twin has this special gift and the girl gets NOTHING, maybe I missed it but that’s just sad for the girl.
* Towards the end where the FMC has to typically put herself in danger Mia thinks “He’s never going to treat me like the woman I know I am” about her dad because he won’t give her the address to Jessie’s family home. LIKE OBVIOUSLY. Who cares if you’re a woman or not you’re obviously going to put yourself in danger by going to a strangers home who obviously isn’t a sane person. And then the taxi driver just remembers the house from taking Jessie once. GIVE ME THE STRENGTH.
Not a book for me. I liked the lack of third act breakup but to me I never even felt a real relationship to break up from. I don’t know maybe I just didn’t go into this book with the best state of mind and I will not blame the authors writing it just clearly wasn’t for me.
I’ve realized I’m not a second chance/back in time kind of person. I want to be able to see the romance be built not a reconnection. I was ok with both MCs on their own, but I couldn’t get into the romance, they see each other, Jessie can’t decide whether or not to distance himself, and then all of sudden there’s a click at 40ish% and they have sex every time they see each other.
Now I’ve recently realized that people aren’t fans of when reviews are overly expressive in what they don’t like, but no one around me reads so I need to get my feelings out. That being said here are my complaints…
* Mia meets a wife of one of Jessie’s teammates in a bar bathroom and the wife, Felicity, gives her a hairtie and offers Mia to put her drinks on her tab. Now it’s nice but why would you actually take her up on that offer if you’re not even sitting with her and I’m pretty sure Mia added her friends drinks to it too. AND when she goes to babysit their kids, she eats her icecream after Jessie says it could be her secrete stash. Who does that.
* Jessie is a fancy NHL player with drunk gambling parents and he’s been sending them TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS A WEEK FOR SIX MONTHS! That’s just enabling point blank. And then gets upset when the mom call for more money when the dad spends it. Like be reasonable. You know they’ll just make that money disappear why would they ever need that’s much a week.
* Mia answers Jessie’s phone when he sees his mom’s name come up even though last time she called she knew he ignored it. This is just something that annoys me in any book.
* Now we get the backstory of Jessie’s dead twin brother. And oh brother I just can’t take it. His twin died after they were born early, which sure that’s traumatic for the parents but my real issue was that they were born at 26 weeks and Jessie was magically able to go home after a couple days. A quick google search says he would have to stay at least a couple weeks in the NICU. Whatever.
* This whole book is about Mia’s father saying Jessie’s from the wrong side and not good enough. But it always kind of felt like he knew Jessie’s parents were shitty. Then during the big I love your daughter moment the dad had an epiphany “were you abused Jessie?” Like YES this whole book I thought he knew.
* Now from another book one of the couples have twins and the boy is named after Jessie’s dead twin for some reason, probably need to read that book to understand that connection, and for the twins birthday Jessie gets the boy a picture snow globe or something and it’s very sweet and nice but now the boy twin has this special gift and the girl gets NOTHING, maybe I missed it but that’s just sad for the girl.
* Towards the end where the FMC has to typically put herself in danger Mia thinks “He’s never going to treat me like the woman I know I am” about her dad because he won’t give her the address to Jessie’s family home. LIKE OBVIOUSLY. Who cares if you’re a woman or not you’re obviously going to put yourself in danger by going to a strangers home who obviously isn’t a sane person. And then the taxi driver just remembers the house from taking Jessie once. GIVE ME THE STRENGTH.
Not a book for me. I liked the lack of third act breakup but to me I never even felt a real relationship to break up from. I don’t know maybe I just didn’t go into this book with the best state of mind and I will not blame the authors writing it just clearly wasn’t for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2025
Oh my goodness. Talk about an amazing book to finish up this series! I absolutely am obsessed with Jessie & Mia. This book will pull out all the emotions. I literally had butterflies for a good majority of it because of how much I loved them. This book was heartbreakingly beautiful. It is definitely my new favorite of the series!
Jessie has had a terribly hard life and the only bright spot was Mia. Unfortunately, she was his GM's daughter and it was forbidden. After some unfortunate circumstances, they went their separate ways. Years later, they're back in the same city and now they can't stay away from each other any longer. It's a bit of a journey, as Jessie has to work through some terrible childhood trauma but Mia's love never wavered. The love these two shared is just absolutely beautiful. They are absolutely meant for each other. Also, the spice is hottt. Whewwwww... the mouth on that man! 🥵
The found family aspect of this entire series is one of the best. I seriously love this group of friends so much. Jensen and Jessie's friendship literally brings tears to my eyes. What great friends!
"I need to be honest and tell you that I never expected you to be my forever girl --- because girls like you don't happen to boys like me."
I loved how the ending set up for the next series and I absolutely cannot wait for it.
What to expect:
💕Second Chance
🚫Forbidden (GM's daughter)
🏒Hockey player MMC
👩🏽Virgin FMC
💞Broken Boy x Good Girl
🧠Mental Health Rep
😨Family Trauma
This one releases on January 23. Thank you so much to Ruth Stilling & Wordsmith Publicity for this ARC. This is my honest review.
Jessie has had a terribly hard life and the only bright spot was Mia. Unfortunately, she was his GM's daughter and it was forbidden. After some unfortunate circumstances, they went their separate ways. Years later, they're back in the same city and now they can't stay away from each other any longer. It's a bit of a journey, as Jessie has to work through some terrible childhood trauma but Mia's love never wavered. The love these two shared is just absolutely beautiful. They are absolutely meant for each other. Also, the spice is hottt. Whewwwww... the mouth on that man! 🥵
The found family aspect of this entire series is one of the best. I seriously love this group of friends so much. Jensen and Jessie's friendship literally brings tears to my eyes. What great friends!
"I need to be honest and tell you that I never expected you to be my forever girl --- because girls like you don't happen to boys like me."
I loved how the ending set up for the next series and I absolutely cannot wait for it.
What to expect:
💕Second Chance
🚫Forbidden (GM's daughter)
🏒Hockey player MMC
👩🏽Virgin FMC
💞Broken Boy x Good Girl
🧠Mental Health Rep
😨Family Trauma
This one releases on January 23. Thank you so much to Ruth Stilling & Wordsmith Publicity for this ARC. This is my honest review.
January 23, 2025
This was my first book from Ruth and I am so impressed and super annoyed at myself for putting off this series.
I know I know, I started on the last book in the series but honestly I don’t regret it. I got a glimpse of all of the character and I am so excited to go back and read all of their stories.
Ok where to begin… This book was emotional from start to finish. We covered some HEAVY topics that just ripped my heart out. The strength of Jessie’s character is just astounding, even though the last thing he feels is strong. & Mia has the purest soul. She fights for herself and for Jessie and I loved that about her character.
Jessie and Mia have history. Their love started when Mia worked for the same hockey team that Jessie was playing for. Their time together was all in secret, but the love for one another was pure. They were ripped apart after Mia’s father found out and Jessie was trades to another team across the country. He was told to never see her again… several years later she’s in HIS city and he’s tired. Tired of being away from the one person that saw him and made him feel whole again. He vows to do whatever it takes to get her back, even battling his demons.
My girl Mia. The girl is a saint. Her ability to see the good in all things is special. Her love for Jessie never wavers. He is a broken boy but in her eyes all of his pieces are beautiful.
Jessie. My sweet and broken boy. He has been through HELL since birth. The scars from his past litter his body and his brain. His trauma has eaten away at his self worth to the point where he is barely surviving.
This story is filled with love, heartbreak and so much growth. I am in love with these characters.
I could go on and on about this book, but you just have to read it for yourself. You need Jessie and Mia in your life.
Thank you Ruth for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy. I am in love with these characters and I am so grateful for the opportunity.
4.5⭐️ | 2.5🌶️
🏒 forbidden love
🏒good girl x broken boy
🏒mental health rep
🏒boy OBSESSED
🏒virgin fmc
🏒found family
I know I know, I started on the last book in the series but honestly I don’t regret it. I got a glimpse of all of the character and I am so excited to go back and read all of their stories.
Ok where to begin… This book was emotional from start to finish. We covered some HEAVY topics that just ripped my heart out. The strength of Jessie’s character is just astounding, even though the last thing he feels is strong. & Mia has the purest soul. She fights for herself and for Jessie and I loved that about her character.
Jessie and Mia have history. Their love started when Mia worked for the same hockey team that Jessie was playing for. Their time together was all in secret, but the love for one another was pure. They were ripped apart after Mia’s father found out and Jessie was trades to another team across the country. He was told to never see her again… several years later she’s in HIS city and he’s tired. Tired of being away from the one person that saw him and made him feel whole again. He vows to do whatever it takes to get her back, even battling his demons.
My girl Mia. The girl is a saint. Her ability to see the good in all things is special. Her love for Jessie never wavers. He is a broken boy but in her eyes all of his pieces are beautiful.
Jessie. My sweet and broken boy. He has been through HELL since birth. The scars from his past litter his body and his brain. His trauma has eaten away at his self worth to the point where he is barely surviving.
This story is filled with love, heartbreak and so much growth. I am in love with these characters.
I could go on and on about this book, but you just have to read it for yourself. You need Jessie and Mia in your life.
Thank you Ruth for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy. I am in love with these characters and I am so grateful for the opportunity.
4.5⭐️ | 2.5🌶️
🏒 forbidden love
🏒good girl x broken boy
🏒mental health rep
🏒boy OBSESSED
🏒virgin fmc
🏒found family
January 24, 2025
5 ⭐
3🌶️
💙 Broken Boy x Good Girl
🧡 Second Chance
🖤 Forbidden Love
🩷 GM's Daughter
❤️ He Falls First
🌶️ Spicy Lessons
😍 Found Family
🥺 Mental Health (PTSD) Rep
⚠️ Please Read Trigger Warnings ⚠️
Mia and Jessie were two people who were never supposed to cross paths much less fall in love. They threw caution to the wind and fell for each other instead. They both knew the consequences of seeing each other but didn't care because they knew that they were meant to be together. Mia's dad had other plans for her.
Jessie came from a very rough neighborhood in Dallas and carried the baggage that came along with it. He unfortunately didn't have the best upbringing so he channelled everything into hockey. He had all of the talent for hockey and he was able to get himself into the NHL and out of Dallas.
Jessie was never able to get his mother away from his abusive father. He loved his mother with all of his being and carried the guilt that he couldn't give her the help that she truly needed. There was so much that Jessie wasn't able to deal with mentally because his mind had blocked it out.
I couldn't help but feel so deeply for Jessie. I cried for him throughout this book. I couldn't help but feel for him because of the things he struggled through in his short lifetime.
I couldn't help but be so happy for him when he was able to finally work through his demons but also go to therapy.
There were so many happy moments in this book I couldn't help but be happy right along with Mia and Jessie. I felt like I was in their friend group and was enjoying every moment by their sides.
🔥 Let's Talk About Sex Baby 🥵: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Jessie and Mia were one of the sexiest couples I have read. Mia was a virgin who didn't have experience in sex but some experience in other things. I loved that he gave her lessons in sex. Showed her how to do certain acts, and she was open to doing others.
These two definitely kept it spicy 🥵.
When I say the spice was spicing 🥵 🥵 🥵 that spice was SPICING YALL 🔥🔥🔥.
I received a complimentary copy via the Ruth Stilling & Wordsmith Publicity. All opinions are my own, honest and voluntary.
3🌶️
💙 Broken Boy x Good Girl
🧡 Second Chance
🖤 Forbidden Love
🩷 GM's Daughter
❤️ He Falls First
🌶️ Spicy Lessons
😍 Found Family
🥺 Mental Health (PTSD) Rep
⚠️ Please Read Trigger Warnings ⚠️
Mia and Jessie were two people who were never supposed to cross paths much less fall in love. They threw caution to the wind and fell for each other instead. They both knew the consequences of seeing each other but didn't care because they knew that they were meant to be together. Mia's dad had other plans for her.
Jessie came from a very rough neighborhood in Dallas and carried the baggage that came along with it. He unfortunately didn't have the best upbringing so he channelled everything into hockey. He had all of the talent for hockey and he was able to get himself into the NHL and out of Dallas.
Jessie was never able to get his mother away from his abusive father. He loved his mother with all of his being and carried the guilt that he couldn't give her the help that she truly needed. There was so much that Jessie wasn't able to deal with mentally because his mind had blocked it out.
I couldn't help but feel so deeply for Jessie. I cried for him throughout this book. I couldn't help but feel for him because of the things he struggled through in his short lifetime.
I couldn't help but be so happy for him when he was able to finally work through his demons but also go to therapy.
There were so many happy moments in this book I couldn't help but be happy right along with Mia and Jessie. I felt like I was in their friend group and was enjoying every moment by their sides.
🔥 Let's Talk About Sex Baby 🥵: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Jessie and Mia were one of the sexiest couples I have read. Mia was a virgin who didn't have experience in sex but some experience in other things. I loved that he gave her lessons in sex. Showed her how to do certain acts, and she was open to doing others.
These two definitely kept it spicy 🥵.
When I say the spice was spicing 🥵 🥵 🥵 that spice was SPICING YALL 🔥🔥🔥.
I received a complimentary copy via the Ruth Stilling & Wordsmith Publicity. All opinions are my own, honest and voluntary.
January 17, 2025
Ruled Out- Ruth Stilling
♾️⭐️
Perfection. Beautiful. Emotional. Heartbreaking. I love their love so much, this story broke me and then put me back together. What an incredibly perfect way to end this amazing series. I am blown away and not sure how to even formulate a review for this masterpiece 🥹🥹🥹
Ruth’s writing continues to amaze me with each and every book that she writes but this book will hold a special place in my heart. The intense story and struggle that our boy Jessie goes through. Wow my heart broke for him multiple times but thank god Ruth helped mend it by the end of the book. 😭🤍
Jessie and Mia are the epitome of second chance romance. The true definition of a couple meant for one another and I’m not kidding when I say that I love their love. I’m obsessed with their connection. The way they are able to be open and free with one another. The adorable gestures and sincere acts that make them so unique (jacket hugs & finger loops 🥹). Take my word for the fact that you will fall in love with them and this story. My brain chemistry is altered. I’m still trying to process how much I loved this book and the fact that this series is over.
The Seattle Scorpions series holds such a special place in my heart. I cannot wait for what Ruth has in store with her second series 😍
Read if you enjoy:
Second chance
Broken boy x good girl
He falls first
Spicy lessons
He can’t stay away
GM’s daughter
Found family
Virgin FMC
No third act break up
Mental health rep (complex PTSD)
Please check trigger warnings before reading and take care of your mental health ♥️
Releases January 23rd!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart Ruth for the opportunity to read this entire series prior to release for my honest opinion and review, I’m so grateful! 🥰
♾️⭐️
Perfection. Beautiful. Emotional. Heartbreaking. I love their love so much, this story broke me and then put me back together. What an incredibly perfect way to end this amazing series. I am blown away and not sure how to even formulate a review for this masterpiece 🥹🥹🥹
Ruth’s writing continues to amaze me with each and every book that she writes but this book will hold a special place in my heart. The intense story and struggle that our boy Jessie goes through. Wow my heart broke for him multiple times but thank god Ruth helped mend it by the end of the book. 😭🤍
Jessie and Mia are the epitome of second chance romance. The true definition of a couple meant for one another and I’m not kidding when I say that I love their love. I’m obsessed with their connection. The way they are able to be open and free with one another. The adorable gestures and sincere acts that make them so unique (jacket hugs & finger loops 🥹). Take my word for the fact that you will fall in love with them and this story. My brain chemistry is altered. I’m still trying to process how much I loved this book and the fact that this series is over.
The Seattle Scorpions series holds such a special place in my heart. I cannot wait for what Ruth has in store with her second series 😍
Read if you enjoy:
Second chance
Broken boy x good girl
He falls first
Spicy lessons
He can’t stay away
GM’s daughter
Found family
Virgin FMC
No third act break up
Mental health rep (complex PTSD)
Please check trigger warnings before reading and take care of your mental health ♥️
Releases January 23rd!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart Ruth for the opportunity to read this entire series prior to release for my honest opinion and review, I’m so grateful! 🥰
January 23, 2025
5 ⭐️
Why you’ll love this book!!
🏒Broken Boy x Good Girl
🏒Second Chance
🏒Forbidden Love
🏒GMs Daughter
🏒He Falls First
🏒He can't stay away
🏒Spicy Lessons
🏒Found Family
🏒Virgin FMC
🏒Mental health (PTSD) rep
This was my first Ruth Stilling book and it did not disappoint!! The emotional roll coaster this book had was amazing , sad, just a whirlwind.. Jessie and Mia were meant to be together .. If you want a second chance romance that the couple is always meant to and the way they love is special the way the open up to each other is what your looking for this book is for you!!
Why you’ll love this book!!
🏒Broken Boy x Good Girl
🏒Second Chance
🏒Forbidden Love
🏒GMs Daughter
🏒He Falls First
🏒He can't stay away
🏒Spicy Lessons
🏒Found Family
🏒Virgin FMC
🏒Mental health (PTSD) rep
This was my first Ruth Stilling book and it did not disappoint!! The emotional roll coaster this book had was amazing , sad, just a whirlwind.. Jessie and Mia were meant to be together .. If you want a second chance romance that the couple is always meant to and the way they love is special the way the open up to each other is what your looking for this book is for you!!
March 11, 2025
Absolutely incredible book I could not put it down. Mia and Jessie were absolutely phenomenal characters the strength, courage and bravery. I don’t think I’ve read a book like it really this book is gonna stay with me for a long time. It was just unreal if I could rate it six stars I would 💔💫
March 7, 2025
Jessie & Mia
February 26, 2025
Super unrealistic
February 9, 2025
5⭐️ // 3🌶️
- Broken Boy
- Second Chance
- Coaches Daughter
- Virgin FMC
I LOVED Mia & Jessie so much!!!!!!
Jessie is THE broken boy and Mia is the golden girl. She is totally off limits being the GMs daughter but Jessie doesn’t care.
This book was such an emotional roller coaster. Jessie has such a painful childhood that has unfortunately moved to his adult life and Mia is his light. They are completely made for each other. And they balance each other sooo well.
I love Ruth’s writing and I love that her MMCs talk about mental health and the stigmas of it. Each one projects that it’s ok to talk if you’re struggling and you should.
Thank you to Wordsmith Publicity & Ruth Stilling for giving me the pleasure of reading this in advanced!
- Broken Boy
- Second Chance
- Coaches Daughter
- Virgin FMC
I LOVED Mia & Jessie so much!!!!!!
Jessie is THE broken boy and Mia is the golden girl. She is totally off limits being the GMs daughter but Jessie doesn’t care.
This book was such an emotional roller coaster. Jessie has such a painful childhood that has unfortunately moved to his adult life and Mia is his light. They are completely made for each other. And they balance each other sooo well.
I love Ruth’s writing and I love that her MMCs talk about mental health and the stigmas of it. Each one projects that it’s ok to talk if you’re struggling and you should.
Thank you to Wordsmith Publicity & Ruth Stilling for giving me the pleasure of reading this in advanced!
February 4, 2025
Ruth definitely saved the best for last. Jessie is definitely my favorite and while his story was much heavier than the others, he works hard for his happy ending. I loved the glimpses of the other couples and how the group always welcomes in each love interest with so much support of the relationship.
I’m sad to leave this world as these four books have been so fun to read but I’m excited to move on to Jacks story!
I’m sad to leave this world as these four books have been so fun to read but I’m excited to move on to Jacks story!
January 24, 2025
Jessie and Mia need some proper therapy, not a relationship. Yeah, both of them.
Honestly, I would give it 1⭐️, the second one is just for the found family vibe within the friends’ group and the banter, because the plot was… not it.
Besides, there was not that much of a plot anyway. The moment they got together, every single encounter they had ended up being pure smut. At some point, it just became redundant and boring.
And the little of a plot there was, didn’t make much sense.
How come Jessie played in Dallas for just a year and a team captain he barely had any relationship with, was able to tell that he was constantly drunk, yet his friends in Seattle never noticed anything, being so close to him and all?
How come he was clearly an alcoholic, yet the moment Mia came back into his life, he quit cold turkey and never went back? That’s not how addiction works.
And what on earth do you mean by saying that a baby born at 26 weeks of gestation was strong enough to go home after a couple of days?! Those babies weigh less than a carton of milk. They need to be put in an incubator for WEEKS, if not months.
This book was either poorly researched or the premise of the plot was too heavy for the author to tackle. Either way, I found it disappointing, to say the least.
Honestly, I would give it 1⭐️, the second one is just for the found family vibe within the friends’ group and the banter, because the plot was… not it.
Besides, there was not that much of a plot anyway. The moment they got together, every single encounter they had ended up being pure smut. At some point, it just became redundant and boring.
And the little of a plot there was, didn’t make much sense.
How come Jessie played in Dallas for just a year and a team captain he barely had any relationship with, was able to tell that he was constantly drunk, yet his friends in Seattle never noticed anything, being so close to him and all?
How come he was clearly an alcoholic, yet the moment Mia came back into his life, he quit cold turkey and never went back? That’s not how addiction works.
And what on earth do you mean by saying that a baby born at 26 weeks of gestation was strong enough to go home after a couple of days?! Those babies weigh less than a carton of milk. They need to be put in an incubator for WEEKS, if not months.
This book was either poorly researched or the premise of the plot was too heavy for the author to tackle. Either way, I found it disappointing, to say the least.
January 22, 2025
I’ve said before that there are books that just absolutely sit on my heart. They are the books that I know I will never stop thinking about. The ones that are written so incredibly well…so emotionally…the ones with characters you know you’ll never ever forget.
Ruled Out is one of those books. It joins a very short list of ones that I hold so so dear — because it’s just so beautiful. It’s also heartbreaking, gut wrenching at time, and swoony and hilarious at others. Our main characters, Jessie and Mia, do not walk an easy path, together or separately. Their love is hard fought, full of roadblocks (both external and of their own making). But their love is also one for the ages. Truly.
🤍Hockey romance (book 4 in series)
🤍Broken Boy x Good Girl
🤍Second Chance
🤍Forbidden Love
🤍He Falls First
🤍He can't stay away
🤍Spicy Lessons
🤍Found Family
🤍Virgin FMC
🤍Mental health (PTSD) rep
MMC Jessie is perhaps one of the most compelling characters I’ve read in my entire life. This broken boy with a heart of gold made me weep as much as he made me swoon. And certainly in spicy moments, he made me fan my face very rapidly. 🥵
FMC Mia was captivating in a way that makes her stand out in a sea of strong female main characters. Even at a young age, she has a maturity and a sense of what Jessie needs at all times. Even apart, she loved this man with her whole heart. And I love her with all of mine.
Together, their love story is one I know I will not forget anytime soon. As the capstone of this incredible series, Ruled Out made me feel every emotion. There were moments when I was talking out loud to my Kindle, angry at what was happening on the page. There were other times when I had to set the Kindle down because my eyes were too blurry with tears to continue reading. And of course, there was plenty of moments when I simply just couldn’t stop reading, even though my eyes burned — because what I was reading was so compelling, full of depth, incredibly emotional and altogether perfect.
Whether you’ve read this series or not, there is no way you will not love this book. It’s a masterpiece.
Thank you, amazing Ruth, and the team at Wordsmith Publicity, for letting me read this perfect book in advance.
Ruled Out is one of those books. It joins a very short list of ones that I hold so so dear — because it’s just so beautiful. It’s also heartbreaking, gut wrenching at time, and swoony and hilarious at others. Our main characters, Jessie and Mia, do not walk an easy path, together or separately. Their love is hard fought, full of roadblocks (both external and of their own making). But their love is also one for the ages. Truly.
🤍Hockey romance (book 4 in series)
🤍Broken Boy x Good Girl
🤍Second Chance
🤍Forbidden Love
🤍He Falls First
🤍He can't stay away
🤍Spicy Lessons
🤍Found Family
🤍Virgin FMC
🤍Mental health (PTSD) rep
MMC Jessie is perhaps one of the most compelling characters I’ve read in my entire life. This broken boy with a heart of gold made me weep as much as he made me swoon. And certainly in spicy moments, he made me fan my face very rapidly. 🥵
FMC Mia was captivating in a way that makes her stand out in a sea of strong female main characters. Even at a young age, she has a maturity and a sense of what Jessie needs at all times. Even apart, she loved this man with her whole heart. And I love her with all of mine.
Together, their love story is one I know I will not forget anytime soon. As the capstone of this incredible series, Ruled Out made me feel every emotion. There were moments when I was talking out loud to my Kindle, angry at what was happening on the page. There were other times when I had to set the Kindle down because my eyes were too blurry with tears to continue reading. And of course, there was plenty of moments when I simply just couldn’t stop reading, even though my eyes burned — because what I was reading was so compelling, full of depth, incredibly emotional and altogether perfect.
Whether you’ve read this series or not, there is no way you will not love this book. It’s a masterpiece.
Thank you, amazing Ruth, and the team at Wordsmith Publicity, for letting me read this perfect book in advance.
January 12, 2025
Get your tissues ready because it's the end of an era. The final book in Ruth Stilling's Seattle Scorpions series will take you on a ride. Jessie's story is filled with angst that just gripped me until the end. I could not put this down. Throughout this series, Jessie has always had a bit of mystery shrouding him & now we know why. This story deals with many emotional & physical struggles (TW: alcoholism, DV) in a very delicate way that just tugged at all my emotions. I laughed, I cried & just fell madly in love with this second-chance romance.
Quick Overview: Jessie Callahan harbors many secrets. He's a top-performing player for the Seattle Scorpions but his secrets keep him from reaching his full potential. When one of those secrets, Mia, the girl he's forbidden to see but the one he can't seem to let go of, comes back into his life - he has to make a decision: does he stay away or fight for his second chance?
Jessie's childhood trauma & his inability to stop self-sabotaging are at the center of this story. Mia's unwavering support & calming presence in Jessie's life spark his need to finally make long lasting changes. This story handles such heavy topics with care & raw emotions that it's both gut-wrenching & beautiful.
The chemistry & tension between Mia & Jessie are built nicely and I love the flashbacks we get to how their relationship developed the first time around. The love they have for one another is beautiful. And this wouldn't be a Seattle Scorpions story if our MMC didn't have a deliciously dirty mouth - the spice is perfection.
Our favorite found family plays such great supporting roles here & you really see just how special Jessie's friendships are. The epilogue had me in tears - it was such a wonderful way to end this series & the start of a next-gen spin-off!!!
🏒 Pro Hockey Player x GM's Daughter
💖 Second Chance
➶ Forbidden
❤️🩹 Broken Boy x Good Girl
❣️ cPTSD Rep
🫶 Found Family
💋 He Falls First
🔥 Spicy Lessons
✌🏻 Dual POV
Quick Overview: Jessie Callahan harbors many secrets. He's a top-performing player for the Seattle Scorpions but his secrets keep him from reaching his full potential. When one of those secrets, Mia, the girl he's forbidden to see but the one he can't seem to let go of, comes back into his life - he has to make a decision: does he stay away or fight for his second chance?
Jessie's childhood trauma & his inability to stop self-sabotaging are at the center of this story. Mia's unwavering support & calming presence in Jessie's life spark his need to finally make long lasting changes. This story handles such heavy topics with care & raw emotions that it's both gut-wrenching & beautiful.
The chemistry & tension between Mia & Jessie are built nicely and I love the flashbacks we get to how their relationship developed the first time around. The love they have for one another is beautiful. And this wouldn't be a Seattle Scorpions story if our MMC didn't have a deliciously dirty mouth - the spice is perfection.
Our favorite found family plays such great supporting roles here & you really see just how special Jessie's friendships are. The epilogue had me in tears - it was such a wonderful way to end this series & the start of a next-gen spin-off!!!
🏒 Pro Hockey Player x GM's Daughter
💖 Second Chance
➶ Forbidden
❤️🩹 Broken Boy x Good Girl
❣️ cPTSD Rep
🫶 Found Family
💋 He Falls First
🔥 Spicy Lessons
✌🏻 Dual POV
January 6, 2025
What an absolutely beautiful ending to a phenomenal series. I loved it. I loved it. I loved it. Not only was 𝑹𝒖𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝑶𝒖𝒕 the perfect swoony romance but it was also an incredibly emotional story about healing.
Jessie + Mia faced many obstacles before their happily ever after but wow was it rewarding and beyond beautiful. These two characters deserve the world. I was honestly an emotional wreck from the start of their story. Everything that Jessie endured was heartbreaking. There were moments that just made me want to cry because you could feel everything he felt. His ability to overcome and find love again, despite all that pain, showed tremendous strength in his character.
As always, I adore the group dynamic and found family aspect of this series. It melts my heart every single time. The love between these characters is genuine and real. It was bittersweet finishing the last book in the 𝙎𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙎𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙥𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 series. Saying goodbye wasn’t easy but it ended so well. I am very excited for the next chapter in this world!
"𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘐'𝘮 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦, 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘩, 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘮𝘺 𝘷𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘴, 𝘮𝘺 𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘧 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘺, 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦, 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘣𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘔𝘪𝘢."
ᴛʀᴏᴘᴇꜱ:
💘 Broken Boy x Good Girl
💟 Second Chance
🚫 Forbidden Love
🤫 GMs Daughter
😍 He Falls First
🌶️ Spicy Lessons
🫶🏼 Found Family
🩷 Virgin FMC
🧠 Mental Health Rep
A huge thank you to Ruth Stilling & Wordsmith Publicity for providing me with an ARC of 𝑹𝒖𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝑶𝒖𝒕 💜🏒
Jessie + Mia faced many obstacles before their happily ever after but wow was it rewarding and beyond beautiful. These two characters deserve the world. I was honestly an emotional wreck from the start of their story. Everything that Jessie endured was heartbreaking. There were moments that just made me want to cry because you could feel everything he felt. His ability to overcome and find love again, despite all that pain, showed tremendous strength in his character.
As always, I adore the group dynamic and found family aspect of this series. It melts my heart every single time. The love between these characters is genuine and real. It was bittersweet finishing the last book in the 𝙎𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙎𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙥𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 series. Saying goodbye wasn’t easy but it ended so well. I am very excited for the next chapter in this world!
"𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘐'𝘮 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦, 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘩, 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘮𝘺 𝘷𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘴, 𝘮𝘺 𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘧 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘺, 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦, 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘣𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘔𝘪𝘢."
ᴛʀᴏᴘᴇꜱ:
💘 Broken Boy x Good Girl
💟 Second Chance
🚫 Forbidden Love
🤫 GMs Daughter
😍 He Falls First
🌶️ Spicy Lessons
🫶🏼 Found Family
🩷 Virgin FMC
🧠 Mental Health Rep
A huge thank you to Ruth Stilling & Wordsmith Publicity for providing me with an ARC of 𝑹𝒖𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝑶𝒖𝒕 💜🏒
January 11, 2025
ARC Review
Rating: 5/5 stars
Spice: 3/5
HOLY SHIT!!! This is hands down my favorite by Ruth; she did her shit with this story. I felt every single emotion while reading this. I don't even have words to describe how much I loved this book and the characters. Not only was this a love story, but it was also a story of friendship. There was so much depth in the feelings between characters that was done brilliantly.
Mia Jenkins has been a good girl her entire life. She lives to please her dad, who owns an NHL team, and make him proud. I love Mia so much! She is one of the best FMCs I have read in a long time. She was already an amazing character but ended up even better by seeing her grow into herself.
Jessie, oh my poor Jessie. His story truly broke my heart into a million pieces. Words cannot express my love for him and how hard I have been rooting for him this whole book. His strength through everything was incredible. The way he wanted to be better for Mia and also for his friends was beautiful. His growth and development were brilliant, Ruth could not have written his character better.
The friendship aspect of this book was my favorite part. I cried during JJ and Jessie's conversation because it was so heartbreaking yet heartwarming. JJ is a friend we all need in our lives.
The ending was perfect, destroyed me but perfect. I cannot wait to see what Ruth has in store for us.
Thank you, Ruth, for eARC, I'm so thankful for the opportunity.
Rating: 5/5 stars
Spice: 3/5
HOLY SHIT!!! This is hands down my favorite by Ruth; she did her shit with this story. I felt every single emotion while reading this. I don't even have words to describe how much I loved this book and the characters. Not only was this a love story, but it was also a story of friendship. There was so much depth in the feelings between characters that was done brilliantly.
Mia Jenkins has been a good girl her entire life. She lives to please her dad, who owns an NHL team, and make him proud. I love Mia so much! She is one of the best FMCs I have read in a long time. She was already an amazing character but ended up even better by seeing her grow into herself.
Jessie, oh my poor Jessie. His story truly broke my heart into a million pieces. Words cannot express my love for him and how hard I have been rooting for him this whole book. His strength through everything was incredible. The way he wanted to be better for Mia and also for his friends was beautiful. His growth and development were brilliant, Ruth could not have written his character better.
The friendship aspect of this book was my favorite part. I cried during JJ and Jessie's conversation because it was so heartbreaking yet heartwarming. JJ is a friend we all need in our lives.
The ending was perfect, destroyed me but perfect. I cannot wait to see what Ruth has in store for us.
Thank you, Ruth, for eARC, I'm so thankful for the opportunity.
January 24, 2025
This is the final book in the Seattle Scorpions series.
Jessie Callahan is a fantastic player. He was encouraged and supported by Graham Jenkins. He mentored him and really gave him a chance when there was no other way for him to play.
Jessie meets Grahams daughter, and it is love. Mia loves him too, but there was no way for them to be together in public. Jessie was older, and Graham did not want any player with his daughter.
The sneaking around didn't last, though, and Jessie gets sent to play in Seattle. Mia stays in Texas, and for years, the two of them have little to no contact. But then Mia gets a chance to go to college and not follow where her dad wants her. And the place she picks? Seattle. Where Jessie plays.
They're able to reconnect, and I just loved it. Jessie is complicated and has a lot of family baggage. Mia just wants to spread her wings and choose what SHE wants. Not what her dad wants for her.
Jessie is very close with our guys from book 1-3 and the way they give him advice and take care of each other...
Mia has a big hurdle in her way to HEA with Jessie. Her dad. The one who still sees Jessie as a screw up, and not as someone who's grown so much as a player and a person. Could he ever accept the two of them?
Jessie Callahan is a fantastic player. He was encouraged and supported by Graham Jenkins. He mentored him and really gave him a chance when there was no other way for him to play.
Jessie meets Grahams daughter, and it is love. Mia loves him too, but there was no way for them to be together in public. Jessie was older, and Graham did not want any player with his daughter.
The sneaking around didn't last, though, and Jessie gets sent to play in Seattle. Mia stays in Texas, and for years, the two of them have little to no contact. But then Mia gets a chance to go to college and not follow where her dad wants her. And the place she picks? Seattle. Where Jessie plays.
They're able to reconnect, and I just loved it. Jessie is complicated and has a lot of family baggage. Mia just wants to spread her wings and choose what SHE wants. Not what her dad wants for her.
Jessie is very close with our guys from book 1-3 and the way they give him advice and take care of each other...
Mia has a big hurdle in her way to HEA with Jessie. Her dad. The one who still sees Jessie as a screw up, and not as someone who's grown so much as a player and a person. Could he ever accept the two of them?
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