As a chief stewardess on luxury superyachts, I massage egos, pamper the spoiled and cater to the most outlandish desires of the rich and famous.I’ve never had a guest want something I can’t give them. Until British businessman Hayden Wolf comes aboard—all sexy swagger and mysterious requests.He wants me. And Hayden Wolf’s a man who’s used to getting exactly what he demands. Despite being serious … demands.
Despite being serious and focused. Demanding and ruthless. He’s also charming when I least expect it as well as being devastatingly handsome with an almost irresistible smile.
But guests are strictly off limits and I’ve never broken a rule. Not even bent one. My family are depending on me and I can’t lose my job.
Only problem is Hayden Wolf is looking at me like I just changed his life. And he’s touching me like he’s about to change mine.
A standalone romance.
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Background on me: I’ve gotten really strict with my sleep patterns lately, no staying awake passed 12:30. But Ruthless Gentleman had me breaking that rule, completely absorbing me in their world, staying up late with the ‘just one more chapter’ mantra on repeat in my head for 3 hours. No joke. Once I started reading I just couldn’t stop!
Hayden Wolf is everything I want from a book boyfriend really. Intense, sexy, alpha but with a depth and vulnerability that’s breathtaking, a strong moral code and a thoughtfulness that surprised and intrigued me.
And Avery is one of the most beautiful heroine’s ever, she’s selfless, kind, generous, loyal, but with a fiery attitude that instantly made me adore her, and be incredibly invested in her journey.
If you’re a die hard Louise Bay fan you’ll know that she never fails to deliver super sexy, smutty contemporary romances but with thought provoking, unique, and heartfelt storylines, and characters so well developed you feel as if you really know them. And Ruthless Gentleman most definitely lives up to her well earned reputation. Whilst reading Ruthless Gentleman nothing existed but the words on my kindle, the characters and story came to life so strongly that I could almost smell the salty sea air and feel the Mediterranean sun on my skin (and not even because we had a freakishly sunny weekend here in England).
Ruthless Gentleman embodies everything that makes for a perfect summer read, it’s the kind of book that if you were to read it on a beach somewhere hot, cocktail in hand, you’d feel as if you’d reached a new level of perfection in your life. It’s that good. I’m now desperately craving a European beach holiday! Anyone want to take that trip to Sicily with me?
Avery and Hayden were so great together! I loved the premise of being on a yacht. It was so fun and just sets the tone for the whole book.
I loved that Avery was so strong and proud. She literally is my spirit animal. And Hayden.. completely dreamy.. a bit of an @$$hole but he makes up for it in some incredible ways!!
Plus the epilogue is extended and I absolutely loved the glimpse into the future!
Rule one of yachting, never get involved with a guest. Ever. Now that Avery has laid eyes on Hayden will she break the rule? The Ruthless Gentleman is the newest standalone by Louise Bay and gives us a couple that breaks the rules and weaves their way into out hearts… plus there’s an accent 🙂
Avery Walker is chef stewardess on a yacht because she needs the money to help her dad and brother. Avery does everything by the book until Hayden Wolf comes along.
Hayden Wolf needs to leave London due to his business failing. Hayden is positive there is a leak inside his business so he charters a yacht for eight weeks and tells nobody but his brother. While on the yacht, Hayden meets the one person who gets him, Avery Walker.
Hayden and Avery have this chemistry between them from the start. Yes, it is a slow burn but darn it is so good. When they are finally together, it’s electric. I was hooked from page one and you will be too.
Will Avery break her rules? Will Hayden find love with Avery?
Read people, read!
5 stars
Review by Elizabeth, Late Night Reviewer for Up All Night w/ Books Blog
So, three business deals sabotaged, possible inside trading, conspiracy theories abound, what would you do? Asking for a friend? Would you commission a yacht to make sure your next business deal goes smoothly? What about the crew? To what extent would you go to make sure your business stays quiet? you never know with Hayden Wolf at the wheel.
I love this authors books, they are a guaranteed enjoyable read that are like your favourite blanket leaving you warm and cosy.
However, there is no need for a blanket with this latest book as we are off to the warm sunny waters of St Tropez making this book a perfect early summer or holiday read. And as always with this author you are pulled into the story so much you can feel the sun on your face and the roll of the sea as we sail in luxury on a right posh yacht.
The main characters in this story are an instant hit and I loved them both. Avery is a strong independent woman that bears responsibilty proudly and will do what it takes for her family whatever sacrifices she has to make and so finds herself working as a steward on a yacht for the wealthy.
Hayden is everything we come to expect from Bay’s men, hot, sexy, succesful and typically British. His need for isolation during a pressing business deal leads him to hire a yacht and lands him with the distraction of Avery.
Despite their attempts to remain professional and keep their relationship business like, the attraction can’t be denied and soon boundaries be damned as they give in to the temptation each offers.
This is a standalone book that is a perfect flawless read, with a wonderful cast of supporting characters. So pull up your sun lounger and set sail with this lovely read.
Wow! It’s been awhile since I’ve read a book from Louise Bay but I’ve got to say, this has to be my favorite by far!! I was hooked from the first chapter and sucked into the story of Hayden Wolf and Avery Walker.
Hayden is the alpha male; very rich, smart and powerful. He is a man who gets what he wants but lately something’s amiss. Hayden is not used to being in a position where he loses, which is why he has chartered a yacht to stay out of the public eye and away from whomever is spilling his secrets.
Avery is the chief stewardess on the yacht that is now sailing the seas for weeks on end. While she thought she would get home to see her family, Avery needs the money that this charter will bring to help support the medical bills of her brother.
Avery and Hayden are immediately attracted to each other and what plays out is the beautiful love story of two totally different people, finding love where they least expected. Everything about their journey was breathtaking and I felt as though I was on that yacht sailing the Mediterranean right along with Avery and Hayden.
I loved the angst, the suspense, the romance and most of all the HEA. Ruthless Gentleman was an absolute joy to read and I read the entire book in one afternoon.
Another winner from Louise Bay! This is a great summer read — with background vistas from a luxury yacht and beautiful scenery from Italy and the Mediterranean, you’ll be transported to how the extravagant and wealthy live and vacation. But that’s just the backdrop — the real story unfolds between sexy Hayden and sweet Avery. Just the right amount of intensity and steam that results in an emotional, dreamy read between two very likeable characters! Definitely recommend!
Spending a weekend curled up with The Ruthless Gentleman was such an awesome decision. Hayden and Avery’s relationship made me believe in the power of love and that love can conquer all.
The logistics certainly weren’t in favor of Hayden and Avery having their happy ever after but the journey they travelled was nothing short of amazing. The beautiful Mediterranean backdrop they were forced to endure helped set the stage for a heart-stopping, swoon-worthy fairy tale that dreams are made of.
Even though Hayden may not be the most romantic gentleman, he still manages to melt Avery’s heart with his gestures. A girl can only resist the charms of a man for so long. Avery is swept away and finds herself finally letting go and succumbing to the irresistible billionaire who stole her breath at first glance.
All is not blissful heaven in Hayden and Avery’s world. They have struggles and Hayden often refers to himself as a lucky f*****r and I’d have to agree. Hayden is a lucky man to have the love and understanding of Avery but Avery is a very lucky woman to have the ever so competent Hayden Wolf in her bedroom.
I love Louise’s stories and this one was no exception. I was enthralled and captivated from beginning to end and I look forward to more from her in the future.
Hayden Wolf is every inch The Ruthless Gentlemen in and out of the boardroom. He knows what he wants and he goes after it. But he has a problem someone is undermining his business deals and for once he finds himself unable to control what is happening. In an effort to flush out the ‘rat’ and close on a deal he is desperate to make, he charters a luxury yacht and it’s crew for eight weeks. Enter Avery Walker, Chief Stewardess and the one who is assigned to ensure all Hayden Wolf’s wants and needs are catered for. There’s an attraction between these two but Avery has responsibilities and she will not risk her career for a casual fling with the one and only passenger on board. The ‘slow burn’ between these two begins and as they slowly wear down each others resistance they find themselves desperate for each other. Just as Avery thinks Wolf could be the one for her it all comes crashing down around her and she finds herself under suspicious for the very thing that Wolf is investigating. And that’s that…..or is it? As I said before Hayden Wolf knows what he wants and he goes after it but will Avery give him the happy ending they deserve?
I liked Avery, she made me smile, Hayden made me smile but in a different way if you get my drift. It’s a lovely romantic read but it is a ‘slow burn’ but well worth the wait. Hayden Wolf certainly knows what he’s doing in and out of the bedroom. Louise Bay doesn’t disappoint in giving us a proper romance with The Ruthless Gentleman.
Hayden & Avery
Oh I absolutely love reading Louise’s work and this one was all I had hoped for.
What happens when a ruthless gentleman meets a sweet, smart career oriented woman on a chartered cruise ..set sail and see!
Avery is working hard as a chief stewardess . She has a father and brother back home with mounting medical bills and she wants and needs to give them everything to help them . She does not fraternize..ever with the guests but the moment Hayden steps on the gang blank she knows that he is going to be her downfall.
Hayden is needing time away to regroup and figure out why his business is recently declining. Each business deal that he attempts is pulled out from under him. It is as though he has a spy amongst his dedicated employees. What he needs is a break from all ties finish this world winning deal in private and away from prying eyes . What he doesn’t expect is to become face to face with a woman who makes him rethink his life and relationships .
Mystery , intrigue , romance , lies and love ..what a great journey !
~~Michele McMullen ~~
I can honestly say I’ve never read a storyline based on a super yacht. Let me just say if there was one author that could pull off this story, make it exotic, super spicy, but also have so much depth, it’s definitely this author. I can’t say there was any part of this story that I didn’t like. I fell into this story and didn’t want it to end.
Hayden was the epitome of what any gentleman should be. Forget the fact he was super rich, because he did not act like it at all. He showed class and understanding throughout the story. Avery was also so much more than just working class stewardess. There is a reason she chose this profession to earn money quickly and you’ll have to read the story to find out how caring and dedicated she is.
Watching Hayden and Avery navigate the yacht and their circumstances, while under so much stress due to their own situations and their attraction to one another just adds more fuel to the fire that is this couple. It was like sitting in a theater, eating popcorn so slowly because your totally immersed in the story going on in front of you. I kept waiting for the time they finally crossed the line, wondering how and when it would happen. There’s a mystery going on through the story as well, which is why Hayden ended up on the yacht to begin with.
This is romance and writing at it’s best. It should be savored, however, you’ll be so immersed in the story it’ll end before you want it too. The Ruthless Gentleman, Hayden and Avery, is a total hit, in my book anyway.
Oh. My. Gosh!!!!
Hayden and Avery are awesome.
Hayden is indeed a Ruthless Gentleman when it comes to certain things in his life, but he still has his morales and lines that he won’t cross. He is dedicated to work, but will that change at some point? But, he will do whats needed to fight for what he wants.
Avery left her dreams behind a long time ago and she now works everyday so that she can to provide medical care for her brother. Avery was as sweet as she could be and would do anything for her family or would she?
This was another great story from Louise and in my opinion, they just keep getting.
I fell in love with this book as soon as I saw the cover. Because THIS book’s cover is AMAZEBALLS.
The story in it? Even better.
I’ve always said that I love Louise’s men, and Hayden Wolf is no exception. However, I think I connected immensely with Avery. I loved her gumption, her immense loyalty to her father and brother, but she was also carrying a guilt within her that even she didn’t realize was not letting her live life fully. Hayden Wolf also comes in with his own set of troubles, and his resilience and alpha qualities makes him oh-so-irrisistable (and believe me, Avery gave him a run for his money), but when those two meet, their pull to each other was completely inevitable.
There’s intrigue, action, and an awesome slow burn that will have you going, “OMG YOU TWO!” It’s definitely one of my favorites from Louise Bay.
I truly enjoyed it!!!
Another great book by the talented Louise Bay. The last thing Hayden was expecting was finding love in the middle of the ocean. The last thing Avery was expecting was having to deal with yet another rich, jerk who also happens to be gorgeous. The last thing that either of them expected was the chemistry. Such a great and well written book.
Billionaire Hayden Wolf and yacht stewardess Avery Walker meet when the ruthless businessman charters the superyacht she’s working on, for eight weeks at sea.
Hayden has spent the last year chasing his tail and getting one business acquisition after another stolen out from under him at the last second. Someone has been leaking information to his leading competition and arch-enemy Cannon. Fed up, and threatened with losing his biggest investors he decides to go dark while mounting the biggest buyout of his ten year career.
Avery has been a yachtie for seven years and sends every extra penny home to help her dad to look after her ailing brother. She’s overwhelmed and surprised when she is attracted to Hayden, but tries to ignore it. Being with a guest would cost her her job, so she can’t risk it.
Hayden isn’t prepared for how he feels about Avery because his mind is set on getting to the bottom of his problems, but she just gets under his skin. He’s spent the last ten years working hard and barely has time for anything else. He certainly doesn’t have time for a relationship and any woman he’s been with knows that. But, Avery is different. He finds excuses to be with her. Talking and getting to know her. It was kind of a slow burn at first, but when they
finally came together it was hot, hot, hot. Their chemistry was undeniable and true. Hayden opened up to Avery, told her things he’d never told anyone except his brother. He fell, and fell hard.
I loved this story from start to finish. Louise Bay, once again captivated and enthralled me with, not just her main characters, but the secondary ones too. This was a perfect start to summer reading, so don’t hesitate to One-Click your copy now.
There is something magical about Louise Bay’s writing. Her characters are always so well developed and feel like you know them and the world they are from. I read this book with a lump in my throat as I completely fell for Hayden and Avery. Hayden is a rich guy who can’t trust anyone and is constantly doubting himself for it. Avery is all smiles as she works hard to provide for her brother and father half a world away. She finally lets down her guard with Hayden and the story that is told is magical.
I loved these two. The story pulled at my heart strings as I got to know both of them and their backgrounds. I loved how they were both so close to their families and would do anything for them. The world that Hayden and Avery live in is one that I would love to be in. The drive and passion they have for those they love is inspiring.
Hayden stole my heart as he realized his mistakes and fought for Avery. Avery is such a strong heroine in the respect that she is truly a good person and stands up for what she believes. I loved these two together! I hope there is more coming from this world because I didn’t want to leave!
Louise Bay has done it again!!
When I saw the cover and read the synopsis, I knew I had to read The Ruthless Gentleman and I sure as heck wasn’t disappointed when I read it!
Hayden (yummy) and Avery definitely had to fight their attraction. It was forbidden due the nature of Avery’s job. She wasn’t to flirt or bed or date any of the clients abroad while working on the ships.
When she is requested to work an 8 week long cruise, she accepts even though she’s due for a nice few days off, which she was looking forward to spending time with her dad and brother. But money talks and she needs the money so she accepts the job. Once onboard, she comes to learn that the client forbids any devices, he’s paranoid and doesn’t want any leaks that he’s abroad a ship trying to “work”. Avery is forced to call her father whenever they stop somewhere and she leaves the ship.
Hayden doesn’t trust anyone, but for some reason he’s taken with Avery and he feels like he can trust her. As they become fast friends, as professional as Avery is, she can also let her guard down a little and have some fun.
The mysteriousness is what keeps me intrigued and completely sucked me in.
I feel like I love Louise Bay’s books more and more as I keep reading more from her.
4.5 Stars
What do you get with a sexy businessman and a beautiful stewardess on a yacht in the middle of the ocean for 8 weeks…..one amazing story you can’t possibly put down!!! I was hooked from the first chapter to the end because this story had it all…. chemistry, drama, loyalty, forgiveness and love! Louise has given us another beautiful story that will capture your heart and leave you begging for more Hayden and Avery!!! I highly recommend this 5-Star must read!!!