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Ruthless Triad #1

Victor: Her Ruthless Crush

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Victor.

No last name. Totally mysterious. He doesn't talk. He's insanely hot. And now...I'm supposed to be spending every Thursday with him???

When my dad asked me to tutor the son of an important business associate, I thought I was agreeing to teach a little kid. Victor's definitely not a kid.

In fact, it's hard to believe we're even the same age. He's way more powerful than any boy I've ever met.

Also, way more intense. He stares at me in this weird way. It almost feels like obsession.

But there's no way he could be attracted to me like I'm attracted to him. I'm just an overweight nerd with secret dreams I've never dared to tell anyone

Until him.

I tell him all of my secrets.

But will I be able to handle it when I find out all of his?

221 pages, ebook

First published March 11, 2021

813 people are currently reading
3,803 people want to read

About the author

Theodora Taylor

257 books2,198 followers
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Theodora Taylor writes hot books with heart. When not reading, reviewing or writing, she enjoys spending time with her amazing family, going on dating nights with her wonderful husband, and attending parties thrown by others.

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Theodora Taylor schreibt feurige Bücher mit Herz. Wenn sie nicht gerade selbst liest, schreibt oder Deutsch lernt, verbringt sie am liebsten Zeit mit ihrer Familie oder geht mit ihrem wundervollen Mann aus.

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5 stars
1,176 (46%)
4 stars
765 (30%)
3 stars
406 (16%)
2 stars
134 (5%)
1 star
49 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 328 reviews
Profile Image for Lady Raven RAVE!.
1,824 reviews1,460 followers
June 22, 2021
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Style: Mafia Romance (High School/ IR)
Story: 4/5
Enjoyment: 5/5
Dark Level: 1.5/5
Sexual Level: GOOD
Triggers: Yes
Violence: Yes
Male: Stoic,
Series: Book 1 of 3
Pages: 221
Audio: GOOD (f/m)
Kindle Unlimited: Yes


STORY:
I was so enthralled with this story that I had to finish it in one sitting. I am in love with the storytelling, world building and the uniqueness of the male character, Victor. I did not know what to expect or know how to feel with a male character that does not speak verbally and communicates with sign language. I can say, it blew my expectation out the water. What Victor lack verbally, he more than make up with his physical attributes and his personality. Victor is a teenager in high school who is being groomed to take over from his father’s gang. He sees Dawn one night and devises a plan to get close to her by wanting to know ASL. As Dawn becomes close to Victor, she still has no clue of whom he really is or what he is capable of. Dawn pulls me in with her story telling and her personality, and this compliments Victor’s character. She and her brother are at Tokyo Progressive, a high school in another country. She isn’t the most popular and finds herself falling for Victor.

Do not let the main male character not speaking detour you. If anything, that concept heightens the story for me. I love the intensity of his like for Dawn. He is confident in a lot of things, but watching him fumble around Dawn was good to watch. She was relatable in so many ways and is your typical teenager.

As the story progresses, and we get to the climax of the story that changes both their life’s, I like that the author phases out their teen years which brings us to the next phase of their life’s. 90 percent of the time I am not a fan of cliffhangers, but I am truly excited about this 3 part series and can’t wait to dive into book 2.



SEXUAL CHEMISTRY
Sexually, I was satisfied. I wasn’t blown away, but their affection for each other added to the excitement they sexually shared. Their sex scenes match who they are in this story.



SECONDARY CHARACTERS:
There were so many secondary characters that helped brought these characters to life. I really enjoyed Byron, Dawns brother and Han, Victor’s best friend and who he calls brother.

Dawn’s parents play a big role, but not a fan of the dad. Really selfish if you ask me, but that’s what makes the story interesting, all these twist and turns.


OVERALL:
Loved it! And looking forward to the continuation and hope I will not be disappointed.


TRIGGERS: Possible trigger are comments made degrading someone for their sexuality and bullying for it.


****I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read. I based my book reviews on my preferences and what I like, and while these preferences may not be the same for others, I hope this review was still helpful.
Profile Image for Hana.
549 reviews
March 1, 2021
5 Enjoyable Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Victor: Her Ruthless Crush is literally the best read to start my first day of March. It was so much better than I expected and I can't even describe how much enjoyable it was. Like seriously, this book got me hooked from the first page till the last which I was able to finish in one seating. Everything about this book is exactly what I was hoping for when I found out about all the tropes that were contained, especially since it centers around an interracial couple.

First of all, this book is set in Tokyo that tells the story of a high school girl named Dawn, who became a tutor to a guy named Viktor. Basically, she was in charge of teaching him ASL (American Sign Language) which he returned the favor by teaching her CSL (Chinese Sign Language). Throughout the time, they started to build a friendship that soon blossoms into emotional love. Okay, the storyline may sound like a chick flick type of novel, but I can ensure you that it's not. There are a few senses of darkness and thrill that were contained throughout the entire story. Not gonna lie, this book brings all different emotions out of me. There are times where I was smiling and there are times where my heart is breaking for the characters.

Now, what I love about this book, is that it focuses more on coming of age story filled with innocent young love. Just by reading it, we can truly feel the pure connection between Viktor & Dawn and the love & trust that they had for one another. However, everything changed after an incident that caused the chains to be broken. Therefore, by the very end of the book, we had a glimpse of how these two characters have changed and mature through the years. So I can predict that the next book will be much darker and more suspenseful after everything that happened between these two.

Overall, this book was able to steal my heart away. This is the first book that I've ever read by Theodora, so I'm not really familiar with her style of writing. But, I can clearly say that it was completely enjoyable because the entire story is greatly written and well developed. I highly recommend everyone to try out this book because it's absolutely worth it! Now, I'm extremely excited for the sequel in order to find out more about the future of Viktor & Dawn. Ahhhh April couldn't come any sooner 😭😭😭

Arc provided in exchange for honest review ~
Profile Image for Bibi.
1,287 reviews106 followers
May 10, 2021
I quite enjoyed this
Profile Image for Jen.
152 reviews55 followers
April 5, 2021
I was able to predict almost everything that happened in this book because Taylor's written a version of this story many many many many MANY times before. I was hoping for something fresh and exciting but alas...
One thing about Taylor's books that irk the hell out of me: how the heroines, who are usually fat or curvy or chubby, talk about how hot the hero is BECAUSE he is cut and ripped. The one fat hero I can remember, Nago, not only lost weight by the end of the book but also became cartoonishly cut and ripped just like the other Taylor heroes. It's giving fatphobia.
Profile Image for ☆ susan ☆.
391 reviews2 followers
May 24, 2021
This book was…. let’s just say it’s a weeb’s wet dream. Just because the book is set in Japan, it does not mean that everything needs to be compared to Anime and J-drama—as if Japan is nothing more than those two things. It was so cringy that I’m amazed I even finished this.

For reference, please check my notes for some passages I highlighted from the book. Feel free to make your own informed decision to read this book based on that.

Good day.
Profile Image for Susan (susayq ~).
2,416 reviews133 followers
March 5, 2021
This definitely deserves 5 stars from me. I started it at work, read as I cooked and then proceeded to ignore my family as I finished it this evening. I thoroughly enjoyed it. There was a huge twist in there and the ending! What a cliffhanger! As bad of a guy that Victor is, I have to hope his love for Dawn will win out.
Profile Image for Tay.
164 reviews33 followers
March 21, 2021
This is my first Theodora Taylor book and it has cemented a place in my heart for her other works which I will begin to read in rapid succession. That being said, the review of 'Victor: Her Ruthless Crush' awaits...

I'm going to come right out and say it, I am not a fan of first-person narratives. They're usually so clunky and never well done when I read them, but Ms. Taylor has managed to do the first-person narrative quite well; Immersing me into the story rather than making me feel like a bystander. Which is why I don't normally go for first-person narratives.

I LOVED Victor. Let's be honest, he's the boyfriend/husband we ALL want. The literal definition of the strong, silent type. Lord was he sexy! I have to admit, I loved the fact that he was disabled (can I say that in this case?) because we so hardly see that in a MC in novels, but to not only have him be this way and be so smoking? Give this man all his flowers... and my bedroom *wink*

Dawn had me somewhere between being pissed at her and loving her-there was no in-between. It's realistic to see how curious she was and how that actually led her into trouble, because when has curiosity NOT gotten us in trouble? Regardless, I loved her and the fact that she loved her younger brother, who I had to think if I liked him because he did not win any favours with how he never stood up for himself. Not once, and before you all tell me that it was to protect his father and whatnot, he could gave at least defended himself! Instead, he allowed himself to be pounded into minced meat! As I am writing this, I realised I'm still very much disappointed in him. No love from me!

Speaking of no love- Dawn's bloody father! What he did was so dastardly, I just wanted to punch him in the face. More than that too! Let's just say, if the triad had disposed of him, I would have no regrets. I know he was doing his job, but to use your daughter in such an egregious manner? UNFORGIVABLE! If Victor wants to out in him while he's in Mexico, let's just say I won't be unhappy. :)

I liked so much in this book, but I did NOT like the lovemaking scene after Dawn witnessed what happened in the garage. There is NO WAY she wouldn't be traumatised after what she witnessed. Especially with Victor wearing his suit STILL drenched in blood. Yeah, it was no for me, just a no. I took off half a star for that scene, but only half. It wasn't enough to not make me love the book.

Now that all that's off my chest, Theodora, I'm anxiously awaiting the second book!
Profile Image for Cherryl.
2,026 reviews1 follower
March 16, 2021
OMG... I hate cliffhangers

Just when the story starts getting really good, BOOM... cliffhanger! Dawn, the chubby American girl who did not fit in at the Tokyo Progressive school. A homogenous society that equated thinness with beauty. She had no friends. She just did not fit in and neither did her brother Byron who was bullied by the grandson of a crime boss. When she was asked to tutor another crime boss' son Victor, her whole life changed. She thought that no one as insanely handsome as he would be interested in her. But she was wrong. He loved her spirit and how she related to him like no one ever had. I should have known something was up when her father asked her to tell him anything that Victor communicated about. I don't understand how he could have let his daughter get in so deep and allowed her to get in harm's way. At the same time, I don't understand how someone could harm an innocent child.

I don't see Dawn being happy at all. She's not living the life she planned. She's living her Tiger Mom's life she never got to live. It will be interesting to see if she finally decides to live the life she wants in the next book. We still have not read what happened to Victor's mother in this tale. Did she die protecting her child or was it natural causes? This story kept my attention as it was full of drama. I just love how Theodora weaves a tale. This one did not disappoint.

“Awnnnn! Awnnn! Ahovoo! Ahovoo”

Profile Image for A.
406 reviews1 follower
March 21, 2021
I pushed through the first 6-7 chapters. They didn't do anything for me. When I started reading Victor and Dawn's story, I thought it was going to be a dark juvenile romance that made me question myself. However, they grow up. I understand that their history was important but I could have used their background information in a lot fewer words.

Victor was interesting. He didn't speak. Yet he said a lot. LOL... I loved the name of his triad. It fit to the T. I liked that he wanted to break from the family business and try to have a normal life. I like that he attempted to compromise to accomplish his dream.

I disliked Dawn's father. Any father that did what he did, did not deserve to be called a father. I was also not a fan of Dawn's mother. Dawn lacked support from parental figures. Her only support was from her brother and then Victor.

I felt like when I really got into the characters and the book, It ended. If I had a physical book, I would have been turning over the last page and cover. Asking, "Is that it???" Looking extremely disappointed. I'm not a fan of cliffhangers. I wanted to know what was in store for Victor and Dawn.

OH.. And if Victor is Chinese, why the hell is his name VICTOR? Why doesn't he have a traditional Chinese name. And if Dawn is half Korean, what made her mom name her Dawn? I'm asking for a friend :) ...

Anywho, I am not sure if I'm going to continue reading Victor and Dawn. A part of me says I have to find out what happened to them. Another part is still on the fence.

Either way, check it out.

Happy Reading!
Profile Image for Karen's Bookshelf.
465 reviews
March 10, 2021
After one chance encounter, one that she never even knew took place, Victor was enchanted by what seemed to be Dawn's lively personality. After meeting her up close and personal, Victor realized that he couldn't have been more wrong about the shy girl but no less entranced by the introverted beauty. What started out as a sweet infatuation between to young kids quickly turns into something neither of them saw coming. Secrets are revealed and with both of their family's interference, things spiral out of control real fast and when the dust settles their lives are forever changed but is it for the better or is it worst than they could have ever imagined?
Victor and Dawn's story is one I never saw coming, but when everything exploded, it was a true WTH moment for me. From the beginning I thought I had it all figured out and I couldn't have been more wrong which made for a intriguing read. My only complaint was the cliffhanger it ends with so I'm totally jonesing for book 2.
Profile Image for BooksChaosandTea.
123 reviews4 followers
March 17, 2021
Whyyyyyy 😭

I clicked on this book after seeing a giveaway on goodreads, by the author. I started it today at lunch and had the worst time; not sneeking to read while at work. The minute I got home, it was me and this book until the end. I can not wait, for the next book. Thank goodness it comes out in 2 weeks. The story is unexpected. It grabs you and keeps a hold of you the entire time. Great story and amazing writing.
Profile Image for Jeanna-Has Probably Read It!.
222 reviews
March 12, 2021
Ok, so I pre-ordered this book and when it came I told myself. I said, "Jeanna, you are going to wait to read this. You are not going to read this nonstop. You will read slowwwwwly so that you can savor the moment." Well, let's just say I couldn't sleep and at 12:30 am I was up reading the dang book. 5 hours later... (In SpongeBob's voice) In my defense, the book was really good. From the very beginning, this book had me hooked. First, I have to say I've always loved how Theodora brings in real life situations into her stories. Triads, bullies and violence, oh my. Basically, it's not all gooey fairy tale stuff.

Ok, so the things that I loved about the book. 1. Main character, Dawn, is bilingual and knows ASL. Love that. 2. They are in Japan...ooh adventure... sure beats being here in TX. 3. They worked up their way to loving each other and didn't just jump on each other. Some stories will have you like dang can they go out to dinner first? 4. And, last but not least, Victor was a total badass.

Now what I didn't like is this. 1. The controlling parents. OMG these kids were 18 and their parents were still telling them they were grounded. I was like um ok. They were giving me flashbacks woooh. Ok, well in their defense they were still in high school. But I digress. 2. The betrayal from her father was awful. Plus, she was a crappy gf. Like how did Victor give up everything for her and she didn't do the same for him? When her dad showed up with those agents, she should have showed her a*z for Victor. Like she just rolled over to please her dad. WTH?! But we all knew that Victor would be back...I was waiting and Ms. Theodora did not disappoint me. Victor was like "You're mine, in case you forgot, so let's go get this marriage."

Now, who do you think is up twiddling her thumbs waiting on the next story? Me and April 1st needs to hurry up. Theodora knows she could have put these 3 stories all in one book. Over here singing Jodeci Feenin for 2 more books to come out. Ugh.

Dangit...I should have taken my time....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Brittany.
458 reviews11 followers
March 6, 2021
4.5 stars!

I need to first start by saying wow!! This is my first book by Theodora Taylor and I am so impressed. I went into this book completely blind, the only thing I knew was this was a Mafia romance. That’s it! I loved it!
This is the first book I’ve ever read based in Tokyo and my first interracial couple where the MC is Chinese and I must say I want more books like this!! I fell in LOVE with this couple. I rooted for them from the very beginning and instantly liked both characters.

Before I go further I need to first talk about the writing. I wasn’t 100% sure at first if I was reading a YA or a NA book. The writing is spot on for how teenagers think and feel. I’m not talking the fake innocence that other authors try to make their characters. No these characters are so well written that Dawn and Victor feel like real teens with real problems. Dawn has an innocence about her that reminds me of myself at that age. The insecurities of being a foreigner, over weight, and the young innocence, even the pressure to please your parents, it all was very relatable.
Even Victors insecurities were relatable. I loved that he was different than most male leads in Mafia books.
The story does has a very YA feel in the beginning but progresses as the story grows.

I did not realize this was going to be a series and that kinda took me by surprise. I thought this was going to just be an “on the sweeter side” standalone book. I kept waiting for more “mafia” type stuff to kick it, and it does. This just isn’t your typical mafia book, this is Chinese mafia so it’s a little different, but also very refreshing.

I really love how this story grows and the characters grow and change throughout the book. I can tell the next one is going to be great and different. Our characters are not the same people at the end of the book as they were in the beginning. They are hardened and jaded in the end so I really can’t wait for book two.

I don’t want to give to much away with this book and really feel like going in blind is the best way to read it. I really enjoyed this book and am ready for the next. I am fully invested in these characters and their journey. I will definitely be checking out other books by this author in the meantime.


I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jessica.
18 reviews
March 11, 2021
Generally, I’m not a fan cliffhangers, but this Victor trilogy has me super excited! I definitely have something to look forward to for the next couple of months. I was up all night reading part one, and I spent way too much time the next day running through possible scenarios in my head for part two. Victor is such an intriguing character! I can’t wait to see how part two will unfold!

I absolutely love Theodora Taylor’s works. I’ve been hooked since 2011, and I’ve read every book she’s published at least three times. The Theodora Taylor Literary Universe (TTLU) is my ish! If you’re new to the TTLU, I’d suggest searching Theodora Taylor on Kindle Unlimited. There are some amazing titles available there to tide you over until the release of part 2.
34 reviews
March 11, 2021
Another great one from TheodoraTaylor!

This book took me through all of the emotions, anger, sadness, and I just found myself smiling while reading it.
Victor is a strong silent alpha who is afraid to show any weakness until he meets Dawn. As soon as it seems that their relationship is going smoothly there is a twist of fate, that leaves the reader on the edge of their seat;despartely wanting to know what happens next.. Theodora does what she does best and takes us on that rollercoaster ride of her storyline.
Profile Image for Liyah P..
392 reviews4 followers
March 2, 2021
ARC review: Man this book is some of Mrs. Taylor best work I really really enjoyed this book. We were first introduced to Dawn in Amber's story and the long wait for this was well worth it. This Traid series is about to be fire wooo child okay back to the story. Yes, this book is the beginning of the young love of Dawn and Victor. I'm going to have to come back a review it cause right now all I'm thinking is DAMN that was good. So stay tune for an update review.
Profile Image for Theodora Taylor.
Author 257 books2,198 followers
Read
December 7, 2024
Oh, the way Victor stays in my heart forever and ever. This couple slammed into my head during a multi-day hike through "the Twilight Forest" in the Pacific Northwest (Washington State, USA). Thanks goodness, I'd brought a notebook with me. Lol! This trilogy ended up being written during the pandemic in California, Barbados, and finally, Maryland. I'll never forget this one-of-a-kind couple. Or the beautiful experience of taking them with me on so many huge moves.
Profile Image for Amour.Rebelle.Reads (Bran.d).
1,294 reviews12 followers
March 11, 2021
This is my first Theodora book & WOW! I loved it so much. Drama, intrigue, loyalty and first love💕 Victor & Dawn are so sweet together…until her dad screws her over! Gah that ending!!! I need book 2 ASAP!
Profile Image for Andrea Silveira.
29 reviews4 followers
March 12, 2021


Well, Theodora is one of those
authors that lets you drop everything you're doing and everything you're reading, to enjoy the new release. And girl, it's just nice, dramatic, and incredible. This book has a very serious but extremely intoxicating character. Of course, this story was already expected, when we had a glimpse into the best story I have ever read, and look that I am that reader who reads at least twenty books a year. But I find myself re-reading Luca and Amber, at least one more time since it was released, and this year was no different. But also as a group, I'm looking forward to the story of Dr. Olivia Glendaver, (I even dreamed of it). What to expect then? Freak out through the scenes of the next chapters, and try not to end your nails, with Victor and Dawn's story.
Profile Image for Soma.
483 reviews58 followers
March 5, 2023
They were young when they found each other. I wasn't prepared for teenage love in a mafia romance.

Victor was a boy that couldn't talk but was a groomed son of a Dragon Head of the chinese mafia. His childhood story is one that we get somewhat of a taste of. The horrors that he faced is one that is heart breaking.
Dawn is really not happy at all. She's not living the life she wants instead she is living her Mom's life, the one the mom never got to live. I am thoroughly pissed off at her parents. Her father no matter how self righteousness his cause was, he used her in a fowl way. He trafficked his own daughter.
Pissed that Dawn has no backbone. She was willing to runaway and stay with her boyfriend and attend the college of her choice with a scholarship no less. But she does not do it, especially after her dad blatantly and without shame used her. Just on the strength of that she should have continued on with what was left of her choice for a future.
Profile Image for Toya  Davis-Stokley.
2,337 reviews78 followers
August 13, 2021
Well! I was not quite sure what to expect of Victor, but boy did he deliver! Dawn and Byron had a great sibling relationship. They held each other down, as they tried to make due with being immersed into Japanese culture. I loved the slow burn between Victor and Dawn, and I was curious as to why he didn't speak. It almost made my heart stop when I found out what happened to him, like what? Who does ish like that? Their young love was so sweet, and I hoped that they would get to America for college, before her father lost his mind. That twist with Dawn's dad, was mind blowing! 🤯 HUH?? Did not see that coming! My heart broke for both Dawn and Victor, as their love was so strong, and now they both have so much mistrust in the other; all due to things out of their control. That ending! Whew! Victor is a whole nother animal now! Can't wait to dive into the next book to see what happens! Great read! 👍👍👍
28 reviews
March 19, 2021
Wow!!!! It's 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

I loved Dawn and Victor story. Dawn was a fat girl that had no friends in Tokyo. Victor was a boy that couldn't talk but was a groomed son of a Dragon Head of the chinese mafia. Victor notice Dawn in one of the high night clubs in Tokyo one night. He attended with his father a meeting with the red diamond. Dawn was there, with her brother dancing and drinking. He was memerized of her innocence and ASL signing. Victor's Father notice his son distraction and confronted Victor. Victor told his father he wanted to learn ASL. Victor's Father confronted Dawn's father an arranged a meeting for lessons for Dawn to teach his son. Dawn's Father agreed and picked Dawn up from school out of the blue. He told her she would have to tutor a boy one of his boss associates son in ASL. Dawn and Victor built a form of friendship that eventually led to a relationship. Dawn's Father was not in a illegal crime as a bodyguard enforcer but something else. He setted Dawn up the whole time. He was working undercover as a informant to bring down the whole Red Diamond family including Victor and his Dad. Dawn was unaware of her father's intentions. Which she later finds out about much late. Victor blames Dawn and thinks she was just playing a role of acting like she loved and wanted a future with him. It is a must read. You have to read the book to find out why Victor thinks that about Dawn. I can't wait for the second book!!!
Profile Image for iselenris.
151 reviews3 followers
January 29, 2025
victor had me in the first half fr like what a man .. stood on business and did not play about her and now its looking… abusive so i will not be reading the rest of his books.

might tune into phantom tho
Profile Image for Rhonda Ziglar.
4,239 reviews41 followers
March 12, 2021
5 VICTOR STARS!! I devoured this book....it was so good. This is my first book by this author and it will not be my last. What a ride this story was and held my attention all the way through.
Profile Image for Charde Jackson.
546 reviews19 followers
March 13, 2021
OMG! Soo good!

When Theodora Taylor comes out with a book you know it is going to be good! And oh my wow! This book was sooo good! All the drama and angst and complex men that you can handle! I cannot wait for thr next book in this trilogy!!
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