The star quarterback of the Giants, whose life was defined by the burden of caring for his own alcoholic father. Having vowed never to allow drunks back into his world, his initial attraction to Arianna instantly curdles into hostility when he learns of her past. Deep Themes and Emotional Resonance
Reviewers highlight Arianna as a strong, non-doormat heroine. Her refusal to hide from her mistakes or make excuses for her past is the catalyst for Ares eventually seeing the "real Ari".
Are you interested in a deeper look at the in the series, Ruin , or perhaps a character breakdown for Ares’ brothers? REVIEW: Rush by Samantha Towle
The novel has gained significant traction on platforms like , where it is celebrated as a "phenomenal" entry in contemporary romance.
Critics and readers from Relentless Romance and GoodBadAndUnread praise Towle for her "brilliant storytelling" and "addictive" prose. While the book is noted for its "scorching hot" romance, it is equally recognized for its somber, tear-jerking moments regarding loss and addiction. Some readers have noted the author's British influence occasionally peeking through the American setting, but generally find the character development—particularly Ares' "grovel"—to be highly satisfying.
The central tension lies in Ares' refusal to see past Arianna’s "drunk" label, fueled by his own childhood trauma. The narrative tracks his journey from being a "mean" antagonist to learning that people are not defined solely by their lowest moments.