It’s the morning after reading Ruin and my face hurts from a 3 hour cry fest. From the Prologue to the very last page, Ruin is filled with emotion. Rachel made this book come alive with humor, tragedy, love, and pain. Ruin is a triple threat. It made me cry, swoon, and smile with laughter. I can’t remember the last time it took me just 5 hours to read an entire book. I was so consumed with the story that I didn’t even make dinner for my family. It was a sucky mommy moment (thank goodness for my husband!) but I just couldn’t put it down. When I picked up Ruin, I was expecting a bad boy meets good girl storyline. And while that is a part of the storyline, in my opinion, it’s not what makes Ruin so special. What made Ruin so special to me is Wes Michels. He makes this book shine in a sea of typical bad boy meets good girl books.
Kiersten is just 18 years old but she never came across to me as a young girl. Her soul felt older and I think that’s because she has dealt with more at 18 than most people do by the time they are 30. Depression and anxiety have limited her short life but that doesn’t stop her from branching out, going to college, meeting new people. And it sure doesn’t limit that girl’s sense of humor! She’s brave, funny, and genuine without being obnoxiously immature. She has just the right amount of self-doubt for an 18 year old, which was refreshing. She has a good heart and you see it shine. Her emotional walls were believable and not overly complicated, considering the trauma she’s still trying to move on from. In fact, I was surprised at how quickly Wes was able to knock them down.
I’m not sure where to start in regards to Wes. He broke my heart. He may have been a bad boy in the past, but now he’s all heart, feelings and emotion. Mr. Star Quarterback is so much more than just a hot jock. You can tell very early on that everything isn’t okay with him. By the time you figure out why, you’ve already fallen so in love with his sweetness and smart ass nature that you just don’t want to believe that this might not have a happily ever after ending. To see someone so strong and alive silently struggle, just shreds you. Life really can be unfair, but Wes’ attitude and outlook on his future gives us a glimpse into a soul that is brave and loving.
Wes gets Kiersten to open up emotionally in such a natural, beautiful way. He just gets her, her fears, and her insecurities. He doesn’t want to conquer her, he wants her to live and grow and be happy. It’s a selfless kind of love, the kind that not everyone gets to experience. It’s the kind of love you root for, the kind you want to see win at all costs, and can shatter your heart into a million pieces when it’s threatened.
Ruin is, quite literally, an emotional roller coaster. You’re crying, you’re laughing, you’re having an anxiety attack from the loop de loops and then you’re laughing again. I think what makes this book special to me is the way it felt like real life. Even in tragedy, there can be humor. Just because life is unfair, doesn’t mean you can’t still live it to the fullest. It doesn’t stop you from fighting for what you want. It doesn’t stop time. My single complaint is the book cover. I don’t think it does the story justice. If I were to judge the book on the cover, I would say typical bad boy book (and I almost didn’t read it because of bad boy burnout). It doesn’t scream heartbreak. Had I just been browsing books and looking for a cover to grab my attention, this one wouldn’t do it. I guess the old saying is true, never judge a book by its cover.
My rating: 5 shouting from the rooftops ~ “You must read Ruin!!!” Stars
You can purchase Ruin on Amazon or Barnes & Noble
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About the Author:
Jen loves to read. She can’t stop herself. It’s become an obsession. She is in love with her husband, kids, iced coffee and books. Jen lives in beautiful Colorado but is originally from the West Coast.
Wow, this sounds like just the sort of book I would read. I will definitely be checking this out on my next book run. Great review!
“I almost didn’t read it because of bad boy burnout!”
That is EXACTLY what I thought when I looked at the cover, I mean – we’re not supposed to judge books by their covers … but cheese is cheese. And I am sooo tired of the modern spin of the whole damsel in distress/good girl and bad boy thing. I will have to check this one out when I have a few moments.
As of right now, Ruin is only 99 pennies!
Congrats to Rachel for making the NYT AND Wallstreet Journals Bestsellars lists with Ruin!!!
Love the way you reviewed this book! It made me extremely interested in it. I love being consumed in a great story. Not many can make you laugh and cry so it must be something special.
Yes, we must be careful in judging. I saw the cover, the title and thought, oh yeah another book about a good looking guy who ruins some girls life. One that one the shelf I would overlook. With your review I would read it.
This sounds like a fantastic book something I would definitely really enjoy – I’m off to see if I can download it 🙂 Thank you x
I’ve stopped judging books by their covers. I’ve picked up books for my Kindle that looked amazing that turned out to be duds. This does sound like one I would love to pick up. Thanks for the review.
This sounds like a book I need to read–five stars and makes us experience a variety of emotions? Definitely putting this one on my list.
What a GREAT review. You made me want to read this book to see what happens.
I can’t believe a book of this depth and character is only $.99, a true bargain for someone seeking a getaway.
I’m awful at judging books by their covers (please slap my wrist, heehee), so these types of reviews are so helpful when picking out books xx
That really looks like a book I could get into. Im gonna have to get it!
I absolutely LOVE books that can bring me to tears….I know it sounds strange but if a book is written well enough to do that then it is a GOOD book. I will have to check this out it sounds like a book I would really enjoy and probably one I would read when I am alone. (My husband and son don’t understand how a book can make me cry…lol).
I couldn’t read this review without strong emotions. Good post.
I like the books that touch your emotions like that, thank you for sharing!
I love that this book elicited so many emotions from you. Whenever a reader engages with literature in this way, you can tell it is bound to be a good read.
Thanks for another good review Jen. 🙂
I would like to say that I am so envious that you have the time to read. I always thought that when my daughter was grown, that I would have more time to read, but it hasn’t happened yet.
This book sounds pretty good!
Great review! I hate books that are one-dimensional (ie. all laughs, all drama, all smut), but this one sounds different. Books are supposed to take us on a roller coaster ride, so I think I’ll give this one a go. 🙂 I’m sure I’ll be thanking you after I read it!