Review ~ Ruin by Rachel Van Dyken

Title: Ruin
Author: Rachel Van Dyken
Series: Ruin #1
Genre: New Adult
Published: August 11th 2013





I'm not your typical girl. I've been running away from the memories that haunt me for so long that depression has become my only comfort. I was content in the darkness...until Wes Michals offered to be my light.

I didn't know that time wasn't my ally -- that every second that ticked past was one step closer to the end of something that was beginning to mean the end of myself. He tried to warn me. He promised me all he was able to offer--each moment as it came--but it would never be enough.

Sometimes when you think it's the end, it's only the beginning. Wes thought he could save me, but in giving me everything, he ruined me. Because after one kiss, one touch, I couldn't--I wouldn't ever be the same.

And from that moment on, his heartbeat became my own.
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I have been slightly pressured by Itara @ My Midnight Fantasies to read this series, so I snapped it up in a 99c box set sale and I gave it a whirl. Ruin was the perfect beginning to the series, and seeing the friendship between Kiersten and Weston develop into something deeper, was really sweet.

Ruin is told from alternation POV’s between Kiersten and Weston and I loved seeing the depth to both of their stories. They each have demons in their pasts that affect how they are today, but together they have found courage to face them. I liked seeing Kiersten take matters into her own hands and created a list of things to accomplish, and Wes was eager to help her with it.

Wes’s secrets weren’t revealed straight away, but I had an inkling of what was happening with the little hints dropped throughout the story. When it was in the open, it was still heartbreaking and it affected all the characters. Wes didn’t let it get him down, and was determined more than ever to make Kiersten his girl.

The secondary characters introduced were fantastic too; cousins Lisa and Gabe were great friends for Kiersten, and in the end Weston too. They helped Kiersten when she was in a panic and looked out for her when necessary. Gabe was protective of Kiersten and confronted Weston and they grew their own friendship, which Weston desperately needed. I look forward to reading their stories in the next books.

I could tell that Ruin was a difficult book to write because it touched on personal issues that shatter lives every day. I think that Rachel Van Dyken did a fantastic job of piecing Kiersten and Weston’s story together. She builds realistic characters that will get under your skin. There are many sweet moments in this story, but no actual sex scenes, but I think this particular story didn’t need them. The character development and the emotional story line was enough for me. I’m keen to read Gabe’s story, and I hope to do so soon!!



Other reviews featuring Rachel Van Dyken
The Bet series
The Bet #1

20 comments:

  1. I've read a few of her books too and I agree she does build realistic characters. Great review Naomi. I'll have to check this one out.

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  2. Thanks Sharon, I look forward to reading more of her work. Hope you get to this one!

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  3. I've not heard of this book before, but it does sound interesting. I am glad you liked it so well :)

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  4. I just wish listed this puppy for tbr reading time.

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  5. I definitely want to read this series, just to see how it compares to her Eagle Elite series (which I have been ever so slightly fanatical about...) Great review!

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  6. I read Ruin awhile a go, and it surprised me with how good it was. I need to read the other books. I'm so glad that you liked this.

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  7. I'm glad you enjoyed this one! I do wish I could have gotten into it, but it happens. :)


    Lovely review!

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  8. aww I do love a good set of supporting secondary characters, always add something to the story!

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  9. Thanks! I did like it. Would like to read more of her series.

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  10. It was a good read. I hope you get to it sometime

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  11. It does happen, not always for everyone!!

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  12. It does! I thought that they were all great in this one!

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  13. I love books which are told from alternating POV. Gives you a good insight to both characters. Great review, Naomi. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this one.

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  14. Van Dyken is good at creating characters that draw you in to their stories. I'm glad you enjoyed Ruin. I'll have to give it a whirl sometime. :)

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  15. I have heard great things about her Elite series, that is one I want to try

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  16. Ahh reader girl peer pressure. Gotta love it. lol I have her on my tbr pile for one day. They do look good :D

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