Ruin Review

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 Michels 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.

5 Stars

***Mild Spoiler Alert***

Did this book Ruin me? No. Rachel Van Dyken totally tore my heart to pieces! Wow! I’m at a loss for words, so let me try to string together some coherent thoughts. I’m just…speechless!

Ruin is told in the dual perspective of Weston (Wes) and Kiersten. I love books like this. I love being able to get into both of the characters’ heads. However, sometimes it can get confusing if it isn’t done well. This isn’t one of those books; the author did an amazing job.

Kiersten has lost both of her parents and is living in depression. Her uncle urges her to go to college in hopes that she will start living again. She becomes fast friends with her roommate, Lisa. I loved Lisa. She’s spunky, fun, honest, quirky, and supportive. She’s everything that a lead’s best friend should be. Not only has Kiersten become friends with Lisa, but she’s also best friends with her cousin, Gabe. Gabe is everything Lisa is, but throw in sweet and protective and you’ve got a great and friend all rolled into a delicious tattooed package.  (Hint, hint Rachel Van Dyken…I totally wouldn’t mind ready a story about Gabe in the future.)

Kiersten and Wes stumble into each other’s lives with the intent of only being friends. She is dealing with depression and he has his own major issue to deal with. Kiersten comes up with a list to help her start living again and, of course, Wes enthusiastically agrees to help. And, like any great romance, they fall in love. As Wes’ love and friendship bring Kiersten out of her depression, his issue only grows and becomes more problematic to their relationship. It seems that love may not be enough to pull them through.

I cried my eyes out. I cussed. I was so close to throwing my Kindle (but thankfully refrained.) This book wasn’t anything like I was expecting. It’s a powerful, heartbreaking story about love and loss and the strength and healing that can be gained by them.

And after you read this amazing story, be sure to check out the extended prologue for Ruin by clicking here.

To stalk Rachel Van Dyken and to check out her other books, click the links below:

Amazon author page

Goodreads

www.rachelvandykenauthor.com

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Smashwords

In This Moment Review

4.5 Stars

In This Moment is such a wonderfully written book. It touches on a lot of issues such as death, depression, life, and love, but above it all, forgiveness is what lies at the heart of the book.

Aimee Spencer was in a horrific car accident in which she loses her best friend, Jillian. They weren’t just friends, but like an extension of each other. Aimee is trying to learn to live life again, but all the while she is plagued with the pain and guilt over the loss of Jillian. She knows she has issues and is unhappy, but it isn’t until Cole Everly comes into the picture that she realizes just how hollow her life really is.

Cole is the typical popular, good-looking, playboy athlete. He loves how his life is and almost prides himself with his player ways. Due to the dissolving of his parents’ marriage, he doesn’t believe in love and wants nothing to do with it. However, there is something about Aimee that draws him in and gets under his skin. He finds himself yearning to be close to her.

This isn’t your typical player falls in instalove with a troubled virgin New Adult novel. Aimee is not a virgin, and although there is an instant spark, it’s not love at first sight for them. They build up a relationship starting out as friends. As their friendship grows, they decide to take a chance on each other.

This story had me in tears as Aimee struggles with learning how to live again without her best friend. The lessons she learns and the heartache she goes through shattered my heart at times. But the characters growth throughout the story leaves you with a sense of triumph. As soon as I finished this book I quickly searched for other books by Autumn Doughten and did not hesitate to buy them. I can’t wait to see what other stories this talent author has to tell!

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