What would you do if you had to betray the people who taught you the true meaning of freedom?
When cornered, I turn against the Tailors, the four men who taught me the true meaning of love and who own me in a way that no one else ever has. Though they forgive me, we soon discover a new danger stalking us, one that threatens to tear us apart. As we fight for survival, we must confront the ghosts of our past and the monsters that lurk in the shadows.
Will our bond be strong enough to withstand the ruin that awaits us?
Addicted to the Ruin is the second book in a dark contemporary romance duet, where love is love and our girl (and guys) end up with more than one love interest. Swords will cross. You need to read Addicted to the Pain first.
Rosa Lee lives in a sleepy Wiltshire village, surrounded by the beautiful English countryside and the sound of British Army tanks firing in the background (it’s worth the noise for the uniformed dads in the local supermarket and doing the school run!).
Rosa loves writing dark and delicious whychoose romance, and has so many ideas trying to burst out that she can often be found making a note of them as soon as one of her three womb monsters wakes her up. She believes in silver linings and fairytale endings...you know, where the villains claim the Princess for their own, tying her up and destroying the world for her.
If you’d like to know more, please check out Rosa’s socials or visit
Let me just begin by confessing the Dead Soldiers vs Tailors duet was my surprise breakout of the year so far. This series…we’re talking utter heartbreak, the most excruciating betrayal, and top tier spice that will completely destroy you (in the best way). Pain and Ruin were the first two novels I’ve read by Rosa Lee, and she has secured herself a spot on my short list of one-click authors. These books are simply incredible.
Addicted to the Ruin begins right where we left off in Addicted to the Pain, where the consequences of Lark’s actions begin to unfold. And it’s tough to watch. The first quarter of the book is filled with moments that will crush your soul, dear reader, so be prepared. As this is a sequel, I don’t want to talk about the plot much for fear of spoilers. But I will say that character growth takes center stage, and the journey Lark and her Tailor boys embark on is one filled with agony and passion in equal measure.
Throughout the pages we witness the devastation of finally having the light brought into a life of darkness, only for it to be snuffed out once again. Where demons of the past find their way home to brutally destroy everything in their wake. However, compared to its predecessor, this book is one of forgiveness and healing, traveling down the path of most resistance and emerging stronger – and changed.
Lark is an absolute badass and her boys let her know so with the way they idolize her and worship her body. And, mannn, do they worship her body…in all the ways. Aeron, Jude, Knox and Tarl, despite the betrayal, show her nothing but respect and gift her the love she’s been lacking the entirety of her life. I love this quintet to pieces, and I’m really sad to say goodbye to them.
There were a few different pieces falling into place towards the end of this book, and I’m excited to find out which road Rosa will lead us down next. This is a desperate plea to all you dark romance lovers out there: you NEED this duet in your life, so please please please consider reading it. You won’t regret it.
There’s short 300 page books and there’s long 300 page books. This was long (derogatory). The plot is a disaster. I was tempted to DNF at 32% and I should have just trusted my gut because it did not get better. The spice is good but there’s a lot going on (blood play, incest elements, DP). I think the spice was written and then plot was sloppily written to piece it together. I was skimming the last 30% just to finish this out of spite
This book was a little exhausting. Everything is extreme circumstances and high drama all the time. IIt helps that they bounce back from trauma and physical injuries so easily, I suppose.
This deliciously steamy conclusion to The Tailors story has taken me on a rollercoaster... again! I liked it. I began to dislike it (looking at you, Tarl!). And then I bloody loved it.
These characters are just beautiful, inside and out. Jude is by far my fave. He is all of my naughty fantasies, dressed up with a giant bow, and ready to be unwrapped!
And those little teasers of the Knights, and Rook, and The Fallen - please tell they're next, I need their story!!
As always, thank you Rosa! ❤️
(I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review)
I cannot with Rosa. She has such a great way of making me so invested with every character. Is it spicy? Yes Will I still want to hear more from these characters? Yes. I already know what happens when Aspen meets them a little while on the time line but its like I need her to just update me bimonthly on what is happening..
•4.5⭐️ •Dark Romance •Enemies to Lovers •Why Choose •⚔️ Crossing •Age Gap (10 years) •Sexu@l Assault/R@pe •Possessive/ObssessiveMMCs •Betrayal •Praise and Degradation •Breeding Kink/Pregnancy •Fast Burn •🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
Addicted to the Ruin is the second book in the Dead Soldiers VS Tailors Duet. It continued right where the first one left off. With overcoming the betrayal and heartache. I'm not gonna sugar coat this.. The beginning of this book had me choked up. Lark, my god, she went through it with a brutal assault. Her guy's couldn't do a thing about it either except watch because they were locked in a cage across from her. Her abuse was pretty extensive 😔. After she came through they vowed even more to unalive anyone and everyone that has ever harmed her. There's more betrayal but you're going to have to read the book to find out what it is! This isn't a slow burn. It's a FAST BURN. It's hot, and I loved every second of the spice.. seriously 😅. Please check your TW before diving into this duet. You're mental health matters!
Addicted to Ruin book two of a duet is an emotional end to a dark macabre story, filled with action, betrayal, declaration of love and devotion. After the devastation of Addicted to the pain's ending we find that the Tailor boys and Lark are playing the waiting game. A leader change to the Dead soldiers is the best option. After they all find some resemblance of peace. The past catches up to one of the Tailor boys, and Lark is the crossfire. The Tailor boys are growly, possessive, and head over heals for their songbird. Beautiful declaration of love and healing. Book 1 was darker and more macabre, but book 2 brought a beautiful closure to this story, and for that, I would definitely recommend these books. It's one long story split into two. A lovely happy ever after and the possibility of off shoot stories are endless, and I, for one, am looking forward to the future of Rosa's books
Fun and quick read! Full cast audiobook with an exceptional dark romance cast of favorites: Teddy Hamilton, Michelle Sparks, & Troy Duran 🔥🥵 Very spicy. Also lots of TW ⚠️ so please be aware before you read!
YALL. I CANNOT DEAL. This duet has knocked me right on my ass. I said it once and i’ll say it again Rosa Lee managed to get ALL of my favorite tropes rolled up into one dark romance roller coaster and I am a puddle on the ground. I live for a dark, why choose romance and ”Addicted to the Ruin” was exactly what I needed wanted and what I needed. Everything you could ever want in a FMC and MMC is there — slightly unhinged but defensive and loyal as hell — fast driven plot with the spice the match, and an ending to end all endings. I was addicted to the pain but I am more addicted the the ruin. I AM ruined, but in the best way!
At the start of book 2, we are popped back into the world of the Tailors and Soldiers just after a shocking twist (you’ll just have to read book 1 to find out) that left the Tailor boys in total shock and Lark in MAJOR trouble. They’re locked in the Soldiers compound and every second that goes by it gets worse and worse. Lark is thrown back into her role as the Soldiers Darling, the boys are beaten and starved, but when Doc comes to check on Lark, the story shifts and the lives of the Tailors and the Soldiers depend on what the group does next. Lark loves her dark and twisted band of boys and even though she messed up big time, they forgive and loyally love her back. BUT, will that be enough? What happens when a past life comes back to haunt the group? Will they make it out alive? Lark isn’t so sure but her men sure as hell are.
“Addicted to the Ruin” was one twist after another — I mean I thought book 1 had me in a tizzy! I am just obsessed with Lee’s writing style, the characters, the spice, the pace of the story, just everything. I could gush on and on about how much I loved and needed the Dead Soldiers vs Tailors duet in my life. For all those readers out there who are semi-trigger-less, live for a fiesty FMC and dangerously unhinged MMCs, this duet is for you. Don’t sleep on this one yall! My only hope is there is more to come from this universe!!! I want more of the Tailor brothers. Period.
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️ Spice: 4/5 🌶️
Tropes: ☠️ Enemies to Lovers ☠️ Mafia/MC romance ☠️ Dark romance ☠️ Why Choose romance ☠️ ⚔️ crossing
Triggers: 💥 Mentions/scenes of sexual assault 💥 Dub-con scenes 💥 Mentions of child neglect and abuse (physical, mental and sexual) 💥 Graphic torture scenes ���� BDSM 💥 Breath Play 💥 Blood Play
Talk about anxiety!! Here I am, reading away and thinking omg things are coming together... wow, Lark is finally getting her happy ever after... then realising I'm only half way thru the book. Like WTF, this has all happened too quick, which means sh!t is about to go down! Then I'm sat, riddled with anxiety, just waiting for it to hit the fan. And it did. Boy did it. But then, at long last, our girl and her guys finally, FINALLY get their happy ending (in more ways that one 😜). I so enjoyed this duet. It made me laugh and cry. Definitely recommend 👌 🖤
Had to read this right after the first book with that cliffhanger ending.
I’m glad that no one died during their escape from the Soldiers and that the father and his right hand man got the torture they deserved. It was a pleasure reading their downfall indeed, especially with Rook killing their father and Lark ending his right hand man once and for all. I’m glad that the boys didn’t hold the betrayal against her and saw it from her POV which helped a lot in her earning their forgiveness.
I was quite surprised to see the story switch to Tarl’s past all of a sudden and how it came to haunt him later on. I’m glad that it ended well, though it was a bit anticlimactic and it felt kind of short? I do wish we were able to know more about the other Tailor boys’ pasts in more detail in order to build up their characters. I am happy though that they finally have a child (wishing that we got a sneak peek in an epilogue with the child).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Much better than the first book. It felt like two separate stories that were haphazardly slapped together. The whole Tarl plot line seemed to come out of no where.
WHAT DID I JUST READ!!!!!!! AND WHY DID I LOVE IT!!!
Much like I predicted, this book hit way harder than book 1. The depth of the darkness just kept getting more and more wild, and the hits just kept coming. The plot and drama in this book just don't stop!!! Along with tons of spice. TONS! I don't even understand how the spice fit in between all the action and seriousness that this story started hitting on as I read, but it just made me love it more!! I have to say, though, that this still felt very Den of Vipers, but darker... way darker situations and emotionally triggering. If Den of Vipers were broke into two parts, this book would be starting after Roxy had gotten kidnapped, and everything got super action-packed.... but again... still way darker considering the situations that happen to the FMC in this book versus DOV. They have such similar reverse harem plots, characters seem very similar, but honestly, this book is still so much of its own story and vibe and way more intense. Even considering some people would say this writing is kind of bad or sloppy, it's so intense and twisty and dark and feral that I didn't even care. I was so committed to the Tailors... Even though she spelled their name, Tailors, to Taylors, several times throughout, lol. The audacity slapped too hard to stop!!!
Book 2 picks right up at the cliffhanger we were left at in book 1 and immediately starts putting you through it. I didn't think it could get worse for Lark, but this poor girl just keeps taking hit after hit. She has really put her and the Tailor boys in a bind with her choice, in attempts to save her brother Rook from their dads gang, and you get drug through the trenches reading through the situations they go through to survive being all captured together. It's wild! It's so bad at times that I was taking big deep breaths and had only one eye open! It was traumatic!!!! But I kept going. There were a lot of hard moments, but the action and suspense is so heavy you can't stop!!! It's so gut-wrenching rough.
There was more than one high stress situation to this book, though, and right when I thought we made it through the wilderness and survived... BAM! ANOTHER ONE! And we are tossed back into chaos and intensity that had me SHOOK!!! SHOOKETHED! There were some verbal zingers in this book... my GAWD! Some mic drops that had my eyes bugging! Like... I couldn't believe what I was reading what this man said to her!!! That end situation had the bottom drop out of my stomach!! OBSIDIAN!! COME ON! *IYKYK
The characters become more loveable in this book, and the interconnected relationships between everyone most certainly get steamy over.. and over...and over. There is so much spice in this book alongside heavy heavy abuse, and the dichotomy is CRAZY!! IT'S SO FILTHAAAAY! And in some very creative ways. But also some really fun dialog and interactions laced in between the pure carnage of this dark romance.
I really struggled at the beginning of this series, and it was really messy for a while. I was worried I would struggle finishing book 1 and wouldn't even read book 2, but then I couldn't get to book 2 fast enough! There are some messy things about the writing, but the story was so entertaining that I don't even care. This was such a high impact series, and I am now adding more of her books to my TBR!!
***You need to read Addicted to the Pain before you read this second book. If you skip the first book, you will be completely lost in trying to figure out Book 2. They cannot be read out of order.
Possible triggers in the series include, but are not limited to: Self-harm; sexual and physical assault; attempted rape; childhood sexual assault; graphic torture; child abuse and neglect; manipulation and narcissistic behavior; drug addiction; mental health issues; violence from the harem to the MFC (to avoid a worse fate for her); blood play; air play; BDSM and kink scenes; graphic sex scenes. Be AWARE that when the author said "Graphic"...she meant GRAPHIC! Don't read either book unless you are prepared for what's to come.
Addicted to the Ruin, Book 2 of the Dead Soldiers vs Tailors duet, was about 22-year-old Lark Jackson, 32-year-old Aeron Taylor, the heir to the Tailor name and a dark devil, 22-year-old Jude Taylor, the second in line and mad as a box of frogs but sexy as f*ck, 30+-year-old Knox Johnson, the tall glass of water with the need to rescue and protect, and 30+-year-old Tarl Ahmed, the Tailor Inquisitor with mismatched eyes, but a healer at heart.
This story began with a flashback to ten years before Book 1 took place, but it then picked up where Book 1 left off. It was a brutal look into the life the heroine suffered at the hands of her father and his men, and it was NOT pretty.
The angst, drama, and heartbreak were all OTT. This girl's memories weren't the stuff dreams were made from, but rather nightmares. The author did not sugar-coat anything, leaving very little to the imagination of the reader.
Once again all of the main characters were fully developed, and their maturity level grew from Book 1. Each one had something they needed to overcome, and it was interesting to see how each one handled it as they did.
While this is not the type of story I would normally read...in fact, it's just the opposite, because I tend to avoid such books...I can't say I'm sorry I read this duet. Some would call it "a dirty pleasure", but I won't go as far as that. I will admit that I seemed to need the darker side of romance from time to time, so reading these two books would fulfill that little-known desire...until next time, right?
Once again, I will give this a five-star rating, and it will join its predecessor in my Keeper for the Shelves collection...to appease my innermost, albeit darker, nature.
first before i forget i wanted to say how much i loved how rosa added what is happening iran as someone from the middle east and how much i love my culture people don’t see the good they see the bad parts about how iran is doing with the women and young girls wearing hijab but for tarl to still be him and speak his language in book. it shows that there’s still good in the cultures even when their is someone who tries to ruin it with religion and culture going head to head and ruining religions and cultures that are loved.
anyways okay so when lark is taking into a seperate cage from the guys and knox is mad at her but tarl knew something was coming because he forgave her before the them leaving the house he knew he was walking into something. aeron was mad but he forgave her. she was assuaged in front of them by dean. She later had to get stitched from being ripped open. the doctor that was taking care of her told her that adam the head tailor jude’s father said he was coming and not to worry. the doctor helped them stay together during their time trapped by the dead soldiers. a week passes by and her father takes her out of the cage and tells her to get ready the father wants his son larks brother to assault her or she dies and than he dies the guys break in before that happens when their dad comes to their rescue. but rook doesn’t do it. adam takes rook under his wing and they get to safety. tarl than gets kidnapped and they take lark too the people that kid panned him are the ones that killed his family for being rebels. they try to get to tarl to confess who the other rebels are by torturing lark. after lark has healed he tells her to go back to her mental state so she’s upset and than she realizes he has a olán they escape after tarl kills the soldiers and ashrin the man who killed his family. than they get out and go back home and adam goes to iran with the boys to save them and snuggle them back home. they all get mad at knox because he put her in danger and than forgive him. you meet in this book the fallen group and lilly and her knights are on their second child which is something. come christmas time lark is pregnant!
i can’t wait to see what rosa lee rights next waiting for book 3 of the shadows and the fallen is book!
For those who love: • Multiple POV • Why choose • Mafia romance • Dark romance • Revenge plot • Enemies-to-lovers • Fast burn • MM ⚔️
The hype over this duet is justified! I absolutely love a dark why-choose mafia romance and this did not disappoint. Lark and the Tailor men were everything you could hope for in a badass FMC, and four unhinged MMCS. Despite everything they have been through, the five of them are strong beyond words. Their loyalty to family and later to each other was heartbreaking. I am in awe of Lark’s strength, and only wish I could be as strong as she was. The suffering and abuse she sustained at the hands of her father was unbelievable; but through everything she kept the strength to go on. The enemies-to-lovers trope is very strong in this duet. From opposing crime families, this Romeo and Juliet-esque story literally started with the Tailors torturing Lark for information. But like all good dark romances, love (and lust) is born during the darkest circumstances. And who couldn't help but fall for Aeron, Jude, Knox and Tarl! The multiple POVs allowed me to fall for each of the Tailor men and showcase their differences. These books were SPICY! I mean set your panties on fire and make you question your life choices spicy. The spice starts from the very first chapter of Pain and continues until the end of Ruin. I was so worried when the spice started early that the plot would fade into the background, but I was thankfully very wrong. The fast-paced plot stayed very prominent and was super engaging. I highly recommend giving Pain and Ruin a read if they sound like your cup of spicy tea. Please note that these are dark! While mafia romances usually have some level of violence, this duet has on-page scenes of violence, torture and abuse (physical and sexual), so please check the trigger warnings before starting.
Oh, and let's not forget about this kick-ass dedication - "I dedicate this book to all the readers out there who aren't afraid to let their fictional (and real) boyfriends rail them hard and fast. Who demand excellence from the cock that they ride, and who don't worry about their weight when they sit on someone’s face. If he can still breathe he ain't doing it right!”
"My overnight bag sits on the bed— I assume the butler bought it up maybe— and so I go over to it, grabbing out a book and deciding to get lost in another world for a bit."
Getting lost in the Tailor's world was a wild ride with so many delicious twists and turns.
This book starts off right where the last one ended. We meet Lark and the boys at the soldiers HQ after shit hits the fan. I was so confused about why Lark did what she did but reading her explanation soothed the burn a little bit, just like it did for the boys. The beginning of the book was a bit rough to get through. My heart broke for Lark and the boys but you really get to see something beautiful come out of something so awful.
Lark has really been through hell and back. Holy crap does she have a story. It just got more and more depressing as the books go on but seeing how the boys help heal her trauma was a special thing. The author did an incredible job writing the relationship Lark has with each one of the boys. I felt the love they had for her and her for them in return.
Aeron and Jude's father became one of my favorites. Without giving too much away, you really see him come full circle and it was heartwarming to read them all come together.
One of my most hated tropes of all time was done in this book and I didn't hate it! The author wrote it into the storyline very well. I wasn't thrilled but I came around to it 🤷
I wish the scene with Tarl and Lark was longer! You'll know what I'm talking about when you read it. It was so built up and gut wrenching but ended rather quickly. I wish it was drawn out a bit more. I was also left wanting more from Aeron and Lark after that scene at the big house.
There was definitely less smut in this one than the previous book but I enjoyed the story nonetheless. The smut in this book was written well just like the first one. Plenty of sharing which I'm always thankful for 😏 I am hoping we get a spin off series with The Fallen 👀 I will be keeping my eyes peeled for that!
Thank you Rosa Lee for allowing me to read your book as an ARC. I will continue to share my love for your books🥰
ARC from Author - NO spoilers! Dark 18+ Contemporary RH Mafia Romance, Dead Soldiers vs Tailors Duet Bk 2 - Conclusion! ***Please read the Content Warning as this Duet will not appeal to all***
This picks up immediately from where Addicted to the Pain left off and the tight grip the story arc has your heart and emotions in does not let go til the last line, I inhaled this in one hit and my eyes are on stalks this morning!
The angst continues along with more betrayal and revelations, your heart breaks and mends and then wavers again but always there is starlight.
The characters are rich and believable, full of flaws and unwavering love along with retribution and atonement. World building brutal and dark but within reason.
My only slight niggle is that I would have liked a little more verbal one on one down time between Lark and her Boys. Adored the Tailors especially Jude but felt we knew him more.
The Spice is so well written and in character for each, doesn't overpower the story but it is HOT.
The traumatic elements penned powerfully but with care and the aftermath, with respect; superbly done and I not ashamed to say I cried.
Some new characters were introduced and I am deeply intrigued by The Fallen, they call out to me so I am hoping they will feature in a new series with perhaps a brief update on how our current Harem are doing.
Cannot say more for fear of spoilers but an amazing Duet which I strongly recommend from an Author who delivers quality every time, guaranteed!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
TRIGGERING, PAGE TURNER, STEAMY& FOREVER THE TAILOR’s BIRD!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️5/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️5/5
Rosaa FECKING LEEE!!!! Way to shatter my heart within the first couple pages! My phone almost didn’t make it. I had to not only remind myself that I needed it but also that it’s the only phone I have to not chuck it across the room and shatter it into a million pieces like you did my soul when you did what you did to Lark. That was so brutal!
On to another note, book two picks right back up where book one left off. Right in the middle of the cluster fu€k that Lark put them in. As the story moves along Lark seems to finally gets the justice she hoped one day to get as well as keeping her promise to her mom. While dealing with the aftermath of the events that unfolded, Lark’s trauma&ptsd has finally caught up with her in full. Struggling to keep a steady normal life with her men they come to yet another bump in the road towards their happiness! I mean DAMN IT they really can’t catch a break!!
Action packed, and MAN oh MAN did the spice get even crazier, s3xier, steamier!!! These men sure do know how to please and tease! With happy steamy times also comes heart aching scenes. This book was a rollercoaster and I loved every page of it! I recommend to those that don’t have many to no triggers. It does get brutal within the first couple pages!
Rosa Lee, you are brilliant and you continue to amaze your readers with your work. The worlds that you bring to life are great, raw, real and we love them. Thank you for allowing us to dive into this story and letting us love & hate your characters.
"Addicted to the Ruin" by Rosa Lee, the thrilling conclusion to the Dead Soldiers vs. Tailors duet, is a dark romance that had me hooked from start to finish. 💔🔥
Lark, the resilient protagonist, finds herself in a heart-wrenching situation, and her unwavering connection with the Tailor Boys, Aeron, Jude, Knox, and Tarl, is pushed to its limits. This book doesn't pull any punches; it's intense and emotionally charged as the characters face external threats and their own dark pasts. 😰🌪️
Rosa Lee's storytelling immerses you in their struggles, reminding us that love and loyalty can conquer even the most dire circumstances. 💪❤️
If you're a fan of dark romance and why-choose stories, this duet is a must-read. Be prepared for some intense moments and heed the trigger warnings, but if you're up for a wild, spicy, and emotionally gripping ride, this series won't disappoint. The characters are unforgettable, and the plot keeps you turning pages late into the night. 🔥📚
"Addicted to the Ruin" expands the world Rosa Lee has created, making it essential for fans of this genre. Don't miss this unforgettable journey that'll leave you yearning for more. 🌟💬 #DarkRomance #WhyChoose #AddictedToTheRuin #RosaLee #BookReview
Series Status: Duet - complete Smut Type: Dark, why-choose Trigger Warnings: Self harm; suicide; sexual & physical assault; rape; attempted rape; recounting of CSA; graphic torture; child abuse and neglect; breeding fuckery; BDSM; graphic sex scenes Kinks/Tropes: AlphaHole; Why Choose; forced proximity; BDSM; MM; dub-con; breath play; blood play Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spicy: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
The second book of this duet is rough right out the gate. Picking up from the cliffhanger in Addicted to the Pain, we do get into some content that may be triggering. It hit one of my "prefer to skip" scenarios, and it was hard. My pathological aversion to DNFing a book won over the ick of the beginning, and I continued on. Triger warnings at the end.
Overall, this was a good conclusion the set, and I was surprised by the direction it took. At the end, I did feel like we were forced into a "Meet the other harems" moment, possibly from other books. It felt a little heavy handed.
I found this book to be overall more enjoyable and better than the first. The characters had more definable growth and self-reflection. Still frustrated by the lack of therapy, but its consistent. Still no massive emotional ups or downs, I never felt as connected to these characters as I have in other novels.