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Cruel
The past has made me a little fragile. Not like glass. More like a bomb.
Who knew breaking the law to bust a group of serial rapists would work out so well for us? The FBI has taken note, and now we're in their sights. In a good way! This is not what a hacktivist group like us would have ever expected to happen.
But, trying to manage college, our new chance with the feds, and my crazy love life? Yeah, it's a lot. Of course it can't be easy. Yet if we want to make sure this works out, then we're going to have to break a few more rules - because even the good guys need someone to protect them.
So when one of the few people to give me a chance is being dragged down for it? There's no way I'm going to ignore this. Maybe I'm going overboard, but that's my usual, right?
When push comes to shove, I will always be the one shoving. I will not lose anyone else. There's a reason we named our group Ruin. I just hope that trying to fight back won't destroy all the good things I already have.
I made the mistake of caring.
Now I'm waiting for it all to explode.
There are some situations in this book that may be jarring for some readers. Please check the front of the book via the "Look Inside" option for the Sensitivity Warning & Lifelines for further details.
Who knew breaking the law to bust a group of serial rapists would work out so well for us? The FBI has taken note, and now we're in their sights. In a good way! This is not what a hacktivist group like us would have ever expected to happen.
But, trying to manage college, our new chance with the feds, and my crazy love life? Yeah, it's a lot. Of course it can't be easy. Yet if we want to make sure this works out, then we're going to have to break a few more rules - because even the good guys need someone to protect them.
So when one of the few people to give me a chance is being dragged down for it? There's no way I'm going to ignore this. Maybe I'm going overboard, but that's my usual, right?
When push comes to shove, I will always be the one shoving. I will not lose anyone else. There's a reason we named our group Ruin. I just hope that trying to fight back won't destroy all the good things I already have.
I made the mistake of caring.
Now I'm waiting for it all to explode.
There are some situations in this book that may be jarring for some readers. Please check the front of the book via the "Look Inside" option for the Sensitivity Warning & Lifelines for further details.
- GenresContemporary
694 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 23, 2024
129 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 5, 2024
All over the place.
I gave this 4 stars because honestly I didn't think it was the best last book. For how big it was I expected more. 1st she doesn't even spend time with her other guys and yes in the story it's mention3d but even when she goes to bed she doesn't go to the other guys just allows Hottie in her bed. I found it rediculous. Also we didn't get any romance with Jynxy and Zoe. There was no drama I love drama angst. We don't even know how her moms doing. We barely got any romance in suck a large book. Yes I like smutt. Also there is no way teens would be able to talk to FBI people like that. Jeri irritated me. But i did love her I dont give a F about anything. But at the same time. I disliked the I don't care if they are with other people. And I guess that's why it's poly and not RH. Because RH wouldn't be like that. I love RH. Would of been nice to have more action as FBI informants since it passed for them. And also the ending leads an opening for what idk. Another book idk. Or another series possible but honestly most of the character in other books come before this one so doesn't make sense. So again idk. I confused with that ending. I really like Jason tho. I just dont know what to think of these character honesty the 2 guys were so about the girl at first and when they didn't have to hide that their were bi and into each other its like they were always together and once in a great moon with Jeri. Same with Jer and Hottie aka Grayson ( I love that name by the way) which left Ripper always alone. I felt bad for him the most. I'm just saying this book was all over place and with Tiff adding to the polycule. I just dont know to react to this one. I did however love the story and what they did to take on the system. So all I can is you'd have to read the series to understand and cone to your own conclusions.
I gave this 4 stars because honestly I didn't think it was the best last book. For how big it was I expected more. 1st she doesn't even spend time with her other guys and yes in the story it's mention3d but even when she goes to bed she doesn't go to the other guys just allows Hottie in her bed. I found it rediculous. Also we didn't get any romance with Jynxy and Zoe. There was no drama I love drama angst. We don't even know how her moms doing. We barely got any romance in suck a large book. Yes I like smutt. Also there is no way teens would be able to talk to FBI people like that. Jeri irritated me. But i did love her I dont give a F about anything. But at the same time. I disliked the I don't care if they are with other people. And I guess that's why it's poly and not RH. Because RH wouldn't be like that. I love RH. Would of been nice to have more action as FBI informants since it passed for them. And also the ending leads an opening for what idk. Another book idk. Or another series possible but honestly most of the character in other books come before this one so doesn't make sense. So again idk. I confused with that ending. I really like Jason tho. I just dont know what to think of these character honesty the 2 guys were so about the girl at first and when they didn't have to hide that their were bi and into each other its like they were always together and once in a great moon with Jeri. Same with Jer and Hottie aka Grayson ( I love that name by the way) which left Ripper always alone. I felt bad for him the most. I'm just saying this book was all over place and with Tiff adding to the polycule. I just dont know to react to this one. I did however love the story and what they did to take on the system. So all I can is you'd have to read the series to understand and cone to your own conclusions.
February 20, 2024
***4.0 Stars***
Overall,
Auryn and Kitty remain my favorite authors of all time. This one does start off a bit slow for me, I love this world and these characters, so just hanging out with them is never a bad time. I have been impatiently waiting for what comes AFTER all of the events that took place in the Gamer Girl and Shades of Trouble series. This book starts off with the polycule starting college and figureing out whats next for Ruin. They also get a big opportunity to do something that will potentially change their futures. I LOVE that we get way more Jason. There is a ton of character growth in this book, and it is very much character driven. All of the various relationships and how they work with each other is gold. Everything ties together pretty well at the end setting up for the next book in the series (which I cant wait for)
Recommendation,
I highly recommend that you read Gamer Girls and Shades of trouble before starting this series. While it is possible to read and enjoy the series alone, you will get SOO much more out of it if you read those two series before this one. This book has some romance and explicit scenes but that is not really the focus of it, The main focus is the relationships, dealing with trama of all forms, an accepting people for all their parts.
***I received an ARC from the authors of this book in exchange for my free and honest review***
Overall,
Auryn and Kitty remain my favorite authors of all time. This one does start off a bit slow for me, I love this world and these characters, so just hanging out with them is never a bad time. I have been impatiently waiting for what comes AFTER all of the events that took place in the Gamer Girl and Shades of Trouble series. This book starts off with the polycule starting college and figureing out whats next for Ruin. They also get a big opportunity to do something that will potentially change their futures. I LOVE that we get way more Jason. There is a ton of character growth in this book, and it is very much character driven. All of the various relationships and how they work with each other is gold. Everything ties together pretty well at the end setting up for the next book in the series (which I cant wait for)
Recommendation,
I highly recommend that you read Gamer Girls and Shades of trouble before starting this series. While it is possible to read and enjoy the series alone, you will get SOO much more out of it if you read those two series before this one. This book has some romance and explicit scenes but that is not really the focus of it, The main focus is the relationships, dealing with trama of all forms, an accepting people for all their parts.
***I received an ARC from the authors of this book in exchange for my free and honest review***
June 12, 2024
Continuous adrenaline spike
When I discovered Shades of Trouble I was up for 36 hours devouring it. I moved straight to Gamer Girls and then to Flawed. From I jacked my system up because I was so invested in the series, my adrenaline stayed spiked. I wanted to know what was coming next, but I was also terrified of what was coming next.
When this book hit, I had to wait until summer break (I’m a school teacher) to read it because I knew I would get sucked back into Jericho and Ruin’s world. And I did. Moving on to college after the craptastic senior year and ridiculously crazy summer the crew had should have been a relief. But it wasn’t. It was filled with opportunity, discovery, recovery, and and a lot more of the polycule craziness expected.
The writing of this duo is hard-hitting and real. It pulls readers in offering them a look at characters who are real and Flawed, but not too far lost or gone. With multiple POVs and a masterful rising tension, this book reminded my why I went in so hard before. Cameos from previous series have me itching to dive back in for a re-read and let more time pass me by as I get caught up in some Texas sized craziness!
When I discovered Shades of Trouble I was up for 36 hours devouring it. I moved straight to Gamer Girls and then to Flawed. From I jacked my system up because I was so invested in the series, my adrenaline stayed spiked. I wanted to know what was coming next, but I was also terrified of what was coming next.
When this book hit, I had to wait until summer break (I’m a school teacher) to read it because I knew I would get sucked back into Jericho and Ruin’s world. And I did. Moving on to college after the craptastic senior year and ridiculously crazy summer the crew had should have been a relief. But it wasn’t. It was filled with opportunity, discovery, recovery, and and a lot more of the polycule craziness expected.
The writing of this duo is hard-hitting and real. It pulls readers in offering them a look at characters who are real and Flawed, but not too far lost or gone. With multiple POVs and a masterful rising tension, this book reminded my why I went in so hard before. Cameos from previous series have me itching to dive back in for a re-read and let more time pass me by as I get caught up in some Texas sized craziness!
March 14, 2024
No words...
I have no words for the ""ending"" of this series of books. I've re read all 3 series that crossover a few times and I enjoy them all over and over again. Hopefully I will end up reading them again due to a new release or 2 or 3, that'll deal with Jericho's last text.
For anyone who wants to see the evil (that exists in our digital and daily lives) get its day of Ruin please read the books written by Auryn and Kitty. Just be prepared for the emotional journey it will bring you on and Pay Attention to trigger warnings if you're susceptible.
Read ALL the books, they are worth it!
I have no words for the ""ending"" of this series of books. I've re read all 3 series that crossover a few times and I enjoy them all over and over again. Hopefully I will end up reading them again due to a new release or 2 or 3, that'll deal with Jericho's last text.
For anyone who wants to see the evil (that exists in our digital and daily lives) get its day of Ruin please read the books written by Auryn and Kitty. Just be prepared for the emotional journey it will bring you on and Pay Attention to trigger warnings if you're susceptible.
Read ALL the books, they are worth it!
February 19, 2024
When poly-cule means everything that is love in any kind of relationship, whether best friends, made family or lovers, then I want one too. What I love about these authors and the stories they tell is that they don't skirt the hard stuff. Their characters are "real" they have "real" issues. There aren't many contemporary novels I want to read, but these authors provide just that extra bit that always pulls me in no matter the genre. Now after binging this novel until the early morning hours, I have a book hangover and a desparate need for the next in the series.
February 20, 2024
This may be my favorite book in the series so far.
If you're someone who had a bit of a queasy feeling about the villains and what they did in the first 3 books, then this one is a tiny bit softer. Of course, Kitty and Auryn still don't hold back and definitely deal with some heavy topics. It just overall feels a bit lighter and the really heavy hitters only get unpacked towards the very end of the book.
Generally, I love seeing the growth of the characters. They feel real and lovable. Yay to bigger and better Ruin!
If you're someone who had a bit of a queasy feeling about the villains and what they did in the first 3 books, then this one is a tiny bit softer. Of course, Kitty and Auryn still don't hold back and definitely deal with some heavy topics. It just overall feels a bit lighter and the really heavy hitters only get unpacked towards the very end of the book.
Generally, I love seeing the growth of the characters. They feel real and lovable. Yay to bigger and better Ruin!
February 28, 2024
Holy.. whoosh..
Yes! I cried so much. Especially when Magenta called and Blaze showed up. My heart exploded. Don't get me wrong I love Riley and her crew. I adore the Flawed polycule. But I started with the Shades of Trouble and they hold a special place in my heart. I can't wait to see where this new challenge leads this family. Because let's be honest this is a family that has grown and evolved while not letting us forget where they came from. Not a single character has gotten lost.
Yes! I cried so much. Especially when Magenta called and Blaze showed up. My heart exploded. Don't get me wrong I love Riley and her crew. I adore the Flawed polycule. But I started with the Shades of Trouble and they hold a special place in my heart. I can't wait to see where this new challenge leads this family. Because let's be honest this is a family that has grown and evolved while not letting us forget where they came from. Not a single character has gotten lost.
March 10, 2024
beyond words
I cannot say enough good things about this duo. They bring the heat, the emotion, the hard hitting questions and the vulnerability. I love very series I’ve read (and I’ve read them more than once and will continue to do so) I love getting immersed in their world they have created. Every answer leads to more questions and you just want to keep going until the mystery is solved, but you realize you don’t want to get there because that means the journey has needed. Can’t wait to see what they dish out next!!
I cannot say enough good things about this duo. They bring the heat, the emotion, the hard hitting questions and the vulnerability. I love very series I’ve read (and I’ve read them more than once and will continue to do so) I love getting immersed in their world they have created. Every answer leads to more questions and you just want to keep going until the mystery is solved, but you realize you don’t want to get there because that means the journey has needed. Can’t wait to see what they dish out next!!
February 22, 2024
There were enough changes going into this book from where the last book ended, that it felt like at least the first half was world building again and the rehashing past events that authors do to help you remember how we got to this point. I would say it didn’t really pick up until the 60%, but when it did it was amazing as usual. Well written, well edited, no plot holes, and wonderful characters. Can’t wait to see what happens next. *Seriously though get that girl into some therapy 😂*
February 24, 2024
Amazing
This series keeps getting better.
This is the 4th book and starts a new arc for the main characters. We also see some cameos from other series and really well done.
I love all the characters in this. They are such fantistically imperfect and perfect at the same time. Jericho keeps growing throughout this book as well and it is a great thing to watch.
This is such a great series and I can't wait for the next book
This series keeps getting better.
This is the 4th book and starts a new arc for the main characters. We also see some cameos from other series and really well done.
I love all the characters in this. They are such fantistically imperfect and perfect at the same time. Jericho keeps growing throughout this book as well and it is a great thing to watch.
This is such a great series and I can't wait for the next book
February 24, 2024
Oh my!!! This was so good!
RUIN is not yet done with the KOG. They are on pause while the legal cases are finished up. However, new messages from Vyrus hint that he was behind KOG, and Jeri has yet to beat him.
There is a good bit of house drooling, at the place they get set up in. With some really great lines and quips added in.
Jason and Jeri both end up doing a lot of growing and developing through this book.
I look forward to seeing where the story goes.
RUIN is not yet done with the KOG. They are on pause while the legal cases are finished up. However, new messages from Vyrus hint that he was behind KOG, and Jeri has yet to beat him.
There is a good bit of house drooling, at the place they get set up in. With some really great lines and quips added in.
Jason and Jeri both end up doing a lot of growing and developing through this book.
I look forward to seeing where the story goes.
February 24, 2024
Cruel
Great book. I have read each of these series and they get more impressive as they go. I love how each series plays into and off of each other. Two of the best authors I have read in a while. This story brought everyone together. I know this is not the last the two of you will bring us.I can't wait to see what the gang will get into next. Please keep writing this series. Fantastic job!!
Great book. I have read each of these series and they get more impressive as they go. I love how each series plays into and off of each other. Two of the best authors I have read in a while. This story brought everyone together. I know this is not the last the two of you will bring us.I can't wait to see what the gang will get into next. Please keep writing this series. Fantastic job!!
February 25, 2024
This was an awesome book as well as a textbook for tolerance and friendship.
In some cases I thought there were too many discussions about the same thing until it finally "clicked", hence four stars. Also I would have prefered if the senator was condemned publicly purely due to rasism and corruption without having to go that far to get a HEA. Obviously this reflects the society but one can dream, right?
In some cases I thought there were too many discussions about the same thing until it finally "clicked", hence four stars. Also I would have prefered if the senator was condemned publicly purely due to rasism and corruption without having to go that far to get a HEA. Obviously this reflects the society but one can dream, right?
March 24, 2024
Powerful.
I couldn't stop reading this, stayed up all night. This 4th book in the excellent Flawed series was even more powerful than the previous books, and I loved those too.
A group of young people with amazing hacking skills, bring down a number of despicable vile men who abuse the vulnerable.
I loved this storyline, and cannot wait for a follow-up book, as this surely can't be the end, especially after the message Jeri received from anonymous...
I couldn't stop reading this, stayed up all night. This 4th book in the excellent Flawed series was even more powerful than the previous books, and I loved those too.
A group of young people with amazing hacking skills, bring down a number of despicable vile men who abuse the vulnerable.
I loved this storyline, and cannot wait for a follow-up book, as this surely can't be the end, especially after the message Jeri received from anonymous...
February 24, 2024
Always an adventure
This book was a fantastic addition to the series. It allowed us to follow ruin as they left high school behind, and coalesced into an unstoppable team. I can't wait to see what happens going forward, As they start this new journey And take on the new big bad that was introduced.
This book was a fantastic addition to the series. It allowed us to follow ruin as they left high school behind, and coalesced into an unstoppable team. I can't wait to see what happens going forward, As they start this new journey And take on the new big bad that was introduced.
February 28, 2024
review
Great book, amazing series. Fantastic job, as always. I loved this series and the other two set in this world. I look forward to reading any future books and/or series set in this world. I truly love how Auryn and Kitty make the reader see the characters face, and handle, real world problems in such a fantastic and vivid way.
Great book, amazing series. Fantastic job, as always. I loved this series and the other two set in this world. I look forward to reading any future books and/or series set in this world. I truly love how Auryn and Kitty make the reader see the characters face, and handle, real world problems in such a fantastic and vivid way.
February 29, 2024
So GOOD
I'm seriously hoping this isn't the last book in this series?? I mean . c'mon! I waited patiently or NOT so patiently for this book and don't get me wrong it was fantastic! But I want more!! Ugh! I'm not a hacker or anything like that but who doesn't identify with at least one of these characters?? SO GOOD!!!
I'm seriously hoping this isn't the last book in this series?? I mean . c'mon! I waited patiently or NOT so patiently for this book and don't get me wrong it was fantastic! But I want more!! Ugh! I'm not a hacker or anything like that but who doesn't identify with at least one of these characters?? SO GOOD!!!
March 20, 2024
Holy hell
Ok this series and book was a seat grabber. Like "where is the oh sh*t handle?", kind. It was fun, heartwarming and female empowered! There was alot of techn speak in the series but I was able to still follow along with the books. Lots of romance, friendship and melting moments too. So I am a fan and can't wait for more of the Ruin crew and Jericho!!!
Ok this series and book was a seat grabber. Like "where is the oh sh*t handle?", kind. It was fun, heartwarming and female empowered! There was alot of techn speak in the series but I was able to still follow along with the books. Lots of romance, friendship and melting moments too. So I am a fan and can't wait for more of the Ruin crew and Jericho!!!
April 4, 2024
3.0
I personally liked the book but I think the authors fell in love with their message and forgot the storyline. Too much sounded like preaching and for that I say shame on the editors to not rein it in and tighten up the words. Glad you gals write but keep it under 500 words please.
I personally liked the book but I think the authors fell in love with their message and forgot the storyline. Too much sounded like preaching and for that I say shame on the editors to not rein it in and tighten up the words. Glad you gals write but keep it under 500 words please.
April 26, 2024
Cruel, the fourth book of the A Flawed series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). The Flawed series is an off shoot of the Gamer Girls series. As always--fact action, intense situations, strong female characters and the men who love and support them. You can't go wrong with a Hadley-Cox collaborations.
February 24, 2024
Couldn't stop!!!
I absolutely love this series! I highly recommend anything by this author duo. The twists and turns keep coming and we get a little more insight with the characters POV chapters. I can't wait for more!
I absolutely love this series! I highly recommend anything by this author duo. The twists and turns keep coming and we get a little more insight with the characters POV chapters. I can't wait for more!
March 2, 2024
Another Excellent Work
Ruin is a polycule group of hackers set to make the world a better place. This next book continues the story but moves to college. Brilliant writing as always.
Ruin is a polycule group of hackers set to make the world a better place. This next book continues the story but moves to college. Brilliant writing as always.
March 9, 2024
Another brilliant read
Love this series! Love each of the members of Ruin, love all the supporting family and friends, love Crysis! Once again Auryn and Kitty have written a binge read that’s hard hitting, relevant and real. Solid 6 stars. Read now !
Love this series! Love each of the members of Ruin, love all the supporting family and friends, love Crysis! Once again Auryn and Kitty have written a binge read that’s hard hitting, relevant and real. Solid 6 stars. Read now !
March 12, 2024
Another Amazing Read
If this amazing duo wrote it, I’ll be reading it. I don’t care what the subject is. I know I will love it! This one ended with a major bang and a win for the Ruin crew, and it made me so giddy! I can’t wait for the next one!
If this amazing duo wrote it, I’ll be reading it. I don’t care what the subject is. I know I will love it! This one ended with a major bang and a win for the Ruin crew, and it made me so giddy! I can’t wait for the next one!
March 20, 2024
Gah! When a book has you in actual tears
Because of the feels, man! Such a great book! Love the tie ins with the other series, but I need more!! Want happy and healthy authors, but neeeed more of this world, please!! Amazing, must read series!!!!!!
Because of the feels, man! Such a great book! Love the tie ins with the other series, but I need more!! Want happy and healthy authors, but neeeed more of this world, please!! Amazing, must read series!!!!!!
September 23, 2024
Love this series
I can't wait for the next book! Everything about this series is so Hadley and Cox. The developed characters, the storyline that makes sense, the action and romance, its all top-notch.
I can't wait for the next book! Everything about this series is so Hadley and Cox. The developed characters, the storyline that makes sense, the action and romance, its all top-notch.
February 24, 2024
Definitely a great addition to the series!
February 25, 2024
💫4.5 stars💫
This whole series has been 5 stars and this one did not disappoint
This whole series has been 5 stars and this one did not disappoint
March 6, 2024
loved it!
The ups, the downs, all the feelings! Love the fact they achieved their goals and how it happened! Absolutely can’t wait for the next one’
The ups, the downs, all the feelings! Love the fact they achieved their goals and how it happened! Absolutely can’t wait for the next one’
March 16, 2024
Great series
I have enjoyed this heartfelt adventure of group of young hacker that not hacking for fun but trying to save the internet from hurting the young and venerable.
I have enjoyed this heartfelt adventure of group of young hacker that not hacking for fun but trying to save the internet from hurting the young and venerable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews