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Ruined
Going to Eredia Academy, university for Elemental Mages, is not even close to being on the list of things Indigo Jalen wants to accomplish in her life. But when she somehow scores a scholarship to obtain a Certificate in Magic, it's not the credentials that hold her attention, it's the fact that not only will her living expenses be paid, but also those of her family back home - and it's more than she could provide herself.
Making the best of the situation with as much grace as she can muster (which in honesty isn't all that much), Indi makes her way to the Academy, intending to keep her head down, make no waves, and get the Certificate in record time so she can get back to her real life as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, Indi gains the attention of the Lords of Eredia - four men who will stop at nothing to make her life at the Academy as unpleasant as possible. Eryx, Theon, Mace and Bentley Sinclair make no secret of the fact they want her to suffer, and the old adage 'keep your friends close and your enemies closer' takes on a whole new meaning when the men move her into their shared dorm under the guise of auditioning her for their Sept.
And then people start to turn up dead all over the campus...
Will Indi survive long enough to get her Certificate? Or will she have to run home with her tail between her legs?
The Eredia Academy Duet is a Paranormal Poly Romance. The FMC enters a pre-existing relationship with four men, and doesn't choose between them. Please check Gemma's website for content warnings / shopping list.
Making the best of the situation with as much grace as she can muster (which in honesty isn't all that much), Indi makes her way to the Academy, intending to keep her head down, make no waves, and get the Certificate in record time so she can get back to her real life as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, Indi gains the attention of the Lords of Eredia - four men who will stop at nothing to make her life at the Academy as unpleasant as possible. Eryx, Theon, Mace and Bentley Sinclair make no secret of the fact they want her to suffer, and the old adage 'keep your friends close and your enemies closer' takes on a whole new meaning when the men move her into their shared dorm under the guise of auditioning her for their Sept.
And then people start to turn up dead all over the campus...
Will Indi survive long enough to get her Certificate? Or will she have to run home with her tail between her legs?
The Eredia Academy Duet is a Paranormal Poly Romance. The FMC enters a pre-existing relationship with four men, and doesn't choose between them. Please check Gemma's website for content warnings / shopping list.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 8, 2024
22 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Gemma Black
8 books16 followersGemma Black is a dedicated teacher by day, but when the sun sets, the handcuffs come out and she becomes a paranormal romance author.
Gemma has always loved vampires, shifters and magic – and these days, the dirtier the story, the better! She loves writing books that explore the
boundaries of love, fate and magic, where the heroine always gets what she needs.
When she’s not writing, Gemma reads like a fiend, drowning herself in all kinds of romance stories when she really should be sleeping. A certified
introvert, Gemma spends most of her time with her husband and three kids, dragging herself to the footy when the occasion calls for it.
Gemma has always loved vampires, shifters and magic – and these days, the dirtier the story, the better! She loves writing books that explore the
boundaries of love, fate and magic, where the heroine always gets what she needs.
When she’s not writing, Gemma reads like a fiend, drowning herself in all kinds of romance stories when she really should be sleeping. A certified
introvert, Gemma spends most of her time with her husband and three kids, dragging herself to the footy when the occasion calls for it.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 9, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
" Little fox, i want to make you scream."
Academy for elemental mages, 4 popular and powerful men, a curvy FMC.
I enjoyed reading Ruined, where the FMC attends an academy for the gifted. Here is where she meets a friend and 4 powerful men.
But not all is what it seems. Trouble has reached the Academy grounds.
Please check content & trigger warnings
Your mental health matters.
Some of these include..
⭐️MM/MM/F
⭐️Academy
⭐️Elemental magic
⭐️ Bully
⭐️Forced Proximity
⭐️ 💀
⭐️Voyeurism
⭐️body shaming (not by MMC's)
⭐️Kneeling
⭐️Collar/leash
⭐️Knife play
⭐️impact play
⭐️Blood play
⭐️BDSM
⭐️Enemies to Lovers
⭐️Exhibitionism
" Little fox, i want to make you scream."
Academy for elemental mages, 4 popular and powerful men, a curvy FMC.
I enjoyed reading Ruined, where the FMC attends an academy for the gifted. Here is where she meets a friend and 4 powerful men.
But not all is what it seems. Trouble has reached the Academy grounds.
Please check content & trigger warnings
Your mental health matters.
Some of these include..
⭐️MM/MM/F
⭐️Academy
⭐️Elemental magic
⭐️ Bully
⭐️Forced Proximity
⭐️ 💀
⭐️Voyeurism
⭐️body shaming (not by MMC's)
⭐️Kneeling
⭐️Collar/leash
⭐️Knife play
⭐️impact play
⭐️Blood play
⭐️BDSM
⭐️Enemies to Lovers
⭐️Exhibitionism
July 3, 2024
"🔥 'Ruined': A Spellbinding Academy Romance that Leaves You Craving More! 📚"
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read on KU
Just devoured "Ruined: Eredia Academy: One" by Gemma Black and wow, what a ride! 🎢✨
Indigo Jalen reluctantly enters Eredia Academy, a university for Elemental Mages, on a scholarship. Her plan? Keep her head down and graduate ASAP. But the Lords of Eredia - Eryx, Theon, Mace, and Bentley Sinclair - have other ideas. These four hottie troublemakers turn Indi's world upside down, moving her into their dorm under the pretense of "auditioning" her. Oh, and did I mention people are turning up dead on campus? 😱🔮
Quick thoughts: This book is addictive! 📚💖 The characters are so relatable and distinct. Mace, the lovable psycho with a blood kink, totally stole my heart. He falls hard and fast, and it's adorable! The plot keeps you guessing, and that ending? WHAT??? 🤯 I need the next book like yesterday!
Fair warning: This isn't your typical fluffy academy romance. It's got edge, mystery, and some deliciously dark elements. If you like your magic with a side of mayhem and steamy tension, this one's for you! Can't wait to dive into the next installment! 🔥🏫
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read on KU
Just devoured "Ruined: Eredia Academy: One" by Gemma Black and wow, what a ride! 🎢✨
Indigo Jalen reluctantly enters Eredia Academy, a university for Elemental Mages, on a scholarship. Her plan? Keep her head down and graduate ASAP. But the Lords of Eredia - Eryx, Theon, Mace, and Bentley Sinclair - have other ideas. These four hottie troublemakers turn Indi's world upside down, moving her into their dorm under the pretense of "auditioning" her. Oh, and did I mention people are turning up dead on campus? 😱🔮
Quick thoughts: This book is addictive! 📚💖 The characters are so relatable and distinct. Mace, the lovable psycho with a blood kink, totally stole my heart. He falls hard and fast, and it's adorable! The plot keeps you guessing, and that ending? WHAT??? 🤯 I need the next book like yesterday!
Fair warning: This isn't your typical fluffy academy romance. It's got edge, mystery, and some deliciously dark elements. If you like your magic with a side of mayhem and steamy tension, this one's for you! Can't wait to dive into the next installment! 🔥🏫
July 16, 2024
Indigo was selected to attend the prestigious Eredia Academy to learn how to best use her magic… but what she doesn’t know is who selected her, or why … but she knows she has an opportunity to help her family, so she accepts the invitation, and the associated financial assistance her family desperately needs. Who cares who chose her?
The Sinclair ‘brothers’ are the king pins of Eredia - a mated quartet, and they have reasons for wanting Indigo close. Their influence here is without limit, and their malice drives every choice they make when it comes time to her…
A fabulous roller coaster of why choose action, intrigue and academia with the bonus of my fave tropes enemies to lovers (but then what??!!!) and forced proximity. I adore the complexity of the magic system and social structures of this world, and cannot wait to see where book 2 takes us!
The Sinclair ‘brothers’ are the king pins of Eredia - a mated quartet, and they have reasons for wanting Indigo close. Their influence here is without limit, and their malice drives every choice they make when it comes time to her…
A fabulous roller coaster of why choose action, intrigue and academia with the bonus of my fave tropes enemies to lovers (but then what??!!!) and forced proximity. I adore the complexity of the magic system and social structures of this world, and cannot wait to see where book 2 takes us!
June 7, 2024
Hold Your Breath
Wow
This had me hooked.
Indi is offered a scholarship at a magic academy and can’t turn down the bonus it means for her family.
But another family the Sinclairs all have their eyes on her and they set out to enact some revenge.
Indi is blackmailed into joining their Sept and it’s not long before they are all reaping the benefits.
But a spate of murders with strong magic forces behind it has everyone on edge.
There are some very spicy scenes but also some fade to black.
The friendship between Indi and Anya needs to have more story time.
Indi’s individual relationships with each of the guys is different and unique.
There is also some good comedic lines.
I really enjoyed this story but felt parts of it missed clarity.
Wow
This had me hooked.
Indi is offered a scholarship at a magic academy and can’t turn down the bonus it means for her family.
But another family the Sinclairs all have their eyes on her and they set out to enact some revenge.
Indi is blackmailed into joining their Sept and it’s not long before they are all reaping the benefits.
But a spate of murders with strong magic forces behind it has everyone on edge.
There are some very spicy scenes but also some fade to black.
The friendship between Indi and Anya needs to have more story time.
Indi’s individual relationships with each of the guys is different and unique.
There is also some good comedic lines.
I really enjoyed this story but felt parts of it missed clarity.
August 30, 2025
2025:
"Sure, you guys are hot, and I'm not blind...but you're also, and forgive me the blunt honesty here, fucking nuts."
Ruined was an absolute whirlwind.
The spice was spicing and the slow burn was burning and I for one, am here for it.
Half the time, I couldn't decide if I loved or hated the Sinclairs - their sociopathic tendencies certainly keeping the readers on their toes.
I found myself constantly trying to work out where the overall story was going; I could see the cliff hanger coming so while I wasn't surprised there, having those suspicions confirmed, I still have absolutely no idea where the second part of this duet will lead our ragtag group.
"The Sinclairs would have you so tied up in knots that when they eventually broke you, you'd probably thank them for it."
"Sure, you guys are hot, and I'm not blind...but you're also, and forgive me the blunt honesty here, fucking nuts."
Ruined was an absolute whirlwind.
The spice was spicing and the slow burn was burning and I for one, am here for it.
Half the time, I couldn't decide if I loved or hated the Sinclairs - their sociopathic tendencies certainly keeping the readers on their toes.
I found myself constantly trying to work out where the overall story was going; I could see the cliff hanger coming so while I wasn't surprised there, having those suspicions confirmed, I still have absolutely no idea where the second part of this duet will lead our ragtag group.
"The Sinclairs would have you so tied up in knots that when they eventually broke you, you'd probably thank them for it."
June 28, 2024
Wow. What a cliffhanger when you go to a new school just because you got a scholarship and all these twists happen
January 27, 2025
When Indi receives a full ride scholarship to Eredia Academy, she plans to keep her head down, get her certificate, and go back home to be with her family. However, those plans were ruined when she came across the Sinclair Sept, Eryx, Mace, Bentley, and Theon. These men had it out for Indi and planned to break her before sending her right back to her family in pieces as revenge.
Although things don't seem to go to plan for the guys and the murders happening on campus under their noses, keep piling up. What will they find, and will Indi be able to accomplish her grand plan?
This duology was really fun and enthralling to read. With a twist at the end of the first book that keeps you in suspense and a strong FMC that might just be the perfect match for all 4 of the Sinclair Sept.
Trigger Warnings / Shopping List is not to be ignored in these books. Bullying, violence, blood play, knife play, spanking, breath play, etc. Enough to keep even the most hungry of readers happy.
Ratings:
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 /5
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 /5
Ruined + Ruthless - Eredia Academy - by Gemma Black
Although things don't seem to go to plan for the guys and the murders happening on campus under their noses, keep piling up. What will they find, and will Indi be able to accomplish her grand plan?
This duology was really fun and enthralling to read. With a twist at the end of the first book that keeps you in suspense and a strong FMC that might just be the perfect match for all 4 of the Sinclair Sept.
Trigger Warnings / Shopping List is not to be ignored in these books. Bullying, violence, blood play, knife play, spanking, breath play, etc. Enough to keep even the most hungry of readers happy.
Ratings:
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 /5
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 /5
Ruined + Ruthless - Eredia Academy - by Gemma Black
January 7, 2025
Ruined is a beautiful and original storyline that you don't read much in pnr settings. I loved the revenge dynamic between the characters.
Indi is a tough, capable woman with curves to kill for. She doesn't believe she is "worthy" in a sense but there's no overbearing whiney-ness from her about it, she just accepts it for herself which I feel is a lot more relatable than crying about it that you see in so many curvy romances.
The men are diverse and great for her. Over the course of the book, their relationships develop beautifully. Each of them needing her for their own reasons.
Fave Character is Mace...for reasons.
"𝙄'𝙢 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙨𝙤 𝙙𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙮 𝙨𝙠𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙧𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙪𝙨, 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙩𝙤."
The ending was perfect! Absolutely loved it.
RATING: 4.5 ⭐
SPICE: 3 🌶️
Indi is a tough, capable woman with curves to kill for. She doesn't believe she is "worthy" in a sense but there's no overbearing whiney-ness from her about it, she just accepts it for herself which I feel is a lot more relatable than crying about it that you see in so many curvy romances.
The men are diverse and great for her. Over the course of the book, their relationships develop beautifully. Each of them needing her for their own reasons.
Fave Character is Mace...for reasons.
"𝙄'𝙢 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙨𝙤 𝙙𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙮 𝙨𝙠𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙧𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙪𝙨, 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙩𝙤."
The ending was perfect! Absolutely loved it.
RATING: 4.5 ⭐
SPICE: 3 🌶️
June 9, 2025
When I picked this book to read it was thanks to a book club bingo, to say I loved it would be a understatement, indi goes to a new school after receiving a scholarship where she ends up being blackmailed by 4 men who want her as they're slave. She falls in love with the men and they do her too but circumstances don't agree, I picked up book 2 as soon as I finished because girl, what was that ending?
definitely recommend giving this a read and supporting our girl gemma with her books, I promise you won't be disappointed
definitely recommend giving this a read and supporting our girl gemma with her books, I promise you won't be disappointed
March 9, 2024
Not for me 40%
Maybe I missed the warning for M/M/M/M without the heroine involved at all. It just kind of threw me as it was at the beginning of the book. I don't think I'd even gotten a feel for the heroine as it seems what I read focused more on the boys.
The main loss of stars here for me was the feeling of being disconnected from the heroine it is supposedly a RH. It's hard to particularly care which way when the effort is put more into the mean boys and smut.
Maybe I missed the warning for M/M/M/M without the heroine involved at all. It just kind of threw me as it was at the beginning of the book. I don't think I'd even gotten a feel for the heroine as it seems what I read focused more on the boys.
The main loss of stars here for me was the feeling of being disconnected from the heroine it is supposedly a RH. It's hard to particularly care which way when the effort is put more into the mean boys and smut.
June 12, 2024
I enjoyed this book so much but definitely check your trigger warnings. Bullying, violence, blood play, knife play and so many more. A magical Academy that Indi gets accepted to where there are 4 hot guys ( Mace, Theon, Eryx and Bentley) who have it in for Indi who is a curvy FMC. The spice throughout the book is so well done and I loved the storyline. The ending what the hell I have sooooo many unanswered questions. I need the second book.❤️🖤❤️🖤
January 25, 2025
An intense ride, full of mystery, danger and spice.
When Indi starts at Eredia Academy all she wants to do is keep her head down, get her certificate in magic and leave. However that proves to be impossible when the 4 most powerful men have their sights set on destroying her from the moment she walks through the gates. Can Indi survive Eryx, Theon, Mace and Bentley Sinclair? Or will she prove to be more of a challenge than any of the Sinclair's were expecting?
When Indi starts at Eredia Academy all she wants to do is keep her head down, get her certificate in magic and leave. However that proves to be impossible when the 4 most powerful men have their sights set on destroying her from the moment she walks through the gates. Can Indi survive Eryx, Theon, Mace and Bentley Sinclair? Or will she prove to be more of a challenge than any of the Sinclair's were expecting?
September 1, 2025
Story/Plot: 4⭐️
Spice: 3.5🌶
Darkness/Triggers: Death/Murder, Knife/Blood Play, Degradation/Praise Kink, BDSM etc.
Overall Rating: 4.5 (but I don't want to award a 4, so 5⭐️ it is)
I really enjoyed this. A bit predictable, but I love the banter and connection between the characters (and the sex scenes were great). Ended on such an odd cliff-hanger, like - the cat's out of the bag, but you have to wait for the next book to get everyone's reactions.
Luckily I have the next book.
Spice: 3.5🌶
Darkness/Triggers: Death/Murder, Knife/Blood Play, Degradation/Praise Kink, BDSM etc.
Overall Rating: 4.5 (but I don't want to award a 4, so 5⭐️ it is)
I really enjoyed this. A bit predictable, but I love the banter and connection between the characters (and the sex scenes were great). Ended on such an odd cliff-hanger, like - the cat's out of the bag, but you have to wait for the next book to get everyone's reactions.
Luckily I have the next book.
April 15, 2025
Wow
Omg I loved this book a girl going to magic school just wanting to pass only to be caught up in something she never new to be trashed for something her brother had done to keep her sanity she played along but things changed she found out what her brother had done and the boy's realised they liked her that they couldn't do what they had planned then something happened
Omg I loved this book a girl going to magic school just wanting to pass only to be caught up in something she never new to be trashed for something her brother had done to keep her sanity she played along but things changed she found out what her brother had done and the boy's realised they liked her that they couldn't do what they had planned then something happened
June 10, 2025
This was my first book by Gemma Black and OMG! I absolutely devoured this book!
Academy, Magic, feisty FMC, mystery murders and why choose… what else can you ask for! If it was me I know I wouldn’t choose either! All men are different and there is something about all of them as individuals that you just can’t help but love and want yourself!
Now to dive into book 2!
Academy, Magic, feisty FMC, mystery murders and why choose… what else can you ask for! If it was me I know I wouldn’t choose either! All men are different and there is something about all of them as individuals that you just can’t help but love and want yourself!
Now to dive into book 2!
June 4, 2024
The only thing I disliked about this book is that the second book isn't out yet and I have to wait for it.
The phrase "um, kinking unlocked I guess" is going to be used in my day to day life from now on.
LOVED LOVED LOVED.
The phrase "um, kinking unlocked I guess" is going to be used in my day to day life from now on.
LOVED LOVED LOVED.
June 4, 2024
THAT CLIFFHANGER
What an absolutely incredible read! I DEVOURED this book. I loved the group dynamic. It was so different to everything I've read before. I am also obsessed with India. I knew she was a baddie! Cannot wait for book 2
What an absolutely incredible read! I DEVOURED this book. I loved the group dynamic. It was so different to everything I've read before. I am also obsessed with India. I knew she was a baddie! Cannot wait for book 2
January 23, 2025
If you enjoyed Dark Fae/The Ruthless Boys of Zodiac series then this will be right up your ally. Was a good read and a very spicy one as well. In true me fashion Mace is my fav and I don't know what that says about me but oh well. Looking forward to reading the next one.
August 29, 2025
Could be a good series, but the author can’t keep up with who’s POV she’s writing, so it leaves you confused as hell.
As for the magic academy I think you hear about them using magic twice… why not just make it a human academy. Could have been a good theory/book but the execution was rubbish.
As for the magic academy I think you hear about them using magic twice… why not just make it a human academy. Could have been a good theory/book but the execution was rubbish.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2024
Soooo.... when's the next book? 🤣
June 28, 2024
This book took me a little to get into but once I did I found it to be an enjoyable read. I did predict the cliffhanger, however, I am definitely interested to see where this story is going to lead.
It's set in a college setting where attendees are there to master their magic. Indi is determined to keep her head down & get her Certificate, however, the Sinclair sect - who are the Lords of Eredia - have other ideas for her. Keeping your friends close & enemies closer.
For me this book could have used another edit as there were some spelling, grammar, etc mistakes.
Some of the themes/tropes in this book are:
*Unaliving
*Bully Romance
*Knife Play
*Manipulation
*Possessive MMC's
*MM
It's set in a college setting where attendees are there to master their magic. Indi is determined to keep her head down & get her Certificate, however, the Sinclair sect - who are the Lords of Eredia - have other ideas for her. Keeping your friends close & enemies closer.
For me this book could have used another edit as there were some spelling, grammar, etc mistakes.
Some of the themes/tropes in this book are:
*Unaliving
*Bully Romance
*Knife Play
*Manipulation
*Possessive MMC's
*MM
January 10, 2025
Can't wait
Great story building can't wait to see what happens in the next book and hopefully answer a few unanswered questions
Great mix of spice thrown in aswell
Great story building can't wait to see what happens in the next book and hopefully answer a few unanswered questions
Great mix of spice thrown in aswell
January 19, 2025
It took me a bit to get into this book but once I did I was hooked ! I can’t wait to read the next one!!!!
June 9, 2025
New girl at the magical school gets involved with the biggest assholes in the school.
The boys have their secrets and she has hers. But maybe if they were honest with each other they would find out that they have more in common than they first realise.
The boys have their secrets and she has hers. But maybe if they were honest with each other they would find out that they have more in common than they first realise.
September 30, 2024
Solid 3.5
August 7, 2025
Just sharing my thoughts — every reader’s experience is different! 💭📚
Starting this review by saying, we all have our own preferences when it comes to books, and this is simply my take on Ruined: Eredia Academy: One
Unfortunately, this one didn’t quite work for me. The story itself didn’t manage to keep my attention. I found myself constantly putting it down and picking it back up again. The plot was okay but felt like it was missing something, a deeper layer maybe? 🤷♀️
World-building was on the lighter side and I struggled to get a real sense of place or the magical academy setting. Speaking of the magic, for a school that’s supposed to be magical, the lack of actual magic use (due to some rule??) felt off. So physical fights = fine, but magic = restricted? In a magic school??
Indi, the main character, had me a bit puzzled. I think the author was aiming for a fiery yet submissive vibe (especially within the Dom/Sub themes) but that fire flickered in and out so much that I couldn’t get a grasp on her true personality. Most of the time, she was just kind of…there. Often getting pushed around or swept into things without much resistance. 🥀
As for the romance/chemistry, it went from zero to 💥real fast. If you’re into instant chemistry with little to no build-up (felt like that to me) and things getting spicy early on, this might be your thing. But for me, the relationship arc felt too rushed, and I didn’t feel the emotional connection behind the steamy scenes as much as I would like too. 🫠🔥 Like the 🌶️🌶️ was hot, not gonna lie on that, but it felt lacking to me for some reason. I can’t explain why other than I couldn’t really connect well with it 🫣😅
Also, the meet ups between Indi and the men were kinda cliche and I always think every time there’s a scene coming up between them “Yup, here we go again.” 😅 It wasn’t really subtle as everything felt predictable 🫣
Now, the revenge plot. I honestly couldn’t take it seriously. The idea of getting revenge on Indi’s brother by emotionally manipulating Indi who wasn’t even involved in what happened, just didn’t sit right with me. Like what? You’re wealthy, powerful, and resourceful and this is the master plan? It came off more petty than painful.
The pacing overall was fast, and sometimes it felt like info just popped up without proper buildup. There were moments where I caught myself going, “Wait, what?” The ending? Yep, saw that one coming. 🫢
All in all, it felt like 80% spice and 20% plot, but I might check out the next book just to see how things unfold.
Again, totally just my personal opinion, every reader connects with stories differently! If this sounds like your vibe, give it a shot. You might enjoy it more than I did ✨
Starting this review by saying, we all have our own preferences when it comes to books, and this is simply my take on Ruined: Eredia Academy: One
Unfortunately, this one didn’t quite work for me. The story itself didn’t manage to keep my attention. I found myself constantly putting it down and picking it back up again. The plot was okay but felt like it was missing something, a deeper layer maybe? 🤷♀️
World-building was on the lighter side and I struggled to get a real sense of place or the magical academy setting. Speaking of the magic, for a school that’s supposed to be magical, the lack of actual magic use (due to some rule??) felt off. So physical fights = fine, but magic = restricted? In a magic school??
Indi, the main character, had me a bit puzzled. I think the author was aiming for a fiery yet submissive vibe (especially within the Dom/Sub themes) but that fire flickered in and out so much that I couldn’t get a grasp on her true personality. Most of the time, she was just kind of…there. Often getting pushed around or swept into things without much resistance. 🥀
As for the romance/chemistry, it went from zero to 💥real fast. If you’re into instant chemistry with little to no build-up (felt like that to me) and things getting spicy early on, this might be your thing. But for me, the relationship arc felt too rushed, and I didn’t feel the emotional connection behind the steamy scenes as much as I would like too. 🫠🔥 Like the 🌶️🌶️ was hot, not gonna lie on that, but it felt lacking to me for some reason. I can’t explain why other than I couldn’t really connect well with it 🫣😅
Also, the meet ups between Indi and the men were kinda cliche and I always think every time there’s a scene coming up between them “Yup, here we go again.” 😅 It wasn’t really subtle as everything felt predictable 🫣
Now, the revenge plot. I honestly couldn’t take it seriously. The idea of getting revenge on Indi’s brother by emotionally manipulating Indi who wasn’t even involved in what happened, just didn’t sit right with me. Like what? You’re wealthy, powerful, and resourceful and this is the master plan? It came off more petty than painful.
The pacing overall was fast, and sometimes it felt like info just popped up without proper buildup. There were moments where I caught myself going, “Wait, what?” The ending? Yep, saw that one coming. 🫢
All in all, it felt like 80% spice and 20% plot, but I might check out the next book just to see how things unfold.
Again, totally just my personal opinion, every reader connects with stories differently! If this sounds like your vibe, give it a shot. You might enjoy it more than I did ✨
June 2, 2025
This was my first spicy magical element book!
The story follows a curvy, blue-haired introvert who has mysteriously been selected for a scholarship at an Academy where (unbeknownst to her) her brothers sworn enemies attend, and run the school.
They have sworn to lure her in and ruin her.
I went through stages in the book - the first few chapters I was like omg damnnn
I hadn't realised it was a reverse harem, but the spice is THERE!
Midway through, I felt like I wanted more of a focus on the magic side of the story and each individuals powers, but got saturated in smut. (That's not necessarily a bad thing, if you know - you know e).
I just feel like there was such potential with how intriguing the elemental powers were beginning to sound, but it could go into more depth in the second book Ruthless, I'm not sure.
Then by the end, I felt that I really enjoyed each of the mmc's and how they each had such compelling and strong personalities. I did see the end coming, but it was written in a way that raised suspicions about halfway through.
The story follows a curvy, blue-haired introvert who has mysteriously been selected for a scholarship at an Academy where (unbeknownst to her) her brothers sworn enemies attend, and run the school.
They have sworn to lure her in and ruin her.
I went through stages in the book - the first few chapters I was like omg damnnn
I hadn't realised it was a reverse harem, but the spice is THERE!
Midway through, I felt like I wanted more of a focus on the magic side of the story and each individuals powers, but got saturated in smut. (That's not necessarily a bad thing, if you know - you know e).
I just feel like there was such potential with how intriguing the elemental powers were beginning to sound, but it could go into more depth in the second book Ruthless, I'm not sure.
Then by the end, I felt that I really enjoyed each of the mmc's and how they each had such compelling and strong personalities. I did see the end coming, but it was written in a way that raised suspicions about halfway through.
June 8, 2025
This is probably my first MFMMM read and the way i loved each and every scene!! The suspense! THE CLIFFHANGER!!! Oh my God, the way I ran for book 2! I need to know not only what is going on but also how this eventuates, the emotion the connection with each Sept member ugh!!! I love love love and honestly would introduce this as a book to read for anyone starting the why choose smut exploration!
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